23 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 23, 2012 0

#BookReview :: Antique Forgery (Alicia Trent #2) by Eileen Harris

This second book in the series takes the reader further into the life of Alicia Trent and her friends. Magic, forgery, betrayal, and fabulous jewels surround Alicia as she struggles to find the reason for her friend's death.

This is the Second book in the Alicia Trent Mystery Series. I absolutely loved the first book, Antique Magic (Read my review Here) and so I was totally pumped up to read this second instalment.

In Antique Magic, a prediction is made by the clock that Alicia would be the one to discover her friend’s dead body. So, Antique forgery takes off with Alicia worried about the prediction while preparing to go evaluate the jewellery collection that Janice and Arthur Darnell have recently inherited. Janice, a friend of her mother, has been a constant in Alicia’s life while growing up - one who has been there for her and her mother through thick and thin. So, when Alicia discovers her friend, Kendra’s lifeless body in the Darnell’s living room, her worst fear came true. Aiming to get justice for her friend’s death and some amount of closure, Alicia tries to piece together the clues that she can find, while more bodies are dropping around her and secrets are unveiled. In this installment, Alicia stands the chance to lose those who are closest to her as she perseveres on to find out the truth.

I loved it! Eileen Harris has captured my heart over the last couple of months with her Antique Magic and Desert Shadow and I am glad that Antique Forgery has managed to live up to my expectations.

I would like to point out that the writing style of the author has remained the simple yet likeable – like in her other two books. It’s with the everyday common language that Eileen Harris spins her web and this book is no exception. I felt comfortable right from the beginning. The mystery in this book has only one huge red herring, but what herring it is! I was feeling quite disappointed that the plot is so simple and certainly did not see the twist coming. I was left dumbstruck when the complete plot was revealed. Awesome is the only word that I have for it. Barry, Nick & Lawrence from book one made an appearance as expected. And though I was not sure whether I would miss Naomi’s mouthwatering dishes, Eileen delivered Laudine to keep those taste buds going haywire.

The best thing about this series is Alicia. She is one of the partners of an Antique Store in Scottsdale, Arizona – that’s her occupation. She is not an investigator by profession or by choice. But she continuously finds herself in situations that test her. Eileen Harris has built up such a practical and strong character in Alicia that when she is investigating the happenings around her, she takes the most practical and logical approach. Not once during the two books did Alicia come out as a Professional Detective, but she remained true to her character – and antique dealer with a penchant of getting into trouble. When she investigates, she is really bringing together the clues that are right in front of all of us – so it is not over the top or larger than life – yet it is something that manages to keep you guessing.

This book had two other future predictions for Alicia, so I am hoping that there’s going to be a book three in the series. So, Ms.Harris if you are reading this – please hurry up with it so I get to go on another adventure with Alicia soon. In the meantime, you all – go and give these first two books in the series a try.

Buy the Book

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)

22 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 22, 2012 8

#SpecialFeature :: #GuestPost - I Heart Reviewers! (And why you should, too...) by Lauren Clark

Presenting:

*** SPECIAL FEATURE - October'12 ***

“The characters in Stay Tuned grab hold and demand you live the story right along side them.”

- Emlyn Chand, Author, Farsighted

"Loved it and you will too. The book will draw you in and leave you wanting more."

- Anne Richter, WWNY-TV Anchor

Guest Post: I Heart Reviewers! (And why you should, too...)

In May 2012, when Dancing Naked in Dixie was first released, I contacted a very popular e-reader website that offers free book reviews for Indie Authors. As you can imagine, the competition is fierce, reviewers are swamped, and a reply back can take several weeks.

I was fortunate. Shortly after submitting Dixie, a reviewer offered to read my novel in about eight weeks, meaning sometime in July 2012. I gave an enthusiastic 'yes' and waited for a response.

As it turns out, the reviewer really liked my novel. She wrote an excellent review and cross-posted to other sites. When I inquired about getting a feature on the site, I was told that I needed to speak to the "head" person, as she was JUST a reviewer.

This stopped me cold. Just a reviewer? Aghast, I wrote back..."What do you mean? I value the work and thought you put into the review of Dixie. I really appreciate the extra time and effort it took to post it on Amazon, BN.com, and GoodReads."

Her response? "You wouldn't believe some authors."

This really had me thinking. And worried. And wondering. Are Indie Authors being snobs? Divas, even? Is it possible?

While I am certain that many Indie Authors are sharing the love and paying it forward, I'd love to hear about your experiences -- as readers and bloggers -- when an author approaches you to read her/his book and asks for a review.

What are your thoughts on reviewer etiquette and appreciation? What's okay? What's not? What bugs your or makes your heart sing?

I'd love to hear what works for you!

Lauren Clark is the author of Stay Tuned and Dancing Naked in Dixie. She writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

Stalk the Author

Website I Twitter I Facebook I Goodreads

Buy Her Books:

Giveaway

Now for the most amazing news! The Giveaway! Ms.Lauren Clark is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card. Yeah I know its amazing & I wish I could enter it myself. The number of books I could get for it!

So,what are you waiting for??? Go Enter NOW!!

Rules:

1. There's only two compulsory entry to qualify for this Giveaway.

2. Please provide proper info & links in the Rafflecopter. I will be checking the entries - so no cheating please.

3. The Giveaway is open Internationally.

4. I will select the winner through Random.org on 31st October and will send an e-mail. They have to reply with their mailing address/e-mail id within 48 hours, or I will select another winner.

5. Please do not leave your e-mail id in the comment section.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Debdatta Dasgupta October 22, 2012 1

#Spotlight & #Excerpt :: “The Midas Tree” by Lesley Phillips

A Sneak Preview

Preface
“Once upon a place where there was no time, and once upon a time where there was no place, there lived a boy who wasn’t quite yet a boy. He held within him the potential to be a great man or indeed a great woman, for the spark that creates a boy can, in the twinkle in an eye, also create a girl.
He lived in a garden of brilliant light, under the guidance of a mentor who helped him on his path to greatness. They agreed together that the boy would travel to a new world, where the light of home contrasted with darkness. The tension between these would stimulate new experiences, and allow new knowledge to spring forth.
The boy’s chosen purpose was to become a teacher, who would help everyone who entered this world after him, so that they could choose peace between one another, and harmony with their world. Part of the agreement was that he would forget some things about who he was, and why he was there. He would have to search for his own answers first, before he could help others find theirs. In this journey of forgetting and remembering, his path would emerge, and he would be able to enact his full potential in the world.
Birth into this new world was painful. He arrived in a state of fear and panic, shocked by how different this place was, compared to the light from whence he emerged. Because he didn’t know where he was, or how things worked, he became frustrated. The more he realized how little he knew, the more tormented he became. He suffered physical pain, emotional anguish, and mental turmoil. Then he blamed and became angry with his mentor for leading him to this place.
Nevertheless, his yearning to find his way home was so strong, that it compelled him onward. Initially through trial and error, and gradually through the application of what he learned, he grew in both stature and experience. By observing the special ways of the creatures he met, he discovered how to heal his pain. He learned techniques that helped him overcome the agony and misery he was experiencing. He began to feel empowered to improve his new world.”

Message from Dr Lesley Phillips

What you have just read is an introduction to my new book “The Midas Tree.” It is a spiritual novel about the enlightenment journey.

Joshua, the hero, is entranced by a magical golden acorn that leads him to a mysterious realm inside a tree. He encounters entrapments and challenging situations, where he must find his way out and battle his ego. He is fortunate to meet spiritual teachers called devas, who teach him how to cope with his challenges through meditation.

As a meditation teacher and practitioner of many years, I know how beneficial meditation can be. It has helped me to change my life and take charge of my life. I want to be able to share this blessing with others. Writing a book, that was a story and not just a meditation how to or self help book seemed like a good way to do this.

“The Midas Tree” can be enjoyed on many levels

Adults who have read the book say it reminds them of Illusions by Richard Bach, or The Celestine Prophesy by Michael Redfield, but with the flavor of a fairy tale. This is because it is an adventure story and at the same time is a guidebook to enlightenment.

Children who have read The Midas Tree say it is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and other well known children’s books. They enjoy all the funny characters, which include talking animals and insects, and each find a favorite deva. These are the fairy like nature spirits, who have knowledge of science and nature as well as spiritual information.

I wrote the book to be accessible to everyone regardless of their spiritual belief system. Some have said the book is like a parable; as there are spiritual messages in each new adventure the hero encounters. I can also see how those who chose to read the book through a religious lens will be able to find passages that align with their beliefs; regardless of whether they are Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist or Muslim. This is because it speaks to fundamental and eternal truths that underpin all spiritual belief systems.

I believe it can be enjoyed on many levels; as an adventure story, a guidebook for spiritual unfolding, an explanation of how to meditate, as well as a lesson about the biology of a tree.

Dr Lesley Phillips is a speaker, author, workshop leader, spiritual and meditation teacher based in Vancouver BC, Canada. Her book “The Midas Tree” will be published on November 11^th 2012. She can be reached at:-

www.themidastree.com

Lesley@themidastree.com

http://www.facebook.com/themidastree

Twitter: @DrLesleyP

www.drlesleyphillips.com

http://www.facebook.com/drlesleyphillips

19 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 19, 2012 3

#Spotlight :: Prismatic (Harmony Run #1) by Sarah Elle Emm

About the Book

Rare glimpses of birds are the only reminder of the freedoms Rain Hawkins once had. Now segregated into a mixed-race zone within the United Zones of the Authority, under tyrannical rule of President Nicks, Rain is forced to endure the bleak conditions set upon her. The possibility of a way out arises when Rain discovers an organized resistance called The Freedom Front, and learns that she, along with many other multi-racial people, has special abilities. Determined to overcome her situation, Rain sets out on a mission with the resistance that will fill her life with wonder, romance, and the undying hope for a better world.

Book Trailer

Raves & Reviews

"This is a book that not only stands out on the bookshelf with its striking, eye-catching cover but also by being a work of fiction with a truly original, unique and inspired storyline." ~~ Lucinda

“I can't wait to read the next book in the series, "Opalescent"!” ~~ Jacquelyn Standring

“PRISMATIC was very exciting. ” ~~ Sam

"Prismatic, was an absolute joy to read that came to it's conclusion much too soon." ~~ Natasha Head

"I really like the premise." ~~ Loni C.

Five lesser known facts about Prismatic

~~ The tyrannical ruler, or the ‘villain’ of Prismatic, is a woman!

~~ The story is not only about multi-racial teenagers. The cast of this story is actually very diverse, which is in my opinion, one of the best things about the story, all of the ‘colors of the rainbow,’ if you will, taking on their oppressor.

~~ Though intended for the young-adult audience, Prismatic has been read and reviewed by people from age 12 to 70. (It may have been read by someone even older, but I can’t be certain.) The point is, it is a story for teens, yet it has gathered the interest of an older audience as well.

~~ This story, set in a futuristic, segregated world full of darkness, is actually full of love, hope, and even a little humor from some of the cast…

~~ There is a love story in this book, which is crucial to the series. What would a young-adult fantasy series be without an irresistible teenage romance?

About the Author

Sarah Elle Emm is the author of PRISMATIC, book one of the Young-adult fantasy, HARMONY RUN SERIES, released in May 2012 by Winter Goose Publishing. OPALESCENT, the sequel to PRISMATIC, is set for release in February 2013. Her debut fiction novel, MARRYING MISSY, was published by Bird Brain Publishing in October 2011. Sarah is a graduate of The University of Evansville, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Germany, England, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has traveled extensively beyond. Her love of journal writing, travel, and multicultural experience have all influenced her novels. Sarah lives in Florida with her Chef husband and their angelic children. When she's not walking the plank on her daughters' imaginary pirate ship, she is working on her latest book. (Sometimes, this involves hiding under her dining room table with a notebook and pen.) Sarah shares personal stories at her blogs

Stalk Her

Website

Her blog: “My Name is Sarah…”

Her photo blog, “Sarah’s View from the Bottom”

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Goodreads

Pinterest

You have 3 chances to grab a copy all for yourself - for FREE... Yes, Ms.Sarah has kindly donated 3 Print copies of her book. Click here to Enter the Giveaway - its open internationally!

Debdatta Dasgupta October 19, 2012 1

#BlogHop #Giveaway :: Jane Austen

Announcing the Jane Austen Giveaway Hop

Featuring Jane Austen Inspired Books

October 19th to 24th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & vvb32reads

There has been only one exception so far, but in general I am not a real fan of retellings or 'inspired' novels. So, I am going to feature my favourite Jane Austen Novel.

We have all been more or less to blame ...

every one of us, excepting Fanny'

Taken from the poverty of her parents' home, Fanny Price is brought up with her rich cousins at Mansfield Park, acutely aware of her humble rank and with only her cousin Edmund as an ally. When Fanny's uncle is absent in Antigua, Mary Crawford and her brother Henry arrive in the neighbourhood, bringing with them London glamour and a reckless taste for flirtation. As her female cousins vie for Henry's attention, and even Edmund falls for Mary's dazzling charms, only Fanny remains doubtful about the Crawfords' influence and finds herself more isolated than ever. A subtle examination of social position and moral integrity, Mansfield Park is one of Jane Austen's most profound works.

The first Jane Austen Novel I read was Mansfield Park and since then I have read all of her work. But this book remains my favourite till date.

However the winner of this giveaway will get to choose one of the following books:

Sense and Sensibility

Pride and Prejudice

Mansfield Park

Emma

Northanger Abbey

Persuasion

Winner can choose any One book from the books listed above. The giveaway is open internationally as long as The Book Depository delivers in your country!

Winner has been contacted & confirmed. Chrissy has chosen Persuasion.

Now Hop over to the other Amazing Blogs Participating:

18 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 18, 2012 1

Valentina Goldman's Immaculate Confusion by Marisol Murano

About Author Marisol Murano

When she was 18-years-old Marisol Murano moved to the United States to attend school so that afterwards she could return to her native Venezuela to get married and have kids. None of this happened. Instead, she ended up getting a Master’s degree which eventually landed her a boring job in an exciting city: New York.

After a few years running the corporate rat race, Marisol woke up to this one day, "Even if you win the race, you're still a rat." That was the end of her banking career and the birth of her first novel: The Lady, The Chef, and The Courtesan.

Marisol was the first to be surprised when her first novel was named Latino Book of the Year, Original Voices from Border’s and was picked as a BookSense selection. She was further surprised when it was translated into several languages.

A second career detour led her to become a chef and the author of a cookbook, Deliciously Doable Small Plates from Around the World. Between novels, Chef Marisol now travels the world conducting culinary demonstrations on exotic cuisine. In fact, Valentina Goldman's Immaculate Confusion was born at sea in a split-second of confusion when during a culinary demonstration a woman raised her hand to ask: “Did you always know you wanted to be a chef?”

Life is stranger than fiction, indeed.

Hipso Media Blog * Facebook * Goodreads

Title: Valentina Goldman's Immaculate Confusion
Author: Marisol Murano
Publisher: Hipso Media
Released: August 1, 2012

Since her arrival in the United States from Venezuela, Valentina Goldman isn’t exactly living the American Dream. She’s living the American Nightmare.

Her late husband, Max, has left her a young widow, a step-daughter whom Valentina didn’t want, and a bi-polar ex-wife. And oh, having given up her dream job in New York, Valentina is also unemployed in Arizona.

Part "Bridget Jones Diary," part "Modern Family," "Valentina Goldman’s Immaculate Confusion" is the story of a woman trying to get a handle on her whacky life in America. In breathless, blog-like snippets, Valentina compares her own story with that of her eccentric sister, Azucena, who has bizarre troubles of her own down in the tropics.

"Valentina Goldman’s Immaculate Confusion" is a funny and moving story about what happens when a passionate South American woman moves to the USA and, like so many of us, ends up with a life she never imagined.

Praise:
"A funny and quirky mix of anecdotes and life lessons. This is imbued with such a distinct personality -- one that begs you to laugh at nearly every page."
~ Emily from Goodreads

Amazon:

Book Blast Giveaway:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Hipso Media
Ends 10/25/12

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

17 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 17, 2012 5

#BookReveiw :: Crewel (Crewel World #1) by Gennifer Albin

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.
Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.
Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.
Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Sixteen year old Adelice Lewys has been training with her parents and away from prying eyes for as long as she can remember. She has been training how to be awkward, clumsy and how to fail.

The world of Arras is very different from ours. In this world people’s lives are made and broken ‘literally’ like threads. Where should you live, how much food should you have, how many children can you have and what occupation can you adopt – everything is decided by the ‘Spinsters’ who dedicate their lives to weaving the world of Arras. But these spinsters are controlled by the Guild. People of Arras have long forgotten their history and have settled into the lives of rules set by the guild. But Adelice’s parents have different thoughts – ones that would not be tolerated by the guild. Hence, they prepare Adelice to fail the test. But, at a moment of weakness, Adelice slips and weaves. She is selected as a spinster and taken away from her family. What awaits her then? Read the book to find out.

First and foremost, this is a dystopian world like no other that I have read. It is truly unique. The idea of a world where lives can be woven into and removed with a simple thread – is amazing. Gennifer Albin has truly and wonderfully created a new world for her readers. The beginning of the story was a bit slow, but then this is a world no one has heard of before. It is not a tale of Vampires, Werewolves or Mermaids, that the author could have easily summarized her version of the theories on these creatures. Instead she has had to build a world from the scratch. So, I guess that it was essential for her to give the story a slow start so as to give us enough information.

Okay, like 90% of the cases are with me, I did not like Adelice much. She is a bit slow to understand things and really irritating at times with all her ‘talks with herself’, which mostly amounts to nothing as she eventually ends up doing exactly the opposite of what she decides. She does manage to react quickly in the climax of the book – when it mattered the most. So, I guess that makes up a bit – but not completely for me. As always, I loved the supporting characters much more. I loved Maela and Jost. It is so not their fault that Adelice refused to take their advice. I do not know whether to love or hate Cormac yet. Whether you love him or hate him – you’ll have to admit that the man knows how make his presence felt.

Like most modern YA Novels, the language of the book is simple and easy to follow. There’s a love triangle, mystery revolving Adelice’s family, action and drama. There’s everything that one could ask for and they are topped up by an amazing twist/revelation at the end! I am only deducting the one star because I did not like Adelice much – but then it is my personal choice – you might like her!

I would certainly recommend this book to all dystopian lovers. It’s a world like never before.

16 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 16, 2012 42

500 Follower Giveaway!

So its been about 8 months of blogging, 276 Posts, 894 Comments, 57 Giveaways, 1154 Twitter Followers and 1071 likes on FB Page - I finally have reached 500 followers! Actually I reached 500 followers last week and in the time it has taken me to organise this giveaway, I have reached 595 on GFC! Isn't that awesome or what?!

So to celebrate it I am hosting the most awesome Giveaway that I could come up with! Thanks to some great Authors I have a lot of books up for grabs here...

So what can you win? Here's a list:

***1st Pack***
1 Winner gets to choose 1 of these anticipated November Releases as long as TBD Ships to their country. And get this - if I reach 750 followers on GFC, then 2 Winners will get to choose 1 of these anticipated November Releases!

***2nd Pack***
3 Winners will win 1 of these sets of 2 Print Copies

***3rd Pack***
2 Winners will win 1 Print Copy each. These 2 Books are up for grabs

***4th Pack***
2 Winners will win 1 of these sets of 3 digital books

***5th Pack***

1 Winner will win digital copies of these Books

So that's 9 chances at winning something awesome - 10 if I cross 750 GFC Followers! I am excited, aren't you?

If you see a book that's up for giveaway and not sure what it is all about - then stay tuned as I will be featuring all these books on my blog before the Giveaway is over!

Rules:

1. There's only two compulsory entry to qualify for this Giveaway. But more entries mean a higher chance of winning.

2. Please provide proper info & links in the Rafflecopter. I will be checking the entries - so no cheating please.

3. The Giveaway will run till 15th November and is open Internationally.

4. I will select the winner through Random.org on 16th November and will send an e-mail. They have to reply with their mailing address/e-mail id within 48 hours, or I will select another winner.

5. Please do not leave your e-mail id in the comment section.

6. You have to be 18+ in order to qualify for the 4th Prize Pack.

The Winners have been selected and contacted. They are:
Jenna
Lucinda
Devri
Jennifer R
Cassandra
Kristia
Jessica
Sudeshna
Jennifer B

15 October, 2012

Debdatta Dasgupta October 15, 2012 1

#SpecialFeature:: Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

Presenting:

*** SPECIAL FEATURE - October'12 ***

"Dancing Naked in Dixie is a must for modern fiction collections." - The Midwest Book Review

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

My Review of Dancing Naked in Dixie

An Excerpt

Chapter 5

“Are you always in such a hurry?” Shug asks, his voice slow and steady compared to my frantic pace. My usual velocity is hyper-drive. Get there as fast as I can, I don’t care if I break my neck, or the speed limit.

“Oh, sorry,” I slow my brisk stride into a leisurely walk, “hazard of living in the City. Everyone’s in a rush, twenty-four seven. Always someplace to go, somewhere to be. When I was younger, I used to wish I didn’t have to go to sleep—you know, so I didn’t miss anything.”

Shug gives me a strange, amused look. If he thinks I’m crazy, at least he is polite enough not to say so.

“Where are we going anyway?” A towering statue of a Civil War soldier stares off into the distance as we cross the intersection.

“Honeysuckle Diner,” Shug answers, “just down the street a piece.”

A piece. How cute.

Shug describes the thick French toast and warm, buttery cane syrup. Fluffy eggs. Sausage and grits. Suddenly, I’m famished. Seconds later, we arrive at the door.

“Yoo-hoo,” a simpering voice calls out from across the street. A car door slams.

No. We can’t stop. The smell of fresh-baked biscuits makes me weak. I try to tell Shug telepathically that I’ll die if we don’t go inside now. I look longingly at the Honeysuckle Diner. Shug is completely distracted.

And then I see why.

Thigh-high boots on a pair of long legs, a short red skirt over tights, and a sequin-trimmed sweater. Topped off by a thick, shiny mane of white-blonde hair and a mega-watt smile.

The girl blows a kiss and waves, as if we might somehow miss her or the white Mercedes convertible she just poured herself out of. Gosh, people are friendly down here. And gorgeous.

I glance down at my standard New York garb—black head to toe. What else did I pack? Oh, right. Almost everything I own, down to my panties, is black.

So what? I argue with myself. Why compare myself to a random girl on the street? Someone I’ll never see again.

“Um, that’s my girlfriend,” Shug leans closer to explain. “Mary Katherine.” He gestures for her to come across the street.

Of course. So, she’s not a random girl. Lovely. I’ll bet we’ll be seeing her every day.

But Mary Katherine shakes her head coyly, points a finger to her cell phone, and steps onto the opposite sidewalk. By the time I decide to wave back, she disappears around the corner.

Shug doesn’t seem bothered in the least. He holds open the door to the diner.

Sweet salvation.

My knees weaken at the sight of steaming breakfast plates on every table. Raucous laughter, animated conversation, and the clang of pots and pans from the kitchen make it almost impossible to hear. Shug motions for me to follow him, but stops every few feet. He shakes hands, exchanges back slaps, and chuckles as we move through the crowd.

Curious stares follow us. Polite, inquisitive looks. A wrinkled forehead, pursed lips, a raised eyebrow. If I make eye contact, which I’m trying not to do, the person smiles brightly and chirps a greeting.

Great. I can imagine what they are dreaming up. Star magazine-type rumors, followed by a heinous paparazzi photo. I see it all too clearly. The headline will read: Who’s that girl? Is Shug Jordan cheating on Mary-what’s her name?

Oh well. There’s always food. At least I’ll die embarrassed and happy.

I center my attention on the tiny empty table in the back corner. Mentally, I push Shug toward it. When I start walking, I almost kick him in the ankle. Closer, closer, there you go. A few more feet.

Without warning, another roadblock appears: A short, round, heavily made-up woman stops Shug to hug him and kiss the air next to his cheek. And then someone, who must be her daughter, goes and does the same thing. No one’s in a hurry. Except me.

Five long minutes and three stops later, we make it to the table and sit down. I pick up the narrow menu, hold it in front of my face, and scan the list. Grits, biscuits, red-eye gravy—

“It must be overwhelming,” I hear Shug say.

I edge the menu to one side and peek out. He gives me one of those open and honest looks, with piercing eyes. Like an actor on daytime television about to reveal who killed so-and-so’s sister’s cousin’s mother.

“What must be?” I tilt my head in his direction, thinking Shug must mean the menu. It certainly wasn’t what I’d call gourmet, but even ostrich eggs and endive smeared with peanut butter would do at the moment. Can’t he tell I’m about to gnaw apart the table?

“All of this.” Shug makes a sweeping gesture at the rest of the room. “I’m used to it. I was just thinking, to an outsider, well …” Shug seems to lose his train of thought. He glances down at his own menu, suddenly self-conscious.

Very observant. Pasting on a big smile, I grasp for a witty and off-hand remark, which comes out a jumbled mess. “Oh, no, not at all. It’s different from New York, but I’m not uncomfortable. Quite the contrary. I feel right at home.”

Shug gives me a thoughtful nod and picks up his menu.

It’s not the truth. Me being right at home in small-town Alabama is the equivalent of Kim Kardashian never shopping again.

In New York, it’s all about anonymity. No one cares who you are, unless your last name is Trump. No one says hello or waves, unless it’s to grab a taxi.

A waitress hovers nearby. I hurry to take a look at the menu, and then realize she’s not just wiping down the table next to us. She’s staring. Shug hasn’t even noticed.

Another server appears, and two hands plop down glasses of light brown liquid. “Good morning, y’all! Cute hair, sweetie,” the girl, who appears to be all of nineteen, is calling me sweetie. She inspects my roots and chews on the eraser of her pencil.

“Did I hear you say New York?” Her voice raises several octaves. “I’ve always wanted to visit New York. Rocker-feller Center at Christmas time. The big tree. All of the lights.”

I try not to visibly wince at the mispronunciation, but keep my lips buttoned. The minute I correct someone, I’m certain to butcher some Southern phrase in front of a dozen people.

Shug speaks up. “Julia’s here to do a preview on the Pilgrimage for Getaways Magazine.”

The girl’s eyes widen like I’m a movie star. Her voice rises a few octaves. “A real magazine reporter?” Several heads swivel near our table. “Can you interview me? Can I be in the article?”

I attempt a serious look at Shug, who stifles a laugh, entertained by the entire situation.

“Um, I’ll do my best to include everyone.”

That seems to placate her. The waitress prattles on, waving her notepad. “If you feature the Honeysuckle Inn with a picture,” she taps her lip, “Brad Pitt could see it and come in here. People from London, and Europe. Zillionaires.” She practically jumps up and down.

I shrink down in my seat and reach for the closest glass. Suddenly parched, I take an enormous swallow.

YUCK! It’s so syrupy-sweet I gag. My eyes water. The liquid swills around in my mouth and I long to spit it on the ground. Don’t think about it, I instruct myself. Just do it. I force the tea down my throat in one big gulp.

And start to choke. Then cough. I can’t stop.

“Bless your heart!” The girl drops her notepad and starts pounding my back so hard I’m certain my ribs will crack any second. “She’s choking. Oh, my Lord! Someone help her!”

Chatting with Lauren Clark about 'Dancing Naked in Dixie'

1) Who was your favorite character to write in this novel?

I really loved Julia, but I have to say that Roger was a close second. At the beginning of the story, Julia is at a crossroads in her life—a place where the decisions she makes are really important. She really comes into her own, takes responsibility, and becomes an adult during the story. Julia finally realizes that there are consequences to her mistakes and that she is the only person who can change the way her life is headed. It was so fulfilling to watch her grow as the novel progressed.

Roger was such fun because he is Julia’s complete opposite—always perfect and put-together, always ready to say the right thing, do the right thing. He’s a great host and loves coming to the rescue for Julia. And although he appears to be happy, he really has a deep, secret longing to travel to New York, but hasn’t had the confidence to make the trip. Julia’s visit changes that for Roger.

2) How is this novel different from the competition?

There are many novels about a character excited about moving to a big city or traveling to Paris or London, but Dixie follows a big city girl who visits a very small town. At the outset, she doesn’t want to go—in fact, she throws a hissy fit about it! She’s really a fish out of water—the accents, the food, the mannerisms are all foreign to her.

I think we’re all somewhat guilty of having preconceived notions or ideas about people and places we haven’t visited. The fun of this storyline involves Julia discovering how wrong she was about the Deep South. It’s a life-changing experience for her. It’s my hope that readers feel that Dixie honors and celebrates cultural differences.

3) Share a secret (or two) about this book in its development.

I really panicked about the title. I was unsure that readers would like it and didn’t want anyone to think it was erotica. The members of a book club I visited changed my mind—I was there talking about my first novel, Stay Tuned, and everyone asked about my next book. When I shared the title, everyone exclaimed and got really excited, so I knew then that I had to keep the “Naked” in Dixie.

Also, I began with the idea that PD’s pastry creation was going to be the “something special” that made people want to ‘Dance Naked,’ but the story was really Julia’s.

After thinking about it, I added the “I’d rather dance naked” comment to her new boss—underscoring how upset she was about being sent to Eufaula. It also provided some nice romantic tension at the end between Julia and Shug!

4) Share one secret about yourself.

I am such a girly-girl. I love the color pink. My phone cover is pink. I have a pink purse. I have a pink coffee mug. I am drawn to books with pink covers. The cover for my Kindle is pink. I even like pink food—raspberries and strawberries! And yes, I like pink clothes.

Knowing that I have to draw the line somewhere, I do not drive a pink car, have a pink laptop, or have a pink house. My husband and two boys would never forgive me!!

5) Who is your inspiration?

My inspiration as an author is Sophie Kinsella. I love the way she tells a story—and I appreciate that her characters aren’t perfect. I adore that her writing makes me laugh out loud!

I’m also inspired by people who overcome life’s almost-insurmountable obstacles. I love everyday heroes. I’m inspired by bravery and courage—the firefighters in 9/11, our country’s soldiers, the men and women who make incredible sacrifices to save lives and protect our freedom.

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Giveaway

Now for the most amazing news! The Giveaway! Ms.Lauren Clark is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card. Yeah I know its amazing & I wish I could enter it myself. The number of books I could get for it!

So,what are you waiting for??? Go Enter NOW!!

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1. There's only two compulsory entry to qualify for this Giveaway.

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3. The Giveaway is open Internationally.

4. I will select the winner through Random.org on 31st October and will send an e-mail. They have to reply with their mailing address/e-mail id within 48 hours, or I will select another winner.

5. Please do not leave your e-mail id in the comment section.

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