Another Dawn

Katie Cushman has the ability to write stories that conflict us as we find ourselves rooting, at different times, for each side of an issue. She's done that again with her newest release, Another Dawn.

I took this novel with me to pre-teen girl's soccer practice, and sat in my car, nearly biting my nails. At one point, I put down the book and texted my pal, Katie: "Your book has me so stressed out! Lol"

I finished the story that night. It was that good. I'd have told her in person, but we recently had to reschedule our once-every-few-months lunch date. (We like this place along the coast that puts lobster in all kinds of things: salads, sandwiches ... mac 'n' cheese!)

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention ... Another Dawn is partially set in Ventura. Love it. Here's the blurb from Katie's website:

Grace Graham returns to Shoal Creek, Tennessee with her four-year-old son on a short unpaid leave from work. Her goal: help her father recover from surgery, and spend some quality time with her sister.

But Shoal Creek seems more backward than ever after her years in California, and it's hard to find organic food anywhere. When the unthinkable happens and her son is diagnosed with measles, Grace's fears over modern medicine take a dangerous turn.

Worse, the town has fallen into quarantine and its residents focus their anger and blame on Grace. She is alone and scared, until one brave woman chooses to reach out a hand of forgiveness and mercy. But when the outbreak takes a life-threatening turn, will Grace be able to forgive herself?

You can visit Katie at her website: KathrynCushman.com (or wave at us if you're driving along the central coast :).

Fade to Blue in Romantic Times

I don't read all my reviews. I used to, but after five books, I've realized the perils of having your ego inflated one day and your heart ripped out and stomped on the next. (Is this TMI? LOL)

That said, I did learn the other day that Romantic Times gave my upcoming novel, Fade to Blue, a 4-star rating. Considering my first three books only received threes (*sniff*), this was nice news to receive.

Here's to good news. Hope you receive some this week too! Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are ...

Phun Pholks

I'm surrounded by smart and creative peeps! My friends, Sally and Scott, developed an app for the iPad. I don't have an iPad, but my papa does ~ hoping to "borrow" it so I can try this out :-) Phrase Phrenzy is all about quotes. Instead of having to figure out a word, you have to beat the clock to figure out a famous quote. Kind of Trivial Pursuit-ish.

Here's the link for Phrase Phrenzy. If you try it out, let me know ... and have a beachy day, my friends, wherever you are.

On dreaming

I spotted a homely house recently (Get it? Homely? :). It's shaped like a box and painted a hideous color. Apparently, the owners planned it that way, so I guess they wouldn't agree with me. But yesterday, the sun was shining after the rain, so pre-teen girl and I drove by the offending structure so I could dream a bit. She snapped a photo, but how would that be if I posted it here? Probably not so good ~ ha.

So anyway, I told pre-teen girl that if that were my house, I'd paint it a soft cream color, add blue painted shutters and window boxes stuffed with flora. I'd also erect a grape arbor leading into the courtyard, and rip out all the succulents, replacing them with flowing vines. Today I added that I might even give the outside a faux finish, making it look like an old Tuscan villa.

My girl kept laughing at me, saying I was in the wrong business. She thinks my creativity should be applied to houses not books (apparently, I re-do a lot of houses out loud :-). Truth is, I probably wouldn't have the patience to flip a house, or move too often, so I apply my wandering mind to writing. It's like a sickness or something. Lol

By the way, this is a photo I took from inside a beach cottage near Kevin Costner's house. The folks who own it are getting ready to tear it down, and I'm so sad because I love it just the way it is! Go figure.

Delivered with ... Love

Updated at 10:30 am pst: If you pre-order Sherry's novel today, she'll enter you in a drawing for a Starbucks giftcard and Capitola souvenir! Just leave a comment on this post letting her know that you've pre-ordered, and you'll be entered.

Such a cute cover! Didn't I tell you? Sherry Kyle and I met last year at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers conference and I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of her debut novel, Delivered with Love. She had me at "It's set on the West Coast." :) Here's the blurb from Sherry's website:

An old love letter found in the glove compartment of a young woman's inherited 1972 Volkswagen propels her to leave her life in Los Angeles and go to the small town of Capitola, California. There her dream of finding the writer of the letter leads her on an unexpected journey that changes her life forever.

Claire James, age twenty-three, is ready to make it on her own. When she's fired from her job as a waitress and subsequently kicked out of her sister's home, she sees it as an opportunity to start over. But even before moving, a thirty-five-year-old love letter written to her mother keeps Claire stuck in the past. Michael Thompson, a middle-aged real estate agent, wants to keep the past where it belongs - at least until his grown daughter is married. But, then a young woman comes to town . . .

Delivered with Love is a fun and charming debut that will whisk you away on a sea breeze. You can pre-order it on Amazon, but you won't have to wait long. It's due out on April 1. Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are :)

Congrats!

Welcome to all new subscribers of my Waves of Grace news. Congratulations go to LUANN, winner of an Otter Bay Novel of your choice! Thanks all for playing :)

Tomorrow I'm going to post about a friend's new novel with the CUTEST cover ever! Please come back and check it out. In the meantime, I'm off to figure out what to wear to the FIDM Fashion Show in LA. Teen Girl is the fashionista in the family (not me!), and I'm just wondering if flip-flops will be allowed inside those doors. Hmm...

Oh, m-o-m ... !

Received this barrage of texts from College Boy the other day (yes, that's my answer in white). He posted it on Facebook for all our friends to see. Lovely. I told him that this sorta reminded me of when he was two and I was trying to use the restroom ...

As one mom commented, "Isn't it great to be loved?"

:)

I watched Brad propose to Emily last night. Well, I was actually beating Teen Daughter (haha...just barely) at a game of Words Free (an app on our iPods), while listening to the proposal. Anyhoo, the most dramatic season ever was not really. All season long we've been told in spoilers that Chantal won the man of her dreams, until a couple of weeks ago when someone spoiled the errant spoiler and let it out that, actually, Emily was the girl for Brad.

Far more interesting was the After the Rose show. Emily had a fire in her we hadn't seen all season (admittedly, I fast-forwarded through much of it, but still). Although Brad and Emily seemed very much in love during the final rose show, it was apparent that something had changed. The girl was irked.

Turns out that watching the show back over the past six weeks showed Emily things about her fiance that she didn't want to see. Things like him macking with other women and professing love for them. Stuff like that. How ironic that the show that brought them together is now tearing them apart! Or should I say poetic?

Brad told her that he fell in love with her early in the season, and yet while watching the show, this wasn't so apparent to Emily. She's questioning everything now ... Brad's promises, his sincerity, the reality of their entire relationship. Stuff that novels are made of, I tell you ;-) (Now you understand why I watch this show???)

Wonder if this story will have a happy ending, because right now, it's more of a cliff-hanger. Opinions?

Otter Bay Novel Giveaway

Anybody else have a hard time waking up today? I kind of feel like these signs ... not sure which way is which. Nothing like losing an hour to throw off the body clock. At least I don't have babies in the house anymore (other than, well, myself :) Oh, how babies refuse to readily adjust to DST!

Ah, well. I'm getting ready to send out my latest newsletter, the one I write occasionally. If you're not on my list, here's a fun incentive: I'll be giving away a book to one NEW subscriber, and I'll give that person a choice of any of the Otter Bay Novels ~ including the forthcoming, Fade to Blue.

Sound good?

You can sign up on my sidebar, or over on the home page of my website. Feel free to pass this along to friends. I'll choose a winner on Thursday morning. In the meantime, I'm on the lookout for cool, coastal tidbits to put in the newsletter for ALL subscribers to enjoy.

Have a beachy day, my friends ~ wherever you are :)

no tsunami here (so far)

Quick post about the central coast ... I learned the news about Japan right before bed last night, and prayed fervently for those poor people. Had a hard time sleeping thinking about it all. Also remembered that after the Chilean earthquake last year, there was a big surge in our nearby harbor. Lots of property damage, but people were a-okay.

College boy took the train home yesterday, so hubby said we could leave our cell phones off. (We always leave them on when any one of the kiddos is not home. It's just a thing with us.) I said, "No way." Had this weird feeling we might get some sort of surge along the coast again and wanted my phone handy. And my robe, haha.

So it was super surreal to wake up this morning to an emergency call from our city warning of possible tsunami. Ack. At least they gave us an expected time of arrival. I packed up the dog, and woke up college boy. The girls were already getting ready for class, and were much chagrined that the only school closure was the little elementary school by the beach. College boy, Charlie the Dog, and I headed to my parents home where we ate too much breakfast and watched the news.

We're back now and all seems churned up but fine, yay! There have been some VERY LOUD helicopters over our beach cottage, but they appear to be the news variety and not sheriff patrols. So that's good news (except that cameras just may well be snapping pics of the poor state of my landscaping ...)

Let's all keep praying for the suffering people in Japan!

Spring forward 2011

It's that time again. Birds chirp on the patio, days grow, and rays of sunshine illuminate my need to clean the windows. Don't think of it as losing an hour of beauty sleep (sigh), make it a reminder that ... summer's comin'!

This is Mom and me at the Huntington Library last summer. We were having tea with Pre-teen and Teen Girl before they headed back to school. We also stole away to the Huntington before last Christmas. It's a bit of a drive, but oh so worth it ~ especially with warmer days coming. If you're close to So Cal, go! You'll love it. In addition to the vast gardens, you can tour the art museums ... you'll find Blue Boy and Pinkie there, among other displays. And water! You know how much I love water ... Haha!

Okay, so there's no ocean in sight, but there are ponds of all kinds. Here's one I love. Has a bridge and everything. (Don't forget to 'spring forward' one hour on Saturday :)

TGI FRIDAY

Happy Friday, peeps! I'm over at the CAN blog today, talking about Crafting the Personal Experience Story. If you're interested in writing your own story, stop on by :)

What a week! No need to bore you with the details, but if you're breathing, I'm sure you can relate to busyness and the desire for some beach time, Lol Except for having to run an important errand this morning, I've been stuck in front of my computer screen much of the day, on deadlines. And don't get me started about all the other deadlines and tasks of this week! I think I'm getting carpal tunnel and shoulder tunnel ~ okay, I made that 2nd one up, but that's what it feels like! Inside my head a voice keeps saying, "Step away from the computer and no body parts get hurt."

Fortunately, there's no rain in the weekend forecast and we've got at least one soccer game to watch. No computers allowed! ;-) Can't wait!

Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are.

Happy Wednesday, Friends! It's crazy town as we help pre-teen girl with her project for the big school science fair tomorrow. Plus, I've got a couple of writing deadlines, there's been sickness dragging down the girls, and we've got middle school small group here tonight. Ack.

But wanted to pop in and tell you that the rain broke mid morning and I wandered out to the sea. On my way I found two duckies waddling down our street. LOL Sometimes they fly over, but it's kind of rare to find them on the sidewalk. Then I jogged to the beach and saw a pod of dolphins leisurely making their way north. SO COOL! Okay, I've seen that a lot, but I love it every time. Thank you, God, for making dolphins!

It's back to work for me, but I wanted to post this video (and I'm biting my fingernails now ...) of a recent interview that my publisher B&H put together. Except for the lack of a gauzy filter (ala Barbara Walters), I think they did a nice job. Feel free to pass it along, if you'd like.

Have a beachy day, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Happy B'day, JB

Pre-Teen Girl wore purple to school today to mark the occasion ...

So I took in Justin Bieber's documentary, Never Say Never, last Sunday with a group of middle school kids and - du, du, du - LOVED it. This is a photo of us at the theater in downtown Ventura (a stone's throw from the beach). I thought I might get bored, so I bought a large popcorn and settled in. Far from it! I giggled, sang, and got all teary-eyed at one point! (Missy, if you're reading this, I know you did too!!!)

Hubby and I were at the same theater the night before to see The King's Speech (loved that too, btw), but I found this movie just as entertaining (in a different way). Inspirational too. Say what you want, but the kiddo's got talent. And a pretty cool team around him.

There were moments of prayer sprinkled throughout the film, so I said one myself for JB at the end of the movie. So hoping all the hoopla doesn't do to him what it's done to so many others his age. Here's to answered prayers ...

Did YOU watch the Oscars last night?

My son's away at school. This is what his friends do when they're not studying (hmm ... they've made a lot of these videos ...) Matt makes a cameo :)

You must have a sense of humor ...

to view this video.

So last week, College Boy came home for the weekend and made me watch a ton of silly videos produced by Julian Smith. I don't know about you, but I DON'T HAVE TIME to watch a bunch of online videos! But my kiddo was home and I was tired so I plunked myself down ... and laughed. so. hard. The guy is really, really, really ridiculous. And funny.

So College Boy is back at BIOLA and he posted this video on my Facebook wall. It's Julian's family doing a parody of his I'm Reading A Book video (a favorite among writers). If you haven't seen any of Justin's stuff, this one might not have as big an impact because there are all kinds of hidden nods to his other videos.

Then again, if you're a lousy cook like I am, you'll get something out of it. This video is basically my life ... hahaha.

p.s. Doesn't Julian's mother look young? Kind of like College Boy's mama, LOL

Free Reads

To chase away the winter blahs, blogger Diane Estrella (and frequent visitor to my Waves of Grace Blog) will be featuring authors and giving away books all week long. Free novels! Who doesn't love that?!

Stop by That's What I'm Here For for details. A Shore Thing will be featured on Friday :-)

Have a beachy day my friends ~ wherever you are ...

Pondo 2011

Hung out last weekend with our church's middle and high school kids at winter camp, about 3 hours from the beach. No snow (that's coming this weekend ... grrr), but we did find some leftover patches to play in on camp grounds. And in a last-minute maneuver, we drove north a bit and found a snow-tubing area just south of Snow Valley.

Let me just say ... man-made snow is fast! I couldn't let the young 'uns show me up, so I found myself careening down the steepest, iciest hills face-first on an inner tube. Laughed. My. Head. Off. Okay, not really. It's still attached. But still! The oldest of the group ~ including counselors ~ was like, 21. And then there was me. LOL

And, oh yeah, it was church winter camp so we talked a lot about God. Did you know that YOU are His Masterpiece? Yup, you are! That was the best news of all ~ snow or no snow :-)

Love thoughts continued ...

Talk about someone who has bewitched me, body and soul ...! The love of my life brought me these today: romantic card, roses, and my favorite candles ever :)

Happy Valentine's Day

You have bewitched me, body & soul ...

Love is in the air and my friend, Jamie Carie, author of Snow Angel, has an oh-so romantic Valentine's Day message for us all ~ ooh, la, la ;-)) Behold ... love lines from some of her novels.

p.s. Do you know which movie my blog post's title is from?

One thing about the beach I could live without is wind. We get a lot of it. Today the winds howl, palm fronds shoot like missiles, and the plants beg for mercy from the dry ground.

At least it's not freezing here like it is in some parts of the country. Oh, wait. The nights are below freezing in the local mountains ... and guess who signed up to be a counselor at middle school winter camp this weekend? That would be me :-) Love the girls. Not crazy about the cold. Brrr...

Despite the cold, I'm looking forward to seeing what the good Lord has in store for us all up on that mountain. I've been in a weird place for several months, questioning, thinking, praying, trying to make certain decisons ... you know that place? If you're breathing, somehow I think you do!

Anyway, here's to swapping out wind for cold. I'll let you know how it goes ... :)

Fade to ... Friday

It's Friday! Yes! It's nippy outside, but the sun's shining overhead so I'm determined to bundle up and get myself to the beach. Fade to Blue is going to print in about a week so there've been all kinds of details to finish up ... but we're almost there. Good feeling!

If you're not on my mailing list, you missed receiving a copy of my latest newsy news. You can read an archived copy of my newsletter ~ where I mention a humorous discussion (sort of ) with a soccer mom about Snooki and me ~ here.

If you're a writer interested in the whole eBook phenomenon, I'm over at the CANblog today talking about my recent experience with publishing one of my own titles in eBook form. It's short and sweet and you can read that here.

I'm off to look at back cover copy of my next summer title ... fun! Hope your day wraps up quickly too, and that you find time to head to the beach or the mountain or wherever makes you happy. Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are :-)

Extra powdered sugar, please!

I've been working through the galley of Fade to Blue but needed a break. So I'm thinking about food. Isn't this breakfast ridiculous? I'm not a big breakfast person but we were near Solvang yesterday, a little Danish town not far from the coast, and couldn't resist. Pre-teen girl had a soccer game that got us up before 6, so after the game we popped in to Paula's Pancake House for sustenance. Had to wait a 1/2 hour because dozens and dozens of soccer players had the same idea. So worth the wait, though. Those are "Danish" pancakes in the photo. Thin pancakes that were still too big for me to finish, but yum. Probably learning too much about me but I always order bacon and poached eggs with my carbs, Lol

It's Monday and I'm back to eating a bowl of cereal at my desk. Such is life. Have a good one ...

Smile so they wonder what you've been up to.

Sun's shining and God's answering prayers with specific direction. Can't beat that!

Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Calgon ~ get thee over here

So much drama. So much angst. Have I mentioned I have a pre-teen and two teens in the house? One's heading back to college this weekend, but still. I love my kids, I do, I do! But it's the world I'm not so crazy about at the moment. How do I explain to them why things are often soooo difficult? (Other than the satan issue ...) Ah, well. When there are fallible humans running things, there are going to be issues. Am I right?

Oh, to be a mermaid in a luxurious seaside bath!

Look what I found!

Happy Friday, guys and gals! Saw this beach buggy in a local parking lot and did what I always do ... stopped to snap a photo. Isn't she cute? If you've read this blog for awhile, you know I have a thing for beach cruising. You can read previous posts about my obsession at these links: VW Thing (or Thang :) and Country Squire.

I forgot to look for a name when I abruptly stopped to gawk at this cutey patooty, but it's some kind of Woody. Can't you just see yourself cruisin' in it??!

Sun's out along the California coast! Have a beachy weekend my friends ~ whatever you're drivin' ;-)

If you're near a computer tomorrow, I'll be chatting with host Sharon Leaf of BlogTalkRadio.com on the Gate Beautiful program. Sharon's a California-girl-turned-South-Carolina-girl who often visits this blog and my Facebook. I'm excited to finally "meet" her voice to voice! Here's the link if you'd like to listen in. I'll be on at 12:45 Central time: BlogTalkRadio

You can also check it out later in the archives.

On another note, I got my influencers for Fade to Blue. Thanks all! Books are on their way. Have a beachy day, my friends ~ wherever you are ...

Fade to Blue ~ ARC giveaway

Just received a box of ARCs ~ Advanced Reader Copies ~ of Fade to Blue. These are the copies that go out to media prior to the book's release (which will be in May). UPS accidentally delivered them to my neighbor and she didn't open the box right away (she gets deliveries almost daily). Thankfully she opened this one up before the weekend ~ yahoo! We had a little gushing session at my front door :)) It's not the final-final yet, but pretty close. And it has a coffee table-worthy cover, so it's a good day.

If you're interested in reading the ARC of Fade to Blue, I have five copies to give away to influencers. To be legit, all I ask in return is that you write up a review and post on some of the biggies, such as Amazon, B&N, your blog, etc, around the time of release. Interested? Drop me an email: julie at juliecarobini dot com.

Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Chocolate Beach, the eBook

My mom left for TX via train yesterday, and with her she took the Nook my brothers and I gave her for Christmas. She bought one book and downloaded a bunch of freebies. If she runs out of reading material, no problem ... she'll just download more. From the train. In the middle of nowhere. Times are a changin', people!

Even though I'm still a bit of a purist when it comes to reading for pleasure ~ I still keep a book made of PAPER on my nightstand, for goodness sake! ~ I do have a Kindle app on my iPhone and I've been known to use it. Lol

I've also stepped into the e-reading phenomenon as a writer. My Otter Bay Novels are all available in eBook form, but my earlier chocolate books never quite got that far ~ until yesterday when I uploaded the first one to Smashwords and Amazon. Thanks to some of my family and blogger friends, Chocolate Beach, my zany debut, now has recipes! It also contains a very special interview with Doug Stone, the protagonist's hubby.

If you've never had the chance to read it and would like to, you can download it to just about any device for $2.99. (I know, right?) Here's the link to Smashwords, or if you have a Kindle, go directly to Amazon. (It's not available on B&N yet, but will be within a couple of weeks.)

Happy reading! Special thanks to Diane & Samantha Carobine, Diane Estrella, and Stacy Johnson for sharing your recipes with me. The rest came from Bri Stone's kitchen :)

Have a beachy week, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Elephant Seals!

As much as I LOVE my work, I'd rather be heading up north to see the elephant seal pups being birthed this time of year. If you ever get the chance to visit the central coast Dec. through March, DO! Here's a link to some great viewing spots near San Simeon that cost nothing but gas money (which, I know, can be a lot, but still ...): Friends of the Elephant Seal. (The website's a bit involved, but if you're at all interested, it'll give you the info you need.) Or go here for quick info: elephant seals

If you decide to stay in the area, one of our favorite places is the Fogcatcher Inn on Moonstone Beach Drive. If you've read any of my Otter Bay Novels, you'll find the area, um, quite familiar :) We like the Fogcatcher because the rooms are comfy, a decent size for our family, and they have great breakfasts (what can I say ... my kids love to eat). If you're looking for a romantic spot, there are lots of cozier, beachfront places along Moonstone, too. We've stayed at quite a few, so feel free to drop me an email if you're looking for a recommendation.

Ah, well. It's back to work today. I've got endorsements to write, a proposal to finish, and that eBook to complete and upload. But that doesn't mean I won't be dreaming about heading north ...

The wonder of seashells ...

My friend, Angel, posted this on my FB wall. Our daughters went on a little photography excursion in the neighborhood and this unbroken shell was one of their finds. It's exquisite, if you really look at it, and makes me want to stop and smell the seashells for a moment. I don't seem to do enough of that anymore, so thanks, Ang, for the brief interlude.

Hope y'all enjoyed it too. Have a beachy week, my friends ~ wherever you are :)

Chocolate post

My amazingly generous web designer, Kelli Standish, gave me a Chocomize card for Christmas. I can choose my own chocolate base (dark, milk, or white) and add up to five ingredients from over 100. Woot-woot! I'm open to suggestions! (But just know that in the end I'll change my mind ten times then do whatever I want ... haha.)

Speaking of chocolate, we visited Dylan's Candy Bar in NYC a couple of weeks ago. The place was PACKED! But that didn't stop my girls from visiting the chocolate fountain (they dipped rice krispy treats) and me from standing in one super long line just to buy a stack of chocolate bars. Hubby and son were patient through the entire obsession ... they didn't even have one bite, though. Hard to understand. Don't they understand the wallowing value of chocolate? Were they never teenagers? :-)

One last note about the almighty chocolate ... I'm looking for a few creative chocolate recipes to include in an upcoming e-book. Already have the majority, but if you'd like to submit yours for possible inclusion, please do! There's no monetary compensation, but if your recipe makes the cut, I see a free book in you future ;-) Send it on over through the Contact Page of my website and I'll let you know either way. Best to you!

Have a beachy week my friends (rain or shine!) ~ wherever you are ...

snow ...

Heading back to California today, but before we do, the girls are out sledding. Sort of a last hurrah in the snow before we get back to the sandy beach. It's been between 6 and 20 degrees here in PA almost our whole trip, so I'm looking forward to a little warmth. I heard it's been raining most of the time we've been gone, but it's got to be above 20 degrees back home...am I right??!

I'll post a photo or some video lateer. We've been catching a stray signal the whole time we've been in this small town in PA, so thanks to whoever's been providing that :) Hopefully it'll still be available after the sledding fun.

Here's to a beachy week, my friends ~ wherever you are (and a Happy New Year too!)

Merry Christmas, Friends!

Christmas NY style

Took a nearly spur of the moment trip to NYC yesterday. We've only been once previously so decided to check out The Big Apple at Christmastime. In 8 hours we ate at Europa Cafe, toured The Plaza (looking for Eloise, naturally), and waded through the crowd at Dylan's. The girls also ice skated beneath the 65+ ft. Christmas tree in Rockefeller Ctr. and my college boy ate 3 vendor dogs (aka 'dirty water dogs). We topped it off with dinner at Juniors (yes, we had the cheesecake) and a train ride back to Jersey where we'd left our rental car.

Oh! And Al Roker strolled past us, his hat-topped head down. I wanted to say, "Hey Al, it's just me, Jewel!" But then I realized it was biting cold, so i didn't take it personally ...;)

Have a beachy week, my friends ~ wherever you are ...

The kids and I flew to Pennsylvania last week to attend my mother in law, Alice's, funeral. My husband had already been here a week. We arrived to lots and lots of SNOW. Yes, our first white Christmas as a family. Too bad it couldn't have been under happier circumstances.

The second photo is of my niece, Sam, and my son, Matt. In one day they put together a beautiful tribute to Grandma and sang "It is Well" followed by "Heaven Song." I had never heard that second one before, but now I can't get it out of my head :). No doubt Grandma loved it, as we all did.

In the midst of the sadness, God has been so very apparent. My husband has four brothers and they were all here, with their families, supporting Grandpa and hugging on each other. She's left quite a legacy with those boys...and I'm honored to have known her.

More snow is coming in ... I'll try to post some photos (but don't expect me to wear my flip flops ;-)

Truffles by the Sea giveaway

Sorry to be so AWOL, my friends. Our family has been riding a coaster of emotions all week due to my mother in law's serious illness. We may be leaving sunny California soon for snowy Pennsylvania. If we do, I'll try to post from there. God is good and we've all been praying for his will in this situation. So glad we can find comfort in Him!

Looking forward to a relaxing dinner tonight after a week of worry and work. Before I go, wanted to let you know about a giveaway happening over at J. Timothy King's blog. Tim picked up a couple of my older chocolaty books at my beach shop ... and he's giving them away. He already held a drawing for Chocolate Beach, and this week he's holding one for Truffles by the Sea. The heroine of the book, Gaby Flores, holds a special place in my heart. I based her on someone I know...and I don't even think she suspects (sshhh...don't tell anyone ;)

If you like truffles and the sea, stop by J. Timothy's Blog and enter.

And here's another secret for you: soon both of these novels will be available for download with bonus material. Stay tuned ... and have a beachy and blessed weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Christmas Glee

I knew I'd enjoy this week's episode of GLEE when they opened with that song about misfit toys from Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. My dad always put the Christmas tree together while we kids watched that and other Christmas classics, so to this day I can sing most of those songs off the top of my noggin. I realize now that he planned it that way, not just for our enjoyment, but also so we couldn't bug him as much while he struggled with our plastic tree. Lol ...

Anyhoo, there wasn't much (okay, nothing) about Jesus in the episode, but in addition to the standard Santa stuff (Brittany still believes in him ~ shocker), there was a sweet spirit to the episode. Especially in regards to that shrew Sue. How fun to see her dressed up like the Grinch and trying to convince Cindy Lu Who (Brittany) that she was trashing her living room so she could replace a burnt out bulb on the Christmas tree ...

Classic stuff. One of the final scenes, when the cast sings to the faculty, was sweet and poignant. It represented the spirit of giving inspired by the best Giver of all. Loved it.

Be Merry, my friends ~ wherever you are ...

Great holiday reading continues!

Last week I picked up Leanna Ellis' newest release, Facelift. Sooo good, my friends! I love the tagline: In life and love, we could all stand a few nips and tucks . . . I know, right? Leanna dedicated this novel To all the women who feel like they don't measure up to the "Proverbs 31 Woman" Guess this means I've finally had a book dedicated to me.

The story's about Kaye Redmond, a "can do" single mom whose aggravating ex-mother-law lands on her doorstep after a botched facelift. Add to that little inconvenience an angry teenager, an ex-husband who's hard to figure, a hairy, sloppy dog to care for ~ and a possible prince charming! As the back of the book asks, How's a woman supposed to find happily-ever-after with all that going on?

I loved the twists and turns in this story, and the way Leanna wove faith into the characters' lives. I even had to fight tears during some all-too real poignant scenes. In Facelift , Leanna Ellis has written an entertaining read with lots of heart.

Learn more about my southern friend Leanna at her website. Have a beachy week, my friends ~ wherever you are :-)

A day in a garden

Mom and I spent yesterday wandering the gardens and sipping champagne at The Huntington in San Marino. Lovely dah-ling, just lovely.

When we took my girls last time, we all fell in love with the subtropical gardens where ducks followed us around like we were loaves of bread. Today my favorite spot was the Japanese Garden. Truly bucolic (without the shepherds). We wandered around bends, across bridges, through a bamboo forest, and alongside an authentic Japanese home. The Huntington is usually closed on Tuesdays, but they opened for a special members-only Christmas bash with lush gardens, concerts, fancy wares for sale, and free champagne. Very grey-poupon ;) Good thing Mom's a member or I'd never get in, Lol

Here's to playing hooky. May your holidays be filled with oodles of down time, my friends ~ wherever you are.

What's on your list?

We were supposed to be in Yosemite over Thanksgiving, but that trip fell through. I'm glad. We ended up walking to the beach several times over the holiday, having family over for a yummy dinner (if I do say so myself ;), and driving down the coast yesterday to hang with family in Venice. Did I mention we got the tree up too, and lights laced around the house?

Good times.

Now I suppose I should set my sights on Christmas shopping, something I'll probably do from the comfort of my own desk chair. I know...such a Scrooge am I! The "mall shopping gene" hopscotched over me and right into my daughters. Seriously, my 12 year old was up at 5 AM Friday to hit the mall. Crazy!!!

On the flip side, I have been Christmas selling (via my shop and ebay), and I like that very much. Ha ha! Biggest items so far are the beach signs (as always!), and even several copies of my chocolate beach reads have gone out the door.

How about you? What's big on your list ~ or your family's list this year? Saw a Twitter post that 85% of women are asking for electronics this year. Not me! Give me a nice Voluspa candle and Jan Karon's latest novel and I'm a happy girl!

So, what is on your list, my seaside loving friends?

Signed with Love

All around me people are in a tizzy over Black Friday (dun-dun-dun-dunnn). I'm just hoping not to burn the turkey on Thursday ;D

For those who'll be facing the madness on Friday ~ or even if you shop online ~ I wanted to offer you a signed bookplate. If you pick up one of my novels for a reader on your gift-giving list, I'd be happy to send you a personalized sticker to put inside the book. My Otter Bay novels (Sweet Waters, A Shore Thing) can be found at many Barnes & Nobles and Christian bookstores, or you can order them online at Amazon, CBD.com, etc.

If you're interested in my earlier novels, Chocolate Beach and/or Truffles by the Sea, I've discounted them in the beach shop. And shipping is included. I'd be happy to personalize those for you as well. Just email me the name of the recipient after placing an order either by Paypal or Google checkout: shop@juliesbeachshop.com Sound good?

In the meantime, have a wonderful, meaningful, and fulfilling Thanksgiving week, my friends ~ wherever you are! (gobble, gobble :)

Big Sur, I heart you

Took this photo from the library of the Ventana Inn Big Sur. Hubby and I honeymooned there twenty years ago, so on our way down the coast last month, we had to stop. We're sitting in rocking chairs, listening to the quiet as we look out over that serene pacific ocean. I could've stayed there all day.

As it happened, we left there and became thrust into an adventure when two frantic hikers asked if we'd seen their dog. We told them we'd keep a lookout, and sure enough, about ten minutes later the cutest, silliest dog rounded the corner as we walked along a wooded path. Hubby used his belt for a leash and we brought the thirsty pup back to his grateful family. An ahhhh moment from beginning to end :)

My friend Ginny Yttrup is getting ready to see her first novel, Words, release in early 2011. This is the trailer our publisher, B&H, created to give readers a glimpse into the storyline. Compelling, don't you think? Gives me chills. Ginny's website.

Holiday week continues with Sherry Kyle

I met author Sherry Kyle earlier this year at the Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference. She's a California girl, super sweet, and a graduate of BIOLA University (my son's school), so how could we not hit it off? :) Since then, Sherry and I have run into each other at two more writing events, and at the last one, I picked up a copy of her new book, The Christian Girls Guide to Style. I'm excited(!!!) to have Sherry here on my cyber-beach blanket today to tell you about this unique and F-U-N book for girls.

Sherry, why did you write The Christian Girls Guide to Style?

The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style is one of a series of books from Legacy Press. I had purchased a couple of the other Girl’s Guide books for my daughters and they loved them. All the books have fun quizzes, crafts, and stories that point 8-12 year old girls toward who they are in Christ. As a writer and mom, I wanted to write a book about a topic that I not only enjoyed talking about, but also saw a need in the children’s market—learning how to be stylish inside and out! In today’s culture, girls are bombarded with what the world sees as important in the area of fashion and beauty from secular magazines, television and movies. The world teaches them that their outward appearance is all that matters. YIKES! What a wrong message. Considering ways to offer girls a strong, positive message, I searched my Bible and came across Colossians 3: 12-17. I used these verses as the foundation for the book.

Who is your audience?

The Christian Girl's Guide to Style is geared for girls ages 8-12.

Your book has been out a short time. What kind of feedback have you been getting so far?

I'm thrilled at the response I've received so far. Here are some of them from e-mails and customer reviews on Amazon from moms, aunts, and grandmas:

"My granddaughter is reading your book out loud to us and loving it."

"My daughter is loving reading it - she can't put it down!"

"In a world where so many girls struggle with being the person they were created to be, "The Christian Girl's Guide to Style" emphasizes creativity, confidence and character."

"This is a well written book for girls. There are a lot of fun activities, great advice, and a cute coin purse attached to it. I enjoyed reading a wholesome interesting book that will build girls up. I am buying one for each of my nieces. I think they'll love it!

That's GREAT feedback, Sherry. Okay, here's a totally unrelated question (maybe I'm hungry?): What's your favorite dessert?

Hmm. Favorite dessert. Anything with chocolate! Seriously, I need a bite of chocolate every day, however, each year for my birthday I have to have a slice of carrot cake. BTW, Erik's Deli makes the best carrot cake!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Sherry. Such a great gift for girls this season...thanks so much for writing it!

And thanks, too, bloggity friends, for stopping by. Have a beachy day, wherever you are...

Holiday reading

After a crazy bo-bazy week complete with a handful of doctor's appointments and a couple of parent-teacher conferences, not to mention proposal writing and, you know, life, I settled in this weekend for some couch time and a collection of Christmas novellas. I'm beginning to feel Christmas-y already! (Although I've yet to buy next week's turkey, but it's on the list).

My friends Cynthia Ruchti and Rachael Phillips wrote two of the four novellas (and I've been introduced to the other two writers Eileen Key and Becky Melba via FB). Each story stands on its own, but they're tied together by a Christmas cactus given to each heroine by local Door County innkeeper and matchmaker, Lola Peterson. Lola guarantees that the plant ~ and romance ~ will bloom by Christmas. I've read two of the stories ... and so far the plant's been a bloomin' :) Read more about Door County Christmas here.

All week I'll be highlighting books by pals that would make great gifts, such as this novella. Tomorrow, please stop by for a look at a terrific new book for girls ages 8-12. Fun!

And if you pick up any of my titles for gifts, I'd be happy to send you a signed bookplate personalized for your recipient. Just drop me a note via my website contact page.

It's beginning to look a lot like ...

Activity at the beach shop crawled along this summer, but suddenly it's picked up. Christmas shopping? A sign that the economy is beginning to awaken? Or both? Hmmmm.

Wanted to mention that my first two books, Chocolate Beach and Truffles by the Sea, are deeply discounted and now include shipping. If you'd like to pick one up for a gift, I'd be happy to sign it for the recipient. Just drop us an email after placing an order. www.juliesbeachshop.com

Pre-teen girl's out of school early today, so I'm off to drive the taxi (I'll be the one sipping a coffee frap and looking longingly toward the west). And my sweet husband will be home after a jaunt to San Antonio. Can't wait!

Here's to a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Happy (hug a) Veteran's Day!

Moms, this one's for you

This is a repeat of a post from September, 2007. This story continues to get a fascinating number of hits some three+ years later, so for fun, thought I'd rerun it for you today:

I read an article in the latest issue of TCW called The Rise of Raunch. In it, author Suzie Eller talks about a recent trip to a lingerie store where she encountered a 15-ish aged girl accompanied by three teen boys. When the boys tossed skimpy outfits into the girl's arms and then nudged her toward the dressing room, Suzie was appalled. She appealed to a sales clerk, who looked away. She then appealed to a manager, who also looked away. In the end, Suzie stood toe-to-toe with the boys and made them leave the store.

And that inspired me.

So last Saturday, I shopped with my girls and our pre-teen friend. When Teen Daughter went to try on shorts in the coed dressing room--and what's up with that, by the way?--I followed along. No way was she trying on clothes so close to guys without mama in tow. So anyway, in the lobby of the dressing area, highlighted in all its raw glory as if it had attained the stature of a work created by Michelangelo himself, we see a nearly naked male mannequin with his pants slouched down to there. Yes, 'there.' The display left little to the imagination, and trust me, this was no work of art.

So out loud I say, that's inappropriate!, and set out to make a change. The younger girls blushed and giggled as I wrestled with the mannequins slouchy jeans, pulling them up to a more appropriate level. Unfortunately, they slipped right back down and we were back to seeing this anatomically correct mannequin's almost-privates.

By now, Teen Girl's out of the dressing room, and gaping at me. "Mom, what are you doing?"

"His pants are ridiculous," I'm saying while tugging up his jeans. Sigh. Undeterred by the scene I'm making, I decide to unbuckle its belt and then I yank, yank, YANK until I can get it tight enough to KEEP THOSE PANTS UP!

And it worked. Yay for me. Yay for mothers and daughters everywhere. But must it come to this?

As the four of us walked away from the dressing room, the teenaged boy manning the area leans toward me and says--and I'm so not making this up--"Thanks. That was bugging me too."

As Suzanne said, "Together we can stand up for our girls and ourselves." And that includes insisting that dummies everywhere pull up their pants.

Lights, Camera ... Fade2Blue

B&H has released another entertaining trailer, this one for my 2011 summer release, Fade to Blue. My book trailers always have these catchy tunes that stick with me all day long. Seriously, I can hear the beat in my head even as I type this :) Thanks to Greg Pope for putting this together ~ especially love the peeks into Hearst Castle. For more info about this novel, please pop over to my updated Books Page.

Enjoy the *show*, and have a beachy Monday, my friends ... wherever you are!

Shore Friday

I took this photo at a viewing spot along the central coast. This is a bit north of the area that inspired the Otter Bay Novels, but oh, so similar. Breathtaking landscape with dramatic peaks, rocky tidepools,and azure waters all mark this stretch of the coast. This is one reason why Callie Duflay from A Shore Thing fought so hard to keep the town's beloved piece of oceanfront property from being developed! Who knew the architect on the job would be so charming ... ? :)

It's Friday, time to think about how you'll spend the weekend ahead. I'd love to go back to the spot in this picture, but since I have a date with my daughter's choir performance at an amusement park, I'll have to settle for gazing at this photo's loveliness instead. What are you doing this fine upcoming weekend?

Take a ride

This goes with my earlier post about taking a ride on the Giant Dipper in Santa Cruz. Watch the tracks and ... have fun! :))

Delicioso!

The co-authors of Bliss invited me to their cool, new blog Mind Chocolate.

Hop on over to learn the name of my favorite chocolate and to enter to win a signed copy of A Shore Thing for you or a friend. Ends Monday, November 15, 2010.

Ciao!

Down by the sea ...

On Saturday afternoon, Dan and I strolled along the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, bought two tickets, and rode THIS. This is the Giant Dipper, built in 1924, and the site of many childhood memories for me. During the summers, my family spent two weeks in a cabin in nearby Scotts Valley, and a highlight was always our visit to the boardwalk. That and our multiple screaming plunges down that big ol' roller coaster. It's red, white and made out of wood...a roller coaster purist's dream :)

Soon after our ride, our college kid called my cell.

"So, you and dad rode the Giant Dipper?"
"Yeah."
"By yourselves?"
LOL

After the boardwalk, we headed over to Steamer's Lane to check out the lighthouse/surfing museum, and watch surfers from a nearby cliff. The water looked crazy deep but the waves ran long and smooth, and one surfer in particular was quick enough to catch several (seemingly) unending rides. Best free entertainment of the day, I tell you!

Ode to Monterey ...

I spent the past week on Cannery Row in Monterey Bay with my agent Janet Grant and the Books & Such Literary Agency. Unbelievably beautiful area! If you ever get the chance to visit, stay at the Monterey Hotel and Spa. Expensive, so save up, because it's worth it! My room overlooked the bay and I heard waves crashing and sea lions barking all night long. (I miss it!)

This is the view from the fitness center one early morning. Look at that pink sky! Don't give me any credit--I just sat on a recumbent bike and pedaled rather slowly, trying to wake up. Loved watching otters frolic and the day awaken.

The agents of Books & Such did a marvelous job getting us going each morning with a devotional, some learnin' sessions, then free time in the afternoons. On Wednesday, I joined a group of writers to tour the Steinbeck Museum in nearby Salinas.

This is a photo of Linda Kozar, co-author of Babes with a Beatitude (with Danielle Woody), and me at lunch on our hotel's bay front patio. Linda also toured Steinbeck country. Often tours like ours are rushed, but not this one. Loved soaking it all in. Felt quite writerly :) After the museum, we stopped by the house where Steinbeck was born, and Dale Cramer also gave us a narrated tour of Cannery Row ~ the inspiration behind the famous book. Haven't read it yet (but it's on my list) ... have you?

My husband Dan drove up on Thursday and we stayed in the area through the weekend, a belated 20th anniversary trip. Stop by again this week for more on what we saw on the beautiful central coast! Cheers ~ Julie