Literary Friday, ya’ll……

It’s Literary Friday! Talk of Gone Girl is buzzing about today (more on that later!)

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: Karen White and Return to Tradd Street news, Gone Girl made the list for 16 books being made to movies to see, Wiley Cash’s latest, A Dark Road To Mercy is a mover and shaker (don’t forget to join in Twitter chat Jan 31’st hosted by Deep South Mag!) and so much more!

2. Always With A Book got to meet Sue Monk Kidd this week- read on for her exciting tale!

3. Giveaways, giveaways, giveaways! Always With A Book is giving away Wendy Wax’s While We Were Watching Downton Abbey (ends TODAY) AND Eggs in a Casket by Laura Childs. Traveling With T (that’s me!) is giving away an e-copy of Wild Ones by Kristine Wylyys and The Tulip Eaters by Antoinette V Heugten.

4. So, back to the Gone Girl thing. The news on the internet today is that Gillian Flynn re-wrote the ending for the movie version of Gone Girl. Say what?! What are your thoughts on this news? Here’s mine: We prob should have seen this coming. It’s really not that surprising- I mean, don’t get me wrong- I wish THE ENDING would be the ending in the movie. But, it’s not going to stop me from watching the movie. I say pass the popcorn and hand me my large strawberry drink while I enjoy Gone Girl on the big screen!

5. Bloggers Made of AWESOME is back this week with Krysta from Pages Unbound! Read about her #literaryconfession!

6. I reviewed River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz this week- the right amount of suspense and romance for me!

7. What are your 2014 reading goals? Here is some of mine!

8. Don’t forget: Twitter chat with Jennie Shortridge 1/15! Use #srbkchat to join in the fun- it begins at 8pmEST and there will be 3 copies of LOVE WATER MEMORY given away!

9. You know, I said that Traveling With T had some good news- well, I just posted a new button in my sidebar- I’m a Harlequin V.I.B (Very Important Blogger). Which means that Traveling With T will be having access to more great giveaways (which is great for you!)

10. What are you #fridayreads? I just finished my ARC of Murder With Ganache by Lucy Burdette (loved it!) and will be starting The Goldfinch soon.

Guest Post: Lori Nelson Spielman talks of New Year Resolutions (wine, books, & the life of an author!)

Lori Nelson Spielman, author of The Life List, talks about her New Year Resolutions. Statistics, why she likes New Year Resolutions and the difference between boring resolutions & ones that might be attainable! Read on for Lori’s thoughts.

Lori Nelson Spielman talks of New Year Resolutions

Thanks so much for hosting me today to talk about New Year’s Resolutions. Let me start by getting the clichés out of the way. With the New Year comes a fresh start. The New Year provides the perfect time to reinvent ourselves. The start of a new year gives us a chance to reflect on our lives, evaluate what we want to change or improve.

As tired as they may be, I happen to agree with the clichés. I love the symbolism of a new beginning. I have oodles of things I’d love to change, and apparently, so do most Americans. According to StatisticBrain.com, 45% of Americans make resolutions.

Year after year we vow to eat healthy, get wealthy, lose weight and congregate. We plan to volunteer, drink less beer, manage our debt and adopt a pet.

And year after year we fail—at least that’s what my friend, Kathy, believes. I discovered her resolution revulsion while we were having lunch, and the conversation turned to the New Year.

Kathy: I never make New Year’s Resolutions. Ever. Call me the Grinch of the New Year, but I refuse to be pressured to perform under a deadline.

Me: But it’s the perfect time to start fresh, make those changes we’ve been putting off all year.

Kathy: If someone needs to change, then they should change. Immediately. Why wait for January 1st? Resolution-makers are needy. They’re like a group of lemmings, marching to their suicide. Do you realize only eight percent of people accomplish their resolutions? And of those eight percent, seven percent are lying.

Me: You’re so cynical. The important thing is, they make the effort.

Kathy: Uh, yeah, for like three whole days.

Me: I happen to believe in resolutions. As you know, I make one every year. Want to hear this year’s?

Kathy: Let me guess, you’re going to eat healthy, work out more, everything you vowed to do last year.

Me: Well, yes…but this year I thought I’d increase my exercise routine…

Kathy: Bo-ring! The only thing worse than exercising is listening to someone talk about exercise. And food? Trust me, no one wants to hear about it. Rule of thumb: never talk about your diet unless the person you’re talking to is wearing a lab coat.

Me: Okay, forget those resolutions. I’ll just stick with my original goal: Write my next book.

Kathy: You said that last year and the year before. You need something more succinct. How about: When writer’s block hits, I’ll inhale two, rather than three, rows of Oreo cookies.

Me: But those Oreos are so comforting. I know, I’ll organize my office, and keep it organized all year.

Kathy: Seriously? That’s like asking Miley Cyrus to give up twerking. Make it realistic, like stuffing your coffee mug, laptop, pens, papers and candy wrappers into the nearest closet five minutes before your family gets home.

Me: But all that paraphernalia helps me write. In fact, next year I’m going to write 1,000 words per day, without fail. Now there’s a resolution!

Kathy: You already do that. I see your Facebook posts, tweets, emails, Pinterest…

Me: You’re right. Scratch that. By the time I sit down to write my novel, my daily quota of clever thoughts have been used up. How about I vow to keep away from social media while I’m writing?

Kathy: An Internet diet. Interesting. Are you including Sudoku and Solitaire in your diet?

Me: I should. I know I should. Those computer games are a time warp. But I’m addicted. I can’t stop. Hey, why don’t I read 24 books in the New Year? Reading is essential for writers. And I won’t read trashy novels, I’ll finally read the classics.

Kathy: Two books a month sounds reasonable. But make it one classic, one trashy. After all, if you can’t twerk…. I’m just sayin.

Me: Finally, a resolution we agree on! We’re on a roll here. What about this one: I’ll stop reading my reviews.

Kathy: Obsessing over your reviews would be more accurate. But yes, that’s another good one.

Me: And I won’t compare myself with other authors. I won’t curl up in the fetal position for a week when I discover my writer friends have already sold books three and four.

Kathy: Excellent. I think you might actually accomplish these.

Me: No doubt about it. And while I’m writing, I’ll set a timer. I’ll write in two-hour blocks. I’ll limit my caffeine intake to two cups of coffee a day. I’ll—

Kathy: Whoa. Back up…caffeine intake? What about your wine intake?

Me, blanching, aghast: Wine? Come on now, let’s not get carried away. I refuse to be pressured to perform under a deadline. Why set myself up for failure? Do you realize only eight percent of people accomplish their resolutions…

Like Lori’s resolution? Read Lori Nelson Spielman: Author Spotlight or Interview With Lori Nelson Spielman.

Guest Post: Jolina Petersheim, author of The Outcast, reveals her 2014 resolutions!

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of reading The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim. Fresh-faced and earnest, Jolina is the kind of woman that you just want to soak up her presence. She would be the person who give the advice to you in a moment of hard times- the advice that would be so poignant- and yet so simple. I eagerly await Jolina’s next book!

Jolina Petersheim 2014 Resolution

Over the past few weeks (and especially since I learned about this guest post), I’ve contemplated my resolutions for 2014.

I even thought about keeping a list in the kitchen, where I spend a majority of my time, but I never got around to writing them down until now:

Keep my computer, closet, and kitchen organized (i.e.: child-proof everything).
Send Christmas cards and/or photos (it takes a year for me to gear up).
Get up at six to write (unless Miss A is teething, then all bets are off).
Run in a 5-K with my sisters-in-law.
Have a weekly date with my daughter and husband (preferably on separate nights).

I will actually try to meet most of these resolutions (well, maybe not the Christmas cards . . . or the running bit).

But then I started thinking about when I’m so busy being busy, I miss out on the beauty of everyday life.

So, over the past few days, I have gone in the opposite direction and made an effort to be still.

Well, I have a toddler, so I haven’t been still as much as I have forced myself to embrace the moments not jotted down on my to-do list.

Yesterday, when my daughter put my fleece hat in my lap and then motioned for me to put it on my head, I obeyed, promptly bundled her up in her own hat, coat, and boots, and we went outside for a walk—going downhill together hand-in-hand.
When she dumped water over the edge of the tub—saturating the rug on the bathroom floor—I just rolled it up and continued sitting there, reading my book, until my daughter lifted her chubby little arms, letting me know that she wanted out.
On our daily walk, instead of just waving at my neighbor as he passed me on the road, I motioned for him to pull over, and we chatted about his grandkids and his health.
I stood outside, listening to the snow geese migrating north.
I read more books to my daughter; I read more books from my To-Be-Read pile, too!
I unplugged from the Internet for longer periods of time.
My daughter and I played with marigolds seeds—the flowers long having frozen in the garden.

All of these simple, exquisite moments would have been lost amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life if I hadn’t made an effort to go with the flow instead of fighting against the current—eager to reach my destination and check off another to-do from my New Year’s list.

Now, I also realize that life is going to resume its pace once the holidays are officially over. But I figure that if my main New Year’s Resolution is to be present in the moment, I will make more of an effort to enjoy life rather than trying to squeeze every second of productivity from the hours that I’ve been given.

What are some of your favorite ways to “waste” time?

If you enjoyed reading Jolina’s resolution, please visit her at her website and tell her!

The Tulip Eaters by Antoinette van Heugten (+ giveaway)

Photo Credit: Goodreads

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

The Tulip Eaters

It’s a regular day for Nora. Work and then going home to see her mother and her sweet baby, Rose. Until Nora gets home to the worst nightmare she’s ever experienced. Her mother, shot in the head. And a strange man, dead. Both of those incidents are alarming enough- but even more- where is the baby? Did someone kidnap the baby while her mother was being killed? Are the 2 incidents connected?

Nora, frantic with worry about her baby, only knows that she must find her child. Her life is not worth living if she cannot find her child. As Nora is packing some things of her mother’s away- she finds a metal box. And the box changes everything that Nora knows about her parents. Nora finds out a deep secret- a secret that she never wanted to know. Slowly, Nora begins to realize that the murder of her mother and the kidnapping of her daughter are linked- and have to do with the past, with a life before Nora.

Nora boards a plane to Amsterdam, to find answers to the questions she found in Houston, TX in a metal box. To find out if her parents were what the secrets in the box suggest. Once in Amsterdam- Nora finds out that there are people there- people in high places- who will go to incredible lengths to keep Nora from her daughter- all in part of a payback for the acts Nora’s parents committed against them. Can Nora find out what happened in Amsterdam years ago? Can Nora find her daughter? And will Nora’s former lover, Nico, help her or break her heart again?

Secrets, lies, and betrayal- Amsterdam is filled with those 3 things. Nora must solve the mystery to find out why her daughter was kidnapped, to even have a chance of finding Rose.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is my first Antoinette V. Heugten book and I enjoyed this story. The reader knows pretty quickly why Nora’s mother was murdered- what her secret is. But, as the reader joins Nora- the reader finds that while some fairly key information was revealed in the first 100+ pages- not all was revealed- and that’s why you keep turning the pages.

There are a few twists- some are slightly predictable, some are not. There are a few things about this book that the reader can nitpick- timing of some scenes- but for the most part- enjoyable.

Some of the characters are not as well-drawn out as the others or perhaps the characters that are more memorable to me had evil personalities which added an extra layer.

This story has themes of betrayal, secrets and lies- but wove throughout is a theme of forgiveness. Forgiveness and understanding for yourself, for others.

*This book was sent to Traveling With T from a publicist in exchange for a fair and honest review. Above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Giveaway details:

Check the Rafflecopter Link for 1 copy of The Tulip Eaters (US only!) Giveaway runs from 1-8/1-14.

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Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Krysta @ Pages Unbound

The last Bloggiesta that I participated in- I worked my butt off on my blog. Creating new things. Cleaning the blog up. NETWORKING. This is when me and Pages Unbound crossed paths! Pages Unbound is run by 2 people (Krysta and Briana) and they love to blog (plus read!) This AWESOME post is from the perspective of Krysta as Briana had been getting the opportunity for other interviews- and they want the blogging world to know them as a unit- but also as their own personalities! I was happy to oblige and give Krysta some bloggy love! Psst.. Just in case you missed it- HERE is an interview Pages Unbound did on little ole me!

Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Krysta @ Pages Unbound

Krysta- when did you begin blogging?

Briana and I began our blog in May 2011, so I’ve been blogging for about two and a half years now!

How did you and Briana come up with the name Pages Unbound?

We threw around quite a lot of names, but Pages Unbound seemed to capture the spirit of really taking apart a book to look at how and why it works. I also think it reflects the magic of books—how they sometimes seem to come alive in a way you might not expect.

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

Blogging is a really exciting experience because it exposes you to a world I think many avid readers still do not know exists. It can be fun getting ARCs from publishers and things like that, but the real draw for me are the connections I can make both with authors and with other readers. I’ve read many books I might never have heard of if it were not for the blogging community. If I tend to agree with a blogger about what constitutes good literature and what books I think are good, I am definitely more willing to try a title I’ve seen reviewed on that blog, even if it is not a genre I typically read.

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

I like to watch movies, bake, and try to teach myself foreign languages. I think if I got lost in Italy at the moment, I could ask for the train station and maybe buy a newspaper. That’s totally useful, right?

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’ve never read The Iliad or The Odyssey. And I’m completely ashamed of myself.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I don’t really have a literary crush. When I see a really great character, I want him to get together with his destined literary crush!

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

All of them! I am trying to get through my complete Shakespeare, however, so that’s my number one goal for 2014!

What is a book (or 2!) that you’ve read and LOVED- but did not get positive reviews?

I can’t think of any book in particular, but I do have a fondness for novels that oftentimes have a bit of a sentimental element to them—A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter, for example. Though that’s a classic and well-beloved by many.

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

No contest—Dante’s Divine Comedy. But John Freccero’s commentary Dante: The Poetics of Conversion was a close second. The two just go together.

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

J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Chaim Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev, and something light and fun. Maybe a Jessica Day George book or a fairy tale retelling.

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

I love paper books! The weight, smell, and texture of the book are all a special part of its bookishness.

How do you find other blogs to read? Recommendations of other bloggers?

I mostly find blogs when people come to comment on our blog. As for recommendations, there are so many great bloggers out there. I really like Simoa’s blog at http://animatedholiday.blogspot.com/, though. She talks about Pixar films, classic movies, and the always wonderful Audrey Hepburn.

Pages Unbound has a feature IF YOU LIKE. What is your favorite thing about this feature?

I like that it is the perfect feature for me! Whenever I read a good book, I want to know where I can find more books like it. Unfortunately, the recommendations generated by algorithms on various websites are often not close to what I want. You sometimes need the human element to discern what books have the same feel and spirit and that’s what we provide.

What is a book that you’ve wanted to read, but just haven’t found the time?

For years I’ve wanted to read Shelby Foote’s classic Civil War trilogy, but each book is about 800 pages and I never made it past the first few battles. But this upcoming year will be the year! (That’s what I’m telling myself, anyway.)

Want to connect with Pages Unbound? Visit blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Guest Post: Stephanie Evanovich reveals her humorous New Year Resolution!

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Evanovich- author of Big Girl Panties. Stephanie is humorous and sweet- and over the past few months, we’ve stayed in touch. When thinking about authors to ask to contribute their New Year Resolutions to Traveling With T, Stephanie was a person I knew I wanted to ask!

Everyone knows that authors- in addition to writing books, promoting their current book and going on book signing tours- are also expected to have a social media presence. This is great- unless… you find yourself having a hard time with social media. Stephanie tells us all about her resolution about social media- and makes us laugh in the process!

Stephanie Evanovich talks about her social media New Year Resolution

My resolution for 2014 is to try and step up my game in regards to social media. Back in July, when I first started my book tour for BGP, I posted a pic to my then 130 followers on Twitter that included a little joke about hoping the GPS on my rental car was as good as it claimed. Well, the rental car company answered the Tweet, and it blew my mind. Since I am old enough to remember rotary dial phones, the technology completely overwhelmed me. I spent the next week looking behind shower curtains to see if they were actually following me. And it turned me into a total social media wallflower. A writer who is afraid to write stuff is probably a terrible combo. Next year is the year I conquer that fear and embrace all the great things social media has to offer.

Liked Stephanie Evanovich’s resolution? Read Author Spotlight: Stephanie Evanovich or Meeting Stephanie Evanovich for more about her!

What are your reading goals for 2014?

A new year, a new set of reading goals!

Reading Goals…. Ahh, my heart just beat a bit faster as I typed that! 2014 is a new year and you need new reading goals. Maybe you want to push yourselves- really strive hard to read as many books as you can. Maybe you already know this year is not going to be the year to make big goals- you might be experiencing a life challenge, or exciting news, or going back to school. It’s cool- the thing about reading goals is that you really aren’t competing against anyone- just you! So whatever the goal for 2014 whether it’s 12 books or 100+ books- set your goals! And tell me 🙂

Thoughts for 2014:

1. Do you want to participate in challenges?

Some people like them. Some don’t. I don’t hate them- but I try to not do so many- pick maybe 1 or 2.

2. Think of how many authors you know you’re going to want to read this year.

For example, I know that Denise Swanson will publish 2 books this year, Jen McKinlay will publish 2 or 3, Sarah Jio will publish at least 1, and on and on. So I know already there is at least 5 books that I want to read- after doing that, you may find out you already have quite a few books you plan to read in 2014.

3. Consider if you want to make room in your schedule for new to you authors.

During the year, you may find some new authors to you- maybe a book blogger is talking about a book, maybe your indie bookstore, maybe in some other way you hear about a book.

4. Don’t be afraid to readjust your goals and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet your goals.

Things happen. Life happens. Maybe you are busy. Maybe a reading slump. Just be ok with it!

Traveling With T’s Goals:

1. Read 125 books.

2. Read 10 new to me authors.

3. Make time for my favorite cozy series.

4. To give a book a chance but not to be afraid to DNF if I’m not enjoying.

5. To read at least 10 books that are already on my TBR list.

Let me know what your goals are AND how you are doing over the year!

Guest Post: Helen from My Novel Opinion talks about her 2014 resolutions

Today, I have Helen from My Novel Opinion stopping by to talk about her 2014 Resolutions! You might remember Helen from her being featured as a Blogger Made of AWESOME and her resolutions do not disappoint! Read on!

Helen’s 2014 Resolutions

Almost a month ago, I received an email from Tamara asking if I would like to take part in her New Year’s Resolution feature. All I needed to do was put together a post with some of my own resolutions, bookish or non-bookish, and send it back to her by December 30^th.

It’s now Christmas Eve and I’m just trying to come up with something. I figured that the best approach, and my usual one, was to just type and see what ends up on the page.

I don’t usually make New Year’s Resolutions, I feel that they are just there to be broken. If I do come up with one or two, it is always with good intentions. I go into the New Year all gung ho thinking, hoping, that this year will be different, this year will be the one where I manage to see my resolutions through to the end. And it always ends the same way…by Spring I have completely forgotten about them.

Some of the New Year’s Resolutions that I have made in the past are the usual suspects…eat healthier, lose weight, save more money, etc. Since I always break these – I love food that is bad for you, I lose weight but put it back on, and well money is there to be spent – I thought that I would share some bookish resolutions.

So for 2014 I resolve to:

Read at least 60 books (I managed 62 for 2013)
Read more non-fiction (I only read 2 in 2013)
Continue to discover new-to-me authors (I read books by 45 different authors in 2013, 37 of them new to me!)
Get back into sharing my thoughts and opinions on the books I read (I’ve let this slip in the last couple of months)
Read the books I have unread before adding more to my TBR (I was going to share the number but it’s a little embarrassing, let’s just say that it is more than I thought)
Stick to my blogging manifesto (I’ve been doing well with this since posting before Thanksgiving)

Thanks for reading, I’d love some encouragement as the year goes by!

Want to give Helen some encouragement? Stop by My Novel Opinion and do that!

River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This book was sent to Traveling With T by Putnam Books.

River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz

13 years ago, Lucy Sullivan was saved from a night of horrors by a guardian angel, Mason Fletcher. Lucy, embarrassed about being taken away from the party- especially by the boy she has a crush on, is not aware of the near danger she was in. Mason, seeing Lucy as a kid, just knows he needed to save her from what evils were planned for the night. After Lucy is safe at home, Mason goes back to the party- where a confrontation with the ring-leader of danger, Tristan Brinker, happens. Within a few days of the party- Brinker is missing- presumed dead due to a drug deal gone bad.

13 years later, Lucy- grown up, more confident, and contented with her job as a forensic genealogist, returns to Summer River. Her return is about her Aunt Sara, who has recently died with her friend Mary in a car crash. Lucy and Mason see each other when she returns- and there is a spark- Lucy is not the kid she once was and Mason’s charms have developed with age nicely. The first night back in town for Lucy does not end well- she and Mason discover a body in the fireplace of Sara’s house- a fireplace that was shoddily covered up. Did Sara kill a man? And could this man be Brinker?

Lucy is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. And the deeper she digs, the more she finds out that everything has it’s roots in that night 13 years ago. With Mason’s help, Lucy is able to start putting pieces together- and even begins to question the car crash of Sara and Mary’s.

Danger, drugs, romance, suspense, and wine country- all combine to create a story that is fast paced and worth a read.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

This is my first Jayne Ann Krentz book- and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. With the roots of the story happening in a party in town- and secrets, sins and blackmail happening over a course of 13 years- most of the characters have a reason to be a suspect. Slowly, though, the reader begins to understand that there is more to the story than meets the eye. The romance between Lucy and Mason is enjoyable- and the mystery is also good.

If you are looking for a book with equal parts romance and suspense- I’m recommending Broken Road by Jayne Ann Krentz.

*This book was provided to Traveling With T by Putnam Books in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Giveaway: Wild Ones by Kristine Wyllys

Photo Credit: Harlequin

Thanks to Harlequin Books, Traveling With T has another giveaway! I have 1 e-copy of Wild Ones by Kristine Wyllys to give away!

Here is the summary:

Bri Martin likes her skirts too short, her heels too high, and trouble close at hand. So when big, brooding underground boxer Luke Turner comes into the bar where she works and starts a fight before she brings his first drink, she can’t help being intrigued. Luke is everything she never wanted and everything she can’t resist.

Soon, Luke is showing up everywhere Bri is, and she can’t break free of his hold on her, nor does she want to. When her best friend turns on her, it’s Luke who is there. When Luke’s opponent comes after her to send Luke a message, it’s he who comes to her rescue.

Before Bri knows it, she’s caught in the midst of a rivalry between her boyfriend and her boss, both of whom are not content to settle their scores inside the ring. She swore she’d never live this life, so like the one she once ran from. But only by confronting her past can she decide where her future lies…and whether Luke can be a part of it.

Giveaway is open to US/Canada residents only (sorry!) Giveaway runs from January 4th-January 19th. Click on the Rafflecopter link for your chance to win!

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