Countdown to Nationals

And now I pretend not to panic!

Ack! Really, I am ready. I confirmed the hotel, reserved the shuttle from the airport, found white shoes...so aside from packing, and figuring how to lug luggage one handed...

I'm trying to decide about the scar left over from the wrist surgery. I have decided I am working this thing into a book at some point...because...well, it looks like I tried to end it all. And first impressions being what they are, are people going to see my wrist and think -- unstable!

Well, I am unstable. I did fall over my own two feet, but still. A bandage over it would draw more attention, I think. Touching the scar is painful, so bracelets are out...should I just catch people looking and say "I fell."

And my shoulders are sunburned. And I only have one pair of magic knickers...so the rest of the time I'll be comfy if not as cute in my dresses...do I pack snacks? Do I bring the laptop? Does that count as my carry on? And my business cards are old...they have no book titles on them...but I have hundreds...

You see?

Uh-Oh. I am getting a type.

I've always thought I was equal opportunity in my man candy...then I looked at the last two albums I bought. Weird, no?

Blame growing up in Southern Oregon. Neither could be in a MX...though maybe a Blaze or an American...

Thursday Thirteen - Burke Brothers Edition

Thirteen Things I Did With My Kids Last Week(and now I need a nap!) 1…. Burke Brothers Birthday Bash 2…. Rock & Mineral Museum 3…. Library 4…. Day out with Thomas The Tank Engine 5…. Hike Multnomah Falls 6…. Bonneville Fish Hatchery 7…. Maritime Museum 8…. Shipwreck 9…. Day at the Beach 10…. Military Fort 11…. Arcade 12…. Jet Boat 13…. Fireworks Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Babe King 2. Shelley Munro 3. Gina Ardito 4. Jennifer McK 5. Tempest Knight 6. Elle Fredrix 7. Debbie Mumford 8. Adelle 9. Seeley deBorn 10. Loribelle Hunt 11. LA Day (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Michelle (sorry, MG) has a new story out!

When Cameron Trent, a former high school all-star, comes home to deal with his father's death, he finds a much sweeter deal. Madison Hughes, the Cupcake Queen, hates Valentine's Day and thinks love songs are a joke. Will Cam change her mind?


For $1.50 you can't lose, go check it out at The Wild Rose Press

Treasured...an American Historical short story

I love historical romance. It is one of the reasons why I am so pleased that TREASURED has done so well. The reviews are still coming in, but this one is fantastic!

Treasured is just that, a treasure!

Ms. Bayley-Burke has crafted a fully developed story in just a few pages, and it is delightful. At a church picnic, Marianne, a woman who’s lost a huge amount during the Civil War, speaks with a man that she’s only met twice before. Their conversation quickly takes a romantic turn, and before she knows it, Marianne has been proposed to. The problem is, can Marianne trust Robert? Are his intentions honorable?

This sweet little story is a snapshot that portrays the aftermath of war, one that shows that although much is lost during times of strife there is often something to be gained as well. In this case, the promise of love. Jenna Bayley-Burke’s characters are well developed and it is apparent that Marianne is struggling with Robert’s proposal. The reader can see and feel her turmoil, and be right there as she makes up her mind about him. I liked being privy to the character’s feelings. I felt as if I was right there at the church picnic with them.

Treasured is a fast, enjoyable read, well written and interesting! -- 4 Angels, Fallen Angel Reviews

There are writers that exist who can weave a full-bodied, see-it-all tales with few words. The shorts I've read from Ms. Jenna Bayley-Burke are miniature novels - that's how much information and images she crams into her short works without making the reader feel overloaded. The scene flows from the page every time, leaving me satisfied with what I have read. Excellent.Treasured tells the tale of a marriage proposal, and follows the thoughts, feelings, and life of Marianne Phillips. Set in years gone by, the olden day feel is very much apparent. The dialogue matches the time, and transported me backwards, making me believe I witnessed this precious little scene.Wonderful. -- 4 champagne flutes, Cocktail Reviews

Treasured is a gem of a read. This sweet romance speaks in great volumes just through the characters dialogue. Marianne and Robert have a certain flare that radiates in the pages. Their expressions are so visual, it makes their situation believable. Jenna Bayley-Burke always sketches characters then constructs a tight outline that springs forth into a beautiful story. I found this precious tale heartwarming. 4 Cups -- Coffee Time Reviews

July at The Pink Heart Society

This July you'll get to meet more amazing authors than ever as they join us here on the PHS, and share a day in their life with Coffee Time Romance. After reading their blogs here, make sure to check over there to learn more about our guests. Having so many authors joining us is creating one of our biggest Hampers ever, so make sure you keep checking back for more!!!
Oh but there's more!

The Pink Heart Society's own Trish Wylie will be off on her travels this month, taking in the USA for the first time and sharing it all with you every Tuesday in our Where's Wylie? slot! And she has a very special travelling companion to introduce us to so make sure to check in this Tuesday for the first of her Blogs as she packs for the trip she's waited a couple of decades to take...

And there's more!

There will be Reports From The RWA National Conference in Dallas - complete with photos and all the info you always wanted to know about a first time visit to the massive yearly event - thanks to Trish and Jenna Bayley-Burke (that's me) - you can learn all about the chaos, the excitement, the book buzz, the industry talks and the fantabulous wardrobes! Fiona Harper will tell us what it's like for a first time RITA Finalist (in TWO categories with her FIRST BOOK) and we'll bring you any gossip we can twist out of anyone else we happen to corner while the computer is on. It's as good as being there yourself gang!!! Watch out for the reports in the second week of July...

And to kick start the month!

July marks a special month for one of the PHS's most distinguished members and soon-to-be-Columnist: Kate Walker. as her 50th book hit's the USA & Canada. Isn't that fantastic?

Click over to the Pink Heart Society and share your favorite Kate Walker title with the PHS crowd!