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Guaranteed No Stress May 2018

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

Spring4

It’s a joy seeing the seasons change and that’s what May signifies to me. This spring has been colder than previous years in the southern United States. (I was wearing a sweater just yesterday).

I have to say the Farmers’ Almanac, an annual North American periodical that has been in continuous publication since 1818, forecasted the spring weather on the mark. I clearly understand why farmers and gardeners depend on this publication for planting advice. That being said, what are your May 2018 plans?

Author Update

I’ve been busy working on two new books and hope to have the first one out by the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted as it gets closer to the release date. I’ll be seeking advance reviewers for a nonfiction and mystery novel. So, let me know if you’re interested in getting the first peek at my new books.

May Holidays

I love celebrating holidays! Here are three of my favorites:

May 5      Cinco de Mayo

May 12    Mother’s Day

May 27    Memorial Day ~ Federal Holiday

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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Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude!

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

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

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude!

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

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

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

Holiday Giveaway

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

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

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Book Reviews

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

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

Reviewers Wanted

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

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

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

Social Media Hangouts!

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

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

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

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Book Blog Tour: Wise Before Their Time

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

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

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

 Wise Before Their Time – Book Blog Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Buy My Novels

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


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery

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

Social Media Hangouts!

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

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow

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Book Review: The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity

Quote of the Day: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” Stephen King

As an author, I challenge myself to read to enhance my writing skills and to experience new worlds through reading. That being said, today’s book review is based on “The Messiah Matrix” by author Kenneth John Atchity.

The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen AuthorThe Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity

Note Worthy: Religious mystery, action, and romance make this an incredible read.

You first have to believe the possibilities of this religious mystery. Otherwise, the story won’t make sense and the actions of the main and supporting characters will be absurd. That being said…

“The Messiah Matrix” leads us on an incredible journey with believable research to reinforce the mystery. The characters are well-developed and support the story plot.

There’s a Jesuit priest, F. Ryan McKeon, whose world view is collectively shattered after meeting Emily, the stunning archeologist.

Emily’s finding of an ancient Roman coin recovered from a wreck off the coast of ancient Judea puts her on the path of discovery that threatens the very foundation of the Catholic faith.

She and Ryan fight their way through a passion for one another and the desire to unravel the truth about the historical existence of the real “Christ Savior.”

They follow the maze to intercept the Roman coin while questioning the Vatican’s interest in the valuable asset. Their safety was questionable with the Jesuits leaders involved in murdering one of their own, a once mentor of Ryan McKeon.

You’ll want to follow the investigative leads as the suspense unfolds with romance and suspense to the end. This was an incredible journey that you’ll want to read.

Carolyn M. Bowen, Author

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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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Get a Taste of Southern Living – The Long Road Home

The Writing Life

Quote for Today: “When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people, not characters. A character is a caricature.” Ernest Hemingway

Charleston, South CarolinaMarch is fast approaching and I look forward to marketing my latest novel, The Long Road Home. My writing life is split between the writing process and marketing. When I’m writing that’s my main focus. When my novels are completed I go to another happy place to let readers know it’s available.

It’s great to have others appreciate your work and help get the word out about your novel. I was fortunate to be featured by Adam Parker journalist with The Post and Courier this month. I am truly grateful.

Reviews are important to authors

Thank you for the reviews you’ve posted about The Long Road Home. If you haven’t read my novel, please do. If you enjoy reading mystery thrillers and romantic suspense you’ll find amusement. The Long Road Home is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and your favorite bookstores.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, Author

A Short Blurb: The Long Road Home

A page-turning mystery about murder, money, and revenge set in Charleston SC.

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.

Reviewers Wanted: Genre: Fiction, Crime Detective, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller, and Romantic Suspense ~  If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version with no strings. Thank you!

ATTN: Book Clubs
Contact me about reading and discussing The Long Road Home for your special discount.

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.

national-iced-teaA Taste of Southern Living

The Long Road Home dives right into southern living. I’ve been doing some southern cooking but can’t get the recipe just right for the Southern Corn Pone like my granny used to make. It would be tasty with some black-eyed peas and ham hocks. If you have a family recipe you’d share with me, I’d appreciate it.

I post writing news and inspirational information daily on my social media sites. I invite you to connect with me there also. Thanks for sharing the love, Carolyn

Social Media Sites – Say hello here!

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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Happy New Year 2017

Happy New Year 2017

Carolyn Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” Brad Paisley

Happy New Year Everyone! May all your dreams come true in 2017. Wishing you and yours love, peace and joy in this new year.

Wow! I am delighted at your response to my latest romantic suspense novel, The Long Road Home. The Goodreads Giveaway just ended and I’ll be mailing the winners their copies next week. Over one-thousand readers signed up for a chance to win one signed copy out of twenty. I appreciate the readers who have placed it on their book shelf for reading. Thank you for your interest in my novels.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorThe Long Road Home is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other great bookstores. The present average rating is 4.50 (yeah!). It’s because of my fans (you) sharing the book news personally with friends, family and others on their social media sites. If you are visualizing me jumping up and down, you would be right! There’s still more to do to make The Long Road Home a bestseller in 2017. Ask everyone to leave a comment, text review or rating on their favorite book sites. This is one of the ways authors and their books can be seen by others.

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version with no strings. Thank you!

ATTN: Book Clubs
Contact me about reading and discussing The Long Road Home for your special discount.

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 Nook Book -$1.99.

I post writing news and inspirational information daily on my social media sites. I invite you to connect with me there also. Thanks for sharing the love, Carolyn

Social Media Sites

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

Pinterest

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The Long Road Home: Goodreads Giveaway

The Long Road Home: Goodreads Giveaway

Quote of the Day: The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. Mary Heaton Vorse

Exciting news! Today my Goodreads giveaway kicks off (November 28th -December 28th). Follow me and enter for a chance to win a signed copy of The Long Road Home.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

The Long Road Home

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends December 28, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

The book reviews on The Long Road Home are beginning to show up on various social media sites. I am grateful for the readers who have taken the time to comment about my book. The present goodreads rating is 4.5 stars! Wow!

Today’s book review was posted by Katherine’s Book Reviews. I love the four star rating and her blog comments about The Long Road Home. Thank you Katherine!

http://kwbookreviews.com/post/153750627185/the-long-road-home-review

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version with no strings. Please note that books will be sent this week to reviewers previously signed up for copies. Thank you!

ATTN: Book Clubs
Contact me about reading and discussing The Long Road Home for your special discount.

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 Nook Book -$1.99.

I enjoy my social media communities. Please join me on  for exciting updates and giveaways.

I hope you’ll follow my blog for the latest writing news and updates. I love hearing from you.

Something to talk about this holiday season. Order your copy of The Long Road Home today!

Wishing you a wonderful day. Carolyn Bowen, Author “romantic novels of suspense”

 

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Flexing Some Muscle: Imagination

Quote of the Day: “Imagination is like a muscle. I found out that the more I wrote, the bigger it got.” Philip José Farmer

Carolyn M. Bowen Author, The Writing Life

Flexing some muscle

I love the changing of the seasons. It’s inspiring to see the colorful display of autumn colors. It makes my imagination soar.

I am so ready for you to read The Long Road Home.

It’s tough waiting to launch a new book. I’m excited! We’re moving closer to announcing the release date of my new murder-mystery, The Long Road Home. Hint: It’s looking like early November.

Just for you!

In the anticipation of this new release, 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 Nook Book -$1.99.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorReviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version when released, no strings.

I enjoy my social media communities. Please join me on Goodreads for exciting updates and giveaways.

I hope you’ll follow my blog for the latest writing news and updates.

Wishing you a wonderful autumn weekend. Carolyn Bowen

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