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Today’s Giveaway: The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

Fall is in the air and expectations for the new season are something to talk about.

The Long Road Home

Do you love the change of seasons? The crisp morning air reminds us we have ventured into fall. A perfect time to relax with an exciting novel while enjoying your favorite beverage.

Exciting News.

Today’s feature is The Long Road Home! Download your eBook today FREE during this limited offer (October 5-9). Prefer reading a paperback or hardback? Place your order and enjoy sleuthing to determine Kate’s next move.

The Long Road Home.

The Long Road Home, a romantic murder mystery is available in digital, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon and your favorite bookstores.

Book Description

Kate’s life was in turmoil after the death of her parents. She’d been always protected and sheltered by them. Suddenly she finds herself with a conniving fiancé living under her roof, a powerful businessman with terrorist ties from across the ocean trying to kill her and more family secrets than most American politicians. She was also unaware that a half-brother she knew nothing of was about to enter her life. Her situation was getting precarious right at the moment she was least able to cope with 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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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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Presidents Day 2020

Quote of the Day

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”  Walt Whitman

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Presidents Day 2020 is celebrated on Monday, February 17th in the United States.

This holiday is legally designated as “Washington’s Birthday”. Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is the federal government’s policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.

This Federal Holiday honors the USA’s first president, George Washington, whose birthday is February 22 and all presidents of the United States.

Many states show special recognition to Abraham Lincoln as his birthday was also in mid-February. Schools often organize events and lessons about United States presidents in the days leading up to this holiday. It’s also a popular day for stores to start their spring sales.

Background

George Washington was the first president of the United States of America. His first term as president was from 1789 to 1793 and his second term from 1793 to 1797. Before he became president, he played important roles in the military, leading the American Continental Army to victory over the British in 1783.

The likeness and name of George Washington can still be seen in many places in the United States. There is a portrait of him and three other American presidents carved into Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. His image is also used on the one-dollar bill and the quarter-dollar coin. The capital of the United States, Washington D.C., Washington State and at least three universities bear his name. On the local level, there are cities and counties across the U.S. bearing his name.

Washington’s Birthday was first celebrated as a holiday in the District of Columbia in 1880. It was made a federal holiday in 1885. The holiday was originally held on the anniversary of George Washington’s birth, on February 22. In 1971, this holiday was moved to the third Monday in February.

Suggested Presidents Day Reading

A Psychological/Conspiracy Thriller
Sydney Jones walks a fine line when taking on a new case. As facts come to surface, she becomes immersed in the underworld of international crime. Should she continue knowing it is cloaked in political suspense? And, does she have a choice?

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All Hands on Deck

Quote of the Day: We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. – Dakota

We’ve kicked off the promotions for the Sydney Jones Series and want to say thank you for supporting our new mystery series. If you want to be one of the first to know about future releases, sign up below. Here’s a snippet about the Sydney Jones Series Books 1 & 2.

Exciting news

Chance – A Novel is available for download FREE with Kindle Unlimited or purchase as a  paperback or ebook.

From the back cover

Walker didn’t plan to fall in love with Sydney. He blamed their closeness in proximity, horrid circumstances in her life, and no friends but a paid confidant to comfort her. There was no one to hold her in their arms, and that’s what the lady needed—to cry and release the pain in her life.

Sydney struck a chord in his heart. Her beauty, along with her spark to keep going through the hell in her life, enamored him even more. Did he love her? Yes!

The government had him now. It didn’t take him long to realize they’d framed him for Roxanne’s murder, then got his case dismissed when he agreed to become their agent.

The problem was, Sydney may still think him guilty of murder. The agency didn’t give him time to discuss the dismissal of charges against him. All he could tell her was the government needed him and he was catching an early morning flight.

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 is available online and at your favorite bookstores in ebook and paperback format now! 

Amazon

B&N

Books-A-Million

Google Play

KOBO

Smashwords

Foyles – UK

Book Blurb 

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 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.

Sign me up!

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Getting Ready To Launch: Sydney Jones Series

Quote of the Day: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”  Ernest Hemingway

I’m counting down the days/minutes until the launch of the new Sydney Jones Series Book 1: Primed For Revenge. On April 2nd this new novel series will be available online for purchase (ebook or paperback), and in your favorite bookstores. Click here to order!

Books by Carolyn Bowen, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1

Book Bloggers & Reviewers Wanted

If you’re a book blogger/reviewer, please message me for a Kindle gift copy.

Launch Party

Birthday Launch Party for Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Birthing a novel deserves a celebration, don’t you think? Join the fun on Twitter and Facebook on April 2nd for a fun adventure. One lucky party-goer from each social site will receive a signed copy of Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series. Hope you’ll stop by and say hello.

If you’d like a sample of this new thriller, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages.

I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen

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Interview with ASK WIN

Quote for Today: “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holmes

microphone-2170045_640

Yesterday, I had an interview with ASK WIN and it was fun! Of course, Win promoted my latest mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1. And, I’ve included the interview for your enjoyment. Listen on iTunes.

Also, Win made an announcement about a new upcoming novel. So, follow Win Kelly Charles on Amazon so you’ll know when it’s released. I know I have!

Thanks again, Win, for having me on your podcast – ASK WIN. It was a blast!

Counting down to the official release of Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1. April 2nd, 2019  Preorder Now! 

Primed - 20

For more information about my novels, see my About Page. Follow my blog for the latest news about new releases, my writing life, and giveaways. I appreciate your support. Carolyn Bowen

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New Mystery Thriller – Primed For Revenge

Quote for Today: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Leonardo da Vinci

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Carolyn Bowen

Today I’m trying to keep it simple. My new mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, is now available for preorder and I can’t hardly sit still. I am so excited and probably hyper to mark the birth of a new mystery novel. Here’s a little something about Sydney Jones.

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 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.

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series will be available at your favorite bookstores. I’ll be adding links (fast as I can) as the official launch day nears.

Thank you, Carolyn Bowen AuthorThank you to my loyal fans that support my writing life and share the love. You are appreciated. Thank you!

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Be True To Yourself In 2019

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

Be True To Yourself 2019, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo credit: Pixabay

An important part of my writing life is learning more about the craft and marketing. Today I’m focusing on marketing in preparation for releasing my new mystery thriller.

To stay on top of current trends it’s important to find knowledgeable sources and I hit the jackpot today with an article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Managing Editor of Social Media Examiner.

Jenkins provides marketing predictions for 2019 from top marketers in the world. And, having earlier read predictions by futurist I felt like we’ve just skipped right on through to another decade or two into the far-off future. It was amazing reading about what we could expect in marketing in this New Year.

Here’s a few that caught my attention!

  • The rapid growth for voice-activated searches using Alexa and other tools. Going from visual to spoken word searches is going to take on new meaning for marketers accustomed to the web and mobile devices.
  • Augmented reality, AR, for close inspection of products and services is on the rise. For example, wouldn’t it be great to experience a travel destination before booking, try out new accessories or clothing, etc.?
  • The shift away from active social media interactions back to more passive experiences to entertain and/or educate. The desire to take back control of time and funds normally spent using social media will be evaluated and determined if relevant. According to Seth Godin, author, and entrepreneur, “…the idea of seeing and being seen by the people who matter to them,” will be a priority.
  • The stability of email marketing will remain strong with businesses utilizing newsletters to converse with their audience.
  • A special note to authors and publishers is the prediction of the increased use of story format content videos for marketing. Check out my YouTube Channel!

Marketers will need to revamp their plans to stay on top of the trends for 2019. The full article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Social Media Examiner is here.

In 2019 stay true to yourself and don’t let the noise of the world distract you from your goals. Let me know your thoughts about the marketing predictions for this year.

I’m counting down the days to the release of my new mystery-thriller. Follow my blog to stay in the know about upcoming events. Thank you!

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Reflections From 2018

Quote of the Day: “We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust.” ― David Levithan, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List

Refections from 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Between now and the New Year take a break and reflect on the sights, sounds, and aromas you experienced over the past year. What are your favorite thoughts? Catalog in your mind the sweet memories of 2018.

Most all of us have goals we wish to achieve each year. What plans can you mark as completed for this year? Celebrate the milestones with friends and family. To you and your 2018 successes – cheers!

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

Life has its ups and downs and sometimes we have events in our lives that knock us for a loop. There are many facets to our lives like family sickness and deaths, business losses, relationship problems, and divorces to name a few that hit us hard.

Whatever you’re going through know that it can and will get better. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and reach out to someone when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feelings. There’s free and confidential support just a phone call away. Talk to someone until you feel at peace again. There is promise in each new day. Believe it!

In my reflecting on the past year I came across a video that best represents my feelings. The worldwide celebration of Stand By Me |Playing for Change |Song Around the World! Like the song says, no matter who you are – you’re going to need someone to stand by you. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor – everyone needs someone to stand by them. Hope you enjoy this video with musicians playing and singing around the world. This video was produced by Playing for Change – connecting the world through music.

I hope you enjoy looking back at 2018. May all your dreams come true in the New Year! Carolyn Bowen

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

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

Goodreads

Twitter

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

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