Trick or ... Samhain

Trick or ... Samhain?

Halloween. Such a frightening holiday. Where's the romance when one is being asked to produce a trick or prepare for a treat? I thought I'd take a look at this fun, yet gholish time of year.

Is halloween really that ghoulish?

Halloween has its roots in Celtic Ireland. Over 2000 years ago, the Celts were in firm control of the Irish lands. Typically, 1 November was the start of their New Year. The summer was ending, the harvest was over and the cold winter was marching in. The Celts believed on the night before the new year the boundary between the dead and the living worlds were blurred. The dead returned to earch damaging crops and wreaking havoc. The Celts called this night Samhain. (prounouced Sow-in)

They raised bonfires and wore costumes to scare away the dead, burning crops and animals in sacrfice to the Celtic gods.

In 43 AD., Rome had influence in the Celt lands, merging two of their holidays into the festival, "Feralia," and "Ponoma." In Feralia, they celebrated the dead and Ponoma was the goddess of fruit and trees.

In the 800's Christianity began to show it's influence. 1 NOV was All Saint's Day and was called Allhallowmas (from the middle english) and the day before was known as Allhallowmas eve or soon... Halloween.

As early as 1911, Halloween was written about in American papers as we know in in America. I was curious to discover that England did away with Halloween during Henry VIII's reformation. Do any of our British authors or readers care to weigh in? I'd be curious to know if that's the case.

As for Jack 'o Lantern? After playing a couple of tricks on the devil, the devil got mad at him and refused to let Jack into hell, leaving Jack with only a burning coal to light his way on early. Jack put his coal in a turnip and it acted as a lantern. The Irish called him "Jack of the lantern" but he soon became Jack 'o Lantern. The Irish didn't find pumpkins until they immigrated to America.

Have a fun and safe halloween everyone!
Steph

How do you read an Ebook?

I thought I'd throw this out there for discussion - How do you read an Ebook?

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There are all kinds of ereaders. The 3 I've heard about are the Amazon Kindle (which has dropped it's price to $259) the Sony Ebook reader comes in at $199.00 and Barnes & Noble should have their Nook availiable shortly. I believe it's selling at $199 (I could be wrong) and they are taking pre orders for it.

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There are also other ebook readers - one I know is the Astech (sp?). The other day I did a top ten search of ebook readers and prices ranged from Amazon's 259 up to 800 plus. That's a lot of money.

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Me? I read a book on my Iphone Kindle app the other week and I liked it. Why? I liked the convience of buying the book at the touch of the finger. I liked the convience of having the book available at any time since my Iphone goes everywhere with me. The font was easy on the eyes and I didn't have to squint.

Am I going to read my ebooks on my Kindle App for the Iphone? I haven't decided, but I know this, I don't mind that option at all.

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What's the deciding factor? The features? I find the ebook readers all have similiar features give or take some. The new Kindle has a long battery life. But then I thought the other battery times were comparable. Is it the back light option? The font?

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For me, I think the deciding factor would be availiabity. After all, Amazon has been in the business longer and has a lot of it's book avail for purchase through it's Kindle dept. Barnes & Noble's Nook will be tapping into their inventory and Sony goes through Google Books, I believe.

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B&N were in the ebook busn from 2000-2003 until it got out. Wasn't luctritive enough, I believe. Amazon's Kindle has not only made ebooks viable, but has invigorated the industory. Through Kindle, ebooks are growing into a money making industry. Can Barnes & Noble catch up? The Nook is also going to hold MP3 files. Will that be enough to entice you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on ebooks since Desert Breeze has it's inventory in ebooks. Drop me a line and share your thoughts.

Smiles

Steph

The Reviews are in for Whitney in Charge!

Whitney in Charge was released in August 2009 by Desert Breeze Publishing and it's gotten some great reviews:

From Coffee Time Romance:

4 CUPS

"Whitney in Charge is a delectable read. I found the sisters fun as they try to put some life back into Whitney. I love their interactions, as it reminds me of a tight knit family."

Here's a link to Coffee Time's Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/whitneyincharge.html

*****

From Long and Short Reviews:

4.5 Books

"Plausible, funny, and with a few fun surprises, this novella is really entertaining. It’s unpredictable, too."

Here's a link to the entire review: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/whitney-in-charge-by-diane-craver.html

I had a chance to read "Whitney In Charge" and I LOVED IT! My favorite part about the story was the rich interaction between the sisters, Whitney, Regan and Shannon. It just felt very real to me.

Overall, Whitney is a very engaging read! Let Whitney be in charge of your next reading adventure.

Smiles,
Steph

NaNoWriMo is just around the corner...

Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself right quick, before moving onto the NaNoWriMo stuff. I'm Stephanie Burkhart, and I'm the moderator for the Desert Breeze Publishing Blog. A little about me:

I'm also a Desert Breeze Author. My novel, "The Hungarian," is set to be released in May 2010. It's the first in my "Hungarian Moon" series, and it's a paranormal romance.

I've self published a few books, "Destination: Berlin" and "The Wolf's Torment" to name a few. I'm also going to be published with 4RV Publishing in spring 2010 with a children's book called "The Giving Meadow." 4RV is also going to publish a young adult mystery series centered around the New England states. The first story, "The First Flag of New Hampshire" is due out in late 2010, early 2011.

I've also recieved several honorable mentions for my stories in the Writer's Digest Contest. Two notable mentions: My mainstream/literary story, "Spontaneous Decision" was 8th place in the 77th Annual Competetion and two stories, "The Wolf's Kiss," and "The Peenemende Secret" were both honorable mentions in the 3rd annual Pop Fiction Contest in Romance and Thriller/Suspense.

Enough about me - let's talk NaNoWriMo.

November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, as it's called. The goal: Write 50,000 words in a month. A challenge to say the least! I'll be a first time participant this year, and I'll be working on my 2nd in the Hungarian Moon series, "The Count's Lair."

Who else is participating in NaNoWriMo? Drop a comment, let us know. I know there are several Desert Breeze authors participating as well. It's a great way to get motivated.

If anyone wants to visit me on the Official website and add me as a buddy, here's my link: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/526402

So C'Mon, sign in! Who else is participating in NaNoWriMo? Let us know tell us about your project.

Get Pumped!! Crucifing Angel a November Release

P.I. Barrington's soon be released Crucifying Angel, Book 1 of the Future Imperfect series is already getting reviews. Here's what several sites had to say:

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From Night Owl Romance Reviews:

Title: Crucifying Angel

Sub Title: Book One of the Future Imperfect series

Authors: P I Barrington

Genres: Suspense / Mystery, Sci-Fi / Fantasy

Available Online: Oct 14, 2009

Online Link:

Hearts: 4.25 out of 5

Review by: Silvermage

"Crucifying Angel is a great story. There is a lot of action and a nice set of clues and a deep mystery. I enjoyed the main characters Gavin and Payce as well as the cliffhanger. Readers, consider checking this book out! I'm looking forward to the next book in this stunning new suspense series. "

See the rest of the review at: Online Link: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=4939

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From Yvonne Mason, Reviewer/Blogger:

" Ms. Barrington plays the reader like a finely tuned piano with the twists and turns and the undercurrent of electricity of Det. Payce and Det Gavin. She then adds the timpani of the serial killer and his misguided reasons for what he does. Crucifying Angel is absolutely a must read, but beware, you will have to get the next installment. The best is yet to come. Defiantly a five star read."

Here's a link to Yvonne's Blog and the rest of the review: http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/p-i-barringtons-soon-to-be-released-crucifying-angel-is-a-five-star-read/

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=4939 :

Featured October 09 Release - Angel with a Backhoe

Author:
Deborah Kinnard
Category and Length:
Inspirational - Plus Novel
Rating:
Sweet
ISBN:
978-1-936000-35-7
Photography/Artwork:
Jenifer Ranieri
Release Date:
October 2009

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ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Diane Marshall knows loads -- live loads, dynamic loads, dead loads, all part of life as a construction manager. She's used to carrying hers, as a woman in a man's career. After her boyfriend fell hard for someone else, can her private load get any heavier?In DeBrett, Paul Cameron funds the church renovation, so he's assigned to co-manage. Diane is stuck with adjusting to small town life and dealing with a widower who apparently wants a memorial to his lost wife. Paul is stuck working with a person who attracts him -- the last thing he wants.Somehow this project will teach them to trust God in a whole new way. Now if they can only figure out how

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EXCERPT

Paul watched from a window in the sanctuary as this Marshall-woman got busy about the jobsite. She didn't lack energy, he'd say that about her. Was it know-how she lacked? Time would tell, but he'd put money on it.

How could a slip of a girl, no bigger than his Rennie, have the mental and physical stamina to tackle a big rehab project like this one? How did she manage reluctant laborers, heavy machinery, blueprints, tools?

She claimed she'd been assigned the project. Well, he didn't suspect her of lying. He could see that --- for a time. Maybe the way her construction firm worked was that she did the easy stuff --- prep work, shooting grades, obtaining the trailer, entering the subs' bids on some worksheet or other. Maybe even picking the subcontractors herself. Then the guy would arrive, the real manager. The actual work would start, and Miss Marshall would simply move on to the next start-up project.

Yeah. That must be how it'll go. Some people carry this feminist thing a bit too far.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deborah Kinnard started writing at age ten, frustrated because there was no preteen girl with a horse on 'Bonanza'. From there she progressed to short stories and really bad poetry.

In college, she gained two degrees in health care and spent time observing hippies, basketball stars, el-ed majors and other strange species.

While raising two active girls and cherishing a husband, she enjoyed a career that has encompassed Spanish translation, volunteer work at a crisis line, years in assorted ERs that don't resemble the one on TV, and a day job at a big Chicago teaching hospital.

She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, serving as Midwest Zone Director, and confesses to being a loud singer at church. In 2002 and 2003, she sold her first and second novels, POWERLINE and OAKWOOD to Treble Heart Books. ANGEL WITH A RAY GUN was released in 2006, 'Something Borrowed' in the BRIDES AND BOUQUETS 2007 anthology, and MY SILENT HEART in November 2007, all by ByGrace Publishing. SEASONS IN THE MIST will release in spring 2010 from Sheaf House Publishing.

When Deb's not at the computer writing, she keeps busy with reading, playing the guitar, and needlework. She loves to travel and meet new people, some of whom turn up later in her stories. So if you meet a short woman with a light in her eye...
Books by Deborah Kinnard at Desert Breeze Publishing:

Angel with a Ray Gun - May 2009
Angel With A Back Hoe - October 2009
Damages - April 2010
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REVIEWS:

"God's ability to guide and direct His children is depicted powerfully as both characters struggle through their fears and worries...a great read that will provide enjoyment to anyone who reads it. For all those inspirational fans, this is a must read!"Long and Short ReviewsRating = 4.5 of 5 books

Featured October Release - Revolution - The Phoenix Rebellion Book I

Author: Gail R. Delaney

Category and Length: Futuristic - Plus Novel

Rating: Intense

ISBN:978-1-936000-08-1

Photography/Artwork: Jenifer Ranieri

Release Date: October 2009

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Some say the Areth are our salvation, others say they are our doom.

Retired Colonel Nick Tanner doesn't care.

Not until Caitlin Montgomery, the woman he was never able to forget, finds him in his solitude and changes everything.

His son -- the child he was told died 25 years before -- is alive and needs him. Nick will do whatever it takes to bring Michael home. He'll lay down his life, if that's the cost to reveal the truth and stop the Areth.

Now, he cares. And if he ever finds the Areth that stole his son from him, she'll pay.

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AN EXCERPT:

The doctor stopped and spoke, and the focus of their attention shifted. For one brief moment, he looked straight at the camera.

"Now."

Nick tapped the screen.

"What the hell?"

His words mirrored CJ's own reaction the first time she saw the young man's face. It was like seeing Nick Tanner twenty years before. The same eyes, the same angled features, the same lips.

"Who is this?" he demanded, only briefly looking at her before focusing again on the screen.

CJ cleared her throat to try and push through the thick emotions that threatened to choke her.

"His name is Michael Tanner. Your son."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gail R. Delaney has been actively writing 'for publication' since 1996. The first novel she ever
wrote is still sitting on her computer, waiting for the major rewrite that will make it acceptable. She says she has learned a great deal since writing that book, and it shows when she looks back at that rough draft.

Gail has had eight novels published in the genres of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and futuristic romance. Her novels have received several nominations and awards since she was first published in 2005.

Gail and her family recently moved from the cold and blustry east coast to Southern California, and is loving every moment of sunshine she can soak in.

Books by Gail R. Delaney at Desert Breeze Publishing:

Watch Over Me - May 2009
Lightning Strikes Twice - June 2009
Tender Hearts - December 2009
Something Better - March 2010
Precious Things - July 2010

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REVIEWS:

Futuristic Science Fiction at its best, The Phoenix Rebellion Book I: [Revolution] leaves the reader on the edge of their seat waiting impatiently for more
ECataRomance Rating; 5 Stars

Lovers of the science fiction romance genre rejoice! There is a new voice on the scene and [Revolution] by Ms. Delaney as to be the best in this genre that this reviewer has ever had the pleasure of reading! Shaiha - Suite Magazine

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Visit Gail at Desert Breeze Publishing.

The Phoenix Rebellion Book One: Revolution - and other books by Gail R. Delaney - available at Amazon for Kindle

October 2009 Featured Release - Honored Daughters

Author: Gerrie Ferris

Category and Length: Suspense/Contemporary - Novel

Rating: Sweet

ISBN: 978-1-936000-18-0

Photography/Artwork: Jenifer Ranieri

Release Date: October 2009

While Jack Rhodes is in London, Laura Kate O'Connell is tussling with a life-changing decision. Jack has asked her to marry him. Love him as she does, marriage and babies has never been in her life plan.

A law enforcement agent asks Laura Kate to find out who killed his niece, one of several students at Honored Daughters who have died mysteriously. Jack can't know she's involved, or he'd be on the next plane home. To complicate the situation, a former soldier-turned-militia-organizer, Pearse Macaula, falls for and stalks her. He's dangerous, but did he murder the Honored Daughters girls? She must trust him to find out, while brushing off his advances. This is a man who always gets his way. Will he try to kill her if he can't have her? It's a chance she has to take.

*****

Brewster's deliberate steps ascended the stairs to alert her that Jack was indeed on the telephone. Hundreds of butterflies chose that time to invade her abdomen. So much going on, so much to decide, so much to tell. Oh no, no telling.

"What's up, my love," Jack asked. Her heart beat faster as she saw him in her mind: perfectly barbered black hair going silver, provocative dark eyes crinkling when he laughed, which he did often, his lips twisting pleasurably with every word out of his mouth.

She steadied herself. "Jack."

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Oh yes, it's just… it's wonderful to hear your voice."

"It's wonderful to hear yours, too. I only wish I was hearing it while you're standing next to me."

Jack had begged her to go to England with him, but she demurred, looking forward to time away from him to collect her thoughts. Their love affair had been a torrid whirlwind for four months - from the moment they'd met. It was a delicious time, full of lovemaking and happiness. But along with the passion he gave, he wanted a promise.

"It won't be long, you'll be home. I can't wait."

"Me neither. How are things settling in now you're back from Wyoming?"

Sighing, she said, "Back to the same ol', same ol'."

"If you'd come with me, we could be spending the afternoon at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum."

"Been there."

"Or the Victoria and Albert Museum."

"Done that."

"And later having tea with the Queen."

"Uh…"

"It's true."

"Are you serious?"

"As a crumpet."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I grew up in Missouri, attended the University of Missouri and came South to write for The Atlanta Constitution. My beat was The South. I traveled the Tobacco Roads and the narrow, historic streets of New Orleans. I wrote about Natchez, Mississippi's unique history and Florida's diverse population. I have won numerous journalism awards.

When I retired, I knew I would write crime fiction. I covered crime for the newspaper. Real crime is sordid, with no romance or redeeming features. Justice often doesn't will out. Real people go back to miserable lives. Writing fictional crime gives me the opportunity to remedy that.

In 2000, Writers Showcase published Look Away from Evil.

In 2008, I was a two-time finalist in the St. Martin's Writing Contests: The first Private Eye Novel and the Malice Domestic first traditional contest.

Books by Gerrie Ferris at Desert Breeze Publishing:

When Serpents Die - Book One in the Laura Kate Plantation Series - April 2009

Honored Daughters - Book Two in the Laura Kate Plantation Series - October 2009

Wagon Dogs - Book Three in the Laura Kate Plantation Series - September 2010

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Gerrie's book is available in multiple formats at www.DesertBreezePublishing.com OR in KINDLE format at Amazon.com.

October 2009 Featured Release - Three Hearts

Author: Sue Perkins

Category and Length: Contemporary - Novel

Rating: Sweet

ISBN: 978-1-936000-44-9

Photography/Artwork: Jenifer Ranieri

Release Date: October 2009

Travis Denton's arrival in New Zealand throws Darcy Farrell's life into turmoil. She's never met the man, so why does he dislike her so much? Travis states he is the father of her eight year old niece Brooke. He initially tries to prove Darcy is an unsuitable guardian. His failure makes him more determined to get custody of the child and take her to America. Darcy is worried Travis might disappear overseas with the child. She makes a difficult decision. She must do what's best for Brooke. Her choice brings her into close contact with Travis, which creates a problem when she becomes attracted to him!

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Travis Denton leaned casually against the brick wall, his stare fixed on a villa on the other side of the street. The door of the house opened and a woman and child emerged. The golden-haired youngster skipped happily beside her companion and Travis smiled as the girl's chatter drifted across the road.

He switched his glance to the woman and his eyes clouded with confusion. The way she was dressed was startling. Legs clad in fishnet tights disappeared under a miniscule black miniskirt, which rose even higher as she strutted down the street. She turned to speak to the child, and he saw her lips were thick with bright red lipstick, which mirrored the colour of her spiky fingernails as they patted her piled-up dark hair. A laughing response to a comment from the child shook the cheap plastic earrings dangling from each ear, and they knocked against the turned up collar of her black leather jacket. A skimpy yellow rib top showed beneath the jacket and Travis noticed it stopped just below the breasts to expose a bare stretch of suntanned stomach.

Travis frowned. He had travelled to New Zealand from California to meet eight year old Brooke and her aunt, Darcy Farrell, but the sight of the woman in her flashy clothes and overdone make-up worried him.

His temper rose when a car pulled up and the woman bent down to speak to the driver, her breasts swaying enticingly. She straightened up, took a step backwards and stuck her leg forward then, with one hand on her hip, she lifted her skirt suggestively. The action disgusted Travis and left him with no doubt about her profession. How dare she ply her trade when she has the child with her! Grey eyes darkened with fury when both Darcy and Brooke got into the car.

He cursed under his breath. If what he'd just witnessed indicated the morals of Darcy Farrell, his reason for being here had become even more urgent. Travis wished he could follow them, but he'd been concerned about not being seen and had parked his car on the next street. Jaw muscles clenched. Now he knew he must win the battle ahead.

Still frowning, Travis walked back to his vehicle and returned to the hotel.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in Devon, England, Sue traveled the world with her husband, including two years living in the Middle East with her young family. A few years later the family moved to New Zealand. Sue, her husband and dog have settled on a three acre block at the top of the New Zealand's South Island. Their two children are now the globetrotters.

She loves reading, writing and most craft hobbies. Researching family history is another past time which holds Sue's interest. She works as a graphic artist for a local trade paper.

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You can find Three Hearts in multiple formats at www.DesertBreezePublishing.com OR in KINDLE format at Amazon.com.

You can also find Sue on "Good Reads" at:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1014304.Sue_Perkins

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Desert Breeze & Sue would love to hear from you!