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Hello April…

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. William Shakespeare

Hello April, Flowers, The Writing Life

Spring is showing up all around with buds popping out of the once desolate landscape. In the United States, it won’t be long before flowers are in full bloom and trees take on their spring foliage.

Spring sparks the intellect with youthful prose and the imagination soars to new heights. Enjoy the season and allow your creativity to blossom in your writing lives.

My Writing Life

I’m pleased to report that I’m making real progress on the first draft of my new mystery, crime fiction novel. Thank you for the “adda girl” encouragement and support of my writing.

5 Stars, Book Review, The Writing Life, Hello AprilLatest Book Review News

Woo Hoo! 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite – Read the review here! The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

Crime Fiction/Mystery Book Reviewers

I’m looking for book reviewers who would like to read my new crime fiction and receive an advance copy prior to the release date. I’d love your feedback!

5 Fun April Facts & Trivia

  1. April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
  2. The diamond is April’s birthstone.
  3. This month has many month-long programs: National Poetry Writing Month, National Financial Literacy Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
  4. In the Roman calendar, April is spelled Aprilis, meaning – to open. The trees and plants begin to open to bloom and flower during this month.
  5. April’s Honorary Flowers are Daisies and Sweet Peas.

April Calendar of Events

  • Apr 10     National Library Workers’ Day
  • Apr 13     Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
  • Apr 26     Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
  • Apr 27     Arbor Day  ~ State holiday ~ Nebraska

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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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!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

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

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What Are You Willing To Risk?

Quote of the Day: Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. T.S. Eliot

What are you willling to risk?, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Today we celebrate the British essayist, publisher, playwright, literary and social critic, and “one of the twentieth century’s major poets” Thomas Stearns Eliot, OM (T.S. Eliot) birthday (26 September 1888 – 4 January 1965). Wikipedia

His works continue to resonate with people today. The quote above is one of my favorites. Learn more about his lifetime literary achievements here.

Giving Away To Good Homes

Cross-Ties Adventure, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, The Writing Life, What are you willing to risk?Today I’m pushing, making an effort, to see how far I can go. What are my plans? I’m giving away (5 signed copies of my historical romance, Cross-Ties to good homes.

To enter for a chance to win: Follow my blog and leave a comment. The 1st five to participate will be the lucky winners. Good Luck! I look forward to a meet/greet soon.

Reviewers Wanted: Get added to my reviewers’ list and be the first to know about new releases and other fun events. Please let me know if you’d like to be a Beta reader for my future books.

Carolyn M. Bowen Author, The Writing LifeIf you like to read and review books, please let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version (Cross-Ties and/or The Long Road Home) for your reading enjoyment.

I am so excited about the reviews for my novels. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment (nice) about The Long Road Home and Cross-Ties a historical fiction adventure. You make my writing life more interesting.

The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, What are you willing to risk?

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 bookstore! Thanks!

Say hello here…

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

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Summer Fun in August

Quote for Today: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Summer Fun in August, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

This month has been refreshing as I’ve gone about updating my marketing program for my novels. At the same time, I realized that I needed to get back on my writing path. Several ideas for new books have floated across my mind. Within the next few weeks, I’ll begin the process of putting my thoughts on paper. I’m hoping this new book will come together as easily as “The Long Road Home.” Please send some positive vibes my way! (smiles)

Latest updates – Cross-Ties Adventure is now rocking new covers. Yes, I did two! It was a difficult decision (smiles). I liked the way each one turned out so I did one for the Kindle version and another for the paperback. Let me know what you think!

Cross-Ties Adventure, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Summer Fun In August, The Writing LifeBarnes & Noble  Cross-Ties Paperback

 

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.

Summer Fun in August, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Thanks for following my blog. I hope to see you on social media! – These are a few of my favorite hangouts!

Say hello here…

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

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

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Let’s Celebrate – Summer Reading

Quote of the Day: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Wow! Summer is in full swing and July 4th celebrations are right around the corner. What are your holiday plans?

Blogging, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Blogging, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen AuthorThe Long Road Home, Mystery-Thriller – Goodreads giveaway has just ended and I want to thank everyone for your interest in my mystery novel. The lucky winners will be receiving their books shortly. Happy reading!

Reviewers Wanted: Get added to my reviewers’ list and be the first to know about new releases and other fun events.

Carolyn M. Bowen Author, The Writing LifeIf you like to read and review books, please let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version (Cross-Ties and/or The Long Road Home) for your reading enjoyment.

Books, Carolyn M. Bowen, bloggingAttn: Book Clubs – I am hosting a book club giveaway for The Long Road Home a mystery-thriller. There will be ten (10) novels available to be mailed to the Chairperson of the group for distribution to members. How to enter: Follow my blog (latest writing news) and tell me about your book club (Name & City) in the comments section. The most entries per book club will be the winner. In the case of a tie, we’ll go for a sudden-death finish.

I am so excited about the reviews for my novels. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment (nice) about The Long Road Home and Cross-Ties a historical fiction adventure. You make my writing life more interesting.

Wishing you a splendid summer 2017! Warm regards, Carolyn Bowen

Hope to see you on social media this summer! – These are a few of my favorite hangouts!

Say hello here…

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

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Summer Reading Begins In June

Quote of the Day: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain

Summer Reading

The month of June has started off with a bang! I’m so glad to have wonderful fans and supporters. You make my days brighter. Thank you!

The Writing Life, Cross-Ties NovelI love the new article from The Owl Branch Blog about Cross-Ties novel, my historical fiction book. Take a look here!

If you haven’t read it yet, you’re in for some surprises if you enjoy multicultural family sagas with a strong female character (rebel). You can find it online in paperback or Kindle, NOOK  or at your favorite bookstore.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorThere’s been a lot of activity surrounding my latest mystery, The Long Road Home. Some days I visualize the demand for the novel if placed on a graph, much like an irregular heartbeat mimicking my own.

The Goodreads Giveaway for The Long Road Home is open until June 18th. Enter now for a chance to win a signed copy of this international mystery with a romantic twist. If you’ve already entered, thank you!

Can’t wait for your copy – Here are a few of the places you can purchase the novel to read now. Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and createspace.

Looking for Reader/Reviewers

If you’re interested in reviewing either of my books, drop me a line and I’ll gift a Kindle version for you. Remember you can download a FREE copy with Amazon Prime (Kindle Unlimited).

More Good News

Annual BooksGoSocial Best Book of the Year Prize Contest 

I’ve entered The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen into this book of the year contest. I’d appreciate your vote and super comments about my mystery-thriller. (Smiles)  Vote here! Thank you!

I just received a song to match my book from the singer-songwriter recording artist and former The VOICE (NBC) contestant, Dr. Paul. I am honored in his interest of The Long Road Home. Here’s the song, let me know what you think.

I love my readers and am glad to connect on social media where I do a lot of hangin’ out. If you’ll send me a photo showing my book in your reading space, I’ll publish it on my Facebook page and give you credit. Think about it!

Say hello here…

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

Carolyn Bowen Author

Until next time, enjoy your day. Carolyn Bowen

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Goodreads Giveaway Begins…

Quote of the day: “Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” Voltaire

Books, Carolyn M. BowenHot Diggity Dog! My Goodreads Giveaway is live and I’m excited to feature my mystery-thriller, The Long Road Home. Enter for your chance to WIN a signed copy today.

The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

The Long Road Home

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends June 18, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/236820

Follow my blog for the latest writing news with giveaways and contests.

Let’s have a meet/greet on social media. You’ll find me hanging out on my favorite sites.  Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

 

 

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Happy Summer Days Ahead

Quote of the Day: “One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

Summer,CM Bowen Author, The Writing LifeSummer officially begins on Tuesday, June 20th in the Northern Hemisphere. It fades away on September 22nd after several wonderful months of frolicking fun in the blissful dreamy days and nights. To have a book tucked away for reading in nature, and while fulfilling the everyday demands of life, is a delightful release from cares.

Not to get ahead of myself, but…

Panama City Beach FL, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

I’m ready for summer fun and time with my family at our favorite gathering place, the beaches of NW Florida. Not to be taken away from enjoying every moment of the springtime, it is nice to have nice events to look forward too and great books to read.

Let me tell you about my latest mystery-thriller, The Long Road Home. You’ll instantly be taken on a journey with Kate as she discovers things are not as they appear. Her life is grand or so she believes. Kate’s beautiful, loved by her prominent family, has great digs in Charleston and a handsome fiancé on the fast track to becoming the next super lawyer. The brutal truth facing her includes murder, betrayal, conspiracy, and lots of looking over her shoulder. (Charleston Sunset, Photo Credit: Sean Clyde, C & C Media)

Charleston SC SunsetGet ready to enjoy The Long Road Home. The scenic places in the low country and the beaches of North FL will provide excellent prompts for summer travel. You’ll be intrigued with the mystery surrounding her as she takes The Long Road Home.

The Long Road Home: A Southern twist of fate where lust, love, money, murder and revenge play key roles. You can read The Long Road Home FREE with Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited. It’s also available in paperback and Kindle.

Reviewers Wanted

Are you a mystery-thriller lover who enjoys romance in your books? The Long Road Home may suit your taste in reading. Let me know if you’re interested in reading and reviewing my novel.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorThe Long Road Home by Carolyn M. Bowen – Ask for it at your favorite bookstores! Shop Here Online!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Createspace

More Good News – Historical Fiction Adventure

Cross-Ties Novel by Carolyn Bowen Author, The Writing Life

I’m so happy about launching The Long Road Home! I’m offering Cross-Ties Novel with reduced pricing. It’s a story about love, passion, and family with some hiccups here and there. (Historical Fiction) Purchase today at Amazon: Paperback $9.99 – MatchBook $0.99 – Kindle $1.99 and Barnes and Noble -$9.99.

All Things Southern Contest

bigstock-Cooking-With-Prawns-And-Garlic-45955618 (1)This month I’m gathering recipes for making Southern dishes. I will sample the different recipes and with my favorite chef, and I’ll choose one to star in my YouTube video. The winner will receive credit and a $25 gift card. I look forward to your responses.

Talk to me on social media! I post every day about my writing life or things I find interesting. Hope to see you there!

Social Media Sites – Say hello here!

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

My Latest Author Interview with This Is Writing! https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCarolynBowenAuthor%2Fposts%2F1475213492549813&width=500
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April Showers of Love

Quote of the Day: “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” Anais Nin 

April Showers of Love, The Writing LifeApril Showers of Love

In the month of April, I’ve received an abundance of blessings.

https://theowlbranch.blog/2017/04/18/long-lovely-read-a-5-star-review-for-the-long-road-home-by-carolyn-m-bowen/

 From Reviews to interview requests, it’s been a fun Spring and I am truly grateful.

Reviewers, Wanted: Are you a mystery-thriller lover who enjoys romance in your books? The Long Road Home may suit your taste in reading.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, Author
About The Long Road Home-  Genre: Mystery, Suspense/Thriller, Crime Fiction and Romantic Suspense

The Long Road Home: A Southern twist of fate where lust, love, money, murder and revenge play key roles.

Blurb: Kate’s life was in turmoil after the death of her parents. She’d always been 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.

The Long Road Home by Carolyn M. Bowen

The Long Road Home by Carolyn M. Bowen – Ask for it at your favorite bookstores! Shop Here Online!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Createspace

More Good News – Historical Fiction Adventure

I’m so happy about launching The Long Road Home! I’m offering Cross-Ties Novel with reduced pricing. It’s a story about love, passion, and family with some hiccups here and there. (Historical Fiction) Purchase today at Amazon: Paperback $9.99 – MatchBook $0.99 – Kindle $1.99 and Barnes and Noble -$9.99.

All Things Southern Contest

Iced Tea, Carolyn M. Bowen AuthorThis month I’m gathering recipes for making Southern dishes. I will sample the different recipes and choose one to star in my YouTube video. The winner will receive credit and a $25 gift card. I look forward to your responses.

Talk to me on social media! I post every day about my writing life or things I find interesting. Hope to see you there!

Social Media Sites – Say hello here!

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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Bada Bing Bada Boom: March Writing News

Quote of the Day: March brings breezes loud and shrill, Stirs the dancing daffodil. ~Sara Coleridge 

March Wind, Carolyn M. BowenMarch winds have blown in a whirlwind of activities for my writing life and I love it. Let me introduce you to The Owl Branch and my latest interview where you’ll meet one of my kitties, Tooker.

https://theowlbranch.blog/2017/03/07/an-interview-with-author-carolyn-m-bowen/

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorAbout The Long Road Home Genre: Mystery, Suspense/Thriller, Crime Fiction and Romantic Suspense

The Long Road Home: A Southern twist of fate where lust, love, money, murder and revenge play key roles.

Blurb: Kate’s life was in turmoil after the death of her parents. She’d always been 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.

The Long Road Home by Carolyn M. Bowen

The Long Road Home by Carolyn M. Bowen – Ask for it at your favorite bookstores! Shop Here Online!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

CreateSpace

Books, Carolyn M. BowenMystery Lovers: Book Reviewers Wanted

Do you want to know what all the talk is about? Ask for your copy of The Long Road Home to be in the know. I’ll gift you with the Kindle version for your enjoyment. Remember you can read it FREE on Kindle Unlimited. No strings attached. But if you don’t like it, remember the saying, if you don’t have something good to say, say nothing at all. <Smiles>

More Good News

I’m so happy about launching The Long Road Home! I’m offering Cross-Ties Novel with reduced pricing. It’s a story about love, passion, and family with some hiccups here and there. (Historical Fiction) Purchase today at Amazon: Paperback $9.99 – MatchBook $0.99 – Kindle $1.99 and Barnes and Noble -$9.99.

Around the House

Last month I talked about Southern foods. If you know why that’s important when talking about The Long Road Home, drop me a note. I’ll know you are reading or have read my novel.

Thank you for responding to my recipe request for making an old-fashioned Corn Pone. I tried one and it brought back childhood memories of eating cracklings’ and cornbread with fried chicken and of course iced tea.

I made some black-eyed peas in the crockpot with some beef broth substituting for the water and added some ham pieces along with a couple packets of Goya Sazón Seasoning. It was delicious and my corn pone was quite the accompaniment for this dish.

All Things Southern Contest

Iced Tea, Carolyn M. Bowen AuthorThis week I’m gathering recipes for making iced tea. I will sample the different recipes and choose one to star in my YouTube video. The winner will receive credit and a $25 gift card. I look forward to your responses.

Talk to me on social media! I post every day about my writing life or things I find interesting. Hope to see you there!

Social Media Sites – Say hello here!

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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