Kaylin McFarren's Blog - Posts Tagged "severed-threads"
Kaylin's Spring 2012 Newsletter
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
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
Books In Sync Author Spotlight Interview With Kaylin McFarren
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...
*****************************
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...
Kaylin's Summer 2012 Newsletter
"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
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
Treasure Hunt Leads to Healing and Romance in New Novel
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.
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.
Great 5-Star Review!!
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
“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
Kaylin's Fall 2012 Newsletter
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.
*******
Well, hope you enjoy our late summer weather and have an awesome, productive autumn!
All my best wishes,
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.
*******
Well, hope you enjoy our late summer weather and have an awesome, productive autumn!
All my best wishes,
Kaylin
New Reviews for Severed Threads!!
I'm very excited about the latest editorial reviews I've received for Severed Threads and thought I would take a moment to share them. :)
"In this romantic suspense novel, a woman and her ex fight to recover a mysterious relic from a wrecked ship—and maybe salvage their relationship along the way.
The last person Rachel Lyons, marine biologist turned foundation executive, wants to see is her former love interest, Chase Cohen. He was working with her father, Sam, as an ocean salvager until Sam’s death in a diving accident, after which Chase disappeared with no more than a scribbled note. Even when a museum director begs Rachel to help finish the business Sam and Chase started and recover an important relic, she declines. But when her brother is kidnapped by drug dealers and held for ransom, Rachel agrees to lend her father’s boat to the task of exploring a 400-year-old ship. It’s said to contain gold, porcelain and the “Heart of the Dragon”—a gift from an emperor’s beautiful concubine to her illicit lover. According to legend, the concubine’s ghost still protects it. As Rachel and Chase work to bring up treasure from the sunken ship, they must fight off dangers, uncover secrets and confront their mutual rekindled passion. McFarren (Flaherty’s Crossing, 2010) offers an exciting, romantic adventure story that’s anchored by well-researched, authentic technical details of boats, scuba diving, salvage law, Chinese history and underwater archaeology.
Watching the characters thoughtfully do their jobs makes them more appealing to the reader and heightens the novel’s boldly erotic love scenes; Chase and Rachel are more than just beautiful bodies. (It’s irksome, though, when Chase treats Rachel like a child, at one point having a crewmember send her to bed and doping her against her knowledge when he wants her to rest.) McFarren’s varied cast—from professors to gangsters to salty dogs—feels well rounded; despite a few ethnic clichés, like the Native American “warrior” and a hard-drinking, lusty Irishman, she toys with expectations more than once. Some odd word choices and unfortunate mistakes show that the book could use an editor’s hand, but with plenty at stake, erotic chemistry, dastardly villains, a lost relic, an unusual setting and a touch of the supernatural, this indie novel could stand on any romance publisher’s shelf.
The full package of thrills and romance." • KIRKUS REVIEW
****1/2
“Chase Cohen and Sam Lyons went diving together searching salvage for the elusive riches that come with the perfect find. When Chase realized Sam had not come back up from the dive, he went looking for him. Sam did not make it and Chase, filled with guilt, had to tell Sam's daughter Rachel.
Years later, Rachel was discussing business with Dr. Ying, the museum director, when Chase interrupted. She was furious and declared that the foundation she worked for would not fund any projects that involved Chase. With the combination of Rachel's brother, who was in trouble up to his ears, Dr. Ying's manipulations, and Rachel's unquenchable need to mend the past, she was had no choice but to search for the Heart of the Dragon.
Dive right in; the water is full of danger, intrigue, and passion. This treasure‑hunting jewel of a story will hold the reader captive to the very last page.” • LAUREN CALDER, Affaire de Coeur magazine
“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
"In this romantic suspense novel, a woman and her ex fight to recover a mysterious relic from a wrecked ship—and maybe salvage their relationship along the way.
The last person Rachel Lyons, marine biologist turned foundation executive, wants to see is her former love interest, Chase Cohen. He was working with her father, Sam, as an ocean salvager until Sam’s death in a diving accident, after which Chase disappeared with no more than a scribbled note. Even when a museum director begs Rachel to help finish the business Sam and Chase started and recover an important relic, she declines. But when her brother is kidnapped by drug dealers and held for ransom, Rachel agrees to lend her father’s boat to the task of exploring a 400-year-old ship. It’s said to contain gold, porcelain and the “Heart of the Dragon”—a gift from an emperor’s beautiful concubine to her illicit lover. According to legend, the concubine’s ghost still protects it. As Rachel and Chase work to bring up treasure from the sunken ship, they must fight off dangers, uncover secrets and confront their mutual rekindled passion. McFarren (Flaherty’s Crossing, 2010) offers an exciting, romantic adventure story that’s anchored by well-researched, authentic technical details of boats, scuba diving, salvage law, Chinese history and underwater archaeology.
Watching the characters thoughtfully do their jobs makes them more appealing to the reader and heightens the novel’s boldly erotic love scenes; Chase and Rachel are more than just beautiful bodies. (It’s irksome, though, when Chase treats Rachel like a child, at one point having a crewmember send her to bed and doping her against her knowledge when he wants her to rest.) McFarren’s varied cast—from professors to gangsters to salty dogs—feels well rounded; despite a few ethnic clichés, like the Native American “warrior” and a hard-drinking, lusty Irishman, she toys with expectations more than once. Some odd word choices and unfortunate mistakes show that the book could use an editor’s hand, but with plenty at stake, erotic chemistry, dastardly villains, a lost relic, an unusual setting and a touch of the supernatural, this indie novel could stand on any romance publisher’s shelf.
The full package of thrills and romance." • KIRKUS REVIEW
****1/2
“Chase Cohen and Sam Lyons went diving together searching salvage for the elusive riches that come with the perfect find. When Chase realized Sam had not come back up from the dive, he went looking for him. Sam did not make it and Chase, filled with guilt, had to tell Sam's daughter Rachel.
Years later, Rachel was discussing business with Dr. Ying, the museum director, when Chase interrupted. She was furious and declared that the foundation she worked for would not fund any projects that involved Chase. With the combination of Rachel's brother, who was in trouble up to his ears, Dr. Ying's manipulations, and Rachel's unquenchable need to mend the past, she was had no choice but to search for the Heart of the Dragon.
Dive right in; the water is full of danger, intrigue, and passion. This treasure‑hunting jewel of a story will hold the reader captive to the very last page.” • LAUREN CALDER, Affaire de Coeur magazine
“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
FREE GIVEAWAY!!!
Just completed an audio book for Severed Threads - the first adventure in the Threads series - with John Jaret, an incredibly talented actor who has the ability to make stories come alive. As a result, this new format is now available at Amazon and iTunes, and Audible is also giving away 25 FREE copies!! All you have to do is send your contact information to kaylin@kaylinmcfarren.com so that I can provide you with an easy access key. This freebie would make a great gift for yourself or someone in your life who enjoys listening to stories filled with suspense, action and romance. For more information about this story and the availability of other audiobooks, be sure to visit: http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-T...
Thanks!! Kaylin
Thanks!! Kaylin
A fresh new look!!
Excited to announce that all the books in the Kaylin McFarren Threads series have a fresh new look due to the artistic skills and remarkable imagination of Amanda Tomo Yoshida, graduate of the Gnomon School of Visual Effects. You will discover that each book has also undergone additional editing and is now included in my revised, simple to navigate website thanks to Michael Volnychev, my masterful webmeister. Please take a moment to visit this site and consider signing up for my quarterly newsletter, which will provide you with information about book signings, new releases, free giveaways, contests, and fun promotional events.
In the meantime, mark your calendar for March 20th – when Banished Threads is officially released on Amazon.com. This is an action-packed suspense thriller, guaranteed to keep you turning pages and reading until late at night, guessing the identities of the true villains.
With all this in mind, let me extend my best wishes for the upcoming holidays and for a memorable, creative and extremely productive new year! – Kaylin
(www.kaylinmcfarren.com)
In the meantime, mark your calendar for March 20th – when Banished Threads is officially released on Amazon.com. This is an action-packed suspense thriller, guaranteed to keep you turning pages and reading until late at night, guessing the identities of the true villains.
With all this in mind, let me extend my best wishes for the upcoming holidays and for a memorable, creative and extremely productive new year! – Kaylin
(www.kaylinmcfarren.com)
SEVERED THREADS REVIEW
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master."
Ernest Hemingway
“Severed Threads” by Kaylin McFarren
349 Pages
SEVERED THREADS - A NOVEL
REVIEWED BY: EDITORIAL BOARD
THE COLUMBIA REVIEW
“Severed Threads” by Kaylin McFarren is the first installment in romantic suspense series. It provides an engaging mix of mystery, action, and drama that readers are sure to enjoy.
The story’s protagonist is Rachel Lyons, who is devastated after her father dies from a terrible diving accident. Rachel copes as best she can by choosing a life path that seems safe and comfortable. Her path soon becomes not so safe and comfortable, however, when she is drawn very reluctantly into an endeavor to recover a priceless relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Because a former love interest named Chase Cohen is involved in the adventure, Rachel strongly desires not to be involved:
“Word had it, Chase Cohen, the renowned treasure hunter, was more determined than ever to leave his mark. He’d rifled ocean plots stretching from Spain to Key West, selling off remnants of other people’s lives. She had hoped their paths would never cross again.”
Despite her adamant hope to stay away, however, Rachel finds herself pulled into the situation as a result of yet another traumatic event. A drug-dealing gangster kidnaps Rachel’s brother and holds him ransom for $2 million. After learning about this horrific situation, Rachel determines that she has no choice but to become involved in the recovery of the ship’s relic…because it also holds the Heart of the Dragon, which she must steal to save her brother. The whole process forces Rachel to relive the circumstances of her father’s death, an experience that she finds incredibly challenging:
“She pulled the covers under her chin and longed to be lulled to sleep by the ship’s rocking motion—to be transported to a peaceful place. However, whether her nightmares were triggered by being aboard Stargazer or in the proximity of the place where he had met his untimely death, they had grown in intensity. They had become so horrifying and real with each passing night that she got little or no sleep at all. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound in the room.”
Through this adventure, Rachel must overcome her greatest challenges and biggest fears and ends up learning more than she realized about herself and her father’s death along the way.
“Severed Threads” offers a psychologically thrilling and adventurous story that includes surprising twists and turns sure to keep its readers at the edge of their seats. The novel will delight readers of all ages with interesting characters, clever plotlines, and an engaging combination of romance, villainy, and the supernatural. Highly recommended!
Severed Threads
Ernest Hemingway
“Severed Threads” by Kaylin McFarren
349 Pages
SEVERED THREADS - A NOVEL
REVIEWED BY: EDITORIAL BOARD
THE COLUMBIA REVIEW
“Severed Threads” by Kaylin McFarren is the first installment in romantic suspense series. It provides an engaging mix of mystery, action, and drama that readers are sure to enjoy.
The story’s protagonist is Rachel Lyons, who is devastated after her father dies from a terrible diving accident. Rachel copes as best she can by choosing a life path that seems safe and comfortable. Her path soon becomes not so safe and comfortable, however, when she is drawn very reluctantly into an endeavor to recover a priceless relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Because a former love interest named Chase Cohen is involved in the adventure, Rachel strongly desires not to be involved:
“Word had it, Chase Cohen, the renowned treasure hunter, was more determined than ever to leave his mark. He’d rifled ocean plots stretching from Spain to Key West, selling off remnants of other people’s lives. She had hoped their paths would never cross again.”
Despite her adamant hope to stay away, however, Rachel finds herself pulled into the situation as a result of yet another traumatic event. A drug-dealing gangster kidnaps Rachel’s brother and holds him ransom for $2 million. After learning about this horrific situation, Rachel determines that she has no choice but to become involved in the recovery of the ship’s relic…because it also holds the Heart of the Dragon, which she must steal to save her brother. The whole process forces Rachel to relive the circumstances of her father’s death, an experience that she finds incredibly challenging:
“She pulled the covers under her chin and longed to be lulled to sleep by the ship’s rocking motion—to be transported to a peaceful place. However, whether her nightmares were triggered by being aboard Stargazer or in the proximity of the place where he had met his untimely death, they had grown in intensity. They had become so horrifying and real with each passing night that she got little or no sleep at all. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound in the room.”
Through this adventure, Rachel must overcome her greatest challenges and biggest fears and ends up learning more than she realized about herself and her father’s death along the way.
“Severed Threads” offers a psychologically thrilling and adventurous story that includes surprising twists and turns sure to keep its readers at the edge of their seats. The novel will delight readers of all ages with interesting characters, clever plotlines, and an engaging combination of romance, villainy, and the supernatural. Highly recommended!
Severed Threads
