July Check-in and Partial Summer 2021 Flashback Newsletter
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Hi, readers! I hope that you all are doing well, and that you’re at least trying to enjoy the summer, hmm? 😉
Wow, I can’t believe it’s already mid-July! How did that happen? I know I promised to check in with you in early June, but life sort of got away from me, or this edition would’ve been much earlier.
In any case, today’s newsletter will provide updates about events you may have missed since the previous notice, and some information to look forward to. Brace yourself for a few surprises!
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Updates
The blog and event news portion of this newsletter will be brief. I just wanted to provide an update since I haven’t posted here in a while. So, let’s start where we last left off.
On June 18th, Max Jones visited the MLB blog and offered his take on how to organically increase site traffic via an intriguing guest post on there. And in the first week of May, Desiree Villena, from Reedsy, wrote an article for Writing in the Modern Age, providing some tips on ways that writing a blog post can improve fiction writing.
Just as a note, my blog policies have changed, and I’ll start charging for some services in September. So, if you were a guest in the past, you can look over these pages:
https://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/blog-policy/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
However, I will never charge a fee for real articles, notices about blog tours from official promoters, or special events which I personally organize. The same can’t be said for various interviews, book spotlights, or cover reveals, et cetera. These take more time and energy to post and spread the word, and I’ve had to start valuing myself more to accommodate for that. Although, despite the work involved in the big events, I will not charge for giveaways which I host, as authors are already providing donations. But if you want me to run an individual giveaway posted on my blog and promoted across social media, that will cost extra. Believe me, I am asking for way less than I’ve witnessed at the blogs of my contemporaries; thus, I have done my best to offer competitive prices.
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Book News
Let’s shift to some info about my books…
Phenomenal Touch, a supernatural romance starter series collection and boxed set, released back in February of this year.
And in case you’ve been out of the loop due to the Coronavirus (after all, who wasn’t?), 2020 was a busy time for publishing my books. Several second editions, complete with new covers, came out – UYR, The Missing Piece, Magick & Moonlight, and Second Nature – as well as a new rom com novel, Chasing Ginger.
   
I haven’t been able to work on First Target, my romantic mystery collection, for a while.
Everything over here has been hectic. Sometimes when I go away for a weekend or a week in the summer, I can manage to get some writing time in. But last month, we got rained out at the lake where we were staying. Needless to say, it was quite a downer. At the end of this week, however, we’re heading back. I am hoping for sunny days so we can spend some time on the lake, perhaps swimming or kayaking. Or even venturing around town. Anything to feed my creativity, am I right? 😉
In other news, I heard from my publisher lately, and it looks like UYH is next up on the roster for them to work on. Yay! So, hopefully I will have a release date for you soon with regards to the sequel to Upon Your Return. I’m excited to give you back some access to that historical romance novel! Plus, Foundations really does put out some stunning book covers! ♥ I don’t have that one yet on hand to tease you with, but I’m set to hear something from the cover artist shortly.
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Upcoming Events for Marie
Not much big to mention right now, except for one event which is happening in late 2021.
July 21st – Jade Langston’s guest article on I Love Romance Blog.
July 26th – return to work on romantic mystery collection, First Target.
September 6th – guest spots on most blogs resume.
As always, to stay apprised of the latest events, please refer to the ‘Updates/News’ section of my author website. I keep it updated. Or just simply make sure that my newsletters don’t end up in your junk mail or spam folder! If you’re ever at a loss, search for the word ‘Flashback’, and you should be able to find one of the archived copies of my newsletter. For future reference, you can also visit this page here to check back through former editions.
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Bizarre & Unusual
If you’ve followed my newsletters thus far, then you know it’s my habit to include a bizarre or unique holiday for the month. Below are some that stood out to me for August. Perhaps a few will catch your eye as well…
Daily Bizarre and Unique Calendar Holidays - August 2021
Month:
- Admit You're Happy Month
- Family Fun Month
- Dog Days of Summer - July 3 - August 11
- International Pirate Month
- National Catfish Month
- National Eye Exam Month
- National Golf Month
- National Picnic Month
- Peach Month
- Romance Awareness Month
- Water Quality Month
Weekly Events:
- International Clown Week - always August 1-7
- Week 1 National Simplify your Life Week
- Week 2 National Smile Week
- Week 3 Friendship Week
- Week 4 Be Kind to Humankind Week
August, 2021 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
August 1
Friendship Day - First Sunday in August
International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August
National Girlfriends Day
National Mahjong Day
National Mountain Climbing Day
National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
Sisters Day - First Sunday in August
August 2
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 3
Grab Some Nuts Day
National Watermelon Day
August 4
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
U.S. Coast Guard Day
August 5
National Oyster Day
Work Like a Dog Day
August 6
National Fresh Breath Day
Wiggle Your Toes Day
August 7
Campfire Day - First Saturday in August
International Beer Day - First Friday in August
National Clown Day - Saturday during International Clown Week
International Hangover Day - First Saturday in August
National Lighthouse Day
August 8
International Cat Day
Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day – Why?
Middle Child's Day - second Saturday in August
August 9
Book Lover's Day
August 10
Lazy Day
National S'mores Day
August 11
Son and Daughter Day
August 12
Annual Perseid Meteor Shower - Peak Night - peak date varies slightly
World Elephant Day
August 13
Blame Someone Else Day - first Friday the 13th of the year.
Friday the 13th
Left Hander's Day
National Kool-Aid Day - second Friday in August
August 14
Chinese Valentine's Day/Daughter's Day - 7th day of 7th Lunar Month
National Creamsicle Day
14/15 V-J Day - Which date do you celebrate as the end of WWII?
August 15
Relaxation Day - Now this one's for me! Who couldn’t use stress relief?
August 16
National Tell a Joke Day
August 17
National Thriftshop Day
August 18
Bad Poetry Day
August 19
Aviation Day
National Potato Day
August 20
National Radio Day
World Mosquito Day
August 21
National Honeybee Awareness Day - Third Saturday
National Spumoni Day
August 22
Be an Angel Day
National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or February 28
August 23
Ride the Wind Day
August 24
Iconic American Restaurants Day
Vesuvius Day
August 25
Kiss and Make Up Day
National Banana Split Day
August 26
National Dog Day
Women's Equality Day
August 27
Just Because Day
August 28
Race Your Mouse Day
Stuffed Green Bell Peppers Day
World Daffodil Day - date varies
August 29
International Bat Night
More Herbs, Less Salt Day
August 30
Frankenstein Day
Toasted Marshmallow Day
August 31
National Eat Outside Day
National Trail Mix Day
There are so many to choose from! For this round, I think I’ll pick three and merge them together - Book Lover's Day, Lazy Day, and Relaxation Day. How often do you just get to take it easy, and try to read for entertainment these days? And why not take advantage of the summer while we still have it, hmm?
So, grab a lawn chair or go jump in your hammock, and grab a title from your reading list. Personally, I’m a fan of paperbacks, but use your e-reader if you like. Delve into the wonderful world of fiction, unless informative works are more your style. Enjoy your day and spend several hours whiling away your time, just reading. What could be better than that for a true book lover’s plan? 😉
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Miscellaneous Book Releases and Freebies
In other news, here are some special recent releases from my author pals!
#1 – SEX LUST LOVE HATE: An Enemies-to-Lovers Office Romance Standalone by Mika Jolie
BLURB
Jagger Crane and I are straight up enemies.
She’s a party girl.
He’s the definition of uptight.
She’s the only person standing between me and my dream job.
He thinks because he has a d!ck, he can do the job better than me.
Somehow we’re stuck sharing a room.
He’s the last guy I want to wake up next to.
She’s a prima donna, reckless, yet oh-so-tempting.
One accidental touch and my body jerks with hypocrisy, toe-curling, mind-blowing, sheet grabbing hypocrisy.
It turns out, I want more than one-night with her—I want her.
I don’t do relationships. But these pesky feelings are getting in the way.
Genre: Romantic Comedy Novella
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/3JZKjA
#2 – 330 Love Ln. (A Cherry Falls Romance Book 13) by Mika Jolie
BLURB
A singer with a dream. A musician with a secret. A truth that could ruin them…
As much as I might love being on stage, my real future lies elsewhere.
Cherry Falls only has so much to offer.
I need to go somewhere I can finally make it big as a song writer.
But the beautiful brunette with the striking green eyes makes me rethink my rush to flee this tiny town.
She’s everything I always wanted with the voice of an angel.
And once I’ve tasted her, there’s no going back.
Millie is an addiction I can’t shake.
Nor do I want to.
I’ve finally found the light and love I’ve always needed in my life.
Only once she learns the ugly truth…
I may lose her anyway.
Our pasts are entwined.
Our paths crossed long before we ever met.
And it could spell the end to our future.
The cherry on top? Each book delivers a swoon-worthy, sexy romance!
So welcome to Cherry Falls, we hope you stay awhile!
Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/bxagnD
#3 – Take Me to the River by Kaci Rose
BLURB
What's a girl to do when she finds a sexy giant bathing in the river?
Emelie
Who leaves their girlfriend in the woods after a fight?
My now EX-boyfriend that’s who. One fight, okay a BIG fight because I found out he was cheating on me while we were camping and poof! He left me in the words.
So, I start walking to town, only I get turned around end up at the river where I meet Axel. This guy is HUGE.
With a storm rolling in I don’t have much choice but to trust him and take shelter in his cabin since I’ve been walking for hours AWAY from town.
Several days of rain wash out the road and it looks like I’m stuck here with my giant. Only he’s nothing like I thought he’d be. He’s quiet, watchful, smart, and funny.
Axel
I’ve lived alone for years and I’ve been okay with that until one day she finds me bathing at the river.
She is small, cute, and talks a lot. I find I don’t mind it.
When the storm washes out the only road into town and she is stranded with me a while longer only I am grateful for more time with her.
I like her in my space, I like showing her what I do, and how I survive out here. I like her in my bed.
After years of living alone, I find little appeal in it anymore.
When her ex-boyfriend shows up at my door can I convince her to stay?
Can I ask her to give up a life in town for one out here in the mountains with me?
This is a Steamy, Gentle Giant, Mountain Man Romance. No Cliffhangers.
As always there is a satisfying Happy Ever After.
If you love steamy romances with hot love scenes, mountains, rivers, and mountain men, then this one is for you.
Genre: Steamy Mountain Man Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/TakeMeToTheRiver2
#4 – The Cowboy and His Angel by Kaci Rose
BLURB
Two Rock Springs hearts driven by a higher calling...
Abby
After the death of my parents, I made it my mission to honor their memory by living the life they would have wanted for me. Helping others. Pursuing my career goal of becoming a midwife. Settling down with a nice guy. Unfortunately, as much as my parents would love the guy I’m currently dating, I feel exactly zero chemistry with him. To distract myself from that headache, I’ve opted to visit some freinds in Rock Springs and help out with the church’s annual carnival. Pastor Greg is as cute as they come, but a man of God seems off limits for dating prospects...
Greg
Knowing I’m single has prompted every member of my congregation to try and set me up with any and all available ladies they know. It had become common practice for me to politely decline, and suggest they invite them to attend service instead. Yet when Abby volunteered to help with the carnival arrangements she instantly caught my eye. I didn’t intend to kiss her on top of the Ferris Wheel, but the moment seemed right.
Confused by her own feelings, Abby bolted. Can I convince her to follow her heart? Or will she choose the path she believes would have made her parents happy?
Come meet the small town of Rock Springs Texas with a family that has your back, a town that knows your business, and men who love with everything they have.
--
This is a Steamy, Small Town, Cowboy Romance. No Cliffhangers.
This is Book 9 in the Rock Springs Texas Series.
As always there is a satisfying Happy Ever After.
If you love steamy romances with insta love, hot love scenes, small towns, and cowboys, then this one is for you.
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance, New Adult Romance, Steamy Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6vQKM
#5 – Saving Easton: A Brother's Best Friend
Romance by Kaci Rose
BLURB
Can love free the heart of a former prisoner of war?
Easton
My time as a POW left emotional scars that cut far deeper than any physical ones. I can’t stand to be touched. I am plagued by horrid nightmares. I knew therapy was my only option, but I didn’t realize it was fate leading me there... until I saw Paisley. As the sister of my best friend, I’ve had a crush on her for years. If anything can crack through the darkness rooted within me, it’s the warmth of her beauty.
Paisley
I didn’t know Easton joined the military until the day he walked into Oakside where I work. With therapy dogs and a delicate touch, I’ve helped countless veterans. Never one this close to my heart. Easton isn’t the boy I once knew anymore. All he’s endured has made him retreat inside himself. Can I help him coax him back out into the light? Or will some part of him forever be a prisoner to his pain?
This is a Steamy, Small Town, Military Romance. No Cliffhangers.
This is Book 2 in the Oakside Military Heroes Series.
Genre: Steamy Military Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/Saving-Easton
#6 – Shadowed Footsteps: The Twisted Deception Suspense/Thriller/Mystery Series Book 2 by Maggie Thom
BLURB
Lana has found her child’s father. She thinks. But he’s homeless. Or is he? Unsure what to do, she finds herself sneaking around, snooping, dressing up in disguise. Something she would never normally do. All to find answers. But then she discovers her mom is not only acting weird and secretive, but she is being followed.
Jordie has been running and lying his whole life. But now he is using his skills for one thing, to take down the notorious Joe Brown. His father. But he can’t do it alone. The last attempt almost got him killed.
Lana forces Jordie to work with her, partly because she needs his investigative and connected skills but also, she needs to know who he is. And if she should let him into his daughter’s life. Is he sane? Or is he crazy? Is he dangerous? To protect her daughter, she will take any risk.
Sheila grew up in a Foster Home run by Mrs. Stephanos. Now, thirty-five years later, the bauble that she used to play with as a child, has arrived at her home. And it is worth over a million dollars. She is the second of the foster sisters to receive her jewelry. But who is sending them out? And what is their end game?
Genre: Crime Thriller
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/3keZAO
#7 – The Sculptor by Michael Aronovitz
BLURB
"The Sculptor is one of the most grimly terrifying serial killers in recent literature.”—Horror scholar and editor ST Joshi
At age seven, Michael Leonard Robinson commits his first murder, turning tragedy into an aesthetic. By the time he turns eighteen, he has become an expert with computers, gaming systems, and the art of video imaging. And now in his forties, fully realized, he has long erased his digital footprint. He is thirty years ahead of our most advanced scientists, military ops tacticians, and elite information tech specialists. He is a master of disguise. He can invent projected realities.
Of course, Michael Leonard Robinson could work his dark vision on a global scale, yet he doesn’t need “the world” for a fetishistic thrill, just a police captain, his receptionist, a detective, a rookie junior officer, his sister and mother, and a lot of dark theater.
Robinson appears to these characters in disguise, film clips, and flashes as he torments them. Their multiple viewpoints are puzzle pieces.
When they fuse to finish the puzzle, the final sculpture becomes clear.
Genre: Horror
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/bOJrX9
#8 – Bishop: MC Romance Age Gap (Wicked Kings MC Miami Book 1) by Autumn Summers
BLURB
The fate of the Outlaws of Chaos has changed forever! A new MC, a new President and a new love, all unexpectedly stemming from a twisted turn of events.
Bishop:
The whole MC got flipped upside down within a split second!
With all the blood spilled, things will never be the same.
Now more than ever, I need to do what's best for the club and best for my brother.
I wish he was here to help me run this club, my right-hand man since as far back as I can remember, and now he's gone!
It's gonna be tough on me, but it's gonna be even tougher on his kid sister.
He would want me to take care of her, the same way he'd take care of her.
But, I want something more from her…and I'm sure it'll make him turn in his grave.
But I can't help myself...
Shelly:
He's the only family I had, and now he's gone.
I feel so alone.
I thought Bishop would be there for me, and he's trying to, but I don't think I can forgive him for what he did to my brother!
He said he did it to protect the MC, and I get it. But I don’t know if I can let it go.
Even though I’ve had a crush on him since I was just a little girl, this is a side of him I’ve never seen.
He wants me and he’s going to take me.
The things he wants to do to me, I never could have imagined...
This is Age Gap Motorcycle Romance is the first book in the Wicked Kings MC Miami series. ONE-CLICK now to come along for this fast, twisted action-packed ride, that will leave you breathless.
Genre: Biker Romance, Age Gap
Universal Reader Link: http://readerlinks.com/l/1874045
More discounts and new releases:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097JK8KCP?tag=books2read02-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091PNQRQ8?tag=authorsxp-20
https://barbi-cox.aweb.page/p/7fb6a439-e19c-419a-aa18-f565653054fe
https://www.amazon.com/His-Heart-Steamy-Romance-Billionaires-ebook/dp/B07XC4Q69N
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S2Q6R19
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RFPSN9F
https://www.amazon.com/Babies-Mountain-Men-Secret-Romance-ebook/dp/B07QSWDPR6
https://www.amazon.com/Impure-Dads-Firefighter-Best-Friend-ebook/dp/B07HRXFL87
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSHPBGH?tag=authorsxp-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0997P2F8S/?tag=azondh-21
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085Q51PLS?_bbid=19031821&tag=socialdealalert-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y6RC1SC?_bbid=19031071&tag=socialdealalert-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0947DNZ7D?tag=bookbubadlinkus-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L5XTSTQ?_bbid=17503347&tag=bookbubnremail-20
https://books2read.com/7-5-21-email-new-release
https://books2read.com/july5themail
https://books2read.com/u/38dDZB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0999BJNLP/?tag=excit0f-20
Also, below you will find links to get free reads and other cool prizes. Some giveaways may or may not work. Please pay attention to the expiration dates on each offer, as I can never tell how early you’ll open this email.
https://books2read.com/u/b5oO5A
https://books.bookfunnel.com/herhearttruedesires/p1tfn4y1j4
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/598xh6p8mx
https://steamybookbargains.com/category/daily-deals/
https://authorsxp.com/win-books/giveaway
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086SN6KB7?tag=
https://fictionobsessed.com/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKQ54HH?_bbid=19031201&_bbtype=email&tag=bookbubdaemail-20
https://fictionobsessed.com/regency-romance-novels-free-online-to-download/
https://fictionobsessed.com/free-paranormal-romance-books-to-download-online/
https://www.amazon.com/Prairie-Fever-Cowboys-Flint-Hansens-ebook/dp/B07F1HYXYF
If you need to reach me for information about my books or just to say hello, please contact me at my new fan mail email address:
author@marielavender.com
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Newsletter Conclusion
Well, that time has come once more. For now, I will sign off. I’ll check back with you around late August or September, unless I need to inform you of a pressing event before that time.
Take care for now, and, as always, happy reading! 😊 Enjoy the rest of your summer!
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