Aloha to Dee DeTarsio and GINGER KRINKLES - Book Review with cookie recipe!

Ginger Krinkles is crossing her fingers that this holiday season will be extra special, for once. She lost her job in San Diego and dreads moving back home to Ennui, Ohio, where she’s convinced she will end up like her mean ol’ grandmother (God rest her soul). Ginger has always been a holiday-hater. But she has a secret. Make that two. If you buy the first one, maybe it will be easier to unwrap the second: either Ginger is an elf, or there really is magic to be found in an old cookie recipe.

Dee DeTarsio is a TV writer living in southern California. After growing up in Ennui, Ohio, and graduating from The Ohio State University, she vowed never to be cold again (in a tantrum more worthy of Suellen than Scarlett) and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, producing the news for the CBS affiliate, oddly enough called KOLD-TV. She moved to San Diego where she worked in the SeaWorld entertainment department as a producer/writer.  She then became a producer/writer for the NBC affiliate.

Ginger Krinkles, the heroine, is a hot mess.  Recently fired from her PR job, she now works part time for her former boyfriend in his food truck, TOOD FRUCK - Good Food with Attitude.   Ginger dislikes the holiday season - the result of endless teasing for her Santa-esque moniker by her older siblings with "normal" names.  She finds herself wondering if she is morphing into her mean Polish grandmother, Basha, God rest her soul.  Ginger watches her bank account dwindle, forcing her to consider moving back to the very cold Midwest.  Yet Ginger has a few stands of hope - her loyal friend Laura, her kind landlord Olive, and an unexpected inheritance from Basha.   Plus a chance meeting with a hot guy from Coronado Island.  

GINGER KRINKLES, the book, is also a hot mess. DeTarsio evokes the first person narrative ... and Ginger takes it to the extreme with her constant whining, sarcastic shtick, and confusing flashbacks to her childhood with Basha.  I almost gave up half way through the 157 page novella.  But then Ginger decided to embrace the holiday spirit, convincing me she was worth the effort to finish the book.

DeTarsio ultimately delivered a heartfelt "coming of age" story laced with the magic of Christmas.   And the hot guy from Coronado Island.  This is a romance after all.   DeTarsio also offers an easy recipe for ginger snaps!

Despite the rough start, I recommend GINGER KRINKLES for those readers who enjoy holiday cheer ... and romance with hot guys from Coronado Island (once you read GINGER KRINKLES, you'll understand the significance of the hot guy).

I received a print copy from the author for an honest review.

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

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite holiday cookie and/or sweet treat.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out my review of Dee Tarsio's full length novel set on Maui, HAOLE WOOD, at this link.

Aloha to Sandra Brown, LOVE BEYOND REASON and A TREASURE WORTH SEEKING

Sandra Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-four languages.

Brown holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She served as the president of the Mystery Writers of American in 2012 and was named ITW's Thriller Master for 2008. Other awards include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award

sandrabrown.net
facebook.com/AuthorSandraBrown
twitter.com/sandrabrown_NYT
pinterest.com/sandrabrownnyt
Goodreads: link

Love Beyond Reason

Katherine Adams said she'd never make her sister Mary's mistakes. Mary's fairy-tale marriage into the wealthy, powerful Manning dynasty had turned into a nightmare of abuse. Then, on the night her playboy husband was killed in a car accident, Mary died in childbirth. Now savvy, smart, and very angry Katherine vowed to never let a Manning, any Manning, near Mary's child -- not even the dashing, charismatic oil man who showed up at her door. Katherine wanted to believe Jason Manning wasn't like his ruthless family. But secrets and lies were part of his heritage. And Katherine could be destroyed by a truth she was afraid to face...and a man she could not resist. 

Amazon: link
Barnes & Noble: link
Kobo: link
iTunes: link 

A 

Treasure Worth Seeking

Erin...After years of searching for the brother she'd never known, Erin O'Shea had finally found his San Francisco address. She stood on the doorstep, unaware that she was about to walk into a shocking drama of family lies -- and to meet an intriguing, infuriating man who would change her life. Lance...He was a G-man for the government's toughest cases -- like the big-money scam involving Erin's long-lost brother. But although Lance was immediately attracted to her, he never dreamed that his feelings would drive him to break every rule in the book -- and put his career and even Erin's future on the line. . .

Amazon: link
Barnes & Noble: link
Kobo: link
iTunes: link

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aloha to Diana Cosby and AN OATH TAKEN

From Diana ...

Many of you know that I love volunteering my time and energy in helping to make a positive difference in others’ lives. As a military brat, a retired Navy Chief, a former military wife, and a mom of three children who have served in the military—two in the Marines and one in the Army, all who have served in Afghanistan—I understand the demands on members of the military and the impact on their families.

Upon return from combat duty, many Veterans face challenges including depression, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, suicidal thoughts, brain injury, as well as physical issues incurred during deployment. I wanted to do something that would make a difference and help these Veterans. So, I will be donating 100% of my proceeds from the first week of sales of An Oath Taken (8 December 2014 – 14 December 2014) to veterans’ charities and causes that support military service members and their families.

I shared my idea with my editor, and then asked if she could notify me of my royalties after the first week of sales for An Oath Taken. My editor’s response brought tears to my eyes. Kensington Publishing Corp. would gladly do as I asked — and make a matching donation. I'm awed by my publisher’s generosity, more so that I know the money raised will go toward making a positive difference in military members’ lives.

It’s hard to deploy and leave ones family, friends, and miss the holidays, more so for those who are placed in harm’s way. But, it’s also a tremendous challenge for the family members left at home wondering every single day if their loved one is alive. And when the family is reunited with their soldier after a dangerous tour of duty, regular family difficulties may seem overwhelming. Many military families need support to stay strong as their soldier receives proper treatment, which is one of the functions of the military charities I support.

Education, proper diagnosis, and treatment are the key to good physical and mental health. I sincerely hope that my 100% donation from my first week of sales of An Oath Taken, combined with my publishers matching contribution, can help returning Veterans as they continue their on-going fight in overcoming personal battles on the home front.

Thank you all for your time, and may God bless our troops and their families!

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Her award-winning MacGruder Brother books are available in five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.

After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. With the release of her 6th book in the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series, she’s now preparing for the release of the 1st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, “An Oath Taken,” which will be available on December 8th, 2014. In addition, she’s excited about the upcoming release of The MacGruder Brothers e-Boxed Set on February 24, 2015!

Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey. 

Learn more about Diana and her books at dianacosby.com.

Caerlavorck Castle near the Scottish Border
Public Domain (link)

Mahalo, Diana, for your endless support of military families.  I am giving away Scottish swag to celebrate the release of AN OATH TAKEN:

As the new castellan, Sir Nicholas Beringar has the daunting task of rebuilding Ravenmoor Castle on the Scottish border and gaining the trust of the locals-one of whom wastes no time in trying to rob him. Instead of punishing the boy, Nicholas decides to make him his squire. Little does he know the thieving young lad is really...a lady.

Lady Elizabet Armstrong had donned a disguise in an attempt to free her brother from Ravenmoor's dungeons. Although intimidated by the confident Englishman with his well-honed muscles and beguiling eyes, she cannot refuse his offer.

Nicholas senses that his new squire is not what he seems. His gentle attempts to break through the boy's defenses leave Elizabet powerless to stem the desire that engulfs her. And when the truth is exposed, she'll have to trust in Nicholas's honor to help her people-and to surrender to his touch...

To enter the giveaway,

1.  What would you name your family's castle?  Be creative!

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

My children playing checkers at Caerlaverock Castle.

Aloha to Charlene Groome and COLD AS ICE

Devin Miller is a sexy hockey player who meets his match with TV sports reporter, Carla Sinclair. Carla wants an interview and Devin is playing hardball. He doesn’t like her talking about him on air, even if she’s reporting the facts.

Carla might be rubbing him the wrong way, but he’s interested enough to let her do her job. He’s never had a woman come toe-to-toe with him. Women always flock to him and he’s never had to try to win over a woman, until now. Although he’s not thinking about his future, he does feel something different for Carla. She doesn’t buy into his cockiness. She’s focused on getting the interview and breaking a story about Devin’s high-paid salary.

Devin struggles with his past. He hasn’t spoken to his father in twenty-four years. His father left his mother, leaving her a single parent with a boy who desperately wanted his family back. When Carla gets an unexpected phone call from Devin’s dad asking her to help him reconnect his relationship with Devin, she’s caught in the middle. Carla is vulnerable to assist in his efforts; however, Devin hasn’t opened up about his childhood and doesn’t want to. He’d rather keep to himself.

Carla doesn’t know how Devin will feel if she gets involved with his personal life, but she doesn’t want to ignore the opportunity for him to rebuild his relationship with his dad.

As Carla sets up the reunion after a home game, things don’t go according to plan and she gets into trouble for overstepping her boundaries. Her job is on the line and so is her relationship with Devin.

With a broken past and unseen future, Carla needs to figure out what she wants while Devin needs to decide on his relationships and mend a broken heart.

A Scene on Ice (17th Century)

Hendrick Avercamp, Public Domain (link)

COLD AS ICE

The Warriors take to the ice again in Charlene Groome's sensational series about hockey players and the women who love them. But the team's new addition may have to work for a warm welcome...

Defenseman Devin Miller has bounced from team to team and city to city, but he's finally ready to settle down-professionally and personally. The Warriors seems like the perfect fit. Now all he needs is the right woman to start a family with-and he's willing to put in the practice to find her.

Sports anchor Carla Sinclair already doesn't like Vancouver's hot new acquisition. So when she's persuaded to interview him, she's not prepared for the chemistry between them. But though Devin seems eager to show Carla his moves-on and off the ice-he keeps his personal life off-limits. Frustrated by him in more ways than one, Carla decides to track down Devin's secrets on her own-and soon must decide if their attraction is worth the hit to her fragile heart...

Amazon link

Barnes & Noble link 

KOBO link

Ottawa Senators - 1905 Stanley Cup Winners
Public Domain (link)

Charlene Groome is the contemporary romance author of the Warriors hockey series. Her books are modern love stories with satisfying endings. She plays ice hockey, loves a good cup of coffee and finds serenity in going for long walks. She lives on the West Coast of British Columbia with her husband and three children.

charlenegroome.com
facebook.com/charlene.groome
Twitter @charlenegroome 

Oxford University vs Switzerland in 1922
Public Domain (link)

 Charlene is giving away a ditigal copy of COLD AS ICE to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about hockey - are you a fan?  How are your skating skills?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners

This weekend, I flew to Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate Uncle Ray's 90th birthday.  He was born on December 7, 1924.  On his 17th birthday, Oahu was under attack ... and he joined the Navy to fly in defense of freedom.  His father was a WWI hero as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.   

Meanwhile, I posted a special tribute from Pamela Clare at this link to honor the heroes of Pearl Harbor.

Half way around the world, Navy doctor Tamara Worlton is fostering hope with those in need during her deployment.   Check out her photos at this link ... and let me add:

Stuffed animals from Thrift Shop Bag Sale:  $3.00

Postage to send stuffed animals to Tamara in Africa:  $15.00

Seeing a child smile:  Priceless.

We have winners at SOS Aloha:

Shelley K. Wall's FIND ME
- Linda M. wins a digital copy from Shelley.

Leslie Wells' DANCING WITH MISTLETOE

- Catslady wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Collette Cameron's THE EARL'S ENTICEMENT

- Cathy P. wins a digital copy from Collette.

Jayne Fresina's SINFULLY EVER AFTER

- Jane wins a book choice from my convention stash.

From my travel blog, Aloha On My Mind, pictures from San Fransisco:

- Erin wins a book choice from my convention stash.

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Honoring the heroes of Pearl Harbor

USS Nimitz renders honors to the USS Arizona Memorial

Today is the 73rd Anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and other military bases on Oahu.   The attack took place on a lazy Sunday morning.   I remember these words from actress Stockard Channing, who narrates the introductory film at the WWII Valor in the Pacific Memorial on Pearl Harbor (link).   I also remember her question, How do we honor them?

My friend, romance author Pamela Clare, prepared a special post for me in 2011.  Given the challenge she experienced this year in her battle with breast cancer, it is only fitting to sharing this post again about Uncle Jo.   Thank you, Pamela, for honoring the heroes ... and giving us hope for the future.

USS Utah Memorial

From Pamela ...

When Americans think of Pearl Harbor Day, they think of the smoke, the explosions, the burning ships. They think of President Roosevelt and his iconic speech about the attack and the “date which will live in infamy.” They think about the nation’s plunge into the Second World War.

I think of an uncle and aunt I never knew—Uncle Joe and Aunt Lillian. 

I don’t know how they met. I don’t know what made them fall in love. I know from photographs that Joe Conner was a handsome man and Lillian was beautiful. I know they got married late in November and spent the first week of December on their honeymoon in Hawaii, where Uncle Joe served as a seaman in the U.S. Navy.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, his honeymoon at an end, Uncle Joe, a Fireman 1st Class, reported back to the U.S.S. Utah, which was moored off Ford Island. A battleship that had been launched in December 1909, the Utah had had been refitted for training young seamen. It had just returned to port after participating in an advanced anti-aircraft gunnery cruise in Hawaiian waters, probably while Uncle Joe was off on his honeymoon.

At 8 a.m. the next morning, men on deck reported the approach of three airplanes, which they at first believed to be American airplanes. But when the planes reached the southern end of Ford Island, they began dropping bombs on seaplane hangars. At 8:01, the Utah was hit by a torpedo and immediately began to list to port, its stern sinking.

What had begun as another day of training had now become a battle for survival for the more than 500 men on the U.S.S. Utah. Men who were below decks rushed to get topside, knowing that remaining below would mean death.

At 8:12, the mooring lines snapped, and the ship rolled onto its side, clearly on its way to capsizing. 

Rescue efforts for the USS Utah

A sinking ship poses a variety of risks to human life. If you’re onboard, you can become trapped and drown. Because the lights on a ship go out when it is flooded, victims not only drown, but lose their way and drown in the dark. A sinking ship can also suck down nearby swimmers with a force that makes the strongest undertow seem like a bathtub drain. And when cold water hits the hot boilers inside, the boilers can explode. The men knew these things, and those who’d made it off the sinking vessel swam hard for shore.

Of Utah’s crew, 30 officers and 431 enlisted men survived the attack. Six officers and 52 men died. Uncle Joe went down with the ship, and his body remains there still. The U.S.S. Utah memorial, often called the “forgotten memorial,” is his tomb.

I traded emails with survivors of the U.S.S. Utah a few years back. Sadly, none of them knew Uncle Joe. But they were able to share some information with me. Because I know he was a Fireman 1st Class, one survivor speculated that he had been deep in the ship and had either died as a result of the torpedo attack or drown while working with Chief Watertender Peter Tomich to buy time for others to escape by trying keeping the boilers from exploding. (Tomich was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his sacrifice, which no doubt saved many men’s lives.)

When I think of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I wonder about Uncle Joe. Did he die in the initial blast? Did he stay behind, hoping to escape but placing the lives of his crewmates first, knowing that those boilers had to be controlled? When did he realize that he was going to die, leaving his new bride a widow? Did he drown in the dark, drawing his last breath alone in the blackness? 

Sailors honor the heroes of the USS Utah

My family has a strong Navy tradition. My grandfather served in the Navy during World War II. We have photos of him roller-skating in Brazil while on shore leave. My father’s younger brother served in the Navy during Vietnam. I participated in Navy Jr. ROTC in high school, attending boot camp at the San Diego Naval Training center.

But Uncle Joe died at Pearl Harbor. All we have of him are the mementos of the U.S.S. Utah that Kim sent us last year. My mother and I went through them together, the reality of Uncle Joe’s experience becoming more vivid to us as we looked at photos and read about the memorial. One day we’d love to visit, although I understand the memorial is open only to military personal and civilians with a military escort. Hopefully, we can arrange that, even as we both try to learn more about Uncle Joe and how he died. 

Pearl Harbor shocked the nation to its soul. Most of us have some idea what it must have felt like because we were around for 9/11. But in the wake of 9/11, and as those who remember World War II pass on, it’s easy to let the events of Dec. 7, 1941, fall into the background, as if they were ancient history.

Take time today to learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Read the stories of each ship and of the hangars that were bombed and the people who were shot by strafing fire. If you read the casualty list, you’ll find my uncle there: Joseph Ucline Conner, F1c.

May he and the others who gave their lives that day rest in peace.

Flag at half staff over the USS Utah Memorial

Mahalo, Pamela, for sharing your family's legacy with us.  In May 2011, Pamela asked me to review BREAKING POINT whose hero was a Navy SEAL (link). I read the book out loud to Uncle Joe and the other 57 sailors aboard the USS Utah. I thought I heard him reply, "How about a Fireman 1st Class for a hero?"

The USS Utah is located on the opposite side of Ford Island where the USS Missouri is moored, overlooking the USS Arizona. The tour buses visit Mighty Mo but not the Utah. But I visited it once a week when I lived in Hawaii - I want Pamela's family to know that Uncle Joe is not forgotten.

Be thankful for our freedom on this lazy Sunday morning.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Tracy Brogan and THE BEST MEDICINE - Book Review

Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn . . . sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn't . . . most of the time), she'd never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she's going to find someone to spend her life with, she'll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site. But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he's sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn's affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He's too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he's her patient. But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

Safety Harbor, Florida
A Southern version of Bell Harbor

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. - Lord Byron

Tyler Connelly made Dr. Evelyn Rhoades laugh ... even as she tended to his wounds from driving a stolen jet ski into a dock.   Fate delivered her to the emergency room in the same hospital as her plastic surgery office, bringing Bell Harbor's newest doc in contact with the town's bad boy (or so she thinks).  Tyler saw past Eve's professional approach and asked her out.  Eve rebuffed him, claiming Tyler (at 28) was too young for her (at 35).  Plus he isn't "marriage material" as she is ready to start a family (or so she thinks).

Although Tyler agreed that he is not ready for marriage, he pursued Eve to "just have fun".   His persistence paid off when he finally cracked her facade, giving them both the opportunity to enjoy the moment.  THE BEST MEDICINE is a light hearted contemporary romance that is pure escapism.   Brogan delivers laughs as the hospital gals support Eve during her adventures in online dating.   The plot turns playfully sexy as Eve and Tyler ease into a comfortable friendship that leads to love.  

THE BEST MEDICINE proved to be as the title suggests ... just what the doctor ordered for two unexpected lovers who try to please their families at the expense of their own desires. Recommended read to those who appreciate small town romance.

THE BEST MEDICINE is Book 2 in the Bell Harbor series.  It can be read as a stand alone novel (as I have not read the first book ... yet).

I received a signed copy from Tracy Brogan at the WRW Loves Readers Luncheon (link).

And, of course, my beloved Hickam Harbor

I am giving away swag from the WRW Loves Readers Luncheon to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about jet skis and other boating equipment - what have you tried?   I'm quite happy to enjoy any body of water from the safety of a pier.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out Tracy and her books at tracybrogan.com.  

Other books in the Bell Harbor series