Aloha to Toby Devens and BAREFOOT BEACH - Guest post about beaches!

It's sizzling in Maryland this weekend .... perfect time to be a the beach!  Maryland denizen Toby Devens joins us today with a guest post to celebrate the release of BAREFOOT BEACH. From her bio (link),

Born in the heart of Brooklyn, by four I was a pint sized, curly haired strawberry blond who sang and acted on stage and TV (the money I made from sudsy soap opera roles helped pay my college tuition). But at twelve, like most other pre-teens, I just wanted to be one of the kids on the block. I also knew where my passion really lay, not in tap dancing before the camera, but in tapping words out on the keyboard. I wanted to, needed to, couldn't not, write. I started with my own fairy tales, went on to spin detective stories a la Nancy Drew, and in high school wrote reams of poetry about young (sigh!) love. 

I’ve sunned myself on beaches from Hawksbill Bay in Antigua (silky white sand, spectacular hawk’s bill rock formation rising from water clear and smooth as glass) to the French Riviera (hoards of Soviet—back then--men of inappropriate age and tonnage in speedos—ugh!). But in my book, literally (my novel Barefoot Beach was recently released) and figuratively, there’s no place like home.

I grew up in Brooklyn and my happiest summer memories are of Brighton Beach. That’s where I met my first real boyfriend at fifteen. Not exactly met, more like crawled out from under after he threw himself atop me to shield me from a flock of seagulls diving to pluck my copper colored hair to feather their nests. My hero! Brighton Beach is where I dug to China, ate homemade sandwiches accidentally but deliciously salted with sand, and sipped the orange drinks peddled by sweating vendors schlepping coolers. Today Brighton Beach is populated by a wave of immigrants that seems to have just washed ashore. The chatter on the blankets–in addition to Brooklynese—is an international babel of Spanish, Uzbek, but mostly Russian. For that large demographic, the area is known as Little Odessa. So you can get blini, pelmeni (meat dumplings) and vodka at Russian café’s and cabarets just off the beach. Or take a breeze-cooled walk to Coney Island to scarf down Nathan’s legendary hot dogs, crinkly fries and lobster rolls. Then ride the historic Cyclone rollercoaster or the Wonder Wheel for a thrilling view of the ocean before heading back into it.

Maryland is my home now and the strip of Delmarva Coast shared with Delaware is hemmed with beaches, each with its own character and charm. Locals call a visit to any of the resort towns, “going down the ocean,” and Ocean City, Maryland is a favorite. The beach is generally crowded, happily noisily, family friendly. The boardwalk is also dog friendly and loaded with games, rides, barkers and buskers and the oldest (since 1912) continuously operating carousel in the country.  A prized OC tradition: Thrasher’s french fries crispy, salty and laced with vinegar, best followed by a Dumser’s ice cream sundae. Beach bliss!

Up the coast in Rehoboth, the vibe is more adult, sophisticated and mellow. That beach is carved with coves for solitude, places where waves lap gently and you can lean against a rock to read or nap and rouse to a magnificent sunset and the promise of dinner at chic restaurants selling tapas and steamed blue crabs. I end my weekend evenings in Rehoboth with a seat at the downtown bandstand. Here live bands—jazz, pop, rock and country—perform. So get up and join those free summery souls, from kids to seniors, who dance around the stage and in the street. You’re at the beach. Celebrate!

Mahalo, Toby, for sharing your beach memories!  I am currently reading (and enjoying) BAREFOOT BEACH:

Spend a summer at the beach with this enchanting and emotional story about love, loss, and the powerful bonds of female friendship...

The beach house carried some kind of spell, concocted of—I don’t know—salt air, sea grass and Old Bay seasoning that over the years had permeated its walls and floorboards. Whatever it was, the place cast fabulous magic.

For Nora Farrell, Tuckahoe, Maryland, isn’t just a summer refuge, it’s home—where she married the love of her life, decided to have a child, and has remained connected with her two closest friends. Even now, long after her husband’s passing, Nora reunites with Margo and Emine every June….

But this year, challenges invade the friends’ retreat. Even as Nora delights in teaching at her dance studio, she is shaken by the possible loss of her beach house…and by a tentative new romance. While Margo directs a musical at the Driftwood Playhouse, she finds her marriage on rocky ground. And Em, who relishes running her family’s café, struggles to handle her rebellious daughter.

With their personal dramas reaching a fever pitch, the women will discover that it isn’t only the beach that brightens their lives. Their bond with one another provides the ultimate magic.

I am giving away beach swag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Where's your favorite beach?  Mine, of course, is Bellows Beach, a military resort on Oahu, pictured above.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3. I'll post the winner Sunday, July 31.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Learn more about Toby and her books at tobydevens.com.

Aloha to Jill Mansell and THE UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF LOVE

Sophie has no interest in finding love. But what happens when love finds her?

Sophie Wells is a successful photographer with a focus on putting the past firmly behind her. When Josh Strachan returns to the seaside town of Cornwall from the States to run his family’s hotel, he can't understand why the fun, sexy girl has zero interest in letting him—or any man for that matter—into her life. He also can't understand how he's been duped into employing Sophie's impulsive friend Tula, whose crush on him is decidedly unrequited. Both girls remain mum about the reasons behind Sophie’s indifference to love. But that doesn’t mean Josh is going to quit trying…

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With over 9 million copies sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell writes irresistible and funny romantic tales for women in the tradition of Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella. She worked for many years at the Burden Neurological Hospital, Bristol, and now writes full time. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.

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Excerpt from THE UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF LOVE by Jill Mansell

“Nearly done… Oh, it’s you.” Turning, she glimpsed him in the doorway and straightened up. Nodding at Griff, she said, “Have you come to get him? He’s shattered now. I’ve just finished the shoot.”

“I know, I saw the family driving off. And I am sorry. Dot did warn me about the door-opening thing,” Josh admitted. “I just forgot about it. Can I blame it on the jet lag?”

She gave him a look. “Only if you’re a complete wuss. You’ve had a whole week to get over it.”

Her eyes were bright and sparkling, silver-gray with very white whites. Her well-defined eyebrows were dark but tipped with gold and there was a smudge of mud on her left temple.

It wasn’t an expression he’d ever thought of using before, but it occurred to him that she had joie de vivre.

“True.” He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “All my own fault. So how did it go in the end?”

“Come over here and I’ll show you.” Leading the way across the room, she picked up her camera and began scrolling through the shots, starting with the half dozen or so pre-Griff originals, then on through the second stage of the shoot.

“These are great.” Josh nodded at them, genuinely impressed. “So it ended up not being such a disaster after all.”

“Thanks to me being a complete genius,” she agreed happily. He liked her attitude. “What’s your name?”

“Sophie.”

“Hi, Sophie. I’m Josh.”

“I know. Haven’t you noticed everyone whispering about you since you’ve been back?”

“Not really. Well, maybe a bit. You don’t take much notice after a while.” He paused. “Do you have a business card?”

She took one from an envelope in the side pocket of her black canvas camera case and handed it over.

Sophie Wells Photography. Portraits, Weddings, Commercial was written in silver on a black background, along with her contact details. Josh noticed that as well as the bracelets on her left wrist there was a key attached to a plain silver bangle. He reached out and touched it briefly. “What’s this for?”

“It’s the key to my secret Swiss bank account.” “Amazing. I didn’t know Swiss banks used Yale locks.”

A dimple appeared in her left cheek. “I started wearing it after I locked myself out of my flat three times in one week.”

“Look,” said Josh. “I still feel terrible about the photos.” “No need. I told Emma I’d do them for free.”

“But that means you’re losing out. Which is even worse.” Sophie shook her head. “They all like what we ended up doing instead. Emma’s still happy to pay.” “But their clothes…”

“They live on a farm. She says the mud’ll come out in a boil wash.” “But when I came back here with Griff, she was in tears.”

“I know, but you weren’t actually to blame for that. Relax,” Sophie said cheerfully. “It’s your lucky day. You’re off the hook.”

Women, he’d never understand them. Still, it was a positive result. Somewhat distracted by her eyelashes—were they also gold- tipped beneath the mascara?—Josh said, “Fine then. So long as you’re sure. Can I ask you a personal question?”

“You can try.”

He was charmed by her easy smile, playful humor, and feisty can-do attitude. Okay, and her body was pretty amazing too. “Are you single at the moment? Or seeing someone?”

If she were, he would have to say with good-natured regret, “Well, that’s a real shame,” and leave it at that.

“Me? Oh no, I’m not seeing anyone.” Sophie shook her head. “Completely and utterly single, that’s me.”

Excellent. Enjoying her honesty, Josh said, “So would you like to come out for dinner with me one evening?”

“It would have to be an evening.” Sophie nodded gravely. “Otherwise it wouldn’t be dinner; it’d be breakfast or lunch.”

“Definitely evening,” he agreed. “We could do it tonight if you like.” This is going so well.

“Oh, I can’t.”

“Yes, bit short notice. Friday, then? Or Saturday? You choose, whenever suits you best.”

But even as he was saying it, Sophie was shaking her head. “Sorry, no… I mean, thanks for asking, but I can’t meet you for dinner.”

“Right.” Taken aback, Josh said, “Not at all?” “No.”

“Okay. That’s fine.” It wasn’t remotely fine. What was going on? Did she have a small baby at home, or an elderly relative who couldn’t be left unattended? “Am I allowed to ask why?”

Her eyes sparkled. “Oh dear, are you offended?” “Of course not,” lied Josh.

Sophie gave him a who-are-you-kidding look. “I think you are. Don’t be. I’m just pretty busy right now.”

“So maybe in a couple weeks?” He couldn’t quite believe he was still asking.

“Look, thanks again, but no thanks. I just don’t really want to go out to dinner with…anyone.”

Aaaand another knock-back.

“No problem.” Josh wished he’d never started it. “Sorry.”

He managed a rueful smile. “Hey, all I need is a few months for my ego to recover. I’ll be fine.”

“It’s not you.” Sophie’s mouth was twitching. “It’s me.”

Okay, now she was making fun of him.

“Well, obviously,” said Josh.

Aloha to Ellen Butler and POPLAR PLACE

Going Small Town

Thank you, Kim for having me back again at SOS Aloha! Your followers are such a fun crew it’s a thrill to be back among them. I’m here today to talk about my newest release, Poplar Place. It’s what I like to call a Women’s Fiction with a Chick Lit style flair, and is a fun book to take with you on your spring break or summer vacation–or if you’re lucky enough to live in Hawaii, trot on down to the beach with your trusty tablet.

Kim asked me to talk about researching small towns. I’ve pulled a short excerpt (below) to introduce you to our little made up town of Denton, where our heroine, Cara Baker, has recently moved.

One of the things I loved about my new home was its convenience to my job. The Denton Regional Library was a four-block walk from my house, and only three and a half if I cut through the park. In the very hot summer months or when it rained, I’d end up driving. However, weather permitting, I planned to walk, and today the weather was sixty and breezy. I took a travel cup of coffee with me as I headed off to my destination, enjoying the beautiful morning and my commune with nature on the way. The houses that lined the street varied in shape, size and year built. This neighborhood wasn’t tract housing built by a single builder. Over the years lots were privately purchased and built upon. I loved the street for that very reason; the varied structures were graceful and original, and yards were filled with shade trees and full-grown landscaping.

The town of Denton is really an amalgamation of a couple of small towns I’ve had the pleasure to visit. For instance, the street Cara lives on was pulled from two places, Stonington, Connecticut, and Burlington, North Carolina. Burlington has neighborhood streets lined with blooming Cherry Trees or Bradford Pears in spring time, and houses that were built in a variety of different styles and decades. Whereas Stonington, provides the walkability Cara describes in the story.

Cara’s home itself is a cross between my imagination and a friend’s Victorian house in Pittsburgh. I wanted the home to be newer, to provide for things like a legal finished attic space that could be rented out, a gourmet kitchen and ample closet space for a girl with Cara’s style. However, I also wanted the quaint styling of a Victorian from the turn of the century. I’m not sure this house exists anywhere, but if I find it, I’m moving in! The beautiful cover was created by the publisher, Turquoise Morning Press, and I don’t know where the house is located, but I think it’s an excellent representation of the home I created for Cara.

The main street in Denton is a bit like the historic town of Middleburg, Virginia. Stores line the street, vendors leave their doors open on sunny days, and a local cat sleeps quietly outside the shop door. It’s a town in driving distance to me, and it houses a fabulous authentic German Christmas Shop with handmade ornaments and beautiful Bavarian style clothing. Additionally, Middleburg also embodies the distance of small town in relation to the city. Both Middleburg and Denton are about an hour’s drive from a larger city–Middleburg to Washington, DC, and Denton to Charleston, South Carolina.

The rest of Denton is pure fiction constructed by my own imagination. I hope you enjoy Cara’s story and her lovely home. Perhaps the small town of Denton will remind you of your own town, or a place you’ve enjoyed visiting.

One last thing…

Book Groups – Visit my website, ellenbutler.net to find book club questions on Poplar Place. I’m available to be a guest author for book clubs as well. Fill out the contact form on the website for more information. 

POPLAR PLACE
Women’s Fiction with romance & suspense
Turquoise Morning Press
March 27, 2014
ISBN # 978-1-62237-274-4

Newly minted librarian, Cara Baker, effectively cuts ties with her tumultuous life in Pittsburgh, and moves to South Carolina where she embraces the peaceful, laid-back style of small town living. Everything seems to be falling into place when Cara finds the perfect house to round out her new plans. Well… perfect except for the immovable hermit living on the top floor. She throws caution to the wind, and buys the fabulous house—hermit and all—without meeting him. By wooing her reclusive renter with notes and mouthwatering meals, he caves and invites her up to the apartment. Preconceived notions are blown out of the water, when she finds Danny isn’t the nerdy Mr. Mole she envisioned.

Unfortunately, FBI phone calls from her past bring Cara’s summer idle to an abrupt halt. Will demons from a former life destroy Cara’s tranquility?

Purchase Links:

Amazon link
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Smashwords link
TMP Bookstore link
Kobo link

Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and she considers herself an old-new writer. In other words, she’s old to writing, new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.

You can find Ellen’s debut release, Second Chance Christmas, at Amazon. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.

Website: ellenbutler.net

Facebook: facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks

Blog: temptingromance.blogspot.com

Goodreads: link

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