Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright

Photo Credit: Harlequin

In the previous two books, Sassy Belles and Wedding Belles, the lovely Dallas Dubois has shown the readers just how far she will go to get the story (or a man!) Dallas, while beautiful, has not shown the readers (or the people of Tuscaloosa) that she is the kind of woman to be friends with or to trust. But, if you know women like Dallas, most often- there is a reason for their behavior. Sleigh Belles tells Dallas’s story- and makes readers who may have wanted to strangle Dallas in previous books- love and understand Dallas. Similar to how Emily Giffin showed the other side of Darcy in Something Blue– Beth Albright shows that there is more to Dallas than the self-centered, beautiful package that Dallas appears.

Dallas is not happy. She’s weeks away from finding out if she will be the new anchor or will be looking for a new job- and would rather have her beautiful hair cut by Edward Scissorhands than become the director of children’s Christmas play. But, the director is sick and Dallas’s boss insists that she take the reigns. So, she does- and hopes it’ll not be as bad as she thinks. Turns out, it’s worse. The children aren’t listening and Cal Hollingsworth- a friend of Lewis, Blake and Vivi- being around is causing Dallas frustration. Cal is the boy that Dallas had a secret crush on in high school- and Dallas is trying to keep her cool around him because they are different as night and day.

Cal is not exactly pleased to see Dallas, either. Oh his eyes enjoy the curvy goodness of Dallas- but he remembers her as the Ice Queen and it seems that she has not changed as he watches her interactions with the children. One day, though, Dallas encounters a girl that pulls at her heart strings- and reminds her of life from long ago. Seeing Dallas soften makes Cal wonder if he misjudged Dallas- and the two decide to get better acquainted.

As Cal and Dallas begin to spend more time together, they find themselves falling in love. Until Dallas gets some blasts from the past that cause her to begin putting the walls back up that she had just let down. Will Cal and Dallas find happy ever after? Or will Dallas always be unlucky in love?

Dallas’s personal life is a mess- and her professional life is almost as messy. She’s worried about the anchor job and wonders what will happen if she does not get the job. When someone steals Baby Jesus from the Nativity scene of a Tuscaloosa resident- Dallas is on the case, even though she’d much rather have the harder news stories. Could the missing Baby Jesus help lead Dallas to happiness?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Sleigh Belles, by far, is the most heartwarming of the Sassy Belles series. While the other 2 books have more humor, fun and sass- Sleigh Belles tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. The reader learns more about Dallas’s past and why Dallas is the way she is. Beth Albright had to dig deep and work hard to show that there is way more to Dallas than the hair and the body that won’t quit- but, by golly, she did.

And not to worry- there is plenty of mention of those 2 Sassy Belles- Blake and Vivi- but this book is mostly Dallas’s time to shine and to learn that love and friendship have been closer than she ever imagined.

Recommended for readers who want something sweet and heartwarming to read during the holidays- with a heavy dash of romance. Grab a copy of Sleigh Belles and a cup of hot chocolate- and enjoy a story that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Week 2 Questions for Book Lovers Unite: Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

It’s time for Week 2 questions! Week 1 was a great discussion- so let’s keep the momentum going for Week 2!

Remember: Answer the questions you want and ask questions if you have one- just don’t spoil ahead please!

Week 2 Questions:

1. I think we, as a group, are pretty much in agreement that Gordon is pond scum. Worse than pond scum. However- what is your opinion of Jillian? Do you trust Jillian? (Thanks to Cindi (Utah Mom’s Life for getting my mind thinking along these lines from last night’s chat!)

2. Jillian is on the defensive- trying to anticipate Gordon’s next move. After years of being married, does Jillian even have an idea of what Gordon is capable of?

3. Jillian and the school teacher- why is the school teacher going to be singing Gordon’s praises instead of Jillian’s?

4. Jillian seems to know her husband- and yet, he constantly surprises her by being 2 steps ahead. Is this because Jillian still loves her husband in some way?

5. Jillian had an affair. And then she renews it- why? Why would a woman who is married to an insane man do this? Was Jillian’s affair more about “her choosing life”, choosing to live than live in a world of black?

6.Should Jillian have clued Jeffrey more about the ways of Gordon- what he was capable of? Or, does doing that make her sound crazy?

7. Jill runs. Takes the kids. Leaves. Is she running to certain death? Should Jill have just left on her own? Could you leave your kids?

8. When Jillian met Gordon’s dad- he warned her to not marry him. Would Jillian’s life be different if she had heeded that advice?

9. Someone realizes who Jillian is while she’s on the run. Why don’t they turn her in? Would you?

10. Paul names Jillian “Ntamqe” which translates to bear. How central is that part to this story-line?

11. Jillian knows what might be her saving grace if Gordon finds her. Is that her only motivation for keeping the baby?

Update on Bloggers Made of AWESOME (where’s the AWESOME been?)

Dear Readers of Traveling With T:

You may or may not know that over the summer I started blogging about Bloggers Made of AWESOME- fun, informal interviews (think the kind of interview where 2 ladies would sit with a glass of wine- shooting the breeze about fun topics in the book-ish world). Why did I start this? I wanted to show off my bloggy friends! I wanted to show the things that made me love their blog to the world (and I wanted to get to know them a bit better!)

Plus, most everyone likes to have their 15 minutes of fame (not saying that by being featured here you are famous- but you get the picture- most everyone likes to have a spotlight on them- and especially their blogs!)

So I worked hard. I contacted bloggers that I really liked. Blogs that I adored. And the response was always great! The interviews were fresh and charming and tons of wonderful! After a bit, I started expanding my pool of AWESOME-ness (and that worked out great, too!)

To the point of the post: It’s been a few weeks since an AWESOME post has been posted. And so here’s the question I know you readers of Traveling With T have been asking yourself:

WHERE’S THE AWESOME?

The short answer is: The AWESOME is coming! We’re back in session this upcoming Wednesday. The longer answer was that I got behind on my searching for AWESOME blogs. For emailing people. I have almost 10 new AWESOME blogs lined up- and I’m shaking it up even more. Most blogs that were featured were more in the women’s fiction review category. I found an YA blog that I really like- and want to make sure to include blogs that are either mixes of genres or focus on different genres as well- because we all need a shake-up and to see what life is like on the other side of the fence- it makes for great discussion and comments!

Lastly, from now on (or until I have to change it) AWESOME will be a bi-monthly post. The other 2 Wednesdays of the month will have a variety of topics- maybe bloggy tips, maybe an extra review or 2, a giveaway- it’ll just be kind of dealer’s choice (and I’m the dealer, baby!)

Hope to see you next week- when the AWESOME comes back to Traveling With T!

Toodles,

Traveling With T

Are You A Commenter Or A Lurker?

Commenter or Lurker?

Here’s a confession: I’m terrible at commenting on blogs. TERRIBLE. I share like nobody’s business, I link up like a pro, I shout-out like I’m dancing around the house to a Katy Perry song (another confession: I’m usually chair dancing as I tend to my blog business!) But when it comes to the actual, physically going to your blog and commenting- yep, it just does not happen that much.

Why? Oh why? Oh gee golly, the times I have asked myself this. If I had a nickel for every time I asked- I could retire from my day job and live the bloggiest life ever- giveaways every day and nothing but reading while drinking the finest champagne. After much discussion and thought process- here are some of my reasons:

1. Blogger blogs are harder for me to comment on- especially because many are still using Captcha and geez- I mess up Captcha more times that I get it right. One day me and Captcha are going to wood shed and only 1 of us is coming back- get my drift! Now I know some of you are saying “Oh, but T, Blogger has Open ID and you being a WordPress girl- it’s no problem to comment when a blog has that.” Yes- I know that.. which leads me to point 2..

2. Sometimes I’m too lazy too log into my account to actually do the Open ID or to comment on my buddies WordPress blogs. Seriously, this fact probably should not be revealed- but it’s true.

3. And many times I forget. I tell myself to comment- and then I close the page and I’ve forgotten what blog I was looking at (when you read as many as I do- this happens more than you would think).

4. Lastly, if I share, like, tweet, G+ and any other social media- should I comment? Is there a fine line between being enthusiastic about your friends posts and creeping to a stalker-ish side?

But, seriously, know reasons 1,2 & 3 are my main reasons for not commenting as much as I want.

Why I Like to Lurk

When I just discover a blog- I may lurk for weeks before I even mention to anyone about this blog I like. Why? I like to get a feel for the blog- for the writing, the opinions- the thought process. Sometimes, I’m sad to report, I find a blog post and really like it. REALLY think it’s great. And then… that’s all. The magic is over. Maybe the blogger is not blogging anymore. Maybe they are having personal issues. Lurking gives me time to see the blog, see the other commenters and see if this is place that I’d like to hang out. Do you do this? Or do you dive in and comment?

Why I Should Comment More

EVERYONE likes comments. I love comments (unless they are the creepy sp*m- rhymes with ham- comments). Those I hate almost as equally as Captcha.

I should comment more because commenting is good. It shows friends that I care about their writing. Commenting leads to deeper discussions- than say “Liking” on Facebook or something like that (although you can have a great chat back and forth on Facebook/Twitter/G+.

If you are not a commenter- join me in my quest to be a better commenter!

PS: And If you think I hate Captcha, read The Book Wheel and The Relentless Reader take on it. Captcha has met it’s match with those 2.

Tuesday Mashup

#giveaway

I adore Giveaways! Ya’ll know that! What I adore almost as much as winning giveaways is letting you, my faithful readers of Traveling With T, know about the amazing giveaways that other sites are having. I know that while I scour the websites, looking high, low and everywhere in between- that there are probably still hundreds upon hundreds I miss mentioning. But I’m trying!

Love at First Book is giving away 6 books! 3 winners will pick 2 each- and she has 9 to choose from: He’s Gone, The Last Camellia, The Explanation for Everything, The Girl You Left Behind, American Dervish, Girlchild and Shorecliff.

Books Speak Volumes is giving away 1 book- but letting you choose among her 3 favorites for 2013: Burial Rites, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Life After Life (the Kate Atkinson version!)

Books Speak Volumes is also giving We Are Water by Wally Lamb!

Book-Alicious Mama is giving away Is This Tomorrow, Killer Image, Code Name Verity, Man in the Blue Moon, The Unknowns and The Husband’s Secret.

The Relentless Reader is giving away The Husband’s Secret as well.

River City Reading is giving away Rivers by Michael Farris Smith.

Just Another New Blog is giving away Harlequin Romance Holiday Pack– a collection of holiday romance books!

Chick List Is Not Dead is giving away The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch.

Traveling With T is giving away The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins (last day to enter!)

Traveling With T is also giving away Wyoming Bold by Diana Palmer.

Books in the Burbs is giving away The Preservationist by Justin Kramon- giveaway ends Nov 30th!

Other Bloggy Talk

Love At First Book and The Book Wheel are still talking about Orange is the New Black! Join in the fun!

Love at First Book has her Spread the Love Linky Party happening! Go. Visit. Spread the linky love!

Mom’s Small Victories is talking about Netgalley November Reading Goals!

Giveaway: Wyoming Bold by Diana Palmer

Photo Credit: Harlequin

Thanks to Harlequin Books, another giveaway! One lucky commenter on Traveling With T will win a copy of Wyoming Bold!

Summary from Goodreads:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author DIANA PALMER is back with a thrilling new story featuring the Kirk brothers of Wyoming Former border agent Dalton Kirk thought his life was over-literally-when a gang of smugglers left him for dead. Defying all odds, he survives his ordeal and returns to his Wyoming ranch ready to dedicate his future to a more peaceful home on the range. Until lovely Merissa Baker knocks on his door.

Merissa is well aware of her reputation as the local eccentric-she knows things before they happen-and she’s had a vision that Dalton is in danger. Even though her beliefs clash with Dalton’s cowboy logic, she’s determined to save the handsome rancher she’s secretly loved forever.

Visions? It’s all ridiculous to Dalton…until things start happening that prove Merissa right. And now Dalton is not the only target-so is Merissa. Can Dalton be bold enough to trust the unknown? Is this Wyoming man ready to love?

Want to win? Comment on this post November 12th-November 19th for a chance to win! Winner will be notified November 20th! Please leave your email (you may use the AT and DOT). Giveaway is only open to US/Canada!

Veterans Day…..

Today, people woke up. Some went about the day like it was a normal day. Some probably scowled at the perceived inconvenience of having banks and post office being closed. Some kids were off from school, some were not.

The point is that today- as well as the other days of the year- you woke up to a country that is free. Where you have rights. Where if you want to post on Facebook about the annoyance of the post office being closed- it’s ok. No rogue force is going to grab you out of your house for that (yes- some people may quickly remind you to quit your griping- but you won’t go to jail for it!)

And this is because someone (many someone’s) decided to go and fight for your freedom. Freedoms that you may take for granted. But- they are your freedoms. These men (and now women- but for many years it was just men) put their lives at stake, left their sweethearts, their families behind- and went to places that you have to pull the big world map out to find. They did it because they wanted to. Because they believed in a life that could be better, would be better- a life of freedoms. They believed in the United States and what it stood for.

Today, for many people, we wake up. Eat breakfast. Maybe you grumble because it is Monday. Today- somewhere, others wake up and miss their husbands, wives, dads and moms- some only miss for the short term- some miss forever- because they gave their life.

Today, Allison @ The Book Wheel challenges you to do actually thank a Veteran! Do something! She’s come up with a great list of things- and there are things you can do if you don’t actually know a veteran (or live in an area where there are quite a few.)

And Book-alicious Mama is giving away a copy of MY SPECIAL FORCE by Heather Means- a military wife who lost her husband. The giveaway is open to military families (US or overseas).

For me, today I’ll stop by this local restaurant in town. There is a group of older men- some are in their 80’s and 90’s- and they get together for coffee and shooting the breeze daily. There is a veteran or 2 in the group- and unlimited coffee plus a snack will be purchased for the round table in the back.

Literary Friday ya’ll……

It’s Friday- the weekend is almost here- we can almost touch it!

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: Louisiana Book Festival wrap-up (plus a picture of me, Erin and Rita Leganski!), a video of Erin interviewing Shirley Ann Grau, a #giveaway of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, and much more!

Next week (when I finally get all my pics uploaded and organized), I’ll be posting about my first time experience at the Louisiana Book Festival- but Deep South Mag’s is EXCELLENT!

2. Blog Talk: Today, Rebecca at Love First Book gives us access to this cute printable blog planners! Maybe you are more of a digital person- and that’s great! But wouldn’t it be nice to have 1 binder where all your bloggy stuff is? Use the printables! Get organized. Your blog will thank you! Want more Blog Talk? Check out my Thursday Mashup– there’s talk of how to increase traffic, blog tips and much more (all thanks to other bloggers who are kicking butt and taking names in the bloggy world!)

3. Giveaway news: Closed the Cover and Book2Buzz teamed up to create a fantastic giveaway- and I, Traveling With T, is part of it! Visit here for the details! Want more giveaway? See my Thursday Mashup for other giveaway news!

4. Last night I was reading a few blogs and looking over some others that I’d been meaning to check out- The Book Musings was one of those I’d meaning to look at. I noticed a blog post in her Top Posts and Pages titled Please Don’t Reblog Our Content- so I clicked on it to read. M talks about how she does not care for the WordPress feature of re-blogging a post for a variety of reasons- but mainly because she works hard on having unique content at her blog. I had never actually even thought about this- but after reading her views, I’m curious as to what other people think. Re-blog or not? Should you ASK the blog before you re-blog?

I have re-blogged a few things in my time- bloggy friends post and the likes. I’ve always considered it a shout-out (since if you click to read, it directs you to the original website post). For Book Lovers Unite, before my co-host had to take a break- re-blogging worked great for us to make sure fans of our blogs were aware that new discussion questions had been posted. However, I’ve also had a negative experience- I wrote a post about Chick Lit and Body Image- and a bloggy friend re-blogged it. Months later a person commented on the post being negative and thinking that the people who re-blogged the post actually wrote it (their blog was about getting Men to read books).

Re-blogging is a feature I don’t mind- but use responsibly. Think about target audiences and if someone asks you to remove the re-blogged content, respect their wishes.

5. Week 1 Discussion Questions about Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn. Join in the discussion! This book is fast-paced and exciting!

6. What are your #fridayreads? I’m reading Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright. I’m in the mood for a mystery- any suggestions?

Happy Reading!

Week 1 Book Lovers Unite Discussion: Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

Photo Credit: Goodreads

It’s here! It’s time! This is Week 1 Discussion of Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn.

Some guidelines:

Each week (on Friday) new questions will be posted. We’ll only discuss what happens in the book during the pages designated for that week’s reading. Please know you can read ahead or stick with the group or play catch-up (just #nospoilers please!)

You don’t have to answer all the questions! Just answer the ones you want! And feel free to ask questions (if there is not something that I covered!)

Lastly, just have fun! Because if it’s not fun- it’s not worth it. #truthoftheday

To see the reading schedule, visit here.

Week 1 Questions

1. “We look like the perfect family and I’m happy to pretend.” Jillian, page 1. What does this statement tell us as readers? Did it give you a tingle of nervousness about what was to happen in the next 300+ pages?

2. Gordon is a police officer. How does Gordon’s career work against Jillian? Are wives of police officers almost always doomed in this kind of situation (if their husband is abusive?)

3. Jillian is smart. She’s confident in her work environment. Jillian is not confident as a mother, though. How does Gordon use her fears and perceived shortcomings against her?

4. “I can’t handle what I have” is a theme that runs through Hush Little Baby. What does this mean? Do you ever wonder about Jillian’s state of mind as she repeats this?

5. When Gordon speaks of Jillian’s temper to a friend- Jillian is shocked. What was Gordon’s goal?

6. Jillian tells her friend Connor about the abuse. After seeing the bruises, though, Connor has a harder time believing her story (though he still supports her). How does Jillian’s vanity tie her hands when it comes to Gordon?

7. This week I want you to think about what you would do if you were in Jillian’s place. You don’t have to post (if it’s not something you want to share). Our last discussion will have a question about has your opinion changed (in any way) after reading the book?

Thank you for joining in! Be sure and tell your mama, your book loving friends and anyone else!

Thursday Mashup

Giveaways and Blog Talk!

#Giveaways

Traveling With T is giving away RELATIVE DANGER by June Shaw. *Note: It’s an e-book!

Traveling With T is giving away THE PERFECT MATCH by Kristan Higgins.

Jennifer Lyn King is giving away a set of greeting cards (and talking about her 5 years of blogging!)

Crystal in Bookland has 3 Giveaways happening: THE PROPHECY, ENTANGLED, and EFFORTLESS WITH YOU + 10 buck Itunes GC.

Great New Books is giving away 3 of Anita Hughes books!

Home Cooked Books is giving away RUMOR HAS IT (audio CD) by Jill Shalvis.

Always With a Book is giving away BEFORE I MET YOU by Lisa Jewell.

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book is giving away FREEZER I’LL SHOOT by Victoria Hamiliton.

She Reads is giving away 5 Books- CARTWHEEL by Jennifer DuBois, THE RUNAWAY WIFE by Rowan Coleman, THE WISHING THREAD by Lisa Van Allen, LEAVING HAVEN by Kathleen McCleary and THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD by Kristina Riggle.

Blog Talk

Book Bloggers International talk about using GIFS- the how and why (and the cons of using them).

Love at First Book and The Book Wheel have kicked off their November Book Club: ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK! Join in!

Thanks to Love at First Book and her Fabulous Blogs (where she gives love and shout-outs to great blogs)- I saw the blog The Thinking Closet. Then when checking out Rebecca’s relatively new Policies page, I saw that she credited The Thinking Closet. So I checked out The Thinking Closet– and saw Lauren’s latest post is about 10 MORE Tips for Bloggers (and also that she had posted a previous 1o Tips for New Bloggers). Reading these tips, I found myself nodding along, already either thinking or doing some of this stuff (but still plenty of other tips that I want to do!) Thanks Rebecca for helping me find The Thinking Closet!

The Book Wheel writes a great post about traffic (and not the bad kind of traffic where you are stuck in your car for hours!) No, Allison writes about the traffic blogs want- Visitors! 8 Simple Ways To Boost Your Traffic is fab (and good for bloggers from 1 day of experience to many years!)