Southern Gurl's Books and Such by Vicky Renee Johnson

2019-01-03T11:16:00.003-08:00

My book review for

"Meet My Mississippi"

Patricia Neely-Dorsey

illustrated by Brenda Ragsdale.

Meet My Mississippi by Patricia Neely-Dorsey

This is a well written and beautifully illustrated book. A trip through Mississippi history for the young and the old. Within a few short minutes I got to visit the William Faulkner Sanctuary, Eudora Welty’s home State, Elvis Presley’s Birthplace and take a ride down the Natchez Trace. I learned about the Choctaw Nation and the Rolling hills of the Chickasaw band. I was able to dip my toes in the Biloxi sands of Mississippi’s most beautiful Beach. I took Highway 61 and traveled with The Howlin wolf and old Muddy Waters himself. I feasted on Mississippi’s fine cuisine and had a cold root beer on Mr. Barq’s front porch. I went down to Meridian and looked at some guitars and then went to visit a frog named Kermit. I traveled the rails of the Old Yellow Dog. I visited a civil rights Museum and walked down to the Old state capitol. I attended a house party at the Neshoba County Fair. I visited the Vicksburg Battlefield. I got to walk through the Pharr Indian Mounds. I got to take a ride on a carousel. I got to see the birthplace of the Singing Brakeman. I had a Coca Cola down in Vicksburg. I even found out where Pine-sol was invented. I walked down the river and gazed at the American Queen.

This book is a reminder to those that know and a history lesson for those that don’t. Open the cover and take a trip through some Mississippi history.

Simplify Your Weight Loss by Author Kevin Lansdell

2012-07-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

Simplify Your Weight Loss

Author Kevin Lansdell

Overview

Simplify Your Weight Loss, is the easiest to understand method of weight loss. This is so simple you will never diet again! Obesity is the number one health risk in this country, it's more than habits or lack of exercise but now with this e book available, you can truly change your life! This e book was created after research of common factors from people who were having real success in weight loss, which led to the discovery of a simple weight loss formula proven successful in my own life. I was able to shed 35 pounds in 3 months with no exercise or starving my self. People would see me eat a chili cheese dog and couldn't understand how I was loosing weight. The secrets have been in front of us the whole time but often covered up by so many confusing diet plans, or healthy ads for a product that's not that healthy. Learn the secrets of how to eat your way thin. Exercise is great, but are you willing to run 30 miles a day? Just to overcome a Big Mac, Large Fries, Large Soft Drink = 10.72 miles
With my method you will not only drop weight, but keep it off. It's not a diet it's a life change! The thinner you awaits!

Author Kevin Lansdell

with his beautiful wife Julie

Meet the Author Kevin Lansdell

BUY at AMAZON - http://www.amazon.com/2011-Simplify-Your-Weight-ebook/dp/B004KSPWZQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342089834&sr=1-1&keywords=Kevin+Lansdell

BUY at Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2011-diet-simplify-your-weight-loss-kevin-lansdell/1030832932?ean=2940012082992

Mississippian Peggy Webb's Touched By Angels

2012-07-11T05:45:00.004-07:00

Touched By Angels

Book One of the Touched By Angels duo - Single mother Sarah Love moves to a new town determined to make a fresh start for herself and Jenny. Born special, Jenny struggles with the things other children take for granted. When the four-year-old escapes her mother's watchful eye to explore outside her yard and dashes in front of the sexy, high-powered Jake Townsend's motorcycle, Jenny and her mother are catapulted in his life. The child and her beautiful mother wrap themselves around Jake's heart. But can he forget his part in the car crash that killed his own wife and daughter? Does he dare risk loving and losing again? This is one of Peggy Webb's most beloved classic romances. Book Two of the duo is A PRINCE FOR JENNY.

A Prince for Jenny

TOUCHED BY ANGELS, SEQUEL - Born special, Jenny, an artist, has had to struggle for every achievement. The things ordinary women take for granted - love, marriage, children- are only a dream for her. When divorced businessman, Daniel Sullivan, brings his children to sit for a portrait, Jenny begins to believe that her prince has finally come. But can Daniel love a special woman without destroying her? Can she withstand the media attention that comes with his high-powered profile? Can she survive the nasty custody battle with his ex-wife? Can there be a fairy tale ending for Jenny and her prince? This unusual love story is one of the author's most heartwarming.

Southern Gurl's proudly presents Author Peggy Webb.

I recently read Touched By Angels, I had know idea the Author was so close to home. Touched By Angels touches your heart as single mom Sarah Love sets out to make a new life for her and her baby girl Jenny. Jenny has special needs but is also gifted with Talents beyond her years. She assists her mother in doll making. When Jenny escapes her mother and runs in front of Jake Townsends Motercycle their lives are changed forever.

Jake, who is dealing with demons of his own is reluctant to follow his heart at first. But not even he can resist Jenny's charm.

This was a wonderful read, i wasn't able to put it down. Hope you enjoy!

Mississippian Peggy Webb is the author of nearly 70 books, 200 magazine columns, and two screenplays. She consistently appears on the bestseller lists and has garnered many awards, including a Romantic Times Pioneer Award for creating the sub-genre of romantic comedy. During her stint as an adjunct instructor of writing at Mississippi State University, Peggy turned her pen to murder. Under her own name, she writes the comedic Southern Cousins Mystery series, starring a basset hound who thinks he’s Elvis reincarnated. Writing as Anna Michaels, she pens literary thrillers. The Tender Mercy of Roses was hailed by Pat Conroy as “an unforgettable story written with astonishing skill and clarity by a truly gifted writer.” Peggy is a member of the professional organizations, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Heard of Dixie RWA chapter and Southern Magic RWA chapter. Visit Peggy at her websites: www.peggywebb.com and www.annamichaels.net and follow her on Facebook.

Interview with Author Amanda M. Thrasher

2012-07-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Amanda M. Thrasher

Amanda M. Thrasher, born in England, resides in Fort Worth, Texas. After leaving the corporate world to spend time with her family, Amanda started writing full time. She is the author of the Mischief Patch series, ‘Mischief in the Mushroom Patch’ and ‘A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch’ and also the intermediate novel ‘The Ghost of Whispering Willow.’ She spends many hours visiting local schools, educating children about her writing and creative process, and helps raise funds through book fairs with local Barnes & Noble’s. Amanda has just completed a graphic novel, for the‘Texas Municipal Court Education Center’ (Driving on the Right Side of the Road) project, about teen driving safety. She contributes weekly to a blog, and continues to write. The third installment of the Mischief series is under way as is a novel geared toward teens.

Southern Gurl's

What compelled you to write your first book?

Like all writers I love to write, but for me it’s actually creating the story and bringing it to life that I enjoy most. Making it all work. I have written poems and short stories for as long as I can remember, but the first real manuscript that I wrote was in my early twenties. I still have it. My mom simply said, “Why don’t you write a book?” and I did. It was awful, but needed to be written. I believe everyone writes at least a couple of really bad books. Every book I write is better than the last, the writing and story-telling, I mean.

Southern Gurl's

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have always wanted to write, but didn’t have any desire to be an author. I simply love creating a story, bringing characters to life, and making it all work. My mind races all of the time, but when I’m writing it’s engaged in a story line, plots, characters, scenes, etc., which is very relaxing for me. Writing, for me, is fun and something I will always do.

Southern Gurl's

How did you come up with your title?

I came up with the Mischief title simply because Jack (one of my characters), is mischievous but in a great way. The fairies in the series live in a mushroom patch, put them together and it had a nice ring to it. I accidently started the ‘rhyming thing’ with ‘A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch.’ ‘The Ghost of Whispering Willow’ title is just perfect. There’s actually more than one ghost, yet the title doesn’t indicate that. A nice surprise as the story builds. The ghost children love to play in the Whispering Willow Wood, so the title seemed to me ‘made’ for my story, which is how it should be.

Southern Gurl's

Tell us briefly about your latest book.

Stewart has seen a ghostly figure out of the corner of his eye. This leads him, and his friend, Andy, on an investigation. The boys experience a physical encounter with a ghost! They are forced to join forces with Krista, Ally, Kendall and Maggie, who have also encountered a ghost sighting. The kids soon find that the ghost they encountered isn’t alone, and is in imminent danger. He desperately needs the children’s help. Complete with a kidnapping, ghost village and feud, the kids try to devise a plan in order to help the ghost children reunite with their lost family? But can they do it? ... Um, as they say, “You’ll have to read the book.”

Southern Gurl's

What are you working on at the moment?

I have just written a graphic novel for ‘The Texas Municipal Court Education Center,’ (on behalf of ‘Driving on the Right Side of the Road’ program), about teen driving safety. I am very excited about this project. Illustrators are sending samples of their work to the department in order to bring the story I have written to life. It’s a ghost story, perfect fit for the schools that I will speak to anyway, but also delivers a very important message, driving safely, and the consequences if you don’t. It’s not another ‘do not’ book. It’s a graphic novel that’s a little scary, edgy, and yet one that we believe the kids will actually read. This was the point of delivering the message in this particular way. We shall give this book away across the State of Texas for free, and it will be translated into Spanish as well. I can’t wait to share this book with the schools that I visit, since the message is an important one.

I’m also working on a teen novel that deals with an issue that is relevant to teens and what they deal with today (I like this piece, it’s flowing well), and my only issue right now is time. Finally I’m writing the third installment of the Mischief series, but my other novel is taking precedent at this time because I think it’s an important piece.

Southern Gurl's

Do you have a favorite character? Why is s/he your favorite?

My favorite character (at this time), without a doubt is Margaret-Rose. She is out of the book ‘The Ghost of Whispering Willow.’ She is beautiful, child-like, but dead. She’s not even a main character, but to me, makes an impression on the reader that is lasting. She understands that she’s gone, but because she truly is ‘child-like’ she never thinks about it. She does the most normal child-like things such as, playing with her doll, wrestling with her brother, skimming pebbles across the water, chasing fire-flies, and even crying when she’s sad. I can picture her so clearly in my minds eye; she is just the neatest little ‘dead girl,’ even though she’s a character.

Southern Gurl's

Do you have a favorite character? Why is s/he your favorite?

Southern Gurl's

How did you feel the day you held the copy of your first book in your hands?

I felt that I had accomplished what my mother had requested of me; it was a task that was done, but once that had sank in, it was the realization that I had written a book. “I wrote a book, this book.” Very scary moment when you share ‘your’ story with the world, and it’s for this reason that I tell all of the kids that I visit, “If you share your work, love your story. You can’t possibly please everyone, but if you love your story, someone else will like it.”

Side Note: I don’t like all of my stories, but a couple of them I do love. Not that the story is amazing to anyone else but me, but it’s usually the characters that leave an impression, I like that the plot works and the story builds as I narrate. (This is a constant learning process, for me). Typically once a piece of work is completed, I am writing at least two more. I move on and I’m done with the one I’ve just finished. I usually don’t fret over the story, it’s done, it’s out there, and I hope my readers enjoy it. If not, maybe they’ll like the next piece that I write.

Southern Gurl's

The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

Once I wrote a story where a character was based on me, but I didn’t even realize it. It was that first manuscript, Miranda, (now I can see it), was the characters name. My dad read the story and said, “This is you. I recognize everything that you did.” I thought I was building a story based on a fictional character that incorporated childhood memories that I’d had. The other characters that I have created, no, they are all not like me at all (that I know of).

Southern Gurl's

When growing up, did you have a favorite author, book series, or book?

As a child my favorite book was‘The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe’ by C.S. Lewis. It actually still sits on my desk today, the one my mom bought me as a kid. It’s taped now, and the pages are yellow, but I still have it. I read this book so many times. I eventually read the entire series, but always went back to ‘The Lion, the Witch& the Wardrobe.”

Amanda Thrasher has a beautiful sweet spirit and loves children, it shows in her writing. Here are some of her works.

Mischief in the Mushroom Patch

Have you ever wondered where fairies get their fairy dust? Lilly and Boris are two mischievous young fairies who leave their home in the mushroom patch without permission.

Boris has flown too fast and tumbles to the forest floor, where he injures his ankle and bends his wing. Meanwhile, the fairy dorm monitor realizes the naughty little fairies are missing and organizes a search party. Once the two are escorted safely back home, Boris is admitted into the infirmary and Lilly is put to bed.

To punish them, Lilly and Boris are put to work for a few days in the fairy dust factory. The factory is an incredible place, producing more fairy dust than any other. Lilly and Boris witness the magic of fairy dust coming to life as they watch it dance and sparkle in the large storage barrels.

The two learn a valuable lesson about this wonderful dust that they have always taken for granted and vow to never be so careless with it again.

A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch

Lilly, Boris, and Jack are back. Join them in a brand new fairy adventure, A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch. The rainy season has arrived early and everyone is unprepared. The unexpected damage to the patch is extensive, leaving the colony in danger. Can the Master Engineers devise a plan to save their home? In addition to the unexpected damage, the fairies' "Kick a Berry Match" has been delayed. The playing field is underwater. Leaf rafting has taken the place of berry kicking, until the pitch dries out. Join Lilly, Boris and Jack in another exciting tale in the mushroom patch.

The Ghost of Whispering Willow

Ghost alert! In The Ghost of Whispering Willow, Stewart sees a ghostly figure out of the corner of his eye. This leads him and his friend, Andy, on an investigation. The boys experience a physical encounter with a ghost!

They are forced to join forces with Krista, Ally, Kendall and Maggie, who have also encountered a ghost sighting. The kids soon find that the ghost they encountered isn't alone, and is in imminent danger. He desperately needs the children's help.

Can the kids devise a plan to help the ghost in time? Will they be able to reunite a ghost with his lost family? Complete with a ghost village and a feud, this story takes on a life of its own.

Amanda M. Thrasher lives in the Fort Worth, Texas area, and is the author of the Mischief series: Mischief in the Mushroom Patch, A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, and is currently writing the third installment, A Spider Web Scramble in the Mushroom Patch.

She speaks to thousands of kids about children's literature, helps raise money for schools at book fairs and is writing a graphic ghost story for the Texas Municipal Court Education Center, about teen driving safety

Author Amanda Thrasher's Mischief In The Mushroom Patch

2012-07-09T03:15:00.000-07:00

Mischief In The Mushroom Patch

Amanda Thrasher

Have you ever wondered where fairies get their fairy dust? Lilly and Boris are two mischievous young fairies who leave their home in the mushroom patch without permission.

Boris has flown too fast and tumbles to the forest floor, where he injures his ankle and bends his wing. Meanwhile, the fairy dorm monitor realizes the naughty little fairies are missing and organizes a search party. Once the two are escorted safely back home, Boris is admitted into the infirmary and Lilly is put to bed.

To punish them, Lilly and Boris are put to work for a few days in the fairy dust factory. The factory is an incredible place, producing more fairy dust than any other. Lilly and Boris witness the magic of fairy dust coming to life as they watch it dance and sparkle in the large storage barrels.

The two learn a valuable lesson about this wonderful dust that they have always taken for granted and vow to never be so careless with it again.

Amanda Thrasher

Born in England, moved to Fort Worth, Texas, when she was fourteen and resides there still. Author of the Mischief Patch series, 'Mischief in the Mushroom Patch' and 'A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch' and the 'The Ghost of Whispering Willow.' She is writing a graphic novel, ghost story, for the Texas Municipal Education Center, about teen driving safety, which will distributed across the State. She contributes weekly to an author blog, and is working on two novels at this time.

Look for the upcoming interview with Author Amanda Thrasher coming soon...

Happy Reading!!!

The Ghost of Whispering Willow by Amanda Thrasher

2012-07-06T05:48:00.001-07:00

The Ghost of Whispering Willow

Ghost alert! In The Ghost of Whispering Willow, Stewart sees a ghostly figure out of the corner of his eye. This leads him and his friend, Andy, on an investigation. The boys experience a physical encounter with a ghost! They are forced to join forces with Krista, Ally, Kendall and Maggie, who have also encountered a ghost sighting. The kids soon find that the ghost they encountered isn't alone, and is in imminent danger. He desperately needs the children's help. Can the kids devise a plan to help the ghost in time? Will they be able to reunite a ghost with his lost family? Complete with a ghost village and a feud, this story takes on a life of its own. Amanda M. Thrasher lives in the Fort Worth, Texas area, and is the author of the Mischief series: Mischief in the Mushroom Patch, A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, and is currently writing the third installment, A Spider Web Scramble in the Mushroom Patch. She speaks to thousands of kids about children's literature, helps raise money for schools at book fairs and is writing a graphic ghost story for the Texas Municipal Court Education Center, about teen driving safety.

Amanda M. Thrasher

A Charmed Place By Antoinette Stockenberg

2012-06-28T05:16:00.001-07:00

A Charmed Place

Antoinette Stockenberg

A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE. It's a deep, aching need for anyone whose heart has ever been broken. Maddie Regan and Dan Hawke were college lovers who were compelled to go separate ways after a horrific event for which Dan was blamed. She settled down and raised a family; he roamed the planet as a war correspondent. But a near death experience brings Dan in search of the only woman he has ever loved. His plan to win Maddie is simple: take up residence in a lighthouse just a stone's throw from her family's summer home, and then make her fall back in love with him. He knows her family will object and suspects that her daughter might; but he refuses to believe that Maddie herself -- the woman who has haunted his dreams for two decades -- can be any less in love with him than he is with her.

It's not that simple for Maddie. She has a jealous ex-husband to deal with ... a feisty, resentful teenager ... a widowed mother unable to emerge from mourning ... and the ongoing heartbreak of her father's unsolved murder. Is it possible to throw all of that aside for the chance to be happy?

Antoinette Stockenberg

MEET THE AUTHOR
Antoinette Stockenberg grew up wanting to be a cowgirl and have her own horse (her great-grandfather bred horses for the carriage trade back in the old country), but the geography just didn't work out: there weren't many ranches in Chicago. Her other, more doable dream was to write books, and after stints as secretary, programmer, teacher, grad student, boatyard hand, office manager and magazine writer (in that order), she achieved that goal, writing over a dozen novels, several of them with paranormal elements. One of them is the RITA award-winning EMILY'S GHOST.

I Hate Everyone...Starting With Me by Joan Rivers

2012-06-25T10:44:00.001-07:00

I hate Everyone...Starting With Me

by Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers is a groundbreaking, award-winning, internationally renowned entertainment goddess. She’s also opinionated—especially when it comes to people she hates. Like people who think giving birth is a unique achievement. Or well-adjusted, a.k.a. boring, ex-child stars who don’t even have a decent addiction.

With all of her diverse experiences, it stands to reason that Joan has seen, done, said, and heard a lot of hateful things. Thank god, she took notes. Here—uncensored and totally uninhibited—she give the best of her worst to First Ladies, closet cases, hypocrites, Hollywood, feminists, and overrated historical figures. And even when letting herself have it, Joan doesn’t hold back in this honest, unabashedly hilarious love letter to the hater in all of us.

I cant wait to READ this book. Love Joan Rivers, Beautiful Funny Lady.

The Hunger Games

2012-04-23T08:14:00.002-07:00

Hunger Games is one of the most intense movies I have watched in a long time. Every riveting moment is packed with adventure and suspense. It also struck something deep inside me, being the mother of an almost twelve year old. I couldn't imagine the horror of watching your child go through something like that, let alone the horror of it being televised all over the nation for others enjoyment. Collins wraps you up and pulls you in. Hang on, it is an intense and bumpy ride...Author Vicky Renee Johnson..

Synopsis: The Hunger Games takes place in a nation known as Panem, after the destruction of North America by some unknown apocalyptic event. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts under the Capitol's hegemony. District 12, where the book begins, is located in the coal-rich region that was formerly Appalachia.

As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol in which a 13th district was destroyed, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games. This is an event in which the participants (or "tributes") must fight in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one individual remains. The story is narrated by 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also selected from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a baker's son whom Katniss knows from school, and who once gave her bread when her family was starving.

Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where their drunken mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, victor of the 50th Hunger Games, instructs them to watch and learn the talents of the other tributes. They are then publicly displayed to the Capitol audience in a televised session with interviewer Caesar Flickerman. During this time, Peeta reveals on-air his longtime unrequited love for Katniss. Katniss believes this to be a ploy to gain audience support for the Games, which can be crucial for survival, as audience members are encouraged to send gifts like food, medicine, and tools to favored tributes during the Games. Katniss relies on her well-practiced hunting and outdoor skills to survive. A few days into the games, Katniss develops an alliance with Rue, a 12-year-old girl from the agricultural District 11 who reminds Katniss of her sister, Primrose. The alliance is short-lived; Rue is killed by another tribute. At Rue's request Katniss sings to her, then spreads flowers over her body as a sign of respect—and of disgust towards the Capitol.

Supposedly due to Katniss and Peeta's beloved image in the minds of the audience as "star-crossed lovers", a rule change is announced midway through the Games, stating that two tributes from the same district can win the Hunger Games as a pair. Upon hearing this, Katniss searches for Peeta and eventually finds him wounded. As she nurses him back to health, she acts the part of a young girl falling in love to gain more favor with the audience and, consequently, gifts from her sponsors. When the couple is finally the last two tributes, the Gamemakers reverse the rule change in an attempt to force them into a dramatic finale, where one must kill the other to win. Katniss, knowing that the Gamemakers would rather have two victors than none, retrieves highly poisonous berries known as "nightlock" from her pouch and offers some to Peeta. Thinking that Katniss and Peeta intend to commit suicide, the Gamemakers announce that both will be the victors of the 74th Hunger Games.

Although she survives the ordeal in the arena and is treated to a hero's welcome in the Capitol, Katniss is warned by Haymitch that she has now become a political target after defying her society's authoritarian leaders so publicly. Afterwards, Peeta is heartbroken when he learns that Katniss's actions in the arena were part of a calculated ploy to earn sympathy from the audience. However, Katniss is unsure of her own feelings and realizes that she is dreading the moment when she and Peeta will go their separate ways.

Hunger games is the captivating creation of Suzanne Collins.

THE AUTHOR- Suzanne Collins currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

Collins says that the inspiration to write The Hunger Games came from channel surfing on television. On one channel she observed people competing on a reality show and on another she saw footage of the invasion of Iraq. The two "began to blur in this very unsettling way" and the idea for the book was formed.

Dirty Dancing

2012-04-19T09:08:00.001-07:00

Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romance film that has become a favorite in the hearts of many. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, the film features Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the lead roles, as well as Cynthia Rhodes and Jerry Orbach. The story documents a teenage girl's coming of age through a relationship with a dance instructor during the family's summer vacation. Patrick Swayze dances into our hearts as Johnny Castle.

Synopsis

Baby develops a crush on the resort's dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), part of the working-class entertainment staff.

When she, while carrying a watermelon, is invited to one of their secret after-hours parties, she observes the "dirty dancing" for the first time. She is intrigued by the sexy dancing, and receives a brief, impromptu lesson from Johnny.

Later, she discovers that his dance partner Penny Johnson (Cynthia Rhodes) is pregnant by Robbie Gould (Max Cantor), the womanizing waiter who is dating and cheating on Baby's sister Lisa. Baby learns that Robbie plans to do nothing about the pregnancy—as he says, "some people count, some people don't." So Baby secures the money from her father to pay for Penny's illegal abortion. Jake agrees to give the money to Baby despite her secrecy regarding what it will be used for, because of the trust Jake has always held in her.

In her efforts to help, Baby also becomes Penny's substitute dancer for a performance at the Sheldrake, a nearby resort where Johnny and Penny perform annually. The upcoming show requires Johnny to train Baby to become a better dancer and learn the required routine.

As Baby becomes Johnny's pupil in dancing, tempers flare and a romance begins to develop in the process. Their performance at the Sheldrake goes reasonably well, though she is too nervous to accomplish the dance's climactic lift. When they return to Kellerman's, they learn that Penny's backstreet abortion was botched, leaving her in agonizing pain. Baby brings her father to help, but he assumes that the pregnancy was caused by Johnny, and he therefore forbids Baby to have anything to do with Johnny or his friends. Jake is furious at Baby for lying to him and betraying his trust. Baby, however, defies him and sneaks out to visit Johnny in his room that same night, where they consummate their blossoming romance.

I admit shamelessly that I have watched this movie at least a hundred times. Its nice to have on just to listen to the wonderful music.

My favorite line in the movie, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” by Johnny Castle.

Unfortunately the beautiful resort, Mountain Lake Hotel , that the movie was filmed in recently burned to the ground.

2012-04-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

“The Funky Lady.”

LINDA LINDALE

“THE FUNKY LADY”

Imagine a world full of color, a world of creativity, a world full of visions. Imagine that and you imagine the world of Linda Lindale.

"LISA MARIE"

This Mississippi artist received a calling in life to share her love of fabric art with the world. As a young child, she began crocheting at the knee of her aunt. Working from visions inspired by nature, movies, photographs, and everyday life, she would quickly sketch what the vision revealed or she would immediately begin working on her pieces.

THE SCARLET LETTER

Linda’s work is very unique. In fact, it has been described as “offbeat, unusual, and trend-setting.” It’s not exactly Grandma’s knitted scarf; hence the nickname, “The Funky Lady.” Her free-form creations include scarves, collars, hats, shawls, vests, kimonos, and shrugs. She look for odd and unusual things, using different yarns, colors, and textures. She also incorporate metals into her textiles.

BEAUTIFUL JEWELERY

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Linda many years ago. She has always been an inspiration to me and her artwork is not the only thing that is colorful so is her personality and her soul. If I had one word to describe this little lady it would be, “SPUNKY”. Because that is exactly what she is. 8-)

ELEGANT SCARFS

SHAWLS

BABY CLOTHES

AND MANY MORE COLORFUL CREATIONS

You can find Linda Lindale and her Funky Ladies Studio at:

http://www.FunkyLadiesStudio.com

Did you know the Titanic had sisters?

2012-04-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows about the Titanic, a passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912 after colliding with an iceberg. The sinking of Titanic caused the deaths of 1,514 people in one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. The Titanic carried 2,223 people. The Titanic was one of three Olympic class ocean liners operated by the White Star Line, the Titanic was built between 1909–11 by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast

Did you know that the Titanic had a sisters? The Titanic belonged to the White Star trio, Olympic, Titanic and Britannic.

The Olympic was the first of the trio of White Star Liners. Launched on October 20th,1910 Under the command of Captain E.J. Smith (who was later to command the Titanic) she sailed on June 14th 1911 on her Maiden voyage to New York.

On 1st September 1915 the Olympic was requisitioned by the British Government for war service as a troopship. Later she received a coat of dazzle paint designed to confuse enemy observers. The Olympic found its place in history when it struck and sank a German submarine, U103.

After the war the ship returned to commercial service, and despite her early mishaps, she gained an affectionate following and earned the nickname "Old Reliable". On May 15th, 1934 the Olympic collided with the Nantucket lightship with the loss of 7 lives.

Britannic was launched on 26 February 1914 at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. On August 1914 the First World War broke out. On 13th November 1915 the Britannic was requisitioned as a hospital ship becoming HMHS (His Majesty's Hospital Ship) Britannic.

On 8:12am on 21st November 1916 Britannic struck a mine, some say it was a torpedo, in the Kea Channel, Aegean Sea. The Britannic began to sink in a much like her sister's end in 1912.

The Ships were famous for their grandure, with delicate attention to detail.

Three beautiful Sister ships, three very similar tragedic endings.

Amory Railroad Festival 2012

2012-04-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Amory Railroad Festival began during 1979 and attracts nearly 60,000 visitors each year. I remember going to the festival the first year it started with my classmates.

I remember dressing up like a Hobo on Hobo day. I remember what a big treat it was to see Buddy and Kay from the morning show at the park. They were the biggest stars I had ever met off of TV.

The innocence of the railroad festival is now in the eyes of my son. He waits anxiously every year to go to the park and see the rides. He is eleven this year and has been counting down the days since we left the park last year. I look forward to The Amory Railroad Festival 2012. Hope to see you there.

A MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS by TAMIE RAINEY GATHINGS

2012-04-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

A MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS

TAMIE RAINEY GATHINGS

A gift beyond measure…

This short but powerful book tells the story of two women bound by blood and their parallel struggles to survive. Jessie Mae Loyd was born into poverty in the Deep South a year before the Great Depression; she faced numerous challenges meant to break her body and spirit. Decades later, she watched her granddaughter repeating much of that same life. Using her life as a roadmap Jessie Mae makes it her mission to steer the young girl around the dangerous potholes she encountered. By sharing her love and wisdom she gives the girl a gift beyond measure—hope for a better life.

I devoured this book in less than one day! It's beautifully written and inspiring, penned by a Mississippi Author from humble beginnings. Tammie Rainey Gathings reflections on healing and forgiveness are astounding and a highlight of this hard-to-put-down tearjerker. She brings home the point that having faith in yourself and learning how to love yourself is a key element in surviving. I was always told, you should never judge someone until you have walked in their shoes. I feel as if I at least tried Tammie's on. This inspirational story of courage and perseverance makes us appreciate the ones in our lives that we so often take for granted. I had two wonderful grandmothers and my son has been blessed with a wonderful grandmother. I was raised to believe in 'mawmaw power'. This story is full of ‘Mawmaw power’. I love this book.

Jessie Mae

Tammie's Grandmother

Tammie as a child!

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

The reason behind Easter Eggs

2012-04-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

I love Easter. I remember Dylans first Easter. We got him a basket four times bigger than him. We hid over a hundred eggs. We were still finding eggs in July. I was thinking about why the egg became so popular at Easter so I decided to do some research.

The custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new life. Christians remember that Jesus, after dying on the cross, rose from the dead. This miracle showed that life could win over death.
For Christians the egg is a symbol of Jesus' resurrection, as when they are cracked open they stand for the empty tomb. No-one actually knows when eggs were first used as symbols at festival times but it was long before Jesus' time. Eggs were always thought to be special because although they do not seem alive, they have life within them especially at springtime when chicks hatch out.
Long ago people gave gifts of eggs carved from wood or precious stones. The first sweet eggs that were eaten were made in the last 100 years from sugar or marzipan. Since then chocolate eggs have become popular and these are given on Easter Sunday.

HAPPY EASTER AND GOD BLESS FROM SOUTHERN GURL'S BOOKS AND SUCH.

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

Mississippi Vampires by Vicky Renee Johnson

2012-04-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Synopsis for 'MISSISSIPPI VAMPIRES'

Jonathan's human life had not amounted to much. He began his days in Amory, Mississippi, the eldest and only son of Robert and Judith Garland, born April 26, 1905. Even though he was a child of the great depression, his childhood had been a privileged one. Jonathan's future was bright until he met the Beautiful and Enchanting... Ruby Leigh.

Once turned he was accepted by his new brothers, Dylan, Garret, Randy and Patch. Together they would not only have to face Ruby Leigh,their mysterious maker, but also Stefan, A Blues playing Vampire who had gone down to the Crossroads and sold his soul.

I really enjoyed writing this book. As I got into the book each character came to life and took on their own personality. My favorite characters are Dr. Edith, she is like the mother-hen to my group of Vampires, Daisy and Petunia, they are suspected to be the daughters of a Barrymore you know, Margo, my favorite Vampire FBI detective, Mary Jo, the care-taker of the Demon-possessed vampire Stefan, and of course, Dylan, named after my son Dylan.

I hope you enjoy this book.

Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

Water for Elephants

2012-03-30T06:46:00.001-07:00

Water For Elephants is a beautiful love story. I love the way this book starts, a little old man sitting in a nursing home recovering from a hip fracture, looking back on the memories of his life, a hidden gem under the wrinkles. The writer spins a gripping tale, narrated through the eyes of our Jacob Jankowski. This book is a fantastic love story but is a seemingly accurate depiction of circus life during Great Depression. The Benzini Brothers who claim to be The Greatest Show on Earth was ran by ‘Uncle Al’, a greedy deceitful man who will stop at nothing to realize his big top dreams.

"I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other." Says Jacob Jankowski. He remembers back to the age of twenty-three, his parents having died in a car accident, the shocked Jacob Jankowski who was a veterinary student at Cornell, ran away to join the circus.

Water for Elephants is told in the first person but from two different perspectives--Jacob Jankowski at 23 years of age and again, at 93 years old. Gruen seamlessly weaves the chapters between past and present. Jacob at 23 is finishing up his last semester at Cornell Veterinary School when a family tragedy causes him to flee. He finds himself on a train for the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth in 1931. Needing a vet, the circus hires young Jacob to tend to their menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. Jacob at 93 resides in a nursing home where he laments the curses of old age, the passing of his wife, and the waning affection of his family. The arrival of a visiting circus triggers a flashback to his youthful circus experiences.

As you walk through the pages of this book you feel as if you are there working for the Benzini Brothers yourself, you can almost smell and taste the circus. Author Sara Gruen weaves a delightful tale of suspense and intrigue. Her characters come to life and take you away to join the circus. This is a book that you will not be able to put down.

Author Sara Gruen is originally a Canadian who is now an American citizen, She moved to the States in 1999 for a technical writing job. Two years later she got laid off. Instead of looking for another job, she decided to take a gamble on writing fiction. She is the author of the bestseller Riding Lessons and Flying Changes. She lives with her husband, three children, two dogs, four cats, two horses, and a goat in North Carolina.

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

2012-03-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

'The Other Boleyn Sisters' is a novel that opens and closes with two executions; The first execution of the Duke of Buckingham in 1521, and ends with the execution of Anne Boleyn in 1536. This is a story of two sisters Anne and Mary and their brother George, who are played like pawns in a Chess game by their power hungry family. From the very beginning we see that while there is a bond that ties the Boleyn sisters together, there is also a deep rooted rivalry between them.

First Mary is asked by her father and Uncle to set aside her new husband and become the mistress of Henry VIII. Mary did so and what was first a command of her father soon became a command of her heart. Mary quickly grew to love the man England called King. She bears Henry two children, including a son, a son he forsakes when his heart is twisted and his eyes are set on Anne. Anne promises Henry a legitimate son and helps him to plot against his wife, the beautiful, but older Queen Katherine.

Katherine had tried many times to give Henry the son he so desired. After many still births she was only able to give him a daughter, Princess Mary. Katherine who spent much of her time on bended knee, praying for her husband and for England never gave up on her marriage.

Anne is ruthless in her drive to become queen, and then to give Henry a male heir. Gregory made these characters come alive causing these historical characters to dance across the pages. Gregory has a gift of weaving a story, this book is a page turner that you wont be able to put down.

Philippa Gregory has been penning compelling works of dramatic historical fiction since the mid-1980s, breaking out with the bestselling Wideacre trilogy and creating a buzz with The Other Boleyn Girl. As fellow author Peter Ackroyd once said of her, "She writes from instinct, not out of calculation, and it shows."

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

Dylan's Dorito Dawg

2012-03-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

DYLAN’S DORITO DAWG

HOT DAWG BUN

HOT DAWG

CUP OF CRUMBLED DORITOS

½ CUP SHREDDED CHEESE

Boil Hot Dawg until done, Sprinkle Doritos on Hot Dawg Bun, place hot Dawg on bun. Sprinkle cheese on top of Hot Dawg. Heat in microwave for 60 seconds. Set under shade tree with glass of lemonade and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

Amelia Earhart, where is she now?

2012-03-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

“The time to worry is three months before a flight. Decide then whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying. To worry is to add another hazard. It retards reactions, makes one unfit. Hamlet would have been a bad aviator. He worried too much.” By Amelia Earhart

Imagine what it would be like to be back in the early 1920s. Imagine to want to fly in that day in time. Now imagine you were a woman who wanted to do that. Amelia Earhart did just that. Amelia Earhart was perhaps the most famous female aviator in American history, setting speed and distance records not only for female, but also male pilots. She was a woman beyond her time.

When I was younger I refused to believe Amelia perished in the flight that carved her place in history. I envisioned her on a tropical isle with a flower in her hair, sipping on coconut milk and enjoying the sunsets. I knew little of Fred Noonan. For years I thought Amelia went down alone. I hope that one day find out what happened to the two courageous aviators who went missing that ill-fated day. I for one am hoping for the tropical Isle theory.

Amelia made a choice to go against the grain, defying what a lady should do and struck out to realize her dream. Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, to Edwin and Amy Earhart. Amelia had a little sister, Muriel (Pidge), who was also her best friend. It was in 1607 in Des Moines that Amelia saw her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair.

Anita “Neta” Snook gave Amelia her first flying lesson. I can’t imagine what it felt like to fly amongst the clouds and realize for the first time, ‘I am really flying.’ Amelia did just that. She saved her money and in a short time purchased her own plane, a two-seated yellow second-hand Kinner Airster. Amelia affectionately named the plane ‘Canary’.

On October 22, 1922 she climbed behind the controls of Canary and set her first woman's record of rising to an altitude of 14,000 feet. On May 15, 1923, she received her pilot's license from the Federation of Aeronautique Internationale. Amelia was the 16th woman ever to receive a pilots license.

Amelia Earhart was a pioneer for female aviators, along with women like Nancy Harkness Love and Bessie Coleman. With the creation of WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) female pilots services. Women pilots were mainly responsible for ferrying needed military aircraft from one point to another. That was extremely challenging because there were many different types of aircraft to fly. With the war in full force, the military now took a closer look at the WASP. Because of its competence and low accident rates, the government now expanded its duties.

1929, Earhart organized a cross-country air race dubbed the Women's Air Derby for pilots from Los Angeles to Cleveland also known as the “Powder Puff Derby” by Will Rogers. Earhart placed third in that race.

Amelia Earhart chose Fredrick Noonan for her navigator. They took off from Lae on July 2, 1937, and headed for Howland Island, a tiny sliver of land in the Pacific Ocean. Their plan was to reach the vicinity of Howland using Noonan's navigation abilities and then find Howland by using radio signals transmitted by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Itasca. The final approach to Howland Island failed, although Earhart stated by radio that they believed they were in the immediate vicinity of Howland. The aviators and their aircraft disappeared somewhere over the Central Pacific Ocean. Despite an extensive search by the U.S. Navy — including the use of search planes from an aircraft carrier — and the U.S. Coast Guard, no traces of them or their Electra were ever found.

Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan are still missing to this day. Recently, Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has taken an interest in Amelia Earhart. I hope that eventually the fates of Earhart and Noonan are discovered.

Earhart's own courage and bravery are noted in a letter left to Putnam in case the flight would be her last. She wrote,

“Please know I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge for others.” Amelia Earhart

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

Amelia Earhart
Wikipedia- Fred Noonan --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Noonan
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1658.html

Magic and Magnolias

2012-03-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Magic and Magnolias

Jeremiah Ransom sat by helpless for years as his girls suffered at the hands of Zeke Malone. The spell that had been put in place by Camilla and Liza would soon be broken and Jeremiah would be able to see his beautiful Magnolias, as his so lovingly called them. He would bring them together in their time of need.
Jeremiah would not be able to help them alone. Hazel, Alizabeth, Maddilone, and Annabelle would also need the help of the women who had came before them. The fight was not only with Zeke, but with a ghost from the family’s past that refused to stay buried.

I thought I was done with A Mississippi Moonlight but Hazel and her sisters just had more to tell. Find Magic and Magnolias on Free-Promotion for the next 3 days.

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

2012-03-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books is “The Preacher's Bride” by Jody Hedlund. I have read this book three times. Hedlund has a way of luring you into a story and embracing you with her characters. Elizabeth Whitbred is the type of character that you can get lost in. This is not your everyday Cinderella story, this is the love story of two people who learn to love despite hardships and turmoil.

In 1650s England, Elizabeth Whitbred sets her heart on taking care of the newborn babe of the late Sister Mary Costin. The babe’s cries call out to Elizabeth, twisting her heart. The older children become attached to her. Especially Mary, the eldest child who is blind. The newly widowed preacher, John Costin is aggravated by Elizabeth’s presence in his home. It takes him a while to become adjusted to the headstrong woman's presence. Elizabeth’s sister Catherine’s jealousy and the manipulative Mrs. Grew’s meddling doesn’t make life any easier for her.

Elizabeth is a young Puritan maiden with high morals. Her father has promised her hand to Samuel who had just finished his Cooper apprenticeship. Samuel reluctantly agrees to let Elizabeth work in the Costin household.

Elizabeth becomes the young Preachers nanny and housekeeper, working diligently to hold his household and her life together. John comes under scrutiny by his peers as he speaks out in what he believes in finding himself and his family in danger from men that would rather see him quiet. Elizabeth is placed in danger many times, becoming a target by John Costin’s enemies. In time Elizabeth finds herself in turmoil and she loses grips on the life her father planned for her as she discovers the love she has for John Costin.

“The Preacher's Bride is a beautiful love story that is based on a true life story of John and Elizabeth Bunyan. Elizabeth was the second wife of John Bunyan. They were married in 1659, shortly before he was arrested and imprisoned, leaving her to care for his four children by his first wife. During this time he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress.

Jody Hedlund is married and the mother of five beautiful children. She not only finds time to write books but to also home school her five children. I home school one child, my hat is off to her.

I highly recommend “The Preacher’s Bride” to anyone who loves a good heartfelt uplifting Love story.

Thanks for stopping by, Now, go grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea, crawl out on the front porch swing with a good book and enjoy.

Pat Brannon, Mississippi Author

2012-03-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Pat Brannon is an Award-winning Christian poet, children’s author, singer, songwriter, speaker, encourager, and best-selling author in the Authors to Believe In Book Club, Pat Brannon is a lady you want to meet, even though you may not know it yet. Actually, Pat is the next person you want to invite to your school, church or community event. She does a highly visual, attention-getting, eye-opening character education presentation for all ages on the evils of bullying. Pat entertains and educates her audiences all at the same time.

Pat’s writing has been published in newspapers, newsletters, magazines, a chapbook series and anthologies. She is the author of Walk Softly (You’re Steppin’ On My Heart!), Filthy Farley o'Charlie McBarley, Food Fight Frenzy and Quirky Kids’ Zoo.

Food Fight Frenzy is the 1st in a series of books entitled - Thumpin' Through the Third-Grade. This is a wonderful story of life as a little girl whose misadventures take her on a magical yet comical ride through school.

Margaret Ann Mumford, thinking it would be just another ordinary day at school, had no idea what awaited her and the rest of the third grade classes in the cafeteria at lunchtime. Did someone say food fight? Students, teachers and guests getting plastered by food in the school cafeteria? When is somebody, anybody, going to step up and be a leader instead of a follower? How do you tell Mom and Dad that you took part in the food fight? Will the punishment fit the crime? Did somebody say punishment? Bummer

Quirky Kids Zoo Have you ever seen elephants and ants play leap frog? What about goldfish playing guitars? If you've ever wanted to watch tigers jump rope or catch a glimpse of polar bears in pink tennis shoes, then head on over to the Quirky Kid's Zoo. While there be sure to sure to check out the gopher races and the giraffes playing hopscotch.

When it comes to writing, singing and performing in public, Pat is a natural. At the age of nine she joined her first band as a vocalist and musician and began performing in public. Down through the years Pat joined two other bands. She has performed numerous times on radio, television and the small stage. Pat is the founding member of Lifeline, a Southern Gospel group at Meadowood Baptist Church in Amory, MS. She is also a featured soloist and an active member of the MBC Adult Sanctuary Choir.
For 10 years Pat was a substitute teacher in grades K-12 in the Amory, Mississippi Public School District. Due to her love for children and her passion for writing, Pat was inspired to write children’s books that contain fun, wholesome, entertaining stories with important life lessons.
She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Pat's most passionate work has been her fight against Bullying. Her book Filthy Farley o'Charlie McBarley is a book she wrote to use as a tool to fight Bullying.

I look forward to reading Many more books by this precious lady.
Now, grab a good book and lets read...8-)

Jason Brannon's The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors

2012-03-19T21:04:00.002-07:00

If you love a little gore with a touch of terror you will love The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors written by Jason Brannon. This book is a collection of dreadfully delicious short stories that will leave you horrified and wanting more.

This is one of the best horror collections I have read in a long time! These stories chilled me to the bone; the characterizations were fantastic, realistic and relatable. The writing is superb. Brannon’s stories are nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat reading that makes it hard to put the book down.. This is one author whose future books I will look forward to reading. Highly recommended! Fast-paced and beautifully plotted, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time- from beginning to end.

Stories in The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors that were previously published:
Beware the Death Angel (originally appeared in Post Mortem Magazine)
The Machinery of Infinity (originally appeared in AlienSkin magazine)
Running Toward Eden (originally appeared in Coach's Midnight Diner #2 anthology)
The Fourth Key (published in quite a few places-including Post Mortem Magazine)
The Oracles (published as a standalone chapbook by Nocturne Press)
Mother Mary (originally appeared in Puzzles of Flesh collection)
The Misunderstood (featured on Biting Dog Publications website)

Summary: The world is filled with misfits. The world is filled with the misunderstood. Enter the shadowy underbelly of society where the outsider is king and learn why...

...the Death Angel visits a small town year after year

...an old collector of clocks holds the keys to Armageddon
...a nocturnal game turns deadly when an unexpected player joins

...a church of snake-handlers insist on introducing a visitor to their god

...a group of scarecrows reveal their true nature to the farmer who made them

The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors is an awesome book that I think will really appeal to many horror fans.

A Mississippi Moonlight

2012-03-09T12:11:00.001-08:00

I started this blog last month and am just now getting back to it. (Can you say too busy?) I wanted to share a little about my books A Mississippi Moonlight . The first book I wrote is about the Starling family who have been terrorized by a man named Zeke Malone. Zeke grew up with a grudge against the Starling Family, a grudge harvested by his great grandmother Emily and nurtured by his mother Carlotta.

Emily was a the poor servant girl who grew up envious of Cordella O‘Donnell, the daughter of the man her mother worked for. Old Man O‘Donnell had enough money to burn a wet mule. Emily grew up wanting what Cordella had. The two girls lives became entangled in jealousy and revenge. Passing the hate from generation to generation. Emily believed all the lies she told, (Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil... stop telling those lies gurl). The path she took lead her down a lonely road filled with heartache and despair.

Cordella makes friends with the beautiful Grace Loraine and together they find away to survive the attacks made by Emily. Grace Loraine is a voodoo priestess who has more than a little magic up her sleeve.

I got the idea for the name Starling from My grandmother, Bertha Starling Monaghan. one of my favorite characters in my book is FBI Agent Dylan Johnson. This character was inspired by my handsome son, and he even wrote a line in the book, "I can't I swallowed the key." Yep, that was all him. You will have to read to find out more. 8-)　

Synopsis for A Mississippi Moonlight:

A supposed curse is eating away at Zeke Malone, a Mississippi crook loaded with money and power. He has always believed that a woman named Cordella seduced and married his great-grandfather, putting a curse on his family. The only way to break that curse is to mix his blood with that of Cordella's family. Zeke manipulates the woman's great-grandson into handing over his daughter, Hazel Starling. After Hazel is drugged and wedded to Zeke, she escapes to California, where she raises their daughter, Chloe Rose.
But their child has secretly been monitored for years, and now a reckoning is due....

You can find A Mississippi Moonlight Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Only $0.99. No these days you can barely get a cup of coffee for that.

I have always enjoyed books with a dark side to them. I love Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ann Rice, among others.

I have a romantic side too, I am a huge Nicholas Sparks. My favorite book by him...All of them. Can't Choose just one. lol I also love Philippa Gregory, I love all of her books as well.

In my opinion, their Ain’t nothing better than a good cup of coffee and a good book.

Till next time, keep-a-reading! 8-)