DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: Author Kristan Higgins

Author Kristin Higgins pays special attention to dogs in the majority of her books! Well, there is one book that features a cat, but we will just ignore that one for now.  I have copied the below information from her website:  KristinHiggins.com

I am also impressed that Kristin is in love with Derek Jeter, I mean -- seriously, that guy is perfect and as my son says he is such a good player that we will even forgive him the Mariah Carey thing. And well, nothing says summer like baseball. 


You can also find Kristin on Facebook HERE
And her blog posts HERE
And at Jaunty Quills HERE

About the Author ~ Hello! I’m flattered that you clicked the button. If you clicked by mistake, well, hello anyway. I live in a small Connecticut town with a beautiful library, a great agricultural fair, nice people and not much else. I have two lovely, entertaining children and a brave firefighter for a husband, who is, perhaps more importantly, a fantastic cook. Digger from Fools Rush In is inspired my very own Digger, our cheerful Lab mutt. We also have two cats and grieve for an occasional, short-lived beta fish.   I worked as a copywriter until I had kids and started writing fiction when my children graced my life with simultaneous afternoon naps. Writing, I surmised, was infinitely more satisfying than folding laundry, and so I started my first novel. Before long, I had finished Stalking Joe, whose title was later changed to Fools Rush In, and have been writing ever since. Catch of the Day and Too Good To Be True both received the huge honor of winning the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, which is the Oscar of romance writing. Can't tell you how thrilling that was! I love to write books about relationships, since the search for love and security is one of the driving forces of life. My characters are regular people, folks like us, and I hope to give them a big, memorable love story rich with family, pets, food and laughter. When I’m not writing, I like to be with my kids, goof around with my husband, read, watch baseball, ride my bike and bake. I suffer from chronic bedhead and an unhealthy (and completely understandable) obsession with Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees. Like Millie Barnes, I run, which provides the neighbors with some real entertainment.   We spend as much time as possible at our family home on Cape Cod, swimming in the Atlantic, shivering on the beach, swatting horseflies and watching fish evade my lure at Higgins Pond. It’s as close to heaven as it gets. About the Dogs –     Let's face it . . . you think the dogs are more interesting, don't you? I understand completely.     Digger from FOOLS RUSH IN is named for and based on my dear doggy Digger. He is a black lab mutt, as friendly and dopey and sweet as a Lab can be, a great friend to my kids and a father figure to our cats, Hyacinth and Cinnamon.    Colonel from CATCH OF THE DAY is based on a special dog in my life, Brendan. I adopted Brennie from a dog pound and gave him to my mom just after my father had died. He proved to be one of the world's great dogs, as gentle and sensitive as Maggie's Colonel.    My mom's dog, Derry (named for Derek Jeter), is a frequent guest at our house and Digger's best friend. She is a lovely, not-very-bright dog with a crush on my husband. Her only flaw is that she likes to stand in the road and wag at passing cars.    In TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, we have Angus, a very naughty West Highland terrier with a penchant for destruction. And in THE NEXT BEST THING, I finally have a cat. Fat Mikey. It's a blatant suck-up move to my own cats, and it doesn't seem to be working, but there it is. There are two dogs in ALL I EVER WANTED: Bowie, a Husky mutt, and Angie, a very well-mannered Irish Setter. We had Irish Setters growing up, and they're so beautiful. I was thrilled when my publisher put one on the cover. Pretty pup, don't you think? Look for a Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix in MY ONE & ONLY, the next book in the  pipeline. The Real Digger Sir Brendan Braveheart (he came with that name, I swear) Derry Bernadette, Yankees Fan

REVIEW: All I Ever Wanted by Kristin Higgins

Product Description

One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair…and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals…. So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor….

About the Author

Kristan Higgins is the RITA award-winning author of CATCH OF THE DAY and three other romantic comedies. Previously a copywriter, Kristan began writing fiction when her children graced her life with simultaneous naps...so much more satisfying than folding laundry. She holds a BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross, which enables her to identify dangling participles and quote many great novels. Kristan lives with her family in Connecticut.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (July 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373774583
• ISBN-13: 978-0373774586

SOURCE:  FSB Associates

LOVED IT

This is my first book by Kristin Higgins and it won't be my last.  I really enjoyed getting to know Callie and at times I wanted to yell at her like you yell at the screen during a horror movie, "Don't Go There!" or "You Better Watch Out!"  but this is a story of Callie finding herself and of course she needs to "go there and not watch out".  Higgins does a great job developing a relationship between Callie and Mark and after you have yelled, "Don't Go There" she does eventually find romance with Ian, the uptight veterinarian. 

There is an unexpected pleasure in Callie's grandfather who has some of the best snarky one liners I have ever read.  I want a book about him next.  Ian doesn't come across as very likable and a little bit mysterious but that does change.  I mean, how can a vet be unlovable?  I enjoyed the reality of this story as well.  There were no forced romantic interludes just to bring up the heat.  There are so many little things I enjoyed about this book but the best part is Bowie, Callie's dog.  Anyone who has a dog as an important love in a heroine's life is my kind of writer. 





 

New Giveaway @ Linda Weaver Clarke

Book Review of “Hometown Girl” by Michele Ashman Bell

(Book Give-Away August 23 - 30: for those interested in Hometown Girl,
leave a comment about this review with your e-mail at
http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com. International.)

Hometown Girl is a delightful romance full of humor. When Jocelyn moves
into the home she inherited from her grandmother, the laughter begins. One
thing after another happens to her while fixing up the home, which is in
need of great repair. Read the review by Linda Weaver Clarke and win
Michele’s new book.


Linda Weaver Clarke: Book Review of “Hometown Girl” by Michele Ashman Bell

GIVEAWAY & BLOG TOUR: Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn (Book Review)

Product Description

SINS THAT CAN'T BE FORGIVEN

Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he's dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king's court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan's greatest enemies.

PASSION THAT CAN'T BE DENIED

Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She's horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel's body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she's sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?

About the Author

Paula Quinn has been married to her childhood sweetheart for 16 years. They have three children, a dog, and too many reptiles to count. She lives in New York City and is currently at work on her next novel.
  

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever (August 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446552372
• ISBN-13: 978-0446552370

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

LOVED IT

This is the second book in the Children of the Mist series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. After reading this you will be thinking about exactly what is under a Highlander's kilt, seriously, there are some hot moments in this book.  Tristan is just that hot and we first heard about him in Ravished by a Highlander .  
and Isobel becomes the perfect foil for his smoothness.  Isobel, what can I say?  I think we all have a bit of Isobel in us, it just shows more in others.  I think the best part of this book is the chemistry between the two.

Of course, Tristan and Isobel are not meant for each other, since their families are enemies but the way they move towards each and evolve into a couple is magic!  I am always amazed at the detail and historical accuracy in Paula Quinn's books.  I think this series is off to a wonderful start in this second story.  This is the perfect summer read and will make a wonderful day at the beach, although I think it might heat you up more than the sun. 





WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

Please use a NEW AND SEPARATE comment for each entry.

Contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing address (no PO Boxes)
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.7.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by Hatchette Book Group and up to 5 copies will be available depending on entries.

+1 Leave a comment with an email address (you can do this daily for extra entries)
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AND THE WINNER IS: Sizzling Summer Nights - 5 Romance Books

bacchus76
comethenight 
samnstacy
An email has been sent to the three lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  They have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.  This one took me awhile to pick the winners as this is the most entries ever!

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

NEW! Comment Moderation on Blogger

I am in lurrvvveee.....


Have you tried the new comment moderation on Blogger yet?  I just started playing around with it and it seems to work wonderfully.  For those of you who use Word Press, you would recognize this feature at once.
Sign on to your Blogger Dashboard and check out the new COMMENT tab.  So far, it has caught all of my spam comments.  You will need to go to the SETTINGS tab and fill it in which is really easy.  I have put in my email address so I get a notice when there is a suspect comment.  I also set it up to only moderate comments on posts more than 21 days old.  For some reason, this is where all of my spam is posted.  I know most people won't comment on a closed contest, but that is where I get the unwanted links posted. 

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: To Fetch a Thief by Spencer Quinn

Product Description

In the third book in the brilliant New York Times bestselling series featuring a lovable and wise dog narrator, Chet and Bernie go under the big top to solve the most unlikely missing persons (and animals!) case ever. We were outnumbered, some big number against two. When it comes to numbers, two is as far as I go, but it’s enough, in my opinion. . . .
“Sit,” Bernie said.
 I sat. Bernie would think of something—he always did. That was one of the things that made the Little Detective Agency such a success, except for the finances part . . .
Chet has smelled a lot of unusual things in his years as trusted companion and partner to P.I. Bernie Little, but nothing has prepared him for the exotic scents he encounters when an old-fashioned traveling circus comes to town. Bernie scores tickets to this less-than-greatest- show-on-earth because his son Charlie is crazy about elephants. The only problem is that Peanut, the headlining pachyderm of this particular one-ring circus, has gone missing—along with her trainer, Uri DeLeath. Stranger still, no one saw them leave. How does an elephant vanish without a trace?
At first there’s nothing Bernie and Chet can do— it’s a police matter and they have no standing in the case. But then they’re hired by Popo the Clown, who has his own reasons for wanting to find out what has become of the mysteriously missing duo. After Chet takes a few sniffs in Peanut’s trailer and picks up her one-of-a-kind scent, he and Bernie are in hot pursuit, heading far away from the bright lights of the traveling show and into the dark desert night.
Some very dangerous people would prefer that Chet and Bernie disappear for good and will go to any lengths to make that happen. Across the border in Mexico and separated from Bernie, Chet must use all his natural strength and doggy smarts to try to save himself—not to mention Bernie and a decidedly uncooperative Peanut, too.
To Fetch a Thief shows why readers everywhere have fallen head-over-paws in love with the Chet and Bernie mystery series. Top-notch suspense, humor, and insight into the ways our canine companions think and behave make this the most entertaining and irresistible book in the series yet.

About the Author

Spencer Quinn lives on Cape Cod with his dog, Audrey.  He is currently working on the next Chet and Bernie novel.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Atria (September 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439157073
• ISBN-13: 978-1439157077

Chet has to be one of my favorite dog narrators of all time. I can't wait for the third book in this mystery series and I hope there are many more. Chet, if you are reading this, I have a special treat if you will agree to an interview!