Memorial Day 2017

Like many, I am looking forward to an end to the rain so I can enjoy some time on the beach and a barbeque. But I always go to the Memorial Day parade and the wreath laying to honor those who have served in our military, those who currently serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free.

Many thanks to our military men, women, and families and God bless you for the sacrifices you make on our behalf.

RIP Jose Fernandez

The shocking news came on while we were watching the Mets game last night. Cuban-American Jose Fernandez, who we feared as a competitor for the Miami Marlins, was dead at 24 in a boating accident.

Yoenis Cespedes, a fellow Cuban and Mets outfielder, hung up a Mets jersey with Fernandez’s name and number in tribute. Others followed suit all around the league.

Fernandez was voted the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year award. His was a promising life cut short, but it was a life of inspiration and as a fellow Cuban-American, it pained me to hear of his loss.

A Cuban-American sportscaster from Miami spoke about what Fernandez meant to the Cuban community, much like each and every successful Cuban resonates with Cubans all across the U.S.

We came here for freedom and to live the American dream. Fernandez embodied that spirit and attaining the dream.

At 14 he attempted to defect, but was caught and sent to prison. He tried again three other times and for each failure, he went to prison. During the successful attempt, Fernandez’s mother fell overboard and Fernandez had to rescue her, risking his own life to do so.

While Fernandez, his mother, and sister attained freedom here in the U.S. in 2007, his grandmother was left behind and it took six years before she could join her family in 2013. In 2015, Fernandez became a U.S. citizen.

Freedom was that important to Fernandez as it is to so many Cuban refugees who risked so much to get here. I understand. I lived it and have had the ability to attain the American Dream.

It’s why I stand and place my hand over my heart for the national anthem even when I’m at home and watching a game.

RIP Jose Fernandez. My sympathies to his family on their loss and to the families of the two other men killed in the boating accident.

José Fernández on April 12, 2016

#PrayersForParis

I know I’ve been missing the last week, but I’ve been really busy at work, with some new releases and with some very exciting news: A new agent and proposal for a new series.

And I know it’s Man Candy Monday, but it just doesn’t feel right today with the recent events in Paris. I’ve been blessed to visit Paris for both business and pleasure. It’s so sad to see the horror that’s been unleashed there by deranged Islamic Jihadists. I pray for peace and healing for the people of Paris and all of France. I pray for everyone who has been touched by this horrible evil. God bless you and keep you safe.
PrayersForParis

Fun Friday – Getting Lucky

First up, if you’re in the NY/NJ area tonight, come visit with me at the Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. I’m on a Writing Matters panel that starts at 7 pm EST. We’ll be discussing the writer’s life and answering all kinds of questions for any readers or writers in the audience.

And now for today’s Fun Friday – It’s all about getting lucky!

Thanks to my buddy Lois Winston for sharing this great ad with George Clooney! If you can’t see the video below, just cut and paste this into your browser:
http://youtu.be/C_8TGTKdrlY

Guilty Pleasure Kyle Chandler

We’ve got a repeat today, but I think it’s somehow appropriate given Kyle Chandler’s win last night at the Emmys. I’ve always like his boyish good looks and enjoyed him in FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. So happy that Kyle and the show got some recognition last night.

Hope you all had a great weekend. I had a busy one with both a fan girl moment on Saturday and a book festival on Sunday. I’ll be sharing pictures from those for you tomorrow.

Photo Credit: Kristin Dos [email protected]

Wicked Wednesday – THE FIFTH KINGDOM

I’m so excited to be sharing with you THE FIFTH KINGDOM today, my romantic suspense from Carina Press. RT Book Reviews gave it 4.5 stars and said:

“This story is an Indiana Jones-style thrill ride infused with just the right amount of romance and sexual tension…The mystery, the family dynamic and the love story all blend together perfectly in this delightful adventure. Who needs Harrison Ford when you’ve got a tale like this?”

If you cannot see the excerpt below, you can click here or use this link:

http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/63643722?access_key=key-1eyc5etyz7or3srynbqj

THE FIFTH KINGDOM Romantic Suspense