Aloha to RT Booklovers' Convention, Beach Blanket Bingo, Joanna Shupe, and MOGUL

I have been chatting on the phone in preparation for the RT Booklovers' Convention, May 2- 7, in Atlanta (link).  Kim Rocha and I are hosting Beach Blanket Bingo (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!

We are proud to announce Joanna Shupe will join us!  From her bio (link),

Award-winning author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. In 2013 she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical.

Joanna’s first Gilded Age historical novel, Magnate, was named one of the Best Books of 2016 by Publishers Weekly, and one of 2016′s top romances by The Washington Post and Kobo. The Washington Post named Joanna’s The Lady Hellion as one of 2015’s top five romance novels.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.

When she’s not writing or doing laundry, she can be found online at Facebook (Joanna Shupe Author) or Twitter (@joannashupe).

Joanna recently celebrated the release of MOGUL, Book 3 in her Knickerbocker Club series:

The privileged members of the Knickerbocker Club can never climb too high up the social ladder. But for one charming New York bachelor, does the ascent take precedence over love in the Gilded Age?

As owner of a well-respected national newspaper, Calvin Cabot has the means to indulge his capricious taste for excess—and the power to bring the upper crust of society to its knees. So when a desperate heiress from his past begs for his help, Calvin agrees . . . as long as she promises to stay out of his way. Except, like the newsman, this willful beauty always gets what she wants.

Lillian Davies lives a life brimming with boundless parties, impressive yachts, and exotic getaways. But when her brother disappears, Lily knows that blood runs thicker than champagne and she'll spare nothing to bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the only man who can help her is the one she never wanted to see again. Can Lily keep Calvin at arm's length long enough to save her brother and protect her name . . . even when the tenacious powerbroker turns out to be absolutely irresistible?

Aerial view of Newport
Image by MVASCO (link)

Natually, Joanna's table at Beach Blanket Bingo will celebrate ... Newport, Rhode Island!  From its website,

Home to spectacular coastal scenery, awe-inspiring architecture, a thriving waterfront downtown, and welcoming hospitality, Newport, Rhode Island is considered by many to be a shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. From weekend getaways spent touring the famed Gilded Age mansions that once were the summer playground for socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt to an afternoon of wine tasting through Newport's three scenic vineyards, the options for interesting activities, distinctive stories, and enticing photo opportunities are countless!

During my Lieutenant days at Hanscom AFB (outside Boston), I rented a house with 9 other gals in Newport for three consecutive summers.  I have fond memories of exploring the historic mansions, Cliff Walk, and Naval base.  Perhaps I will sit with Joanna at Beach Blanket Bingo!

View from the Cliff Walk
Image by Sixlocal (link)

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 Schoolhouse Rock - do you have a favorite song?  Here's a list just to prompt your memory.  I'm partial to Conjunction Junction, What's Your Function?

For those not familiar with Schoolhouse Rock,

Schoolhouse Rock! is an American interstitial programming series of animated musical educational short films (and later, videos) that aired during the Saturday morning children's programming on the U.S. television network ABC. The topics covered included grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and civics. The series' original run lasted from 1973 to 1985; it was later revived with both old and new episodes airing from 1993 to 1999. Additional episodes were produced in 2009 for direct-to-video release.

Hubby and I bought the entire video collection for our children - perhaps we'll watch it over the weekend!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, March 12, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, March 13.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City