Thursday3Some - Fiction Popularity

Today I thought I'd share 3 statistics about the books readers are buying.

Everyone has a favorite genre of fiction. Within your chosen genre, you probably have a specific type of story you want to read.

That can be called a sub-genre. You might call it plot or theme or premise. 

In the Mystery genre, common sub-genres are cozy, police procedural, suspense, and thriller.

In the Romance genre, common sub-genres are sweet, spicy, romantic suspense, historical, etc.

All of the sub-genres are broken down by an aspect of the story or plot. In Romance, some of the most popular are small town, second chance, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and dozens more. With Romance, this is one of the reasons it's the most popular genre in the world. Yes, that's right. In the entire world. (Stats come from Alex Newton's K-lytics reports. If you're an author or want to be one, I strongly urge you to research your favorite genre with Alex's reports.

3 FACTS ABOUT THE MOST POPULAR FICTION GENRE

1. the most popular genre on Amazon Kindle is romance with sales of the category increasing every year over the previous year.

2. More than half of the Top-400 most sold Kindle books are romance titles. That's why you often see new dedicated categories within the Romance Fiction category.

3. The majority of authors of these Romance novels are self-published.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you want to do a bit of research on your own,, plug in the search string "romance books" on Google. You'll find a lot of information that may amaze you.

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Thursday3Some - 3 Tips To Train Your Focus

If you're like me and behind on everything AND feeling as if there are a dozen high priority things you should be doing BUT you don't know where to start, here are...

3 TIPS TO TRAIN YOUR FOCUS

1. Make a list of every single thing you think you should do. Write it down, don't just think about it and so your brain is spinning around.

2. Look at the list—I mean really look at it. Now, go item by item on the list and mark everything that needs to be done right now—today—with a big N. 

Anything that can be done by the end of  the weekend, mark L for Later.

Anything that really isn't crucial, but it would be nice to do it before the month is over, mark O for Optional.

3. Take your list and write it again. That's right curate your list. Put NOW items at the top, listed in the priority of importance. Later items are next, also listed by how important they are to get done before the month is over. Optional items are last. In looking at them, decide if it's really something you must do or can it be delegated? In fact, is it something that really must be done at all?

Bonus Tip: Keep your curated list where you can read it in the morning to train your focus on what is most important and then in the evening before you head to bed so you can pat yourself on the back because you're using your time effectively.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

The ability to prioritize how you spend your time is a hallmark of success.

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Thursday3Some: 3 Amazing Free Websites

I'm always looking for free services and tools that might help readers.

Today I have 3 websites that may offer a service you need.

Carrd

This website offers free webpage creation. You can create your own webpage using their templates. You'll be amazed how easy it is especially if you want a mobile-first approach to website design. They also offer a hosting service for a minimum fee.

Coverr

Looking for free video footage for a project? This website offers stock footage for personal and commercial projects. Amazing, right? It's true. Sign up for an account and get started.

Edit Photo

This website lets you edit photos or videos without setting up an account or downloading software or jumping through any hoops.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I hope one or all of these websites will prove useful to you. Have a great day!

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3 Reasons to Love BookBrush

Hey! It's Thursday3Some, and I'm pleased to bring you 3 Reasons to Love BookBrush.

In case you don't know, BookBrush is the online web app that helps you create graphics like a professional graphic designer!

For authors, this is HUGE! Before I give you the 3 Reasons, let me tell you...

A Little About BookBrush

You can sign up for free on BookBrush and try them for free. After your free trial, you can upgrade. Before 30 days is up, if you decide their service is not for you, contact them and they will hellp you get a pro-rated refund.

4 Levels of Service

Annual payment is made, but the monthly breakdown of the fee is shown next to each level.

• Free
• Plus – $8.25/month (12 X 8.25 = $99.00 per year)
• Gold – $12.25/month ($146.00 per year)
• Platinum – $20.50/month ($246.00 per year)

BookBrush is totally, completely worth it. No question. I learned about BookBrush when Josh Wiley, the CEO, contacted me when they first started business as CoversSellBooks. He asked me to try the app and review it. I did and fell in love with it.

Since then, they've added countless new tools including making print book covers, video trailers, hundreds of ready-made templates, and so much more.

Kathleen Sweeney, Customer Service Manager & Marketing Lead, is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. She conducts online workshops to help users make the most of BookBrush.

3 Reasons to Love BookBrush 

(1) Video Background Effects 101 

This YouTube video explains how to use video background effects that enable one to make the coolest graphics for use on social media. 

When coupled with animation, filters and/or  overlay, and text, you can actually end up with a short video that can be used as a book trailer which is sheer genius. Kathleen Sweeney explains it so clearly and concisely that anyone can do this.

(2) How to Easily Create Amazon A+ Stacked Images

Forget trying to guess the sizes of each image as well as how to clip them and paste them into each image section so they look natural. BookBrush has templates that shortcut the whole process. In this video Kathleen takes you through how to do it step by step in less than 5 minutes!

(3) Cover Creator 101

This tool alone is worth the subscription plan fee. A graphic artist charges about $100.00 for an ebook cover. A print cover? More than double. This video teaches you how to make an ebook cover, a Kindle Vella cover, or a print wraparound cover. Kathleen teaches this in about 33 minutes. Unbelievable, I know, but it's true.

Takeaway Truth

I could probably give you 300 reasons to love BookBrush, but I'll let you discover that for yourself. Visit BookBrush YouTube Channel and discover all the ways they can help you. You'll become a true believer.

Thursday3Some: 3 Awesome Free Apps

I've got some amazing free apps to share with you today.

(1) JustinGuitar

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the guitar? This is your chance.

JustinGuitar offers 1,297 free lessons with 3 levels that begin with beginners. Totally free! You don't have to enter a credit card or anything. There's a phone app you can download too.

(2) DuoLingo

Learn a second language free. That's right, it's free. Use on a computer or download the app to your phone. They give bit-sized phrases and sentences in a proven method that makes learning easier.

(3) Release Countdown Widget

Want to set up a cool countdown widget on your blog or website? Just fill in the information, and this will generate the code for you to copy. I made one just to see if it worked. You can see it right below. I pasted the code into the HTML of this blog post. If you do it like that, be sure you leave a double space before and after the code.

RELEASE DAY Countdown

Takeaway Truth

Free apps that actually work well and help you? Priceless.

Thursday3Some: 3 New Words You Probably Don't Know

I was perusing the Urban Dictionary the other day and was, uh, surprised by some of the entries.

Surprising? Oh, yeah. I decided not to use the new words I learned that are—I'll be genteel—provocative?

Word 1: Requel

When a remake of a movie or TV show also doubles as a sequel, i.e., it contains a lot of new material, it can be called a requel rather than just a remake or just a sequel.

Example: Each of the remakes of Casino Royale.

Word 2: Free Boobing

Okay, not 1 word but a phrase that means when a woman does not wear a bra.

Example: Gwendolyn is free boobing because the temperature outside is 105 degrees.

Word 3: Minute

A way of saying a long time has passed, especially when you feel embarrassed that it’s been so long because you know you should have done it sooner.

Example: “When’s the last time you worked out?”

“It’s been a minute.”

Takeaway Truth

Sometimes I think the French have the right idea about protecting their language by not allowing made up words. *LOL*

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Book Spotlight: Death in the Perfect House by Caroline Clemmons

I'm happy to shine a spotlight on a long-time friend, Caroline Clemmons, and her new book Death in the Perfect House.

Get Acquainted with Caroline Clemmons

You may already know her as a bestelling author of western romance. 

Well, I have some exciting news for you. Caroline is branching out into mystery with a lighthearted humorous cozy with no graphic sex and violence.

Subscribe to Caroline's FREE Newsletter to learn when new books become available and to take advantage of the bargains she offers.

You can visit Caroline online at these websites:

Caroline's Amazon Author Page

Caroline's Bookbub Author Page

Caroline on Facebook

Caroline on Twitter

About Death in the Perfect House by Caroline Clemmons

(1) What inspired you to write this particular story?

CC: Sometimes characters and/or situations pop into my head and won’t rest until I write their story. That may sound crazy to people who aren’t writers. 

Personally, I find it inspiring when a scene for a book pops into my head like a scene from a movie. The scene doesn’t end up as the first scene in the book, but it contains the main characters.

The two types of books I read most often are romance and mystery. DEATH IN THE PERFECT HOUSE is a cozy mystery with romance.

(2) How did you choose the names for your main characters (any particular reason?)

CC: I like unusual names, and thought Zoe was rare. Since I started the book, I’ve come across the name several times. Even my daughter’s dog came from the pound named Zoe. I like the name, though, and my protagonist kept Zoe. Her last name, Wilder, conveys her quirky nature.

As for the other characters, I try to vary the ethnicity and first letter of the name. I often use Biblical names for the male main character, which is how I chose Caleb. He’s tall like many Scots, so I chose a Scottish name, McBride.

(3) If this book were made into a movie, who would star as the heroine and the hero?

CC: That’s a hard question because they only exist in my head. Plus, there are so many young actors and actresses that I can’t even name them all. I suppose Emma Stone would make a good Zoe Wilder. Perhaps Chris Pine could be Caleb McBride. For me, seeing this book as a movie would be fabulous!

Takeaway Truth

Ah, the weekend approaches. Why not grab this whimsical cozy mystery, Death in the Perfect House? It's a Kindle Unlimited Free Read for subscribers, or $3.99 to purchase.

Book Spotlight: Ben, The Dawsons of Montana, by Jan Scarbrough

Welcome to SlingWords Thursday Book Spotlight!

It's been a while since I've done book spotlights, and I've been anxious to bring this popular feature back.

This week my guest is Jan Scarbrough who writes the modern western romance along with contemporary romance. If you haven't read Jan before, this is a great time to start.

Jan publishes a free Newsletter for readers with bargains you'll want to grab.

Click to sign up for Jan's Newsletter.

More About Jan Scarbrough

Jan writes heartwarming contemporary stories about home and family, single moms and children, and if the plot allows, about another passion—horses. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town Southern charm to her books and the excitement of a Bluegrass horse race or a competitive horse show.

She is the author of 2 popular Bluegrass romance series, the Ghost Mountain Ranch series, a contemporary western series with a good blend of mystery and happily-ever-after romance, and the Dawsons of Montana, a 4-book contemporary western series.

Visit Jan Online

Jan's Website

Jan's Amazon Author Page

Jan's Bookbub Author Page

About Ben, The Dawsons of Montana

Ben Dawson is a loner with a chip on his shoulder as big as the blue Montana skies he rides under every day. His widowed father’s marriage had been too quick, his stepbrother is a pain, and his stepmother turned his mother’s family ranch into a dude ranch.

Ben has only returned to Six Buckles Guest Ranch to keep a promise to his late father, to watch over the ranch and his stepmother. He’s not there to get involved in a relationship, especially with a girl he knew back in high school.

Leigh Weston just wants to do her job as an event planner at Six Buckles and stay far away from entanglements. No good has ever come from them. Her father cheated on her mother, just like her ex-husband cheated on her. 

Her reunion with Ben leads to more than she expected, but she’s not ready to risk her heart. She exacts a promise from him that their relationship will be strictly hands-off. But when she needs a fake date to an event, Ben looks like the perfect choice. He understands the boundaries she’s set, right?

But even fake dates can ignite real romances. Are some promises worth breaking if it leads to a second chance at love?

The Story Behind Ben

1. What inspired you to write this particular story?

JS: When I wrote BRODY, the first book in the Dawsons of Montana series, I tortured the poor guy in the first scene. It’s not fun to return home to find your girlfriend in the arms of another man!

I also introduced a stepbrother, Ben. Early on, Brody reflects on his childhood nemesis.

Sounded like Bennet Dawson. Jim’s firstborn had always been a workaholic. They’d never gotten along. Ben saw Brody as an interloper, and in a way he and his mother were. The ranch land had belonged to Jim’s first wife, Bonnie Bennett Dawson. It was by rights Ben’s land. The dude ranch part was just an afterthought, and Liz’s idea to boot, making it a bigger sin in Ben’s eyes.

Other books followed in the Dawsons of Montana series, but Brody and Ben never resolved their conflict. Last year, I figured it was about time to find out if Brody and Ben could settle their differences. Oh, and I had to give Ben a happily-ever-after ending too!

2. How did you choose the names for your main characters (any particular reason?)

JS: No particular reason!

Takeaway Truth

If you're looking for some weekend reading, pick up a copy of Ben, Dawsons of Montana, by Jan Scarbrough, which is a Kindle Unlimited free read or buy for $2.99.

Thursday3Some: 3 Quick Book Reviews #1

I've been stressed out with selling our house, packing, and the impending move.

So I went to my happy place—books. I'm making time each day to read more. That's a great stress reliever.

Reading more means reviewing more. Here are 3 quick reviews for books you might enjoy.

With This Kiss by Victoria Lynne

While the cover art is lovely, it's a bit misleading. This is not a contemporary, but a Victorian Historical Romance that's a bit different.

It was nominated for a Romantic Times Best Historical Romance.

Morgan St. James is the hero of this romance. He's known as The Beast because of his horrific burn scars resulting from his brave heroic action. In Victorian England, men who are unattractive aren't considered good prospects for marriage despite how wealthy he may be.

Julia Prentiss is The Beauty who has a proposition for The Beast: marry her and protect her from her uncle. In return, she will help him find the arsonist responsible for torching his mansion, killing many of his staff whom he tried to save at the risk of his own life.

Yes, you know this marriage of convenience will result in love, but the perilous journey these two take to get to that place will hold your attention and have you rooting for them.

A Bad Eclair Day by Susan Kiernan-Lewis

This cozy mystery is Book 4 in the Stranded in Provence series. I really like this series which is set in post-apocolyptic France.

Amateur sleuth Jules Hooker must solve mysteries the old-fashioned way—without cell phones, computers, cars, and instant forensic results.

Jules, an American stranded in Provence, began building a "family" of oddballs in book 1. In this book, she must prove the two little old ladies who she lives with—and who were French Resistance fighters in WW2—weren't responsible for the poisoned chocolate éclairs that killed someone.

This book, like the others in the series, is amusing and subtly  emotional as Jules continues her ex-pat existence in a changed world. Delightful!

A Taste of Seduction by Mary Campisi

Love and Betrayal…Regency style!

This Regency Romance is Book 1 of An Unlikely Husband. If you were enchanted by Bridgerton, the Netflix original, you're probably in the reading market for more Regency.

You can't go wrong with Mary Campisi.

Francie Jordan is a  young woman of noble blood, but she was raised as a peasant girl.

Alexander Bishop was an orphaned stable boy who became  the surrogate son of a powerful earl who just happens to be Francie's real father.

The two have nothing in common—she's a free spirit who runs barefoot and talks to animals. He's stiff, conservative, and unyielding in his attempt to be a proper son of an earl.

These two desire each other, but they have such an aversion to the other's habits that it's questionable whether they can overcome those barriers. Enter her conniving father who is determined that they should marry.

Unfortunately, not everyone in the ccountryside shares her father's opinion. This Regency romance will make you sigh.

Takeaway Truth

Stressed out? Read more! See you next Thursday with 3 more quick reviews.

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3 Insights About Operation Code Name: Desert Love by Constance Bretes

I'm pleased to have my friend Constance Bretes stop by today.

Connie is going to talk about her exciting new release, Operation Code Name: Desert Love, and share 3 insights about this new adventure romance.

Discover Constance Bretes

Constance started writing contemporary romance and romantic suspense 15 years ago. She was born and raised in Michigan. After working for the State of Michigan for 38 years, she retired. She and her husband moved to Montana and lived in the mountainside of a small town.

There, locked in her office overlooking the mountains, was where this story, Operation Code Name: Desert Love, was written.

After living in Montana for three years, they moved to Alabama with her cat, Sunny, who owns both her and her husband. Her hobbies include basket weaving, reading mafia romance books, diamond painting, and fiddling at the piano.

Get in touch with Connie at her Website or by eMail: cbretes@constancebretes.com.

About  Operation Code Name: Desert Love

Her best hope for survival is the one man she never wants to see again.

Clarissa Maasen is a humanitarian relief worker who’s stationed in Afghanistan. 

When she and two of her coworkers are kidnapped by insurgents and held hostage, she can only hope that her father, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will send his best men to rescue them—more specifically, Len Roberts of the Delta Force.

The last time Len saw Clarissa, it did not end on good terms. But he will risk his life to rescue this woman who is never far from his thoughts.

Can he rescue her in time? And will they be able to control the passion erupting between them?

Pick up a copy of this book with the Universal Buy Link for only 99¢.

You can also go straight to Amazon Kindle for your copy.

3 Insights About Operation Code Name: Desert Love

1. What inspired you to write this particular story?

 My publisher put out a request for some military romances, and I decided to write one. As I was researching information for the story, I came across how Helen Johnston, a humanitarian worker, was taken hostage and was rescued by the SAS (British forces). 

Her story inspired me to write one about an American humanitarian worker taken hostage and rescued by American Forces, more specifically, Delta Force.

2. What was the biggest obstacle to overcome in writing this story?

There were actually 2 obstacles, i.e., the Military is not supposed to reveal any information about anything and the nformation is all over the place. While researching American arm forces, it was hard to tell which information was accurate, and which was not. I eventually relied on two individuals for the story, Steve Stone and Tarina Deaton.

 
3. Was there a favorite scene you wrote that you'd like to share with the audience?

 Yes, here's the scene.

“Can we take a small tour around the city and enjoy the coolness of the evening?”

“Yeah, we can do that.” Clarissa loved fast speeds, and Len seemed to have remembered that. He sped the Humvee on a few roads in Kabul that were open, with no dense neighborhoods. It felt exhilarating to Clarissa. She stood up a few times, holding on to the top of the windshield, feeling the wind against her face, and her hair going wild. After doing a few rounds, Len pulled up at the US Embassy. Clarissa stood in the vehicle before he came to a stop and yelled, “Woo hoo!” The guys standing outside the building turned and gave them the thumbs-up. “That felt so good.”

Len had a lopsided grin on his face. “Yeah. It did feel good. You still want to do that run?”

“Well, yeah.”

Len chuckled. “I’ll meet you back here in ten minutes.”

“Okay.” Clarissa hurried to her room to change. She pulled her messy hair into a ponytail, slipped into a pair of shorts with tassels around the hem she’d just bought, a lightweight top, and a new pair of running shoes and socks. When she got to the steps outside to meet Len, he was already there in his army shorts, doing warm-ups and talking to a couple of guys.

“Hi,” Clarissa said to the two men in army garb who were talking to Len. One guy nodded, and the other said, “Hey.”

“I’ll see you at the heli-pad at eleven hundred hours,” Len said. The two men saluted Len and sped quickly down the steps.

Clarissa looked at her watch. They had an hour to get a run in.

“Are you wearing draperies?” he asked.

“What?” Clarissa laughed and looked at him.

He was staring intensely at her shorts. “No. I just thought they were cute.”

Len rolled his eyes. “Hmm. Ready?”

Clarissa did a few body stretches. “Ready.”

They started out slowly. When they came to a street corner, he instructed, “Take a right here.” She started to turn slightly. “Len…”

She stepped into his path accidently, tripping him. As he went down he rolled himself in a somersault and came back up, standing. “Jesus, Clare, you trying to do me in?”

“I’m sorry, Len. I was just going to ask you something.” They quickly picked up their pace for a few more blocks. She wanted to know when he would be going back to the states, but she was afraid of his answer, so she decided not to ask.

Takeaway Truth

Thanks for sharing your new book with us, Constance. Readers, grab a copy of Operation Code Name: Desert Love, only 99¢, for your weekend reading. 

Thursday3Some: 3 Insights About Trail of Secrets by Nora LeDuc

This morning, I welcome Nora LeDuc to SlingWords. 

In case you haven't met Nora before, she writes romance with a mystery thriller edge. She's also one of my Romance Gems pals and blogs there on the 29th of each month.

Discover Nora LeDuc

Nora grew up in rural New England where she and her family currently live. She first decided to become an author when she spotted an article, “You Too Can Be A Romance Writer,” while searching for romances to read. 

Immediately, she knew this profession was meant for her. Through the years, she’s enjoyed combining her love of true-crime shows with her imagination to produce romantic suspense and mysteries that will keep you guessing.

During the past three winters, Nora visited her friends, the Winettes, in Florida. While there, she imagined and wrote the first book of her latest series, Love & Lies in Paradise. Book 2 releases in August 2021.Stay tuned later in the year for news of her Holiday Romance.

Visit Nora Online  

Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | RomanceGems

Trail of Secrets, Book 1 of Love & Lies in Paradise

Who killed the vivacious Emily McGuire and laid out her body at the water tower? Orderly, rule-abiding Mia McGuire is the least likely person to answer this question.

Lately, her life has taken a downward spiral with her sister Emily’s murder, the breakup with her boyfriend, and the loss of her editing position. 

When the homicide investigation crawls, Mia can’t stand by doing nothing. She’s convinced the murderer is nearby, watching. 

She hires the problematic former bad boy Lucas Davis to help her find the truth. After suffering trauma from a shooting on the job, ex-police officer Lucas Davis resigned his post. 

Once known as a daredevil in his small Florida town, he has become an embarrassment to his dad, the police chief. 

When Mia offers him investigative work, he quickly accepts to prove he still possesses the skills and guts to solve the case. Together, these two unlikely sleuths form an intimate bond and are determined to beat the odds. They set out to bring a terrifying killer to justice before he targets them.

3 Insights About Trail of Secrets

1. What inspired you to write this particular story?

Growing up in New England and experiencing the cold winter months, I eagerly looked forward to escaping to the warm temperatures of Florida. Once there, the state’s natural beauty and the surrounding sites inspired me to incorporate them in my next romantic suspense. As usual, I’d no idea what would happen except I’d share the places that intrigued me with readers.

The water tower standing over us, the rail trail walks surrounded by jungle like foliage, and the picturesque sandy beaches were woven into the major points of Trail of Secrets. In the story, the water tower overlooked the scene of the crime. The rail trail became the path of the victim’s last journey, and the beach stood out as a place of hope for my hero and heroine where they finally meet and express their love.

2. Was there a favorite scene you wrote that you'd like to share with the audience?

I’ll share the final scene from Trail of Secrets. I’m a sucker for a happy ending. The hero Lucas is showing the heroine Mia his new home.

Excerpt from Trail of Secrets

Colorful surfboards were mounted on a long wall. Two windows at the end looked out onto towering Queen and Fan palms. They mixed with the blooming bushes of reds, oranges, and yellows and mirrored the colors in the room.

“It’s your dream! I love it. What else are you planning?” She pivoted around. “A few pieces of furniture would be nice.”

“They’re coming.” He tapped his index finger on his chin. “I need your opinion.”

“I will do my best.” She lifted her head upward meeting his gaze.

“This is how I picture the bare space on the other wall. Bookcases. Lots of bookcases.” He waved his hands in the air.

“Okay. Are they for surfing trophies?” She imagined shiny gold statues.

“No, they’re for books. In a special library type order.”

She turned to him. A slice of hope filtered through her. “Go on.”

“They all say, Editor, Mia McGuire, inside.”

A spark of understanding flashed through her. Her heart skipped a beat. At least she thought she understood. “I like your thinking, Davis. Tell me more.”

His expression grew solemn. “I’ve missed you, Mia. I want to be with you.”

Her breath left her. She couldn’t speak. Was he saying what she longed to hear?

“You’re what matters in my life. The world is tough, especially with our baggage, but together we can take it on. And win.” He rested his palms on her hips and looked down at her. “I’m falling in love with you,” his voice softened. “In fact, I’m totally crazy about you.” The heat in his eyes increased.

The heady feeling of anticipation and happiness burst through her. “I’m crazy about you, too.” She slipped her arms around his neck. “What’s your diagnosis? Is there a cure for us?”

“None. It’ll be you and me in the sea of life.”

“A figure of speech! You know how to sweep a girl off her feet, Lucas.” She tilted her head

back. Happiness lifting her spirits higher and higher. “So here’s to living happily ever after.

“Always.” He bent and kissed her.

3. Do you have a review of the book that really resonated with you, the author, that you'd like to share with the audience?

Here’s a part of one of my favorite reviews by Ally Swanson on the Fabulous and Brunette Blog.

“The author did a fantastic job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels! I love Nora’s writing style that everyone and anyone is a suspect. She makes reasonable, valid points of why they’re on the chopping block, and then appropriately clears them in due time, and then moves on to the next. 

"This book has a creative story line with well executed plot points, excellent mystery structured scenarios, fantastic writing style with detailed scenes, relatable characters, is fast paced, and keeps you fully engaged and entertained. There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still many unexpected twists and turns and misdirection’s that you won’t see coming!

"This book is book one in the Love & Lies in Paradise Book Series and can be read as a standalone. All in all, I really enjoyed reading it and would absolutely recommend it! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading -you won't be disappointed!"

Thanks, Nora, for dropping by today and sharing these insights with the readers of SlingWords.

Takeaway Truth

If you haven't read Nora LeDuc before, now is your chance. Grab a copy of Trail of Secrets, Book 1 of Love & Lies in Paradise and have a great weekend reading.

Thursday3Some: 3 Apps You'll Want

3 FREE Apps you'll absolutely want to download!

Bitmoji

Create your own Bitmoji and be yourself wherever you go—at least, that's how it's advertised.

Bitmoji is a personal emoji app available for both iOS and Android that helps you create a cartoon avatar that's a rather realistic depiction of yourself.

Bitmoji is free to download, but it includes some in-app purchases. Click the FIND OUT MORE button on the landing page to watch a video.

The next 2 apps are for the computer.

Audacity

Want to get into podcasting? Need an audio editor and recording software. Believe it or not, Audacity is a free and open-source digital audio editor and recording application software, and it's an excellent one according to PC Magazine. Good for amateurs and pros, and it's available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems.

CCleaner

I used to run this clean up utility, but I guess I forgot to install it the last time I was forced to buy a new computer. The C in CCleaner is for crap. It's a utility used to clean potentially unwanted files and invalid Windows Registry entries from a computer. It is one of the longest-established system cleaners, first launched in 2004. It was originally developed for Microsoft Windows only, but in 2012, a macOS version was released. In July 2020, it was still rated by PC Magazine as excellent.

Takeaway Truth

Who says you can't get something for free that works like an expensive software package?

Thursday3Some: 3 Tips for Productivity

Want to be more productive? Try these 3 tips.

1. Start the day with a protein breakfast designed to give you more energy.

For energy and brain power always go for protein like a couple of scrambled eggs and some stir-fried dark greens like spinach or  mustard greens. (Kale if you like it, which I don't. *g*)  For more protein power, add a few chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds of your choice.

2. Work under bright white light when you need to be your most productive, and when you need to be creative and a problem-solver, go for blue-tinted lights.

You probably can't change the overhead lighting, but you can buy a cheap desk lamp and a blue bulb.

3. Focus on one task at a time instead of trying to multi-task.

Studies have shown that people are actually less efficient when they're trying to multi-task. Instead, focus your attention on one task at a time. Set your cell phone alarm for 20 to 40 minutes, whatever block of time you have, and work only on one thing. Take a break and do other tasks for a small block of time then go back to the one task you needed to focus on. You'll be surprised how quickly you can get that one thing done, and you won't feel stressed out either!

Takeaway Truth

There are many tricks to getting the most out of your time and energy. These 3 work. Give them a try.

Amazon Prime Benefits You Should Know About

This morning when I was working out, I had YouTube on. I watched 10 Hidden Amazon Prime Benefits by NextTimeTech.

Absolutely watch his video. He lists the direct links for each of the 10 benefits he discusses.

I'm going to share 4 benefits that I haven't been using that I plan to adopt immediately. I'll admit up front that I use Prime mostly for Prime Video, Prime Music, and the free shipping.

I do take advantage of Amazon Household meaning another adult in my household can share my account. I never thought of that as a hidden benefit, but others might not know about it.

The benefits that are available that I haven't used—which means I'm not getting the most out of my Prime membership—but plan to start using are:

Twitch, owned by Amazon, this website offers video games and what they call Twitch Loot, free stuff that changes weekly. Video games are offered free. If you have a gamer in the family, you'll want to explore Twitch Prime.

Prime Wardrobe is like StitchFix and the other popular subscription online shopping websites. Simply fill out your profile, select 8 items, and it's shipped quickly to you with a prepaid mailing label and box so you can return any you don't like. No subscription fee. Pay for only the ones you want.

Prime Reading is a no-brainer. I knew about this but have been so busy buying books I hear about that I forget the ones I can read for free. This is different from Kindle Unlimited.

2 Hour Grocery Delivery is available in my area, and I'm going to start using it. If you're in a metropolitan area, it's probably available to you too. Just fill in your zip code to find out.

Takeaway Truth

If you'd like to know more about Prime Member Benefits, visit Prime Insider for a complete list.

Thursday3Some: Body & Soul by Terri Molina

Tomorrow is Halloween and today's guest author has a book perfect for this spooky holiday.

Terri Molina is the author of Body & Soul, a romantic suspense with a psychic heroine and a hero who is a Texas lawman from the state Criminal Investigation Division.

Throw in ritual killings, black magic, and a drug cartel, and you have a romantic suspense perfect for your weekend's reading entertainment too. Grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage and join me in welcoming Terri Molina to SlingWords.

More About Terri Molina

Terri Molina, an award winning Tex-Mex romance author, is the wife of a Ret. USCG petty officer. Terri is also also a co-dependent mother to four grown children and a doting grandmother to one adorable little girl.

Terri began her writing career at age 40 while a stay-at-home mom raising her children after her husband, (who she lovingly refers to as “the sidekick”), retired from the U. S. Coast Guard and stopped moving them around every two years.

Her stories are set in her home state of Texas and blend the flavor of the southwest with her Mexican heritage.

After twenty-five years of living a nomad life, she has finally settled back in Texas with the sidekick where she finds inspiration around every corner.

Visit Terri Molina Online

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Body & Soul by Terri Molina

Spiritualist Sylvia Chavez is well-known in the Rio Grande valley as a gifted clairvoyant who has been helping the families in her community since she was a child.

When she learns one of her clients is the latest victim in a series of ritual killings, she inserts herself into the investigation with the man who broke her heart ten years earlier. But what Sylvia doesn’t tell him is that the killer is much more dangerous than he knows, and he wants revenge on her family.

Agent Steven Gonzales with the Texas department of public safety’s criminal investigations division believes the murders are connected to a south Texas drug lord rumored to be involved in black magic sacrifices.

Although Steven doesn’t believe in the hocus-pocus, he allows Sylvia to consult on the case, as long as she keeps her theories of witches and black magic to herself.

Sylvia accepts she will always love Steven, but she won’t risk giving him her heart if he has no faith in her. But when the spirits abandon her and all signs point toward death, can she put the past behind her and help him find the killer before it’s too late?

Image by PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

Q1. When did you write Body & Soul?

Terri: I began this novel several years ago, but I could never really figure out who the characters were and what they wanted. Then…see the answer below.

Q2. What was the spark that gave you the story idea?

Although a stand-alone in its own right, Body & Soul is actually a follow up to my novel Dark Obsession.

(Dark Obsession is a Kindle Unlimited free read. A chance encounter seals the fate of a reclusive farmer and a mysterious woman who's fleeing from a man who will stop at nothing to control her—including murder.)

After I published Dark Obsession, many readers kept asking about the characters and if Sylvia would get her own story.

I wasn’t sure I had a story for Sylvia. But then I realized, Sylvia was a pretty fun and fascinating character and she would make a great lead in a story. And, since I had already started Body & Soul, I decided to "give" it to Sylvia.

Q3. Why do readers buy Body & Soul?

My novels are set in south Texas, away from the big cities and in small rural areas where everyone knows everyone, and there’s a sense of community.

My characters are connected to home and family and always find strength in each other. I think that’s the draw for a lot of readers. To know you can always go home.

Takeaway Truth

Add Body & Soul to your home library. You'll be glad you did.

Thursday3Some Spotlight: Bishop's Bride by Kathleen Lawless

My friend Kathleen Lawless dropped by for a visit.

Today is publishing day for Bishop's Bride, Book 5 in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

About Kathleen Lawless

Kathleen blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys. Historical or contemporary, cowboys continue to resonate with her today and inspired her historical series, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Kathleen writes alpha male/forever heroes which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.

Visit Kathleen Online

Website | Blog | Amazon | BookBub | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter.

Be sure to signup for Kathleen's Newsletter.

About Bishop’s Bride

A con man with a conscience.

Helping others is new to Bishop, but one thing he understands is family.

Rose can’t locate her kidnapped sister without Bishop’s help. In return, she offers her assistance to help avenge his brother’s murder.

As they set out after Rose’s sister, their scheme to extract vengeance goes terribly wrong.

Bishop learns the hard way that life is never all black or all white. But life without Rose will be bleak and gray forever.

Bishop's Bride, Book 5 in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers publishes today, and it's only 99 cents!

Thursday3Some: 3 Questions About Bishop's Bride

1. What was the spark that gave you the story idea?

There was a popular Seven Brides for Seven Brothers TV show when I was younger which was loosely based on the stage play and movie of the same name. It stuck with me and seemed a natural for a Western Romance Series.

2. If a movie were made of your book, what actors would be cast as the leading lady and leaving man and why?

Charlie Hunnam has that same bad-boy, do-what-has-to-be done, family loyalty vibe that is intrinsic to Bishop, the hero of my novel. Caylee Cowan would star as the heroine. She seems to have the spark and determination.

3.Why do readers choose books by Kathleen Lawless?

To quote 2 Amazon Reviewers:

(1) “Kathleen Lawless has to be one of my favorite western romance authors.”

(2) "Her books have every emotion. They are never dull and keep you engrossed."

Takeaway Truth

The weekend is nearly here. Grab a copy of Bishop's Bride, Book 5 in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Thursday3Some: 3 Captivating Romances

Welcome to Thursday3Some!

I'm glad you stopped by today because I have 3 captivating romances to tell you about.

I think you'll like these books, and I hope you'll add them to your "to be read" stack. In fact, you might want to grab these for some weekend reading.

If these authors are new to you, that's even better because it's good to make new author friends.

Nom de Plume by Jan Scarbrough

When the dream of happily-ever-after is shattered, sometimes another door opens.

Devoted homemaker and mother C.B Lyons hadn’t known she was living a lie, right up until the moment when she caught her husband cheating. Betrayed and then divorced, with her dreams of a big, happy family smashed to pieces, C.B. takes her toddler son to Heritage Springs, Kentucky, to be near family. Typing manuscripts for a famous romance author seems like the perfect job until she discovers the hidden truth about the reserved, reclusive writer.

Nom de Plume, a second chance romance, is now on KindleUnlimited.

Visit Jan Scarbrough online: Bookbub * Facebook

Jan, why do readers read your books?

"I write contemporary romances about home and family, single moms and children, and if the plot allows, about another passion—horses. I also have a contemporary Western series with Maddie James, gothic romances, and a medieval."

Caught in a Trap by Elaine Raco Chase

Kit Forrester lived a life of lies - so what was one more? When her first vacation ever sank like the Titanic - she couldn't tell her friends THAT! So she did what she always did - she lied.

Kit told everyone about her fabulous five day cruise. Her days of fun in the sun and moonlit nights with the man of her dreams - Rafe Morgan - tall, handsome, incredibly sexy and successful. And well - now they were engaged!

Retired Navy SEAL and Texas business tycoon, Rafe Morgan was real and he was sure he was being set up by his suddenly acquired fiancee.

Why do readers select books by Elaine Raco Chase?

Caught in a Trap was accepted into LibraryJournal's curated SELF-e collections and is shared with subscribing libraries all over the country on BiblioBoard Library. —Library Journal, October 5, 2015

Romeo and Judy Anne by Joan Reeves

On sale today through Saturday, Oct. 18, for only 99 cents. Regular price is $3.99.

With eccentric small town characters, a bratty niece, an overbearing school board president, and the temptation of a secret lover, Judy Anne has all she can do to keep her passion from turning into the biggest scandal little Clayton Bend, Texas, has ever seen.

"Wonderful love story!" —Amazon Review

"Roman Carlisle is a wonderful hero, sophisticated, handsome, and charming. But what really engages the reader--aside from Roman's uber sexiness, ahem--is the warmth he exudes and his heartfelt pursuit of woman he wants but hasn't quite decided what that means. I can't recommend this story enough. The characterization is deep and the end as satisfying as the reader could hope for." —AmazonReview

Takeaway Truth

Grab some good books for the weekend. They're just a click away.

Thursday3Some: 3 Delightful Romance Novels

Thrusday3Some is back, and it's about time!

Life has just been too darn busy this year.

The history of Thursday3Some dates back a few years when I began to present trios of items to readers on Thursday. Duh.

Sometimes, it was movie, music, or book reviews, sometimes apps to make life easier, and sometimes just 3 interesting "things" that I thought you might find interesting too.

I had posts with a single book spotlighted and the answers from the authors to 3 questions. I think the 3 book presentations were always most popular.

Today, I bring you 3 delightful romance novels for you to browse.

The Sheriff's Gift by Kara O'Neal.

Forbidden kisses with the sheriff weren't a part of the schoolteacher's plans.

Visit Kara online: Pinterest * Facebook

IMHO, why readers buy Kara's books?

"While people read my books for the love story and the happily ever after, they also choose the Pike's Run series for the depth of character development, and the very real familial aspects of my stories. Many readers have told me when they read my books, they feel as if they're home.

The Healing Summer by Liz Flaherty

When Steven Elliott accidentally rides his bike into Carol Whitney's car at the cemetery, the summer takes on new and exciting possibilities. Long friendship wends its way into something deeper when their hearts get involved.

Visit Liz online: Facebook * Twitter

IMHO, why readers buy Liz's books?

"I tend to write flawed and funny, with the intent to make the reader both laugh and cry—sometimes at the same time. I don't think I'm a life-changing writer; rather, I like the idea of giving someone a good afternoon."

An Honorable Man by Donna Fasano

Nothing can make Native American Mat Makwa give up being a New York City police officer… except one little girl—all alone in the world—who needs a father. Returning to his Kolheek reservation to take on the safer job of sheriff of this small, close-knit community, he never expects his heart might be in danger to school teacher Julie Dacey.

Visit Donna online: Amazon * Website

IMHO, why readers buy Donna's books?

"Her books are complex and emotional with characters who are easy to identify with."

Takeaway Truth

There you have it! Three outstanding romance novels for the weekend. Add these to your romance library today.