Weekly Winners, Eileen Dreyer, JAKE'S WAY, and Beach Blanket Bingo

We have winners at SOS Aloha from the past two weeks - LadbookFan, Gretchen, Glenda, Alexia, Girlygirlhoosier, and Denise win a book choice from my convention stash. Winners, please send your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Award season is upon us ... romance author Eileen Dreyer takes to Facebook to share her thoughts on the winning gowns and winners' speeches. From her bio (link),

New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Eileen Dreyer, known as Kathleen Korbel to her Silhouette readers, has published 31 romance novels in most of the sub-genres, 8 medical-forensic suspenses, and 7 short stories.

A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.

A frequent speaker at conferences, Eileen is also an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She’s also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, which she figures could come in handy if this writing thing doesn’t pan out.

Eileen is rereleasing her classic Kathleen Korbel novels, including JAKE'S WAY, Wounded Heroes Collection No. 1:

Everybody knows Jake Kendall. Jake is a success story. Orphaned early, he did such a good job turning around a failing Wyoming horse ranch, he put his three siblings through school and gained a nationwide reputation.

Amanda Marlow is the epitome of an east coast author: bright, funny, curious. When she shows up at a cabin on Jake’s land to research a book, she threatens Jake’s entire world. She represents everything he longs for: freedom, exploration, learning. But Jake has a secret that could bring his entire life tumbling down. And if he lets Amanda close, she could expose it.

Eileen is joining us for Beach Blanket Bingo at the RT Booklovers' Convention (link),

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Eileen's favorite beach is Inch Strand, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland.  From Dingleway.com (link),

Famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long, the fantastic beach at Inch has been chosen several times as a film location. Hollywood movies that are familiar household names include "Ryan's Daughter" and "Playboy of the Western World". With continuous barrage of long rolling waves that come crashing ashore, it is easy to see why this dramatic setting has been picked time and time again.

A popular attraction for bird-watchers is the nature reserve behind the banks of sand dunes on the strand. These wetlands are important wintering grounds for many ducks and waders.

inchbeach.com

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Wyoming or Ireland!  My husband briefly lived in Laramie, Wyoming, when he Air Force father earned his degree in Engineering through AFIT.  His mother often shares the story of moose walking down the street.  Hubby and I have visited County Kerry, Ireland - just gorgeous!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, February 5, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, February 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

visitlaramie.org

None More American ... Finding Inspiration From Within

I wasn't sure what to write today ... so I scrolled through my personal Facebook page to find my inspiration. One of my Fort Meade neighbors posted a video from NONE MORE AMERICAN: ARMY FOOTBALL IN POST 9/11 AMERICA - check out this clip.

I'll lay me down and bleed awhile,

Then I'll rise and fight again.

The clip includes an interview with Army veteran Greg Gadson. From his bio with APB Speakers (link),

A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson’s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Col. Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by his severe and permanent injuries, he has continued to draw upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and apply them to his life, career and family.

During the summer of 2007, my neighbor asked me to help her coordinate activities for two children of an injured soldier - his family would be relocating from Fort Riley, KS to Washington, DC, during his recovery at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

My neighbor and I raised the funds for several sports camps for the soldier's two children. Our rationale was if the family was busy, then the soldier could focus on his own recovery. My children, in elementary school at the time, met the soldier - Greg Gadson - at my neighbor's house; he walked using his hands. It did not phase them. They were more interested in his service dog.

Then football season started. From ESPN (link),

Gadson played outside linebacker at West Point. In the summer of 1985, he met Mike Sullivan, a defensive back. Fast-forward 22 years later to when Sullivan was the receivers coach for Giants coach Tom Coughlin. Sullivan had lost track of Gadson, who served in the Gulf War, the Balkans and Afghanistan, but heard about his injuries through former Army teammates. Sullivan visited Gadson at Walter Reed, bringing with him a Giants jersey with Gadson's name and the No. 98 he wore at Army. On departing, Sullivan asked whether there was anything else he could.

"Well," Gadson said, "when you guys come to town, I would love to see you play."

As it turned out, the 0-2 Giants needed Gadson more than he needed them. On the Saturday before the Sept. 23 game with the Washington Redskins, Gadson was invited by Coughlin to address the team.

"I just spoke from the heart, as a soldier and a former football player," Gadson explained. "I talked to them about appreciating the opportunities in their lives, how special and privileged they were."

The Giants trailed 17-3 at the half, and their season seemed over. But New York rallied to score three unanswered touchdowns in the second half and, with a rousing last-minute stop after the Redskins had a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, escaped with a 24-17 victory. It was the turning point of a championship season, and, as it unfolded, the Giants acknowledged their debt to the lieutenant colonel who inspired them.

The Giants won the Super Bowl for the 2007/2008 season with Greg on the sidelines. That's ten months from a road side bomb in Iraq to being a special guest at the Super Bowl.

During the 2008 RT Booklovers' Convention in Pittsburgh, I hosted the SOS Military Tribute. Fabio made a special appearance (you can see his hair over my husband's shoulder, right).  George Small, spouse of beloved author Bertrice Small, attended in his original WWII uniform (left, he landed on Omaha Beach).  A soldier's mother shared how making quilts for injured soldiers helped with her own grief for her son who made the ultimate sacrifice - there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

I also invited the Steelers to send a representative to the tribute - their mascot, Steely McBeam, came to cheer us on (middle). Steely happened to be a Navy Veteran.  It seemed appropriate that I share the story of how I helped the Giants win the Super Bowl: I helped Greg's kids; he was then focused on recovery; he inspired the Giants out of their 0-2 slump; the Giants won the Super Bowl.

Guess who won the Super Bowl the next year? The Steelers ... maybe it was my connection to Steely McBeam.

Four years later, in 2012, I was sitting in the movie theater on Pearl Harbor, watching BATTLESHIP - enter Greg Gadson as wounded warrior Mick Canales who is ensnared in the alien invasion of Oahu. He tells his physcial therapist, Sam, "Let see if we can buy the earth another day".

I watch that movie EVERY time it is broadcast on FX ... Greg reminds me that we may be down, but we are never out.

I hope you find inspiration this weekend.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Aloha to Robert Burns, Elizabeth Essex, and Beach Blanket Bingo

Today is Robert Burns' birthday.  From Biography.com (link),

Born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, Robert Burns was the eldest son of tenant farmers William Burnes and Agnes Broun. After some rudimentary education, Robert’s parents encouraged him to read books by important contemporary writers as well as Shakespeare and Milton.

Robert Burns was a man of great intellect and considered a pioneer of the Romantic movement. Many of the early founders of socialism and liberalism found inspiration in his works. Considered the national poet of Scotland, he is celebrated there and around the world every year on "Burns Night,” January 25. 

Romance author Elizabeth Essex features Scottish Sunday on her Twitter account (link) .... and she's an intriguing writer. From her website (link),

Elizabeth Essex is the award-winning author of the critically acclaimed Reckless Brides historical romance series. When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in her garden or simply messing about with boats, Elizabeth can be always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so. Long before she ever set pen to paper, Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classics and Art History, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A&M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring and adventure.

Elizabeth will be hosting a table at Beach Blanket Bingo at the RT Booklovers' Convention (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Elizabeth's favorite beach is Hammonasset Park, CT (link),

"Hammonasset" means, "where we dig holes in the ground" and refers to the place where a settlement of eastern woodland Indians farmed along the Hammonasset River. They subsisted on corn, beans, and squash, and by fishing and hunting. The first colonists arrived in 1639. Property changed hands frequently between Native Americans and the first colonists.

In 1898 the Winchester Repeating Arms Company bought Hammonasset and used it as a testing site for their new rifle. Their Lee Straight Pull rifle was mounted on a horse drawn stone boat, from which it was fired into targets on the beach.On July 18, 1920, Hammonasset Beach State Park was opened to the public. The first season attracted over 75,000 visitors. The park's reputation drew tourists from across the continent as well as the state.

During World War II the park was closed to the public and loaned to the federal government as an army reservation. Meigs Point functioned as an aircraft range. Planes flew over Clinton Harbor, fired at the range and then flew out over Long Island Sound.

The stone breakwater at the Meigs Point end of the park was built in 1955. The stones were brought in by truck from quarries in northern New England.

Today, over one million people come annually enjoy to Hammonasset Beach State Park.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Robert Burns - have you read any of his poetry or attended a Burns Night?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 29, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winners on Monday, January 30.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Jodi Thomas and WILD HORSE SPRINGS

Jodi Thomas joins us today to chat about her new novel, WILD HORSE SPRINGS, Book 5 in the Ransom Canyon series ...

Now and then when a writer is working on a series, one of the characters steps from the shadows and comes alive.

This happens to me often, maybe too often. My sons say they are afraid I'll name one of my characters in the will. :)

But, Sheriff Dan Brigman started as a character in someone else's story. book 1, Ransom Canyon. He was a good guy. An honest man like most of the men I've met in law enforcement. As the series continues he proved to be a good friend, a concerned father and a man the town of Crossroads could depend on.

Only, Dan never had anyone to love. His wife had loved her career far more than him and their daughter. Then, he was the sheriff in a small town. How does the sheriff date? The only women he met were usually speeding or bailing their husband out of jail. He wouldn't even let friends set him up with their unmarried relatives for fear of hurting their feelings when he didn't ask for a second date.

Soooo, finally in WILD HORSE SPRINGS the sheriff's chance comes. One night, in the middle of a deserted highway, he finds a fancy ladies boot in the center of the road. It has him wondering what kind of woman would own such a boot and his quest begins.

When he finally finds her, she's as beautiful and wild as he guessed she might be.

As the weeks passed, this story almost wrote itself. Some nights I couldn't wait to get back to it and see what happened to Brandi and her sheriff.

Now, finally, WILD HORSE SPRINGS is about to hit the stands. I'm excited to share it with readers.

Come along with me and see what happens when the sheriff finds the lady who fits the fancy boot.

Jodi Thomas
jodithomas.com
facebook.com/jodithomasauthor
twitter.com/jodithomas

WILD HORSE SPRINGS is available Tuesday, January 24, from Harlequin Books:

In the heart of Ransom Canyon, sometimes the right match for a lonely soul is the one you least expect

Dan Brigman may not lead the most exciting life, but he's proud of what he's achieved: he's a respected lawman, and he's raised a bright, talented daughter on his own. But finding a lone, sparkly blue boot in the middle of a deserted highway gets him thinking maybe the cowgirl who lost it is exactly the shake-up he needs.

After losing her baby girl, Brandi Malone felt like her soul died along with her daughter. Now singing in small-town bars to make ends meet, she's fine being a drifter until a handsome sheriff makes her believe that parking her boots under his bed is a better option.

College grad Lauren Brigman has just struck out on her own in downtown Dallas when a troubling phone call leads her back home to Crossroads. Her hometown represents her family, friends and deepest hopes, but also her first love, Lucas Reyes. Will Lauren's homecoming be another heartbreak, or a second chance for her and Lucas?

New York Times and USA Today's bestselling author Jodi Thomas has published over 30 books in both the historical romance and contemporary genres, the majority of which are set in her home state of Texas. Publishers Weekly calls her novels "Distinctive...Memorable," and that in her stories "[tension] rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes." In 2006, Romance Writers of America (RITA) inducted Thomas into the RWA Hall of Fame for winning her third RITA for THE TEXAN'S REWARD. While continuing to work as a novelist, Thomas also functions as Writer in Residence at the West Texas A&M University campus, where she inspires students and alumni in their own writing pursuits.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. From WILD HORSE SPRING, "One night, in the middle of a deserted highway, he finds a fancy ladies boot in the center of the road."

Do you have cowboy boots?  I don't ... but my husband does ... so borrow his when needed!

(When I met him at the Pentagon, he sang in a Barbershop Quartet called the Tone Rangers).

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 29, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 30.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

More books in the series ... 

Aloha to Julie Rowe, Chesterman Beach, and Beach Blanket Bingo

Surfers in Chesterman Beach, British Columbia

gotofino.com

Let's talk about beaches.  Canadian author Julie Rowe will be participating in Beach Blanket Bingo during the RT Booklovers' Convention (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Julie will be decorating her table in honor of Chesterman Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  From Tourism Tofino (link),

This 2.7 kilometre (1.7 mile) stretch of white sand paradise is the most popular beach destination for Tofino residents. Things to do on Chesterman Beach: 

Explore tidepools with the kids at North Chesterman Beach at low tide and you may see delightful seastars, anemones and umpteen marine lifeforms. 

 
Drop by the Carving Shed by the Wickaninnish Inn, also on North Chesterman, where friendly and especially talented wood carvers hone their art. 

Walk the tombolo (sandspit) to Frank Island, also to be done at low tide, for the views of the entire beach with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. 

 
Get comfy in the sand on South Chesterman Beach as you watch surf instructors teaching eager students the basics of riding their first wave. Better yet, register with a Tofino surf school for your first lesson or bring your gear for a surf on this magnificent beach. For more information on surfing Chesterman Beach, click here.

Full-time author, freelance writer and workshop facilitator,Julie Rowe’s debut novel, Icebound, was released by Carina Press on Nov 14, 2011. Ten novels and eight anthologies have followed. Her most recent titles are the MEN OF ACTION boxed set and VIRAL JUSTICE book #3 of the Biological Response Team series. Julie’s articles and short stories have appeared in numerous magazines, such as Romantic Times Magazine, Today's Parent magazine and Canadian Living. Julie facilitates business writing and communication workshops at Keyano College in her home city, and has presented writing workshops at conferences in the United States and Canada. She’s also a strong supporter of life long learning and moderates a free announcement loop for the promotion of online classes, workshops and webinars. You can find her at julieroweauthor.com, twitter.com/JulieRoweAuthor or facebook.com/JulieRoweAuthor.

During the RT Booklovers' Convention, Julie will be celebrating the release of her next book ... 

Thank you, Julie, for supporting our beach party ... and your support of military families, too!  I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash, including a copy of Julie's LETHAL GAME, to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about British Columbia - what do you know about our Northwest Neighbor?  I know folks who take cruises to Alaska stop in BC and love it!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 22, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 23.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Cozy Mysteries, Book Clubs, and Books With A Past

I am a frequent shopper at Books With A Past in Glenwood, MD.  From its website (link), 

Books With A Past was opened in 1996 by Marvin and Mary Alice Schaefer. Over the first few years, the Schaefers expanded from a small 1400-square-foot store with 7,000 volumes to a 4,200-square-foot, 100,000 volume size. In December 2009, the Schaefers sold Books With A Past, name and all, to Erin Matthews. Erin is an avid reader who has wanted to own a bookstore since she was 15. She is grateful to the Schaefers and to the local community who have made this dream possible.

Erin noticed that I indulge in cozy mysteries ... and she asked me to host a monthly "Cozy Mystery Book Club" in the satellite shop at Savage Mill.  We agreed upon the first Sunday at 3 pm ... with the kick off on Sunday, February 5.  Hey, that's Super Bowl Sunday!   So here's my promo:

Books With A Past is kicking off the Cozy Mystery Book Club on Sunday, February 5, 3 pm at Savage Mill.  For our first meeting, we'll celebrate what makes cozy mysteries so ... super.  We'll share our favorite themes - cooking, sewing, home renovation, etc. Then we'll select our featured book for discussion in March.  No party is complete with light refreshments and giveaways!

The Cozy Mystery Book Club will meet on the first Sunday at 3 pm at Book With A Past in Savage Mill.  For more information, contact:

Books With a Past - Glenwood: 410-489-2705

Books With a Past - Savage Mill: 443-753-3131

Kim Lowe - Coordinator: sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Can you recommend any cozy mysteries?  Do you have any advice about coordinating a book club?  What refreshments are you serving for Super Bowl?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 22, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 23.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Weekly Winners, Sharon Hamilton, and GIDEON: HEAVENLY FALL

Sunset Beach

We have winners at SOS Aloha - Janice, Dani, and Pam win a book choice from my convention stash.  Winners, please contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

This winter weather has me dreaming of the beach ... readers at the RT Booklovers Convention can experience BEACH BLANKET BINGO hosted by Kim Rocha and moi (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Alison Aimes
Christi Caldwell
Julia Day
Eileen Dreyer (AKA: Kathleen Korbel)
Elizabeth Essex
Avery Flynn
Maggie Mae Gallagher (AKA: Anya Summers)
Andrew Grey (AKA: Dirk Greyson)
Sharon Hamilton
Heidi Hormel
Jessica James
Harper Kincaid
Geri Krotow
Tamra Lassiter
Ann Lethbridge
Siera London
Janna MacGregor
Stacy McKitrick
Kate Pearce (AKA: Catherine Lloyd)
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Tracy Solheim
Teri Anne Stanley

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: LL2/Exhibit/Reader Level
Room: Grand Hall West, 5

I am looking forward to seeing again the California golden girl, Sharon Hamilton (link),

Sharon Hamilton is a NYT and USAToday bestselling author most known for her SEAL Brotherhood series.

Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany are not like any vamps you've read before, since they don't have to go to ground and can walk around in the full light of the sun.

Sharon's Guardian Angels struggle with the human charges they are sent to save, often escaping their vanilla world of Heaven for the brief human one. You won't find any of these beings in any Sunday school class.

All of Sharon's books are available on eBooks (most formats), print and Audible.

A lifelong organic gardener, Sharon lives with her husband in the Wine Country of Northern California, where most of her stories take place. When she's not writing, she's getting verra verra dirty in the mud or wandering Farmer's Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers.

Sharon is ready to celebrate the release of  GIDEON: HEAVENLY FALL (Fall from Grace Book 1), available January 17 (link):

Gideon's Fall From Grace comes after one too many boring days atop the Golden Gate Bridge as a Watcher. Tethered by celestial restraints and feeling abandoned by the very beings who "enhanced" him, he rebels in a very public fashion, forever altering the San Francisco skyline. At first he just wants to escape. But later, he wants revenge from a heartless Supreme Being and his angelic minions for having ruined his immortal life.

Can a freak who dwells somewhere between Heaven and Hell find love and happiness in a typical Wine Country small town?

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about bridges - love 'em or loathe 'em? I'm sure the Golden Gate Bridge is gorgeous ... but bridges intimidate me!  I loathe the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - the high winds make it a challenge!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 22, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 23.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Golden Gate Bridge

Aloha to Juliet Blackwell and the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series

I've spent considerable time at my local library, looking for new cozy mysteries to discover.  Enter Juliet Blackwell (link),

Juliet Blackwell was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, the youngest child of a jet pilot from New York and an editor from Texas. She graduated with a degree in Latin American Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz, and went on to earn Masters degrees in Anthropology and Social Work from the State University of New York, Albany.

Juliet lives in a hundred-year-old house with extensive botanical gardens in Northern California, but spends as much time as possible in Europe and Latin America. She believes in the magic of language, travel, and cultural exchange to open hearts, minds, and souls.

Blackwell kicks off the Haunted Home Renovation mystery series with IF WALLS COULD TALK:

Melanie Turner has made quite a name for herself remodeling historic houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. But now her reputation may be on the line.

At her newest project, a run-down Pacific Heights mansion, Mel is visited by the ghost of a colleague who recently met a bad end with power tools. Mel hopes that by nailing the killer, she can rid herself of the ghostly presence of the murdered man-and not end up a construction casualty herself...

Blackwell draws from her own life as an anthropologist - turned - historical house renovator to create a memorable character with Melanie - a divorced anthropologist who takes over her father's home renovation business, which specializes in historic houses, after her mother's death takes its toll on her Marine dad.  Mel would rather run off to Paris but she puts her best steel toed boot covered foot forward to keep her family together.  

Blackwell adds colorful characters to create more chaos in this cozy mystery as Mel proves herself as a female contractor while communicating with the ghostly inhabitants of the historic homes she lovingly restore.  As a fan of reality TV shows that feature house hunting, remodeling, and flipping, IF WALLS COULD TALK drew my attention to Mel's love for vintage charm of historic houses. Mel acknowledges that she always felt the "bricks and mortar" speaking to her ... and she reluctantly embraces her ability to hear the spiritual being soon after she begins remodeling (just as I feel when I explore crumbling castles).

I have also read MURDER ON THE HOUSE (Book 3) and HOME FOR THE HAUNTING (Book 4) thanks to my local library.  I found myself drawn into Mel's zany life, her description of the San Francisco Bay Area, and her heartfelt love for restoring a house to its former glory.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Have you visited San Francisco? Do you watch any home renovation shows? 

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 15, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Celebrity Apprentice, Abraham Lincoln, and King's Hawaiian Barbeque Sauce - TV Review

I have enjoyed the first four episodes of The New Celebrity Apprentice.  From NBC (link),

Sixteen celebrities are set to compete for their favorite charities when "The Celebrity Apprentice" shifts to Los Angeles for its eighth season, where twice-elected California governor and international movie superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger reigns over the Boardroom.

The celebrity lineup is Laila Ali, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Eric Dickerson, Boy George, Matt Iseman, Carrie Keagan, Carson Kressle, Lisa Leslie, Jon Lovitz, Vince Neil, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Kyle Richards, Chael Sonnen, Porsha Williams, Ricky Williams, and Carnie Wilson.

Can reality TV promote charity?  Think of the Real Housewives taking a break from breaking dishes to create marketing campaigns for sponsoring businesses.  In fact, Real Housewives have been contestants over the past 8 years ... and this season includes two housewives! 

The contestants are initially split into two teams - men versus women.  Given the strong personalities on both teams, it gives us a glimpse of how celebrities handle stress.  During one boardroom scene, Arnold aka The Governor asked the men about teamwork. The project manager suggested it was difficult to manage different ideas in the short time period for each task.  Arnold responded that Abraham Lincoln did not surround himself with yes men to expose himself to different perspectives, even from those who opposed him on the campaign trail.  Wow - Arnold quoting Lincoln!    

The task for fourth episode was especially fun for me - promoting King's Hawaiian new line of BBQ sauce.  From the King's Hawaiian (link),

Back in the 1950's in Hilo, Hawaii, a young man named Robert Taira had a passion for baking. Through the years, he created a bread that was irresistibly soft, sweet, and became a Hawaiian classic. Today, the Taira family continues his legacy with an equally irresistible BBQ sauce. No high fructose corn syrup, no artificial color or flavors, and no preservatives. Only quality ingredients combined with the Aloha spirit that brings a taste of Hawaii to your table.

Flavors include:

- Original Sweet Pineapple

- Big Island Lava

- Smoked Bacon

- Light Roasted Kona Coffee

Yum!

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment about any or all:

- If you were to appear on Celebrity Apprentice, what charity would you represent?

I would represent the USO.

- Do you have a favorite Arnold movie?

I enjoyed him in Kindergarten Cop.

- What BBQ sauce would you like to try?

All! 

Comments are open through Sunday, January 15, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners ... and More Opportunities to support Military Families

We have winners at SOS Aloha -  Jane and Sharlene win a book choice from my convention stash.

Plus Library Pat wins a copy of IT HAPPENED IN SCOTLAND from Patience Griffin.

Last week, I mentioned the RT Booklovers Convention (link). The agenda includes the SOS Military Tribute (link):

Our military is the backbone of our country. They pay the price for our freedom through all of their sacrifices. This military tribute is a multi-author-sponsored event to pay a moving tribute to our military and all they have done for our country. This event is open to all. Tables will be decorated by authors representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.

Host(s):

KaLyn Cooper
Sharon Hamilton
Cristin Harber
Elle James (AKA: Myla Jackson)
Cat Johnson
Kennedy Layne
Kim Lowe
JM Madden
Trish McCallan
Donna Michaels
Megan Mitcham
Caitlyn O'Leary
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Susan Stoker
Natasza Waters
Sabrina York

Thursday, May 4, 2017 12:20pm – 1:20pm
LL1/Ballroom Level, Room: Centennial 3

Thanks to my fellow Romvet Elle James for organizing this event!  

I will set up a table in RT Bazaar (link) for readers to:

- sign cards for deployed personnel
- donate Box Tops for the public schools who serve military children in the Atlanta area
- donate unwanted books from the convention for military spouses in the Atlanta area.

How can you help from afar?

Donate greeting cards and Box Tops.  Contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com for my mailing address.

boxtops4education.com

Meanwhile, I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about greeting cards - what kind do you give to your friends and family?  Sentimental?  Humorous? Sweet?   

I am partial to cards with cats and Maxine. 

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 15, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

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