Holiday Season - What's Your Favorite

We are in the middle of the Holiday Season and as I was out running errands the other day, I found myself thinking about my favorite thing about the season. As I started listing off things I like, I decided it would be a lot easier to list what I hate rather than what I love. But, I don't want to get into the negative. Not this time of year. I believe this should be a happy time, a time for joy and peace and nice things. So, here's my list of things I would call my favorite things.

1. Family and Friends. Getting together, enjoying each other's company, sharing good food, good memories. I hope each of you have friends and family to share this special time of year with.

2. The beautiful Christmas Carols. I've always loved Christmas songs. Even the funny ones like Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. All of the Christmas songs are special. Take some time and listen to one or two of your favorites.

3.  The bright lights. I love the way the lights twinkle on the Christmas tree. I so enjoy taking evening rides and seeing how the houses are lit up -- each different, each something special.

4. Seeing the excitement in my grandchildren's eyes. I think this is one that really should be at the top of the list. It seems like kids, young and old, get excited to receive a special gift, sit on Santa's knee, take part in a Christmas play, or even sing with their school class. They get so excited to dress up, and I love the happiness that shows on each of their faces.

5. Giving. Yes, the spirit of giving abounds. I have to admit I love the feeling of doing something special, buying the perfect gifts, or giving to others who haven't as much as I have. If you haven't done that, try it if you can. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside knowing that I'm doing something good in the world today.

Ok, so I could go on and on, and I'm sure if you take a few minutes, you could too. I hope you will take some time to enjoy the holidays. Take some time for yourself to relax, listen to a Christmas song, smell the beautiful pungent smell of pine trees, and just relax doing what you love best.

May this season be a season of joy. May you find peace and happiness. May the love of family and friends surround you.

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Favorite Book of the Weekl

 I just finished a book by an author I've never read before but loved her writing. Skeleten's Key by Stacey Green. It's book 2 in her Delta Crossroads Trilogy, and I've already gone out to get the other two. This is definitely my favorite book of the week!

I couldn't put it down. I love reading about the old south plantation homes. The secrets the author wove into this story kept me reading long into the night. I really enjoyed this book and think you will too.

Here's a brief blurb:

Cage Foster thought taking a new job would be what he needed to get a fresh start on life—and forget about the woman who broke his heart. As caretaker of a beautiful Antebellum mansion, he can’t wait for a peaceful, solitary lifestyle. But nothing could be farther from the truth. The discovery of a skeleton and two fresh bodies buried on the grounds makes Cage a suspicious enemy of everyone in the small town. Everyone but her. Just his luck his ally is a pushy Yankee, a woman who talks too fast and still believes in the romance of the Old South.

Some secrets can set you free…

Restoration expert Dani Evans bought Ironwood plantation to restore it to its former glory. After her mother’s death, Dani wants to rebuild her life, and what better place the sumptuous grandeur of the South. Except what she finds at Ironwood isn’t quite what she hoped. A surly caretaker is only the beginning of her problems. Death, hidden treasure, and falling for a murder suspect were not part of her plan. Dani is convinced the legend of hidden treasure at Ironwood and the murders are tied together, but she has to find the truth before Cage is arrested. And if she’s not careful, she might become the next victim.

Skeleton's Key is available through Amazon.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http:///www.KRBailey.com

Holiday Craft Bazaar

I just spent a delightful two days at the First United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar and met so many nice people. Of course, my favorites are the readers I talked to. It's always interesting to see what types of books they prefer -- paperback or ebook, and there's lots of both out there. Then there are those that love to read and they will read in any format they can get. Those are people like me. I love books. I love reading books. I have a kindle and love it. But I also love to hold a real paperback book and scroll through its pages just as much.

We had several author friends of mine there selling their books, offering to autograph each one, and it was so rewarding to see so many young people who were thrilled to have a book personalized just for them.

That's me with many of my books. I'm sharing a table with my author friend, Alysia S. Knight. 

As the holidays are approaching, remember books are a wonderful gift to young and old alike. Think about buying a book when you are searching for that perfect gift for a friend or loved one.

And speaking of perfect gifts, my story Lila's Christmas Dream, is a sweet Christmas Story. If you haven't read it, you will enjoy it. If you have, think about buying one for a gift.

Available in both paperback and ebook from Amazon.com

Here's a brief blurb:

“Lila. Lila?” Her mother’s voice echoed from the house.

“Oh, I need to go.”

Munchie jumped up when Lila stood.

“Thanks for talking to me.” He rubbed his hand down Munchie’s back.

Lila scrambled toward the door at the same time he stood. They bumped against each other. Lila’s eyes went wide when he grabbed her shoulders to keep from falling. She lost her balance and fell against his chest.

She gasped.

He remained holding her close, enjoying the way her soft curves felt.

“Are you all right?” He dropped his hands from her shoulders, but at the sight of her bright pink cheeks, he slid his finger down her soft skin.

She stiffened.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…”

She put her hand to the place he’d touched. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I need to go.”

He watched her turn.

“Come on, Munchie,” she called.

As she limped from the room, he had to refrain from rushing to help her. When she left, the soft scent of her remained in the tack room making it a much nicer place.

He made his way to the door and watched as Lila stopped to pet the nose of each horse. She then said goodnight to the cow before she left the barn.

Smiling, he closed the door and sat on the cot. He’d never met anyone who took time to talk to a milk cow.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Book of the Week

I just finished a new book by an author I had never read and really enjoyed it so it has become my book of the week.

The book is titled, Summer Again, A St. Caroline Novel by Julia Gabriel. This is the first in a series and I really enjoyed the story.

Here's the blurb from the Amazon website:

.Dive into this sweet (and slightly steamy) enemies-to-lovers office romance and fall in love with the town of St. Caroline ...
For years, Lucy Wyndham wondered whether she'd ever catch another glimpse of the boy she crushed on as a teenager at the Chesapeake Inn's summer camp for disadvantaged kids. He was tall and quiet ... mysterious and aloof ... and oh so gorgeous.

Also the owner’s son. Not the slightest bit disadvantaged.

Fast forward ... now Sterling Matthew runs the Chesapeake Inn and is Lucy's boss. He's still tall, aloof, and oh so gorgeous. Ten years later, the attraction between them is just as strong—but they’re no more compatible today than they were as teenagers.

Nor do they share the same views of the summer camp. When Sterling informs Lucy that the camp must be eliminated to improve the resort's bottom line, she embarks on an ambitious campaign to save it. Even if the price is her job ... and her heart.

*****

If you are looking for a new author to try, give this book a try. I did and I am glad I did. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Thought for the Day

The best things in life are the
people we love...
the places we've been...
and the
memories we've made along the way.

I love that thought.

Too often I think we feel like we need money. We spend every day working to earn more money. We are always trying to invest to build our nest egg bigger. But I think we sometimes forget about the little things.

The people we love -- not a little thing by far, and probably one of the most important things in our life. Whether it be our family, our close friends, the people we work with, or a stranger we happen to chat with along life's pathway. People are one of the best things in life. We need to hold them dear in our hearts.

The places we've been. Ah, so many beautiful, interesting places in this world whether it be hiking to the top of a majestic mountain, swimming in a warm springs pool, or being wined and dined in a fancy restaurant, the places we've been are special.

Without the people we hold dear and the wonderful places we have enjoyed, we wouldn't have memories to tied us through the hardships in this life. After the loss of a loved one, memories are all we have to keep them close in our heart, to remember why we loved.

I'm hoping each of you will cherish these things as you make your way through life's pathway. Hold special people dear to your heart. Soak up the beautiful places you get to visit, and most of all, cherish the memories you've made along the journey.

Have a beautiful day.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

When It Rains, It Pours

Have you ever noticed that it seems if something goes wrong, then it doesn't quit until several other things go wrong, too. Yep, my mom always said, When it rains, it pours. I used to laugh when she'd say that. Course I was young and problems were small. Anyway, my problems could be taken care pretty easily by talking to my mom or my sister or my best friend.

Now, of course, I'm older. Gosh I hate to admit that. Tire on our truck keeps going flat so I know I'm facing buying new tires. Winter is approaching and that means draining the sprinkling system, draining the hoses and putting things away. And, of course, October is one of the busiest months of the year. I have two trips planned out of town, it's our annual Reader's luncheon which I have volunteered to help at, my brother needs my help with some medical things going on with his family, step-daughter had surgery, and I woke up this morning with a leak in the roof.

Do I laugh or do I cry? Crying really won't help but sometimes it sure seems as if that is the best answer. Laughing doesn't help either unless you think keeping my sanity is helpful and sometimes I even wonder about that.

Where do I find the time to take care of everything? Ever ask yourself that question? Oh, I'm sure you have. Well, that's exactly what I have been pondering today.

Will things work out? Yes, they always do. Will they work out the way I want them to? Who knows, but I guess the main thing is they will work out and life will go on.

I hope your life is going smoothly. It's fall, and my favorite time of year, and I want to enjoy it. I'll get through. Hopefully, you will too. Hopefully, you will find time to enjoy the crisp fall days, the beautiful fall colors, and perhaps find a book to read to relax.

Wishing you the best.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http:/www.KRBailey.com

M Favorite Author

Do you have a favorite author? I'm sure if you are a reader like I am, it's hard to pick just one favorite. There are so many wonderful books out there and so many amazing authors that I just love how each one tells a story, pulls me into it so much I feel like I'm friends with their hero and heroine. When I finish the book, I feel sad because I'm going to have to meet new people and go to a new town and experience something new.

Is that bad? Not really. That's what keeps me reading.

Right now, I'm reading Nicholas Sparks' book The Rescue and loving it. So I guess today my favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. His books are amazing, and I love most of the movies made from his writing.

If you are looking for something to read, check out his book. You won't be sorry.

What's your favorite book and author?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Thought For the Week

I love thoughts. Maybe you can tell that. Anyway, here's one I found and I wanted to share it with you.

Outside my window, a new day I see
And only I can determine what kind of day it will be.
It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay,
Or boring and cold, unhappy and grey.
My own state of mind is the determining key
For I am only the person I let myself be.
I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help
Or be selfish and think just of myself.
I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun,
Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone.
I can be patient with those who may not understand
Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can.
But I have faith in myself and believe what I say
And I personally intend to make the best of each day.

This is so true. Only we can determine what kind of life we will live, how we will treat others, and whether to be happy or sad.

Don't you agree?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://.www.KRBailey.com

The Mountain View Cafe

I'm excited to announce that The Mountain View Café is now available in paperback as well as Kindle Format from Amazon.com

Here's a brief blurb:

“Come here, Franny,” he spoke softly to her.

She paused for just a moment, then walked right into his arms. Trembling at the strength of his embrace, she molded herself against him and looked anxiously into his eyes, then her gaze drifted to his mouth.

“You’re beautiful, Franny,” Dean whispered. “And very charming.”

Her breath hitched at the words offered so unexpectedly. She searched his eyes, looking for the truth, still nervous about accepting people at face value, but he seemed to be honest. She could feel his warmth and knew he was definitely very real.

“Not really,” she laughed, uneasily. Her heart beat erratically, and she was appalled at the reaction she was having to him. Max must have sensed she was uncomfortable because he came over and nudged her.

“It’s okay, boy,” she bent to pet him, breaking the spell. “It’s been a fun day, Dean, but we should head back.”

She tried to move away, but he held her, and she turned to meet his stare. Her gaze traced the hard planes of his face, the small dimple in his chin, the few gray hairs mingled with his dark hair, longish above his ears. She ran her hand through the hair at the nape of his neck which was slightly curling above his collar.

Looking up, she met his kiss. His lips were gentle, and she could smell his sweet breath mingled with the spicy scent she now associated with him.

When it ended, she remained in his embrace, relishing the warmth of his body. His dark brown eyes stared back at her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her

Happy Reading!

    K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Thought For The Day

If you don't know where you are going
How will you know when you get there?

I love this thought! I felt it would be a great thought for the day.

How many of you just let life take you? You fall into a job you didn't plan to have and after a few years it becomes your career? That's kind of what happened to me. Nearly thirty years later, I retired from a job I never dreamed of having.

Is that bad? It worked out for me, but I often wonder, if I had put more planning into where I wanted to be in life, what would life have been for me?

Right now, I retired after many years. I started a new pathway -- that of being a writer and author. This path I have taken control of. I started taking the time to write the stories bouncing in my head. I took a chance and got first one story published, then another and another until I can say I have about sixteen published stories.

I have to admit it has taken some hard work, lots of time, learning new things, taking chances, but persevering. I'm not there yet, but I hope one day I can say I made it. I know where I'm going, and I've enjoyed the ride.

Think about it. Where is your life taking you? Have you made plans, done the work, and will you know when you get there?

Take a chance - my next goal was publishing The Mountain View Café. I accomplished that goal. It's available in kindle e-book from Amazon.com.  The paperback should be released shortly. I accomplished one of my goals. What about you?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

The Mountain View Cafe

My Newest book - The Mountain View Café - is available for pre-order from Amazon.com for the kindle ebook. Hopefully I'll have the paperback published soon.

Here's  the back cover blurb:

As the owner of the Mountain View Café, Franny Alexander has found a way to move on after losing her husband in the war and surviving a brutal attack. She just wants peace and to enjoy the life she’s created.

The war left Dean Bailey with terrible emotional and physical scars. He now has his own construction company and is attempting to settle into a good life.

Maggie is a lost young woman trying to find her place. An abusive relationship with a drug addict has stripped away her self-esteem. She’s full of bitterness after her mother took her away from her childhood home and had her father declared dead. Now she’s searching for a better life.

Shaun Mathews is a great psychologist who tries to be there for everyone. His life takes an unexpected turn when a young woman rushes into his office and throws him into an impossible situation.

Can these four lost souls, who have struggled to survive the pain and hurt life has thrown at them, find the happiness they are searching for at the Mountain View Café?

*****

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Weddings Are In The Air

It's summer which brings warm weather, flowers, and fun. It's also the time for romance and garden weddings.

If you like romance with a bit of mystery, try my book, Cherry Wood Place. It's available in both ebook and paperback. I'd love to hear how you liked it!

Here's a brief blurb:

“Sleep well.” His voice was so low she had to strain to hear his words.

“I plan to.”

He didn’t move.

She didn’t want him to. It was wonderful having him stand so near. His shoulders were so wide she was sure they would envelope her if he pulled her into an embrace.

She bit her lip, and he stared at her lips.

She gulped again.

He leaned toward her.

Her breath caught as his face came closer.

She watched him move as if in slow motion and found herself leaning toward him as well. Heat spiked in her. Butterflies fluttered in her belly.

Their lips touched. Briefly. Warm and soft and ah, she wanted more.

He pulled back slightly and looked at her. His eyes had changed to warm gold.

She didn’t move. Heat flared on her cheeks, but she couldn’t look away. He was mesmerizing. She craved another kiss.

As if he could read her mind, he kissed her once again.

She met his kiss with fervor, enjoying the way their tongues teased the other. The kiss deepened. She met his passion, enjoying the spicy taste mingled with a hint of the beer he’d drank. When he put his arms around her and pulled her closer, she felt his chest move up and down as he breathed. Her breasts hardened as they were tickled by the feel of his body rubbing hers.

Her arms went around him. Her hands moved across his back feeling the soft cotton of his shirt against the hardness of his muscles. She couldn’t stop herself from sliding her hand along his shoulders and up into the hair at his neckline. Thick and soft all at once.

He groaned and took a tendril of her hair, rubbing it between his fingers, and kissed her again. Soon her pony tail was pulled free and wild tresses cascaded around her shoulders. He tugged her head back and pressed his mouth harder against hers as if trying to bind them together.

Their kiss lingered. Her world spun at the electricity that surrounded them.

When he finally pulled away, the cold air slammed between them and emptiness knifed through her.

She looked into his eyes while her heart pounded. She fought to catch her breath while he ran his thumb down her cheek.

“I should stop.” He whispered.

“No. Not now.” She groaned. “Kiss me again.”

And he did. A kiss hard and full of passionate heat.

*****

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Writing Tips

It's amazing how many people I meet want to write a book. I say go for it. It's a lot of work. It's very time consuming. It's something you have to stick to and keep at it. For me, it's very satisfying to see it come to fruition - hold the  paperback in my hand and smile because it is something I created.

Here's a few writing tips I came up with that might help as you begin your journey as a writer. These tips might help even if you have already been writing or have become a published author.

Writing Tip from K. R. Bailey:

Use the five senses to make your writing come alive. Seems like it’s real easy to describe what the hero or heroine see, but using the other senses makes it so much better and brings your readers right into the scene.

Here is an example:

SIGHT: A beautiful lake nestled amidst tall pines.

SMELL: The pungent scent of pine is mixed with the smell of nearby campfires.

SOUND: A robin sings from the top of an aspen tree, and the buzz of honey bees fill the air as they seek the nectar of the myriad of wildflowers lining the path to the lake.

TOUCH: The air is cool and moist against our skin.

TASTE: The sweet, chocolatey crunch of smores heated on the campfire melt in our mouth.

By adding all five senses, I believe it builds a more rounded picture and it’s easy to relate to what our characters are experiencing.

Create scenes that come alive. Make your readers experience what your hero and heroine are by using all of the five senses.

Happy Reading!

 

K. R. Bailey

For more about K. R. Bailey, go to her website at:  www.KRBailey.com

Quote Of The Day

I love sayings and little quotes and I am always looking for new ones.  I found this one in an advertising magazine and loved it.

Life is a beautiful thing.
It comes with hurt, it comes with pain,
but there is always sunshine after the rain.

What do you think?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

So Many Different Ideas

Isn't it funny how one person can absolutely love a book and another person can't get into it. Doesn't like it at all. I guess that's one reason why there are so many different books written by so many different authors each with different themes, characters, ideas. I love it that we are so diversified. I love that I have so many different choices.

I'm writing this because of the new story I'm in the process of editing - The Mountain View Café. It's a story I wrote a while back. My sister loved it. Her friend Margo did too. I had a beta reader look at it and she told me it was hard to read and was probably the least favorite of the books I had written.

I smile because that's okay. I want my writing to invoke different feelings and emotions. If not, I wouldn't have done my job. Right?

I'll be anxious for you to read my book - The Mountain View Café and let me know how you like it (or not) Lol

Here's a brief blurb:

As the owner of the Mountain View Café, Franny Alexander has found a way to move on after losing her husband in the war and surviving a brutal attack. She just wants peace and to enjoy the life she’s created.

The war left Dean Bailey with terrible emotional and physical scars. He now has his own construction company and is attempting to settle into a good life.

Maggie is a lost young woman trying to find her place. An abusive relationship with a drug addict has stripped away her self-esteem. She’s full of bitterness after her mother took her away from her childhood home and had her father declared dead. Now she’s searching for a better life.

Shaun Mathews is a great psychologist who tries to be there for everyone. His life takes an unexpected turn when a young woman rushes into his office and throws him into an impossible situation.

Can these four lost souls, who have struggled to survive the pain and hurt life has thrown at them, find the happiness they are searching for at the Mountain View Café?

I'm excited to finally get this one published. I'll be anxious to hear what you think.

In the meantime, enjoy that you have so many wonderful stories to choose from. I am. I love reading, and I love reading new works by authors I haven't read before.

Take a care. Find a new author. Try out a new book! And I'll let you know when The Mountain View Café is published.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Vacations

Summer brings to mind Vacations. Time to get away from the daily grind. Unwind and enjoy your family, friends, or just take time for yourself. There are so many wonderful places to visit - the ocean, camping, fishing, riding ATVs, luxury spas and resorts, cruise ships - there's definitely something for everyone.

As I've said before, my favorite place is Yellowstone National Park. When I was a young girl, my folks took our family there each summer. There are probably still some trees in the fishing bridge area that have my initials carved in them.

As I've grown older, I've enjoyed learning more about the history of our first National Park and that includes the ghost stories that abound which gave me the idea to write one of my own.

If you haven't had the chance to read it, try it today. I've had several good reviews.

Eaton's Ghost - A Yellowstone Ghost Story

 Available in both ebook and paperbook.

Visit Yellowstone Park

Meet a couple of ghosts

Enjoy a scrumptious love story

.Take time for you. Take a vacation and get away whether its for a day or two or a week or even a month. You deserve it!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Though For The Day

I love collecting thoughts. I found this one and wanted to share!

If you don't know where you are going
How will you know when you get there?

Isn't this so true? Too many of us don't have a plan and just let life lead us to where we end up. Is that all bad? No. A lot of times we end up better off than if we had planned our life. But, that isn't always the case.

Do you have a goal? Something special you want to accomplish? A favorite place you'd like to see again? I'm sure most of you do. I do. I have found that sometimes we just need to make a plan, follow the plan, and hopefully nothing comes up to way lay us and keep us from getting to where we want to be.

So, I'm recommending that you try taking over your life - at least somewhat. I'm not saying don't be flexible because with life, if we aren't flexible we will miss a lot of things along the way. But, set your sights on something wonderful that you want. Pursue it. Work towards it, and who knows, you might find you can be in charge of your own destiny.

Another of my favorite thoughts is:

If it is to be, it's up to me.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Hello Again

Hello Again!

I'm thrilled to announce I have a couple of stories getting really close to getting published. That's always a great feat for me.

The first one is The Mountain View Café. I've been working on this story for several years now. I have to admit I keep putting it on the back burner and then keep bringing it back out. I decided it is now or never. It's a story that I started years ago when my husband and I purchased our 1955 Chevy Bel Air and went to some car shows. It was fun meeting others who enjoyed classic cars, and I think one of the funnest things is the Cruise-In where everyone drives up and down the main road to show off their cars.  It gave me the idea for this story.

What took me so long, you ask? Well, the world kept changing. When I first wrote the story I wanted it set after the Viet Nam War. Course, that was so many years ago that most don't think about it much. Now the war is in the gulf - Irag, Iran, etc, so I decided to rewrite and bring it more current.

It's getting really close to being ready to publish. I have a tentative cover made and hopefully I can finally hit the button to send it to print. Watch for it.

I'll talk about the second one in a later post.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com