RT Recap - Kensington Boas, Kilted Men, and Scottish Fling

Thursday brought us Kensington authors, kilted men, and tartan fairies!

Jodi Thomas and Sally MacKenzie jazzed the
Kensington book signing.

Marilyn Brant and Mia Marlowe also signed in boas!

Under the Kilt - the Naked Truth about Scotland - 
a kilted hunk escorted Kimberly Killion to the panel.

  

Cathy Maxwell renamed the the panel, "50 Shades of Scotland".  Katharine Ashe hid her laugh.

Veronica Wolff and Kimberly agreed that Scotland's 
mystique will always capture readers' attention.

This haggis maker shared how to cook the Scottish delicacy.
Sahara Kelly exclaimed, "Exploding Sheep's Stomach!"

The Clan McFae Scottish Fling brought out the
tartan in every reader .... 

  

... even in the Aussies Andrew, Megan, and Jennifer!
(the sporran holds the Tim Tams).

Megan brought the materials from Oz to assemble her wings.

Megan spreads her wings over historical author
Mary Wine (left) and a historical reader.

This reader added "tattooed" fairy wings!

This reader captured Nessie!

Renee Bernard found her next hero.

What would you prefer to wear - boa?  kilt? mask?  One randomly selected commenter will win a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 21, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 22.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

The Highway Bandit (left) and the Scottish Lady

April's month long promotion is CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH. I will select one US reader, one Canadian reader, and one International reader from all my blogs posts in April at SOS ALOHA, THE READING REVIEWER, and ALOHA ON MY MIND. The US winner can select up to 10 books (to fill up a small flat rate box) from my current convention stash to make room for new books coming from RT 2012. The Canadian and International readers can select one book, too!

CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH is open through Monday, April 30, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 1.

RT Recap - Star Sightings, Western Roundup, and Foxy Dames

The RT Booklovers' Convention kicked off Wednesday morning with RT Virgin (for newbies) and RT Advantage (for returning readers).  

  Jennifer Estep and Sophie Jordan chatted in the lobby. 

Isabo Kelly and Hope Tarr are all smiles for fans!

RT Publisher Carol Stacy and Romance legend Christina Skye 

  

Sue Grimshaw (Romance at Random), Christina, and Kat Martin

Kat and hubby Larry Martin.

What an outfit for a romance convention!

SOS volunteers Kelly and Molly helped me in the Goody Room.

I popped into the Western Roundup with C.H. Admirand, Vivian Arend, Lori Armstrong aka Lorelei James, Cindy Holby aka Kassy Tayler, Cat Johnson, Janette Kenny, Amanda McIntyre, Bobbi Smith, and Beth Williamson aka Emma Lang.   The pictures above and below were posted by Cat on Wicked And Wild Cowboys at this link.

These boots are made for dancing!

Close and personal with Cat,
a long standing supporter of SOS! 

I taught these hunks how to say "cowboy"
in Hawaiian - "paniolo".

Molly, Kelly, and I also volunteered with the Foxy Dames:

Victoria Alexander, Zoë Archer, Katherine Ashe, 

Renee Bernard, Genella DeGrey, Heather Graham, 

Sabrina Jeffries, Sahara Kelly, Kieran Kramer, 

Carrie Lofty, Mia Marlowe, Amanda McIntyre, 

Sharon Page, and Bobbi Smith.

Molly posed with Sabrina Jeffries.

What costume would you wear - a cowgirl or flapper?  One randomly selected commenter will win a book choice from my convention stash.   This giveaway is open to all readers!  Comments are open through Saturday, April 21, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 22.


Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii


The evening party was Ellora's Cave "Step Up and Stomp"!

April's month long promotion is CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH. I will select one US reader, one Canadian reader, and one International reader from all my blogs posts in April at SOS ALOHA, THE READING REVIEWER, and ALOHA ON MY MIND. The US winner can select up to 10 books (to fill up a small flat rate box) from my current convention stash to make room for new books coming from RT 2012. The Canadian and International readers can select one book, too!

CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH is open through Monday, April 30, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 1.

Aloha to Christine Nolfi and THE TREE OF EVERLASTING KNOWLEDGE

Returning to SOS Aloha is the multi-talented Christine Nolfi!   She visited us last year to celebrate TREASURE ME at this link.   Christine prepared a special post for her new book, THE TREE OF EVERLASTING KNOWLEDGE!

From what imaginings does a book arise? Some novels spring to life after weeks of playing the “What if” game. Other books are born directly from experience. 

Seventeen years ago, I adopted a sibling group of four children from the Philippines. The trip to Cebu was a revelation—local families struggling simply to get by wore the sweetest smiles. The missionaries running the shelter worked with unmistakable joy. My children, too, seemed imbued with a special goodness that stood in contrast to their difficult start in life. 

As years sped by and my kids grew ever stronger, they became standouts first in elementary school then later in high school and college. They became the type of young adults who were always willing to help a friend or offer comforting words. They laughed often and spread joy through churches and classrooms like fairy dust empowered with love. And I was left wondering: How can any child suffer greatly in early childhood then grow up to be so surprisingly good? 

That question drove the development of The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge.

In the novel, Ourania D’Andre and Troy Fagan struggle with dark impulses. Like so many of us, they’ve become cynical and no longer trust the healing qualities of love. Yet both are inevitably drawn to the light. They choose love over hate because it’s in their nature to do so. By learning to release a million regrets, they build a better world for themselves and the people they care about.

I believe these lessons speak directly to the miracle of the human heart. We do possess the power to heal despite every hardship we face. Yes, bad things happen. But in the end, good people prevail.

It’s easy to turn on the news or glance at a newspaper’s garish headlines and conclude that humanity bears rot at its core. Don’t believe it. Every day, in every corner of our pretty blue planet, average folks perform extraordinary acts of kindness. A stranger offers a helping hand. A mother comforts her child. A class of first graders in Wichita, Kansas raise money for other children on the opposite side of the earth. A middle-aged man takes his son to a ballgame then flashes the proof of his love across FaceBook.

Good people prevail.

About the author:

Christine’s debut, Treasure Me, and her March 2012 release, The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge continue to earn 4- and 5-star reviews on Amazon, GoodReads and other sites. Christine has been writing novels full-time since 2004. Look for her next release, Second Chance Grill, in several months.

Contact her at www.christinenolfi.com and @christinenolfi on Twitter.

The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge on Amazon in print (link) and Kindle (link)

Treasure Me on Amazon in print (link) and Kindle (link)
Barnes & Noble (link)
BAM (link)

Mahalo, Christine, for joining us at SOS Aloha!  I am giving away a Kindle copy of THE TREE OF EVERLASTING KNOWLEDGE to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Can you share an experience that would inspire you to write a book?   

When I was a Lieutenant, I had a few zany adventures that might be worthy of a humorous contemporary romance.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 31, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 1.

Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii

March Madness continues here at SOS Aloha! All commenters in March will be entered into a special drawing for prizes from RT in Chicago. 3 US, 3 Canadian, and 3 international readers will win a package with books and goodies. Comments can be made at:

- SOS Aloha, sosaloha.blogspot.com
- Aloha On My Mind, alohaonmymind.blogspot.com
- My guest posts at the Reading Reviewer (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) at marygramlich.blogspot.com

I'll post the winners of March Madness on Monday, April 2.

Veteran's Movie Review - ACT OF VALOR

The weekend is coming ... perhaps you are planning to see a movie!  Today I have a treat for you - award winning romance author Lindsay McKenna reviewed ACT OF VALOR.   It is intriguing to see the movie through her eyes as she hails from a Navy family - her parents were living on Ford Island on "that day of Infamy"   Lindsay herself is a Navy Veteran.   She originated the military adventure/romance genre in 1983 with CAPTIVE OF FATE (Silhouette Special Edition/Simon and Schuster/Silhouette).   Welcome, Lindsay!

ACT OF VALOR is an authentic movie that’s just come out on February 24th. It is about active duty US Navy SEALS. The movie had a powerful impact on me for many reasons. First, there is a human story that underpins the entire movie. And it will hold you in its grip and move you. This will appeal to the women, especially, who don’t like shoot ‘em up bang-bang kind of films. There is heart and soul woven into this story, so don’t be put off that it’s just another ‘action movie,’ because it’s a lot more than that. Secondly, active duty SEALS star in this movie. Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh of Relativity Media, took two years to film ACT OF VALOR and received the cooperation of the US Navy. Further, the SEALS refused to ‘dress up’ or do anything other than what real SEALS are trained to do for this movie. Everything you see in it is authentic drama, is present day and how SEALS really go about their business of being the incredibly heroic men they are. 

Even more upsetting, in a way, is that the story line of the movie that came from real missions performed by the SEALS. If anyone ever was against controlling our border with Mexico, you won’t be after this movie is done. On another playing field, it also shows the diversity and global backyard the SEALS work and survive in, to keep the USA safe.

Those readers who love military books or SEAL stories, should see this movie. It’s eye opening, hauntingly emotional and shows SEALS not only in action, but their brotherhood, humanity toward their own and others. These are REAL warriors; they’re professionals and there is no question, they are the best of the best. And the movie goer gets to see authentic action. It’s far more heart/pulse pounding than any movie star or any other action flick you may have seen in the past. This film is the raw, unadorned real deal torn from the pages of today. Be prepared for tears. Bring some Kleenex along. You’ll need it. 

And even if you aren’t drawn to a movie like this, generally speaking, go see it, anyway. You need to be educated about the men who are putting their lives on the line for us EVERY DAY so that we continue to enjoy the freedom we have in this country.

I hope ANOTHER authentic SEAL movie is developed and produced by these two men. They did a great job on it. They listened to the SEALS and the action sequences will have your breath knocked out of you. It is THAT powerful. But so are the underlying emotions that will capture you from the beginning. And in doing that, you’re on a roller coaster ride with these bonafied SEAL heroes as they work to stop terrorism of the worst sort and in the end, protect all of us.

And if you are moved by this movie, by these men and the families they love, then donate and help at this link.   The Navy Seal Foundation supports SEALS, their families, provides scholarships for fallen SEALS children and educates the public about them. 

Reviewed by Lindsay McKenna, US Navy veteran.

Mahalo, Lindsay, for sharing your thoughts with us!  To learn more about Lindsay and her books, check out her website at www.lindsaymckenna.com.

Today I am donating a $1 per comment, up to $100, to the Navy Seal Foundation.   Comments are open through Saturday, March 17.  I'll announce the total on Sunday, March 18.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Leave no man behind .... 

Aloha to Tawna Fenske and BELIEVE IT OR NOT

I asked to review Tawna Fenske's BELIEVE IT OR NOT because I enjoyed her debut book, MAKING WAVES.   As the book sat on my shelf, waiting to be reviewed, I kept thinking of the early 80s' comedy, THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO - here are the lyrics from its theme song:


Believe it or not,
I'm walking on air.
I never thought I could feel so free-.
Flying away on a wing and a prayer.
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's just me.

As I read the the book (while riding the exercise bike at the base gym), the 80s pop song morphed into the head banging music of the 80s hair bands.  In fact, 80s hair band music has a double purpose in BELIEVE IT OR NOT - it provides the motivation for the exotic male dancers at the hero's bar.   The music also influences the heroine's ability to bluff her way as a psychic.  Coincidence or not?   Perhaps it was no coincidence that as I was reading about male dancers, I was riding to head banging music with a ripped military guy running on the treadmill in front of me.

Actually, psychics and strippers are the catalysts to bring together the mismatched lovers in BELIEVE IT OR NOT:

Do you believe in...accounting?

Numbers never lie, so Violet McGinn found safe haven in the most boring profession she could find. Until her renowned psychic mother lands in the hospital and Violet has to run her business. Now you can have your taxes filed and your aura read, in one convenient location.

Do you believe in...music?

Drew Watson is the jaded owner of the local hot spot next door, and doesn't need a single thing except a good crowd to dance to what he's spinning on Saturday night.

Do you believe in...love?

The only thing Violet and Drew seem to have in common is that neither believes in that psychic hoo—hah. Except Drew seems to play exactly the right song at exactly the right time. And truth be told, it makes Violet's heart dance just a little ...

Check out my review on Amazon at this link and Goodreads at this link.   I am giving way a print copy of BELIEVE IT OR NOT to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about '80s music - love it or loathe it?   Do you listen to music while reading? exercising?  cooking?

I often play 80s music for my children to demonstrate I had a life "before them".  Recently, I played Winger's MILES AWAY and both my children just rolled their eyes.  Sigh, Winger was easy on the eyes!  I am going to dig out the CD now ...

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 17, 10 pm in Hawaii.   I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 18.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

To learn more about Tawna and her books, check out her website at tawnafenske.com.

To watch Winger's video, check out this link to You Tube.

Remember March Madness here at SOS Aloha! All commenters to my blogs in March will be entered into a special drawing for prizes from RT in Chicago - 3 US, 3 Canadian, and 3 international readers will win a package with books and goodies. Comments can be made at:

- SOS Aloha, sosaloha.blogspot.com
- Aloha On My Mind, alohaonmymind.blogspot.com
- My guest posts at the Reading Reviewer (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) at marygramlich.blogspot.com

I'll post the winners of March Madness on Monday, April 2.