Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 12-17-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Welcome today's guest columnist, Sarah Rayner, British author of the best selling novel, One Moment, One Morning, and her recent release, The Two Week Wait. Born in London, Sarah now lives in Brighton. For many years she worked as an advertising copywriter, and now she writes fiction full time. Sarah is giving away 10 copies of The Two Week Wait. Send her an email, welcome her to the book clubs and she'll personally reply, and you'll be entered in the book drawing. Email: sarah.rayner1@btopenworld.com

Take it away Sarah...

One of the things I love most about being a writer is hearing from you, my readers. And one of the things readers ask me most is where I write. The answer is in an office in my home in Brighton, England. The term 'office' makes it sound organised, but trust me, it isn't. Minimalism isn't my style. Although I admire people who do clean white walls and shelves where one tasteful object strikes a deliberate pose, like a supermodel in the snow, I couldn't possibly limit myself to just one knickknack--I have dozens.

The same is true of my cats; I don't have one, but three. I realise that's a lot of felines for a small house, so perhaps I should explain. One--the eldest--I chose. Another I inherited from an ex years ago, and the third we got for my stepson, who was desperate to have his own pet. When Tom, his Dad, moved into my house, we thought a fluffy friend might soften the blow. This furry trio can make writing hard, as I often end up with one on my lap, one on my mousepad and one sunbathing under the lamp. Peering round a pair of ears is tricky, but recently I got a bigger screen so now it's like being at the cinema with someone wearing a hat in front of you--annoying, but not impossible.

I can't blame the cats for the surplus of books however, which line three out of four walls; nor did the cats insist on putting up maps and paintings in any remaining space. Directly above my desk, however, are two eminently sensible, office-y items--my work-in-progress boards. One is a pinboard, on it is a voucher for a facial I've yet to find time to have (though looking at my complexion in the harsh gym mirror this morning I could do with one), various book jacket designs, some bills that need paying, and a drawing by my niece. The other is a wipeboard, for lists. Lists are a good thing--I keep encouraging Tom to give them a go, but he's yet to appreciate their value. As a result my life is made up of tasks to be wiped off, his is more of a spaghetti tangle. (I am not being unfair; he says this about himself).

Yet by far my favourite thing about the room is the French windows; they lead to a wrought iron balcony with pots on. It's not the best view in the world--there are many rooftops involved, but it looks out over our back yard, so it has a certain charm. And inevitably the patio is like my office: full to bursting.

Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoy these excerpts from my new novel, THE TWO WEEK WAIT. In other great news--my publisher is offering 10 copies for me to give away--so if you'd like to enter the random drawing to win one of ten copies, write to me via sarah.rayner1@btopenworld.com I look forward to reading your emails. You can also visit my website at www.thecreativepumpkin.com

Best,

Sarah Rayner
Email: sarah.rayner1@btopenworld.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

 

Dear Reader Column 12-14-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I can see from reading your emails, I'm not the only person who lingers in the tissue aisle. Maybe instead of a holiday cookie exchange, we should do a holiday tissue exchange? Thanks for taking the time to write. Reading your emails is the best part of my day. You can still enter my tissue giveaway. Send an email to: Suzanne@EmailBookclub.com

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne, Do you have Trader Joe's? They have the best box of tissues. There is a message on each side, "I'm there when you are sad, love tissue." "I'm there when you need to pick up icky thing. kindly, tissue." "I'm there when you're sick. feel better, tissue." "I'm there when you run out of toilet paper. you're welcome, tissue." On the top it says "Please don't leave me in your pocket when you do the laundry!" If you can't get them, let me know and I'll send you a box."--Sincerely, Darcy G.

"Suzanne, I thought I was the only one who hunted for the perfect tissue boxes for my bathroom, bedroom, my van, and my church library! I lean toward the square boxes, even though they are a little pricier per tissue, (Wait till they are on sale BOGO) I think they look cute and don't take up so much room. BUT, finding the right colors is tricky, especially for my van. As you said, it represents ME!

Ahhh we must be sisters or at least cousins. Thanks for a good laugh."--Beth

Congratulations to. . .

Eileen Hoheisel, the winner of the Holiday Spice Organizer Giveaway, and Christine Sands, who won the Children's Audio Book Giveaway.

Next week I'll be giving away more strange and fun things, so be sure to check your daily email.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Meet authors, win free books and more at this week's Authorbuzz. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 12-13-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I'm a thrifty shopper, except when it comes to buying a box of tissue. Price isn't my number one concern, or how sturdy the tissue is--whether it takes one or two tissues to do the job. No, no, no...what's important is the shape and design of the box.

I get excited when tissue is on my grocery list. Rounding the corner from the cat food aisle, heading down paper goods, past the wax paper--there they are on the right-hand side of aisle, box-after-box, each wrapped in a different design. And now my dilemma begins; which design would look best in my bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and office?

"Just pick one, any one, Suzanne," my husband enjoys going to the market, except when he has to drag me out of the tissue aisle. But his loving, frustrated, encouraging words don't speed things up. When I'm in the tissue aisle the inner Suzanne is released. It's my own personal therapy session. "Look at the box, Suzanne. How does the box make you feel? What does the tissue look like? A tree, a flower? Your dead aunt?"

When someone looks at one of the boxes of tissue on display in my house, what does that box say about me? If they really knew the backstory about how I choose which tissue to buy, they might think the boxes say, "She's crazy!"

Unfortunately for my husband, the last time we went to the market, his embarrassment didn't end in the tissue aisle. I couldn't contain myself when the friendly cashier asked, "Did you find everything you need today?"

"No, I didn't find the perfect box of tissue for my bathroom. Nothing on your shelf 'goes-with' my antique bathroom design. Is everything out on the shelves, or might there be some unopened boxes in the back that I could peruse?"

* If you're looking for the perfect box of tissue, be sure to enter my Box of Tissue drawing today. Send an email to: Suzanne@EmailBookclub.com and you're entered.

I'll pick a winner in the next two days and Santa will deliver your box of tissue before Christmas.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Fun, free books and meet authors. Ask questions, they'll reply and read samples from their books. Visit AuthorBuzz at: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

(Thriller)
CHILDREN OF THE FOG by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

(Science Fiction)
PROPHETS OF THE GHOST ANTS by Clark Thomas Carlton

(Fiction-Humor)
A DRABBLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TALE by Kevin Fagan

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 12-12-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I'm not as tough as I used to be and sometimes it makes me feel like a failure--like I'm settling for less. I've always prided myself in being strong. People admire you, "Look at her, nothing fazes her."

Being tough was something I learned from my mother. My father was an alcoholic and even though my mother was a woman who struggled with her self-esteem, somewhere along the way she latched onto how to be strong, how to be tough. She never talked about it, but I knew from watching her, that my mother felt she could always find a way to do what needed to be done. And she did. But being tough, it took everything my mother had, and unfortunately it left her with nothing to give back, except a daily lesson about how to be tough.

I used to be angry, where was my mother's softer side? Why were the words, "I love you," and "I'm proud of you," so difficult for her to say. But then, when I thought about the day-to-day things that happened in our family when I was growing up, I realized there wasn't any room for her to let down. You can't be soft when you're struggling to survive.

Having a sense, that I will be okay, that I can make it through no matter how bad things might get--I have my mother to thank for that gift. And through the years I've come to realize that it really was a gift. Love comes in many forms. Sometimes it's disguised, looking rough around the edges, but being tough was the skill that got my mother through her life and she wanted to make sure that I made it through, too. She did indeed love me and she passed along the best she had to give. And I thank her.

I'm not angry any more, because now I understand. I've taken my mother's gift and softened it, which means I'm not as tough as I used to be, and it feels pretty good. I wish my mother would have had a chance to feel it, too.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: (Fiction-Humor) A DRABBLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TALE by Kevin Fagan

The Drabble's celebrate family life with humor and an innocence of days gone by. This hilarious holiday story is fun reading for the entire family. Come join the millions of other Drabble fans and see what everyone else is laughing about.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on A DRABBLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TALE to read more and to email author Kevin Fagan, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-11-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

One of the greatest gifts I received when I was writing my book Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life was from authors who were friends of mine. Writing a book was so different from writing a daily column, and when I was confused, or felt overwhelmed there was a list of authors who were cheering me on and ready to take my call if I had a question.

Today's guest columnist, Ruth Parrish Watson, was blessed with the "gift," too, when she was writing her new book, Blackberry Days of Summer.

Ms. Watson is waiting to answer your mail, you can reach her at: www.ruthpwatson.com

Dear Reader,

"Oh, I can't wait to finish my book!" I used to say. And, really I did mean it. I wrote query letter after query letter to find an agent. Afterwards, I spent the next six months transforming and editing my mini masterpiece into a readable novel. But the work wasn't done. Soon, my agent found a willing publisher, and I mean willing, since almost everybody rejected my manuscript. Marked up copies started arriving via email requesting I make additional changes. Finally, for the very last time, it was done.

I began biting my nails and pacing the floor, nerves rattling about my release date. My insecurities spawned. I was snacking too much, and my memory of the Weight Watchers online program I was doing was vague. I was packing it on--the pounds that is. But to the rescue, on Facebook, I found Barbara Bretton, a bestselling author, and she was not stuck up or too above the plight of a novice like me, even though she'd written more books than I could read in two years. She assured me things would be alright. She was on point, everything started to make sense and fall in place.

I hope you realize, writing a book is a very intense process. Once your novel is offered to the reader, it is even more difficult for a new author to get the word out about it. Most of it is because very little budget has been allocated by the publisher for publicity. I am a novice. Therefore, it leaves me as an author to create a new career for myself, one I never planned on doing. Now, I am a PR agent for Blackberry Days of Summer, an awesome job since I can experience firsthand the outcome of my efforts. I find myself sending off press releases and making cold calls. A lot of the calls are to the wrong contact at a newspaper, radio, or television station. But of course, the ones you make contact with can be the best part of the day. Seeing or hearing the media rave about my book is a big accomplishment. I have finally gotten the attention of an editor, who took a chance on an unknown. Well, truthfully, several local stations said yes, and a few in other states said the same.

My advice to all novice writers is to believe in yourself, and do all you can to promote your own creation. And, if things seem vague as they will, it is always a blessing to have a bestselling author, like Barbara Bretton to point you in the right direction. I'm so grateful, because Barbara has been the catalyst to fuel Blackberry to the next level!

Ruth Watson

Ruth Parrish Watson has written for Upscale Magazine, and The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. She has a master's degree in business and has worked as an adjunct professor. She is the recipient of a Caversham Writers Fellowship in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, and a finalist in the Writers Digest Mainstream Fiction Contest. She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband and son.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: PROPHETS OF THE GHOST ANTS (Science Fiction) by Clark Thomas Carlton

A science-fantasy novel set millions of years in the future when the human race has evolved to the size of insects and lives intertwined with their world. The novel was named a "Best of 2011" by Kirkus Reviews and is in development as a film trilogy.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on PROPHETS OF THE GHOST ANTS to find out more about the book and the author, Clark Thomas Carlton. Send him an email, he'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 12-10-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

To my surprise when I picked up my five-year-old grandson after school, he started reading a book out loud in the back seat of the car. I was stunned. Of course I realized he would learn to read, but when I was in kindergarten we were playing with kitchen sets and learning about colors, not learning to read.

"What's this word Grandma? It's spelled p-a-r-k."

I read a lot to my grandkids and what a treat, now five-year-old Paul can read to me. Last week, my son took Paul and his brother James to the library and they each got their own library card. The boys were proud to have their own library cards, and were so proud to show me the books they'd checked out using their very own cards.

To see a photo of two smiling boys, proudly holding their new library cards, photos of recent books club winners and to enter my Children's Audio Book Giveaway, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/winners-12-08-12.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: CHILDREN OF THE FOG (Thriller) by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

What would you do if you were given a choice to let a kidnapper take your child--or watch your son die? That's the ultimatum Sadie O'Connell is given in CHILDREN OF THE FOG. Journey with Sadie as she searches for Sam and finds infinite redemption along the way.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on CHILDREN OF THE FOG to read more and to email author Cheryl Kaye Tardif, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-07-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

It's the time of year for gift giving and today I'm giving away a spice rack, just like the one I use to organize my cupboard. To enter the giveaway, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3TSpice

Visit AuthorBuzz at: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Authors are giving away signed copies, or free downloads of their books and they're waiting to talk to you. Send an email and enter their drawings.

Reading your mail is the best part of my day. Thank you for writing, and thank you for the holiday cards I've received in the mail.

From my Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne: I have long wanted to write to you and say 'Thank You.' Through your online book club, I have been introduced to so many wonderful books that I would never have found on my own. Never, ever, ever. So thank you.

And if an author has written more than one book, then you just have to read everything that author has written. And it goes on and on, reading and reading and reading. Oh, what joy!

I think that you're the book fairy godmother, waving your wand and in its silvery trail are books and more books. And for a life long reader, that is magic indeed.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and Happy Holidays,"--Sue Kayser

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free copy of two teen novels: THE FRIDAY SOCIETY by Adrienne Kress; and TEMPESTUOUS by Amy Helmes and Kim Askew. For a chance to win free copies, say hello to the authors, and more, see www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

AUTHORBUZZ: ASK FOR IT (Fiction) by Sylvia Day

England, 1770. Beneath the silk and lace of London society lies a secret, elite organization of spies. Protecting the Crown from its enemies is hazardous; but for Marcus Ashford, protecting his heart from an unyielding passion is the far greater peril...

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on ASK FOR IT to read more and to email author Sylvia Day, you'll get a reply.

 

Dear Reader Column 12-06-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

An obsession took over after I watched a redecorating show. I became obsessed with little white dots in my bathroom. The little white dots have been there for a couple of years, pin-sized places where the wallpaper has been scraped off, probably by my fingernails when I reached for a towel. Most of the blemishes in the wallpaper are covered up by towels hanging down on the rack, but after watching the show--now those 12 spots that aren't covered up are driving me crazy. (Yes, I counted them.)

I called the wallpaper company to see how much it would cost to cover up the little white dots, but the wallpaper man wasn't interested in covering up white dots--unless it meant re-papering my entire bathroom. So on to plan B, the creative, do-it-myself solution. The pattern in my wallpaper has little black "whatevers" scattered throughout the printed background. I figured no one would notice if I filled in the little white spots with the tip of a black marker--and no one has. And the even better news is I'm no longer obsessed with the little white spots on my wallpaper, instead I've become obsessed with the little white spots on my arm.

When I was dabbing the spots with the marker, I looked down at my arm and noticed little white spots--places where the normal color of my skin had lightened. The marker worked great on the wallpaper, could I implement a similar do-it-myself project to get rid of the white spots on my arms? Off to the art store, where they advertise "We'll match any color you need for your project."

"What kind of project are you working on?" the salesperson inquired.

"Self portrait," I replied.

"What kind of painting do you do?"

"I'm a connect-the-dot kind of painter. See these white spots on my arm...?"

* There's still time to enter my Holiday Spice Organizer giveaway, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3TSpice

** Congratulations to the winners of last week's Guest Columnist, Erica Bauermeister's new book The Lost Art of Mixing: Joni Colver, Heather Mays, Gina Jiron, Joyce Rife, Paula Southwood, Liz Parke, Sueann Walter, Edith Young, Dorie and Melissa Pennell.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: SILENT MERCY (Thriller) by Lori Armstrong

Ever had your best laid plans interrupted? After returning from training at Quantico, newly minted FBI agent and ex-Army sniper Mercy Gunderson stirs up trouble with Sheriff Dawson--but their rendezvous is disrupted by a disturbing cry for help.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on SILENT MERCY to find out more about the book and the author, Lori Armstrong. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

*Fun, free books and meet authors. Ask questions, they'll reply and read samples from their books. Visit AuthorBuzz at: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

(Fiction)
LULU by Nancy Friday

(Thriller)
SURVIVING CURTIS HALL: The Lure of Blood by L.A.Matthies

(Fiction-Humor)
A DRABBLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TALE by Kevin Fagan

(Thriller)
SILENT MERCY by Lori Armstrong

(Fiction)
ASK FOR IT by Sylvia Day

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 12-05-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I love it when my husband's brother, Jim, comes to visit, because he always cooks with me, and he never fails to find something I need in my kitchen. Every year, a few days after my brother-in-law leaves from his Thanksgiving visit, a package arrives in the mail. Inside are the "can't-do-without-somethings" that my brother-in-law has decided my kitchen needs. And he's been right every time. Because every single year, when I open the surprise package, I instantly think, 'How come I didn't buy this for myself years ago?'

This year's "gotta-have-in-your-kitchen" gadget from Jim was an emergency order. When he opened the cupboard door where I store my spices, he gasped, "Suzanne, how can a cook like you, rummage through this cupboard?" Immediately, he went over to the computer and placed an Amazon order. Two days later the "organize your spices" 3-tier shelves showed up at my door. And following in tradition, when I opened the box, I did indeed wonder, "How come I didn't buy these years ago?"

I am amazed at the difference the 3-tier shelves make in my cupboard and you will be, too. To see a before and after photo, and to enter my Holiday Spice Organizer Giveaway, go to: http://tinyurl.com/3TSpice

This is a busy time of year, but be sure to tune-in and look for my Holiday Giveaways.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free copy of two teen novels: THE FRIDAY SOCIETY by Adrienne Kress; and TEMPESTUOUS by Amy Helmes and Kim Askew. For a chance to win free copies, say hello to the authors, and more, see www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

AUTHORBUZZ: A DRABBLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TALE (Fiction-Humor) by Kevin Fagan

The Drabble's celebrate family life with humor and an innocence of days gone by. This hilarious holiday story is fun reading for the entire family. Come join the millions of other Drabble fans and see what everyone else is laughing about.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on A DRABBLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TALE to read more and to email author Kevin Fagan, you'll get a reply.

 

Dear Reader Column 12-04-12

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I had a good cry yesterday. The holidays are a fun and magical time, but they're also filled with memories. Family and friends who aren't with me any longer and friends who are fighting cancer right now, these thoughts are all mixed in with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head.

I guess I'm mentioning this because yesterday when I interacted with an obviously very angry man in the aisle of the supermarket, at first I was feeling pretty upset with the guy, even caught myself thinking, 'What's his problem? Why is he being such a nasty person, especially around the holidays?'

But then I reminded myself that life is complicated, especially this time of year. Life goes on like any other day, people lose their jobs, families are split apart, folks are feeling lonely because this is the first Christmas since their spouse passed away, and others are worried their parents might not be around to celebrate next year.

I had a good cry yesterday--and now I feel much better. I sure hope the man I met in the supermarket gives himself that gift, too.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: SURVIVING CURTIS HALL: The Lure of Blood (Thriller) by L.A.Matthies

Attempting to avoid the violence at Hibernia High, Tristen and his friends transfer on a sports scholarship to the elite Curtis Hall boarding school. Hometown lacrosse heroes, the boys are tested as they attempt to assimilate into a student body where excelling is the norm. Events spiral out of control and danger threatens not only to sever the bonds of friendship, but take their lives as well.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on SURVIVING CURTIS HALL to find out more about the book and the author, L.A.Matthies. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.