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Cover Reveal: Chance – A Novel

Quote of the Day: “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” Franz Kafka

Chance – A Novel (Sydney Jones Series Book 2) – November 5th, 2019

Excitement is in the air as I prepare to release, Chance – A novel, the second book in the Sydney Jones Series trilogy. This new psychological thriller is now available for preorder at the Amazon Kindle store.

I’ve worked with some super nice folks in preparing for this new release. Thank you!

If you are a book reviewer of mysteries and crime fiction especially women’s fiction, please contact me below for an advance reader’s copy for your enjoyment. If you’ve missed book one, Primed For Revenge, let me know so you’ll have the background for Chance – A Novel.

The official release date is Tuesday, November 5th. This will give you a chance to read and write your reviews prior to the holidays. Yes, I’m thinking of you – smiles!

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.

Click here to learn more about my books and purchase options.  Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Carolyn

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Primed For Revenge – 5 Stars Review

Quote of the Day: But you have to allow a little for the desire to evangelize when you think you have good news. Larry Wall

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I love good news. And, early this morning I received some great news. My latest thriller, Primed for Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series has received a 5 Star review from Readers’ Favorite.

An author loves readers/reviewers who understand the emotional peaks and valleys of the storyline from beginning to end. And, this reviewer, Ruffina Oserio does. Thank you!

Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn M Bowen is a spellbinding psychological thriller with a rock-solid female protagonist:  Sydney Jones works for Birdman & Birdman and at the time she is looking for bigger engagements in the firm, there is fallout with her boss. As if this wasn’t enough to rattle her nerves, she is abducted as she leaves the office. She is badly beaten and raped and sent home with warnings to never talk about the kidnapping. What is worse is that she has lost a great deal of her memory but she hasn’t forgotten her resolve for revenge. 

This is an interesting story about a character who is deeply hurt and damaged and who must navigate a very dangerous landscape to determine who kidnapped and hurt her and why. Her biggest challenge is identifying the right people to talk to. The reader follows her, feeling her pain and seeing her struggle with her options. Primed For Revenge is a sophisticated, deftly written thriller with a protagonist that instantly captured my attention. The pathos is strong as the reader watches her go through the rough experience. Her inner transformation and the quest for revenge are so real, reflecting the abuse she has experienced. The writing is wonderful and Carolyn M Bowen comes across as a perfect wordsmith. Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series is very engaging, emotionally rich, and fast-paced. The kind of book you read in one sitting. A highly recommended read – 5 Stars

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones SeriesHow To Order Your Copy!

Primed for Revenge is available online and at your favorite bookstores. Click here for more ordering options for an ebook or paperback. Thank you!

Amazon Kindle – Read Here

New Release News:

Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is in development and will be available online and in bookstores soon. I’m seeking advance mystery readers to provide feedback. Please let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll forward a PDF for your review.

 

Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. Hope to see you on social media (Twitter). Carolyn Bowen

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A Whale of a Tale: Beach Reads

Quote of the Day

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I’m tickled pink-well almost. A peachy vanilla cream would be a more accurate description. None the less, I’m happy! The Long Road Home is taking its place as a top beach read this summer and why not – the scenery includes beach towns.

The main character Kate is living in Charleston South Carolina where her parents were killed in an automobile accident and she found out her fiancé is a cheater. She decides to travel to a property she’d inherited from her grandmother (Seagrove) on the Gulf of Mexico (FL) to make sense of her life.

Her family had a long history of secrets and she was about to uncover the worst of them. From old villains striking out to gain her inheritance, to the discovery her father wasn’t who she thought he was, and murder was the go-to strategy for those closest to her family. She floundered and, then fought to regain her footing to make sense of the tragedies heaped on her without cause.

Living a sheltered life she was unequipped to deal with recent life events. Who could she trust? The next-door neighbor rancher who helps makes Seagrove livable again or perhaps the government agent who knew more about her family than she.

Kate matures and sees things as they are – not as she’d believed much of her life. And, her fiancé – well that’s an interesting tale.

Love mystery-thrillers with romantic suspense?  Learn more – download The Long Road Home FREE with Kindle Unlimited or order from your favorite bookstore. Happy reading!

 

The Long Road Home

Thanks for following my blog/newsletters. For my latest novels, and upcoming new releases, click here.

ATTENTION: Book bloggers and reviewers – Book two in the Sydney Jones Series Trilogy will be available soon. Don’t hesitate – sign-up to receive your advanced reader’s copy now.

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5 Stars for Primed For Revenge

Quote for Today: “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” John Steinbeck

Let’s celebrate! One of the milestones authors dream about achieving is knowing readers and book bloggers are reading and loving their books. Today is my happy day!

The writing life has its ups and downs sometimes feeling like you’re riding a merry-go-round. However, when readers respond with comments and reviews it makes the day brighter. Today is one of my soaring days. I just received a 5 Star review for Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 by Chick Lit Café. Look below!

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series5 Stars Chick Lit Cafe

Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn M. Bowen

Synopsis:

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.

Book Review:

Primed For Revenge, the first book in a new and exciting psychological thriller series by Carolyn M. Bowen brings readers a captivating mystery filled with crime, conspiracy, and deceit. The author pulls no punches with a dynamic observation into the emotions and actions taken when one’s life is confronted with unexpected, debilitating and life-changing events, of the horrific kind.

Sydney Jones has a bright career as an attorney at a large law firm, prepared to become a partner. However, a disagreement with her boss at Birdman and Birdman infuriates Sydney and she does not take it lying down, causing unforeseen negative consequences.

When she is kidnapped, tortured, brutally raped and returned to her home, Sydney is warned to keep her mouth shut. Sydney has no idea why she was targeted and she has now lost her memory too. Now, suffering from amnesia, she tries to get her life back. She begins to exercise and work out and goes to the gun range, learns to handle and shoot a gun. She becomes stronger, learns to protect herself and tries to overcome such a horrific attack on her body and life. She wants revenge and gets prepared for a fight. As she starts to regain some of her memory and put the pieces together, disturbing events are brewing behind the scenes while deceptive friendships and situations come her way.

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn Bowen is an exceptional crime and mystery story filled with intrigue, romance, action and unexpected surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, which ended with a tremendous twist. The exciting, deep, complex and fully believable plot is brought to life with Bowen’s expressive descriptive words, vivid scenery, settings, and of course, the shocking scenes. Sydney Jones is a fabulous character with strength and determination. She should not trust those who come to befriend and help her but takes her chances. Because after all, she did forget everyone she knew, and even the house she lived in. What a struggle for one woman to endure. Many readers will identify with her vulnerability, and be inspired and encouraged by the strong woman she becomes after being victimized in such a brutal manner.

Carolyn M. Bowen has captured the essence of various authentic, interesting and compelling characters. She has an original clever ability for writing about fascinating people, unique places and astonishing unusual occurrences. The dialog between the characters is brilliant and impressive, sometimes heated and many times, warm.

Overall, Primed For Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen is an entertaining read, with a great fulfilling plot and storyline that flows nicely, is easy to follow and become engrossed in. The characters all play an important and vital part to this creative and original novel which is the beginning of a remarkable new psychological thrillers series, entitled Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn M. Bowen. Don’t miss out on this captivating, compelling and thrilling 5 star read! Highly recommended by Chick Lit Cafe.

 Purchase Primed For Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen today!

Alt="chick lit cafe book reviews & marketing"

 

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

B&N
Books-A-Million
Google Play
KOBO
Smashwords
Foyles – UK

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Summer Reading Kickoff

Quote of the Day: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person …” Carl Sagan

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Latest News: Summer Promotion

Love reading mystery-thrillers with a strong female lead character – then today is your day. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is your right choice for entertainment. Join the thrill of reading with this special price promotion to kick off your summer fun.

A Short 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.

Where to order yours…

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 is now 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

Thank you for following my writing news and sharing on social media. I appreciate your support and look forward to your comments and reviews. Enjoy your upcoming summer reading! Carolyn Bowen

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Hemingway’s Advice to Writers: Part 2

Quote of the Day: “For a true writer, each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.” Ernest Hemingway

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Part 2: Hemingway’s Advice to Writers

As promised, today’s topic is part two of Hemingway’s advice to authors provided to Samuelson, a journalist and aspiring author at the time. His book is titled, Arnold Samuelson, With Hemingway, A Year in Key West and Cuba.

Note: The book was published after the author’s death in 1981. You may have seen the movie, if not watch it. The book is available in hard copy from Amazon and at most libraries.

We’re looking at the novels Ernest Hemingway considered the “good stuff” in literature. Although, not handwritten as the list below, in conversation with Samuelson, he said, “the best book an American ever wrote,” the one that “marks the beginning of American literature” – “Mark Twain Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Hemingway’s “Good Stuff”

In looking over the book list, I’m reminded of another quote by Hemingway about studying authors considered the best after their death for that was the true sign of greatness for their work had endured. In doing so, Hemingway’s novels should be added to the list of good stuff for today’s reading.

In his own words…

“Here’s a list of books any writer should have read as a part of his education… If you haven’t read these, you just aren’t educated. They represent different types of writing. Some may bore you; others might inspire you and others are so beautifully written they’ll make you feel it’s hopeless for you to try to write.”

Note: You’ll find most of these at your public library.

  1. The Blue Hotel by Stephen Crane
  2. The Open Boat by Stephen Crane
  3. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
  4. Dubliners by James Joyce
  5. The Red and Black by Stendhal
  6. Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset
  7. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
  8. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  9. Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
  10. Hail and Farewell by George Moore
  11. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  12. The Oxford Book of English Verse
  13. The Enormous Room by E.E. Cummings
  14. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  15. Far Away and Long Ago by W.H. Hudson
  16. The American by Henry James

Following Hemingway’s method of studying the writing of great authors whose works have stood the test of time, what author and books would you add to the list?

Here are a few of my favorites. Comment below with your must-reads of classic novels.

  • The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway
  • The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • The Catcher and the Rye – J. D. Salinger
  • James Bond Spy Series – Ian Fleming
  • Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes
  • Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
  • Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
  • To the Lighthouse – Virginia Woolf
  • The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck 
  •  In Cold Blood – Truman Capote   

Note: If you missed Hemingway’s Advice to Writer’s Part One, read here.

Thanks for following my blog and sharing on social media. Your support is greatly appreciated!

For more information about my novels, click here. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

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You’ve got to put the past behind you!

Quote of the Day: “My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” Forrest Gump

Photo Credit: Pixabay

In the movie Forrest Gump, he shared his reasons for running across the United States as his way to put the past behind him. He said, “I guess that was what my running was all about.”

So many times, we try to move on after failure, defeat, bad circumstances, and other life events, without taking time to reflect, to process and learn from and release burdens that are dragging us down. Moving from one failure to the next is not a way to live your best life now. Make your happiness a priority and make peace with your past, explore new goals, and be the best you can be.

In my book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, the tools and resources are available to help you find your unique personal path for living victoriously. Topics include leaving the past behind, death & dying, depression, fitness, careers, and inspiration.

The reference to cross-stepping in this book refers to the zig-zag motions you’ll master to become successful for whom you are and were meant to become. Cross-Stepping is a way of moving forward and backward until you achieve success. This is typical knowledge for surfers of the longboard who succeed with this method to hang ten or other magnificent watersport feats.

Get ready to throw overboard anything that stands in your way of achieving your dreams of living a purposeful and successful life.

Thank you for following my newsletter. I look forward to hearing about your successes. Carolyn Bowen

Novels by Carolyn M. Bowen

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Hemingway’s Advice to Writers: Part 1

Quote of the Day: There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

Lifelong learning around my home means studying the art and craft of writing. This means I do a lot of reading and writing.

We all have our favorites and my reference to Ernest Hemingway probably doesn’t surprise you. I am fortunate to have read many of Hemingway’s novels and came across a book about him written by his friend, Arnold Samuelson, an aspiring writer at the time.

For the next few posts, I’ll share some of his advice to writers from the book by Arnold Samuelson, With Hemingway, A Year in Key West and Cuba.

Note: The book was published after the author’s death in 1981. You may have seen the movie, if not watch it. The book is available in hard copy from Amazon and at most libraries.

Ernest Hemingway’s advice on ambition, self-comparison, and originality:

“Never compete with living writers. You don’t know whether they’re good or not. Compete with the dead ones you know are good. Then when you can pass them up you know you’re going good. You should have read all the good stuff so that you know what has been done because if you have a story like one somebody else has written, yours isn’t any good unless you can write a better one. In any art, you’re allowed to steal anything if you can make it better, but the tendency should always be upward instead of down. And don’t ever imitate anybody. All style is, is the awkwardness of a writer in stating a fact. If you have a way of your own, you are fortunate, but if you try to write like somebody else, you’ll have the awkwardness of the other writer as well as your own.”

In the next post, we’ll look at what Ernest Hemingway thought was the “good stuff” writers should read.

Please take a moment and share your thoughts below. Thanks for following my newsletter. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Carolyn

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Book Review: Livia Lone by Barry Eisler

Quote for Today:  “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” —Norman Vincent Peale

Spring 2019

Spring is in the air and I’m enjoying my writing life – reading and working on book 2 of the Sydney Jones Series. As you know, I rotate my reading from craft, marketing, to the mystery-thriller genre. This is my latest read. Hope you’ll give this gripping fiction a shot!

Livia Lone (Livia Lone, #1)Livia Lone by Barry Eisler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Livia Lone opens the dialog for talking about human trafficking. It’s a worldwide criminal operation partnering for taking and fulfilling orders for people, against their will, to be distributed worldwide. This fictional account shows the political corruption and horrors associated with this heinous crime.

The psychological effects of abuse take on many forms and we get a front row seat to seeing Livia deal with years of childhood and early adulthood abuse. The suspense of not knowing if her sister is dead or alive after both were sold by their parents in Thailand haunts her.

The love for her sister keeps her going. Learning how to defend them both was her objective. She excelled at martial arts, studied criminal justice and became a cop with one purpose in mind – find and free her sister. What she did with her new found knowledge crosses the line, but it fit her agenda – vendetta against those who caused their suffering.

Barry Eisler weaves a tale of deceit that’ll keep you turning pages. In the end, you’ll be ready for the next in the series.

View all my reviews

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

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Meet & Greet: Author Event

Quote of the Day: “Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.” Ray Bradbury, WD

Meet & Greet!

Join me May 3rd, 7-9 p.m. for a meet and greet at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. I’m tickled to participate in their Emerging Author’s Program.  I hope to see you there. Be ready for some fun and games with giveaways. Hint: What is your favorite scene or quote from any of my novels?

As many of you know, my latest mystery-thriller is celebrating an April birthday. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is available now at your favorite bookstores. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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