Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 12-17-14

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

Dear Reader,

This year I want to be one of the guests at my own holiday party. Company's coming for Christmas. Relatives are flying and driving to Sarasota (where I live) and they're all staying for a week, in hotels--thank heavens--because I live in a small two bedroom historical home.

I love entertaining, especially when it brings our family together, but this year I'm doing something a little different. I realize if I'm constantly organizing and cleaning up, or fussing over a big meal every day, I'll be missing out on creating memories with my family. So I've printed out "what-to-do-in-Sarasota" sheets, where to go, is it free, or is there an admission price and directions for how to get there. The sheets are hung by the chimney with care, and my kitchen menus are posted beside them, letting folks know which meals I'm cooking, and the rest--they're on their own.

I'll leave cold cuts and pans of homemade lasagna in the fridge and two Crock Pots filled with pulled pork sitting on the counter. My guests can open up Grandma Hale's old, silver cake keeper and take a dark chocolate cupcake, or Christmas cookie. And of course there will be a handy stack of paper plates, cups and napkins nearby.

My relatives have never expected me to wait on them, but I enjoy serving folks. Years ago I owned a restaurant, and one of the things I loved about it was having the opportunity to serve people, and make them feel special.

But this year I'll make my family feel special by just being me.

* Congratulations to the winners of The Bishop's Wife, by Guest Columnist Mette Ivie Harrison: Martha P., Susan G., Heidi Z., Peggy T. and Pat H.

And the lucky winners of The American Plate, by Guest Columnist Libby O'Connell are: Sheryl H.; Nancy H. R. and Rita P.

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

May you have a joyous holiday,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: SHOW ME, BABY (Fiction) by Cherise Sinclair

To me, our world's shining beacons are women who have overcome suffering and gone on to live outstanding lives. I love writing about heroines who are dealing with the past and learning to live in the present. Show Me, Baby is the story of Rainie, who has fought her way out of the slums, and finds her reward with Master Jake.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on SHOW ME, BABY to read more and to email author Cherise Sinclair, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-16-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Today's guest author's love of fantasy began with a trip through a magical wardrobe, and she has never looked back. C.E. Laureano is happiest when her day involves martial arts, swords, and a well-choreographed fight scene, though the existence of her romance-writing alter ego, Carla Laureano, is proof of a softer side as well. She is the author of Oath of the Brotherhood, Book One of the Song of Seare trilogy, as well as Five Days in Skye. Carla lives in Denver, Colorado with her patient husband, two rambunctious sons, and a menagerie of small pets.

Carla loves to hear from readers, and she will reply. Please do email her holiday greetings, and when you do, you'll also be entered in her book giveaway. She has 10 copies of Oath of the Brotherhood to give away to book club readers. Email: connect@celaureano.com

Happy Holidays, Carla. Take it away...

I'm the last person you'd expect to go all introspective. I'm the high-energy, type-A sort who thrives on being busy--hence the fact I write multiple books a year across two genres. Maybe it's the season's festivities or maybe it's the fact that I do my planning for the new year in November, but lately I've found myself doing some unexpected soul-searching.

It really hit me when we pulled out the Christmas decorations. We typically have to rearrange furniture to make room for the tree, and we're planning on redecorating our living room in January. What better time to make some permanent changes? Bookshelves and a comfy chair went into my upstairs office. Already-read novels were sent to my mom to enjoy. Paperwork got scanned and shredded. But when the rearranging was finished, I was still left with boxes full of stuff: books, papers, craft supplies. Stuff that no longer served a purpose. Stuff I've been carrying around for years through moves, redecorating, and rearranging. Stuff that is taking up both physical space and mental energy.

And I realized, I don't need any of it.

I've held onto all these things "just in case," out of the fear I might someday regret giving it away. Somewhere along the line, I forgot it existed. My life is perfectly fulfilling without it. But still it lurks, taking up valuable real estate, requiring energy to shuffle it around each year.

That realization led to an early resolution: to let go of the stuff. Not just the physical stuff that stresses me out, but the mental stuff as well. The endless obligations that really don't hold much importance. The fears, conflicts, and regrets. The unreasonable expectations of myself and others. And just like I made space in our home to celebrate our favorite holiday, I'm making room for the important things. Loving my family. Embracing the work I'm blessed to be given. Helping those who truly need it.

My wish for you is that you can do the same, whether it's letting go of physical things that are weighing you down or making room in your life for love, family, and forgiveness. Because even at the beginning of this journey, I know the less "stuff" I carry around with me, the more I will have in the end.

--C.E. Laureano

Email to say hello and be entered in the drawing:  connect@celaureano.com

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

May you have a joyous holiday,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: CARESS OF DARKNESS (Fiction) by Julie Kenner

What if you knew your soulmate was out there...?

That particular "what if" spurred my new Dark Pleasures series, which features strong, sensual, immortal heroes. In "Caress of Darkness," the launch novella, Rainer Engel lost his mate in a battle centuries ago. But when he meets Callie Sinclair, the vibrant connection he feels convinces him that within this modern woman is the essence of the mate that he has mourned. Now, he only has to convince her...

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on CARESS OF DARKNESS to read more and to email author Julie Kenner, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-15-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Teenage grandchildren, friends who have everything they need, and any male over 14, what to get these folks for Christmas--it's a challenge every holiday. So for the past couple of years I've relied on gift cards. But not this year, because I realize that gift cards have stolen some of the magic of Christmas for me.

Part of the joy of giving gifts is finding something special. It's fun to shop for gifts, as long as I don't put a lot of pressure on myself. I know there isn't any guarantee that my twenty-year-old granddaughter will love the gift I picked out for her this year. But if she doesn't, she can return it to the store, or better yet, re-gift it back to me. Because I gave her something that I would love to have (of course I think she will, too), so it was difficult for me to wrap it and put it in the mail. I had second thoughts about keeping it myself.

But yesterday when I was shopping for my 16-year-old grandson, the gift card display I walked by looked pretty tempting, because, I realized I had no idea what to get him. I know he likes to play video games, but since he doesn't live nearby, I don't have any idea what games he already owns, and if I have to call and ask what he wants, that kind of ruins the surprise, which means I might as well get him a gift card.

But I'm determined to find him a gift. If you have any suggestions, send them my way.

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

Happy Christmas,
Hanukkah Sameach,
Merry New Year,
(I've always been a bit unconventional.),
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: BLACK WIDOW (Fiction) by Jennifer Estep

When a cunning enemy starts targeting her friends, Gin Blanco, the assassin known as the Spider, will do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones from a ruthless acid elemental. You can read more about Gin the latest book in my Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on BLACK WIDOW to read more and to email author Jennifer Estep, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-12-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

I buy my grandchildren gifts that I never, ever would have bought for my kids when they were young. If it beeped, squeaked, whistled, played music, or cried and said "Mama," Santa had run out of those toys by the time he slid down our chimney. Only quiet toys showed up under our tree.

But now that I'm a grandmother, if my grandkids put a noisy, obnoxious toy at the top of their Christmas list, I can fulfill their dreams knowing the noisy toy will go home with them. It's one of the luxuries of being a grandmother. That was the plan when I bought my grandson a "just because gift" that whistled, loudly popped and sounded like a race car when soft colored balls flew through the air. My grandson loved it, and when it was time to go home and I packed up the noisy toy, he announced, "Oh Grandma, I don't think I should take this home. I want to leave it here so it doesn't get broken."

"Oh really?"

My grandson continued with the logic that if he took the toy home, for sure his brother or sister would break it, but Grandma would keep it safe. And, you'd think so, wouldn't you? But Dani, a reader at the book club, has given me permission to not feel guilty if somehow that whistling, popping, race car sounding toy has mysteriously disappeared when my grandson returns.

Dani writes...

"I know this is going to sound awful, but I was a lead teacher for a 4th-6th grade class at a glorified daycare center for six years (that's not the awful part). Many times, the kids would be hooked on an annoying song, such as the 'Cha Cha Slide' or one of the many Disney movie songs. I had to hear these songs 50-60 times a day. When I couldn't take it anymore, I would go buy a pack of the custodian's favorite cigarettes and sit it on top of the CD when I left for the night. In the morning, the CD would be gone and I could honestly tell the kids I didn't know where it was when they asked. (I'm horrible, I know.) I have to laugh about it now."--Dani

I'm laughing too, Dani.

**The winner of the Pajama Party Giveaway is: Karrol S. Thanks to everyone who sent pajama memories.

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

Happy Christmas,
Hanukkah Sameach,
Merry New Year,
(I've always been a bit unconventional.),
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

Dear Reader Column 12-11-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Laughing, tearing up a little bit remembering my own pajama stories, I've enjoyed reading each and every PJ memory email you've sent my way. Tomorrow I will be announcing the Pajama Party Giveaway winner.

Today, I'm sharing some reader "Pajama Memories"...

"My most memorable PJ experience actually spanned two years. My Aunt Cele (bless her soul) bought me the first pair of very 'Olympic"-looking knit pj's one Christmas. They were a deep, dark red, knit, pull-over top, V neck, with thick navy blue and white stripes on the v-neck, ankles, and cuffs. I thought they were the ugliest pajamas I'd ever seen, but I kept my feelings within (good Catholic schoolgirl that I was back then) and thanked Aunt Cele profusely. I forget whether it was for my next birthday or the following Christmas, but guess what Aunt Cele gave me...again? Yep, my second identical (except for size) pair of 'ugly' pajamas.

I can't remember any other pajamas from my youth--not even 'favorites.' But those pjs, I'll NEVER forget!"--Alice

"Suzanne, I had nearly forgotten that my husband proposed on Christmas Eve, using the ruse of my gift--a pair of the most hideous footsie PJ's. When he came over, I had a beautiful fire going, eggnog, and snacks. I was sure this was going to be the night. A huge, sloppily wrapped box contained this pair of ugly PJ's, complete with a bunny tail pompom on the butt. He was so proud of his selection, describing the search for the perfect PJ's in great detail, while I had fleeting thoughts of throwing them in the fire! Try them on, he suggested, to check the fit--and I thought this might just show him what a dumb idea it was when he saw how ridiculous I looked. The laugh was on me, however, when he said to check the pocket for a little candy cane snack in the pocket--and tied to it was a diamond ring. I rarely tell the story, but it was indicative of my husband's sense of humor that has served him well for 37 years."--Vicki

"The first Christmas after my husband and I were married, we celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas morning at his parents' house. All the family slept over, and everyone received coordinating jammies on Christmas Eve. What a sight we were on Christmas morning, a houseful of adults (and one teen), all camped around the Christmas tree in our pajamas and opening our gifts from Santa! We continue a similar tradition with our children, remembering my mother-in-law who passed away. Oh, and we always eat French Fries on Christmas morning!" (But that's another story)" --LeeAnn

"You made me think of something I hadn't thought about in ages. Thank you! We lived in an apartment building and my grandmother and great-grandmother lived above us so they would come down every Christmas Eve with their presents. My grandmother always bought me a new nightgown and slippers and my great-grandmother bought pjs and slippers for my younger brother. These were to be worn on New Year's Eve when we would spend the night with them. They would throw a little party for us because my parents would be out partying with their friends. It was always so festive and we looked so festive as both my grandmother and great-grandmother would have on new nightgowns too. Thanks for the memory!"--Deborah

Be sure to tune in tomorrow, I'll announce the pajama winner.

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

Happy Christmas,
Hanukkah Sameach,
Merry New Year,
(I've always been a bit unconventional.),
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Mystery)
THE IRIS FAN by Laura Joh Rowland

(Fiction)
THE BRACELET by Dorothy Love

(Fiction)
THE WISHING SEASON by Denise Hunter

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 12-10-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Buzz, buzz--there's a lot of book buzz about the soon-to-be-released novel, The Magician's Lie. (January 13, 2015.) And today, we're fortunate to have the author, Greer Macallister as our guest columnist.

Raised in the Midwest, Greer Macallister is a poet, short story writer, playwright, and novelist whose work has appeared in publications such as The North American Review, The Missouri Review, and The Messenger. Her plays have been performed at American University, where she earned her MFA in creative writing. She lives with her family in Brooklyn.

Greer would love to hear from you. Drop her a line, welcome her to the book club and you'll be entered in a drawing. She has three copies of The Magician's Lie waiting for book club readers.

Email: greer.macallister@gmail.com

Take it away, Greer Macallister...

On Believing the Impossible

I once saw Ricky Jay fling a playing card across the room--and it landed, stuck, in the rind of a watermelon.

Now, did I really see that? I couldn't have. It couldn't have happened.

(I can barely pierce a watermelon with a kitchen knife, let alone an ordinary playing card, no matter how close I'm standing. You?)

But the card in the watermelon, that was what I thought I saw--what he wanted me to see. I was okay with that. Any time you watch a magic show, you're signing on to be fooled. You go in there knowing you're going to see illusions, lies and tricks. To witness the impossible.

In a way, magic shows have mostly been replaced in our era by movies and TV. In those media, we also know what we're watching is somehow false. There are no blue alien creatures called Na'vi living on a moon called Pandora. Julia Roberts is not actually a prostitute named Vivian swept off her feet by lonely businessman Richard Gere. Cowboy and astronaut toys don't come alive at night and zoom around having adventures. Movies aren't real. TV isn't real--not even "reality" TV. Magic isn't real.

And yet, we want to believe.

Fiction is also unreal, of course, but in a different way. When you're reading a book, you're taking the words off the page to build the world inside your own mind. With stage magic, the world is there in front of you, and you're confronted with what your eyes see. What you think they see. There's a dissonance there, an inherent shock: what I'm seeing isn't real. But it looks real. It must be. But it can't be.

Which I think is why magic is still pertinent, even though it isn't a big part of our entertainment landscape in the modern-day U.S. There is something special in that relationship between the magician and the audience. There is something special in knowing what we're seeing isn't real, but not being able to immediately figure out the alternative explanation. There is something special in believing, even if only for a moment, the impossible.

In that moment, there is true magic.

--Greer Macallister

Say hello, I'm waiting to reply. Email: greer.macallister@gmail.com

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

Happy Christmas,
Hanukkah Sameach,
Merry New Year,
(I've always been a bit unconventional.),
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE WISHING SEASON (Fiction) by Denise Hunter

Have you ever been poised on the brink of a dream, only to find someone standing in the way? In The Wishing Season an eccentric resident puts her ancestral home up for grabs, and PJ McKinley realizes that her dream of opening a Bed and Breakfast may become a reality. But a swoonworthy contractor with a heart of gold soon stands in the way of her dream.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE WISHING SEASON to read more and to email author Denise Hunter, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-09-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Do it today. It's the last day to enter the PJ Giveaway. I'm going to shop for PJ's for one lucky reader. To enter the Pajama Party Giveaway, email and tell me about your PJ traditions now, or when you were a kid. It's as simple as that, and you're entered in the giveaway. Email: Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com

Pajama memories from readers...

"Hi Suzanne, I don't know that this qualifies as a tradition, but one year New Year's Day fell on a Sunday. Our church decided we would all wear pajamas and our robes to church that morning. They wanted everyone to attend and thought this would be a novel way to get us to 'come as you are.' (Of course we did get some instructions about keeping it tasteful.) So I sang in the band at the front of the church, wearing my blue and white fluffy robe and pj's with big snowflakes all over them. We had a fairly full house with most folks wearing pj's and robes. Guests were a bit confused but we explained and made them feel welcome."--Diane

"PJ's are the best! I have a wonderful group of girlfriends and every time we have a 'girls night in' we wear our PJs. We have wine and snacks in the warm cozy comfort of our PJs and we just spend time together. Sometimes we chat, sometimes we do Karaoke on an old gaming system, sometimes we watch SNL reruns. One time we actually watched a Mission Impossible movie with the sound off and all participated in commenting and creating dialog in the style of 'Mystery Science Theater 2000.' Thanks for sharing your PJ story and letting me share mine! Best wishes and Happy Holidays,"--Jennifer

"I love your PJ pictures! I am a pajama person, especially at Christmas! I too grew up getting Christmas pj's every year, and it is one of my fondest memories. Every year I still look for special Christmas pajamas. I like gowns, footies, anything with cute Christmas material. I enjoy reading your column every day. Thanks for all the recipes, pictures, and stories. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!"--Jane

"Post-pregnancy a few years ago, I couldn't fit into much and had to buy some new pieces for my wardrobe. My favorite purchase was a red plaid flannel set of pajamas. They were incredibly comfortable--and comforting to me. Even after I lost weight, I continued to wear them with the waistband folded over several times in an attempt to make the pants stay put. My husband thought I was nuts, but I loved them too much to give away. I don't have them anymore, but I miss them. Thanks for allowing me to share!"--Erika

"[Your column] really stirred up a ton of memories. I too always received new PJ's for Christmas. But the most memorable was the year I had asked for moccasins, thinking of the real ones that I could wear all the time. I wanted these so badly, as only a nine year old can! One evening, while everyone was occupied away from the tree, I quietly opened the shoe box shaped package with my name on it. I found moccasins, but they were white bedroom slippers! I was so disappointed, but because I was sneaking a peek, I couldn't say anything and really dreaded Christmas morning. I tried real hard to act surprised and happy. And because of the disappointment, I have never, ever peeked ahead of time since!"--Sharon

Enter the Pajama Party Giveaway, email: Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE BRACELET (Fiction) by Dorothy Love

The best writing advice I ever received was to write books I'd love to read. For me the perfect novel combines mystery, romance, and an atmospheric setting brimming with rich history. Inspired by actual events in one of Savannah's most prominent antebellum families, The Bracelet is packed with family secrets and a love story sure to warm your heart.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE BRACELET to read more and to email author Dorothy Love, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-08-14

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

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

Dear Reader,

Thanks for writing my column today. I appreciate your emails.

Notes from readers...

If you missed the "Thank you very kindly column," go to:
http://dearreader.typepad.com/dear/2014/12/dear-reader-column-12-04-14.html

If you'd like to enter the PJ giveaway and read the column, go to:
http://dearreader.typepad.com/dear/2014/12/dear-reader-column-12-05-14.html

"Good Morning Suzanne, I just had to write this morning to cheer you on with your 'Thank you very kindly' (from last Thursday's column). I work in Newark, NJ and believe me there is not ENOUGH of that around.

Kindness exists in many folks, but for some reason they don't let it out--not in public at least. We need some of that small town in these big urban towns. My hat is off to you and being who you are. I have this over my desk--as a constant reminder: 'I believe we need to restore the ancient art of gentleness--starting with ourselves.'

Have a great day and put some extra bubbles in that machine. Keep on truckin."--D.M.

"Suzanne, you are the best. Blessings to you! By the way, you have helped me to be a better 'Nannan' to my grandson. He now knows how to bake a killer apple pie, all thanks to you and your grandson, Paul."--Priscilla from Texas

"Hi Suzanne, I was thrilled to hear that you loved your pj present when you were a child. Pjs are a big part of our Christmas tradition too. I have three children and they are allowed to open one present each on Christmas Eve. They all know that it will be pjs but still get really excited opening them, and they have all started to hint already, 'Aren't they lovely jammies Mammy, so cozy looking.' They like to look nice for when Santa peeks in on them.

We love pajama parties too, sometimes when my husband is working away from home, the children and I take all our duvets downstairs and camp out in the sitting room, and have an evening of pizza and board games before falling asleep, all snuggled up together. Love getting your emails all the way over here in Ireland, keep spreading your sunshine."--All the best, Aoife

"Suzanne, we always received our PJ's on Christmas Eve, so we could wear them to bed and wake up in them. I still do that with my family now, even though both my daughters are grown we still get PJ's the night before. We open them all at the same time even if they can't make it home for the holidays, and then we have to put them on so we can watch a Christmas movie. I love flannel pj's and my husband even enjoys the pjs for Christmas. Thanks for the memories."--Peggy T.

Enter the pajama giveaway--Email and tell me about your PJ traditions now, or when you were a kid, and you'll be entered in the Pajama Party Giveaway. I can't wait to hear from you and hopefully to see you in your pjs!

Email me at: Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE IRIS FAN (Mystery) by Laura Joh Rowland

In the Japanese court in 1709, samurai detective Sano Ichiro has been demoted to a lowly patrol guard. Then the shogun is stabbed with a fan made of painted silk and sharp-pointed iron ribs. Sano, restored to the rank of chief investigator to find the culprit, becomes enmeshed in the most dangerous case of his life, amid warring forces that threaten not only his family but Japan itself.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE IRIS FAN to find out more about the book and the author, Laura Joh Rowland. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 12-05-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

When I was a kid, my friends thought getting pajamas for Christmas was boring, but not me. New pjs were the highlight of my Christmas bounty. It was the first package I'd look for under the tree. Actually, it was pretty easy to find...it was "shake-less." The quietest package under the tree, but the one that always delighted me the most.

I could always count on Grandma for pjs. They were never boring, but always a little too big in case they "shrunk" or I grew.

When a friend asked me the other day, "Suzanne, what's the best Christmas present you ever got?" There was no doubt in my mind--no runner up: My red and white jammies with the matching cap to keep me warm. To take a trip with me down memory lane and see me in my favorite pjs, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/pajamas.html

You're invited to an online Pajama Party at the book club!

Email me your pajama remembrances. For example: a few lines about your favorite pjs today, or ones you wore when you were a kid. What holiday pajama traditions does your family share? Are you a nightgown, button-up, or fancy pj person? Or maybe, the heck with pajamas, you wear an old T-shirt to bed. Send your thoughts about pjs, and if you can (but it's not necessary), please email a photo of you in your favorite pjs (now or when you were young), or even a photo of your pet in their pjs. Readers love to see photos and so do I.

Email and tell me about your PJ traditions now, or when you were a kid, and you'll be entered in the Pajama Party Giveaway. I can't wait to hear from you and hopefully to see you in your pjs!

Email me at: Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com

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

(I hope you get pjs for the holidays this year.)

Warmest Holiday Wishes,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: HARD TO COME by (Fiction) Laura Kaye

They're caught between desire and loyalty...With an amputee hero, a tough-as-nails heroine, explosive fight scenes, and a team you'll love to cheer on to the end, my new novel is a sexy, gritty, thrilling adventure.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on HARD TO COME to read more and to email author Laura Kaye, you'll get a reply.

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free copy of a holiday-perfect book for children: BABY SANTA AND THE GIFT OF GIVING by M. Maitland DeLand. For a chance to win, say hello to the authors and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 12-04-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Writing keeps me honest. Every day I hold up a mirror and force myself to look in it--sometimes I try to resist what I see.

It's not that I don't like myself, I do, very much. But some days I think the joke's on me. Maybe I'm the last one to get to know Suzanne. After writing a daily column for fourteen years you'd think I'd know the real me by now, but when I looked in the mirror today I realized I've become everything I set out not to be.

This small town girl wanted to be a big city girl, but in truth I'm a little bit sappy (rolling my eyes this very minute), a girl who likes to bake cookies and give them away, someone who likes to surround herself with memories of the past--even though she has to rewrite some of them. The girl who everyone thought was a loser, but look at her now; she's found a way to pay the bills.

This small town girl likes to wear an apron around the house and I wear one sometimes when I'm writing, too. My grandma used to wear two aprons, one was for cooking and one was for company. When a neighbor knocked on the door, Grandma would take off her cooking apron and the one underneath was neat and clean. One of my aprons is for writing and the one underneath is when I take a break to cook--when I'm looking for inspiration.

"Thank you very kindly," this small town girl uses that expression because I think it emphasizes what seems to be lacking in the world these days. I don't use it hoping other people will notice, it's there for me, so I don't get lost, so I don't forget who I want to be.

There's still a little girl inside of me who likes to carry a bubble machine down Main Street, like I did the other day, and I hope she never leaves. I move easily between two worlds. I know what's expected of me in the grown-up, get ahead world and I do what I need to do, so I don't look out of place. And then there's Suzanne's small town world and I like to share it with people whenever I get the chance.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: BLACK WIDOW (Fiction) by Jennifer Estep

When a cunning enemy starts targeting her friends, Gin Blanco, the assassin known as the Spider, will do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones from a ruthless acid elemental. You can read more about Gin in the latest book in my Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on BLACK WIDOW to read more and to email author Jennifer Estep, you'll get a reply.

With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

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THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK by Julie Klassen

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SCORCHED EGGS by Laura Childs

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BLACK WIDOW by Jennifer Estep

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HARD TO COME by Laura Kaye

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