Well, I'm not so sure it's "fun" here in the Gulf Coast South in these still-technically-early days of summer here in Houston -- with Hurricane Beryl expected to make landfall on the Texas coast this week!
It's far too early to be stocking in the hurricane supplies, doing the annual lamentation of "should I . . . or should I not . . . buy a generator," and wondering if I could find any handyman at any price to put up the hurricane boards from Ike in 2008, assuming they are still usable from that backyard shed that no one has opened in many years. But yet, that is what I'm doing this weekend as I write this blog.
Beryl isn't expected to be strong enough to warrant the boards, and I probably (hopefully) will not need the generator. I am charging up some power banks, charging my Kindle, and planning to keep my phone and computer plugged in as long as feasible. But this is far too early for a named hurricane to be striking the US, and it's an alarming harbinger of what's to come I fear.
As I noted in my blog last month, I'm evaluating relocating for retirement to somewhere cooler and less prone to dramatic climate events. I visited Asheville, NC and its surrounding mountain communities. The weather was so incredibly pleasant (though the locals were all complaining about it -- they have NO idea what heat truly feels like). And somehow, I'd much rather deal with regular visitors from the local black bears like this guy (below) than a hurricane!
So when Beryl makes its way ashore tonight and tomorrow, I can hopefully distract myself by curling up with a good book (the Kindle is fully-charged and loaded). Here's some of what's up next on my Kindle:
I hope you are all having lots more summer fun than I'm having at the moment and are reading lots of great books!
You can learn more about me on my website and my books are available on Amazon!
I don't know about you, but I'm excited for spring and the Fair Season! I especially enjoy seeing what others make or grow.
Diana writes paranormal romance, always with a happily ever after. In her latest book "The Witch with the Trident Tattoo" you'll find a heroine and hero to root for as they fight against an evil force set on killing all life in the oceans. Along the way are colorful characters. A teenage mermaid with pink hair who can come on land for short periods of time, an octopus familiar named James, and a host of others.
Fairs have been around since before 500 B.C. Fairs were mentioned in the bible as places to socialize and sell goods.
Over time, the fair morphed away from religion and commerce and into periodic gatherings attended by crafters, food brokers, clothing stalls and livestock for show and sale. People bartered for, and exchanged goods, not that much money changed hands, but lots of goods did.
The actual first date of the original fair is unknown.
The first fair in America was recorded in 1765, in Windsor, Nova Scotia. In 1792, the first fair of Niagara was held, by the Niagara Agricultural Society. Both of these fairs still occur each year right through the present day.
Today, there are around 2,000 fairs each year in North America.
Now days fairs include, but are not limited to: food, shows, rodeos, games to play for prizes, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, horticulture, livestock, all kinds of new innovated things for sale!
Personally, I love the fair! Hubby and I try to go every year. Here in Deschutes County there is one day , usually opening day, when seniors get in free. We missed that day this year, hubby wasn’t feeling well, but did go the next day to walk through the exhibits.
What I learned is there are so, so many talented people in this world. From paintings by 13-year-old kids to gorgeous photography to quilts that are definitely a work of art, it humbled me to see all the creations by everyday amateur individuals.
Most exciting, unusual thing we saw? A couple cowboys riding Long Horn Bulls through the streets of the fairgrounds!
Most beautiful craft was this quilt.
Most beautiful flower? This two toned gladiola.
The most exotic thing? This Styrofoam head decorated with food and flowers.
Do you have a fair near you, and if you do, what do you like doing the best? For me it’s the inside exhibits, including the animal barns.
Diana enjoys weaving elements of paranormal, and fantasy into her stories.
I have found over the years that there isn't just one spot where I like to read or write. I've read on vacation, in the forest, in the bedroom, in a coffee shop and in my bedroom.
While these are great places to read, they are also great places to write. I'm kind of combining reading and writing in these pictures.
The Library is a wonderful place to write or read. All the research books are right there if needed. And a friendly librarian to help find that special book.
Another great place to write or read is in your favorite coffee shop. The handsome barista making that special cup of tea or coffee just for you.
Reading on a smart phone or tablet is a good way to have portable books without the bulkiness of paper or hard cover books.
Vacation time and poolside is a good place to read/write or in the forest etc.
Another good place to brainstorm your novel or read is sitting in a quiet room in your favorite chair.
Maybe you find a trip to the woods to commune with nature the most fulfilling.
Where ever you write or read be in the moment and enjoy!
Here's a cheer to all the writers who bring us the wonderful stories we enjoy. Thank you!
Do you have a special place you like to write or read besides at your desk?
This month's blog theme is 'What touches my heart?' and it's a tricky one, because the answer is many things, many people, books, movies, music... There isn't only one answer. There isn't only one thing to feel or to love. This post is dedicated to all the little things that add up to something joyful and touching in our everyday lives.
A quiet sunset
My last little family getaway was to Lakes Entrance, a few hours away from where I live in Melbourne, Australia. One of the highlights of the trip was staying across the road from a lake with a pier, just right for fishing with the kids. Watching the sunset over the lake was so relaxing, it made me want to go for sunset walks more often.
A funny movie
Is there anything better than snort-laughing along to a funny movie? I think not! This week I watched Pitch Perfect, a film about the exploits of competing Acapella singing groups at a university campus. It stars the wonderful Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson (Aussie and funny, yeah!) and is chock full of silliness and great songs. Yes, I was singing along to the Ladies of the 80s songs in the riff-off scene. If you haven't seen it yet, it's great fun.
A great piece of music
I'm remembering the concert I went to last year, sitting in the front row at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The great sax player and composer, Branford Marsalis, was on tour all the way from New Orleans. One of the songs he played was an original composition with multiple layers and a few classical bits and pieces thrown in...amazing! His quartet absolutely killed it too.
This YouTube clip of In The Crease is an example of the type of tune, or more like an immersive experience. When you're right up close to musicians in this league, it's emotional and intense. This piece is not quite the same as the show I saw, but I hope you enjoy it.
My kids laughing
Honestly, sometimes my boys behave like little monsters, but other times they are completely adorable and hilarious. Is there anything cuter than kids laughing so hard, they're in hysterics with tears running down their faces? Lately I've been thrilled to see my kids reading funny books to themselves, and then just busting out laughing. Latest #kidlit recommendations are Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, anything by Tom Gates, and of course we're re-reading Harry Potter.
A good book and time to think
The time after everyone else goes to sleep and I read a good book, just because I can and it gives me pleasure. Lately I've enjoyed reading these fabulously fun romantic comedies:
99 Percent Mine by (Aussie) Sally Thorne On The Same Page by (fellow Aussie) Penelope Janu
And a puppy?
Yes, my family have decided unanimously to become a dog family. We already have quite the menagerie, with a cat named Tom Sword, a parrot named Storm, many fish, and eight chickens of various sizes and stages of cluckiness.
My kids adore animals and we thought...why not? It's good for kids to learn about looking after a pet, the responsibility it entails, but also having a new friend to love. This could be an absolutely manic and crazy choice. Will the dog attack the cat? Or vice versa? We shall see.
Please enjoy our first photo of our puppy, coming to live with us in a few more weeks. We're thinking of calling him Archie.
Another little piece of my heart...
All of these things are little pieces that make up a whole lot when added together. What makes your heart fuller, more capable of love, or reminds you to live life to the fullest?
About Cassandra O'Leary
Cassandra O'Leary is a romance, romantic comedy and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things.
In 2015, Cassandra won the We Heart New Talent contest run by Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. Her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016. Her indie published novella, Heart Note, was a top 50 bestseller in the Holiday Romance and Humor Fiction categories on Amazon.
Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she's also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting 'research' trips, that would be splendiferous. You'll find Cassandra drinking coffee, buying shoes on the internet...and oh yes, writing. Read more at: cassandraolearyauthor.com
When asked for the list of the best books of 2018, according to me, I admit I was stumped. Not because I didn't read...I read a total of 95 books last year going by my Goodreads list. But I tried mixing it up, reading across sub-genres and trying different, new-to-me authors to diversify my reading.
So, thinking about 'best' is difficult when comparing apples and oranges, let alone apples and chocolate cake. Still, I did try! Not all of these books were new releases, since they may have been sitting on my to be read list for a while.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy my slightly quirky list. Here goes...
Sweet and funny:
Pretty Face by Lucy Parker
This romance set in the world of the London West End theatre features Lily, a gorgeous actress known for getting naked on TV, and serious thespian, Luc. It's a classic enemies to lovers story with a fake relationship thrown in, when they have to play it up for the cameras. There's a simmering sexual tension in this book, plus believable theatre details that had me hooked. The course of true love never did run smooth...
I've been reading the complete Psy Changeling series by Nalini Singh, a futuristic, science fiction meets paranormal romance series. Heart of Obsidian is a stand-out in the series for me, because of the way the author handled the build-up of tension between factions in the outside world in this story, plus the tension between the bottled-up, emotion-less (apparently) trained killer, Kaleb, and the emotional, caring but highly intelligent woman who is his match. I'm soooo excited that Ms Singh will be a keynote speaker at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in August this year!
If you've been following the Sydney Smoke rugby series like I have, you've probably been waiting to learn more about Val, daughter of the coach. We finally get to learn more about Val and her broken relationship with her well-respected but strict and bossy father. Well, we get to the bottom of this story, and it's a tear-jerker. Amy Andrews blends her ususal witty voice, sexy and fun banter and the more serious family issues in this great read.
I'd read a couple of Alisha Rai's books before this one and enjoyed them, but I think this is my favourite. Jackson returns to a small town where his family are a big deal, but he was accused of a crime (unfairly) many years before. He's in love with his brother's widow...and she may be falling for his strong, silent charm too. I loved the quiet chef who's actually a superstar overseas, but doesn't want the notoriety or fame. A great Beta hero and sexy, slow-burn romance. I recommend the whole Forbidden Hearts series.
This is a kid lit book, aimed at roughly eight to twelve year olds. I read this one aloud to my two boys and they adored it, and I did too. For adults who enjoy fun fantasy in the style of Alice in Wonderland or Harry Potter, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. Jupiter North is a fantastic ginger hero too!
I'd have to say Penny Reid's books are some of my favourite romantic comedies, and the latest book in the Winston Brothers series was a winner. Roscoe is one of the most unusual and sensitive romance heroes I've ever read -- he has a perfect, detailed memory of events from his childhood and emotional recall with total accuracy. This makes for an interesting problem...he won't let himself get close to anyone. Simone, his childhood best friend, is an exception. Sort of. Love, love, loved this pair and the classic Penny Reid humour.
About Cassandra O'Leary
Cassandra O'Leary is a romance, romcom and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader and film/TV fangirl. You'll find her in Melbourne, Australia, drinking coffee, chasing her mini ninjas and buying shoes on the internet. Oh yes, and writing. Cassandra was the winner of the global We Heart New Talent contest, and also a finalist in contests run by Romance Writers of Australia and Romance Writers of America. Check out her romcoms, Girl on a Plane and Heart Note, plus shorter fiction on her website: cassandraolearyauthor.com
By Cassandra O'Leary
A couple of months ago I found myself in a reading rut. I had plenty of ebooks to read on my Kindle app, paperbacks I bought ages ago taking up space on my to be read pile, but nothing appealed to me. This was not cool. I'm a big reader...normally I love it for relaxation and enjoyment. But nothing was tickling my proverbial fancy.
As a contemporary romance and romantic comedy author, I'd found myself buying books in those genres almost automatically. I was reading them with a critical eye, working out whether I liked the balance of humour and more subtle character elements, whether the plot was interesting or how they snuck up on me with twists or surprises. Long story short, I was reading with the analytical mind of a writer and it was hurting my head.
I set myself a vague goal of reading some different books, outside my usual sub-genres. Guess what? I found some gems that not only impressed me from a writerly standpoint, but drew me into the story world unlike some of my other recent reads. I think the difference is the step back from my own work. Sometimes it's good to reinvigorate your love of reading just for the love of it.
Here's a short list of some of those books I've enjoyed most.
1. Psy Changling series by Nalini Singh
I'm currently reading Kiss of Snow, book 10 in this expansive paranormal romance/fantasy/sci fi series. So many people had recommended these books to me, knowing that I'm a Star Trek and science fiction fan from way back when. They were right! I should listen to my clever bookish friends.
I love the complexity of the world building in this series, with its contingent of alpha heroes from werewolf and leopard characters, strong heroines and an undercurrent of impending war. The strangely Silent Psy race who have contained their emotions and live almost entirely online, is an interesting take on our society's current reliance on technology. It's also a super sexy series filled with sexual tension...if you like that sort of thing. Hint: I do!
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas
This is an addictive new adult fantasy series with mythological and romantic elements. Powerful fae and demons rule a number of kingdoms, and our heroine (a human who later becomes immortal after she dies and is resurrected) must navigate a complex political landscape of rival courts.
This series sucked me right in, and I did not expect the changes the heroine brought about in her world through her actions in choosing, then leaving, a fairy mate. She's strong and relentless, weilds a sword and isn't afraid of monsters. Or if she is afraid, she goes out there and deals with them anyway. Now I'm about to start reading Maas's other series, Throne of Glass. I can't wait!
This series is pure Regency fun, with a light touch of humour that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anne is an Aussie author I've had the pleasure of learning from, as I've attended a couple of her writing seminars. I just knew I would adore her books, from the moment I heard her speak about imbuing characters with depth, humour and heart but not forgetting to show their faults and flaws.
I started with The Perfect Rake, the first book in the series, and it's now a firm favourite. Highly recommended read for all the historical fans, or anyone who likes a well constructed story with a dishy hero.
Anyway, I hope I've inspired others to read outside their usual box and grab a good read that sings in a completely different key.
About Cassandra O'Leary
Cassandra O'Leary is a romance and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things. In 2015, Cassandra won the We Heart New Talent contest run by Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. Her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016.Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she's also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting 'research' trips, that would be splendiferous.
Sometimes you need to escape in a funny, light-hearted book without the angst. The world news is getting the better of your peace of mind and you don’t want any more dark, tragic reads. So, it’s time to turn to romantic comedy. The only problem is, the best romcom books can be hard to find.
When is a romcom not a romcom? When it’s labelled as chick lit, women’s fiction or a romance novel, of course. It doesn’t really matter what category or genre it’s labelled under, in my humble opinion, if it has these essential elements:
- At least one main character who is ‘played for laughs’ with a funny voice, witty dialogue or hilarious internal monologue
- A central romance or love story (other stuff can also be happening)
- A happy ever after (HEA) or happy for now (HFN) ending – ‘everybody dies’ books are not welcome here…
Wacky plot details and accidental misunderstandings are entirely optional! So without further ado, here’s a few of my favourite romcom books, or whatever you want to call them.
Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid
Penny Reid has become one of my favourite romantic comedy authors over the past year or so. I stumbled across recommendations of her writing from a few sources, including the fabulous Kylie Scott, so I thought I was on a winner. This book is the last (probably?) in the outstanding Knitting in the City series. I have been hanging out to read this one, so much that I tried to pre-order it twice. Take my money, Ms Reid!
Anyhow, Marriage of Inconvenience is the story of Kat and Dan, secondary characters in some of the previous stories. Kat is a secret heiress to a big pharma company and Dan The Security Man is well, a security man! It’s an opposites attract set-up with characters from two different worlds who nonetheless have a real connection from the first time they see each other. Kat has to marry Dan to secure her company and her freedom, fighting off her terrible cousin who’s just after the family fortune.
If you’re new to the Knitting in the City series, I recommend starting with Neanderthal Seeks Human. You’re in for a treat reading about brilliant and eccentric Janie, purveyor of useless but fascinating facts.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
I read this one a few months ago and absolutely loved it. The Hating Game is the debut novel from Australian author, Sally Thorne, and she absolutely nails the enemies to lovers trope. It’s very funny, from the moment the two lead characters appear on the page, glaring at each other across the partitions in their fictional publishing office.
The white water rafting, corporate team-building scene is particularly memorable in a cringe-worthy 'how embarrassing' way. Highly recommended! I can't wait for her next book...
Playing House by Amy Andrews
This is an unusual Aussie choice from one of my favourite authors, Amy Andrews (who I’ve shamelessly fan-girled at the Romance Writers of Australia conference more than once).
Playing House is the latest instalment in a series of romantic comedies set in the world of Australian rugby. I absolutely adore her writing, which is both super funny and super sexy. Playing House has a wonderful blend of light-hearted humour around a virgin heroine with a Mr Darcy fixation, a one-night stand and a best friend’s brother trope, and more serious issues which totally snuck up on me -- yes, I cried when reading this one. You have been warned!
Don’t be put off if you’re not a fan of sports-themed books or if you don’t really know anything about rugby (Who does? Not this little red hen!) because this is all about the tough guy heroes who have it all in a wordly sort of way, with fame and fortune, but who need love in their lives. The interconnected stories are great fun and easy reading, but start with Playing By Her Rules if you want to read the entire series.
Content warning: this book contains a pregnancy loss/miscarriage that may be difficult reading for some. **NEWS FLASH** -- Amy Andrews has just been announced as a double RITA Award finalist! Congratulations, Amy!
Lingerie Wars by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
An ex special forces operative, Lake Benson, buys a lingerie shop in a remote Scottish town. Because of course he does! There’s a goregeous ex-lingerie model to compete against, and tactics get dirty. I love all the wacky characters in the town who add a great fun element to this book. There are tartan undies and a hilarious fashion show attended by the whole town.
I’m going to continue reading this whole series by New Zealander (from a Scottish background) Ms Henderson, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Girl on a Plane by Cassandra O'Leary
Yes, I included my own book. Shameless self-promotion alert! I've been inspired by many awesome chick lit and romance writers and of course, romcom movies. There are quite a few references to these in Girl on a Plane. Careful readers will spot the When Harry Met Sally and Love Actually references, but can you spot more?
I loved playing with the balance of humour and emotion in this book, and also the themes of travel and finding home. My Irish flight attendant character, Sinead, is played for laughs. Mostly. Aye, there's a bit of the craick. And some sexytimes.
Romcoms to be read...
I've got a huge To Be Read list already, but let me know your romcom recommendations in the comments below! About Cassandra O'Leary **Winner of the global We Heart New Talent contest run by HarperCollins UK. Nominated for BEST NEW AUTHOR in AusRomToday 2016 Reader's Choice Awards for excellence in Australian romance fiction** Cassandra O’Leary is a romance and women’s fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things. Her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016. Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she’s also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting ‘research’ trips, that would be splendiferous. Read more or sign-up for Cassandra's newsletter atcassandraolearyauthor.com
