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June is Audiobook Month
Before we say goodbye to June, let’s take a moment to celebrate Audiobook Month. Audiobooks–known as “books on tape” back in the day–are the perfect solution for occasions where you need to multitask (such as driving or exercising) or when you need a diversion to pass time (such as travel delays or kids’ piano lessons). They are also a great option if you have vision problems or if reading text has become difficult.
If you aren’t already a fan of audiobooks, here are three reasons you should check them out.
1. Convenience. No more clunky CDs or tape cassettes to haul around! Technology now makes is possible to download audiobook apps to your tablet, iPod and smart phone so you can listen anywhere, on any device. Go from the car to the gym to the smoothie bar with nary an interruption!
2. Affordable. Digital audiobooks can run $20, $30, even upwards of $40 sometimes. If you know where to look and how to buy, you can save big bucks and find great deals. Here’s how to score audiobooks inexpensively:
- Borrow them from the library.
- Purchase a subscription service, such as Audible Escape. For $12.95 a month ($6.95/month for Audible and Kindle Unlimited members), you can listen non-stop to heartwarming, pulse-pounding romantic fiction.
- Check out the variety of audiobook distributors. Authors Direct, Nook, Kobo and Google Play all offer audiobooks nowadays. Cost varies and some are less expensive than others.
3. Portable. If you plan to do any traveling this summer, audiobooks are a must. You can download several titles, not just for yourself but for the entire family. Connect your device to the system in the car for road trips and then plug in your earphones for solo listening while the kids enjoy the hotel swimming pool!
If I’ve convinced you audiobooks are worthwhile, be sure to check out my Code Breakers Regency romantic suspense series. Most of the titles are available to download!
Summer is officially here - let's celebrate Seattle style!
The first day of summer is also the longest. This event is known as the summer solstice. That makes it the perfect day to celebrate everything we love about summertime.
Before kicking off the fun, here are a few facts about the summer solstice.
- The summer solstice actually kicks off summer only in the northern hemisphere. It is the unofficial beginning of winter for locations south of the equator.
- Solstices occur twice a year when the Earth’s axis is tilted most closely to the sun. The (northern) summer solstice marks the longest day of the year while the (northern) winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year. For 2019, the winter solstice will be Sunday, December 22.
- Many ancient cultures considered solstices as revered celestial events. Many celebrated the occasion with festivals, gift-giving, drinking and dancing.
In Seattle and around the world, contemporary celebrations still include food, music, dance, festivals and gatherings. Here are a few of the events happening in my hometown this weekend:
Midsommar Seattle – Celebration of Musik
Celebrate the longest day of the year Scandinavian-style with three days of music.
Summer Solstice Soundscapes
Gary Stroutsos will play flute music drawn from worldly influences during a casual reception with food and wine. Head to the lower garden for Native American songs and storytelling.
2019 Fremont Solstice Parade
A giant costume-filled parade hosted by the Fremont Arts Council which includes stilt-walking, nude bicycle-riding and giant-puppets.
Facts Source: What is the summer solstice? The answer might surprise you.
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday observed on the last Monday in May, honors and remembers those men and women who died while serving their country. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 27.
Those who observe Memorial Day visit cemeteries or memorials, gather with family and friends, and participate in parades. For many Americans, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer.
The origins of this meaningful observance date back to the Civil War, which ended with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender on April 9, 1865. In the years following the war, Americans paid tribute each spring to fallen soldiers. In 1868, this tradition officially became known as Decoration Day.
After World War I, the observance eventually evolved to commemorate all American military service members who died while defending their country. In 1971, more than a hundred years after the tradition started, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act went into effect, establishing the last Monday in May as a federal holiday.
As an author who writes military romantic suspense, I offer my gratitude and respect to all service members and their families, especially those who gave their lives.
Protecting Abbie ~ Excerpt from 'A Holiday Code for Love'
Rathbourne’s steely gaze seemed to apprehend every frustrating thought whizzing through Jack’s brain. The man also had the ability to wait out any conversation, which was more than Jack could ever do. Jack was always at the ready to jump into any fray. He wasn’t sure if his impulsiveness came from spending too much time with his impetuous younger brothers or if it was a family trait. When he reflected on the escapades of his siblings, there was no doubt about it—it was a family trait.
“I know how important Abbie’s work is.” Jack admired Abbie’s ability to decipher French codes, but her work had also almost gotten her killed. And what had she said earlier about finding a connection to the French spy ring? If she had found a connection, would it put her in more danger? Jack’s heart punched against his chest in aggressive jabs.
How did a husband, a protective, overbearing person like Jack, protect his wife? Jack knew taking responsibility for his family at a young age had forced him to mature in a way that none of his peers understood. Witnessing his father’s despair after his wife’s death had made Jack leery of caring that deeply until he met Abbie. And now, if he lost her, he wasn’t sure he’d survive.
“We share something that no other peer can comprehend. Our wives, unlike all other ladies in society, are doing secret dangerous work for our country. It is not an enviable position.”
Jack guffawed. “That’s describing it mildly.”
“Learn from your mistakes. Believe me, I’ve made them. Like you, I assumed responsibility for a large estate at a young age and then I started working for Intelligence. I was used to having control, having my commands followed. I had to discover the hard way that Henrietta didn’t agree with my assumption that she should always follow my orders. In fact, she was fully capable of making decisions for herself.”
“You’d be roasted alive if any man at our clubs knew.”
“I didn’t see you as man who cared about popular opinions.”
“I don’t. It’s the danger. Abbie is oblivious to the threat.”
“Isn’t that what we want?”
“You want Abbie to not recognize the danger? I wake in a cold sweat remembering that French spy holding a knife to Abbie’s throat.”
“Our job is to protect our wives without ruffling their pride so they can use their prodigious minds to unlock codes. That is why we have so many bloody soldiers on the estate, and why they are heavily guarded when in society. It has been easier with Henrietta’s confinement, however that is soon ending.”
Rathbourne did understand. “Abbie gets mad whenever I try to warn her or instruct her. Is it the same with Hen? She was always game for adventures as a girl.”
“My wife is very good at ignoring orders she doesn’t agree with.”
Rathbourne’s revelations eased Jack’s trepidations.
“I do remind her periodically that I’m the Head of Intelligence, to no effect. Not that I want anyone to know my wife doesn’t always follow my direction. Not good for a man in my position.” Rathbourne chuckled.
“Does it get better with time?”
“Easier?” Rathbourne ran his hand through his hair, a familiar gesture signaling his frustration. “No. What I’ve accepted is that Henrietta is perfect for me. There are many men who couldn’t tolerate Henrietta’s independent mindset and capabilities. Though I can’t imagine not having an accomplished wife who challenges me.”
Keep reading: A Holiday Code for Love
Tips from Jack Bonnington on creating a romantic sanctuary
In A Holiday Code for Love (The Code Breakers, Book 7) coming May 1, Jack Bonnington wants to create a luxurious, intimate sanctuary as a Christmas gift for his wife, Abbie. Here is a description of his renovations to the rustic hunter’s hut where he and Abbie first tasted passion.
A large bed was at the center of the space with a small table and chairs placed in front of the fireplace. Covered in red damask, with the creme linens and silk pillows, the bed was fit for the finest courtesan, not for an aristocratic arranged marriage. Opulent Persian rugs covered the floor and candles were spread throughout, giving the room an exotic and sensual air.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend an indulgent afternoon or weekend in such a place? While most of us cannot afford our own “love shack”, here are some tips on creating a romantic boudoir. Whether it is your space alone or shared with someone special, the key is focusing on sensual details.
- Create a sumptuous ambiance with textures and layers. For the bed, add plump pillows, silk sheets, a super-soft throw. For the room, add a thick area rug that tickles the bare feet, billowing drapes and maybe a dramatic canopy.
- Lighting is one of the most important elements of creating a romantic boudoir. Candlelight is wonderful, and if you go with flameless LED candles, you never have to worry about safety. Avoid harsh overhead lighting; instead, opt for bedside tables or floor lamps with pearl/pink bulbs no higher than 60w.
- Use fresh flowers, pillow mists, scented candles, fragrance plug-ins, etc. for a sweet-scented boudoir.
- Declutter the space of unwanted, unnecessary items so your sanctuary is always ready to welcome you.
- Add a comfortable chair or chaise lounge for a few minutes of indulgent relaxation.
- Set up a station for your iPod or other device to mood music is just a touch away.
Do you have tips for creating a romantic sanctuary? Share them here!
Click here for more information and and excerpt from A Holiday Code for Love.
