Mary Connealy

 As some of you may know, if you have ever read any of my post, I watched a lot of westerns growing up.  And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. So, it is no wonder that I often find myself drawn to Western themed books. It's almost like stepping into a familiar room. And when it comes to the work of Mary Connealy, it's like I stepped into a familiar memory of a good old Western film I watched as a little girl, curled beneath an old blanket.

  Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas. Her most recent four book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Brides for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.

So far, I've read her Kincaid Brides and High Sierra Sweethearts series. I hope you all read one of Mrs. Connealy's books if you are fond of western fiction. As always, feel free to leave a message below.

Judith McNaught

 So, today I am highlighting Judith McNaught. I have read a few of her novels (the historical ones), and am loving it! First up, Her Bio (info provided from Wikipedia):

Born on May 10, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, she majored in Business at Northwestern University. She married a St. Louis dentist and had two children, a daughter, Whitney, and a son, Clayton, before her divorce.

Before gaining success as a writer, McNaught had previously worked as an assistant director for a film crew, an assistant controller of a major trucking company, president of a temporary employment agency, and president of an executive search firm. She also was the first female executive producer at a CBS radio station.

She met her second husband, Michael "Mike" McNaught, while working as an assistant director for a film crew, working on a movie for a General Motors division. McNaught was the director of public relations for the company. Between them, they had seven children, her two and his five from a previous marriage. Her husband encouraged her to write, buying her a new typewriter and being supportive through the years that publishers rejected her novels.

McNaught's first manuscript was Whitney, My Love, which she wrote between 1978 and 1982. After having difficulty selling that novel, she wrote and sold Tender Triumph in early 1982. She received the book cover for Tender Triumph on June 20, 1983—the day after her husband was killed in an accident.

 Whitney, My Love, the first manuscript, was finally published in 1985, after McNaught had proven herself with two successful published novels. Unaware that there were rules that most Regency romances followed, McNaught's early novels were unique. Her novels introduced the hero first, rather than the heroine.

  The book is now credited with inventing the genre today known as the Regency Historical. Whitney, My Love captured the elements of the traditional Regency romance, but its long length, sensuality, and emotional intensity were more often associated with the traditional historical romances, which were rarely set during the Regency period. Despite the many years it took to sell the story, it was very successful, and its success influenced other editors to solicit manuscripts written in the same style.

Now here is a list of her books that I've read:

 Westmoreland Dynasty Saga

1. A Kingdom of Dreams (1989)
2. Whitney, My Love (1985)
3. Until You (1994)
4. "Miracles" in A Holiday of Love (1995/Oct) (with Jill Barnett, Jude Deveraux, Arnette Lamb) & in Simple Gifts (1997) (with Jude Deveraux)

Sequels Series

1. Once and Always (1987) [I am currently reading this one]
   
2. Something Wonderful (1988)
3. Almost Heaven (1990) [And the I will read this one]

I made a mistake when it came to the Sequels series and read the middle book first. I'll just read around that. I have her Contemporary works but I have yet to start them yet.

Well, that is it for now folk. As always, feel to leave a comment below.

Pumpkin Pie Spice!

 If you are like me around this time of year, you are probably shrugging your shoulders and saying that it's not that big a deal. If you are like my Mom, you are going to buy that really super sized container of Pumpkin Pie Spice. Then, you will make three cups of coffee with it and drink it all. 

The clove and nutmeg made for a very happy mom and the caffeine made for a VERY, VERY awake mom. She couldn't nap at all but she was too happy to be grumpy about it.

So, here's to Pumpkin Pie Spice! May it make the world happier just by existing. As always, feel free to leave a comment below.

Wafia

 On Saturday, My very wonderful mom introduced me to the sublime music of Wafia. I dare you to not jam to her music. Honestly, she has been playing pretty nonstop since then. The info below was brought to you from Wikipedia.

Wafia Al-Rikabi (born 4 August 1993), known professionally as Wafia, is an Australian singer-songwriter of Iraqi-Syrian origin. Originally studying biomedicine at university, she began to write songs to escape its monotony. Her breakthrough hit was a cover of Mario's "Let Me Love You", which garnered almost 5 million plays on SoundCloud.

 She has since signed to indie record label Future Classic, releasing her debut EP XXIX in November 2015. The EP's lead single "Heartburn", produced by Ta-ku, received praise from producer Pharrell Williams being played during his Beats 1 radio show.

 In March 2016, she released the single "Window Seat" in collaboration with the New Zealand producer Thomston. Later in August 2016, she collaborated again with the Australian producer Ta-ku, releasing the EP (m)edian. The EP features a story about compromise in relationships, which both Wafia and Ta-ku experienced independently in of each other in their lives.

Now, on to the good stuff! The music!

 1: I'm Good

2:Heartburn

3:Pick Me

I do hope you get to check her out and get her new album. It's gonna be awesome. As always, feel free to leave a message below.