Shadow Dance by Susan Andersen
What Lurks in the Dark Shadows of the Heart?
Most men who see Amanda Charles dance worship her from afar. But one “admirer” is getting too close to the glamorous showgirl…perilously close.The looks, style, and grace that make Amanda sparkle on stage have now made her something else: the target of a serial killer.
Detective Tristan MacLaughlin has drawn the case that is pulling him deep into a world of pageantry and dazzle, and closer to the stunning, violet-eyed beauty who keeps her secrets and emotions locked tightly inside. Tristan never thought he’d be bewitched by Amanda’s charms, never though he’d care. And he never imagined that by wanting her, by trying to protect her, he’d place her in the gravest danger of all.
My Thoughts: I have never read anything written by Susan Andersen before. I thought Shadow Dance was a great story, with fun interesting characters. I really enjoyed Detective Tristan MacLaughlin. I found this book didn’t have alot of action, there was not any really huge surprises, but I enjoyed the characters so much that I had a hard time putting it down. I’m only giving this book 4 stars because it could have been better, with more police work, more details with the crime scenes, and a few chapters from the killers point of view.
Rating: 
I was looking at the calendar today, and I can’t believe November is almost over with. Where has the fall gone? The holidays are fast approaching. I don’t know about anyone else, but the next 2 months will be a very busy time around my place.
Living in Ontario, we were lucky last year when we got no snow until the first week in January. That made the winter go by quickly. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the same thing will happen this year. Over the years I’ve come to hate winter. I know…I need to wake up and smell the coffeee. I live in Canada afterall. I am finding as I age, I just can’t tolerate the cold like I used to. I’m famous for shutting myself inside, by the fire with a good book. So if you are like me, and suffer from the winter blues, you might as well join the Winter Blues 2008 Reading Challenge. You’ll be inside, where it’s nice and warm. And you can get some of those books read that you have sitting around staring at you.
Here is how the Winter Blues 2008 Reading challenge works:
- Anyone who can read and is over 18 years of age can participate. The age limit is set because some of the books and book reviews might have content not suited for younger readers.
- This challenge is meant to be fun! It is no pressure involved. If you don’t get all the books on your list read, no biggie!
- The Winter Blues 2008 Reading Challenge will take place January 1st through March 15th.
- I’ll put up a Mr. Linky on January 1st where everyone can submit a link to their own blog post with their Winter Blues 2008 booklist. Your blog post should include your goals, your booklist and a link back to the post here that contains the Mr. Linky.
It’s as simple as that!
Be sure to let your blog readers know about Winter Blues 2008 so that they, too, can take part. The more the merrier! Feel free to grab the button from this post and use it on your blog.
Prizes: I’ll be awarding 2 $10 Amazon.com gift cards to 2 random participants on March 22nd 2008 (after the challenge is complete). To be eligible for the prizes, you’ll need to: post your Winter Blues 2008 booklist blog post (and add it to the Mr. Linky that will be here) by midnight on January 30th AND post a summary blog post (and add it to the WB 2008 Summary post Mr. Linky that will be on this blog) by midnight on March 22nd 2008. I’ll choose two people at random, as the winners. **NOTE: The challenge officially ends March 15th. But, I am giving everyone one week after the challenge to post their summary blog posts. I will also be raffling off some books over the course of the challenge.
If anyone has any questions you can post a comment below, or email me at crystal@ccbookreviews.com
So, start thinking about your booklists. I’ve already started mine.
As a reader, I can’t even begin to imagine the time and energy it takes to research, well writing a book. Robyn was happy to give us some insight on her research process. Thanks, Robyn. 
First of all, I chose the area after seeing it for the first time years ago, before writing the Grace Valley series. I was visiting there and just fell in love with northern CA. So — first of all I soaked up the atmosphere of Mendocino County. Next I decided to put Virgin River further north in the mountains.
The first thing I did was construct the plot and develop the characters. For that I needed to interview a couple of marines. In developing Mel Sheridan, I ran questions by a nurse practitioner who specialized in womens health. Before I was through the first book, I found a nurse midwife as a consultant and she pored over all the books, correcting my clinical facts. She didn’t stop there — she had comments about characterization. She’d say things like, “She wouldn’t say that to a patient.” In addition, my son is an orthopedic surgeon in the army and many of his patients are soldiers, some who have returned from war with injuries and disabilities. He came in REAL handy!
Then it was time to take another trip to N CA — this time focusing on Humboldt County. It was much more rural and rugged in the mountains than I imagined and set off a LOT of revising. While there I visited the local police departments. I lucked out and struck up a friendship with the chief of one small department — and he turned out to be a hunter, fisherman and firearms expert as well, thus covering other areas of expertise. He fixed me up with a sheriff’s deputy who specialized in the illigal marijuana trade in the county. And, he also introduced me to the local fire chief. Not only do I interview these people on all sorts of subjects, but then when the book is in it’s final stages I can email with questions and even ask them to read portions to see if the detail is correct.
I put a LOT of energy into making sure everything is correct, and still will make mistakes!
After completing the first 3 novels in the Virgin River Trilogy, I had a few questions to ask Robyn Carr. She was more then happy to answer them for me. Robyn will be dropping in, later today to answer any other reader questions. Without further delay, here are the questions I asked Robyn Carr.
How did you get into writing?
When I was a young bride, starting the family, I read constantly. It was clearly my escape while my husband, an AF helicopter pilot, was flying/working. And then about the time my second child was born, I thought — what if I tried to write one of these? That was a long time ago and since I had cut my teeth on Anya Seton and Kathleen Woodiweiss, I leaned toward the historical romance genre. My 3rd completed novel sold to Little, Brown & Co. and my next 8 were published by them in hardcover. By Right of Arms, published in ‘86, won the Rita.
What did you do before you became a writer?
Right out of high school, I went to nursing college. But, that was the beginning and end of my nursing career — as I followed my pilot husband from AF base to AF base. Still and obviously, it’s always remained an interest of mine.
What do you love and hate about writing?
Sometimes they’re the same things! I love the creating process; I hate feeling like my last good idea has come and gone. That never lasts, of course — feeling like I’ll never have a good idea again — but at the moment my mind is blank, it feels like it could be forever.
For me, nothing compares to the actual writing process — dreaming up the characters and events that shape their lives. I like to start on page one with a small idea, a couple of characters, and fly by the seat of my pants, creating as I go. When I get into that ZONE, where it’s just flowing almost faster than I can type, I resent it if I have to stop for any reason. I love looking at my calendar and seeing a whole week blank — which means it’s completely dedicated to writing. It’s like a fantasy life — and I adore it. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone — I’m having so much fun. There is no better place to go every morning than Virgin River, hanging out with all those sweet hunks and their incredible women. I’ve been known to hang out other places, too — with groups of women who are friends or sisters, working out their issues.
Is the town of Virgin River real or fictional?
My Virgin River in the redwoods is entirely fictional, however there are Virgin Rivers all over the United States — I was amazed by how many. I was simply drawn to the name, that’s all. And, I thought it was such a great name for a town in which the birth rate is on the constant rise. There are very few virgins left in Virgin River by now.
More seriously — I spent a lot of time researching in Humboldt County and there are lots of little towns and beautiful rivers back in those mountains. But — no one town served as a model.
What female character from Virgin River are you most like?
I’m missing a great opportunity here, to claim I’m like my favorite female character Mel Sheridan. But, like the wonderful men in these stories, the women are also idealized. That’s the wonder and beauty of fiction — we can create characters we admire, characters so wonderful we want to be like them. They’re powerful role models, even their flaws are charming.
I should say something about Mel’s character here. She might have been invented by me, but I have 3 wonderful friends who shaped her into who she is. I have two best friends — Kate, a psychologist and Sharon, a nurse practitioner. In addition there is Pam, my midwife consultant, to whom I’ve become very close. (Pam, in addition to being a midwife, is an expert in teenage sexual abuse and assault.) I had the flesh and bones of Mel constructed, but between them, her personality shifted and took shape when someone said, “She wouldn’t say that to her patient.” Or, “She would talk to either Paige or Preacher about the PTSD experienced by victims of domestic violence.” Or, “I was astonished to see the parents of a deceased infant who was not in good condition hold him, touch him, kiss him and love him as though he was perfect.” These 3 women influence my work in ways you cannot imagine. Their experience combined with their compassion made Mel an amazing woman on all fronts. And, again ideally, this is what women should look for in a practitioner.
It’s my understanding you are going to write 4 more Virgin River novels. Any chance, in the near future of you moving away from the series and writing an independent novel, or perhaps another series?
I have already completed 2 novels about women in relationships with women, much like The House On Olive Street, but I think, even better. I think these were called girlfriend books at one time — women helping women get through the tough spots in life. I love both the small town books that focus on romance with a dash of adventure and these girlfriend books that bring our everyday issues and struggles into specific relief.
Virgin River, being a town to which people can come and go, to which characters can leave and new ones arrive, can go on for a long time. But it is also possible to create new towns, new stories, new characters. My slate, when it becomes blank, holds many many possibilities. But in the near future — we are up to our eyeballs in Virgin River novels. I’ve just been so happy to see that some of my readers who have discovered my books through Virgin River have really enjoyed the women’s fiction like the House on Olive Street. That means it’s very possible to do both types.
Who are some of your favourite authors?
I have always enjoyed reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips, a friend, and Debbie Macomber, also a friend. I’ve lately discovered the world of vampires, which until a few months ago I would NEVER read, and have been kept up late at night by JR Ward and Stephanie Meyer. In fact, I reviewed their most recent books on a new site — www.writersarereaders.com And I read some Jessica Bird, Carly Phillips and lately, Christina Dodd. I’ve just been introduced to Colleen Gleason and Kate Douglas — both very excellent writers.
What advice would you give to the youth of today who are thinking of choosing writing as a career?
This is almost too easy. Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Consider the time put into learning to write equal to the time put into getting a degree — it takes time and study and practice. It isn’t about writing one book, it’s about becoming a writer and the second and third projects will be better than the first. So — finish, then start something new and grow. Most important — learn to appreciate critique. Not every ounce of feedback will work, but no matter how big and important you get, you will be asked to revise. Make revision your best friend, your best opportunity to make a good book better. Listen and learn. Focus on the story at hand and whether the suggestion can make it better. Divorce the story from your ego. Or maybe I should say the ego of your creation. Listen to the feedback with an open mind; the most important thing is what works for the story. Use it! Take advantage of every thought you get from a reader.
I have been waiting for this day to come for many weeks. Author, Robyn Carr is with us today! 
She will be available later today to answer any questions anyone has for her.
For those of you who don’t know who Robyn Carr is, or you’ve never read any of her books…come on! Where the heck have you been? 
I recommend reading the Virgin River Series. I promise, you will like it. I have read the first 3 books in the series, and here is what I thought: Virgin River, Shelter Mountain and Whispering Rock. The best news of all. There are 4 more novels planned for the series. So it’s far from over!
For more information about Virgin River and other books written by Robyn Carr, Check out Robyn’s website. Well visiting Robyn’s website be sure to sign-up for the contest that is going on right now. You could win a signed copy of the Virgin River Trilogy.
Thanks a bunch for being with us today, Robyn.
What is everyone reading this week?
I just finished: Cover of Night by Linda Howard. I had a few issues with the book. If any readers out there read the book and enjoyed it, let me know.
I am currently reading: Summer By The Sea by Susan Wiggs. I have read a few of her books over the years and enjoyed most of them. I also have started Lisa Kleypas’s, Secrets of a Summer Night. I thought it was about time I read something by Lisa. I’ve had her books in my 2-be-read pile for a long time.
Next, I am going to read: Cross My Heart by Carly Phillips. Ms. Phillips is also another author I’ve yet to read anything by.
So what is everyone else reading right now? Any good recommendations?
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
In the charming rural town of Trail Stop, Idaho, accessible to the outside world by only a single road, young widow Cate Nightingale lives peacefully with her four-year-old twin boys, running a bed-and-breakfast. Though the overnight guests are few and far between - occasional hunters and lake fishermen - Cate always manages to make ends meet with the help of the local jack-of-all-trades, Calvin Harris, who can handle everything from carpentry to plumbing. But Calvin is not what he seems, and Cate’s luck is about to run out.
One morning, the B&B’s only guest inexplicably vanishes, leaving behind his personal effects. A few days later Cate is shocked when armed men storm the house, demanding the mystery man’s belongings. Fearing for her children’s lives, Cate agrees to cooperate - until Calvin saves the day, forcing the intruders to scatter into the surrounding woods.
The nightmare, however, is just beginning. Cate, Calvin, and their entire community find themselves cut off and alone with no means to call for help as the threat gathers intensity and first blood is drawn.
With their fellow residents trapped and the entire town held hostage, Cate and Calvin have no choice but to take the fight to their enemies under the cover of night. While reticent Cal becomes a fearless protector, Cate makes the most daring move of her life… into the very heart of danger.
My Thoughts: Romance takes a back seat to suspense in Linda Howard’s, Cover of Night.
I have a lot of mixed feelings with this book. I’ll start with what I liked. The characters were great. They were well developed, especially Cate and her twins - some scenes with the twins were pretty funny. I enjoyed reading about the small town life in ‘Trail Stop, Idaho’ - what kind of name is ‘Trail Stop’? And that about covers what I liked.
Dislikes. The uneventful, first 80 or so pages. I didn’t need to read 80 pages of character development, or wait that long - sitting in my comfy chair, scratching my palms wondering when something is actually going to happen… you know something is brewing, but what? Also in the 80 pages of fluff there was hardly any interaction between Cate and Cal. There only love scene lasted about a page, maybe a page and a half. Their relationship was really forced. Sure, Cal had been in love with Cate for 3 years already, but Cate lost her husband and never even noticed Cal until way past the half-way point of the book. I think I’ll just stop well I’m ahead.
I have read far worse books over the years. Once you get by the first 80 pages and the plot does pick up, the book is hard to put down. Afterall it is a suspense novel, not a romance novel.
Rating: 
In Plain Sight by Tara Taylor Quinn
On the outside, Arizona chief prosecutor Janet McNeil is the epitome of a driven, daring attorney who lives life by her own rules. But inside, her world is in chaos. Terrifying nightmares keep her in a constant state of anxiety. Yet saving face is imperative now that she’s prosecuting a member of a white supremacy organization, a killer who wouldn’t think twice about using his twisted followers to silence Janet for good.
Neighbor Simon Green is the only person who isn’t begging her to quit the case. Simon, an ex-police officer with dark secrets of his own, understands how vital it is to obliterate violence and hate. But when one word from the most unlikely source threatens to change their lives forever, Janet must decide what risks she’s willing to take.
My Thoughts: Well surfing around a few weeks ago, I came across Tara Taylor Quinn’s latest novel Behind Closed Doors. I thought the plot summary sounded great, so I added it to my wishlist. I then paid a visit to Tara’s website to see what other books she’s written. I ended up purchasing In Plain Sight as well.
This was the first time for me reading anything by Tara Taylor Quinn. I was a little unsure of what to expect. Thank God I didn’t have my hopes up too high. In Plain Sight was boring. Everything about it was boring. From the none eventful plot, to the lifeless characters - who had nothing better to do then look out the window, go to work, pick up their mail and take out their garbage. It was taking me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to read this book, so last night I just sat down, and thought, just read it and get it over with. I sure hope Behind Closed Doors is a better book.
Rating: 
BWW (Book Watch Wednesday) for November 14th, 2007 is the latest book from author E.C. Sheedy, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.
FEAR. She knew him only as the dark-eyed man, the one who put her in that dank basement. She was only nine years old when she stared into those eyes and understood that something unspeakable lived in them. Though she was saved at the last minute by an unlikely ally, she’s never forgotten that fear. And fear has not forgotten her.
NEVER. Now the woman who rescued April from that living hell long ago has disappeared, and it’s no accident. Whoever came after her wants April-dead. April has one chance to save her guardian angel before it’s too late. But to do that, she’ll have to break the promise she swore she never would and contact the one man she knows she shouldn’t.
DIES. Joe Worth’s horoscope said he was in for trouble, but the woman sitting in his office is the kind of trouble any guy would welcome-mile-long legs, blond hair, gorgeous face. She’s also scared. Very scared. Protecting people is Joe’s business, but this time it’s also personal: the woman April wants him to find is the mother who abandoned him. He can only say yes, and that could cost him. A stone-cold killer is out for vengeance-a man who will do anything to keep his dark, twisted past behind him. Anything.
Last Kiss Goodbye by Rita Herron
Fearful yet determined, Ivy Stanton returns to the small Appalachian town she left fifteen years ago…the night her parents were murdered. But in coming home to Kudzu Hollow, she discovers she is not alone in her search for the truth: Matt Mahoney, the man who saved her life, who haunts her dreams, who was wrongfully accused of the crime, has come back, too, demanding answers — and justice.
When Matt looks into Ivy’s eyes, he sees a woman whose pain mirrors his own. The feelings she stirs within him promise a life he never thought he’d have. But evil still resides in this sleepy mountain town, as do secrets worth killing for. Now danger stalks them both, and Matt is fighting for more than vengeance…he’s fighting for their future.
My Thoughts: After reading A Breath Away, which I did enjoy, I picked up Last Kiss Goodbye. I was really pleased. I thought the characters were great. The story was a riveting mystery, with a touch of romance and some paranormal elements. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Herron.
Rating: 
