Weekly Winners and Two King Kamehameha Statues

King Kamehameha in Kohala, Big Island

H50 was a winner on Friday night - it featured conspiracy theories, hidden treasures, and the two statues of King Kamehameha (link).  I posted pictures of the original statue on my travel blog at this link and the replacement statue at this link. 

We also have winners at SOS Aloha:

Jules Bennett's TO TAME A COWBOY
- Betty H. wins a print copy.

Mia Marlowe's PLAID TIDINGS

- Diane wins a print copy.

Elizabeth Hoyt's DUKE OF MIDNIGHT

- Jeanne M. wins bling that matches the cover's dress.

Winners - please claim your prize by sending your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

King Kamehameha in Honolulu, Ohau.

Aloha to Fleet Week, Jennifer Delamere, and A LADY MOST LOVELY

Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh.

Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night on shore, drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home.

On Sunday, the US Navy celebrates its 238th birthday. Let's kick off Fleet Week with Navy brat-turned-romance author Jennifer Delamere. She, too, is celebrating the release of A LADY MOST LOVELY, Book 2 of The Love's Grace Trilogy. 

A Heart of Gold

Socialite Margaret Vaughn is the wealthiest heiress in London—or so everybody thinks. Saddled with debts left by her father, she agrees to marry a rich man who can save her family’s estate. But when her fiancé turns out to be just another poor social climber, Margaret faces financial ruin—and social humiliation. Just when she thinks all is lost, she finds an unlikely savior in Tom Poole . . 

After amassing a fortune in the gold fields of Australia and surviving a harrowing shipwreck, Tom Poole is the toast of London society. Yet despite his new found fame, he’s never forgotten his own humble beginnings. When he learns of Margaret’s plight, he offers her financial assistance—but his interest is not strictly business. This rugged adventurer now seeks a different kind of gold. Although many men pursue Margaret’s hand because of her beauty and lands, can Tom convince her it’s her heart he’s after?

Kim: Can you share a favorite memory/place/experience from your life as a Navy brat?

Jennifer: First, I’d like to thank you for having me on your blog today! My thanks and gratitude goes out to everyone who serves in the military, along with their families.

When I was eight years old we spent a summer in Panama. My brothers and I spent every day at the pool, and I have loved swimming ever since. We also toured the canal locks and took a scenic train ride through the jungle. Our furnished rental home had a bookcase with a large collection of Nancy Drew mysteries. That’s how I discovered Nancy Drew, and that summer I’m pretty sure I devoured them all. My dad and several of his Navy buddies were into folk music, and sometimes they would come over to our house in the evenings for “jam” sessions. I can remember falling asleep to the sounds of great music coming from the living room. It was, in all, a wonderful summer.

The USS John Stennis renders honors to the
USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

Kim: What did you learn from fans and even the publishing industry after your first book, AN HEIRESS AT HEART?

Jennifer: I’ve learned that fans can be super awesome! I’ve gotten some lovely feedback from people who have enjoyed my books. When those first reviews went up on GoodReads and Amazon, it was a surreal feeling (in a good way) to see people discussing the characters that had been in my head for so long. From publishing I’ve learned how to work faster and write better. I hope to keep improving in both those categories.

Kim: The cover for your new release, A LADY MOST LOVELY, is stunning. What inspired the story?

Jennifer: Thank you—I’m thrilled with the fabulous book covers I’ve gotten from my publisher, Grand Central! A Lady Most Lovely is a follow-up to An Heiress at Heart, although each book stands alone as a complete story. I love “marriage of convenience” plotlines, and I found it worked well for telling Tom and Margaret’s story. When doing research for A Lady Most Lovely, I came across an amazing tidbit about a shipwreck off the southern coast of Australia in the 1800s. A racehorse aboard that ship survived by swimming seven miles to the shore. That’s how the story of Tom Poole and his stallion was born.

Kim: What’s next for Jennifer Delamere?

Jennifer: I’m finishing the final book in this trilogy, which will be out next year. The hero is James Simpson, a lighthearted and lovable rogue whom readers will know from the first two books. James thinks he is a confirmed bachelor. No one will be more surprised than he is at the woman who finally steals his heart! Thanks to James, the book will have plenty of humor. I think readers will enjoy this wrap-up to the series.

The Mighty Mo stands guard over the
USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.

Mahalo, Jennifer, for joining us at SOS Aloha! I am giving away a Navy tote bag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about the sea - do you like to sail/cruise? Do you like water sports? Do you know anyone in the Navy?

2. This giveaway is open to all readers.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, October 19, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Jennifer and her books, including an excerpt, check out her website at jenniferdelamere.com.

Aloha to Máire Claremont and LADY IN RED

On this day in 1984, from the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronaut Kathryn Sullivan became the first woman to walk through space. Romance author Máire Claremont joins us today as she explores women's struggles in Victorian England with her new release, LADY IN RED.   

Kim:  Tell us about your experience as a 2011 Golden Heart Winner - what did you learn about yourself, the publishing industry, and readers?

Máire:  Winning the Golden Heart was an incredible experience. Its something I had fantasized about. Quite literally. I’d be in bed at night, before I’d go to sleep, imagining what it would be like but it seemed like one of those impossible dreams. Just finaling was a HUGE honor. So, when the category came up that night in New York and they called out my name and The Dark Lady, I screamed. My critique partner, bestie, and amazing author pal, Delilah Marvelle screamed and sobbed. The first person I called to tell I’d won was my mom, who was my biggest fan and supporter. I’m so glad she got to see me win and become published before she died of cancer this last year.

What I learned about myself and publishing? Dreams are worth pursuing and there is no dream too big. Is there luck involved? Yes. But to have that luck, you have to suit up and show up. I never could have won if I hadn’t worked hard, listened to my fabulous CP, and entered in the Golden Heart again and again. Publishing is a tough and glorious business, but its not for those who can’t handle rejection. Rejection is a HUGE part of the process. So, I also learned to surround myself with awesome writer friends who were going through the same thing and would provide a shoulder to cry on or a quick pep talk. Romance authors are wonderful, caring, and generous. I feel blessed to have so many of them in my life.

As to readers, the thing that astounds me the most is how my books do genuinely touch people. I’ve received many notes letting me know my stories brought tears to their eyes and took them on emotional journeys. I love having that relationship with my readers. Really, I adore getting to talk with them, meet them face to face, or chat online.

Kim:  What other Gaelic influences did you experience with your family? Do you have a favorite dish? whiskey? saying?

Máire:  I’m not even sure where to start. LOL. I’m Irish by nationality but was raised in the United States. My father was Irish but my mother was a typical American. She was mostly of Irish descent but also German. My childhood was spent listening to Tommy Makem, The Clancy Brothers, The Chieftans, The Wolf Tones, and Irish comedians like Hal Roach. Confession: I was a competitive Irish Step Dancer, you know, like that River Dance business. :D My father made the most AMAZING Irish Soda bread and Christmas Cake. To me, fruit cake is a delicious, fabulous thing but then again, I was lucky and got to eat “proper” fruit cake. I was also lucky enough to travel to Ireland several times, and I’ve also lived there. My favorite saying? “May you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows your dead.”

Portrait of Queen Victoria by Franz Winterhalter, 1859

Royal Collection Trust 

Kim:  What inspired LADY IN RED? 

Máire:  I was really drawn to women’s plight in the Victorian period. They had so little power. Victorian women were held to ridiculous standars of propriety and morality. If they slipped at all publically, or suffered financial loss, they were quite literally pushed into prostitution. Also, the diagnosis for Hysteria was rampant. Really, if a woman was living up to her father or husband’s standards or she was discontent, it was absolutely possible for her to be diagnosed with some form of mental illness. I really wanted to explore these women’s lives and give them a chance to have power on the page.

Thank you so much for having me!!!!

2011 Golden Heart winner Máire Claremont first fell in love with Mr. Rochester, not Mr. Darcy. Drawn to his dark snark, she longed to find a tortured hero of her own… until she realized the ramifications of Mr. Rochester locking his first wife up in his attic. Discovering the errors of her ways, Máire now looks for a real-life Darcy and creates deliciously dark heroes on the page. Oh, and she wants everyone to know her name is pronounced Moira. Her parents just had to give her an Irish Gaelic name.

Links:

Website: maireclaremont.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MaireClaremont
Twitter: twitter.com/MaireClaremont
Pinterest: pinterest.com/maireclaremont
Blog: maireclaremont.blogspot.com

About LADY IN RED:

The Victorian era was full of majestic beauty and scandalous secrets—a time when corsets were the least of a woman’s restrictions, and men could kill or be killed in the name of honor…

​Lady Mary Darrel should be the envy of London. Instead, all society believes her dead. For Mary holds a secret so dangerous, her father chose to keep her locked away…and have a grave made for her near her mother’s. Driven to the edge of desperation, Mary manages to escape the asylum, only to find that her fate yet again rests in the hands of a man…

​Edward Barrons, Duke of Fairleigh, longs for some way to escape the torment of his father’s crimes. In Mary’s warrior spirit and haunted gaze—which so mirrors his own—he finally sees his path to redemption. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even as she seeks revenge. But will the passion they discover in each other be enough to save them from their demons?

Amazon link 
B&N: link
iBooks: link
Books-A-Million: link
Book Depository: link

More About The Book: link

Other titles in the Mad Passions Series ...THE DARK LADY is now available; THE DARK AFFAIR is coming in March 2014.

Mahalo, Máire, for joining us today!   Máire is giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about a woman's achievement that impressed you.  I admire Florence Nightingale, 1820-1910, (link):

Pioneering nurse. Born in Italy, Nightingale served as a nurse in the Crimean war and helped to raise standards of hospitals and the nursing profession.

2.  Máire's giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

LADY IN RED Tour Schedule

October 7
Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance
romancingrakes4theluvofromance.blogspot.com

October 8
Stitch-Read-Cook
stitchreadcook.com

October 9
Romance Reader Girl
romancereadergirl.com

October 10
Miss Ivy’s Book Nook
seawitchreviewsfromthebookshelf.wordpress.com

October 11
SOS Aloha
sosaloha.blogspot.com

October 12
Happily Ever After
happilyeverafter-reads.blogspot.com

October 13
Cocktails and Books
cocktailsandbooks.com

October 14
What I’m Reading
sillymelody.blogspot.com

October 15
For The Love of Bookends
loveofbookends.blogspot.com

October 16
Bookworm 2 Bookworm
bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com

October 17
Rakes Rogues and Romance
rakesroguesandromance.com

October 18
Seductive Musings
seductivemusings.blogspot.com


Mahalo to Kati at Romance Wrangler for inviting me on this tour!

Aloha to Elizabeth Hoyt and DUKE OF MIDNIGHT

Elizabeth Hoyt joins me for a cozy chat about DUKE OF MIDNIGHT, Book 6 in her Maiden Lane Series:

WHEN A MASKED MAN . . .
Twenty years ago Maximus Batten witnessed the brutal murders of his parents. Now the autocratic Duke of Wakefield, he spends his days ruling Parliament. But by night, disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, he prowls the grim alleys of St. Giles, ever on the hunt for the murderer. One night he finds a fiery woman who meets him toe-to-toe—and won’t back down…

MEETS HIS MATCH . . .
Artemis Greaves toils as a lady’s companion, but hiding beneath the plain brown serge of her dress is the heart of a huntress. When the Ghost of St. Giles rescues her from footpads she recognizes a kindred spirit—and is intrigued. She’s even more intrigued when she realizes who exactly the notorious Ghost is by day…

DESIRE IGNITES A DANGEROUS PASSION
Artemis makes a bold move: she demands that Maximus use his influence to free her imprisoned brother—or she will expose him as the Ghost. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn’t without risks. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire—or the temptation of his embrace?

Elizabeth (left) with Vicky Dreiling and Cathy Maxwell
at RWA/LA 2012.

Kim:  I missed RT/KC and RWA/Atlanta ... thus I missed seeing your smiling face! What is your favorite part of these conventions?

Elizabeth:  I missed seeing you, too, Kim! My favorite part is seeing old friends, some of whom I only see at conventions, and meeting new readers.

Kim:  Your new release, DUKE OF MIDNIGHT, mirrors Batman. Who is your favorite actor to play Batman, TV or movies? Who is your favorite villain from the comics, TV series, or movies?

Elizabeth:  I think Christian Bale because he's just so intense--he really throws himself into the role, whispery voice and all. I always liked the Riddler from the old TV show. He seemed very smart--maybe smarter than Batman. ;-)

Kim:  The cover is gorgeous ... if you were to pose as one of your characters, what would be the color and style of the dress? And what jewelry would you wear?

Elizabeth:  LOL! I don't know that I would look at good in these dresses as the professional models. I'd like a sapphire blue dress and I quite like the necklace on the cover of DUKE OF MIDNIGHT--though it wouldn't go with blue. ;-)

Elizabeth (right) with Cindy Colby, Cathy, and Elizabeth Boyle
at RT/LA 2011.

Mahalo, Elizabeth, for being my guest today!  In honor of the DUKE OF MIDNIGHT, I am giving away a "jeweled" cell phone bling - winner's choice of green (like the cover's dress) or red (like her debut's cover, The Raven Prince, one of my favorite books).   To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite actor to play Batman and/or secondary character, including villains.  I still chuckle at Adam West playing TV's Batman ... and Eartha Kitt as Catwoman.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 12, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 13.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, including an excerpt for DUKE OF MIDNIGHT and extras for the Maiden Lane series, check out her website at elizabethhoyt.com.

4

Aloha to Mia Marlowe and PLAID TIDINGS - Review and Giveaway

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. - John Muir, Scottish American founder of The Sierra Club

This is an apt quote to kick off my review of Mia Marlowe's PLAID TIDINGS, Book 1 of Spirit of the Highlands:

Christmas in the Highlands...

Not any dashing English lord’s idea of a good time. But now that Lord Alexander Mallory has won a Scottish estate in a hand of cards, he is the unlikely laird of the wild, snowy Bonniebroch. Worse yet, the ancient pile of stones comes with a betrothal. To a fiery red-headed virgin. And a curse.

Alex will have his hands full honoring the first, seducing the second and breaking the third … all by Twelfth Night.

Bonnie is pretty; broch is tower.
Craigievar Castle could be Bonniebroch!

PLAID TIDINGS is one of the best books of 2013 ... 

1.  Marlowe delivers the majesty of Scotland - her customs, her people, and her landscape can't help but serve up a romantic backdrop for two unexpected lovers across different borders.

2.  PLAID TIDINGS allowed me to cuddle up for a holiday adventure.  Yet  PLAID TIDINGS is an endearing story that would be a great read anytime of the year ... including a summer fling in the Highlands!

3.  Marlowe incorporates the pageantry of the Regency Era ... Scottish Style! 

4.  Alexander is honorable yet conflicted.  Lucinda is determined but pragmatic.   As they clash with each other, the reader is treated to the Alexander's wit, Lucinda's warmth, and their ignited passion.

5.  Marlowe captures the mystique of Scotland with the spirits who interact with Alexander and Lucinda.   Their good intentions add a lighthearted paranormal element to PLAID TIDINGS.  And it is the ethereal beings who inspire Alexander and Lucinda to climb the mountains and find their good tidings!

The Highlands

I received an ARC from Marlowe for this review.  I posted this review on Amazon (link) and Goodreads (link).  I am giving away a print copy of PLAID TIDINGS to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about mountains - do you have a favorite mountain?   I felt a real connection with the Wai'anae Mountains - I enjoyed the view every morning during my walk along the Pearl Harbor channel.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 12, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 13.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Mia and her books, including the prequel novella PLAID TO THE BONE, check out her website at miamarlowe.com.

For more kilted men, check out my pictures from the Maryland Renaissance Festival at this link and link.

Aloha to Jules Bennett and TO TAME A COWBOY

Those who regularly read my blog know that I ask the same boilerplate questions for author interview.  Question No. 1 - what is your favorite sight, smell, and sound of where you live.   I thought I'd answer that question today ... I never thought I could be satisfied after living in Hawaii.   But we live in a neighborhood surrounded by farmland in Howard County, Maryland.   My favorite sight, sound, and smell all come from the nearby horse farm - rolling hills, galloping horses, and fresh hay.   

The creek leads to the horse farm.

This puts me in the mood for a cowboy romance ... and Jules Bennett answered the call with TO TAME A COWBOY:

A Texas Cattleman's Club tale of best friends falling in love

Royal, Texas, is the perfect place for rodeo star Ryan Grant to slow down and finally show Piper Kindred she's the woman for him. When an accident sends Piper rushing to take care of him, her sexy bedside manner suggests to Ryan that seducing his best friend will be easier than he'd expected.

But Piper knows the lure of the rodeo circuit—and the risk of a broken heart, when Ryan realizes he's not ready to hang up his saddle for good. She can't let herself fall for a cowboy. If only her heart would listen!

TO TAME A COWBOY
Texas Cattleman's Club Series
Harlequin(November 5, 2013)
Desire Series #2264
ISBN-10: 0373732775
ISBN-13: 9780373732777

Pre-Order: Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Pre-Order eBook: Harlequin | Kindle | Nook | Kobo

Jules' website bio is charming (link) but her Twitter bio is spot on (link):

National Best-Selling Author for Harlequin & Samhain, mother of 2, wife to high school sweetie, Buckeye girl & hater of winter. Where are my flip-flops?

Slippahs in Hawaii

Oh, Jules, you are a woman after my own heart. I love Buckeyes (candy) and slippahs (flip flops)!    I posted my four star review of TO TAME A COWBOY on Goodreads at this link.  I am giving away a print copy of TO TAME A COWBOY to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.   Have you attended a rodeo?   If yes, what is your favorite event?  If not, where would like to see a rodeo - American West?  Calgary Stampede?  Or the Big Island of Hawaii where the paniolo (cowboy) still work the ranches?

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 12, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 13.  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Jules and her books, check out her website at julesbennett.com.

TV Review - ESPN's HAWAIIAN: The Legend of Eddie Aikau

Last week, ESPN premiered HAWAIIAN:  The Legend of Eddie Aikau (link):

Director Sam George chronicles the remarkable life and times of the late Eddie Aikau, the legendary Hawaiian big wave surfer, pioneering lifeguard and ultimately doomed crew member of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea.

It was just breathtaking, especially Eddie's lasting impact on Hawaii and humanity.   I remember when my older son came home from middle school, telling me about Eddie Aikau.  His science class was discussing if the upcoming surf season would produce the waves required for the Eddie - the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikai.   From Wikipedia (link),

The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau—known as The Eddie — is a surfing tournament held at Waimea Bay on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Created in 1984 at Sunset, then changed to the infamous Waimea Bay where Aikau was a lifeguard and where he and his family were caretakers of the valley. The event has been named after famed Waimea Bay lifeguard Eddie Aikau, the irregularly-held tournament is known for a unique requirement that ocean swells reach a minimum height of 20 feet (6.1 m) before the competition can be held. (Open-ocean swells, rather than wave faces, are the preferred method of Hawaiian wave measurement.) As a result of this requirement, the tournament has only been held eight times during the history of the event, most recently on December 8, 2009.  Eddie Aikau's brother Clyde Aikau won the second Eddie in 1987.

Image by PPNF
Released to Public Domain

The film shares Eddie's remarkable life on Oahu's North Shore. His campaign to join the maiden voyage of the Hokulea.  His heroic decision to paddle for help with the canoe capsized. Throughout his life, and even in his death, Eddie reminds us to embrace the Hawaiian way of life - aloha (love), ohana (family), and pono (respect).    

If ESPN reruns this profile, I recommend you find time in your scchedule to watch it.   Eddie will change your life, too.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Eddie, check out the Eddie Aikau Foundation at this link.

Check out my pictures of Eddie's beach, Waimea Bay, at this link.

Memorial to Eddie at Waimea Beach Park.