Kaylin McFarren's Blog - Posts Tagged "kaylin-mcfarren"

"Dull November brings the blast,
Then the leaves are whirling fast."
- Sara Coleridge -

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

During the upcoming holidays, here's something to ponder. Often in life, while pursuing our dreams, we face uncertain moments that bring ceaseless sufferings; people will try to convince us to quit. At times like these you can choose to be weak and fall, by listening to what they say to you, or you can choose to be strong and walk tall towards your dream by ignoring them. Remember, no one writes our destiny but us. Let people advise you but never let anyone decide for you. And above all things you may do, think or choose in life - always be wise, for in wisdom, morals and strength are found.

Upcoming "Flaherty's Crossing" Book Signing Events: (Be sure to add these to your calendar!)

November 14th, 2010; 1 - 3pm
Sunset Fred Meyers, 22075 NW Imbrie Drive, Hillsboro, OR
November 18th, 2010; 1 - 3pm
Providence Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St., Portland, Oregon
November 20th, 2010; 1 - 3pm
Gresham Fred Meyers, 2497 SE Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for November:

* Before You Know Kindness by Christopher Bohjalian - A timely and topical issue is raised when ardent animal rights activist Spencer McCullough is accidentally shot by his 12-year-old daughter, testing the values of all involved.
* Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin - David, an American expatriate in Paris, attempts to repress his homosexuality by proposing to Hella Lincoln, but finds that he is unable to continue to live a lie when he meets Giovanni, an Italian bartender.
* Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - After a nasty divorce, Gilbert, a journalist, spends a year traveling, rediscovering love (and food) in Rome, quieting her mind outside Mumbai, and mastering a balancing act of pleasure and grace in Bali.

"A tingling, misty marvel blew hither in the night and now the little peach-trees are clasped in frozen light. Upon the apple-branches an icy film is caught with trailing threads of gossamer in pearly patterns wrought. The autumn sun, in wonder, is gaily peering through this silver-tissued network across the frosty blue. The weather-vane is fire-tipped, the honeysuckle shows a dazzling icy splendor and crystal is the rose."

- Evaleen Stein, November Morning

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Sausage, Apple & Cranberry Stuffing

This Thanksgiving stuffing is fantastic! It is very flavorful and fresh-tasting. This recipe will stuff a 10-pound turkey (which serves six) plus extra. I replaced the usual pork sausage with much healthier turkey sausage. Other dried fruits may also be used in place of cranberries.

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread
* 3 3/4 cups cubed white bread
* 1 pound ground turkey sausage
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 3/4 cup chopped celery
* 2 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
* 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and chopped
* 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
* 1 cooked turkey liver, finely chopped
* 3/4 cup turkey stock
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Spread the white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries, parsley, and liver. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill.

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin
www.kaylinmcfarren.com

"It's never to late to become the person
you have always wanted to be." - Anne Sweeney

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

As you're all aware, the tradition of giving presents comes from the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. When I was a kid, gifts were more modest than they are now; but even then, people were complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. Over the years, we've grown accustom to Black Friday sales and preseason decorations that bypass Thanksgiving altogether. Some of us are disheartened by this practice, but we need to recognize, with the sad state of our economy, Christmas sales have become the backbone of many businesses. Without this added revenue, stores would close permanently and many jobs would be lost. So the next time your find yourself grumbling over filled parking lots, harried shoppers, and long department store lines, try to hold onto the true meaning of Christmas in your heart and remember the faces of loved ones who will be opening and relishing your gifts on December 25th.

Quote of the Day:

"Most of our stress and suffering come not from events, but from our thoughts. Refrain from negative thoughts and stress subsides." - Martha Beck

Another review for Flaherty's Crossing:

"Kate Flaherty is at a crossroads in her young life. Her father is on his deathbed and she has many unresolved issues related to the early death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance. When she has a car accident, it stimulates images that both disturb and threaten to stir up those same unresolved issues.

Kate's marriage is, likewise, in a shambles but both she and her husband appear open to reconciliation. When Kate is injured, her husband becomes involved and available - just what Kate was needing in her own hours of soul-searching related to her father's death.

Although the conflict resolutions are, at times, a bit predictable and simplistic, "Flaherty's Crossing" is an easy read that should appeal to many readers of suspense and romance. The main characters are very well developed." - Readers Favorite, Haweville, KY

Upcoming Flaherty's Crossing Book Signing Events:

December 4th, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9pm, Festival of the Trees Gala
Oregon Convention Center, Hall A, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland

December 7th, 2010 ; 7pm - 9pm, Writer's Faire - Book Sale and Signing
The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Avenue, Portland

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for December:

* Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg - When Ruth Thomas is diagnosed with rapidly metastasizing breast cancer, her best friend Ann Stanley shares doctor’s visits, funeral plans, and long talks about men, children, sex, the past, and the future. A memorable, absorbing read.
* Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler - This inspiring journey through the greatest stories ever told will forever change the reader’s view on some of history's most storied events.
* The Long Walk Home by Will North - A lyrical and tender love story of grief and hope set in the mountains of North Wales which leaves the main characters questioning issues of morality and fidelity.

A favorite holiday song:

The Greatest Gift Of All - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Dawn is slowly breaking
Our friends have all gone home
You and I are waiting
For Santa Claus to come
There's a present by the tree
Stockings on the wall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

The fire is slowly fading
Chill is in the air
All the gifts are waiting
For children ev'rywhere
Through the window, I can see
Snow begin to fall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

Just before I go to sleep
I hear a church bell ring
Merry Christmas, ev'ryone
Is the song it sings
So I say a silent prayer
For creatures great and small
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all

Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Candy Cane Swirl

Ingredients
1 oz. SKYY® Infusions Raspberry
3 oz. Red Cranberry juice
0.5 oz. Grenadine
0.5 oz. Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda

Directions
Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!
Kaylin

"The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within." - William C. Bryant

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

With the new year officially in full swing, aside from the blistering, knee-rattling cold, what does February hold in store for us? Here are some fun and interesting holiday facts.

February 1st - National Freedom Day: This day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865 by President Lincoln.

February 2nd - Groundhog Day: Each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, folks gather round to see if the groundhog will see it's shadow and if he does, there will be 42 more days of winter! Brrrr...

February 3rd - Chinese New Year: Red clothing wards away evil spirits and bad fortune. New clothing symbolizes starting the year anew. According to 2011 Year of the Rabbit predictions, many opportunities for communication gaffes are in the offing. Now if we could only understand what this means...

February 14th - Valentine's Day: The U.S. greeting card association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making this day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. And be sure to note, out of all the valentines sent, women purchase approximately 85 percent. So now we know who the romantics of the world are...

February 21st - President's Day: This day is set aside to observe and honor Washington's Birthday, the first U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln,and other US Presidents. For most, this is just another day off...

Out of all these holidays, Valentine's Day is, of course, the most celebrated. But does anyone know its true history? The holiday of Saint Valentines Day was originally a day to celebrate two Saint Valentines: Valentine of Rome, and Valentine of Terni - both martyred in the early second and third centuries. Distinction between these two saints no longer exists, but many stories exist explaining the original saint. One such story explains that Valentine (no proof as to which one) was arrested and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II, who tried to get Valentine to convert to roman paganism. Valentine refused and tried to convert the emperor to Christianity. He was then executed, but not before healing his captor's blind daughter.

No romantic association originally existed, but according to modern created legends, Roman Emperor Claudius II made a law stating that all men must remain single. Valentine performed marriage ceremonies for couples secretly anyway. He was eventually discovered and arrested. But before he was killed, he wrote the first valentine to his captor's daughter and his true love, who he had healed. It was signed, “From your Valentine.”

In Ancient Rome, a holiday called Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13th- February 15th, promoting fertility. Some believe that Valentine's Day began as a Christianized version of Lupercalia. In 1400, Paris established the “High Court of Love” on February 14th to protect women. This is believed to be when Valentines day began to be celebrated as a loving day. Interesting?!?

Quote of the Day: (One of my favorites)

"The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough." ~ George Moore

Contest Time! So what's Kaylin got up her sleeve this month?

A chance to win a Free Kindle!! Send your favorite Irish joke, limerick or poem to kaylin@kaylinmcfarren.com and on March 17th (St. Paddy's Day), the winning entry will receive a free Kindle valued at $189... the perfect wireless reading device to download and enjoy your copy of Flaherty's Crossing.

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for February:

* A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest Gaines - When a Cajun farmer is murdered outside the home of an elderly black plantation worker, several other aging black men of the plantation and the white woman who owns it rally around, each claiming to be guilty of the murder.

* Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer - A young Jewish American travels to the Ukraine in the hope of finding the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis.

* The Good Husband by Gail Godwin - Now in her 60s and dying of ovarian cancer, English professor Magda Danvers and her husband befriend another couple, whose marriage is also beset by adversity. Although the subject sounds depressing, this is an uplifting story.

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Fresh Lobster Salad

Ingredients (4 Servings)

* 1 pound cooked lobster meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Place the lobster chunks into a medium bowl, and pour the melted butter over. Toss to coat, then stir in mayonnaise and season with black pepper. Cover and chill for 20 minutes before serving.

2. Serve on toasted rolls or croissants. You won't be disappointed!

Note: A delicious treat anytime! A simple lobster salad with butter and just a hint of mayonnaise so that you can still taste the sweet lobster meat. Yum!

So remember ... Stay positive, give happiness away, and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin

Spring is when life's alive in everything. —Christina Rossetti

Greetings Readers and Good Friends: 


Months have slipped away in the blink of an eye and left me with so much to catch up on, and since this is the third year anniversary of my first newsletter, I felt it appropriate to begin my new quarterly updates with a Spring edition. Keeping this in mind, I’m excited to announce some wonderful, new developments. After a two-year pregnancy and excruciating labor, I’m proud to announce the delivery of my latest novel, Severed Threads. The last typed words in this novel were met with a box of Turtle chocolates and my favorite bottle of Merlot, which has become my routine after writing projects cross the finish line. This first attempt at romantic suspense has already been met with several first place awards, including the Utah RWA 2009 Great Beginnings Contest and Music City Romance Writers Melody of Love Contest. (Egad! That’s how long this one’s been in the mixer!!) In any event, it’s time to turn this baby loose (July 1st, to be exact) and move on to Book Two in my new adventure series…hopefully, at a much quicker pace.

The second bit of good news is the fact that my only unwed daughter is exchanging vows with her best friend and fiancée, Sam Watson, on Cinco de Mayo. I couldn’t be happier for Erika and, as her non-conformist beliefs remain consistent in all manners of her existent, we will be traveling to a remote town at the most southern tip of Mexico to witness her nuptials. Such fun! Especially when it comes to transporting loved ones and my 86-year-old mother to four airports before arriving at our final destination.

Lastly, I now have a second home in beautiful San Diego where I love to write and have opportunities to squeeze out my raincoat from rainy Portland weather on a regular basis. Located above Mission Bay, I’m blest with the ability to enjoy all the activity in the harbor and the amazing skylines in the evening. This location originally inspired me to write Severed Threads and is definitely keeping me sane…and considerably drier.

Now it’s time to take notes, as I’m about to recommend some great Spring reading – all of which I’ve personally enjoyed.

The Long Song by Andrea Levy - This novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and long listed for the Orange Prize – and for good reason. Set in Jamaica during the last turbulent years of slavery and the early years of freedom that followed, The Long Song is breathtaking, hauntingly beautiful, heartbreaking and totally absorbing. You will not be able to put this book down!

In the Place of Justice by Wilbert Rideau - In 1961, at the age of nineteen, young, black, eighth-grade dropout, Wilbert Rideau, despaired of the dead-end and small-town future his life held for him. He set out to rob the local bank and in an ill-conceived out and bungled robbery he killed the bank teller - a young, white female. He was arrested and gave a full confession at the local police station while angry mobs chanted 'kill that nigger' outside. From this beginning, where we meet Rideau, newly sentenced to death row, he starts on an extraordinary journey. One that begins in the most violent prison in America, where brutality, years spent in solitary confinement, sexual slavery and local politics govern and confine many in ways that bars alone cannot. The ending to this compelling book is like nothing you will have read before, full of breathtaking suspense and gripping, gritty realism, a heartbreaking, emotionally wrought and magical ending to Rideau's prison life is skillfully and vigorously evoked. This is a powerful and inspirational memoir unlike any other, one that is sure to question our expectations of prisoners and the role of jails in rehabilitating them.

Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth - Jennifer Worth came from a sheltered background when she became a midwife in the Docklands in the1950s.The conditions in which many women gave birth just half a century ago were horrifying, not only because of their grimly impoverished surroundings, but also because of what they were expected to endure. But while Jennifer witnessed brutality and tragedy, she also met with amazing kindness and understanding, tempered by a great deal of Cockney humor. She also earned the confidences of some whose lives were truly stranger, more poignant and more terrifying than could ever be recounted in fiction. Attached to an order of nuns who had been working in the slums since the 1870s, Jennifer tells the story not only of the women she treated, but also of the community of nuns (including one who was accused of stealing jewels from Hatton Garden) and the camaraderie of the midwives with whom she trained. Funny, disturbing and incredibly moving, Jennifer's stories bring to life the colorful world of the East End in the 1950s.

LOST IN TRANSLATION?

The Dairy Association’s huge success with the campaign “Got Milk?” prompted them to expand advertising to Mexico. It was soon brought to their attention that the Spanish translation read “Are you lactating?”

Coors translated its slogan “Turn it Loose” into Spanish, where it read “Suffer from Diarrhea.”

Scandinavian vacuum manufacturer Electrolux used the following wordage in an American campaign: “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.”

Clairol introduced the “Mist Stick” – a curling iron, into Germany only to find out that “Mist” is slang for manure.

An American t-shirt maker in Miami printed shirts for the Spanish market, promoting the Pope’s visit. Instead of “I saw the Pope (El Papa), the shirts read “I saw the Potato (La Papa).

Pepsi’s “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation” translated into “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave” in Chinese.

Frank Perdue’s chicken slogan “It takes a strong man to make a tender chicken” was translated into Spanish and read “It takes an aroused man to make a chicken affectionate.”

When American Airlines wanted to advertise its new leather first class seats in Mexico, their slogan “Fly in leather” campaign literally meant “Fly naked (vuela en cuero)” in Spanish.

Hunt-Wesson introduced Big John products in French Canada as “Gros Jos” and later found out that in slang it means “Big Breasts.”

The Coca-Cola name in China was first read as “Kekoukela” meaning “Bite the Wax Tadpole” or “Female Horse Stuffed with Wax” depending on the dialect. Coke then researched 40,000 characters to arrive at “Koku Kole” which translate into “Happiness in the Mouth.”

And last, but not least, Parker Pen marketed a ballpoint pen in Mexico and its ads were supposed to read, “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you.” The advertising company thought that the word “embarazar” (to impregnate) meant to embarrass, so the ad actually read “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant.”

How bout a little research folks?!?

KAYLIN’S SPRING RECIPE:

CARROT SOUFFLE

1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced
½ cup melted butter or margarine
3 eggs, beaten
¾ cup sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cook Carrots in a little boiling water and drain after checking for tenderness with a fork. Combine carrots and butter in an electric blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add remaining ingredients. Blend well. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased (or Pam-sprayed) 9” x 13” casserole or soufflé dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until firm.

Okay, folks...here’s hoping your Spring brings wonderful memories and makes way for a toasty, prosperous year!

Best wishes and remember…keep reading!

Kaylin

Kaylin sat before her computer writing FLAHERTY'S CROSSING as a source of personal therapy after losing her beloved father to colon cancer. You might say she was angry at him, at God, at the world in general. However, after writing this story, she had the opportunity to really look into her soul and consider the fact that so many other sons and daughters have had to deal with similar and even worse situations. Rather than a memoir, her novel evolved into a fictional journey which brought about the resolution she needed to find. She never expected this exercise in writing to go to press, touch lives, or win literary awards. But as a result of her good fortune, she has arranged for proceeds from the sale of this book to go directly to the Providence Medical Foundation's colon cancer research department in her father's name. She's now convinced and proudly shares her belief that good things can grow out of the worst times in our lives if you just take the time to open your heart.

*****************************

What makes you proud to be a writer from the United States? I love hearing back from readers who have enjoyed my stories and the great letters I continue to receive.

What, or who, inspired you to become a writer? My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Tuttle, encouraged me to write but after watching the Notebook years ago, I was inspired – like so many other authors – to try my hand at writing novels.

When did you begin writing with the intention of being published? Following the death of my father eighteen years ago, I became more passionate about writing – perhaps needing to get a message out. I had hoped to get published after the completion of my first manuscript and was delighted when I received my contract from Champagne Books four years ago.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why? I suppose the best stories come from the most dramatic times in our lives and mine have definitely impacted the words I set to paper. As far as environment, I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively for the past twenty years, which has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and incorporate them into my stories. I guess that’s why my characters and their dialogue seem so real. ☺

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript(s)? I always begin with a title, since I have an idea of what I’m writing about before I start.

Why do you write in the genre(s) that you’ve chosen? I tried my hand at inspirational romance first and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I felt like I was pouring out all my feelings, which can be incredibly draining at times. Then after reading a zillion books, I realized I preferred romantic suspense stories. Using my rather vivid imagination, I decided to involve my heroes in wild adventures around the world and to this day truly look forward to writing.

What has been your most rewarding experience while in the writing process? I would have to say receiving awards for my work, which helped to validate my writing ability, and especially being notified that ‘Flaherty’s Crossing’ was selected as a mainstream fiction finalist in the RWA’s 2008 Golden Heart contest. That was quite a day! ☺

What has been your most negative experience while in the writing process? I suppose this was realizing I needed to be more open to constructive criticism after receiving feedback from a first draft and to realize that it takes hard work to become a credible writer.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Probably receiving the 2010 Publisher’s Award of Excellence from Champagne Books. I’m still enjoying the little trophy I received which permanently resides on my computer desk. ☺

What has been your most negative experience in your publishing journey? I was discouraged to some degree after receiving rejection letters from twenty of the top publishing firms in the U.S. But according to these editors, the reason wasn’t because of my writing ability, it was because I crossed genres in my novel – making placement on bookshelves incredibly difficult at the time. I have since elected to write with marketability as the main focus while keeping the enjoyment of my readers constantly in mind.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Read as many books as possible, especially in the genre you’ve interested in pursing as each one brings different elements into the writing arena.

Who is your favorite author and why? I love reading books by Pamela Clare and Suzanne Brockmann because they tend to write fast-moving, riveting stories with unique characters and unexpected twists and turns.

Please tell us the title(s) of your current book(s):
Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren
Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren

What format(s) are your books in: Print Only - E-Book Only - or Both? ‘Flaherty’s Crossing’ is available in all formats; ‘Severed Threads’, which is due out on July 1, 2012, will be released in trade paperback first then e-Book on July 15, 2012.

What special projects are you working on now and what books do we have to look forward to in the future? I’m currently working on the second installment in the Threads series, which will ultimately consist of three romantic suspense novels. This book will be titled Buried Threads and will take my band of merry-making treasure seekers to Tokyo in search of a priceless gem that’s been lost in the Sea of Japan.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? Flaherty’s Crossing book sales continue to benefit cancer research and I thank readers everywhere for their much-appreciated and needed support.

Please share with us any blogs that you might have: http://kaylinmcfarren.wordpress.com

Author Kaylin McFarren’s Websites:
http://www.flahertyscrossing.com/home...
http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com/home.php

Please Visit Kaylin McFarren Author’s Page At Books In Sync
http://www.booksinsync.com/kaylinmcfa...

"Summer is kind of like the ultimate one-night stand:
hot as hell, totally thrilling, and gone before you know it." :)

Greetings Readers and Good Friends:

It seems that summer has finally arrived - at least in terms of "predicted" weather on national forecasts. However, as Oregonians might agree, we'll believe it when we see it.

This month, I've got lots of fun news to share with everything ranging from pending awards and a new book release to an amazing summer concert benefiting Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

So let's get started! First of all, I'm delighted to announce that I recently received news that Severed Threads is a finalist in the AKRWA 2012 Break-up Contest - after having submitted a tense and slightly romantic scene from the book. So fingers crossed on this award!

In addition, Severed Threads will officially be available on July 15th on Amazon.com and is already receiving rave reviews! This is the first book in my Threads three-book series with book two - Buried Threads - currently in the works. If you're an eBook reader, Amazon will have Severed Threads available in this format on July 20th.

Here's a quick link, if you're interesting in snagging a copy for some fun summer reading: http://tinyurl.com/7xagxzb ... and one of the best reviews I've received so far!

"BRILLIANT, SUSPENSEFUL, ENTERTAINING!"
By Geraldine Ahearn
Format:Paperback

Rachel Lyons blames herself for her father's fatal diving accident. She basically withdraws from the outside world as she works at a foundation office, until she was asked by a museum director for her help with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Rachel had no intentions of getting involved in anything, until she finds out that her brother was kidnapped. Who kidnapped her brother, and what risk must Rachel take to save him? Will Rachel put her life on the line with drug-dealing gangsters, and will she cooperate with them? What is Rachel's greatest fear, and will she overcome it? How will she handle reliving the nightmare of her father's tragic death?

Award-Winning Author Kaylin McFarren delivers an intriguing romantic suspense in a tale of mystery, deception, murder, and much more. This sizzling romantic adventure is not only made for the Big Screen, but will have romantic lovers craving for more! This first book in a series is a gem in itself as the author creates a suspenseful love story that's packed with action, genuine characters, and is rich in history.

Kaylin McFarren's expertise in traveling the world to exotic places, combined with her interest in treasure seekers, and her fascination with the under-sea world shines through in her unique writing style. "SEVERED THREADS" is as entertaining as THE BODYGUARD, as thrilling as PRESUMED INNOCENT, and as clever as BASIC INSTINCT. Highly Recommended to all romantic suspense lovers!

Next, here's some other suggested reading:

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson - Part thriller, part love story, part tale of daring impersonation, part wrenching examination of repression and its toll on human nature; the novel is set in North Korea (with a side trip to Texas).

The Expats by Chris Payone - How well do you know your spouse or your best friends? Even if the thought never occurred to you, it will by the time you’re halfway through The Expats, Chris Pavone’s clever debut spy novel that’s suspenseful enough for a man yet introspective enough for a woman.

UPCOMING EVENT

Next, here's details about the Artful Giving Blanket Concert, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 28th, 2012.

In 2011 my husband and I created the Soulful Giving Foundation - which was founded after experiencing the increased loss of family members, friends and business associates to cancer over the past few years. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for families affected by cancer in our community. On July 16th, more than 1,000 music lovers rocked to the sounds of the Northwest’s finest musicians and bid on amazing silent auction packages. As a result, the Foundation was able to donate $50,000 to the Providence Cancer Research Center.

The 2012 Artful Giving Blanket Concert will be benefiting the Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. KATU Channel 2, The Portland Tribune, and twenty-five corporate sponsors are lending their support. The official site for this annual event will be held on the grounds of our 15-acre estate in Troutdale, Oregon on Saturday, July 28th. With an incredibly musical line-up, nearly two dozen local artists displaying their artwork for purchase, complimentary food and beverages provided by Duck Pond Winery and sixteen of Portland's finest restaurants - including Morton's, El Gaucho and Portland City Grill, we are hoping to grow this event to new heights! For tickets and more information, be sure to visit http://www.soulfulgiving.org .

CHUCKLE TIME

Ooops!

Larry was a photographer for the N.Y. Times, and was scheduled to meet a plane on the runway to take him on a job. "Hit it," said Larry climbing into the first plane he saw on the runway. The pilot took off, and was soon in the air. "OK," said Larry, "fly low over the trees over there, I want to take a few pictures." "What do you mean?" asked the pilot. Larry looked at the pilot and answered a little annoyed, "I need to take some pictures for the N.Y. Times, so please…" There was a long pause, before the pilot asked in a shaky voice, "you mean you’re not my pilot instructor?"

An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen: Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here.

Kaylin's Summer Recipe: Chicken Fajitas with Spice Rub

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado, cut into chunks and tossed in 1 teaspoon of lime juice
Salsa
Sour cream
4 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
1 small red or yellow pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 8-inch flour tortillas

Directions:

Place your toppings (avocado, salsa, sour cream and cilantro leaves) in separate bowls and set them on your table.

Next, make the rub. Combine the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt in a shallow bowl. Lightly rub the spices into the chicken with your fingertips until the meat is coated on all sides. Heat your grill to medium. Grill the chicken on both sides, just until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat, slice thinly, and set it on a platter.

While the chicken is cooking, toss the pepper and onion in the olive oil. Set them on the grill, using a vegetable screen, if desired, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, turning once. Remove from the heat and set on the platter with the chicken.

Place the tortillas on the grill for 5 to 7 seconds on each side, turning with tongs, until hot. Set out the grilled chicken, pepper, and onion with the toppings and tortillas. Let guests assemble and roll their own fajitas. Serves 4 to 6.

Here's hoping your summer is filled with wonderful memories and great books!

With all my best wishes,

Kaolin

Rachel has never forgiven Chase for deserting her after her father died during a deep sea dive with him. But Chase desperately needs Rachel’s help if he is to find an ancient Chinese treasure ship in Kaylin McFarren’s new novel “Severed Threads.”

An intriguing tale of mystery, deception and murder. - Rebecca's Reads

Portland, OR (PRWEB) August 13, 2012 - Four hundred years ago, the Chinese ship, Wanli II, sunk with a treasure that included the Heart of the Dragon, a relic rumored to be protected by the ghost of a woman who lost her lover. Now troubled lovers Chase and Rachel search for both the treasure and a way to salvage their own relationship in Kaylin McFarren’s new novel “Severed Threads” (ISBN 9781475186529, Creative Edge Publishing, 2012).

After her father’s death in a fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons withdraws from the world, taking a safe position at a foundation office. So when the museum director wants Rachel to assist her former love interest, Chase Cohen, in recovering a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese ship, she is resistant to help. Rachel holds a grudge against Chase, who was with her father when he died, for disappearing soon after and breaking her heart.

Despite Rachel’s feelings, Chase needs her help and the foundation’s funds to find the sunken Chinese ship Wanli II. He is especially determined to recover the ancient ship’s treasure, including the Heart of the Dragon, a relic rumored to be protected by the four-hundred-year-old ghost of a woman who killed herself when she lost her lover, for whom the Heart was intended. Thrust together, Chase and Rachel find they still have feelings for one another, but they are also withholding secrets. Then Rachel’s brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster and she find she must set aside old grudges and relive the circumstances of her father’s death with Chase’s help if she is to save her brother.

Kaylin McFarren began writing novels after the death of her own father as a means of personal therapy. In a recent interview with Reader Views, McFarren stated, “By creating damaged fictional characters that are forced to resolve their problems, I’ve been able to work through my personal issues and now feel like I can cope with virtually anything.” The results have led to McFarren winning numerous awards for her first novel “Flaherty’s Crossing” and receiving many accolades for her new novel “Severed Threads.”

Readers are finding the characters and situations in “Severed Threads” both entertaining and poignant. Paige Lovitt of Reader Views states, “I totally enjoyed being held captive on the edge of my seat while the characters’ drama plays out....I highly recommend this story for people who enjoy romance and suspense. The author Kaylin McFarren will not let you down!”

Rebecca’s Reads declares “Severed Threads” is “an intriguing tale of mystery, deception and murder.” And Mark Garber, President of the “Portland Tribune,” says “Severed Threads” is “a fast-paced mixture of romance, mystery and adventure, with more than a dash of the paranormal tossed in for good measure....Crisp writing and sparkling dialogue.” Readers will be thrilled to know a sequel “Buried Threads” is in the works.

About the Author:
Kaylin McFarren was born in California and today lives in Oregon with her husband. She has raised three daughters and now spends time with her two young grandsons. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College. McFarren has earned more than a dozen literary awards and was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest. McFarren is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She is the author of “Flaherty’s Crossing” and the newly published “Severed Threads.”

“Severed Threads” (ISBN 9781475186529, Creative Edge Publishing, 2012) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit http://www.KaylinMcFarren.com. Publicity contact: http://www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime. An opportunity to make unforgettable memories.” That’s what I told my husband, mercilessly badgering him for ten minutes. “Just think about it, honey. We could be spending a fun-filled week in an African game lodge with wild, exotic animals running around. Why the photographs alone would be worth the trip.”

He conceded to my pleading and his auction paddle hit the air. I was amazed when he actually won for $2000. I was sure there’d been a mistake, that people attending the auction hadn’t heard clearly what was up for bid – didn’t understand what they were actually passing up. But I wasn’t about to argue the point. My husband and I had walked away with a bargain. I was never so sure of anything in my life.

“You do understand this covers only lodging,” he scoffed.

I wasn’t about to be discouraged. “It’s not a big deal. We’ll use our mileage. It will be fine. I promise.”

The next day my husband visited our travel agency. When he returned home, he called me into the kitchen. As it turned out, the distance from Portland, Oregon to Richards Bay, Africa would involve traveling twenty-two hours by air to reach our destination. I was briefly stunned by this discovery, but I wasn’t about to let the bad news dampen my enthusiasm. Days passed and my husband’s frequent references to our pending adventure as “non-productive time spent in lumbar torture to see zoo animals” resulted in blowing up and booting him off my itinerary. His disappointment over the news came with cheers of delight.

My moxie daughter Erika eagerly volunteered, assuming the vacancy as my new jungle mate. Her genuine excitement over our adventure surpassed my own and helped me maintain a positive attitude as the wave of unforeseen preparations slammed into me…over and over again.

I spent days on the internet going through my checklist, accumulating the recommended and very expensive bug-resistant clothing, socks, hats, hiking shoes, insect repellent, sun block, binoculars, transformers, and very important digital cameras. Erika called to remind me about vaccinations that were also necessary for our entry into Africa, leaving me temporarily panic-stricken. The clock was ticking and the only place we could receive tetanus and diphtheria booster shots in a timely manner was at a seedy travel clinic in north Portland. Following this harried doctor’s advice, I purchased Imodium, diarrhea pills and stomach cramping pills, and began to wonder exactly what I had gotten myself into. But logic and common sense were nowhere to be found. We were heavily invested and I had convinced myself the worst was now behind us…even as I purchase two prescriptions for a 28-day regiment of Malaria pills.

Claims of insanity from various members of my family wouldn’t dissuade me. Erika and I were the brave ones. We were the chosen. They would all envy our travels and regret their heckling, I told myself. As I struggled with two over-packed suitcases, I smirked at my husband’s farewell words, “Thank you for not making me go.” I pushed aside the realization that the cost of our extraordinary vacation had escalated to $15,000 with the inclusion of airfare and hotel accommodations. In a sympathetic gesture, my dear husband cashed in mileage that had taken years to earn in an effort to cushion the argent hours ahead of us and to lessen his guilt over abandoning me. He would be leaving on his own trip to Japan in the morning, while Erika and I traveled the globe in business class and overnighted in posh Amsterdam hotels. Ah…life was sweet and my husband had redeemed himself.

On August 31st, Erika and I handed over our tickets and passports, and boarded Northwest Flight #92. We toasted our voyage with champagne, enjoyed numerous movies, delicious meals and great service. Although it took ten hours, we were comfortable and excited about what lay ahead. Arriving in Amsterdam, it took us a good day to figure out the currency, train tickets and departure points. Before long, we were taking digital photos in various bars and restaurants. We drank in the pure beauty and history of this beautiful place. I was amazed at how well Erika could navigate us around a city filled with train track mazes, narrow streets, bridges and canals. Without her, I was sure I’d never find my way back to our airport hotel.

After checking in, I opened one of my fragile stickered bags and discovered my buried mirror smashed into a million pieces. This alone should have been fair warning, but I was still convinced luck was on my side. We located an inviting restaurant and after a nice dinner and shared bottle of wine, Erika and I settled in for a good night’s rest. First thing in the morning, we were off to the airport with bags and passports in hand. We checked in and had our passports stamped and were once again living it up in our KLM Flight #591 business class seats on our way to Johannesburg, Africa. Nearly eleven hours later, blurry eyed from lack of sleep, we stepped up to the immigration counter for visa entries into the country. We knew that our pre-arranged, pre-paid driver would be waiting outside the customs area to take us to our hotel.

Erika continued to urge me forward after receiving her passport back, but the look in the female immigration officer’s eyes stopped me in my tracks. She waved my passport high in the air announcing repeatedly, “It’s filled.” I had no idea what she was talking about. There were clearly three pages left in the small booklet and none of the airline personnel in Amsterdam mentioned a problem, only stamped away, happily waving me on my way.

In a matter of minutes, Erika was directed to retrieve our bags while I was escorted by a large intimidating man through winding back hallways to a secured holding area. The immigration official, whose office I entered, seemed to be an African marshal, but no identification was made. He mumbled indeterminable questions while taking numerous phone calls. His impatience was obvious and reduced me to tears when he informed me that my ignorance would be going back with me to the U.S.

For more than an hour, I sat in a small, dingy room across from a Hispanic farmer who was being returned to Mexico due to his non-existent exit visa. I had no idea where Erika was at this point or how long I was going to be kept in this holding area. Immigration officers ran up and down the hallway, stealing a long look in my direction before disappearing from view in the official’s adjacent office. Nearly thirty more minutes passed as I watched the clock approach midnight. Erika was then escorted into the room with a female officer.

When I told her that I had asked for an emergency call to the American Embassy and was told that their office was closed and that I was heading home on the next available plane, she was stunned. She couldn’t imagine leaving me, but the flights were completely booked and she would have trouble getting out of Africa for at least a week. I instructed her to keep going, stay overnight as planned in Johannesburg and then take our connecting flight to Richards Bay on South African Airlines. There was no purpose in ruining her vacation as well.

Before she could answer me, another official arrived and beckoned me and the other detainee to follow him. We virtually ran to keep up with this man down winding terminals, the Mexican gentleman with his backpack and me with a computer-laden bag, until we reached the last two gates that were in final boarding call. He was directed onto a plane headed for Paris and would ultimately be back in Mexico in a few days. The security officer waved for me to hurry as he jerked my bag from me and boarded a plane ahead of me. I was escorted to a seat between two passengers in the last row of the same plane I had just arrived on. Then I was given a form to present to agents in Amsterdam, explaining my “filled” passport as a legal reason to reject entry into Africa and justified penalty to warrant return to my place of origin – the U.S.

For over eleven hours, I sat wide-awake between an African student and elderly Dutch woman as they ate and slept, only requesting water when the dry air became an issue. With my seat tipped back six inches and the seat ahead of me pressed firmly into my knees, I wrapped a thin blanket around myself, shivering while I anticipated facing more immigration problems in Amsterdam and my eventual expulsion from Europe. The two crying babies in nearby seats matched my mood, silencing me completely.

When we finally landed and were told to present our passports after exiting the plane, I knew that I was going to be escorted once again to a plane with its engines already humming at a gate. Instead, I was met with quiet indifference by three officers and had to ask them for directions to the immigration office at the airport in Amsterdam. A young gentleman there listened to my tale of woe, explaining that Amsterdam is more lenient, would have given me the visa for entry on one of the final pages in my passport, but then I was dealing with South Africa. He told me that the U. S. Embassy office downtown was my best bet and would alleviate problems in leaving Amsterdam.

At 11am, with an address, no sleep or food, I hailed a taxi determined to get additional pages and to catch the next available flight back to Africa where I had left Erika worrying and waiting. After a $200 taxi ride across town, I discovered that the U. S. Embassy, which is open only from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, handles only new births, personal threats and deaths of U. S. citizens. A guard at the Embassy gate handed me a plastic card and told me to make an appointment with the Consulate office on-line.

I rushed with my cumbersome bag to a Chinese Internet café and attempted to get on-line with a foreign computer, since my adapter and cords were now in Africa with Erika. As it turned out, appointments at the Consulate office are filled between 8:30am – 11:30am for the next day and their office was closed until 1:30pm. I also discovered on-line that it would be at least a week before I could get an appointment and realized that I had to recourse but to personally call someone to explain my dilemma. With no phones at the café and no Euros in my pocket, I headed toward the central train station to exchange American dollars, to find a phone, to get a train back to the airport, to purchase another airline ticket, and to find hotel accommodations for the night. It was only then that I realized all my clothes and toiletries were in my luggage along with Erika in Africa.

I got a recorded message on the phone at the train station after calling the Consulate office. Frustrated, I decided that if I just arrived on their doorstep, they’d have to deal with me. I called back again with my newly purchased phone card to get an address for their office. However, I fortunately dialed a wrong number by accident and got a real person on the line. After pleading for help, this gal finally gave in, breaking the rules, and told me that I’d have to come the next day by 11:30am and could go have a nice lunch while my passport was processed. I could pick up my passport with additional pages at 2:30pm so that I’d be on my way back to Africa once more.

I was so relieved that I jumped on the train and headed to the KLM airline desk at the airport. After purchasing my ticket to Johannesburg for another $1500, I would be on the next evening’s flight. But the crimp to my plans happened when I discovered that the only flight to Johannesburg occurred once a day at 11:30am. I was now going to be staying in a strange city I had no idea how to get around in for an additional day and my connection to Richards Bay would also force me to spend another night in Johannesburg before I could finally catch up with Erika.

I had this image of Erika alone in a foreign game lodge worrying about me. With no way to reach her, I had to know she was safe. I pondered the distance and the fact that I would now be traveling nearly thirteen hours to spend two and a half days at her side. I had to be out of my mind, but the idea of sitting alone in a strange hotel or sight-seeing by myself in Amsterdam for five days convinced me that I had to take a chance and finish my journey no matter how brief my stay.

I woke up early the next morning, took a shower, put on my hand-washed underwear and newly purchased clothes and headed back to the airport’s train station in search of the U. S. Consulate office. On the way there, the wind was blowing sideways and the rain was pelting me. I stopped by the clothing store at the airport yet again to purchase a coat, knowing that I would be outside most of the day. Then off I ran to the train station inside the airport to insure that I arrived at least thirty minutes before my scheduled appointment. After a twenty-minute $7 train ride, I arrived in the center of town and searched out the Consulate office to get my necessary passport pages.

After being buzzed in, I handed over my tote bag and purse and was searched, scanned and numbered. I relinquished my passport and was told to come back in three and half hours. At this point, I was so focused on my passport, that I had lunch at the nearest establishment and spent the rest of my time wandering around museums with little interest. When the magic hour arrived, I was back at the Consulate office – searched, scanned and numbered once again. I received my passport and immediately headed back to the train station. The heels of my feet were blistered and I wanted nothing more than to get to bed early, knowing that I had to be up by 6am in order to arrive two and half hours early for my flight. I actually took the wrong train trying to get to my hotel and broke down, asking for directions. Two hours later, I was back in my room, staring at the mushy $18 crab salad sandwich room service delivered.

I discover internet hookup was available for $30 an hour on my television and sent messages to everyone I needed to reach, including my husband in Japan, in order to tell them that I was safe and heading back to Africa in the morning. I reserved a hotel room by the airport in Johannesburg and requested a driver through the lodge to transport me to where Erika was still waiting.

I finally went to bed and was asleep for about two hours when the phone rang. My travel agent in Oregon had some bad news to share. My connection in Africa was completely booked and I wouldn’t be able to reach Richards Bay for at least one more day. I found myself sitting in my Holiday Inn hotel room in Johannesburg praying for a cancellation so that I wouldn’t be spending only a day and a half at the Safari Lodge. I hung up the phone and was now fully awake. I realized that I’d spent more time in the air than I had on the ground. But when things couldn’t get any worse, they did. I got another phone call from the travel agency and was told that Erika and my return tickets to the U.S. had been adjusted and through some internal error, our business class seats out of Amsterdam had been switched to coach seats. The only thing that had kept me sane throughout this whole ordeal was the thought of returning home in comfort after another ten-hour flight to Portland.

A question reverberated in my brain. Do I go on or just stay put in the Amsterdam hotel waiting from Erika to return on her way back to the States? Somehow, I had remained committed even with memories of the shattered mirror and my husband’s disparaging words filling my thoughts. I found myself hoping someone in Johannesburg would get sick or miss their flight, just so I could claim an empty seat on the plane to Richards Bay. Morning came and I headed downstairs for breakfast totting my useless computer bag, now convinced that the only wild animals I would ever see in my lifetime lived in the Portland zoo.

I made a point of arriving at the airport three hours before my flight, since my travel agent assured me there were always last-minute cancellations. The KLM agent glanced at all my new pages and stamped one of the original old pages. I checked in and was amazed to discover that my economy seat from Amsterdam to Johannesburg had been upgraded to first class. Was there a mistake? No mention was made when I checked in. Things were looking up. With a little time on my hands, I struggled with fifteen-minute increments on an airport computer to check in with South Africa Airlines to find out if my good fortune was continuing. Unfortunately, the flight to Richards Bay was still full, but an airline agent informed me that I could wait list on my flight before the scheduled departure at 8:35am. Wait a minute! When did the time change from 9:55am to 8:35am, which was what my travel agent had quoted? Then I’m told that if I want to take a chance on the only available flight to Richards Bay, I’d need to be at the South Africa Airlines ticket counter by 7:15am the following morning.

I convinced myself that a miracle could happen. A seat could become available. I decided to weigh my options and board my flight to Johannesburg once again – believing the third time was a charm. Approaching the immigration counter after flying another eleven hours, I glance around hoping not to encounter the same woman who had flagged me – sending me on my boomerang excursion. When I reached the only free clerk available, this woman was so engrossed with flirting with a male officer that she barely glanced at my passport before applying a visa sticker on one of my old pages yet again. I ended up walking away perplexed and headed for the currency exchange counter to acquire African money. The clerk there told me that it wasn’t safe to walk around anywhere in Johannesburg and I should take a taxi to my airport hotel. Following her directions, I waved for a cab, rode around the block and was charged $20. In the morning, I was up by 5am to make sure that I got to the South African check-in counter early enough to add my name to the wait list, only to discover that my hotel was actually attached to the airport and a mere five-minute walk.

From 6:15am to 8:15am, I ran back and forth from counter to counter trying to secure a seat on board, but to no avail. One English gentleman procured the jump seat at an extra cost, but I was told “48…48…that’s all we put on plane.” I was about to walk away defeated and head back to my hotel again when a thought suddenly occurred to me. Why not try another city? Maybe I could fly to the closest location to Richards Bay and get a message to the lodge driver to go there instead. I was desperate and out of options at this point. What would it hurt to take a risk?

I ran to the purchase ticket counter, paid another $250 and was informed that I had ten minutes to reach my departure gate to Durban, which according to the agent was only one hour away from Richards Bay. I realized that I didn’t have time to call the lodge to head off my driver. I looked around for an honest looking face and gave a young man a phone number and 200 rand to place a call for me. I could only pray that he was as honest as I hoped. Once on board, I opened the airline magazine and started to worry about the distance from Durban to Richards Bay on the map. Asking a fellow passenger, I was informed that Richards Bay was a two-hour drive from Durban, which didn’t account for the distance to the lodge. If the driver didn’t get the message, I would be left in an even worst situation.

I was determined to keep positive thoughts. To my delight, as I exited the plane, I spotted a man holding a sign for me. And as it turned out, the drive to Richards Bay and the lodge became a three and half hour bouncing trip in the back seat of a dusty cab. My mental complaints waned, however, upon seeing metal shanties along the road and people carrying water jugs on their heads. I realized that my hardships were only inconveniences. I could enjoy the day and a half that I had left on my vacation and then return home a much wiser, confident and experienced traveler.

A glass of champagne and two outings into the wild later, Erika and I were heading back to the Richards Bay airport preparing to return to Amsterdam. Another eleven hours behind me, we passed through customs with stamps on the same original pages yet again. After two days recuperating in Amsterdam, Erika and I headed to the airport excited to know that we’d be flying back to Portland first class all the way. When we arrived, an hour and a half before our flight on KLM #91, however, my passport wouldn’t allow us to check in for our boarding passes. I was told to get into line for assistance and after agents repeatedly ran into problems pulling up a non-existent reservation number, we were instructed to get into another line and to speak to someone in ticket sales.

With forty minutes to go before boarding, the KLM agent couldn’t figure out what was wrong with our tickets. We somehow had three reservations and no record of any ticket purchases. This sales agent worked for over an hour (as our flight departed) trying to remedy our situation, which could have involved re-purchasing our expensive airline tickets on my maxed out credit card that was still shaking from all the unplanned hotel and airline ticket expenses I incurred. This agent worked diligently and finally located a record with all my mileage. She arranged for us to catch the only flight from Amsterdam to Portland that day via Seattle – which was leaving in twenty minutes. Running all the way to the gate, we discovered that one of us was in business class and the other in coach. Erika volunteered the upgrade and we finally made it to the States after another ten-hour flight. But our problems still didn’t go away.

When Erika got on-line, she discovered that all the flights to Portland from Seattle were booked with the exception of a few seats on a Horizon flight that was scheduled to depart three hours after our arrival. We took the reservations and after landing, we were escorted by a Northwest agent to our gate to wait out our delay. After this final flight, we arrived safely back at the Portland International Airport. I almost kissed the ground to be finally home again. To this day, I cringe every time I think about this trip and whenever I hear someone planning his or her next vacation to Africa.

So excited by the new 5-star review I received today for my latest release - Severed Threads. When authors receive positive feedback like this, it only encourages us to return to the typewriter to conjure up more adventures and dramatic story lines. So I thank you, Suzanne Gattis, for your non-basis appraisal and vote of confidence in my writing ability. - Kaylin

“Sometimes it is only when you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders that you really see what it is you want and what it is you are missing out of life. Such is the epiphany that Rachel Lyons comes to in the ever-suspenseful Severed Threads. Kaylin McFarren’s novel takes the reader through twists and turns as the story navigates romance and adventure, murder and mystery. With a central theme of guilt and deception, throughout all the action of the book, the reader sees the redemption of several of the characters; lessons are learned and bridges are built and crossed.

Believing herself to be the reason for her father’s death, Rachel has withdrawn from the world and the life she once knew to play it safe. With her last words to him replaying over and over in her head, playing it safe still wasn’t bringing her much happiness. She is stuck on this track until an old flame comes back into the picture, with tales of sunken treasure and undersea adventure. Forced into taking part in his quest because of the kidnapping of her brother, who has himself created a world of chaos after the passing of his father, Rachel sets out on a journey to discover hidden secrets, buried treasure, and herself. Throw in a little paranormal activity, curses and ghosts and such, and some strong sexual attractions, and the book will keep you on the edge of your toes throughout.

With so many plot turns and the many characters’ underlying stories, this novel is a true treasure unto itself. As a reader, I couldn’t put the book down because I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next. Many of the ups and downs were not obvious, and I enjoyed the surprise as each revelation was made. The characters are extremely complex but real, and I found myself being very involved in their thoughts and actions. I felt for each character, questioned their reasoning and cheered them on.

It is easy to see through reading this book that McFarren familiarized herself with the information she was presenting in her book. The time and information she put into the history and the undersea world lent depth to the book and helped to present a very genuine story. I enjoy nothing more than a well-researched, thought-provoking read, and Severed Threads definitely found itself in that category for me.” • SUZANNE GATTIS, Pacific Book Review

www.kaylinmcfarren.comSevered Threads

A Message From Kaylin...

The last three months have been filled with excitement, travel and fun developments. First if all, Severed Threads was officially released on July 18th and continues to receive rave reviews. This first book in the Threads series garnered a number of new awards this season, including:

2012 Indie Book of the Day Award Winner for 22nd of September 2012
2012 Golden Acorn Excellence in Writing Contest - 2nd place
2012 AKRWA's best Break-up contest - 1st Place
2012 Central Ohio Fiction Writers' Ignite the Flame Contest - 2nd Place

Next, with the wonderful blessing of having a second home in San Diego, I find myself visiting there at least once a month to enjoy the sights, sounds and incredible food - all within a short five-minute walk. The addition of a new writing desk and internet hook-up will continue to keep me producing all year long and finding inspiration in the views and from the people I've become acquainted with during my stays.

Lastly, if you haven't had a chance to visit my new website, be sure to do so. You'll find news about upcoming releases, new excerpts, reviews and trailers…as well as easy-to-buy links. If you're a new author or have been considering self-publishing your work, also visit my publisher's website at www.creativeedgepublishing.com. You'll find helpful suggestions and details about my journey from concept to print.

Kaylin's Best Review Contest:

From September 1st - 30th, I hosted a Book Review Contest on Amazon.com. My congratulations to "WaFire" (aka Jay Farrell) for the best review of the month. Hope you enjoy your new Wi-Fi Kindle and gift certificate! They're on their way...

And here's his winning review:

"Severed Threads - an exciting action adventure into the world of salvage diving, treasure hunting, gangsters and Chinese art history is also my first foray into the literary genre that includes 'romance'. The story grabbed my attention from the first air bubbles on the tragic initial dive excursion resulting in the untimely death of Rachel Lyon's father. Author Kaylin McFarren then has your attention wrapped tightly by the throat like the gangster Pollero torturing Rachel's brother Devon. Explosions, wild seas and unexpected character revelations layer the action, and, yes romance, further into the story like thermal layers on a hundred foot dive."

Now be sure to visit my website home page at www.kaylinmcfarren.com for new, upcoming contests that you can participate in as well!

Kaylin's Work In Progress:

At this time, I'm currently working diligently on the next book in the Threads series: Buried Threads

Here's the summary and a fun excerpt to enjoy:

With news of their recent success spreading, Rachel Lyons and her deep-sea diving crew accept a contract to recover a lost sacred treasure in the Sea of Japan. Arriving in Tokyo, she and her partner Chase Cohen soon learn their romantic exploration is more complex than they originally believed and are determined to break their agreement – until the Buddhist monk who hired them turns up missing. In order to rescue him from certain death, Rachel must depend on her buried instincts, form an alliance with one of Japan's most feared mafia leaders and convince her partner to dive into shark-infested waters to search for the Heart of Darkness.

Excerpt:

Rachel arched a brow. Who the hell was this guy anyway? And why would he refuse first class when given the choice? As Helen stepped away, she eyed the stranger, more mystified than ever.

"I don't know why you would order food for me when I don't intend to eat it. That's a very odd thing to do, Mr. Shinji," she said.

He shrugged a shoulder. "I suppose I am a bit odd. But I guarantee you'll change your mind."

She huffed. "Not likely." She considered standing up and halting the stewardess's progress but the drink cart was blocking the aisle.

Within seconds, Helen returned with an assisting attendant holding two filled trays in her hands. More than anything, Rachel wanted to issue a verbal protest, but it seemed she'd already drawn the attention of the Asian couple seated across from her who were glowering for some unknown reason.

The petite blond leaned down, draping napkins across Rachel and Shinji's laps. She waited for them to lower their tabletops before setting down two plates filled with cheese omelets, blueberry yogurt cups, croissants and strawberry jam. Then she returned again with a fresh pot of coffee and requested mango juice.

Unbelievable. Rachel stole sideways glances at the peculiar man. He picked up his fork and shoveled bread and a sizeable portion of omelet into his mouth. Her cheeks warmed at the practically pornographic noise that came out of her seatmate, as Shinji threw his head back and munched gratifyingly, his eyes closed in contentment. She noticed a spot of jam on the corner of his mouth and looked away determinedly.

"There's nothing better than warm bread and eggs in the morning," Shinji said, recovering from his omelet orgasm. "I suggest eating your meal before it gets cold, Miss Lyons. You're going to need every ounce of strength you can muster to get your job done."

Rachel glared at the impertinent stranger, willing him be sucked out the window. But then she'd never know his whole story – why he felt entitled and insisted on behaving so inappropriately.

"You're not a private investigator, are you, Mr. Shinji?" she quipped.

He picked up his torn roll and smeared it with more jam. "I never said I was."

"But you inferred as much."

"That was never my intent. If you recall, I didn't tell you what I actually recover."

"So, what is it then? If you travel all over the world to find these things, they must be valuable or have some significance."

"I think you'd have a hard time believing me if I told you."

"Try me," she said then inwardly cringed on her insistence.

After another well-chewed mouthful, he gazed deep into her eyes and answered in a calm, matter of fact tone. "Souls."

On the Lighter Side:

Stuffed deer heads on walls are bad enough, but it’s worse when you see them wearing dark glasses, having streamers around their necks and a hat on their antlers. Because then you know they were enjoying themselves at a party when they were shot. (Ellen Degeneres)

A newlywed couple moves into their new house. One day the husband comes home from work and his wife says, "Honey, you know, in the upstairs bathroom one of the pipes is leaking, could you fix it?" The husband says, "What do I look like, Mr. Plumber?" A few days go by, and he comes home from work and his wife says, "Honey, the car won't start. I think it needs a new battery. Could you change it for me?" He says: "What do I look like, Mr. Goodwrench?" Another few days go by, and it's raining pretty hard. The wife finds a leak in the roof. She says, "Honey, there's a leak on the roof! Can you please fix it?" He says, "What do I look like, Bob Vila?" The next day the husband comes home, and the roof is fixed. So is the plumbing. So is the car. He asks his wife what happened. "Oh, I had a handyman come in and fix them," she says. "Great! How much is that going to cost me?" he snarls. Wife says: "Nothing. He said he'd do it for free if I either baked him a cake or slept with him." "Uh, well, what kind of cake did you make?" asks the husband. "What do I look like," she says, "Betty Crocker?"

Kaylin's Favorite Recipe:

Butternut Squash Apple Soup Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

Note that the smaller you chop your vegetables, the faster they will cook. We like to finely dice the onion. celery and carrot, and cut the squash and apple into 1/2-inch chunks. For a variation add a couple dashes of smoked paprika and/or swirl in a little sour cream at the end (off the heat).

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, chopped
1 tart green apple, peeled, cored, chopped (squash and apple should be at a 3 to 1 ratio)
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if vegetarian)*
1 cup water
Pinches of nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and pepper

*If cooking gluten-free, use gluten-free broth.

DIRECTIONS:

1 Set a large saucepan over medium-high heat and heat the butter for 1-2 minutes. Do not let it turn brown. Add the onion, celery and carrot and saute for 5 minutes, taking care to turn the heat down if the vegetables begin to brown.

2 Add squash, apple, broth and water. Bring to boil. Cover, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until squash and carrots soften. Puree, and return to a clean pot.

3 Add salt and spices to taste, and garnish with chives or parsley.

Yield: Serves 4-6.

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Well, hope you enjoy our late summer weather and have an awesome, productive autumn!

All my best wishes,
Kaylin