Knowledge is Power
July 22, 2026 by Veronica Jorge in category Write From the Heart by Veronica Jorge tagged as Banned Books, books, George Peabody Library, St. Petersburg Florida, The Library, Veronica Jorge
Anniversaries are festive occasions marking milestones and accomplishments. We recount experiences and memories; some sad, but hopefully mostly joyful. We celebrate the depth and richness of our shared lives.
Anniversaries are also a time for looking back to where we have been and how far we have traveled. We also peek forward to catch a glimpse of that which is to come.
It seems fitting that the United States of America is doing the same in 2026 during its 250th anniversary. Documentaries, films, community activities, art, and books continue to explore the American experiment of democracy, freedom, and the equality and rights of all people as the nation, in its ever-changing cultural and political metamorphosis, engages in ongoing discussions of education, free speech, the role of the arts, and banned books.
So, I was delighted when on a recent trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, I chanced upon a restaurant named, The Library. Bookshelves lined the walls filled with volumes of books. Giant round lighting hung from the ceiling reminding me of the light bulb that appears in comic strips on the top of a character’s head when a brilliant idea illuminates them. The aroma of coffee and good food wafted through the air in this space modeled after the George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland. Peabody believed in the power and importance of education and built an institute for the citizens of Baltimore dedicated for that purpose. What a great place for nourishment of body and mind.
At the nearby Museum of Fine Arts, The Last Library IV Written In Water, an installation by Ward Shelley and Douglas Paulson, intrigued and energized me. On tilted shelves filled with banned books, the artists also placed fake archives, and political propaganda alongside the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Human Rights.
According to the information plaque, the installation, like a real library, honors the written word, but the artists challenge the viewer to find the truth among alternative facts, confusing sources, and language shaped by artificial intelligence. We are asked to think about how much we can trust the written word, and causes us to even wonder about the future of democracy.
Art and books reveal that these important topics will always remain relevant and are conversations worthy of continual study and exploration for a nation and its people to live up to its founding principles and values.
Happy Birthday, America. Keep the dream alive. Make it a reality for all.
Veronica Jorge
See you next time on August 22nd!
Books Reviewed by Veronica
Once upon a translation… make that three… c’est si bon!
March 11, 2026 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat, translation, Writing tagged as #Boldwood Books, books, Paris, Translation, writing
The Resistance Girl in Dutch
The Lost Girl in Paris in Spanish
Words… words… words.
They drive us authors crazy, the right words, the passionate words… the words that make your characters do stupid things and wonderful things, too.
Even more surprising to an author is when your words are translated into thousands of words in another language. Will the reader ‘get’ what you’re trying to say? Will they feel the love, the pain?
You bet they will.
The art of being a translator is one I can attest to personally when I was a tour guide at Universal Studios. I gave the tour in German and also learned it in French as a backup for our French guides.
My Universal Studios ‘stuff’ — name tag, parking sticker, studio ID (love the hair!), photo of me in Paris, and my Universal Studios Tour Guide Manual in English — I had to translate it into German.
I had to do the translation myself, which had its moments on the tram when I was trying to explain Bruce the shark in ‘Jaws’, or the early days with Boris Karloff as ‘The Monster’ wearing a paper bag over his head when he went to lunch between takes so no one would see his makeup job. I’d stumble and fall over words, but as one visitor from Munich told me, ‘You have such heart for what you do. Even if you don’t know the right word, we understand.’
I never forgot that.
I also acted as a ‘translator’ for my sensei, teacher, in class when American tourists came into the kimono shop after hours when we having a kimono and dance class on the small stage. However, here I was translating from Japanese to English.
So you can imagine I have the deepest respect for these fabulous professionals who put their hearts and souls into translating my books into other languages. It’s not unusual for a translator to contact me by email, asking me for clarification on something because they want to get it ‘right’. Merci, Bedankt, and Gracias.
For the first part of this year, I’m thrilled to have 3 of my Boldwood Books coming out in Spanish, Dutch, and French. La chica perdida en Paris (The Lost Girl in Paris) came out in the worldwide Spanish market in February; Her meisje in het verzet (The Resistance Girl) came out in Dutch on March 8. Les enfants volés de la guerre (The Stolen Children of War) comes out in French on April 1st. (no cover yet! I’ll update when we do.)
So for now, mes amis, I shall say, Au revoir — until we meet again and we shall. For words are like stars in the sky. I never tire of them.
0 0 Read more
Save the Date, Book Binge Weekend, May 2, 3, 4!
April 10, 2025 by Tari Jewett in category Writing tagged as book party, books, event, Garry Gooding, Jaylee Austin, Kristine Dickson Tate, Lisa Kessler, Marianne Hebert, reading, Rebecca Forster
As you know, Consistency is my ‘word’ for 2025. And so far, while I’m still working on it in other areas, I’ve written my blog posts consistently…but I almost blew it today. It’s been a busy week, and I woke up this morning, checked my messages, and facebook. In my notifications was a post from last year of a blog I had shared. Wait, blog? Today’s the 10th? So here I am at my desk, making sure that I don’t miss this post, because CONSISTENCY!
What I really want to talk to you about is the Book Binge Weekend that we’ll be having in our reader group, The Charmed Connection on Facebook. If you love books, and face it, if you’re hanging out at A Slice or Orange, you do, you’ll want to join us May 2, 3, and 4th for a weekend of great authors, book talk, games, prizes and just plain bookish fun! You can join The Charmed Connection by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/316100615817145
For a little background, we have a Facebook writer group, Charmed Writers, that started because a few of us were sitting at home, while our friends were attending the 2016 Romantic Times convention. We decided to see how productive we could be while our writer friends were having fun connecting with readers and other authors. We spent 5 days writing and getting in as many words as we could. I wanted to make it special, so I gave out charms for achieving different goals.
When it was over, we didn’t want it to end, and we formed a little writer group, Charmed Writers. So, The Charmed Connection, is our reader group, where we share all things books with readers. If you’re an author and interested in joining Charmed Writers, you can email me at tarilynnjewett@gmail.com.
At our Book Binge Weekend, we’ll be joined by authors in a variety of genres. Our current author list includes:
Joe Addams
Jaylee Austin
Marla Brotherton
Kristine Dickson Tate
Brad Elward
Alina K. Field
Rebecca Forster
Garry Gooding
Jenny Hansen
Marianne Hebert Donley
Lisa Kessler
Denise Marsh Colby
Molly Neely
Linda O. Johnston
Joe Petty
Mark Rosendorf
Alexa Santi
Sandy Stuckless
Tari Lynn Jewett
Connie Vines
Jennifer Weil
And we are still scheduling!
So, if you’re looking for some new reads to add to your TBR…and maybe free books and charms!
Please join us in The Charmed Connection May 2, 3 and 4…and everyday!
As you know, Consistency is my ‘word’ for 2025. And so far, while I’m still working on it in other areas, I’ve written my blog posts consistently…but I almost blew it today. It’s been a busy week, and I woke up this morning, checked my messages, and facebook. In my notifications was a post from last year of a blog I had shared. Wait, blog? Today’s the 10th? So here I am at my desk, making sure that I don’t miss this post, because CONSISTENCY!
What I really want to talk to you about is the Book Binge Weekend that we’ll be having in our reader group, The Charmed Connection on Facebook. If you love books, and face it, if you’re hanging out at A Slice or Orange, you do, you’ll want to join us May 2, 3, and 4th for a weekend of great authors, book talk, games, prizes and just plain bookish fun! You can join The Charmed Connection by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/316100615817145
For a little background, we have a Facebook writer group, Charmed Writers, that started because a few of us were sitting at home, while our friends were attending the 2016 Romantic Times convention. We decided to see how productive we could be while our writer friends were having fun connecting with readers and other authors. We spent 5 days writing and getting in as many words as we could. I wanted to make it special, so I gave out charms for achieving different goals.
When it was over, we didn’t want it to end, and we formed a little writer group, Charmed Writers. So, The Charmed Connection, is our reader group, where we share all things books with readers. If you’re an author and interested in joining Charmed Writers, you can email me at tarilynnjewett@gmail.com.
At our Book Binge Weekend, we’ll be joined by authors in a variety of genres. Our current author list includes:
Joe Addams
Jaylee Austin
Marla Brotherton
Kristine Dickson Tate
Brad Elward
Alina K. Field
Rebecca Forster
Garry Gooding
Jenny Hansen
Marianne Hebert Donley
Lisa Kessler
Denise Marsh Colby
Molly Neely
Linda O. Johnston
Joe Petty
Mark Rosendorf
Alexa Santi
Sandy Stuckless
Tari Lynn Jewett
Connie Vines
Jennifer Weil
And we are still scheduling!
So, if you’re looking for some new reads to add to your TBR…and maybe even free books…Please join us in The Charmed Connection May 2, 3 and 4…and everyday! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316100615817145
Whew! Consistency. I think I made it.
0 1 Read moreDeadlines and Books, the Life of an Author
March 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as books, deadlines, Denise M. Colby, readingWith the deadline approaching for my third book in my Best-laid Plans series, I’m deep in my writing cave and not thinking about much else except exploring the California countryside with a peddler in 1867. And when I’m not thinking about that, I’m reviewing the edits on book two. Or working through my next read. Whatever it is, it’s all about books.
So I thought I would share some highlights from each of these areas.
What I’m Revealing – A Slight Change of Plans Releases May 27th
I will be revealing my book cover for A Slight Change of Plans in my newsletter that goes out on March 15. This is the second book in the Best-laid plans series. If you want to be the first to see it, sign up for my newsletter right now.
Deadlines on multiple books this month, which included edits on this beauty. I can’t believe that in a few months I get to say I’ve published books (plural)! I can’t wait for people to meet Ren and Jenny when it releases on May 27, 2025.
Here’s the back cover blurb.
A Slight Change of Plans – Book 2 in the Best-laid Plans series by Denise M. Colby
She believes she doesn’t matter.
Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home uncertain of her next step.
His scars have made him an unlovable outcast
Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance, and even more so at his eagerness to assist her.
As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk.
Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other?
What I’m Reading – Readers Comfy Porch Book Club
I’m participating with eleven other authors in the Comfy Porch Book Club. I posted about this in my January post. This month we are reading EV Sparrow’s Muldoon’s Misfortunes. Anyone can join us at any time. There’s daily conversation in a facebook group page, and a monthly zoom call to discuss the book.
Back cover copy: A cursed widower forsakes his faith to ensure his hope.
On a verdant island beset by poverty and death, Mick Muldoon dares to escape his misfortunes. Is working a farm and raising a family such an impossible thing to ask? Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers—not turn a deaf ear?
After surviving the treacherous voyage to America, Mick discovers the rumors of ample opportunity aren’t exactly true. His defective body hampers employment and keeps him dependent upon his peculiar sister. However, an unexpected invitation to move to the heartland guarantees his dreams.
Mick’s own dreadful choices hamper his hopes when he accepts work as a widow’s farmhand. Unbeknownst to him, there’s deception afoot. Mick’s inattention to love causes catastrophe as single fatherhood cruelly shatters his family. Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time?
In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, this misguided, wayward widower encounters God’s unexpected presence.
What I’m Giving Away
I’ve joined a group of authors in a newsletter round robin and each month I will feature a different author in my newsletter and my subscribers can download their book for free. I thought I would start out with the first one here. All That Glistens by Marie Wells Coutu
When the bright lights of Broadway dim, the warm glow of home beckons to Delia. Delia left her tiny Kentucky hometown to make her mark on a Broadway stage in the 1930s. But when her success proves fleeting, will she be welcomed home or will her older sister’s jealousy tarnish the homecoming?
This short story was originally published in Best Short Stories from The Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest 2023.
Get your FREE copy of All That Glistens
Hope you have a wonderful week
Blessings,
Denise
0 0 Read moreSteamy Lit Con Recommendations
August 5, 2024 by Tracy Reed in category Pink Pad by Tracy Reed tagged as books, Recommendations, Steamy Lit Con, Tracy Reed
Sigh…that’s me exhaling from the all the excitement from spending the weekend at the Steamy Lit Conference (SLC). I’m going to make this brief because I’m recovering. My voice tuckered out before I did. I don’t know what happened, but around the last thirty minutes of the conference signing, my voice gave up.
This was my second year participating in SLC and it was even better than last year. This year, I was able to do a little book shopping. A part from hanging out with my author friends, I get to meet readers and make new author connections. I met some amazing authors and culled some very helpful information and resources.
This year, I was able to do a little book shopping and thought I would share these books with you. If you aren’t familiar with them, I highly recommend reading them.
Fake It Till You Make It – Siera London
A Fire In The Sky – Sophie Jordan
Whiskey Business – Elliot Fletcher
My Fault – Mercedes Ron
Trial Of The Sun Queen – Nisha J. Tuli
Course Correct – Aliza Mann
The Duke Gets Desperate – Diana Quincy
Her Night With The Duke – Diana Quincy
Along Came Love – Tracey Livesay
Forbidden – Beverly Jenkins
To Catch A Raven – Beverly Jenkins
Night Hawk – Beverly Jenkins
Rebel – Beverly Jenkins
The Art Of Scandal – Regina Black
Sex, Lies and Sensibility – Nikki Payne
Pride and Protest – Nikki Payne
An Extraordinary Union – Alyssa Cole
Pardon My Frenchie – Farrah Rochon
Never Cross A Highlander – Lisa Rayne
And Some of Tracy’s Books
Featured Books
THE LAST GOODNIGHT
With another body turning up, one woman is hot on the trail of a killer . . .
More info →
SEAGROVE SECRETS
With Shayla Harrison's dangerous ex leaving rehab and headed her way, she needs to find a safe house and fast.
More info →
70 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU TURN 70
70 Things to Do When You Turn 70 celebrates the opportunities to have meaningful and fulfilling lives at 70 and beyond.
More info →
CATCH A FALLING STAR
A TV star tells the paparazzi she's engaged to a high school football coach, but she doesn't tell him … because she barely even knows him.
More info →
