"Weigh in" on Paula Deen's Type 2 Diabetes announcement

A blog post appearing on Twitter this afternoon has prompted me to post on this topic as well.  I loved Paula Deen to bits when she first came on the "cooking" scene. We've even been to her restaurant a couple of times and I wanted so badly to someday get to go to her live audience show. She began to lose appeal once she attained fame and fortune and became shrouded in a falseness that I did/do not enjoy. Her belly laughs became cackles and calling her guests, including her sons by their names or son every single time she speaks to them was also grating.
Now I have another, more serious, reason to dislike her. She was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes three years ago. Three years. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike her for this - I too have Type 2 Diabetes, diagnosed about 7 or 8 years ago. What I absolutely hate is that she waits this long to make the announcement while she gets her ducks in a row (she phrased it another way, I can't recall exactly, same diff), in other words, while she's making book deals, new television show/tour deals, and pharmaceutical company representation deals, all the while continuing to (mostly) push unhealthy cooking (there have been occasional healthy changes made to some of her recipes). I realize that most people watching realize that you have to eat that way in moderation and that common sense tells you that you cannot eat like that day in and day out.  But there are some people out there NOT intelligent or informed enough to not assume that because this is what Paula does, they'll do it to - at the risk of their health. Was this delay fair to them?  No, it wasn't.
While I'm all about celebrities and television personalities having their privacy, she has made multi-millions of dollars off her fans and I personally feel that she owed it to them to be upfront a little earlier on.
What do you think? Am I being bitchy and small?

RGINA HART WINNER!

Sorry I'm late again, ladies, but this time my internet connection is to blame. We had cable/internet issues all evening and I finally gave up.  The winner of the Kindle copy of FAST BREAK is Lynda!  Lynda, please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with the email address I should use for your ebook!
Thanks to everyone for your interest.  I truly hope you'll get your hands on Regina/Patricia's books - I promise you won't be disappointed.
Have a great weekend and if you're in a cold weather area like I am, stay warm and be careful on those snow covered roads!
Laurie

Brand spankin' new from Regina Hart - SMOOTH PLAY! Check out the giveaway!

The second release in Regina Hart's Brooklyn Monarchs series is now available and I'm suggesting that you run, don't walk, to get your hands on a copy.  This series had an excellent beginning with FAST BREAK and will continue with a third release, although I don't recall the title or proposed release date.

About SMOOTH PLAY:

A passion for the game is what it takes to win. But off the court, it takes a different kind of savvy to heat things up. . .
He's part problem-solver and dream-maker. There's not a crisis he can't avert. And handling the NBA's most explosive team has put PR ace Troy Marshall at the top of his game. It also gives him a chance to give back to the community. But one determined reporter is messing with his flow. And he'll need way more than skill and charm to win this tempting one-on-one. . .
Andrea Benson's instincts tell her that something major is going on behind-the-scenes with this franchise. And a headline story is the only way she can regain the career and good name she let slip away. But Troy's sincerity is throwing her for an unexpected--and very seductive--loop. Can they trust each other enough to uncover the truth. . .or will too many secrets be their breaking point?

My thoughts:

This book focuses on slick PR rep Troy Marshall, determined to sidestep sports reporter Andrea Benson's head-on directness and keep any and all negativity surrounding the Monarchs under wraps. Andrea proves to be strongly determined to get what she wants. It isn't long before what Troy and Andrea want goes beyond the game of basketball and the truth behind issues plaguing the team may prove too much for the relationship they both long for.

Regina Hart, aka Patricia Sargeant, obviously pours her heart and soul into each and every book she writes. Her characters are incredibly realistic and setting descriptions draw you into every conversation and scene.

Interested?  You should be! Here's a link to Amazon so you can order your own copy!
In the meantime, I'm offering up a Kindle version of the first book in this series, FAST BREAK, to get your started.  I'll keep it simple, ok? Simply leave a comment and you'll be entered.  I'll let the giveaway run until this Friday, January 13th. No superstitions here - someone will be lucky on the 13th! Remember, a Kindle is not required in order to enjoy a Kindle version of a book - check out the Amazon site for the many different ways you can enjoy a Kindle book.
Here's a blurb for FAST BREAK:
It’s 24/7 money, fame, and game on-and off-the court. But the real action is behind the scenes in Regina Hart’s sizzling new pro b-ball series, where the stakes are everything and winning means playing for keeps…
He’s a two-time MVP and three-time championship winner. He lives to be the best. And now that he’s a first-time coach, DeMarcus Guinn will lead the NBA’s worst team to the top his way-or no way at all. But the team’s fiery franchise owner, Jaclyn Jones, is fighting him at every turn. And their unexpectedly seductive one-on-one is the kind of game time he can’t resist…
Turning her family’s team into winners is Jaclyn’s only hope of saving them and her community. She’s used to being in control, but DeMarcus’ determination-and the way he makes her feel-are like no moves she’s ever seen. And with everything they care about on the line, they’ll have to play to win … or lose their hearts.
Huge thanks to Regina/Patricia for allowing me an early look at SMOOTH PLAY - I hope you'll all check out this wonderfully talented author!
Laurie

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, ladies!  I hope you're all blessed with a healthy, happy New Year!  Please be careful if you're out and about - make sure you have a designated driver! 

We're going to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena, so I know we'll have a good time.  I wish they were having a better season, but no fair weather fans here - we love them anyway! 

Laurie

New Years Eve, 1951

Those of you on Facebook already saw this pic, but I wanted to share it here too.  This has long been one of my favorite photos. These are my parents on December 31, 1951, the night they were engaged. They married on December 27, 1952.  My father died at 49 in 1978, cutting short one of the most perfect marriages ever.  My mother is almost 82 and still alone after all these years.

I know that there isn't a New Year's Eve that my mother doesn't reminisce about that special day in 1951.

I hope you all have a great celebration of the incoming new year!

Jill's winner!

Angie-la!  Please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with the email address you'd like Jill to use for your Kindle copy of HEAD OVER HEELS.  If I don't hear from Angie-la by Monday, I'll draw a new winner.
Thanks to all who took the time to comment - and special thanks to Jill for the giveaway!
I hope you all have a great holiday weekend - Happy New Year!
Laurie

The latest from Jill Shalvis - she's giving away a Kindle copy!

Hey ladies, did you know that Jill Shalvis has a new release? HEAD OVER HEELS continues her very popular Lucky Harbor series and is an adorable, warmhearted romance.  On Monday, Jill wil be offering a Kindle copy for one commenter here. If you'd like in on the draw, just leave a comment. I always like to hear what your favorite books are and with the wide variety of books that Jill has written, I'm curious as to your favorites.  My favorite remains SERVING UP TROUBLE, an oldie but goodie that I have reread several times.
You'll find an excerpt and ordering information for HEAD OVER HEELS on Jill's site.  This is an oh so sweet love story and I hope you'll all check it out!
Thanks for stopping by - be sure to stop back on Monday and leave your comments!
Laurie

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all the warmest, merriest, most blessed Christmas ever!  I hope everyone has plans for cozy gatherings with family and friends.  My sympathies for those who have to work.  Although seriously, in this job market you have to be thankful if you have a job.

Be sure to stop back Monday for a chance at a Kindle version from Jill Shalvis of her latest release in the Lucky Harbor series, HEAD OVER HEELS! Remember, you don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books - they offer several alternatives, I'll bet there's at least one that will work for you!

Bless you all,

Laurie





The winners - with my apologies

I'm so sorry for the ridiculously loooong delay in announcing the winners, ladies.  Like everyone else this time of year, I've been bombarded with holiday and work stuff. 

The winner of the Kindle version of SEAL OF MY DREAMS is Megan B.  The winner of the print version is Judy F.  I'll be contacting both of them by email in just a bit.

Thank you all for stopping and for your great comments.  I absolutely love romantic suspense and hope to share some chatter about some of my favorite RS authors with you - and hear about yours too!

I've not forgotten!

Hey ladies,
I haven't forgotten about the draw, I promise! I'm having serious computer issues and am posting this in the few minutes my computer will cooperate. Have been too swamped at work and haven't had time, but tomorrow should be fairly calm and I will announce the two winners, likely in the afternoon.  Thanks for your patience.
Laurie
xo