Q & A with Penny Watson

Happy Monday!

My guest today is author Penny Watson.

Her yummy Christmas eBook Sweet Inspiration is available for purchase next Wednesday 12.02.09.

Thank you for joining us today Penny.

I really enjoyed Sweet Inspiration.

Q: One of my favorite parts of the book is the Klaus brothers. Each one sounds so handsome, funny, and unique. What was your inspiration for them?

A: Thanks, Juju! I am a big fan of JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. I love the camaraderie of the "brothers"...I love the banter, the alpha male-bonding and loyalty, as well as the conflict. I thought it would be fun to have five different sons, each with his own unique personality, and still show that sort of brotherhood in a lighter, more comical way. I love the idea of five giant Klaus sons helping their dad (Santa) run the North Pole. Since I "pants" my stories (make them up as I go along!), the brothers just sort of evolved as I was writing.

Q: Will each of the brothers get their own book/love story?

A: Yes, each of the brothers will get his own story and romantic adventure. I'm already working on book #2, called Sweet Magik. It's Oskar's story.

Q: I noticed on your blog you occasionally share recipes. Would you mind sharing one with my readers now?

A: Thanks! I would love to. This is my favorite Christmas cookie recipe from my mom.

Mary's Mexican Wedding Cakes:

2 c. flour

1 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. sugar

2 t. vanilla

1/4 t. salt

1 c. finely ground pecans

powdered sugar

Beat first five ingredients at low speed until just mixed, then at medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in pecans. Wrap dough in saran wrap and chill for 2 hours. Roll into one inch balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheet about 1" apart. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes (or until lightly browned). Cool slightly. Roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again. Merry Christmas!

Q: Who is your favorite Klaus brother and why?

A: This is a tough question. I fall in love with each of them while I am writing about them. Right now my favorite is Nicholas. He's an uptight master pastry chef who learns to loosen up and embrace life and love through his relationship with Lucy. As Lucy describes him, he is an irresistible "...combination of passion, creativity, discipline and self-control." He also happens to be a delicious giant of man, with a sexy tattoo of holly and ivy on one massive bicep. That sounds pretty good to me! :)

Doesn't that sound delicious? Thanks again for visiting Penny. It was such a pleasure having you.

Click here to visit Penny Watson's web site.

Click here to visit Penny Watson's book review blog.

Click here to read my review of Sweet Inspiration.

Sweet Inspiration eBook Review

eBook: Sweet Inspiration

Authoress: Penelope Watson

Pages: 193

Format: eBook (Available 12.2.09 for purchase)

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publisher's Sensuality Type: Sensual

Genre: Adult Fiction Romance Steamy Magical Realism

Scheduled Purchase Price: $4.50

My summary: Lucy owns a sweet bakery called Sweet Inspiration known for making some of the best sugar cookies ever. Nicholas is a master pastry chef that tours the world studying and perfecting confections.

This is the story of the sparks that fly when Nicholas decides to seduce Lucy for more than her sugar cookie recipe.

Oh did I forget to mention Nicholas just happens to be the oldest son and heir to the Santa Claus throne?

What they say: "What if the legend of Santa Claus is in fact, true?

What if Santa has five big strapping sons who help him run his empire? Five single, sexy sons looking for romance...

One look at cafe owner Lucy Brewster sends Nicholas into an unexpected tailspin of lusty desires. When Lucy is injured, Nicholas makes a decision that catapults their lives into turmoil. Lucy gets more than she bargained for when she awakens in the North Pole...rambunctious elves, a fitness-obsessed Santa, and the man of her dreams."

My say: Sweet Inspiration is one wild fun hot ride. I was sucked in from the moment Penny Watson first described Nicholas Jr. as smelling like "smoky rum and dark spices". Yum much!? Well and I love any writer who can bring my senses to life and use a word like "reverie". This story honestly has all the elements a gal would want from a romantic Christmas story.

Deliciously vivid descriptions and word usage?: Check

A plot that includes a trip to the North Pole?: Check

Adorable characters you will wish you could meet in real life?: Check

A Merry Christmas feel that will leave you feeling merry?: Check

Sizzling love scenes?: Check

My rating: 4 stars; I really enjoyed this story.

My verdict: If you are looking for a delectable playful Christmas read (and don't mind provocative) pick this one up. It SO cute and loads of fun.

Favorite part?: Getting to drink and play darts with some ornery elves.

The Meter Readings:

Kiddie-o-meter: Too spicy for the wee ones.

Adult-o-meter: This one leaves nothing to the imagination. It is written for grown girls who relish all the juicy details of attraction and love making. Side note: the super hot Klaus brothers banter and occasionally curse amongst each other just like real guys do.

Quoteables: "He tasted like Christmas. Brandy, cloves, and dark molasses. His tongue was doing slippery, sexy things to her mouth that were simply unbearable."

"Lucy watched, mesmerized. His beard was thick and dark and neatly trimmed. What would it feel like? Coarse and rough, or silky smooth? Without thinking, she reached out to touch his face."

Noteable: My favorite part of this book is the Klaus brothers who help Santa run his empire. Each alluring brother runs a different branch. Click on their names below to read the hilarious character interviews Penny Watson has put together of each one:

Oskar Klaus = The slightly punk brother = Employee relations

Sven Klaus = The hippie brother = Toy production

Gregor Klaus = The expensive suits brother = Financial relations

Wolfgang Klaus = The humanitarian brother = Charitable gifts

Nicholas Klaus = The master chef brother = Desserts and goodies

Warning: This story will make you SO hungry. Keep the gingerbread men handy!

My final say: I can't stop thinking of Wolfie. He is definitely my favorite.

A great big special thank you to The Wild Rose Press for making this review possible. Your site and eBook selection continues to impress me and subsequently my Wish List continues to grow.

Evidence of Angels Picture Book Review

Book: Evidence of Angels

By: Suza Scalora with Francesca Lia Block

Pages: 64

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: HarperCollins

My summary: Evidence of Angels is a remarkably stunning collection of photographs accompanied by a brief story about the author's journey with angels. After the loss of a loved one the author plunges in to a deep depression. Until one day she hears a voice that compels her to open her eyes and pick up her camera. The voice said:

"Stand Up. Everything in your life has meaning. Your journey is to find it."

From that moment on she begins to see and experience angels. This lovely collection represents her journey and the types of angels she has encountered and witnessed along the way.

My say: Beautiful. Gorgeous. Buy it. Buy it for that relative you can not decide what to get for Christmas. But I warn you the images are so ethereal and vibrant you may decide to make it a permanent fixture on your coffee table.

My rating: 5 stars; I really liked the story and the letters (names and details from the actual testimonials were changed for confidentiality reasons). But what I really loved was the pictures/representations of the angels Suza has met.

My favorite part: One image looks like a typical day in a New York City park. A couple is walking by, the sun is shining, and the fountains are on. A little boy (about 2-3 years old) is looking up. When you look closer it appears the passerby has overlooked what has caught the child's attention. What could easily be seen as a slant of light is in fact an angel. The caption reads:

"We are with you."

Noteworthy: When previously asked what she hopes readers will take away from this book Suza answered:

"The messages I would like Evidence of Angels to impart to readers is: you are never alone and guidance is available if you ask. It may come in ways you don't expect, but if you keep your heart and mind open you will see signs everywhere. And nothing ever truly dies: all energy is merely transformed. So, when a loved one passes on they are still with you, although their form no longer exists. Our soul is eternal."

Click here to purchase Evidence of Angels from Amazon.

Click here to learn more about Suza Scalora's photography.

Click here to visit her book site Myth.com.

Click here to follow Suza Scalora on Twitter.

Click here to purchase prints from Evidence of Angels.

Click here to purchase postcards from Evidence of Angels.

Click here to watch an interview with Suza Scalora.

Click here to download free Evidence of Angels desktop wallpapers.

Click here to send a free Evidence of Angels E-card.

My final say: I would love to pick Suza's brain one day over a couple cups of coffee.

Thank you so much Suza for making this review possible.

Dresskeeper Contest Now Open Internationally

Thanks to the lovely people over at Prospera Publishing my giveaway of The Dresskeeper has now been extended to include 3 more books.

But the best news?

It is now open internationally!

Hear hear!

So what does this mean?

You now have 4 chances to win The Dresskeeper (my copy plus 3 from the publisher) and all international followers are urged to enter.

So what are you waiting for?

Head over and enter The Dresskeeper Contest.

Good luck!

Note: The contest deadline to 12.31.09. If for some reason you can not bear waiting until January please visit Prospera Publishing to purchase The Dresskeeper with FREE international shipping.

Q & A with Mary Naylus

Happy Monday!

My guest today is Mary Naylus.

Mary is the author of The Dresskeeper.

Thank you for joining us today Mary.

I adored The Dresskeeper and the unlucky heroine plucky Picky. So my first question begins with Picky.

Q: Picky is an unusual heroine in that she is overweight and has a wandering eye. More often than not writers prefer their heroines to be beauties or unintentional beauties. Why did you decide to make Picky different and who if anyone was your inspiration for her?

A: I think everyone needs realistic role models, and Picky represents that part of us that is insecure and not perfect. I am not a fan of unintentional beauties; in my experience they don’t really exist. I prefer a healthy dose of reality in my fictional characters.

Q: Has your teenage daughter read The Dresskeeper? What does she think of Picky?

A: I just asked her and she says she ‘loled’ at her. I suspect that she recognises some of the more lazy aspects of Picky in herself (or at least I hope she does).

Q: Will we ever see Picky again?

A: The reaction to Picky has been so good that I have decided to include her in my third novel, but more on that soon! However I can say it involves the British Museum and some really old exhibits.

Q: What can we expect from your next novel?

A: The Plaguemaker has ghosts and gross disease, plus a little teenage romance. Something for history buffs and lovers of the supernatural. No time-travel this time.

Q: If you could step into a magical time traveling dress where would you like to visit?

A: Renaissance Italy. It would be fabulous to meet the Medicis; might even be my fourth novel. Thank you for your interest Juju, keep going with the great blog.

Wahoooo! You heard it here girls.

1. We will be seeing Picky again. Whoot!

2. Mary's 4th book may take place or include Renaissance Italy.

Thank you Mary for taking the time to answer my questions and visit my blog. I am quite honored. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to The Plaguemaker.

Details on The Dresskeeper:

Click here to read my review of The Dresskeeper and enter to win my Advanced Readers Copy. Contest ends Dec. 31.

Click here to pre-order The Dresskeeper with FREE International Shipping.

For a sneak peak of The Dresskeeper scroll down:

Dress Keeper by Mary Naylus Chapters