Christmas Eve Thoughts

It has been a bit of a strange year for me, one with joys and sorrows both.

I published my first novel, She Dies at the End (November Snow Book 1). I did everything myself, including the cover photography, the cover design, and the paperback conversion. I don't really recommend that for everyone, but it seems to have turned out reasonably well in my case. The experience was challenging, rewarding, and ever so much fun.

My paranormal romp seems to have been reasonably well-received, though I will admit sales haven't been quite what one might hope. Still, people seem to be enjoying it quite a bit, which is lovely.

November Snow has brought me messages and help from friends I haven't seen in years. My foray into indie authorship has also afforded me the opportunity to meet other self-published writers who provide moral support and who continue to teach me a great deal about writing, editing, and promotion.

Our continuing attempts to adopt another baby, on the other hand, haven't gone so well. Two heartbreaks marred the year, with the most recent failed attempt happening over Thanksgiving. We have been waiting three years, and we have had three expectant mothers choose us only to change their minds at the hospital and decide to parent. We are trying to discern whether or not to continue our efforts. Perhaps we are meant to remain a family of three.

As I look forward to 2016, I hope that my second novel will turn out as well as the first, and that my small but devoted circle of fans will be pleased. I hope that whatever we decide about our adoption journey, that it will be the right decision and one we will be at peace with making and living out. I hope that I will have the strength to continue pursuing my writing dream, and that the well of ideas won't run dry. And I hope that happiness finds all of you who are kind enough to read my words.


Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!


She Dies at the End is available free on Kindle until December 26th!

Author Highlight: Pandora Spocks

Is there a better pen name possible for a writer of literary erotic romance than Pandora Spocks?  In her real life, she lives in Florida and aspires to one day own a giraffe.  She has been spinning tales in her head for years but only recently has started sharing them with the rest of us, and we are certainly lucky she has.  Her brand new release (reviewed below) will join her first novel, Luke and Bella: Two Streets Over, already available on Amazon.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance review copy of her new book, Rannigan's Redemption Part 1: Resisting Risk.  The first volume of a trilogy, it focuses on a newly minted lawyer named Maggie and her boss, Michael Rannigan.  Rannigan is something of a player and doesn't know quite what to make of just how much he likes Maggie.

This book is excellent.  I don't even really like romance novels all that much, but this one is really well-done.  The writing is clean, and the characters are vibrant and interesting.  The sex is explicit and super hot, fyi, and the emotions are strong.  Spocks definitely knows how to bring the spice and tug on the heartstrings at the same time.  I love how confident, competent, and honest Maggie is, and I enjoy Michael's sweet side that only Maggie seems to bring out in him.  The ending definitely leaves me anxious for the next installment.  I am assured by the author that Part 2 is well on its way!

If you're looking for something to keep you warm over the holidays, Rannigan's Redemption fits the bill.  Happy reading!

Book Review: Airbag Scars by Jim Heskett

Airbag Scars is the first in a new series of thrillers by Jim Heskett. If you like crisp writing and interesting characters, this guy is for you. The main character, Micah, is an alcoholic struggling to make a new life after testifying against some very unsavory characters, one of whom has come looking for payback.

The novel is compelling from the very first page. Heskett knows how to pace the book, parceling out just enough information to keep you turning that page. I also enjoy how he varies the point of view. One of my favorite details in the book is that Micah's friend/boss/sponsor/father figure is African American. I like to see diversity in popular fiction. The villain illustrates that a criminal doesn't have to be smart or careful in order to be dangerous, much like Elmore Leonard's criminals. I like that the female lead is capable and full of fight though wounded by life, and that Micah is on a quest for redemption and renewal, however difficult that path may be. I'm glad this book is the start of the series because I want to see more from these characters.

Looking for holiday or airplane reading? Stocking up a new tablet or Kindle? Check out Airbag Scars.