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Introducing the Sydney Jones Series

Quote of the Day: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

Something to Talk About
Exciting news for mystery lovers! The first book in the Sydney Jones Series, Primed For Revenge is now available at Amazon and Smashwords for just 99 cents. Read now and preorder the 2nd Sydney Jones thriller, Chance – A Novel today.

Follow on social media for updates and giveaways to celebrate the birthday of Chance – A Novel this November 5th. Thank you for supporting my writing life. Carolyn
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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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Book Review: Divorce Is Murder

Quote of the Day: “People say, ‘What advice do you have for people who want to be writers?’ I say they don’t really need advice, they know they want to be writers, and they’re gonna do it. Those people who know what they really want to do this and are cut out for it, they know it.” R.L. Stine

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Divorce Is Murder: A Toby Wong Novel by Elka Ray

Book Review

A long-ago traumatic experience at Camp Wikwakee leaves Toby with shameful feelings in adulthood. And, yes, she’d gotten counseling. But just when she thinks she’s making progress; she’s reminded again of that humiliating awful night.

Toby now an attorney returned to her hometown in Victoria Canada to care for her mother, Ivy. One of her first clients was Josh, the best-looking and most unattainable guy from summer camp. The memories burnt into her mind come full circle when she sees him.

She debated whether to represent him. The attraction to him was strong. But seeing him brought back the repulsion of being confined in the damp insect ridden Wikwakee cabin and the fallout afterward. She wondered if he stood up for her against the bullies. Somehow, she doubted it since he married the most vicious bully of all, Tonya Cabrilatto.

Now, he’s seeking a divorce attorney and melting in his presence with conflicting feelings, she had agreed. Her role changed quickly when he became a prime suspect in the murder of his wife. She referred him to the leading criminal attorney in town, Jackie, who is also her best friend Quinn’s mother.

Jackie recovering from injuries enlisted her aid for building a case for him. Toby investigates and finds incriminating evidence involving those from summer camp. Josh lied to her and yet she still gets flustered and was gullible to his advances. But, is he a psychopath with murderous tendencies?

Divorce is murder and the nemeses from camp are involved. And, one murdered Tonya, Josh’s wife. How far back does the treachery go – Camp Wikwakee?

Ray provides layer upon layer of intrigue with the intermeshing of the personal and social lives of the main characters. Her description of the characters and scenic imagery places you in the story. This whodunit will keep you guessing to the end. Highly recommended reading. 5 Star Review – Carolyn Bowen

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

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Putting the Social in Social Media

Quote of the Day: “Sometimes you only need to look at other high achievers to remember how GREAT you can become. You can do ANYTHING, and don’t you forget it.” Marsha Wright

Photo Credit: Pixabay

First a disclaimer: Twitter is my happy place for knowing what’s happening right now. Being fascinated by the weather for family and friends live on the coast, and the last BIG one left its mark, I get up-to-date warnings on Twitter from reliable sources. But there’s more, business, financial, travel, and entertainment news is always flowing with what’s happening around the world. Of course, these are my favorite topics. You can find your own by simply following leaders in the industry or related hashtags.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

However, the news potential isn’t why I love Twitter. It’s the people making the Twitter community a place you’d want to hang out. The influencers and fans with an attitude of gratitude and willingness to share positivity are who make a world of difference.

I am thankful for my readers and fans that are diligent in supporting my writing life. I feel like we live in the same neighborhood. We do –Twitterville. I’d know them walking down the street and be glad to have potluck dinner with them.

Then there are the mega influencers like Marsha Wright who promotes the hashtag #ThinkBigSundayWithMarsha and retweets positive sayings and quotes to 600K followers. Wright is a serial entrepreneur, #1 international bestselling author, syndicated columnist, CEO of PromoNation.co and the top 5 marketing influencer. Follow here: Real Marsha Wright® | Top 5 Marketing Influencer

Does she make a difference? Yes. Follow and read her posts and you too will develop a positive attitude.

Thanks for following my blog. Say hello on Twitter @cmbowenauthor. Thanks, 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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Dog Days of Summer Reading

Quote of the Day: “Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison

What are Dog Days of Summer?

The Dog Days of summer means the worst heat of the season will set in. Living in the south you know it’s time to find shade, cool bodies of water, and air conditioning. And, of course, a great mystery read.

When Are the Dog Days of Summer?

Yes, the season is here! Dog Days begin July 3rd and end August 11, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The 40 days of extreme heat coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star.

Stay cool and hydrated while enjoying the offerings during the summer months. There’s no better time to catch up on your reading. Load up your bookshelves for beach reads and the long summer nights.

For mystery lovers, you’ll want to check out the special promotion for Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 at Smashwords. 
Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones SeriesShort Blurb:

In a conspiracy to advert prosecution in a wrongful death suit, lead attorney Sydney Jones was targeted for removal from the case of Birdman & Birdman’s prestigious client. She didn’t go quietly. There were immediate repercussions and only the fittest would survive.

Check out the reviews on my media page for books by Carolyn M. Bowen.

Are you on Instagram? Follow here and share your photos of reading my novels. I’d love to see your favorite reading spots.

Thank you for supporting my writing life. Wishing you a safe and happy July 4th! Carolyn Bowen

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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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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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Reader’s Fun Giveaway

Reader’s Favorite Fun Giveaway

Book Blogger, Summer Giveaway

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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

Spring is about new beginnings and having fun with beach season right around the corner. The days grow longer when the summer solstice arrives June 21st.  I can’t think of a better way to kick start the season than with a fun giveaway for loyal and new readers. Let the fun begin!

Game Plan

Hit the subscribe (follow) button and share on Twitter tagging me with your favorite quote, scene, or why you like a certain character from any of my novels. Use hashtag: #ReadersGiveaway

Novels by Carolyn M. Bowen

Cross-Ties, The Long Road Home, and Primed For Revenge, The Sydney Jones Series Book 1.

For example Cross-Ties – quote “Bless Your Heart,” Leah figured out the southern meaning behind the phrase. It wasn’t as expected. #ReadersGiveaway

Winner Prizes

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Carolyn Bowen’s book of your choice and a $25 gift certificate. The winner is selected by the most tweets with the hashtag #ReadersGiveaway – Deadline midnight June 21st.

Deadline: Midnight -June 21st

Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. I hope to see you on Twitter soon sharing this fun giveaway.

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