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Meet Sydney Jones Giveaway

September 2020 – Featured Novel – Giveaway

The Sydney Jones Series, book 1, Primed for Revenge is available FREE from these booksellers through September 18th. Limited offer – Tap the link to read this gripping mystery today. https://books2read.com/u/bQKnMw

Book Blurb

Her success should be the pinnacle of her career. She never expected it to threaten her life…

Book Description

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was has put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for a crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision — never to be a victim again.

Buy Primed for Revenge to start the electrifying whodunnit today!

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Primed for Revenge Book Trailer

Primed for Revenge: Book 1 Sydney Jones Series

Exciting News!

The book trailer for Primed for Revenge, book 1 in the Sydney Jones is ready to be viewed. A special thank you to Morgan Wright and his team for their collaboration on making a stellar video.

The Sydney Jones Series (trilogy) is complete. You can read from book 1 through 3 without waiting for the next release. I hope you enjoy this mystery series. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

There’s always a fresh story brewing and you can be the first to review it and give feedback. If you’d like to become a beta reader for future books, please leave your contact information below. Thank you! Carolyn Bowen

Beta and Book Reviewers

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Catch the spirit of the island – Bajan style

NEW RELEASE IN MYSTERY SERIES

The featured setting in my latest release ONE, Sydney Jones Series, book 3 is Barbados. Ah, and what a beautiful scenic destination with beautiful people dedicated to keeping their culture alive.

In all my novels, food is important to the family and cultural exploration of the scenic vistas. The recipe below is one of Sydney’s son, David’s favorite dishes. He believes no one can cook it like a native, and he’s right!

Macaroni Pie – Bajan Recipe (Barbados.org)

  • 1/2-pound tubed macaroni
  • 4 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten

Bring salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Break the macaroni tubes into thirds and add to the boiling water. Cook uncovered until macaroni is tender but still firm.

Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

Drain the macaroni and return to the saucepan.

Add the onion, cheese, milk, ketchup, mustard, and egg. Add salt and pepper to taste. Herbs such as marjoram and thyme can also be added.

Pour into a greased dish and top with more grated cheese. Fine breadcrumbs can also be added as a topping.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Macaroni pie can be served as a side with fish, chicken, pork, stew… whatever you wish really.

Do you want to explore touristy destinations with mystery and political suspense hidden behind every dune, then the Sydney Jones Series (Trilogy) is your next read! The complete series is now available at Amazon in the box set. I can’t wait for your ah-ha moment!

Follow on Pinterest for my attempt on the dish’s native to the regions in the Sydney Jones Series! Warning, David, Sydney’s son has it right the natives serve it up best! Join the fun and post to my novel fan pages with cultural and/or scenic images that remind you of the book. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

Pinterest

Sydney Jones Series Book 3

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ONE: Now Available in Paperback!

Mystery Book-Lovers!

Exciting news! Today, the paperback version of ONE, Sydney Jones Series Book 3, is available at Amazon. The eBook is FREE for download with Unlimited. Read today and travel without moving your feet to a tropical paradise – Barbados. Scroll to the end of the post for the book trailer.

Tap the link below to order the paperback!

ONE – Sydney Jones Series Book 3 – Paperback

A Taste of Bajan Culture

As mentioned in a previous post, I enjoy learning about cultures especially in the regions that become settings in my novels. I found that food plays an important role in the world. As family and friends gather to celebrate important occasions, the local delicacies are abundant for the guests. 

In all my novels, food preparation and dining have been important elements for developing scenes and showcasing the setting, while character building. A fun and courageous feat for me!

Many of the scenes in my latest novel, ONE, are set in Barbados. So, of course, Bajan cooking found its way onto the pages. Here’s one of my favorite dessert dishes — Bajan Pineapple Pie. 

Bajan Pineapple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

1 – 14 ½ oz can of chunky pineapples

1 – 8 oz Cream Cheese

1 – Envelope Unflavored Gelatin

1 – 8-inch Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Directions

  • Drain pineapple chunks – keep syrup, add water if necessary, to make one cup.
  • Heat syrup and add gelatin, stir till dissolved – divide in half. Keep one half in the pot.
  • To the half in the pot, add cream cheese. Heat and stir until melted and smooth. Pour into graham cracker crust. Chill until firm.
  • Once firm, place pineapple chunks on top and pour the remainder of the warm ½ gelatin mixture over the pie to glaze. Chill and enjoy it!

A new book trailer for ONE is now ready to view. I hope you enjoy it! 

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ONE – New Release

ONE, Sydney Jones Series #3

I’m excited to announce the release today of my latest mystery-thriller, ONE, Sydney Jones Series, Book 3. Tap the link below to download and read FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

ONE Sydney Jones Series #3

Reviews for ONE from Advance Readers

ONE ~ 5 Stars

 “All the action and surprising twists and turns this story takes kept me turning the pages quickly hungering for more.” Chick Lit Café

ONE ~ 5 Stars

“This fast-moving thriller will hold your attention, as no one is really safe.” Theodocia McLean (Book Marketing Global Network)

ONE ~ 5 Stars

“This psychological thriller is an outstanding addition to the Sydney Jones Series and is sure to gratify any mystery lover’s thirst for a great read.” Amazon Reviewer

Here’s a little background info about my quirky writing life during the research and writing of this novel.

I began writing ONE immediately following the release of Chance, Book 2, in the Sydney Jones Series. I’d already begun plotting the new story and named it before beginning the manuscript. This is a mysterious phenomenon for me and hopefully, it will continue for future books. This knowing adds to the excitement of writing for I’m trying to understand why I chose the name while the story unfolds. If you’re an author, I’d like to know your decision-making process for naming your novel.

Getting in the mood…

Mentally I prepare to write by listening to the music from the settings in the novel before beginning my day. I research the favorite foods of the locale and prepare them to add flavor to my writing. I take on the persona of someone living the story sometimes including clothing and accessories, a fun activity for me.

You’ll find from reading my novels, I enjoy adventure and scenic locations. I hope that I’m able to give you a taste of the land in my writing and you’ll embrace the culture.

Travel is an important part of my writing process. At times, I sense a story is waiting at my destination. This is a great experience and I attempt to take in the sight, sounds, smell, and feel of cities and towns in my stories.

I hope you enjoy reading ONE and look forward to your comments and reviews. The Sydney Jones Series, book 1: Primed for Revenge, book 2: Chance, and book 3: ONE.

Stay safe and believe we’ll travel again! Carolyn Bowen

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Happy July 4th

Today is the 4th of July and many will be celebrating at home this year due to the COVID-19 virus. If you do go outside for fireworks displays or picnics in the park, please remember safe distancing and to wear your mask. Wishing you a fun and relaxing holiday weekend.

This has been a strange year and the unbelievable happenings continue postulating into our once predictable and steady lifestyles. These times will likely produce new horror fiction by creative authors from around the world.

Look to the sky for a holiday treat

A full moon referred to as a ‘Buck Moon’ occurs tonight after 11 p.m. EST along with a combo of a lunar eclipse. The night of the 4th and the morning of the 5th will make sky gazers happy.

Today’s Featured Mystery Read

The Long Road Home

Low country suspense about family and secrets. You can download and read FREE today from Amazon. Happy 4th of July! Carolyn

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New release: ONE (Sydney Jones Series #3)

Quote of the Day: “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

Paulo Coelho

ONE (Sydney Jones Series #3)

Exciting news! The latest Sydney Jones Mystery, ONE, eBook is now available for preorder at Amazon. ONE will be available for download on 7/28/2020. The paperback will be released on August 4th, 2020.

ONE Blurb/Description

Expect to be blown away by Carolyn Bowen’s newest thriller in the Sydney Jones Series — ONE.

Ace attorney Sydney returns in this gripping thriller that sends her into a chilling tailspin when enemies attack with vengeance. Will her desire for answers about her ex-military former lover be her undoing or will the hand of fate set her free to live and love again?

Book Description.

Sydney’s daredevil attitude for taking on legal cases most would run from catches her in a snare. Will she use common sense and leave the past behind or is it too late?

Walker the father of her son is dead. She had suspicions about his abandonment after the Rockstar Roxanne’s murder investigation was announced a suicide. Could his death be related to what she believed to be the CIA’s intervention?

A summer vacation with her son in Barbados was warranted. Enemies from her past were already scouting out the island for their next move. Was there no place she could have peace?

She makes new friends on the island. Godwin appears in Sydney’s life after booking a charter for her son’s first salt-water fishing trip. She has no idea how deep the friendship goes between the two, but her son appeared happier since arriving.

Reality sets in upon returning home to Atlanta. She’d made many enemies from her personal injury and human trafficking cases. Would her first day back at work be the day the assassin’s bullet hit its mark?

Her friend and confidant, Director Thomason of the GBI insisted she has a worst-case scenario plan for her son’s care. Would the plan be carried out in her absence? And, would her son inherit a perpetual target on his back? There were no options for protecting David, except the truth which could be as catastrophic as the world news.

This spellbinding new novel by the imaginative Carolyn Bowen will hold you in suspense until you turn the final page. Tap the link to “buy now” and dive deep into the electrifying action of this novel.

ATTN: Book bloggers, Amazon & Goodreads Reviewers

If you’re interested in reviewing ONE, Sydney Jones Series #3, please fill in the contact form here. An ARC will be emailed to you for your reading pleasure. Thank you! Carolyn Bowen

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Cross-Ties Now On Audible

Quote of the Day: “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” T.S. Eliot

These are some exciting times as we push forward into the summer months. And, like you, I’m dealing with the never-ceasing catastrophic events happening around and to us. I hope as a collective body we can successfully overcome the obstacles in our paths to excellence and move into a new normal with peace and joy.

Cross-Ties: Historical Romance

Today I want to talk about Cross-Ties, a historical romance about the immigration of the Landry family to the Americas. As in most all my novels, there’s a water theme, in this case, an ocean to cross albeit with pirates. This is a coming of age story that depicts the cultural separation of people. The rebel, lead character Leah, has her own mindset about who she chooses to love and embrace. Follow her journey, fraught with danger at every turn.

Follow Leah’s journey …

Order your book today! From ebook, paperback, hardcover, to now audible, your selection has been increased for your enjoyment. You can read FREE w/Unlimited and/or listen FREE w/ a trial subscription to Audible. http://mybook.to/crossties

Audible Giveaway

Follow my blog and be entered for a chance to WIN an audible from Audible.com. There are twenty (20) gifts available: Ten (10) EACH for the US and the UK. Subscribe now to learn more exciting news coming soon!

Thank you for following my blog posts. Stay safe and enjoy a relaxing weekend. Carolyn

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Learning to Love in Turbulent Times

  • June 2020

Quote of the Day: “Becoming conscious of what we’ve learned unconsciously (about love relationships) is a necessary step in getting control over our love lives.” Dr. Thomas Jordan

We are beginning a new month amidst a global pandemic never experienced in our lifetimes. This deadly virus has catapulted us into severe economic conditions when we were expecting growth and prosperity.

Adding to our mental overload is civil unrest from generations of pent-up grief turned to anger over righteous grievances. This painful reality resulted in the loss of and/or injuries to personal lives. The trail of destruction in our cities adds another blow to businesses trying to hang on until we reach a new normal. 

As a nation, we need a peaceful way to spearhead and process change. It’s time we came together and looked for answers to solve our problems. I believe the first step is looking at ourselves and our love relationships. Learn to Love: Guide to Healing Your Disappointing Love Life by Dr. Thomas Jordan resonated with me. 

Learn to love

This is my review for this timely book that I recently posted on Goodreads. I hope you’ll give it a chance to warm your heart and create an understanding that’ll help you live a love-centered fulfilling life.

Learn to Love: Guide to Healing Your Disappointing Love Life by Thomas Jordan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Learn to Love was an amazing find for learning about how to develop and maintain healthy love relationships. The content is informative and provides a well-structured guide for fleshing out problems and resolving them to become a better version of you in your love relationships.

Thomas Jordan Ph.D. provides expert analysis of what a love relationship is and isn’t. He then leads us through the discovery process as a professional complete with exercises to further our learning on our own or by following his offerings: seminars, webinar, and private consultation.

The book is built upon his clinical research over the course of his thirty-year practice and his personal experiences. The outcome has substantial value to us for envisioning, learning, and creating the love life we desire.

This book will teach you something about your love life and broaden the chances of your finding and sustaining a healthy love relationship. A 21st Century Love Relationship Class that provides the training we need in today’s world. A must-read!


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Great News for Historical Romance Readers

Limited Offer: Cross-Ties Giveaway

Today we’re celebrating a limited offer for Cross-Ties by Carolyn Bowen. This giveaway is for folks who don’t have access to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited where it’s always available for download.

Special Announcement!

You can download FREE during this giveaway and I can’t wait for you to read this historical romance tapping into the immigration experience of early frontier American founders.

We hope you’re staying safe during this global pandemic. Take care — Carolyn Bowen.

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