Weekend, Fun Books, New Releases, & Such...

Happy Tuesday All,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend, and

found something fun to do. My husband, parents, and I went to an Italian restaurant to hear author, Raymond Benson, play the piano. Not only is the man a multi-published author, but he's a very accomplished pianist. We had a great time hearing him play, and I got to visit with him, his wife, and a few of my chapter mates afterwards. My family and I also had a nice dinner at the restaurant. I got to introduce my chapter mates to my family, which was fun, too.

Next week is super-duper busy for me, so I'll probably won't be posting any blog posts. I'm working on revisions for my YA novel, and working on the companion/sequel for All's Fair In Love & Lion, on top of everything else going on. I expect the 2nd round of edits for AFIL&L soon, too. (After all, July 10th is getting closer!)

While I'm busy with all these many things, here's some books to keep you happily occupied:

Recently I discovered author Lisa Scott. I've been reading her contemporary short story romances. They're cute and a lot of fun. She has several available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. I've read a compilation set, as well as My Fake Fiance, and Second Chance. They're fun, quick reads.

Today also marks the release of Katie McGarry's newest full-length contemporary YA, Dare You To. I've read her other full-length YA, Pushing The Limits, and her novella, Crossing The Line. I think she's a very talented author. It's available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Also available is Josephine Angelini's 3rd Starcrossed novel, Goddess. I've really enjoyed how she's used the Helen of Troy story and made it her own. You can find Goddess at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Shauna Allen's next book, The Halo Effect will be out very soon!

For a list of upcoming novels, check out this post.

I'll try to have more blog posts this week, but I do have several things going on, so please be patient.

What novels are you looking forward to being released?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!

Underworld, Fairies, Conference, What Could Be Better?

Happy Tuesday All,

Monday was super busy. Husband had off, so it was quite a day--but mostly good.

Not too long ago I read Josephine Angelini's newest release, Dreamless.  Dreamless is the sequel to Starcrossed (which I have talked about many times).  It was a great read and I can hardly wait for the 3rd book to come out! If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend picking up Starcrossed and taking the journey with Helen, Lucas, and the others.

Shanna Swendson has announced on her website the future release of book 5 in her Enchanted, Inc. series. I can't tell you how long I've waited for this book! I love the Enchanted, Inc. books. I own and have read the other 4 at least twice (if not more times). Book 5, Much Ado About Magic, looks like it's going to be awesome. This is another series I highly recommend. If you haven't read it, don't wait for a fairy to cast a spell on you, go pick up Enchanted, Inc (book 1) and immerse yourself in all things magical.

The NWHRWA will be opening up for registration of our annual Lone Star Conference, soon! James Scott Bell is the keynote speaker this year (and from what I hear, an excellent speaker). Whether you're a published or unpublished writer, please think about coming on down in October! It'll be a blast! Trust me, this is my third year going.

What's going on in your world?

Have A Tremendous Tuesday!                                                      

Pardon The Silence...

Happy Wednesday All,

So sorry I've been so silent lately! Monday offspring came home with a bug bite on the foot. We went to the doc's office and got some advice. Yesterday offspring had to stay home to stay off of the foot, but offspring is doing much better so back to school today! Whew. It wasn't fun, but at least it's better than it was.

I'm over-the-moon happy because I have an author interview all set. Just trying to figure out what day to post it (the author gave me free reign for a date). Very good interview and I'm looking forward to posting it.

At the end of this month Josephine Angelini's Dreamless (the sequel to Starcrossed) will be out! Yep, I've pre-ordered it. The first book was so good I read it 3 or 4 times already and I'd read it again!

I finished reading Nicholas Sparks' The Lucky One. It's a pretty good story. I still like A Walk To Remember and The Notebook best! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.

Other than that, I'm hoping to do more writing this afternoon on my WIP.

What's going on in YOUR world?

Have A Witty Wednesday!

Releases Galore, Reading, Writing & Life

Happy Tuesday All,

Well Blogger has changed its format on me, so I'm learning the new format. Please bear with me while I figure it all out (it doesn't look hard, however, like with all changes you have to get used to them).

The other thing you'll have to bear with me on is the fact that I'm behind on new release reports:

Two of my chapter mates have recently released new novels, and I wanted to make sure I let you all know about it:

Suzan Harden has put out a brand new e-book called Amish, Vamps & Thieves book 4 in her Bloodlines series. You can get it on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Also available is Ms. Harden's newest Erotica, Seasons Of Magick: Autumn on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

Melissa Ohnoutka has also put out a brand new short e-book, entitled, The Wicked Secrets Beneath which you can find on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

There's a lot going on in my life, mostly good stuff, but it sure keeps me busy. I'm working on one of my WIPs (Works In Progress), which is one of the things keeping me busy. The other thing is family and friends--but I enjoy that kind of busyness.

The other thing is, if you haven't checked out Beth Fantaskey and you like vampires, please check out her Jessica books! The first one is Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side, which I got on my e-reader. I read it and thought "Interesting...I might read more." I found out she posted a prequel to the sequel (short story) on her website, read that, and fell even more in love with the story and purchased the sequel, Jessica Rules The Dark Side, on my e-reader. The e-book version of the sequel came with the short story that was on Ms. Fantaskey's website, which is really cool because now I have all 3 stories. I love them. Very romantic, and the second one has so much suspense! I stayed up late to finish reading it. They're in print and in e-book form (well the short story isn't in print, but the other two are). These vampires are unlike any I've read. They're slightly darker than some of the other vampires out there, but not by much. It's a YA series that I truly have enjoyed and if she puts out any more, I'll be wanting to read them.

The sequel to Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed, entitled, Dreamless comes out in May (release date: May 29, 2012). I've already pre-ordered this one (in print). I loved Starcrossed. I've read it probably around 3 times and would read it again. I cannot wait to read this one, and I've been chomping at the bit to read it since last year!

I'm hoping to finish reading Nicholas Sparks' The Lucky One before I see the movie. We'll see if that happens. LOL. Either way, I think I'll like the movie. The previews look good. My favorite N. Sparks' books (and movies) are A Walk To Remember and The Notebook. I think those two are his best.

So what's going on in your world? Read anything good lately? Seen any good movies? Feel free to chime in :-)

Update Added 2:57 p.m. Central Time 4/24/2012:  A follower posted this comment (I saw it waiting for me in moderation and decided to post it here instead of in the comment section):  "In December, the City of Mesquite, NV is hosting a "Weekend of Writers" including booths, workshops, and many other events for the city. Authors can come and sell books, do signings, and many other activities. For more information:  mattjenbennett@yahoo.com"  ***PLEASE NOTE:  I don't have any further information about this, so if you're interested, contact J.J. at the email listed in the quotes. Thanks!***

Have A Terrific Tuesday!

A Gold Release & 2012 Anticipation

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

I've been absolutely remiss about this, but author, and pal of mine, Ciara Gold, has a new Romance released, On Timless Wings Of Gold, (title links to the All Romance Site--the publisher's website--where you can purchase this novel) and it looks so good. The cover is absolutely gorgeous. You can also pick it up on Champagne Books, or on Amazon. I didn't find it available through Barnes & Noble, so Nook users will either have to go through Ciara's website, or download Amazon For Computer. (There's also Nook for PC and Nook for Mac available, too).  Never read Ciara's work, want to get to know her a little better? Check out the interview I did with her November 2010.

So what's everyone reading these days? I'm getting back to reading MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi's Jennifer Scales Novel: Evangelina This YA Paranormal (shape shifters--including dragons). It's book 6 in her and Anthony's Jennifer Scales series.

This year is bubbling with excitement. A bunch of interesting things happening/being released (here's some upcoming books listed by month:

February 2012:  Looks like Anne Rice is going for werewolves. It will be interesting to see if her wolves become as popular as her vampires. Watch for The Wolf Gift February 14, 2012.

March 2012:  Kerrelyn Sparks fans will be delighted to know that her Love At Stake series will have a brand-new edition come March 27, 2012, when Phineas' story, Wanted: Undead Or Alive, is released. (I'm particularly looking forward to this release!)

EDIT 11:50 a.m. Sorry about the confusion, CC Hunter's book isn't being released until APRIL 2012...this is what I get for writing my blog posts after 1 a.m.!

April 2012:  I first heard about this author when I read her novel, As You Wish, dealing with a genie. Now YA author, Jackson Pearce, has a new novel coming out, entitled Purity and it looks intriguing. Release date: April 24, 2012.

**EDIT 11:51 a.m.:  Also, highly anticipated by me, is C.C. Hunter's book 3 of her Shadowfalls series, Taken At Dusk. It looks good!  (I accidentally had this under March, but it isn't being released until APRIL. So sorry for the confusion!)

May 2012:  You've heard me talk about this YA author. I am chomping at the bit to read book 2 in this series. Who is it? It's Josephine Angelini! In May 2012, Dreamless will be available. She had a bit of it up on her blog--and it was such a tease!




For those of you wanting to know about Christie Craig's next Hotter In Texas book (the sequel to Don't Mess With Texas), it's due out September 2012 and it's entitled:  Blame It On Texas.

Also, September 2012 will bring the release of book 3 of Sophie Jordan's Firelight series. Book 3 is entitled Hidden.

Anyway, be sure to check out Ciara God's On Timeless Wings Of Gold--like I said, gorgeous cover and it looks good!

What releases are you looking forward to this year?

Have A Treasure-Filled Tuesday!

New Releases & Great Reads

Happy Thursday Everyone,

We're finally on the mend, for which I'm saying thank you prayers. With Christmas right around the corner, it's a dear wish of mine for us to be well enough to enjoy the festivities, and it looks more of a possibility than earlier this week.

I don't know if I'll get to posting on Friday or not, but if I don't, I want to leave you with some new release news:

Christie Craig has released a brand new e-book called Murder, Mayhem & Mama. It'll be exclusively available on Barnes & Noble Nook, then sometime in February 2012 will be available on Amazon Kindle.

Nina Cordoba has taken her writing in a new direction with her brand new release, Mia Like Crazy.  It's available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

If you're looking for in-prints to read:

Syrie James' Nocturne is one of my favorite vampire novels. This poigant, emotional novel will keep you going long after you finish the last page.

Magic abounds in Shanna Swendson's Enchanted Inc. 4-book series. I adore these books and have read them more than once.

If you're looking for something sexy and vampire, check out Kerrelyn Sparks' Love At Stake series. First book is called How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire. Humor, romance, and awesome vampires.

If you're looking for something Christmassy, I laughed and utterly enjoyed Debbie Macomber's The Perfect Christmas.

If you're looking for a YA read...

Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed is absolutely superb. The furies and fates have kept scions (demigods) reliving the Helen of Troy, Trojan war over and over. Fantastic read. Love it, can't wait for the sequel (2012, Dreamless will be released).

Check out Lauren Oliver's thought-provoking dystopian, Delirium. What if love were considered a disease? What if it could be eradicated? Would you take the cure? The sequel, Pandemonium will be available in 2012.

Andrea Creamer kind of took me by surprise with her Nightshade novel and its sequel, Wolfsbane. Really fascinating story. I'm looking forward to Bloodrose available January 3, 2012. Shape shifters, lies, and a brewing war. Never a dull moment.

I probably will have a post up for Friday, but I don't know for sure. Either way, hope y'all have a Merry Christmas!

Have A Tinsel-Filled Thursday!

STARCROSSED Winner

Happy Weekend Everybody,

The winner of yesterday's December Days Blog Giveaway is Angela!

Congratulations, Angela! Josephine will send you your signed copy of Starcrossed soon.

Everybody else, I'll be back on Monday!

Have A Great Weekend!

Magic And Mythology

Happy Friday Everyone,

****GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED. A very special thank you to Josephine Angelini for supplying the prize!****

Yay! It's another giveaway day! This is a special treat, not just for you, but for me, too. This novel I have read twice and would read again and again, no problem. Today's giveaway novel is Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed:

Can Helen and Lucas break the pattern of bloodshed the Fates and the Furies have repeated throughout the centuries? Or will they suffer the same fate as the original Helen and Paris and other scions before them?

This is a story based off the Helen Of Troy/Trojan War mythology. I own this book and believe me, you don't want to miss out.

Here's how you can win this awesome novel (please read the following rules carefully):

One entry per person. I will close giveaway at 10:30 p.m. Central time.  **Edit 12/09/2011 10:23 a.m. Central Time:  Confirmed with Josephine, the contest is open Internationally, so USA and all countries welcome may enter, just follow the rules and get your entries in BEFORE 10:30 p.m. Central Time :-)

You may choose one of two ways to enter:

1.  If you want to enter by leaving a comment on this post:  please include a first name and email address. If you do not include an email address you will be disqualified (need a way to contact the winner).

2.  If you don't want to leave an email address in the comment section, you may send me an email to bethany.averie@yahoo.com (Those of you have other email addresses of mine, please only send giveaway entries to bethany.averie@yahoo.com ).

Have fun!

Have A Fabulous Friday!

I Return, Bearing News...

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

Life has been a bit on busy side. I was doing some edits and now I've been working on another novel. Offspring is dealing with weather changes and respiratory annoyances, but I think offspring should be okay. (And yes, I have started my Christmas shopping).

Most often you'll find me on Twitter. I'm finding that there's a lot going on there. Whatever you think of Twitter (good, bad, indifferent) it's definitely often where you get information first. I find out about blog posts, give aways and releases that way. You'll find the posts I post on Twitter in the margin of this blog under the header: Twitter Feed.

Tuesday C.C. Hunter posed a question on her blog regarding her Shadow Falls series. If you've read them, are you Team Derek or Team Lucas. I answered on her blog (I am so Team Lucas I could start a cheer!) Anyway, go ahead and check it out--it's lots of fun.

I'm so far behind on things for this blog, I don't even know who I'm going to have on here for a December Author Interview. Not even sure if I will have an author interview for that month. I'm thinking of trying to have a give away--maybe 2 or 3 instead. You tell me what you prefer. There is a possible January Author Interview, but I have to talk to her and see if she's still interested.

Awesome news:  Tera Lynn Childs is going to have a 3rd book in her mermaid series called Just For Fins. I loved the first two, Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever.

I'm seriously having trouble keeping myself from begging Josephine Angelini to send me an ARC of Dreamless. I'm nuts about Starcrossed and would love to read and review on this blog, Dreamless.

I'm currently reading Jane Austen Made Me Do It, which is an anthology of short stories written by authors who have been inspired by Jane Austen. I'm almost done with the second story. It's really fun. You've heard me talk about Syrie James, and she has a story in this anthology (I enjoyed it).

My pile of books to read is huge...I'm trying to catch up, honest, it's just with everything else I've got going on, I've gotten slow. I have  a library book that isn't real long so I should have it done, soon.

I have become a big fan of ABC's Once Upon A Time. It airs on Sundays at 7 p.m. Central and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Of course, you know I just love fairy tales, so it's no surprise that this show has me riveted.

What TV show (if any) are you into?

Have A Winsome Wednesday!

We Interrupt This Blog Feed For Special Announcements...

Happy Thursday Folks,

Two announcements:

1.  Tomorrow, Nov. 11, I will be posting the author interview. Yep, you read that right...it's FINALLY going to be posted :-)

2.  Also, tomorrow, author Josephine Angelini, the author of the amazing and awesome YA Paranormal novel, Starcrossed is having an ARC give away of her sequel, Dreamless. Dreamless isn't supposed to come out until 2012, in MAY if I'm not mistaken. This is quite an opportunity (yours truly is totally ecstatic about this...desperately wants ARC of Dreamless so she can read it and review it on her blog, but that shouldn't stop you from throwing your hat in the ring).  (If I was feeling totally better I'd be jumping up and down...as it is, I'm doing that mentally).

By the way...how did I find out about Josephine's give away? I was on Twitter. You can either follow me on Twitter @WriteByBethany (Bethany Averie) or you can check out my Twitter Feed in the margin of this blog.

Other than that...just plugging away at the things I have going on.

Do you have any announcements? Fun things? Give aways? Let me know in the comment section :-)

Have A Thrilling Thursday!

Replaying The Story

Happy Tuesday All,

Offspring and I are on the mend from this crazy virus that seems to be making rounds.

Yes, I still plan to post the November Author interview this week, I just can't say what day because that's a surprise.

I just finished RE-reading Josephine Angelini's YA Paranormal, Starcrossed. This was my second time through it (I got a copy of it as a birthday present and wanted to reread it). I am still very much looking forward to the sequel. All I can tell you is that if you like Greek Mythology and you're familiar with the Helen of Troy story (and the Trojan War) this might be something you'll enjoy (You won't know until you read it). I absolutely love this book.

There's a few books I love re-reading and I thought that I'd mention a few of them:

Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. I have not read this as much as one of my sisters (who, I think, reads it almost every year). But I have read this novel 3 times. Great story, great characters, and definitely witty lines.

Gaston Leroux's English translation of Phantom Of The Opera. I think I've read this 2-3 times. It's a rather eerie story, and the Phantom isn't as sympathetic as he is in the musical, however, there is a line that gets me. He visits a Persian guy he knows and is crying and talking about how Christine kissed him and begs the Persian not to look. Despite his crimes, that moment with the Persian makes him human. I'm rather fond of this novel. However, be warned:  When you start the story you're thrown right into a big chaos and it might take you a moment to get your bearings, but if you decide to stick with it, you're taken on a journey directly into the mind and past of the Phantom (and it's not quite what the movie and musical say it is...although, relatively close).

Maud Hart Lovelace's Betsy-Tacy books are some of my favorites. I've read the series I don't know how many times. It's based on the author's own life and it's fun, and innocent and just a joy to read.

C.S. Lewis' Narnia series and The Great Divorce. I've read Lewis' Narnia series over and over again because it's a grand adventure and the characters are wonderful. Many people have delved into it searching for all the meanings, but for me, it's just a lot of fun. The Great Divorce is a fascinating journey. I liked how he tied in faith and a story to come up with something very thought-provoking. I've read the book at least 3 times and the Narnia books, I'm not sure how many times. Probably at least twice.

Lynn Kurland's Stardust Of Yesterday introduced me to one of my all-time favorite Romance Novel knights, Kendrick de Piaget. I love this story--a Paranormal Romance (ghosts) and links into other novels she's written--time travels, ghosts, historical. What could be more fun?

There are so many others I've read more than once, that I wish I could mention them all--from Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy and her Friday's Child to Shanna Swendson's Enchanted, Inc. books there are a load of tales I could tell you about. I don't have room in this post to tell you about all of them, but I'll list a few more and you can look them up if they catch your eye:

ROMANCE:  Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy (so funny) and Friday's Child (love Hero's innocence).

YA:  Jackson Pearce's As You Wish (a jinn--aka a genie--for a hero, count me in!) Suzanne Selfors' Coffeehouse Angel (Malcolm rocks and Ratcatcher is about the funniest cat).

Fiction/Fantasy:  Planning to re-read Syrie James' Nocturne (jam-packed with history and a fantastic vampire) / Shanna Swendson's Enchanted, Inc. series (Magic being real and set in NYC...come on, it's just great fun!)

I'm sure there's a bunch more out there, but like I said, don't have the space in this post to mention every single one. But, if you're looking for something to read, I hope I gave you some ideas.

What books have you read more than once and loved?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!