They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you liked the cover of my book, The Death of Me:, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com!
I’m getting closer to clinch the “Cover of the Month” contest on AllAuthor! I’d need as much support from you guys. Please take a short moment to vote for my book cover here:
Click to Vote!
I don’t know about you, but I love the contrasting seasons of the year. Whether traveling outside my homeland, to experience the winter wonderland (not so much this year), or take in photos of scenic locations, the season is pristine and washes away the cares for the day.
Fall is in the air and the cool mornings are a great time to reflect and read. Me with my fluffy cat Tookie, and the elder tabby Ollie spend a lot of time contemplating the universe on the balcony. Between saying no-no to Tookie who wants to eat the plants and anything else that may be edible, my universe is almost complete.
Looking for a new novel to take your cares away? Let me recommend Cross-Ties eBook, a historical romance. This week during our special promotion it’s just 99 cents (10/21-25/21). Tap the link below to read today! Everyone has an immigration story, and this coming-of-age tale is one to remember.
Cross-Ties Book Description
A page-turning epic of adventure, suspense, and romance that crosses the chasm of societal rules.
You’ll be spellbound by the twists and turns Leah’s life takes some by her doing, and others as she rubs against the social rules of the 19th century. Finally, you’ll learn the ties between people and cultures matter and may come wrapped in unexpected packages.
Cross-Ties is a historical romance featuring a beautiful young woman who seized the opportunity to be more independent for nothing else would suit.
The featured novel this month is ONE — Sydney Jones Series, Book 3. Grab your favorite beverage and download or order your paperback for a thrilling mystery read. This is a limited offer – 99 cents for an eBook and FREE to download with Unlimited. (November 16th-23rd)
Expect to be blown away by Carolyn Bowen’s latest 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?
Sydney needed time to reflect on her lover and son’s father’s death. She’d never learned the reason he disappeared years earlier when she wanted him to fight for justice when charged with the Rock star Roxanne’s murder. She had her suspicions for the CIA had tried to recruit him for a special op coinciding with his former military background.
Her personal caseload reeked of deadly consequences if she fails in her role as the defender. She’d dodged a bullet more than once so much as her friend Deputy Director Thomason insisted, she develops an exit plan with a new identity.
She and David, her son, were returning to Barbados for their summer vacation. What she didn’t know was the island would become the melting pot for unsavory characters out for blood and the unraveling of dark secrets from her past.
Returning to Atlanta, she was ready to put the past behind her and start fresh. Driving in for her first day back to work, someone lobbed a grenade into her convertible sports car and ended her life as Sydney Jones.
She fought to recover and meet her son again in Barbados where his former nanny took him to live in their dream home. The day finally arrived when she could meet her son again, but this time it was as his aunt Gabrielle from Tuscany where she’d been unknowingly recovering at a family estate.
Their world was rapidly changing since a monster virus broke out in China, old enemies surfaced, and the CIA was tracking her son. Could their new friend and secret guardian, Jim Godwin, tip the scale in their favor with a way out? After years of anguish, would fate smile on them as they fought to become ONE?
This spellbinding new novel by the imaginative Carolyn Bowen will hold you in suspense until you turn the final page.
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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
A new book trailer for ONE is now ready to view. I hope you enjoy it!
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.
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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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. 
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!
Quote of the Day: A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Richard Bach
Today I’m writing about self-publishing versus traditional publishing. One of my Instagram fans asked the question about the pros and cons of each. My reply was it’s a subject requiring more than a line or two for an explanation of my views. Depending on who you ask, you’ll likely get a different response. That’s ok to listen or read them all and make your own decision about what works best for you.
Note: Provide a manuscript with professional editing and formatting for the agent. The Big 5 deal exclusively with agents.
Patience, practice, and persistence – keep working at creating your best novel.
Practice without progressing in your craft is useless. Learn as you go along. Read and write every day. Be professional and kind to others including your fellow authors.
If you could choose which path to follow, would you go the traditional publishing route or indie? Talk to me and let me know your thoughts.
Thank you for following my blog for updates about my writing life. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen
My latest Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is coming soon. Are you a reader and reviewer or book blogger of murder mysteries and women’s crime fiction? Leave your contact information below and receive an advance readers’ PDF copy of my latest novel when available.
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Quote of the Day: “People say, ‘What advice do you have for people who want to be writers?’ I say they don’t really need advice, they know they want to be writers, and they’re gonna do it. Those people who know what they really want to do this and are cut out for it, they know it.” R.L. Stine
A long-ago traumatic experience at Camp Wikwakee leaves Toby with shameful feelings in adulthood. And, yes, she’d gotten counseling. But just when she thinks she’s making progress; she’s reminded again of that humiliating awful night.
Toby now an attorney returned to her hometown in Victoria Canada to care for her mother, Ivy. One of her first clients was Josh, the best-looking and most unattainable guy from summer camp. The memories burnt into her mind come full circle when she sees him.
She debated whether to represent him. The attraction to him was strong. But seeing him brought back the repulsion of being confined in the damp insect ridden Wikwakee cabin and the fallout afterward. She wondered if he stood up for her against the bullies. Somehow, she doubted it since he married the most vicious bully of all, Tonya Cabrilatto.
Now, he’s seeking a divorce attorney and melting in his presence with conflicting feelings, she had agreed. Her role changed quickly when he became a prime suspect in the murder of his wife. She referred him to the leading criminal attorney in town, Jackie, who is also her best friend Quinn’s mother.
Jackie recovering from injuries enlisted her aid for building a case for him. Toby investigates and finds incriminating evidence involving those from summer camp. Josh lied to her and yet she still gets flustered and was gullible to his advances. But, is he a psychopath with murderous tendencies?
Divorce is murder and the nemeses from camp are involved. And, one murdered Tonya, Josh’s wife. How far back does the treachery go – Camp Wikwakee?
Ray provides layer upon layer of intrigue with the intermeshing of the personal and social lives of the main characters. Her description of the characters and scenic imagery places you in the story. This whodunit will keep you guessing to the end. Highly recommended reading. 5 Star Review – Carolyn Bowen
Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. Hope to see you on social media (Twitter). Carolyn Bowen
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Quote of the Day: “Sometimes you only need to look at other high achievers to remember how GREAT you can become. You can do ANYTHING, and don’t you forget it.” Marsha Wright
First a disclaimer: Twitter is my happy place for knowing what’s happening right now. Being fascinated by the weather for family and friends live on the coast, and the last BIG one left its mark, I get up-to-date warnings on Twitter from reliable sources. But there’s more, business, financial, travel, and entertainment news is always flowing with what’s happening around the world. Of course, these are my favorite topics. You can find your own by simply following leaders in the industry or related hashtags.
However, the news potential isn’t why I love Twitter. It’s the people making the Twitter community a place you’d want to hang out. The influencers and fans with an attitude of gratitude and willingness to share positivity are who make a world of difference.
I am thankful for my readers and fans that are diligent in supporting my writing life. I feel like we live in the same neighborhood. We do –Twitterville. I’d know them walking down the street and be glad to have potluck dinner with them.
Then there are the mega influencers like Marsha Wright who promotes the hashtag #ThinkBigSundayWithMarsha and retweets positive sayings and quotes to 600K followers. Wright is a serial entrepreneur, #1 international bestselling author, syndicated columnist, CEO of PromoNation.co and the top 5 marketing influencer. Follow here: Real Marsha Wright® | Top 5 Marketing Influencer
Does she make a difference? Yes. Follow and read her posts and you too will develop a positive attitude.
Thanks for following my blog. Say hello on Twitter @cmbowenauthor. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen
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Quote of the Day: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James
As authors, we’re always looking for new ways to promote our books and I just got lucky. Let me introduce you to Theodocia McLean with Book Marketing Global Network and Avid Readers Global Network.
She’s smart and quick to present your book/s to catch reader’s attention. Here’s the link to my new author page. Check it out and if you’d like some marketing help, contact her so, you too will have more time for writing.
McLean’s comprehensive marketing for authors includes social media platforms, Facebook groups, blogs, bookstores, and more. I find these services valuable and a much-needed breakthrough for authors. I’m tickled to be included and look forward to more authors joining me. Click here for testimonials!
Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. Hope you’re having a wonderful summertime! Carolyn
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Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 