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Book Review: Enemy of the State

Quote of the Day: “A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”  William Styron

silhouette of man
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Today’s post is a book review of Enemy of the State by Kyle Mills. You will find it exhilarating and possibly exhausting following in the steps of Mitch Rapp.

Book Review

Enemy of the State (Mitch Rapp, #16)Enemy of the State by Kyle Mills
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mitch Rapp pushes the limits in fighting terrorism wherever and however is necessary. Forced to change directions with the president’s approval, he quits the CIA.

Rapp assembles a group of independent contractors to get the job done. They had just begun infiltrating the Saudi government and ISIS when the new head of intelligence discovers their efforts and puts a stop to the plan by threating to go public with the post 9/11 agreement between the two countries.

Concerned about his political career and an international incident, the president turns his back on Rapp. The American intelligent agencies were ordered to join the Saudis’ effort in finding Rapp.

Rapp and his band of mercenaries become the center of a manhunt orchestrated to stop his mission. Who will win? Will Rapp vindicate himself and turn the tables on the Saudis and come out alive?

Kyle Mills has picked up the gauntlet from where Vince Flynn left off and has stayed true to his voice while expanding the old, and creating new characters to move the series forward.

View all my reviews

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

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Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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No Holds Barred: Personnal Growth

Quote for Today: “Art is innate in the artist, like an instinct that seizes and makes a tool out of the human being. The thing in the final analysis that wills something in him is not he, the personal man, but the aim of the art.” Carl Jung

Author Carolyn Bowen, Blog, The Writing Life

About “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success!”

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!, Carolyn Bowen Author

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

How To Access Career Resource Sites

Today it was brought to my attention that some folks are having difficulty reaching the career testing sites I referenced in “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” I’d like to help navigate you to these career resources. I’ve used them, some more than once, and have been pleased with the results.

On page 29, “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” I mentioned MAPP – Assessment.com. Type in Assessment.com into your browser and their site will pop-open. Click on the button “Take The FREE Career Test” and follow the prompts. It takes about 22 minutes to complete. The basic career information is free. A fee is required for a more in-depth look at your career possibilities.

Another good site mentioned is QuestCareer.com. Although the company focus is on providing company-sponsored outplacement services. I particularly like the free samples for writing cover letters and resumes plus educational information for pursuing a new career. The link for career testing is also an available resource.

To access career testing from their website type the name, QuestCareer.Com into your browser and their website will open. Look on the left-hand side of the web page and click on “Career Center” then from the drop down menu click on “Career Resources” and click on “Free Online Career Test” and it will bring you to the MAPP testing already discussed.

Today I checked out another career testing site, 123test.com. It’s a FREE Career Aptitude Test that takes five to ten minutes to complete. You will see fifteen sets of four pictures that show specific work activities. You must choose only one work activity that appeals to you the most and one that appeals to you the least. It’s fun, quick and easy.

I found this treasure trove of career assessments I thought you’d like to check out! Career Testing

Career aptitude testing can show you many facets of your personality, some of which may have been hiding from your view. Take a couple of the free tests and compare the findings. Find the repeating fields of interest and research the possibilities of making a career transition.

If you have questions about specific topics in “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success”, please let me know. I want to be a part of your success story. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

Note: I have no affiliation with the services/companies mentioned.

New Giveaway

Exciting news! Subscribe to The Writing Life to receive the latest news about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” Limited Offer – Act Now!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Here’s today’s top picks from readers. Check out my “About Page” for the full listing of all my books. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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A Change Is Coming ~ Fall 2018

Fall 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Season’s End Quote

Quote of the Day: Summer is dancing away as the leaves change into mosaic colors as a reminder of the season’s end leaving only memories of days gone by. CM Bowen

Autumn: A Transition Season

The annual seasonal changes are a reminder that nothing remains the same. This Saturday, September 22nd at 9:54 pm EST is the autumnal equinox marking the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s an exciting time to breathe in the freshness of the crisp fall air and relax with a pumpkin spice latte while reading your favorite book.

What happens during the equinox?

• The sun crosses the Earth’s equator at the time of the equinox, from the Northern Hemisphere into the Southern Hemisphere.

• During the autumnal equinox, day and night are balanced to about 12 hours each all across the world.

• The Earth’s tilt causes the change in season with the Northern Hemisphere beginning to feel the chill of fall after the warmth of summer.

• Daylight in the Northern Hemisphere becomes shorter leading up to the winter solstice in December. The polar opposite happens in the Southern Hemisphere, where daylight will gradually grow longer until that hemisphere’s summer solstice in December.

abstract art artistic autumn
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Latest Book News

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

###

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Ahoy, Matey! – Celebrating Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Quote of the Day: Batten down the hatches...

Will Turner: This is either madness… or brilliance.

Jack Sparrow: It’s remarkable how often those two traits coincide. From Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl

Today is International Talk like a Pirate Day. My first novel, Cross-Ties, depicts the life and times of early pirating in the Caribbean. Read and you’ll see my fascination with the Caribbean and pirating tales from the early days of exploration and surprising allegiances during wartime.

Cross-Ties (13)

Background

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Since September 19th, 2002, International Talk like a Pirate Day has been celebrated.

Who should we thank for this fun day of talking like pirates?

It all started when John Baur and Mark Summers (June 6, 1995) were playing racquetball and reverted to pirate talk as friendly encouragement.

Time went by and friends reminded them on the day they’d picked to celebrate talk like a pirate day – September 19th. Deciding to create awareness of their unique holiday, they emailed Dave Barry, a well-known humor columnist and author, who to their surprise thought it was a good idea. Barry wrote about the holiday in his column and the rest is history.

The Lost Macaw, B.L. Blair, Writing Life, Book Blog Tour, CMBowen Author, Book Blogger

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Latest Writing News

Quote of the Day: “To think to long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.” Eve Young

person writing on white book
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Sunday’s are a day of reflection and planning around my house for me. Today is exciting as I look forward to my next creative venture. And, you’re invited to participate in my latest Sunday fun day idea!

The V.I.P. Launch Team

Team members will receive the first copy of my new books for review and comments. Also, members will have the opportunity to win prizes of a few of my favorite things – books and more. Join the V.I.P. Group today. Thanks for your support!

 

Free Gift For Subscribing to “The Writing Life!”

Please leave your name and email address for a free Kindle version of “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” by Carolyn Bowen. Limited Offer – Act Now!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life! #SelfHelp #MentalHealth #Bestseller

Life is precious – go live it! ~ Carolyn M. Bowen

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Hello September!

Quote of the Day: “The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

September1

September is waving its magic wand inviting us into a new season when fall begins and summer ends. The quote for today honors Longfellow’s favorite month – September. May it become our best month yet!

Here are a few special days for September 2018.

Celebrate Self Improvement this month!

September 3 – 1st Monday in September – Labor Day

September 6th Read a Book Day!

September 8th International Literacy Day!

September 23rd Autumn Equinox – fall begins!

September 25th National Comic Book Day

Background – Labor Day

Labor Day, is a legal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Canal Zone, and the Virgin Islands. Canada also celebrates Labor Day on the same day.

What Labor Day Means

For most people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and a chance to say goodbye to the summer. But why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to men and women in the workforce. It has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States (NYC) since September 5th, 1882 in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union.

Are you a Goodreads follower? Enter for a chance to win one of 50 copies of  “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” by Carolyn Bowen (ends September 9th). Learn how to change your world one step at a time.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success by Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends September 09, 2018.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

 

As you can see, I’m pretty excited about this new personal development book. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

###

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Tasty Book Reviews and More…

Quote of the Day: Summertime and reading are the perfect pairings!

Early Autumn

Labor Day will be here before we know it broadcasting the end of summer. The leaves are beginning to change acting as a harbinger for the fall season. I would have missed these telltale signs if not for enjoying nature. Time flies.

This summer I’ve done a lot of reading and writing. A much-prescribed ambition for becoming a successful author. Below I’ll reference one of my latest reviews for books I enjoyed reading.

Update on my latest book release – “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!”

Thank you for spreading the word about this personal development book. This little instruction book was written in hopes of helping others define and achieve their destiny. I appreciate your sharing this self-help book with your friends and family.

In the weeks ahead, I’m offering a Kindle version for everyone who follows my blog. Of course, if you have Kindle Unlimited you can read it now for free.

How to Claim Your FREE Copy!

It’s simple, just click the follow button on the upper right-hand side near the descriptions about the blog.  Leave your email address and I’ll mail you a gift code for downloading Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!

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Here’s my latest review in the mystery/thriller genre – The Broker by John Grisham.

The BrokerThe Broker by John Grisham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grisham pulls out all the stops in this international legal thriller. Follow former Washington D.C. power broker, Joel Backman, as he attempts to put the pieces together about his last-minute presidential pardon.

He was now on the run with his assigned government handler. He was loaded into a cargo plane immediately after release from federal prison with a need to know the destination. Could he keep his wits about him and thwart their interrogations and possible death sentence?

Who are the people chasing him and why? He suspected U.S. government spy agencies, Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis had obtained secrets about his former client’s sophisticated satellite surveillance system, JAM.

He was provided with little details and cash from the people sent to watch over him. Learning Italian was a must for his survival or said his handler. He was diligent in his studies with the tutors provided by the government. He learned his way around the Italian city of Bologna and became adept at losing his handler.

He enjoyed early morning walks in the crisp air, the food and wines, and historical sites. His body became leaner and healthier with his outside explorations. Even he didn’t recognize the man he saw in the mirror.

The C.I.A. planned to release his whereabouts to the global spy agencies interested in his secrets and watch who’d kill him first. He was tipped off when his bag was stolen in a restaurant during a scheme caused to disrupt service. Not long afterward, he was confronted by two men from the F.B.I. near his apartment. He knew other spy agencies were probably closing in. It was time to leave Bologna but could he with no money, passport, or change of clothes?

His being on the run trying to stay ahead of deadly spy agencies proved to be daunting. Where should he go and how could he survive since they were always one step behind?

This heart-racing thriller will keep you on your toes. How many people would be killed because of his client’s secrets? Was it possible for him to broker one last deal – the most important one in his life?

View all my reviews

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Latest Writing News

Thoughts for Today: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” Bernard M. Baruch

Summer Fun

This month has started off with a bang! I was tickled to see “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” ranked by Amazon as a #1Bestseller hot new release immediately upon the July publication through August 9th. Now, thanks to my fans it’s still hanging out at the top of the list.

I’m offering a chance to WIN a FREE Kindle version on an Amazon Giveaway.  It’s also free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited users!

Are you a Goodreads follower? Enter for a chance to win one of 50 copies of  “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” by Carolyn Bowen. Learn how to change your world one step at a time.

As you can see, I’m pretty excited about this new personal development book. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

###

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Hello, August 2018

Quote of the Day: I always prefer to believe the best of everybody. It saves so much trouble. Rudyard Kipling

August 2018, Writing Life, Summer Days

Hello, August 2018! What are your plans for this month? Many folks have summer vacations or shopping for children’s back to school clothes on their list. Me, I plan to stay in the shade unless the great outdoors beckons me.

August is typically a scorcher in the southern United States. To beat the heat, many enjoy water sports and lazy summer days on the lake. Whatever makes you happy and comfortable is the ultimate winner.

I’m fascinated by the weather and track the activity of the Atlantic hurricane season. The season began on June 1 and ends on Friday, November 30. However, it peaks in late August or early September, though storms can occur year-round. You can bet I’m ready and tuned to the weather channel.

Question: Does the weather temperature where you live make a difference in your lifestyle choices? Let me know, I’m interested in learning more about you.

Grateful, gratitude, writing life
Oh, happy day! My dreams are coming true by helping you discover yours and claiming your destiny. I am grateful for today’s happy news!

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” is currently an Amazon #1 Bestseller. Thank you for making this possible. Let me help you realize your dreams, too!

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

Life’s little instruction book for mastering success! Author and lifestyle coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time.  Download and Read ” “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.”

Download Here or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and today my new book release is in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and a Kindle version will be yours.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

###

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Midsummer Adventures ~ Hello June!

Quote of the Day: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen
Photo credit: Pixabay

The summer months are particularly enjoyable when you enjoy outdoor sports and adventures.  June is one of my favorite months for it’s not too scorching hot for a picnic and other outside gatherings with family and friends.

I just returned from FL where my family celebrated a milestone of one of our members. It was a happy occasion and a chance to visit the beautiful beaches in the area. I hope you’re enjoying the sunny weather and all the deliciously fresh produce and offerings of the season.

These are the holidays coming up this month. Enjoy!

June 2018 Holiday Calendar

June 17 – Father’s Day

June 18 – International Picnic Day

June 21 – Summer Solstice (midsummer)

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and will be announcing a new book release this month in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and an advance copy will be yours.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

###