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My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue

Quote of the Day: The 99.99% of all castles in America are located in fish tanks. Demetri Martin

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping

My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday ShoppingIf you know me, you’ll know that I have fish named after the heroines in my novels. That is except my newest Siamese fighting fish (Betta Fish), Bubba Blue. He’s so bold and fearless – Tookie our cat with paws grasping the inside the aquarium to say good morning doesn’t scare him or me either.

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday ShoppingIt’s a ritual – Tookie wakes up and greets Bubba Blue with his face smashed against the glass! For the most part, even his brother by another mother, tabby Ollie, believes his desire for closeness is overwhelming, but not for Bubba Blue. They do this kissy thing and go about their own day.

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping
Tookie & Bubba Saying Hello

I decided Bubba Blue needed a water filter (contraption) for his tank and off I went to the nearest big box store to purchase one. It’s the holiday season so I waited in line for my turn and was excited about hooking it up when I got home. Note: Betta Fish are not typically required filters but I was spending way too much money buying Betta water for our tap water even with recommended products still stunk after a few days.

I excitingly opened the box and read the directions for mounting this new life breather for Bubba Blue. Only the box didn’t contain all the necessary parts as indicated on the marketing blitz on the outside of the box. I had a choice – should I go online and find and order the missing parts from a reliable source? Trust me; I’m not going to wait in line to return it!

I went to my go-to reviews for products – Amazon and found something even better that would have saved me from the get-go of buying Bubba Blue. I should have brought him home and put him in a large clear vase with the roots of a Peace Lily to munch on while we waited for our purchase to arrive. But, I didn’t!

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping
Bubba Blue

The good news is that Bubba Blue will have a new home soon. It will give him the space for swimming and enjoy the aquatic plants. Tookie can watch him 24-7 with the new light filters. I can’t wait to watch them play hide-n-seek!

Just remember the folks who draw your attention to shopping at Amazon. These Affiliates strive to bring you the corner store atmosphere while providing you their best offerings from Amazon. This is their local storefront and they pay plenty for that online website privilege. You know about Amazon, in part, because of these influencers! Bookmark their pages and when you order – place it through their websites where they’ll get a commission. It won’t cost you a dime more and these are the people who have influenced buyers to shop – Amazon!  Make sure they get a piece of the pie!

My bookmark is set at Roadtrips R Us (since 2011) – making daily food holidays and history come alive with the best in travel, in-house chef-inspired food recipes, and entertainment. Check them out and bookmark their Corner Gift Shop!

Now that Bubba Blue is all set and the Kitties seem happy too, I’ll sign off for now! Happy Holidays, Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

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

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Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude!

Quote of the Day: Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last. Lawrence Welk

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Quotes, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Bloggers, Blogging

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude!

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Quotes, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Bloggers, BloggingThanksgiving Day is always a special family occasion and one of my favorite holidays. It’s a day of giving thanks for the wonderful blessings of the year.

I have a lot to give thanks for this year! The good health and opportunities myself and family have received. The wonderful friends I’ve met and longtime friends who choose to remain in my life make my life interesting and whole.

I give special thanks for the fans of my books that have taken the time to read, review, or comment about my books. You make my writing life worthwhile through your encouragement and support – thank you! You are invited to join my reviewer beta list to be one of the first to read my new books. Just let me know and I’ll include you with my heartfelt thanks!

Holiday Giveaway

In the spirit of the holidays, I’m giving away one Travel Bag to the top three entries in my “Snap a Photo” reading contest. A great go-to bag for your books!

It’s easy to enter for a chance to WIN! Just snap a picture of your reading or displaying The Long Road Home and submit here! Get as creative as you’d like! The winners will be announced Christmas Day!

Book Reviews

I love reading books and have learned much this year from soaking up writing craft books, fiction, and nonfiction from some very interesting, and skilled authors.

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Quotes, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Bloggers, Blogging

Reviewers Wanted

I would like reviewers for my books. If you enjoy Mystery and/or Historical Romance, let me know. I’ll provide an Amazon Kindle version for your reading pleasure!

From my home to yours – Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your family and friends! Carolyn Bowen

Follow my blog for the latest news about my writing life! You can also find me on social media, where I spend way too much time! (Smiles) Here are a few of my favorite hangouts!

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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Book Blog Tour: Wise Before Their Time

Quote of the Day: Plan your life like you will live forever, and live your life like you will die the next day. Unknown

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book Gifts

“As Powerful As Any Great Classic of Fiction” so said Sir Ian McKellen in his foreword to my book. And it is.

 Wise Before Their Time – Book Blog Tour

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book GiftsExcerpt from Author Ann Richardson

Do you remember the terrible times of AIDS and HIV in the 1980s and 1990s? If not, are you curious to learn what it was like for those diagnosed?

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book GiftsWise Before their Time, first published in 1992, shows in moving detail what it was like to live with HIV/AIDS when there was no real treatment for this life-threatening illness. It tells the true stories of over forty young men and women from all over the world, attending an international conference of people with HIV and AIDS in London in 1991.

I have added a new cover and a short introduction to the new version, but the book remains essentially the same.

These were very young people (most were in their twenties and thirties) having to cope with an unexpectedly shortened lifespan.

They describe the difficulties of telling their parents, friends, and partners of their diagnosis, while trying to cope with the day-to-day problems of staying healthy, keeping in work and supporting their friends.

They all experienced enormous stigma, blame, and guilt because of the disease. This can be seen in all kinds of ways – from small things, like an Irishman being disappointed that friends did not want him to play with their child, to larger ones, such as a man being placed alone in an isolation hospital in Goa for some months with no help.

They all knew others who had died. And one mother tells the story of the death of her toddler.

Yet this is in no way a struggle to read. It is touching, it is enlightening and it is sometimes funny.  But most of all, there is virtually no self-pity. On the contrary, the participants were committed to celebrating the joys of life to the full. Which is why I chose the title – they were, genuinely, wise before their time.

Thank you for stopping by and reviewing author Ann Richardson’s book, Wise Before Their Time. For more information or to buy, click here!

This holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to practice compassion towards mankind. I hope you will share peace and love with those who cross your path this season. I plan to make a conscious effort to spread love and joy every day. CB

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book GiftsBook Reviews

If you have a novel you’d like for me to review, drop me a note here! Check out some of my latest book reviews also on Goodreads!

It’s a Beautiful Day for Fall Reading, Carolyn M. Bowen author, The Writing Life, Book Blogs, Book ReviewsLooking for some winter novels to read and review? Click here for a Kindle gift version of my mystery, The Long Road Home or Cross-Ties adventure. Thank you!

Don’t forget this is National Novel Writing Month! Celebrate your favorite authors by leaving a great review. They’ll thank you! I certainly do!

Where to Buy My Novels

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


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery

I hope you’ll enjoy a blissful November celebrating the holidays with family and friends. I’ll be writing – and enjoying some great times 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

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It’s a Beautiful Fall Day for Reading!

Fall Reading In Nature

It’s a Beautiful Day for Fall Reading, Carolyn M. Bowen author, The Writing Life, Book Blogs, Book Reviews

Quote of the Day

Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge Sundae. Kurt Vonnegut (November 11, 1922 –April 11, 2007)

Today is a beautiful fall day and I’ve got some extra pep in my step! I enjoy watching the seasons change! The first days of the full color burst in autumn or new flowers sprouting in the spring remind me how fortunate we are to live in nature.

Book Reviews

If you have a novel you’d like for me to review, drop me a note here! Check out some of my latest book reviews also on Goodreads!

It’s a Beautiful Day for Fall Reading, Carolyn M. Bowen author, The Writing Life, Book Blogs, Book ReviewsLooking for some winter novels to read and review? Click here for a Kindle gift version of my mystery, The Long Road Home or Cross-Ties adventure. Thank you!

Don’t forget this is National Novel Writing Month! Celebrate your favorite authors by leaving a great review. They’ll thank you! I certainly do!

Where to Buy My Novels

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


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery

I hope you’ll enjoy a blissful November celebrating the holidays with family and friends. I’ll be writing – and enjoying some great times 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

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National Novel Writing Month

Quote of the Day: “Make your novel readable. Make it easy to read, pleasant to read. This doesn’t mean flowery passages, ambitious flights of pyrotechnic verbiage; it means strong, simple, natural sentences.” Laurence D’Orsay, October 1929

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month! I needed the reminder to get my writing back on track. I will make a diligent effort this month to write more words a day. One sentence after another and a novel will be born. Then the real work begins in the editing stages. How many drafts does it take you to get it right?

For me, let’s just say it takes a long time! I write from inspiration, the seat of my pants, most times. This can lead to multiple drafts. Hopefully, my editor will make the job easier for my new novel.

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

I am prone to isolating myself when writing novels. I’ve got to train myself to come out of the own little world to breathe freshness into marketing my other books. Time management will be the key to accomplishing my goals. What works for you?

Book Reviewers Wanted

I’m looking for reviewers for my mystery, crime fiction novel, The Long Road Home and for Cross-Ties, a historical fiction adventure. Interested? I’ll gift you with a Kindle version of both or either one. The Long Road Home is available FREE through Kindle Unlimited.

If you’d like to be a beta reviewer for my next mystery novel, let me know and I’ll include you in the review process.

Thank You!

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

Thank you for reading and reviewing my books on reader/novel platforms. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!

Where to Buy 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

I hope you’ll enjoy a blissful November celebrating the holidays with family and friends. I’ll be writing – and enjoying some great times 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

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Sweet November 2017

Sweet November 2017

Sweet November 2017, Carolyn Bowen Author,

“November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.”

― Clyde Watson

Hello November 2017

It’s good to have something to look forward to this month. Here are a few of the special occasions I plan to celebrate! How about you?

My November Checklist

My Birthday – November 6th

Veterans Day – November 11th

Thanksgiving – November 23rd

National Food Holidays – November 2017

Sweet November Thoughts

Let’s not look at November as a dark and dreary month but one where we reflect on our blessings of the year. However, the overcast shadowing of the skies acts as a prompt for some great mystery writing. I’m thankful the season sets the mood for some interesting novel ideas.

In case you haven’t seen the latest video for The Long Road Home, check this out!

I appreciate your support of my writing and the kind reviews you have left on different book platforms. You make the writing life fun and exciting!

Readers – Reviewers Wanted
I’m looking for book lovers interested in reviewing Cross-Ties (Historical Romance) and The Long Road Home (Crime Fiction, Mystery/Thriller). Please leave a comment and I’ll provide a Kindle version of the books for your reading pleasure.

Thanks for following my blog. I hope to see you on social media! These are a few of the bookstores where you’ll find my novels. For additional places, check with your favorite online or corner bookstore. Wishing you a sweet November! Carolyn Bowen

These are a few of my favorite hangouts!

Say hello here…

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

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Framed by Author Wayne Kerr: Book Review

Quote of the Day: Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils. Cyril Connolly

Framed by Wayne Kerr Author, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Reviews

The Fall season is a great time to reflect and give thanks for the blessings of the year. I am grateful for the wonderful surprises and the high points this year.

The writing life puts us in the path of meeting some of the best authors in the world. That being said, I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review novels by Wayne Kerr.

I was delighted to get the first read of his upcoming release “Framed” featuring former detective Reggie Swann. Mark your calendar for November 15th to purchase it from Amazon and/or your favorite bookstores. Can’t wait? Preorder your copy today from Amazon.

Book Review – 5 Stars

Framed by Wayne Kerr, Author

Kerr has articulated the inside scoop on the former homicide detective Reggie Swann now serving time for murder. Dubbed the “Black Swan” since her trial she now wore orange like the other prison inmates. The difference was that she was hated by both them and the prison guards who were once considered her fellow comrades of the law.

It had been almost ten years since she was incarcerated and after many failed attempts at being released, she had lost hope. Her disinterest in the new trial except to escape the hell hole, at least during the proceedings, was worth being out of harm’s way for a day.  She knew better than to get her hopes up and what more there was nothing to go back to unless she could get her former job back.

Would she be exonerated this time and be able to walk back into her old life or would she carry the stigma of a murderer? If so, how could she clear her own name without being a detective again?

Dive in to find the answer to these questions and more as Reggie Swann’s life turns down dark paths that’ll make you question, who the villain is in this scenic Canadian province. A must read psychological thriller! Reviewed by Carolyn Bowen, Author

Author Hangout

If you like to connect with others who enjoy books, join my new Facebook group – Circle of Friends. I look forward to seeing you there.

Please check out my novels here and at your favorite bookstores!

Enjoy social media? Say hello here…

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

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