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Valentine’s Day 2019

Valentine's Day 2019, Carolyn M. Bowen
Valentine’s Day 2019

Quote for Today: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

A simple definition for Valentine’s Day: A holiday for expressing love to the one you have an intense feeling of deep affection. This translates to one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, florists, and chocolate companies.

History of Valentine’s Day

The auspicious beginning of this holiday has been filtered through the ages. The lasting legacy is about Saint Valentine. It is the story about a romantic priest who defied Roman Emperor Claudius II’s order that all marriages and engagements be canceled so he could fill his army.

The ruler believed the difficulty in recruiting soldiers was because the men were married. When he discovered that Valentine was secretly marrying couples, he was beaten and put to death on February 14 (circa 270 A.D.). 

Through the ages, Valentine’s Day celebrations have changed and some would argue its luster has been lost. Yet, love never fails. Share your love with someone special this Valentine’s Day.

Suggested Reading

Carolyn Bowen, Cross-Ties

Cross-Ties – Adventure/Romance

“Great epic story of love, life, and loss” Amazon Reviewer

Follow my blog for the latest about my new releases, giveaways and more! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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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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Spring 2018 Countdown – Writing Life

The Writing Life

Spring 2018 Countdown, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” Louis L’Amour

Good News

I’m pounding the keys again working on a new novel. Excited – is an understatement. I’m enjoying watching the words appear on the pages and sharing my writing journey with you.

Around the house

Tookie and Bubba Blue are still strange bedfellows with a new friend joining them soon – a swim mate for Blue.

With the flu season making a major impact this season, I’m taking extra health precautions being more health and fitness minded. It’s taken me a long time to find a balance between work and health pursuits. I tend to focus on my writing and marketing and lose touch with everything else. I’m proud to say that’s changing and I’m still able to reach my goals.

Spring 2018 Countdown

There are 52 days left until spring 2018. If you haven’t already read my novels, now is a great time as winter bids farewell.

Where to Buy 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

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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!

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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Sweet November 2017

Sweet November 2017

Sweet November 2017, Carolyn Bowen Author,

“November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.”

― Clyde Watson

Hello November 2017

It’s good to have something to look forward to this month. Here are a few of the special occasions I plan to celebrate! How about you?

My November Checklist

My Birthday – November 6th

Veterans Day – November 11th

Thanksgiving – November 23rd

National Food Holidays – November 2017

Sweet November Thoughts

Let’s not look at November as a dark and dreary month but one where we reflect on our blessings of the year. However, the overcast shadowing of the skies acts as a prompt for some great mystery writing. I’m thankful the season sets the mood for some interesting novel ideas.

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.

Thanks for following my blog. I hope to see you on social media! These are a few of the bookstores where you’ll find my novels. For additional places, check with your favorite online or corner bookstore. Wishing you a sweet November! Carolyn Bowen

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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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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Chillin’ Out

Quote of the Day: “No, I would not want to live in a world without dragons, as I would not want to live in a world without magic, for that is a world without mystery, and that is a world without faith.”  R.A. Salvatore, Streams of Silver

The summer months have been fast-paced with hardly any time to enjoy the pleasures of the season. What are you doing for summer fun this year?

Video – Just released – The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

 

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

If 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, bloggingI 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.

The Writing Life, Chillin' Out, Carolyn Bowen AuthorI 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.

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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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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As the clock ticks down…

Quote of the Day: “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” Henry David Thoreau

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorWe are getting closer to launching my new murder-mystery, The Long Road Home. How do you like the cover? 

Follow my blog and Amazon Author’s Page to be one of the first to read and review The Long Road Home. I will be doing special events, giveaways and sweeps during the launch. Stay tuned.

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 when released, no strings.

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

Cross-Ties Novel, Carolyn M. Bowen AuthorWeekend fun: Read Cross-Ties Novel by Carolyn M. Bowen ~ Amazon Prime or Kindle

Wishing you a super weekend. Carolyn Bowen

 

 

 

 

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It’s A Wrap

Quote of the Day: Writing is a passion I have never understood, yet a storyteller is all I have ever wanted to be. Ruth Park

Cross-Ties NovelThank you for your wonderful response to my Cross-Ties novel Goodreads giveaway. All of the copies have been mailed to the winners.

Nearly 600 readers responded for a chance to win an autographed copy of Cross-Ties. Two hundred folks have placed it on their bookshelf to read. I look forward to reading your reviews and am grateful for your support. Here’s the link to follow on Goodreads. Hope to meet and greet you soon.

The Amazon Giveaway for Cross-Ties Kindle Edition is ending soon.

See this for a chance to win: Cross-Ties (Kindle Edition). Amazon Giveaway NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Sep 15, 2016 11:59 PM PDT, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules.

To purchase Cross-Ties: Paperback or Kindle Amazon

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, Cross-Ties, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version, no strings.

Wishing you a wonderful month filled with peace and joy. Carolyn Bowen

P.S. Let’s connect on social media: Facebook

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