Author Interview: Ariel Lawhon author of THE WIFE, THE MAID & THE MISTRESS

Today, I have the lovely Ariel Lawhon stopping by to talk a bit at Traveling With T. Ever look at someone and think “How does she do it all?” Ariel is one of those people. She writes, she is one the creative geniuses behind She Reads, she has 4 kids and she’s a force to be reckoned with on social media. Ariel inspires me daily.

Ariel’s debut novel, THE WIFE, THE MAID and THE MISTRESS (read my review here) has book lovers all a-twitter! Political corruption, scandal, showgirls, and a missing judge- plus 3 women who all have their own reasons for keeping what they know about the judge secret- book clubs, you have met your next book (you’re welcome!) Continue reading →

Do Indie Bookstores Need To Help Themselves?

This post may be a bit controversial- especially with many bloggers showing indies major love. So, before you start sending me hate mail- let me tell you- I support indies. I LIKE Indies. So that hate mail- let’s just put it aside and follow this rule- keep it cute or put it on mute!

A True Story:

I live within a generous driving distance of 3 indie bookstores. Each has it’s own set of charms and fun things. All 3 try to have great book signings (which I go to!) and if I’m unable- they have a great system to order the book and have it personally autographed! Continue reading →

The Wife, The Maid and The Mistress by Ariel Lawhon

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a honest review.

The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress

When Judge Crater, a man who has risen to power with the help of the shadiest connections, leaves Club Abbey one night- no one knows how life will change. Or do they?

Judge Crater, after the last night at Club Abbey, after a night of drinks and talk of political corruption, is never seen again. What happened? Did he take a long drive and decide to never return? Or is he being prevented to return by other means? Continue reading →

Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Britney @ Buzzing About Books

Britney @ Buzzing About Books is a blog that found me! Britney started commenting on several of my features and we began chatting off and on. The more I chatted with her, the more I liked her. Then I started checking her blog- and her blog is so cute. It’s like a sunny day at Buzzing About Books! Britney does review more historical fiction and Christian fiction- but I like that. I always find books that are interesting sounding at Britney’s!

Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Britney @ Buzzing About Books

Britney- when did you begin blogging?

I started blogging in July 2013.

How did you come up with the name Buzzing About Books?

I knew if I tried to use my name in some way, it would often be misspelled and hard for people to find me. So I was thinking of my first initial, B. Playing off that, I chose Buzzing About Books. I didn’t really know what direction my blog would take, but I knew it would be a place for me to share my thoughts and reviews and other book related buzz.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I love book blogs and think they are a wonderful way to connect with other book lovers. As a blog follower, I have discovered so many new-to-me authors and read books that I would not have read otherwise. I also love the dialog that is now available between writers and readers through blogs and other social media.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family and traveling. I am married to an amazing man and we have three precious children. Being a stay-at-home mom, my kiddos keep me very busy and I love every minute!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I can think of quite a few, actually! I have a little issue with book hoarding collecting. I am notorious for reading about a great book, ordering it or downloading it, and then leaving it on the shelf as the TBR stack continues to grow. I have so many wonderful books on my shelves just begging to be read. I will read them all…..eventually!

Another confession is that I have never listened to an audio book!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

My husband is my only true crush. However, I will admit to using the word crush after hearing author, Reavis Z. Wortham, speak about his writing journey and his books. Reavis writes a murder mystery/thriller series set in Northeast Texas along the Red River. I have had the opportunity to visit with him on two different occasions and he is a delight; full of humor, wit, and wisdom!

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

Any that I can! 🙂 Back to that first confession, I have so many books waiting to be read that I will still be reading through my stacks well into next year. I need to Conquer The Book Stacks more often!!

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?

Oh, that is a hard question for me. I have read so many wonderful books this year and can’t choose just one! When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell is one of the books that comes to mind. It is the sequel to her debut novel, Into the Free. I think these books were magnificently written. The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is truly an extraordinary story in which an accidental discovery brings an amazing life into view. Joanne Bischof’s Cadence of Grace trilogy is heart-wrenching and heartwarming; simply amazing! I could certainly go on!

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

I would grab three that I haven’t read yet. Looking at my shelves right now, I’m going to pick The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen, Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole, and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I love having a book in my hand and almost always choose a physical copy over digital. That being said, I do enjoy my Kindle Fire. When we’re traveling, I love the ease and convenience of e-books. At home, I love grabbing a book off the shelf and turning the pages.

Do you stack your books on the nightstand or are you more of a bookshelf person?

I have books on my nightstand, bookshelves, and stacks beside my bookshelves. So many books, so little time!

What genres are your favorites to review on Buzzing About Books?

I love books and am a reader of several different genres. I always enjoy discovering new books and authors. The majority of the books I have reviewed so far have been historical fiction and Christian fiction.

Liked Britney’s interview? Get in touch with her by visiting her blog, Buzzing About Books.

Out of the Frying Pan by Robin Allen

Photo Credit: Midnight Ink

Summary from Goodreads:

Poppy Markham is served another culinary mystery.

Feast in the Field, a fine-dining affair put on by the Friends of Good Earth Preserves, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, is the event of the season in Austin’s restaurant circuit and one of Poppy Markham’s favorite social engagements. This year, the spectacle shifts its focus from the gorgeous dinner to the politics surrounding the election for a new president of the Friends.

Shortly after being announced victorious, diva-restaurateur Dana White is struck down in her own kitchen. Can Poppy figure out who — of several candidates — decided to get rid of her?

Continue reading →

Ripples And The Power Of Google Plus (aka Why You Want Ripples)

Ripples. We all know how water looks as it ripples (pretty cool, right?) But what if social media had ripples? Think about it- you share this, another person shares it, someone else, and so on and so forth- until the whole darn thing either goes viral or just kind of stops. Social media, at it’s core, is about this effect. But, until Google Plus rolled out this feature, Ripples, how did we know about a post being shared and where and for how long? Truthfully we didn’t. At least not in the way Google Plus is showing us. And this is a cool thing- and you totally want ripples. Continue reading →

While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell

Photo Credit: Goodreads

While Beauty Slept was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a honest review.

While Beauty Slept

The story opens with Elise Dalriss’s great granddaughter telling a story to the other kids- a story about a fair maiden- Sleeping Beauty. Elise is uneasy with this story being told- but she doesn’t say anything to her great-grandaughter, until Elise finds her searching her room and holding a special knife. Elise sits the girl down and begins telling a story- a story of wonder, of love, of betrayal and pain. Continue reading →

Excerpt from The Lies That Save Us by JL Redington (CLP Tours)

Photo Credit: Provided by CLP

Today, Traveling With T is a stop on THE LIES THAT SAVE US bu JL Redington blog tour sponsored by Chick Lit Plus. For your reading pleasure, JL has thoughtfully supplied Traveling With T an excerpt. Be sure and check out Chick Lit Plus for other stops on the tour and a giveaway!

Excerpt from THE LIES THAT SAVE US

“Don’t play those games with me, young lady,” said Keith, “I’ve been around too long, and don’t have that much time left that I would enjoy the game now. You liked him, and you know it.”

Alexa dropped dejectedly down in the seat across from Keith.

“Did I really blow it? I can’t fall for anyone again, Keith. I really can’t.”

Keith chuckled and looked down at his empty coffee cup.

“How old are you? Twenty-six? Twenty-eight max? Don’t you think that’s kind of a long time to be alone? You may have to do that ‘kissing-the-frogs’ thing for a while, but you don’t have to sleep with every frog you kiss, and you don’t have to expect every one of them to turn into a prince. But you could at least enjoy yourself along the way. I need some coffee.”

Alexa sighed and reached across the table to pour the steaming coffee into his cup.

“I can’t, Keith. I mean it; and I don’t want to. I don’t want to deal with another human being in my life.”

“Yes, you do.” He said with determination.

“How do you–How could you even remotely know that?”

Keith looked at her across the table. He picked up his coffee cup and took a slow sip, then put the cup back down on the table and stared into the dark liquid.

“I know that because there isn’t a human being on the face of this earth that doesn’t need to be loved.” He looked into her eyes. “You’re not betraying the memory of your father, nor are you giving in to a life you swore you’d never want. Be human Alexa; live again. Square your shoulders, take a deep breath and give it a go. It’s a ride you can stop at any time.”

Photo Credit: Provided by CLP

Author Bio:

JL Redington lives in Juneau, AK, with her husband Terry and puppy, Shelby. Together they are the parents of 6 grown children and 19 grandchildren. She loves to read, camp, cook and be with her friends and family. In writing this romance series, JL has found a new love in her life, and that is writing books. JL has always felt books are a way to take us out of the everyday and into a place we can relax, be entertained and enjoy a different world for a period of time. Happy reading!

Connect with JL: Facebook, Twitter, website.

Want to buy THE LIES THAT SAVE US? Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

Summary:

Photo Credit: Provided by CLP

Alexa is beautiful, smart and alone in the world, a result of devastating losses in her life. She purchased a diner in the quiet out of the way town of Startup, Washington and hired employees to help run it. She’s just beginning to feel secure in her loneliness.

Suddenly her world is jolted awake by Cayman, a handsome young stranger that enters her diner seemingly from nowhere. Event’s happen quickly, and soon Alexa is deep into secret lives, deception and desire.

Will she figure out the riddle of her father’s death? Will she be able to resist the temptation to fall in love with Cayman in spite of her suspicions? Will she live to tell the tale?

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Literary Friday, ya’ll…

Today is Valentine’s Day and Literary Friday- so…. do the right thing and get a book and enjoy some bookish love 🙂

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: talks of Nicholas Sparks, giveaway, 50 Sexiest Books, and much more!

2. Traveling With T is asking: Who is your favorite romantic film or literary couple? I’ve listed a FEW of mine- and I would love to hear from you!

3. Still looking for Valentine gift inspiration? Here is a few ideas!

4. Traveling With T this week interviewed Gigi Pandian, author of PIRATE VISHNU, posted an Author Spotlight on Adria J. Cimino and reviewed SOMETHING YELLOW by Laura Templeton!

5. What is So Wrong With “Happily Ever After?” is a question Traveling With T posed this week on the blog- would love to hear more thoughts!

6. My #fridayreads FOUR FRIENDS by Robyn Carr and THROW IN THE TROWEL by Kate Collins.

♥♥♥ I love you all! Thanks for commenting, for stopping by, for sharing on Facebook, Twitter and G+, for finding me interesting! Have a wonderful day, a wonderful Valentine’s Day! ♥♥♥

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Favorite Literary/Film Romantic Couples

Romance is in the air- today is Valentine’s Day! Whether you are celebrating romance by reading or watching a good movie- we all have some fav romantic couples from film or literature!

Here’s a few of mine:

Film:

Photo Credit: IMDB

Scarlett and Rhett: Gone With The Wind- I LOVE Scarlett and Rhett- the looks between them, the bantering back and forth!

Photo Credit: IMDB

Captain Von Trapp and Maria: The Sound of Music- from when she asks “what his whistle sound to call him is” to the meeting in the garden (oh my stars, I love that scene- basically the movie is over after that scene!). Continue reading →