Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!!!

Hey All-

Before the blowing horns, clinging glasses and wild dancing begin, I wanted to say thank you for making 2010 so enjoyable for me. Through all the ups and downs of this wonderfully crazy career I've chosen, you've made it so rewarding. Having you buy and read my books is a dream come true, but hearing from you that you loved them, getting to know you and chatting with you is more than I ever anticipated. Thank you for the inspiration, thank you for the laughter and thank you, dear readers, for buying my books!

This year has been wonderful for me in so many ways, with NO CHANCE receiving a starred review from Publishers Weekly, SECOND CHANCE hitting the New York Times list and LAST CHANCE being nominated for an RT award for best romantic suspense, as well as the Cosmopolitan excerpt, so many of my dreams came true. And you were right there with me, with your encouraging words and good wishes!

And I am so excited about 2011. The release of SWEET JUSTICE and SWEET REVENGE in the fall seems like a long way away, but we'll make it fun with a count down, prizes and lots of discussion about the characters. Covers and back cover blurbs will be arriving soon, along with excerpts. I can't wait to share these stories with you! And then, in early 2012, SWEET REWARD will arrive and you'll meet two of the most daring LCR operatives to date!

Yes, 2011 looks to be a fabulous year and sharing it with you will make it all the better.

Stay safe out there tonight and this weekend. Enjoy your festivities and be sure to come back for Recommend Monday and then Tuesday for a visit with the awesome Marie Force!

For the new year, I wish for you health, happiness and fulfillment of your dreams. May God bless and keep you and we'll chat again next year!

Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

Hey All!

Just stopping by to let you know that one of our favorite authors, Marie Force, will be with us Tuesday, January 4. With Fatal Justice, her second book in the Fatal series, to be released on Monday, January 3, Marie will share a never before seen excerpt and answer questions all day!

So be sure to mark your calendars to come by on Tuesday to read the excerpt and chat with Marie about Nick and Sam, where she's headed with her Fatal series and what's coming in future books from her.

Now I'm headed back to my writing cave to finish up the synopsis of SWEET REWARD. So excited about this book because it's turning into one of those stories that I can't wait to get started on so I can see what these characters will do!

Have a great Thursday all!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Recommend Monday

Good Monday Everyone!

How was your weekend? Was your Christmas bright and beautiful? Did Santa bring you everything you wanted?

My Christmas was lovely. Got to see family I haven't seen in years, watched the kiddies run around (young and old) peeking at name tags, laughed till my jaws ached and ate till my tummy ached. A wonderful time with my beloved family and it snowed on Christmas day! Can't get much better than that!

I heard rumors that Kindles and Nooks were in several stockings this year. If you received one, can't wait to hear what you think about yours and what books you've already downloaded.

In between the hustle and bustle of the season, did you get a CHANCE to read anything? If so, tell us what you loved so we can run out and buy it too! I didn't read anything last week. Spent most of it playing catch up. However, now that the craziness is over, I'm ready to settle down to some great reads. Can you help me out with some suggestions? (:

In the next few weeks, I hope to be able to share with you the back cover blurb for SWEET JUSTICE and SWEET REVENGE and all the covers for the SWEET books. I haven't seen anything yet and I'm chomping at the bit to see what they'll look like. The moment I can, I'll share them with you.

I'm still in the midst of SWEET REVENGE where Jamie and Dylan are still huffing and puffing at each other. Jamie's is mostly from indignation and Dylan's is mostly amusement. Again, if these two don't kill each other, I do think they'll be very happy together.

Can't wait to hear about your great reads from last week. If you're anywhere warm, savor the heat and if you're in the midst of the winter storm hitting the eastern U.S., hope you can stay inside, sip hot chocolate, bundle under a blanket and read to your heart's content.

Happy Monday All!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

I'm in the midst of wrapping gifts, listening to Christmas carols and shushing my fur-kids who are as excited as two-years-olds on a sugar high. Just wanted to stop the madness for a moment and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the most beautiful of holidays.

This time of year can get crazy and sometimes I get so mired in what has to be done, I forget to stop and appreciate the specialness of the day and its true joyous meaning. I wish for you a day filled with that joy, along with laughter, presents, yummy food and bundles of love.

Have fun everyone and I'll see you back here on Monday for some great recommends!


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Grand Prize Winner

Thank you to everyone who posted these last two weeks. I've had a blast chatting about all sorts of different topics and learning more about you. Sorry I was sick for several days and didn't get to chat as much as I would like. And thank you for your good wishes!

The Grand Prize package includes the following:

$25 Books-A-Million gift card
$25 Barnes & Noble gift card
$50 Chili's Grill Bar gift card
Bath and Body Work Products
Chocolate
Books and Books and Books!!!

And the winner is Oklanannie (Anne)!

Congratulations, Anne!

Email me at christy@christyreece.com so I can arrange for delivery.

Thanks again to all who played. There will be more fun and prizes in the coming months, so stay tuned.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! See you back here Monday, December 27 for Recommend Monday!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Recommend Monday, Featuring Your 2010 Favorites!

Good Monday All!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fabulously fun? Feel free to share your adventures here.

Since I'm about ten days behind, I played catch-up over the weekend. At my finest, I'm not a good shopper, but since time is of the essence, I hunkered down and got a lot done. Still not finished with everything, but I made progress and that's a huge relief for me.

It's hard to believe there's only eleven days left in 2010. What a great year it's been but I'm so looking forward to next year and all the possibilities. And those possibilities include more reading. There are so many exciting books coming next year from my favorite authors and future favorites, but I know I missed out on reading some good ones this year.

Since this is the last day of our contest and it's Recommend Monday also, I thought it'd be a great opportunity for you to list your 2010 favorite reads. They don't have to be published in 2010 but you read them this year. We'll see if we can get a list together so everyone can print it out and next time you're in a bookstore, you'll have your shopping list!

So, tell us your favorite reads for this year. There's no limit, so list all of them or as many as you like.

Tomorrow I'll announce the winner of the prize package, so be sure to stop by to see if you won!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Sunday's Question!

Good Sunday Everyone!

Yesterday's question provoked a lot of good comments. Thank you! I loved that most of you are finishers. I vow in 2011 to do a much better job at that too!

Yesterday I went shopping with hubby. After looking at all the toys in Walmart and still not coming up with what I thought looked like anything fun, that I could afford, it prompted me to remember some of my toys when I was growing up. One of my very favorite toys was this thing called a Creepy Crawler set. It had these molds of different kinds of insects and creatures like frogs and snakes and it came with a liquid. You poured the liquid into the mold, cooked, and in a few minutes, you had this wonderful little creature. I would go off for hours by myself and cook and create to my heart's content.

Here's today's question: When you were a kid, what was your favorite toy?

Don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to comment for the contest and it's also Recommend Monday. Be ready to share your favorite reads of 2010. They don't have to be published in 2010, but you read them this year.

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

SWEET Saturday

Good Saturday Everyone!

Hope your day has started out on a positive note. It's sunny here and a bit warmer, so I'm planning a busy day of catch up. And I'm feeling so much better. Yay!

Yesterday's question provoked some thought provoking comments and it got me to thinking about one of those 'non-resolution' goals I want to tackle. I want to be a better book finisher. What does that mean? Years ago, before I started writing, I devoured books, no matter the genre. Just give me words on a page and I'd read them. When I started writing, I geared most of my reading toward the romance genre, but I still read voraciously. Over the past couple of years though, I've started a disturbing habit I want to stop. I start a book and if it doesn't capture my attention within the first couple of chapters, I stop reading and rarely do I go back and finish. I know I'm missing out on some treasures. I tell myself that my time is too important to waste on something I'm not enjoying, but I wonder if I'm just using that as an excuse. I know it's not realistic for me to love every book I read, however, I know how hard it is to write a book. And other people have loved books I didn't finish, so what am I missing when I don't bother to read to the end?

I remember telling my mom that I stopped reading books when I lost interest and she gave me a look of disbelief. It was a look I probably would have given someone else years ago if I'd been told the same thing. Those words on each page are valuable and have meaning. How can I not want to know how things turn out?

So, there's a confession from me and a promise to myself. I have a lot of DNFs and I want to stop that cycle.

Today's question: What about you? Do you stop reading after a couple of chapters or do you have to finish reading to the end?

Looking forward to seeing which side of the fence you're on. (:

Hope everyone has a safe, productive and fun-filled Saturday!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Finally Friday!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Wow, we made it to the weekend! As you know, this week hasn't been my best ever, so I have to say I'm glad to see this one end. With each day, I'm feeling stronger. By Monday, if at all possible, I plan to be 100% better. Can't wait!

Every year, about this time, I get reflective. Thinking about the past year, the good I've done, the not so good I wish I could change and the work left to be done. I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. I used to do this, but when I realized my resolutions only lasted until mid-February, if that long, I determined it was just best for me to make changes as I saw fit. Sometimes that worked, sometimes not. This year I realized that though I may not make any resolutions for the new year, I am going to have to make some changes. I haven't taken care of myself like I should. So I'm making not so much a resolution as a promise to myself. I will live healthier from now on. These healthful promises include, exercise, eating better, sleeping more, reading more, worrying less, and taking time off the computer to spend with my loved ones.

Next year promises to be a busy one for me. With two books coming out, plus writing another one and then hopefully more. I need to be healthy to pull all of that off.

So, that's my resolve and promise to myself. What about you?

Here are today's questions: Do you make New Year's resolutions? Or, are you like me and you're making yourself promises as opposed to resolutions? Does the end of year make you reflective? Is the beginning of a new year a time for change for you or is January 1 just a date on the calendar?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Hope everyone is in the process of making their 2010 Best Reads List and will be ready to share with everyone on Recommend Monday.

Have a fabulous Friday all!


Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thursday's Thoughts

Good Thursday All!

Oh, what a difference a day makes. I'm feeling so much better! Still have a bit of headache and an impressive cough, but compared to how I felt two days ago, I'm a different person. Glad that's over!

Now, it's catch up time. Got shopping to do, cards to mail and lists to make. And oh yeah, got to try to make peace between an arrogantly amused man named Dylan Savage and a tempestuous, irritated woman named Jamie Kendrick. If these two don't kill each other first, I think they'll be very happy together. That's a big IF though!

Since I'm running behind here, today's question is uber super simple. What are you reading? Yep, that's it. Tell us what book(s) you're reading this week.

And just so you won't think we're slacking, here's an assignment for this weekend. Since it's getting close to the end of the year, I thought it'd be a good time to put together our favorites for the year. So on Monday, the last day of our contest, let's plan to list our favorite reads for 2010. Won't that make a great Recommend Monday?

Looking forward to seeing what you're reading today.

Also, over on the Romance Magician's blog, Diane Richmond is talking about taking chances. Come over and comment for a chance to win a signed copy of NO CHANCE. http://romancemagicians.blogspot.com.

Have a fabulous Thursday all!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

No Blog Wednesday

Hey All-

I'm not blogging today. Still feeling poorly. Have full plans to recover today and return tomorrow feeling chipper and bright.

Hope you all have a warm and productive Wednesday. And stay healthy!

See you back here tomorrow!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday's Question

Good Tuesday Everyone!

Hope you're staying warm wherever you are. It was 14 this morning when I woke. I am now ready to apologize to the sultry summer of last year that I obviously offended. I'm inviting it back anytime it wants to return.

I'm still in the midst of my cold/flu/pneumonia/consumption/... LOL, yes, I know I'm being a bit melodramatic but yikes, I hate being sick! Poor hubby is tiptoeing around the house since I'm not the most, shall we say, agreeable sick person.

When I'm sick, I have several movies that are like a hot cup of tea for me. I turn them on and fall asleep while watching and love being able to wake up in the middle of the movie and know exactly what's happened or is about to happen. There's comfort in that for me. Some of my favorites are Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail and The Princess Bride.

So, here's today's question. Do you have a favorite movie(s) you like to watch when you're not feeling well? If so, what are they?

Okay, I'm headed back to bed where in my dreams palm trees are swaying under a brilliant blue sky and the sun is warm and wonderful.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All-

How was your weekend? Are you staying warm? It was 18 degrees when I woke this morning. I know it's December. I know it's supposed to be chilly. However, there's a fine line between chilly and ridiculous. We are way past the ridiculous stage!

No recommends for me today. I'm still sniffy, sneezy, grumpy, coughy, sleepy and dopey. LOL, yes, I'm living with Snow White these days.

But I know you must have some great recommends. So tell us what you read this past week that you want everyone to read.

And btw, SWEET JUSTICE is now up for pre-order on Amazon. Yayayayayay! Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Justice-Novel-Christy-Reece/dp/0345524071/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292259645&sr=1-8

I'll have a prettier link later on when I post the back cover blurb and cover, which I hope will be within the next couple of months. Stay tuned!

Look forward to seeing what great books you're recommending. I'm diving back under the covers and dreaming of a hot, sultry, southern summer day. Heck, that's only about 5 months away!

Happy Monday All!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sunday Cinema

Good Sunday Everyone!

I'm snuggled under blankets, looking out the window of my office. Trees are swaying, birds are shivering and I just saw some snow flurries. Yes, winter has arrived in Bama. Brrr...

When hubby and I were dating and newly married, Sunday afternoon was movie time for us. We'd get the special value deal at the concession stand--giant (refillable) tub of popcorn and two giant drinks. Many times, I'd get the Raisinettes because I love them with popcorn. Then, we'd settle into our seats, watch the coming attractions, have fun with the trivia questions and I'd keep an eye on hubby's intake of popcorn. (He likes to take full advantage of the refillable popcorn tub).

Today, I thought we'd talk about turning books into movies. When I write, some of the scenes appear in my mind like a movie. Not an entire movie, but just snippets to give me an idea of what the characters are doing, their expressions or their surroundings. Though I don't think I've ever been able to fully translate the scene in my head to the words I type, seeing the scene does help. What also helps is picturing my characters. When that happens, my brain inevitably pictures actors that are familiar. It's fun to cast the hero, heroine, the villain and even smaller walk-on roles.

So, here're today's questions/challenge: Pick a favorite book you'd like to see turned into a movie and cast the characters. Or, if you'd rather turn a book into a television series, or sit-com, go for it. Are there any books made into movies/series that you loved? Was the cast how you pictured them?

Have fun with the casting!

Okay, my achy, sniffly self is headed deeper under the covers. Mmm, maybe I'll cast Gabe and Skylar from NO CHANCE as they laze about on Kalamina Island in the South Pacific. Sounds warm and wonderful.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Sunday!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

SWEET Saturday

Happy Saturday All!

The weekend finally arrived! Hope you've got some plans to enjoy yourself! I was anxious for today to arrive because I had so much I wanted to get done. Don't think that's going to happen though. Yesterday, I came down with what we call in the South, the creeping crud. Which can basically describe anything from a cold or sinus infection to the flu or pneumonia. LOL Mine is probably just a cold, but it feels worse because, well...it just does!

Yesterday's challenge was taken up by so many. It's exciting to see so many of you jump out of your comfort zone and try something completely different. Can't wait to see if it brings some of you over to a completely different way of thinking about certain sub-genres. Have fun with it!

Today I thought we'd talk about upcoming books. Before I started writing full time, I used to peruse websites, chat rooms and online bookstores to see what was coming in the next few months from my favorite authors. I don't do that as much as I used to, so I know I miss out on a lot of anticipation--which is all part of the fun, isn't it?

I do know two upcoming books I'm excited to buy and that's Allison Brennan's new Lucy Kinkaid series. The first one, Love Me to Death, releases on December 28 and looks to be awesome. The other one is Karen Rose's new book, You Belong to Me. Though the U.S. release isn't until June 7, I think it released in the UK already, or is about to be released, not sure. But from what I've heard, it's going to be another nail biting, suspenseful ride. Allison and Karen are two of my auto-buys.

So, here's today's discussion question: What upcoming books are you excited about?

I'm going to go get under the covers and dream of warm, sunshiny summer weather. I look forward to seeing what you're excited about reading.

Have a great day everyone!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Finally Fabulous Friday!

Hey Everyone!

Yay, we made it to Friday! Hope you've had a good, productive week. Are you planning some fun things for the weekend? My plans include writing, a bit of Christmas shopping, sending Christmas cards and sleep!

Yesterday's discussion about themes was great. So much fun to see everyone's preferences and tastes. We have a very diverse group here! And by the way, if you didn't get in a comment on a certain day, feel free to comment. I'll take count of each day's comments on the 20th. Until then, each day is open, but remember, only one comment per day will count. I'm gathering things for the package and am very excited about its contents. Hope the winner will be too!

Okay, today I'm issuing a challenge. Yep, just when you thought it was going to be a slow and easy day, I throw out a snag, but it'll be a fun one, so hear me out! I've noticed that several of us, including me, don't necessarily venture out into unknown territory in our reading. Though there are a few who have very eclectic taste, many of us stick with what we like. And there's nothing wrong with that, but let's have a little fun and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

I've read most sub-genres of romance, including romantic suspense, contemporary, historical, science fiction, paranormal, young adult, futuristic, fantasy and erotic romance. However, there's one romance sub-genre I've not tried and that's Steam Punk. I know almost nothing about it and am actually a little uncertain about it. Whenever I read something about the description, I always see the Will Smith and Kevin Kline Wild Wild West movie used as an example.

So, what's the challenge? Tell us a sub-genre you've never tried and give it a try. I have no deadline and will not check in and ask you if you've completed the assignment. This is just a fun challenge to get me and maybe you out of a comfort zone. Who knows, I may fall so in love with Steam Punk, I'll be writing it next year. Wouldn't LCR have fun with all those futuristic gadgets?

Anyway, what do you say? Want to join me in the challenge? If so, tell us the sub-genre you've not tried that you're willing to give a shot.

Okay, I'm headed over to Facebook for First Line Friday, so if you've not 'Liked' me yet, be sure to come on over and click 'Like' for some First Line Friday fun! And then, I'm headed back to West Virginia where Dylan is about to issue Jamie a challenge of his own. Mmm...

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thursday's Thoughts

Good Thursday Everyone!

Hope you're staying warm and having a productive week. Yesterday's discussion was great. Good to know I'm not the only one who has certain preferences when it comes to character's names.

Today, I thought we'd talk about favorite and least favorite themes. You know those stories that for some reason always catches your attention. For me, one of my favorites is...you guessed it, rescue themes. I love it when there's danger lurking, expected or unexpected, and the hero and heroine must save someone or each other. The romantic in me just sighs at this storyline. Another one I love is the revenge theme. Where the main character is out for revenge and does something to the other main character to get their revenge. Historicals are great for this because, well, abductions are often involved. Doing that today is icky, but hundreds of years ago, they were kind of commonplace. One of my favorites with this theme is Julie Garwood's Honor's Splendour. Sigh, it's so just romantic when the hero realizes the error of his ways. A twist on this theme is revenge against the villain (hint, hint, SWEET REVENGE). That theme has its own set of dangerous problems, but the outcome can be just as SWEET!

My least favorite is probably the secret baby story line. I know this is a huge favorite of many but somehow, unless there's just a really good reason for it, I don't like keeping a child a secret from the father. Just doesn't sit right with me. However, there are millions who disagree with me.

Here are today's discussion questions: What are your favorites themes? Are there any books that you search out and buy just for a particular story line? Are there any that you avoid?

Have a great day everyone. I'm headed back to Paris to see exactly what's up with Jamie and Dylan!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wednesday's Wonderings

Wonderful Wednesday All!

Hope you're having a good week and staying warm. It's still too cold here in the South, but I've discovered if I wear several layers of clothing, I can stay comfortable and then peel them off as the day gets warmer...or my blood unfreezes

Yesterday's title discussion was good and as I mentioned, I love coming up with what I hope will be the perfect title for my books. But there's another naming chore that I agonize about for days, sometimes weeks, and that's naming my characters. Even though I love finding that perfect name because it means I'll soon meet some amazing people I'd love to know in real life (well, with the exception of the villains), finding the right name for each person can be difficult.

I think I mentioned last week, that I went through several names before deciding on Jordan in RESCUE ME. He went through almost half of the book with the name Dane, but it just wasn't working for me. My usual process is to give them what I think is a good name and then, as I get to know them, it'll either stick or I'll have to think of another one. If the name isn't working for me, I often have to stop writing and brainstorm names before I can continue. I have books and websites I peruse, and I drive my family and friends crazy asking for input. The villain gets almost as much attention. I want to make sure I never give the villain a name I like so much I want to use it as a hero's name one day.

Names are important to me not only in my writing, but my reading. If there's a main character with a name that seems off, I just can't get into the book as much as I might have with a different name. I've even renamed a character occasionally to help me enjoy the book more. LOL, yes, I am a bit obsessive about this!

Most of my pet peeves comes from names of people I've known or maybe television shows that pigeonholed that name for me. Whenever I hear that name, I see that face. One that comes to mind is the name Jethro. Now, I know that many people will think of Mark Harmon in NCIS and I admit, he has given that name a wonderfully, sexy image. However, before NCIS, all I could picture is Jethro Bodine from The Beverly Hill Billies. And as hunky as that actor playing him was, his character wasn't exactly the kind of sexy hero I love in romance.

So here are today's questions:

Are there certain names you just can't abide in a romance? Are there any that you adore? Are names important to you or is one name just as good as another? What are your favorite male and female names?

Looking forward to hearing what you think.

Have a great day all!


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tuesday's Question

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Yesterday was great. Got some wonderful recommendations to add to our ever growing list. Sorry I was late responding to so many of you. Had a doctor's appointment that took longer than I wanted. But now I'm all medicined up and hopefully headed to feeling better.

In one of the comments yesterday, someone mentioned titles. I can't recall who it was, but if it was you, please take credit for it in your comment. It was a great suggestion.

I love coming up with titles. My first manuscript went from Once in a Lifetime to More Than a Miracle. Sigh, so romantic. It's really hard for me to write a book without a set title. I know some authors who wait until the book is written or half written before they decide on one, but I've never been able to do that. I'm like that with character names too. If I don't know the name, how can I write what 'no name' says?

I've been very fortunate to be able to keep most of my titles. RESCUE ME and RETURN TO ME were mine, but I originally had Remember Me, instead of RUN TO ME. I was perfectly happy with the change.

In my second trilogy, I wanted LAST CHANCE to go first, but the marketing people felt that LAST denotes LAST and it should go LAST. LOL Makes way too much sense for my dreamy, floatey brain. It was the right marketing move but since I wrote the first book with the title LAST CHANCE in my mind, I did have to take some brain detours. Whew! Those hairpin curves are scary. So LAST CHANCE became NO CHANCE and NO CHANCE became LAST CHANCE but SECOND CHANCE was always SECOND, because, well...it was SECOND.

The third trilogy, SWEET JUSTICE, SWEET REVENGE and SWEET REWARD, was my second choice, but I love them now and feel they fit the stories so much better. Won't tell you my original titles because I hope to use them some day. We'll see!

So, let's get to that question. What do you think about titles? Do they make you pick up the book? Are some of them so off-putting, you don't pick up the book? Have you ever bought a book because of the title? I know I have. And I'm sure I've not purchased a book because of the title, though none come to mind.

What about you?

Hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday! And stay warm...it's freezing in Bama!



Monday, December 6, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fabulously fun? Read anything deliciously wonderful?

My weekend was a little low-key. Been under the weather lately (does anyone know where that term came from? It just seems an odd phrase but I've heard it all of my life) Anyway, I'm feeling better and plan on a productive week with Jamie and Dylan, as well as an intense discussion with...you guessed it, a dastardly, vile villain!

We've been having some fabulous discussions the last few days. As you know, I announced a contest on Friday and I'm collecting comments (only 1 per day counts) until December 20. Then, I'll draw a name and give away a prize package filled with goodies, gift cards and books.

Friday, we talked about what book you would recommend to a friend who confessed she/he had never read a romance. Saturday, we discussed covers, your likes and dislikes. And yesterday, we talked about the book or books that brought you over to the romance genre and made you a fan.

Today, can you guess the question? Here's a hint: Recommend Monday! You got it! What book(s) did you read recently that you're dying to tell others about so we can run out and buy it before they're all gone? If you've not had a chance to read anything recently, tell us an old favorite. Maybe we haven't read it and are missing out on a good thing.

For me, I didn't get to read anything new this past week, but there's a book I read several years ago that I don't think has been mentioned here. It's one I really want to go back and read because I remember how fabulous I thought it was. The book is The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll. Anyone read it? I think there were three books in the series. I remember laughing, crying and being thoroughly entertained.

Okay, that's it for me. I'm headed to work on SWEET REVENGE where the sparks are a'flying!

Happy Monday All!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sunday's Question!

Good Sunday All!

Yesterday was great fun talking about covers. So interesting to see what diverse likes and dislikes readers have. Sometimes it's hard for me to say what I do or don't like about a cover, but most everyone yesterday was very specific about their preferences. Great input!

On Friday, we talked about what romance book you'd recommend to a friend to bring her/him over into the bright side of love. Today, let's talk about the ones that brought you over. For me, I honestly can't remember that very first one, but I remember several first ones, such as The Flame and the Flower, The Wolf and the Dove, Sweet Savage Love (LOL, sounds like a good title for Dylan's book), Whitney My Love. I remember authors like Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Emilie Loring, Grace Livingston Hill, Laurie McBain, Judith McNaught and so many others that introduced me to the genre and kept me coming back for more. I know I devoured every Harlequin Presents I could get my hands on. Oh, the joy of reading all of those beautiful, wonderful, amazing books!

So, today's question:

What was the book or books that brought you over to the romance genre?

Can't wait to compare. Will be interesting to see how many of us read the same books.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Sunday!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

SWEET Saturday

Hey all, yesterday was such fun. Wow, what a great list of books mentioned for bringing someone over to the romance genre. Will have to try some of those with a few of my non-romance reading friends and see if they work. Several of the suggestions were great for me too. Some of them I'd read and want to go back and revisit. Others were ones I've heard so much about and now have even more incentive to try them.

Today we're talking covers. (Thank you, Ronlyn, for the idea!) I haven't seen the covers for my SWEET trilogy yet, but I've seen a couple of email discussions about them and I am so excited. I think they're going to be fabulous and even better than the CHANCE covers. Can't wait to get them, so I can share them you.

Covers have been a controversial subject for romance novels forever, it seems. Whether it's the covers for what people termed 'bodice rippers' to the manly, muscular chests, cartoon characters, people without heads (not literally!) or the quiet, scenic covers that seem to denote hearth, home and a small town setting, everyone seems to have an opinion about them. Some people are sensitive about the covers of books they read and use a book cover while out in public. Others don't mind carrying around their latest, perhaps steamy looking read.

So here are today's questions. Feel free to address one or all of them:

What's your favorite kind of book cover? Do you like them sexy, sweet, or in between? Do you mind when the characters' faces aren't shown? Does it bother you when the heroine is described as having fiery, red hair and the cover shows a blonde? Would you prefer the characters completely clothed or maybe not have people on the cover at all? If you're reading a book with a steamy cover, do you hide it with a book cover if you're out and about while reading?

Remember, your comment will get you entered into the prize package giveaway in 17 days. Be sure to comment each day to increase your chances of winning.

Looking forward to hearing your preferences!

Have a SWEET Saturday!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Happy Friday All!

Hope you've had a good week! Thanks so much to those who came over yesterday to the Romance & Oreo Book Club. We had a great time!

I think I mentioned Monday that I'm starting a new contest today that will run through December 20. The winner will receive a price package filled with books, goodies, gift cards and oh yeah, more books! Each day, starting today, I'm going to post a discussion question. You can comment as much as you like, but your name will only be counted once each day. If you're able to comment each day, that means your name will go into the drawing eighteen times, increasing your chances of winning.

So let's have some fun discussion today. And tomorrow, I'll post a new question.

Today's Question:

If a friend confided in you that she'd never read a romance novel and you wanted to bring her over to the bright side of love, what book would you suggest she read? (LOL, no extra credit for suggesting one of mine).

See you tomorrow! And don't forget about Recommend Monday!

Have a fabulous Friday!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

RESCUE ME on Romance and Oreos Book Club!

Just dropping by to remind you to come by the book club today where awesome author Marie Force is featuring RESCUE ME and Hope Frost is co-hosting. We'll be talking about Eden, Jordan, Noah, the awful Alise, the dastardly LaRues and of course, Last Chance Rescue!

Come on over and chat. I'm giving away three books!

http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

How was your Thanksgiving? How about your weekend? Did you do anything fabulously fun? Read anything wonderful?

My Thanksgiving was wild and wonderful as usual. My family always gathers at my mom's and though illness kept several of our loved ones away, we put together care packages filled with lots of delicious goodies for them and enjoyed a smaller, but still fun family get-together. We always have way too much food, but I came away with leftovers for Friday, which is always a good thing.

This coming Thursday, my friend, the fabulous author Marie Force, is featuring RESCUE ME on her Romance & Oreos Bookclub. Special thanks to Hope Frost who picked RESCUE ME and will co-host the discussion. So, grab your copy of RESCUE ME and if you haven't visited with Jordan, Eden and Noah in a while, give it a reread and come on by. I'm giving away two signed copies of RESCUE ME and one signed copy of NO CHANCE to three commenters. Here's the link: http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com/ Hope to see everyone there!

This week, I'll be working with Dylan and Jamie as we plan their SWEET REVENGE. So far, they are cooperating and it's perking along quite nicely. This couple surprises me every day. There have been more than a few snarky comments between the two of them, one crushing let down and a major surprise, all in the first few pages. I'm loving it!

No newly read book recommends for me this week. I was reading a book that I was enjoying immensely, but, for me, it took a wrong turn and never recovered. However, never despair, I do have one that I can highly recommend. Have you read Ain't She Sweet by the fabulous Susan Elizabeth Phillips? She's an auto-buy for me, however, this is one of my all time favorites of her books. No one can turn a bad girl around and make you love her quite like SEP!

What about you? What fabulous book(s) did you read that you're dying to recommend? And if you loved it, feel free to tell us why (no spoilers though). And don't forget, while you're shopping for the holidays, books and book store gift cards make fabulous presents. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

Okay, that's it for me. Looking forward to seeing what everyone's been up to and reading. Be sure to come back on Friday. I'm starting a new contest and will collect comments until Monday, December 20, when one random commenter will win a LCR prize package filled with all sorts of treats, goodies and most of all, books! The more times you comment, the better your CHANCEs of winning.

See you Thursday at Marie's Romance & Oreos Book Club and then, back here on Friday.

Hope everyone has a fabulous, fun-filled and productive week!

Friday, November 26, 2010

First Line Friday!!!

Good Friday All!

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you eat incredibly yummy food? Have some zany family stories to tell? Our Thanksgivings are always wild and wonderful, with kids running around, the television going full blast and so much food, our plates are never large enough. We are so very blessed.

Since I know everyone is either out shopping for great deals, back at work, or on turkey overload, I'll make this a short one for you. The first person to comment and correctly name the LCR book this first line of a chapter came from, wins a signed copy of an LCR book of their choice.

A female shriek, loaded with drunken laughter, ripped through the air.

Name the book!

If you're out shopping, stay safe! And remember, books make great gifts, so be sure to go by your local bookstores and find some treasures for your loved ones (and a few for yourself).

Be sure to come back for Recommend Monday. I'm reading a fab book right now and will have a recommended read for sure!

Until Monday!


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tuesday Tidbit

Hey All-

I'm off to the post office and wanted to give one of you a CHANCE for some freebies. If you like book marks, excerpts, cover flats, this offer is for you. I hate to throw promotional stuff from fellow authors away, but I have no room for these things. So, if you'd like to have a box of all sorts of this stuff, along with a few books, please email me at christy@christyreece.com. The first person to email will get the box. Since it's a good sized package, I'm going to have to keep it to U.S. only.

This is a great opportunity to find new to your authors, so email me your mailing address if you want it.

Happy Tuesday all!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday Everyone!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything incredibly fun you want to share? Did you read any books you're dying to recommend? If so, here's your CHANCE! Let us hear from you.

As for me, I made my deadline. SWEET JUSTICE is in NY and I'm dancing in B'ham! Yayayayayay!

So now that Honor and Seth are enjoying their HEA without me throwing obstacles, such as uber evil villains, in their path, it's time for me to return to SWEET REVENGE. Throwing obstacles in Dylan and Jamie's way is problematic because they have a tendency to throw them right back at me! However, I think they've realized that since I'm in charge of their HEA, it would be best if they cooperate. Time for D&J to step up and fight for that HEA I know they want. Come on, guys, give it up!

I have a fabulous book to recommend! And now I'm learning it's the 3rd in the series. Guess I have to go back and read the other two. Yay! Pamela Clare's Ride the Fire was one of those books that you just hate to put down. I loved Nicholas! What a gorgeous, wonderful and patient man. And talk about a tortured hero. Yikes! I adored the heroine Bethie too. So spunky but vulnerable. If you've not read it, I highly recommend that you do. So excited that there are two more in this series for me to read!

With Thanksgiving coming up, I find myself thinking about all the many blessings in my life. Listing every one of them would take pages, so let me just say that I am one of the most blessed people in the world. And you, my friends, are a big part of that blessing. From the emails, letters, cards, chocolate and comments here, Facebook and Twitter, to the purchase of my books and recommending my books to other readers, you have been so incredibly kind and wonderful. Whenever I become discouraged or frustrated about something, I think about you and I always feel better.

So, in this season of Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you, for the love, support and for being you! May God bless you with good health, much happiness and many, many good books to read.

(((((Hugs))))))
Christy

Friday, November 19, 2010

First Line Friday!!!

How important is a first line to you? I sometimes spend days thinking about the first line when I begin a new book. If I have a dynamite first line, I'm thrilled! Not only does it help the rest of the book flow better for me but I know a first line can make or break a buying decision for a reader. Have I always nailed it? LOL The answer is no. And even if I think I have, many times I've been asked to add chapters or a prologue to a book and even though I kept that first line in another chapter, it lost some of its oomph when it didn't get to go first. See, I told you I spend a lot of time thinking about this!

I've always thought the first line of book and even the first line of each chapter is important. However, that was really brought home to me several years ago. I was at an RWA conference and Linda Howard was being awarded a Lifetime Achievement award. And if you know me at all, you know I'm a huge Linda Howard fan. One of the fun things they did that night was read the first line of several of her books throughout the program. And it turned out that I knew the title of every one of those books. She always starts her books with a memorable first line. One that makes you want to read the second, the third and so on. I love those kinds of beginnings.
One of my favorite lines that I've written is from a book I wrote years ago (actually my second manuscript) that's still sitting in my computer, hoping for a home one day. I still love this book, but it needs major work. However, it's got some great moments and lines in it and I hope to see it in print one day.
Here's the first line of Golden Girl:
Lori Gray raced through the Atlanta airport with the grace of a pregnant gazelle.
What about you? Do you have a favorite book with a favorite first line? What about a favorite line? If so, feel free to quote it here, but be sure to tell us the title and author. That line might get us to buy the book!
And the first person who can tell me which Last Chance Rescue book has this as the first line of a chapter, wins a signed LCR book of your choice.
"Mommy, higher...push me higher!"
Also doing this over on my Facebook page every Friday, so come over and click like and have some LCR fun there too. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christy-Reece/136065869748798?ref=search&v=wall


Happy Friday all! Have a great weekend and don't forget to come by Monday for Recommend Monday!






Monday, November 15, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

Hope you had a productive week and weekend. Mine was once again incredibly busy but so rewarding. SWEET JUSTICE has turned into one of my favorite books and Honor and Seth are now two of my favorite characters. I have loved writing about this couple and so enjoyed watching them fall in love again. And man oh man, I cannot imagine a more evil, sinister, twisted villain. I'm so excited about this book, but it's...


SWEET JUSTICE DEADLINE DAY!!!!!!!!!

So, no long post again today. Later on this week, I'll pop back on and catch everyone up. I'm way behind in everything, so if you've emailed or messaged me on Facebook or Twitter, don't think I'm ignoring you. After SWEET JUSTICE is sent, I'll take a few days off to do all the things I'm behind on. Then it's on to SWEET REVENGE, which is really shaping up to be a shocker for everyone, even me!

No new book recommends from me today. However, I did think of a book over the weekend and wondered if any of you have read it. Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer. It's my favorite book by this author and an absolutely wonderful read.

So tell us what you've read and loved this past week. I'll come by tomorrow, after I've slept for a while, and chat.

Until then, hope everyone has a fabulous day and please send special thoughts to Seth and Honor as they wrap up their story and head to the Big Apple!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All

Hope you had a fabulous week last week. Mine was stupendously busy but in a very good way. SWEET JUSTICE is one week from deadline and though there's lots of fixing and polishing, along with some adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing to be done, the glorious end is in sight!

SWEET JUSTICE is one of those books where I had a good idea of my characters from the beginning. But as I wrote them, I fell more in love with Seth and Honor and got more repulsed with the villain. LOL Doesn't get much better than that!

Once this deadline's over, I'll take a few days downtime to see to bunches of stuff that always gets pushed aside during deadlines, like doctor's visits, house cleaning and 1001 other things I try not to think about while on deadline. In between all of these things, I'm going to try to get in some reading. So, though I have no 'I have read these and recommend them' books, here're a few that's at the top of my TBR pile. All sound wonderful and I can't wait to dig in to them.

Surrender of a Lady - Tiffany Clare (Have heard great things about this debut book!)
Virgin River - Robyn Carr (I think I may be the last person on earth who hasn't read these books!)
Ride the Fire - Pamela Clare (Already hooked on her romantic suspense and now getting addicted to her historicals!)

Of course, I can only take a couple of days of downtime because SWEET REVENGE is due early next year. Yes, it's back to work on Jamie and Dylan's story. They've been talking to me lately and I'm sincerely hoping we can all get along better now that I've given Jamie an opportunity to heal a bit.

Once SWEET REVENGE is done, it'll be time to start on Jared and Mia's story in SWEET REWARD. I haven't met Mia yet, but I have to say that from the few glimpses I've had of Jared in SWEET JUSTICE, I am already in love with him. I think you'll love him too!

Last week, in the midst of deadline fever, I received the most awesome news (thank you again, Mary, for letting me know) that LAST CHANCE has been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for Best Romantic Suspense of 2010. I am beyond thrilled for the nomination and am so honored to be on the list with so many wonderful romantic suspense authors. So, no matter the outcome, thank you RT for this honor! Here's the link for the entire list of nominated books: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-awards/nominees-and-winners

Also, I think Thursday, November 11, the December issue of Cosmo magazine is released and within that edition is an excerpt of LAST CHANCE. If you happen to see it in stores, can you let me know? I'll take a deadline break and rush out and get some copies!

Okay, that's it for me for this week. I'm sorry I didn't get to respond to last week's comments and though I probably won't get to comment on today's either, I am reading all the posts and hope to catch up as soon as Honor and Seth are on their way to NY!

Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to and the great books you're recommending this week.

Happy Monday!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

How was your weekend? Did you have some spooky trick-or-treaters or some really cute ones? Our Halloween here was kind of odd. For some reason our subdivision decided that Saturday was the night everyone should trick-or-treat and not Halloween night. We didn't know this until right before we went out to dinner Saturday night. (I haven't been out of the house to read the posted signs and hubby is just so anxious to get home to me and the girls each night, he didn't notice the signs either. LOL, at least, that was my interpretation.) So we were late getting back and had to stop on the way home and get emergency candy. I waited to buy it. Having bags of candy around too early pretty much ensures that those little trick-or-treaters won't get as many treats. Chocolate in the house + racing toward a deadline writer = massive chocolate gluttony. Final conclusion? I've decided my subdivision has way too much power to just up and decide when trick-or-treating can take place, however, you can be sure we'll read the signs next year!

Since I am so close to deadline, I haven't had a chance to read anything new. SWEET JUSTICE is almost done. I'm in the midst of editing, revising and playing with the ending that's just not where I want it to be yet. I think it was last Thursday that I cried all day. Never sobbed so hard while writing a book before, but never had one that involved what this one involves. I hope you all love it because I gotta tell you, I do think it's the best book I've ever written. Fingers crossed you will agree!

So, unfortunately, no new recommend from me, but I will give a recommendation of one of my all time favorites. Have you read Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale? If you've not read it, I strongly encourage it. Such an absolutely beautiful historical romance full of angst, an unusual hero and heroine pairing, and a love story that will stay with you forever.

Monday, November 15 is my deadline for SWEET JUSTICE, so other than Recommend Monday, I'll be offline for the next two weeks. If you need to get in touch with me, drop me an email at christy@christyreece.com or you can message me on Facebook or Twitter. I'll do my best to get back to you within a day or two.

Looking forward to hearing about your great read recommendations.

Have a wonderful first day of November everyone!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Winner of Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Happy Saturday All!

Thanks so much for playing yesterday. Everyone mentioned some great villains and I picked up a couple of book, movie and television series recommendations too!

Congrats to Linda, the winner of the 'grab-bag' prize package! Linda, email your mailing address to Christy@ChristyReece.com and be sure to let me know which LCR book you'd like to have included in the package.

I hope everyone has a safe, wonderful and spooktacular Halloween weekend!

See you back here on Monday for Recommend Monday!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Good Fabulous Friday Everyone!

Hope you've had a good, productive week. My week has been busy but oh so very good. The first draft of SWEET JUSTICE is almost finished. Once that's done, it's time for major revisions and edits, but then it'll be headed to my editor. Yayayayay!

Today, in honor of Halloween this weekend, we're talking favorite fictional villains. You know those really, really bad people we love to hate. Even though we despise these people and what they stand for, they are an important and integral part of the story. Not only do they give the story conflict and excitement, villains also make the hero look even more heroic. What would Superman be without Lex Luthor? Sure, he's strong, got some great super powers and is a genuinely nice guy, but how would we know just how heroic and strong he is if he didn't have to battle Lex and his evil minions? Villains bring the excitement and angst. They give you someone to hate and as a result, provide you with someone to root for--the hero.

Over the centuries, fiction has brought us some evil, devious and just plain mean villains. Usually when I think of memorable fictional villains, I don't think of those evil soulless characters who kill people willy-nilly--Halloween's Michael Myers, Jason in the Friday the 13th movies or even the demons or the devil in the Exorcist. To me those people or entities aren't as much villains as they are simplistic killing machines, without conscience or the ability to reason. The villains I love to hate and find much more memorable are those who can reason. They know the difference between good and bad and for whatever reason, choose to be bad. Those kinds of villains I find fascinating. I love to know what makes them tick or what made them into the evil, twisted people they've become.

We won't limit the list to just books. There have been some uber creepy villains in movies and television that are just as memorable. Who are your top five favorite fictional villains? Do you have five that you can remember hating so strongly that you couldn't wait until they got their comeuppance?

Not in any particular order, here are my top five:

Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs (Yes, I know he's a serial killer and a cannibal, however, he's a psychiatrist who knows the difference between right and wrong and man oh man, he doesn't just choose to be bad, he chooses to be very bad!)

Jim Beckett from Lisa Gardner's The Perfect Husband (He's a cop--supposed to be one of the good guys, one of the guys you root for, not a mean, sadistic killer. Creepy, scary guy!)

George Foyette aka The Boston Reaper from Criminal Minds (Cunning, devious and so very creepy. He outsmarted and out-manipulated so many, and in the end, did something so dastardly evil that when he got his just deserts, I was standing the middle of the room, my hands fisted and wanting to get in a couple of punches myself.)

The villain from Karen Rose's Have You Seen Her (Mentioning the name would be a spoiler, but I love the surprise and sheer audacity of who this villain is and how Rose keeps you guessing. By the way, if you haven't read Karen Rose, I highly recommend her...she's absolutely incredible!)

Carol Janes, the villain in Linda Howard's Dream Man (I think the fact that he was so ordinary and unexpected, that when you see his evil, it's even more chilling.)

Okay, now it's your turn. And if you can't think of five, feel free to give fewer.

One random commenter will win a 'grab-bag' prize package filled with all sorts of goodies. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a fabulously spook-tacular weekend! See you back here on Monday for Recommend Monday!





Monday, October 25, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Oh my, I'm up way too early this morning. Thunderstorms started around 3:00 AM. My girls can't sleep during a storm and are quite insistent that I shouldn't either. Hopefully we can all grab a nap later.

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fabulously fun? Any Halloween parties? If so, what was your costume?

Thanks to the great comfort reads you gave on Friday, I've now started a whole new list. In my mind, if it's a reread, then it's definitely a must read. Looking forward to delving into more great books!

This Friday, in honor of Halloween, we're going to be talking about favorite villains. Since most of us read romantic suspense, there's got to be some memorable bad guys and gals who've given you the creeps over the years. And we won't limit it to books. We'll talk villains in movies and television series too. So start putting your list together and we'll share our top five on Friday!

SWEET JUSTICE is racing toward the end. Seth and Honor are in the midst of a nightmare and none of us know how it's going to turn out. Very worried about these two! And with a deadline looming, it's getting even tenser!

Even though I was consumed with Honor and Seth's difficulties, I did manage to read a couple of great books. They've been recommended here many times. However, I wanted to give my own hearty recommendations to Pamela Clare's Surrender and Untamed. They were fabulous, and my oh my, those MacKinnon men! Whew! Looking forward to Connor' book!

So what about you? What great books did you read last week you're dying to tell us about? Tomorrow's a big release day. What books are you looking forward to going out and getting this week?

Don't forget to come back on Friday for a discussion of your favorite villains.

Have a great week all!


Saturday, October 23, 2010

Winner of Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Happy Saturday all!

Thanks to everyone who posted yesterday. Wow, looks like there's a whole new list of books I'm going to be adding to my TBR pile. If it constitutes a reread, then it's definitely a must read!

Congrats to Jackie P. She is the winner of the 'grab-bag' prize package! Jackie, please email me at christy@christyreece.com with your mailing address, along with the LCR book you'd like to have.

Don't forget to come back on Monday for Recommend Monday. And I will have one. Yay!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Good day all! Hope your week has been wonderful. The trees here in Bama are peaking and are absolutely gorgeous. The brilliant colors, combined with the flawless sky, has a breathtaking radiance that brings tears to my eyes. Oh, I do love October!

Last week was so much fun, talking about our favorite fall foods. The recipes look out of this world. Today, we're going to talk about comfort reads. You know those few books that you have to read at least once a year.

If you've read my Dear Reader letter on my website or my biography, you know that I started reading at an early age. I still remember (and I've heard this from so many avid readers) taking a flashlight to bed with me and the instant the house settled down, I was clicking the flashlight on and reading well into the night. Reading has been my comforter and friend for years, taking me to far away places and easing my own worries. I would be desolate if I had to do without it.

What does this have to do with today's blog? A lot! Every year, often when the weather turns cool and I'm wanting to snuggle up with my girls and a good book, I will turn to a tried and true favorite. With my reading time so limited, why do I reach for a book I've read before, probably many times? For me, these kinds of reads are the literary equivalent of my mom's chicken and rice or my late mother-in-law's Swiss steak. Delicious and familiar, they comfort me and take me to a place I've been before and loved. (LOL, wouldn't you know I'd have to bring food back into the conversation?)

I have about five books that I read every year. Sometimes I'll read the entire book, other times just certain chapters or the ending. Usually, in reading a story, it's all about the journey. For me, a comfort read is all about the destination--getting to that place in my mind I like to go when I reread a certain book. It's all about the predictability. I know exactly what's going to happen and that brings me comfort.

Here's a list of my must reads each year. I'm just listing five. I have many more rereads in a year, however, these are the ones I will return to again and again.

1) Almost Heaven - Judith McNaught
2) It Had To Be You - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
3) I'm Watching You - Karen Rose
4) MacKenzie's Mountain - Linda Howard
5) The Bride - Julie Garwood

I know there are some people who refuse to reread a book. As soon as they finish, even if it's one they loved, they'll give it away or take it to a UBS and get another book. Are you one of those or are you like me and love those comfort rereads?

If you have rereads, list your top five. Remember, one random commenter will win a 'grab-bag' prize package. And be sure to come back on Monday for Recommend Monday. Who knows, we might see some of today's rereads on Monday's recommended reads. Wouldn't that be SWEET!

Happy Friday all!


Monday, October 18, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend and that you're ready to recommend some great reads to us.

I don't have anything current to suggest, however, I have another recommend from the past. Have you read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers? I don't read a lot of inspirationals, however, this one caught my eye a year or two ago. I'd read about it online somewhere and was in the bookstore one day and saw it. I think it's been reissued several times, but this particular cover just caught my attention--absolutely beautiful. So I picked it up and quite frankly could not put it down. I ended up loving it so much, I bought three or four more copies and gave them as Christmas presents. It's a wonderful love story about redemption, marital devotion and faith and stuck with me long after I closed the book. Even if you don't normally read inspirational romances, give it a try!

Thanks to everyone who contributed such awesome recipes on Friday's blog. Wow! I can't wait to try some of these. They look incredible. And congrats again to Tigmode, who was the winner of the 'grab-bag' prize package. Tigmode, if you're reading this blog today, be sure to email your mailing address to christy@christyreece.com.

This week's Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday blog, we're going to be talking books. So get ready to share with us your top five favorite rereads. You know, those books that you have to read at least once a year. Heck, we may discover a few books that we find ourselves recommending next Monday!

Okay, I promised you some news on the SWEET trilogy and here it is. The new dates and order are:

SWEET JUSTICE - September 2011 (Honor Stone and Seth Cavanaugh)
SWEET REVENGE - November 2011 (Dylan Savage and Jamie Kendrick)
SWEET REWARD - January/February 2012 (Jared Livingston and Mia Ryker)

Not really that much of a change other than the first book will be released four months later than originally planned. There were a lot of different reasons for the calendar and order changes. However, I plan to make sure it was worth the wait. I'm about 3/4 finished with SWEET JUSTICE and am loving the story and characters. I really think you will too!

Okay, that's it for me until Friday. Going back into my writing cave and spending some quality time with the dark and dangerous Seth.

Now, it's your turn. Tell us what we should be reading this week!

Happy Monday all!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Winner of Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Wow, everyone! Thank you so much for the fun yesterday! What fabulous recipes you all shared! I am so impressed with everyone's talent and diversity of tastes. Some amazing selections! When you try some of these recipes, be sure to pop back on the blog and let us know how they turned out.

The winner of the 'grab-bag' full of prizes is TigMode! If you'll email your mailing address to christy@christyreece.com, I'll send your prizes out to you next week. Also, be sure to let me know which LCR book you'd like to have included in the prizes.

Next Friday, we're going to talk about favorite winter rereads, so start thinking of those special books that for some reason, you have to read at least once a year.

Be sure to stop by on Monday to give your recommendations of your great reads from last week. Also, I'll be sharing some news about the SWEET trilogy that I know you'll want to hear!

Have a great weekend everyone!


Friday, October 15, 2010

Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Good Fabulous Friday Everyone!

Wow, can it be October 15 already? Trees are changing to glorious colors here in Bama. We have a wooded backyard and in the fall, my favorite time of day is early morning when the sun comes up over the trees and like a spotlight, highlights the brightest of the autumn colors. This morning I saw glorious oranges, reds and a beautiful bright golden yellow. What a lovely start to my day!

Continuing our October celebration, today we're talking about our favorite fall foods and sharing recipes. I grew up surrounded by women who were fabulous cooks. My grandmother especially could make the very best of everything. And she did it with such seeming ease. Sadly, I didn't inherit those talents. When I go to make something elaborate in the kitchen, I usually come away exhausted, with a mess in the kitchen and my sweet hubby saying something like "But I thought it tasted really good". He's such a diplomatic SWEETheart!

However, I do have a couple of recipes that have become favorites in our house. They taste good and they're simple--my two requirements in making meals, especially these days. And they smell delicious. Don't you just love the fragrance of chili, homemade soup or pot roast wafting through the house. Somehow it just makes everything feel so much cozier.

I've heard from several of you who are planning to share lots of recipes, but don't feel that you have to give recipes. Today's post is all about favorite fall foods, so if you want to just tell us your favorites for this time of year, that's great too. However, if you also want to tell us how to make those fabulous dishes? Well...yum!

Here are two of my tried and true, extremely simple (did I already tell you I don't do anything else) favorite fall recipes:

Crock Pot Pot Roast (We both love this dish, as do my girls. The fragrance is amazing!)

Eye of Round Beef Roast
1 - 2 cans of Campbell's Mushroom Soup
1 package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Put roast in crock pot, pour canned soup and packaged soup over roast. Close lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. (If you want it faster, you can cook on high.) About every two hours or so, spoon gravy over the roast and after about three or four hours, turn roast over in the pot to cook more evenly.

LOL, yes, simple but oh so good! Makes a wonderful gravy that's fabulous with mashed potatoes.

The other dish that is super easy and a definite favorite of my husband's is my chili. I've tried the packaged 7-alarm stuff you get at stores and while it's good, if I have to read directions of things I already know how to make, I tend to get bored. (: I'm more of an experimenter about some dishes. Adding one thing one time, then maybe something else the next. Here's my chili recipe that I experimented with until I got it the way we like it.

Chili
1 lb. ground sirloin
2 cans diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
2 cans dark red kidney beans
2 cans light red kidney beans
2 cans mild chili beans
cayenne pepper
chili pepper
cumin

Brown ground sirloin, sprinkling cayenne pepper, chili pepper and cumin over meat as it browns. Drain ground beef, return it to the pan, open up all the cans and pour on top of the meat, mix together. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for at least an hour.

I deliberately left out measurements on the pepper and cumin. Hubby doesn't like spicy meals, so I maybe use 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of each of the peppers. And a couple of sprinkles of the cumin because I love the fragrance of cumin. If I found I went overboard with the peppers, I'll add a can of plain stewed tomatoes. That's cuts the heat down quite nicely.

I serve it with cheese, crackers and Fritos Chili Cheese chips. (Oh, and my hubby likes it with cut up dill pickles because that's the way his mom fixed it when he was a kid.)

I know those are probably the simplest recipes you've ever come across, but they are definite hits in our house.

Now, it's your turn to share. Tell us what your favorite fall foods are and if you have recipes, go for it! If I think of some more later today, I'll post those too.

And remember, one random commenter will win a 'grab bag' full of goodies, including books! Winner announced tomorrow.

Okay, so let's have some fall Friday food fun!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

How was your weekend? Did you read anything fabulous? Want to share?

This is a short post today. I'm hitting a pivotal point with SWEET JUSTICE and want to keep the momentum going. Seth and Honor are trying to work out their issues, but little do they know I'm about to throw them into the fire! Oh, I do love my job! (insert evil laughter)

I did get a CHANCE to read one book last week and really enjoyed it. Though it's been recommended here several times, I hesitated to try it because it's written in first person and I'm not usually a fan of first person. However, I must say that I was thoroughly entertained. What's that book? Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. I know many of you have read and loved it, so thanks so much for the recommend!

Okay, your turn now. What are you recommending?

And don't forget to come back on Friday when we'll be talking favorite fall foods and sharing recipes. Yum! Can't wait!

Hope everyone has a lovely, productive and wonderful week!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Winner of Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday is...

Shelly Estes! Congrats, Shelly! You are the winner of a 'grab-bag' full of goodies.

Please email your mailing address to christy@christyreece.com. Also, be sure to tell me which LCR book you'd like to have sent with your goodies.

Thanks everyone for joining in the fun discussion yesterday. I now have several movies and books I'm going to look for to get me into the Halloween spirit.

Be sure to come back on Monday for Recommend Monday. And yay, I will have a book to recommend!

And, come back next Friday when we'll be talking favorite cool weather foods and sharing recipes.

Hope everyone has a fabulous fall weekend.

Chat Monday!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

How did the week treat you? Are you ready for the weekend? Ready for some football maybe? Or a fall festival?

Our fall weather is on a mini break while summer returns just to say, "You're going to miss me when I'm gone!" So, I'm going to do my best to be nice and appreciate those warm temps in the hopes that summer will make frequent visits this winter. That's probably not going to happen, but it never hurts to be nice, now does it?

However, it is October, so despite the summertime temps, I'm eager to continue our discussions on fall topics. I can't think of October without thinking of Halloween, so lets talk favorite scary movies and books. I've always enjoyed both. My hubby and I used to see horror flicks the first week they came out at the theater. We don't do that anymore though. Not only are we busier than we used to be, the gore in the new movies just doesn't appeal to us. However, when we see some of our favorites on television, it's popcorn and cuddling time and two hours of frightmares!

Some of our favorites are: House on Haunted Hill (the original, not the remake)
Fright Night (the first one with Christopher Sarrandon)
Stephen King's Silver Bullet
Halloween (Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance. We've seen them all, but the first one is the best)
Dracula (I'm fond of the Gary Oldman and Frank Langella. Hubby only likes the Bella Lugosi version)
The Wolfman (We both prefer the original with Lon Chaney, Jr.)
Dracula Meets the Wolfman (Abbott and Costello comedy. Hilarious!)

I'm sure there are many I left out, but these are the ones that come to mind. As far as books go, I used to read Stephen King all the time. Loved him! My favorite is Bag of Bones. LOL Probably because it has a love story and a ghost too. Also loved Bram Stoker's Dracula. Several years ago, I found an original copy of it at a used book store--what a deal!

I know some of you don't care for scary movies and don't get into Halloween, but is there a movie or book that you feel lends itself to reading during the fall? Have you seen the movie October Skies? Great movie and book!

So what about your movie and book favorites? Got any recommends for either? Got any fun fall plans for the weekend? Lets chat and share and one random commenter will win a 'grab-bag' full of fun fall freebies. I'll announce the winner tomorrow morning.

Next Friday, we'll talk favorite fall foods. Get those recipes ready to share! And don't forget to come back on Monday to recommend your great reads!

Happy Fall Friday all!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday Everyone!

How was your weekend? Are you having fabulous weather in your neck of the woods? The weather here in Bama is beyond gorgeous. Low 70's, perfect, azure blue sky, just a slight breeze and sun so bright even the birds are squinting.

Thanks to everyone who commented on Friday's blog. Your comments made me appreciate autumn all the more. I even made a batch of chili yesterday and beef stew or vegetable soup might be on the agenda next weekend. That is, if I can persuade the hubby that he doesn't have to have pizza EVERY weekend! The man does love my semi-homemade pizzas.

SWEET JUSTICE is coming along very well. Seth and Honor are amazing together and I love watching them try to deny their feelings. Last week, I wrote a scene so steamy, I do believe my windows fogged up. Whew! However, there is a villain to catch, so this week, it's time to concentrate on finding this creature so JUSTICE can prevail!

I didn't get a CHANCE to read this weekend, however, I realized that I've read enough great books that I can easily make a recommendation every Monday. What was I thinking? So, this week's recommendation is one of my all-time favorite authors, Judith McNaught and my personal faves are: Almost Heaven, Once and Always, Something Wonderful, A Kingdom of Dreams, Paradise, Perfect and Someone to Watch Over Me. (The last three are contemporaries).

What about you? What did you read or have you read you want the world to know about so they can enjoy it too?

Don't forget to come back on Friday for another Fabulous Fall Friday Freebie. We'll be talking movies and books specifically geared toward October. And I'll be giving away another 'grab-bag' box full of goodies.

Until Friday, happy reading all!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Winner of Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Good Saturday all!

Thanks so much for all the wonderful posts yesterday about why you love this time of year. Your comments brought back so many SWEET memories.

Next Friday, we'll chat about movies, books and food! Three favorites of mine!

Congrats to Allison P! She is the winner of the 'grab-bag'.

Allison, email your mailing address to christy@christyreece.com and I'll send your box full of goodies out next week. Also, be sure to tell me which signed Last Chance Rescue book you'd like to have.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and be sure to stop in on Monday for Recommend Monday!

Until Monday!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Fabulous Fall Freebie Friday

Hey All!

It's October--my favorite month! There're so many things I love about this time of year. Cool evenings and warm sunny days. The sky so intensely blue it brings tears to my eyes. The colorful array of trees, the smell of burning leaves. And oh so many more!

October is my SWEETheart's favorite month too and because of our shared love of this month, we were married in October (years ago). Although to be fair, we weren't married on the day he wanted. Not only is October his favorite month, but he adores Halloween. So, you guessed it, he wanted to be married on October 31 and he wanted our wedding colors to be orange and black. Now, I know many people would think that was just fine, but having ultra conservative families, that was just not going to fly. We settled on the week before Halloween and our wedding colors did not include orange or black. Whew!

Since my SWEETie loves Halloween so much, he's been the creator of many self made Halloween costumes. His tastes varies but he favors the gross and disgusting. And it never seems to matter to him how uncomfortable or difficult the costume is to wear. In fact, I think the more difficult it is, the better he likes it. As long as people scream, laugh or say "ewwww, gross" he's a happy camper.

Years ago, when we lived in Indiana, he would dress up for the trick or treaters and do his best to scare them. Sounds affects, mannequin's arms hanging out windows, spider webs everywhere and him dressed up as the creepiest, most vile and disgusting creature he could come up with. Yes, we had lots of trick or treaters! And then one Spring day, the pay off came. He was given what he considered the ultimate compliment. He was working in the yard and two ladies were walking down the street in front of our house. He overheard one tell the other that he's the man who dresses so creepy for Halloween and she thought maybe something might be wrong with him. He loved it! The man does love attention.

Though we usually talk about books on this blog (and I'm not opposed to talking about them now) I thought it might be nice to share fun, fall memories or traditions. Each Friday in October, we'll get together to giggle, chat and share. And, as I mentioned in another post, I'll have a 'grab-bag' giveaway to one random commenter. What's that? It's going to be a box filled with books, some old, some new, bookmarks, excerpts and surprises. I have tons of bookmarks and other things I've collected and though it pains me, I have no room for them anymore. My intent is to introduce you to authors you may not have tried before. And yes, I will always include one of my signed books too.

The winner will be announced tomorrow morning, giving you plenty of time to come up with a fun Fall memory or, if that won't work for you, just stop in and say hi. We're here to have fun! Honest!

And since October is best known for Halloween, next Friday, we'll talk about our favorite horror book. And no, you don't have to have read one. I know some people don't like stuff like that, so, again, a comment will do just fine to get you entered in the giveaway. But give it some thought. You've got a whole week to come up with a scary book recommendation.

Okay, let's get started. And don't forget to come back on Monday for Recommend Monday!

Happy first day of October all!