On Growing More Brain

The daughter of parents with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, I am always on the lookout for new ways of improving brainpower.

But I am not prepared to fork out enormous sums of money for supplements and other products that make dubious claims. Instead, I read columns and books written by health experts such as Daniel Amen, Tony Buzan, David Snowdon, Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, and Mehmet Oz and take careful note of any low-cost and no-cost suggestions for improving brainpower.

Continue reading on Sue James’ blog.

Inspired by Two Francescas

Twenty-five years ago, I sat with eyes glued to the big screen as Meryl Streep assumed the role of Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride, in the romantic drama, The Bridges of Madison County. Based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, the film focuses on a four-day love affair between two middle-aged lovers, Francesca and Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photojournalist brilliantly played by Clint Eastwood.

Having spent years in a passionless marriage, Francesca falls deeply in love with Robert and contemplates leaving her loyal husband and teenage children.

Continue reading on Peggy Jaeger’s blog.

In Praise of Reading

An avid reader, I look forward to my daily escape from life’s realities. Eclectic in my tastes, I love to curl up with women’s fiction, historical fiction, cozy mysteries, memoirs, psychological thrillers, and self-help. On average, I read anywhere from 60 to 70 books each year.

Since March of this year, I have been reading at an even faster rate.

The more I read, the less time I spend watching television and surfing on the Internet. To survive and thrive in this time of COVID-19, I need to disengage from the constant barrage of information on all media outlets.

Continue reading on the Soul Mate Authors blog.

Blog Tour: No More Secrets

Starting tomorrow and continuing until October 2nd, fourteen of my author friends will host me on their blogs. I will be sharing posts, excerpts, and recipes with wonderful companions who have provided support and encouragement on my writing journey.

I’m hoping you’ll visit their blogs and enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway. You could win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Check daily for link updates.

September 20 – Soul Mate Authors Blog
September 21 – Peggy Jaeger
September 22 – Susan James
September 23 – C.D. Hersh
September 23 – Lois Winston
September 24 – Janet Nestor
September 25 – Jean Grant
September 27 – That’s What I’m Talking About Blog
September 28 – Sadira Stone
September 29 – Madelyn Hill
September 30 – Carly Jordynn
October 1 – Jacquie Biggar
October 1 – Anna Dowdall
October 2 – Nancy Badger

Giveaway

I will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Find out more here.

Release Day – No More Secrets

No More Secrets is officially available today!

Blurb

Angelica Delfino takes a special interest in the lives of her three nieces, whom she affectionately calls the daughters of her heart. Sensing that each woman is harboring a troubling, possibly even toxic secret, Angelica decides to share her secrets—secrets she had planned to take to the grave. Spellbound, the nieces listen as Angelica travels back six decades to reveal an incredulous tale of forbidden love, tragic loss, and reinvention. It is the classic immigrant story upended: an Italian widow’s transformative journey amid the most unlikely of circumstances.

Inspired by Angelica’s example, the younger women share their “First World” problems and, in the process, revisit their relationships and set themselves free.

But one heart-breaking secret remains untold…

Excerpt

As Angelica read the document, she heard several sighs emanating from Bellastrega. While she had grown to like this young woman and trust her judgment when it came to wellness, Angelica was not prepared to abandon her plans. Three women needed to be rescued.

“What if they don’t come?” Bellastrega asked.

“They will come,” Angelica said, smiling confidently.

“It’s still winter, and the roads around here can be treacherous.”

“That won’t stop them.” Angelica smiled at Bellastrega’s discomfort with winter driving. Fearless in her talk, the psychic dreaded going out at any hint of snow. “Not to worry. They’re Northern Ontario girls.”

Bellastrega waved her hands. “So, they get up here, and you share your secrets. Then what?”

“They begin to heal.”

“You can’t expect to solve all their problems in one weekend,” Bellastrega said in a gentler tone. “If you’re not careful, you’ll send them running to their mothers, who won’t hesitate to create unnecessary stress for you.”

From the start, Bellastrega had been determined to eradicate all the unnecessary stress in Angelica’s life. Did she really think she could create a lasting magic bubble?

Since receiving the positive medical report, Bellastrega had redoubled her efforts and started to plan spring and summer excursions. She had added to her meager wardrobe and purchased several decorative items for her room. Each day, she was settling in and becoming more comfortable in her role as a companion. The beautiful thirty-five-year-old woman with Arctic-blue eyes and a stormy past had found sanctuary in Angelica’s house.

Angelica’s thoughts traveled back six decades to her encounter with another set of Arctic-blue eyes. But that woman had been much older and more realistic in her expectations.

“Are you all right?” Bellastrega asked.

“I’m fine,” Angelica said, returning to the present. “I want to start the process. The rest will be up to them.” Angelica felt a sudden wave of fatigue, one she hadn’t experienced in months. This argument was growing old, and she no longer wished to justify her motives. Why couldn’t Bellastrega let it go?

Trailer

Buy Links

Amazon (Canada) | Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (Australia)

Giveaway

I will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Find out more here.

All About Women’s Fiction

Whenever I’m asked to describe my upcoming release, No More Secrets, I start by saying that it’s women’s fiction. And then I wait for the usual questions that follow:

How is that different from romance?

Are men allowed to read your book?

Is there a specific genre for men’s fiction?

I can’t help smiling and shaking my head at the last two questions. Far be it from me to set restrictions on who can and cannot read my novels. As for men’s fiction, that particular genre doesn’t exist.

Continue reading on the Soul Mate Authors blog.