Timothy Best's Blog
October 11, 2024
BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN AND HEADING TO THE RENAISSANCE FAIR WITH A NEW BOOK AND A GREAT DEAL!
It’s been a minute since my last blog. Actually, about 157,680 minutes, or three years. So, there’s a lot to catch up on. The biggest news is that I’ve got a new book dropping October 15 entitled “The Girl at the Renaissance Fair.” You can check out a story synopsis and order the book by hitting the link below. And if you want a fantastic value, the e-book is now on sale for just 99 cents! That’s right, NINETY-NINE CENTS. But this offer will expire on October 31. So, if you want to enjoy what I think is my best book ever (until the next one comes out) at an incredible price, hit this link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXZPRHH?...
NEW PUBLISHER
I’m also very happy to announce I have a new publisher in Harbor Lane Books. This is an outstanding independent publisher that’s only been around for a couple of years but has already published several books that have hit Amazon’s “Top 100” list in their respective categories. As for my former publisher, TouchPoint Press, well, that’s a bittersweet story. After 10 years, they’re closing their doors. I’m sorry to see any publisher close, but especially TouchPoint Press since I always enjoyed a great relationship with the owner and am grateful for the journey we took together. I’m trying to move my catalog over to Harbor Lane Books, but these things take a little time.
PROJECTS IN FLUX
If you’re a regular reader of these communications—and thank you for being so—you may remember I’ve previously mentioned another novel called, “Sparkledove: A Displaced Christmas Story.” This book was supposed to be released by TouchPoint Press and was in its final galley form, but then the owner decided to close her doors, which I’m sure was a gut-wrenching decision. Unfortunately, it left “Sparkledove” hanging. Not only this new project, but two other of my previously released books that had just been recorded as audiobooks. One was my 2019 award-winning novel, “The K’Terrian Affair,” and the other was my award-winning 2021 release, “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith.” Hopefully, all of these projects will see the light of day. But in the meantime, I’m SO grateful and excited to have “The Girl at the Renaissance Fair” making its debut.
So, that’s what’s been happening. A writer’s journey, like life itself, is full of twists and turns. But I’m a big believer in happy endings. So, enjoy “The Girl at the Renaissance Fair,” please write a nice review, and onward to the next project!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXZPRHH?...
NEW PUBLISHER
I’m also very happy to announce I have a new publisher in Harbor Lane Books. This is an outstanding independent publisher that’s only been around for a couple of years but has already published several books that have hit Amazon’s “Top 100” list in their respective categories. As for my former publisher, TouchPoint Press, well, that’s a bittersweet story. After 10 years, they’re closing their doors. I’m sorry to see any publisher close, but especially TouchPoint Press since I always enjoyed a great relationship with the owner and am grateful for the journey we took together. I’m trying to move my catalog over to Harbor Lane Books, but these things take a little time.
PROJECTS IN FLUX
If you’re a regular reader of these communications—and thank you for being so—you may remember I’ve previously mentioned another novel called, “Sparkledove: A Displaced Christmas Story.” This book was supposed to be released by TouchPoint Press and was in its final galley form, but then the owner decided to close her doors, which I’m sure was a gut-wrenching decision. Unfortunately, it left “Sparkledove” hanging. Not only this new project, but two other of my previously released books that had just been recorded as audiobooks. One was my 2019 award-winning novel, “The K’Terrian Affair,” and the other was my award-winning 2021 release, “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith.” Hopefully, all of these projects will see the light of day. But in the meantime, I’m SO grateful and excited to have “The Girl at the Renaissance Fair” making its debut.
So, that’s what’s been happening. A writer’s journey, like life itself, is full of twists and turns. But I’m a big believer in happy endings. So, enjoy “The Girl at the Renaissance Fair,” please write a nice review, and onward to the next project!
April 23, 2022
Nothin’ But Good News!
We all have those days when nothing goes right. Last Friday at work, I thought I did a particularly good job on an assignment, only to have my client point out some blaring mistakes.
Oy!
After work, I went to the grocery store for a spice I needed to cook dinner, but they were out of it. Then, the next day, I got stuck in a two-hour traffic jam on I-285 running errands. Later that evening, all the skits on Saturday Night Live totally sucked.
Yep. We all have those days when it seems we’re out of sync and nothing goes right.
Today however, I’m looking at things through the lens of optimism and positive energy. When you do, you realize there are plenty of things to be grateful for. Like COVID deaths have dropped from an average of 2,000 a day to under 600, the stock market was up yesterday, the Ukrainians bravely continue to hang on to their country, and even Pink Floyd has re-united after 28 years to record a new song to support the Ukrainians.
So, with this lens in mind, I’ve got nothin’ but good news to share.
• Readers In New Places
While I always wish one of my books would be discovered and recommended by some major social influencer, I’m very optimistic and grateful about the new readers that have taken an interest in my stories throughout the world. As I mentioned in my last blog, my latest novel, “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith” has grabbed reader’s attention in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Since then, Canada, the Cayman Islands, and India can be added to the list. This is due in part to some boosted Instagram posts but also in part by a great review in this month’s issue of “In D Tale Magazine,” an online magazine for the romance novel enthusiast. Here’s what the reviewer had to say:
“Rumors have circulated for years that Lady Miriam can see the future. When an attempted kidnapping goes wrong, Captain Sam Burke is sent to her estate to determine her abilities and protect her if necessary. Sam has been on numerous assignments and has a past of his own. What he finds at Lady Miriam’s estate is a truly amazing woman with a unique ability, a brother who believes in his sister’s ability, and a father who thinks she has a sickness.
“The Foresight of Miriam Asquith” is a story combining real history with a very believable fictional story. Timothy Best has done an excellent job of combining fact and fiction and holding the reader’s attention throughout the book. One will be drawn into the story from the very first page until the end as one tries to figure out what the plot is and what is going to happen next. When the reader thinks they have the story figured out, the author throws you in another direction. Mr. Best has created very realistic characters and describes the scenes in that period well. There is a lot of action and gunfights, and twists and turns one will not see coming. One will enjoy getting to know Miriam and Sam, feeling that each personality complements the other, and will enjoy watching them fall in love. One will be caught off guard with the ending, in the best won’t-have-seen-it-coming way! A must read for lovers of mystery with a paranormal twist.”
Wow! Very nice! I’m so appreciative!
• Good News Also Comes In The Form Of Surprises
More than once, people have asked me, “What’s “The K’Terrian Affair” about?” When I tell them it’s a novel about the first intimate relationship between a human and an alien from another world, you can see the disappointment register in other person’s eyes. Some have politely said, “Hhm, that sounds interesting,” while others have said, “Eww, that’s just too weird for me.” I have no idea what people are envisioning when they say this. Are they picturing the mother alien from the “Alien” franchise climbing under the sheets with Daniel Radcliffe? Envisioning Emma Stone doing the nasty with “The Terminator?” I have no way of knowing. But I do know that more than once, more than twice, readers have also said, “It was nothing like I thought it would be, and the ending made me cry.” That’s something to feel good about.
A couple recently shared with me that they took “The K’Terrian Affair” on a driving vacation to Disneyworld. For 10 days, the husband and wife shared the book. He’d read a chapter in the car, then they’d get off at some exit, change drivers and she’d read. They did the same thing while lounging by the resort pool, or while relaxing in their condo in the evening. By the time they returned home, both had read the book, cried at the end, discussed the plot at length, and decided that it was one of the most moving love stories they had read or seen in a long time. They were genuinely surprised. So, naturally, I was delighted with their delight.
• The Best Time For Optimism
Certainly one of the best times of the year for optimism and positive energy is Christmas. And while I know it’s also a time when suicides and cases of depression spike, this is my Nothin’-But-Good-News blog so I’m sticking with that. I’m happy to announce that my next novel is entitled, “Sparkledove: A Displaced Christmas Story,” and it will hopefully be released around Christmas 2022. It’s the modern-day story of a young woman named Goldie Maraschino—yes, like the cherry—who is living in New York City with her mobster boyfriend. When Goldie returns home early from a trip as the holidays are getting under way, she discovers another woman emerging from her bedroom causing Goldie and her boyfriend to have a huge fight. Realizing her longtime lover has betrayed her, a distraught Goldie leaves their condo building, runs out into a snowy street, and accidentally gets sideswiped by a passing car. She collapses to the pavement critically injured. But the next day, she wakes up perfectly healthy in a little town in Colorado called Sparkledove, about forty miles west of Denver. If that’s not odd enough, she also wakes in the year 1942! This sets off a series of events that are both a mystery and a mission for Goldie. A mission that’s filled with colorful characters, danger, a love triangle, and supernatural shadings.
Gangsters, time travel, and a love triangle all rolled into a Christmas story. What more could you possibly want?
Like I say, I’ve got nothin’ but good news today.
Gee, if only McCartney was touring again this summer.
Oh, wait. He is!
Oy!
After work, I went to the grocery store for a spice I needed to cook dinner, but they were out of it. Then, the next day, I got stuck in a two-hour traffic jam on I-285 running errands. Later that evening, all the skits on Saturday Night Live totally sucked.
Yep. We all have those days when it seems we’re out of sync and nothing goes right.
Today however, I’m looking at things through the lens of optimism and positive energy. When you do, you realize there are plenty of things to be grateful for. Like COVID deaths have dropped from an average of 2,000 a day to under 600, the stock market was up yesterday, the Ukrainians bravely continue to hang on to their country, and even Pink Floyd has re-united after 28 years to record a new song to support the Ukrainians.
So, with this lens in mind, I’ve got nothin’ but good news to share.
• Readers In New Places
While I always wish one of my books would be discovered and recommended by some major social influencer, I’m very optimistic and grateful about the new readers that have taken an interest in my stories throughout the world. As I mentioned in my last blog, my latest novel, “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith” has grabbed reader’s attention in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Since then, Canada, the Cayman Islands, and India can be added to the list. This is due in part to some boosted Instagram posts but also in part by a great review in this month’s issue of “In D Tale Magazine,” an online magazine for the romance novel enthusiast. Here’s what the reviewer had to say:
“Rumors have circulated for years that Lady Miriam can see the future. When an attempted kidnapping goes wrong, Captain Sam Burke is sent to her estate to determine her abilities and protect her if necessary. Sam has been on numerous assignments and has a past of his own. What he finds at Lady Miriam’s estate is a truly amazing woman with a unique ability, a brother who believes in his sister’s ability, and a father who thinks she has a sickness.
“The Foresight of Miriam Asquith” is a story combining real history with a very believable fictional story. Timothy Best has done an excellent job of combining fact and fiction and holding the reader’s attention throughout the book. One will be drawn into the story from the very first page until the end as one tries to figure out what the plot is and what is going to happen next. When the reader thinks they have the story figured out, the author throws you in another direction. Mr. Best has created very realistic characters and describes the scenes in that period well. There is a lot of action and gunfights, and twists and turns one will not see coming. One will enjoy getting to know Miriam and Sam, feeling that each personality complements the other, and will enjoy watching them fall in love. One will be caught off guard with the ending, in the best won’t-have-seen-it-coming way! A must read for lovers of mystery with a paranormal twist.”
Wow! Very nice! I’m so appreciative!
• Good News Also Comes In The Form Of Surprises
More than once, people have asked me, “What’s “The K’Terrian Affair” about?” When I tell them it’s a novel about the first intimate relationship between a human and an alien from another world, you can see the disappointment register in other person’s eyes. Some have politely said, “Hhm, that sounds interesting,” while others have said, “Eww, that’s just too weird for me.” I have no idea what people are envisioning when they say this. Are they picturing the mother alien from the “Alien” franchise climbing under the sheets with Daniel Radcliffe? Envisioning Emma Stone doing the nasty with “The Terminator?” I have no way of knowing. But I do know that more than once, more than twice, readers have also said, “It was nothing like I thought it would be, and the ending made me cry.” That’s something to feel good about.
A couple recently shared with me that they took “The K’Terrian Affair” on a driving vacation to Disneyworld. For 10 days, the husband and wife shared the book. He’d read a chapter in the car, then they’d get off at some exit, change drivers and she’d read. They did the same thing while lounging by the resort pool, or while relaxing in their condo in the evening. By the time they returned home, both had read the book, cried at the end, discussed the plot at length, and decided that it was one of the most moving love stories they had read or seen in a long time. They were genuinely surprised. So, naturally, I was delighted with their delight.
• The Best Time For Optimism
Certainly one of the best times of the year for optimism and positive energy is Christmas. And while I know it’s also a time when suicides and cases of depression spike, this is my Nothin’-But-Good-News blog so I’m sticking with that. I’m happy to announce that my next novel is entitled, “Sparkledove: A Displaced Christmas Story,” and it will hopefully be released around Christmas 2022. It’s the modern-day story of a young woman named Goldie Maraschino—yes, like the cherry—who is living in New York City with her mobster boyfriend. When Goldie returns home early from a trip as the holidays are getting under way, she discovers another woman emerging from her bedroom causing Goldie and her boyfriend to have a huge fight. Realizing her longtime lover has betrayed her, a distraught Goldie leaves their condo building, runs out into a snowy street, and accidentally gets sideswiped by a passing car. She collapses to the pavement critically injured. But the next day, she wakes up perfectly healthy in a little town in Colorado called Sparkledove, about forty miles west of Denver. If that’s not odd enough, she also wakes in the year 1942! This sets off a series of events that are both a mystery and a mission for Goldie. A mission that’s filled with colorful characters, danger, a love triangle, and supernatural shadings.
Gangsters, time travel, and a love triangle all rolled into a Christmas story. What more could you possibly want?
Like I say, I’ve got nothin’ but good news today.
Gee, if only McCartney was touring again this summer.
Oh, wait. He is!
December 3, 2021
MIRAM ASQUITH WINS MARCOM AWARD, AND A NEW AUDIO BOOK TOO!
Happy Holidays everyone! From my last blog, you may recall that my newest novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, was being released in November, 2021. Well, now it’s December and the new novel has indeed dropped. But that’s not all, it’s also an award-winner.
The novel won a Gold MarCom Award at the 17th Annual MarCom Awards based in Dallas, TX. The MarCom Awards are a national and international competition that recognize the best in marketing and communications. Each year, the MarCom Awards receive an average of over 6,500 entries from corporations, advertising agencies, film production companies, and individuals throughout the United States and around the world. From these entries, only a small percentage of winners receive either Platinum, Gold, or Honorable Mention recognition. The award show is administered by the Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals (AMCP) and the award itself is manufactured by the Society Awards, makers of the Golden Globes, MTV Awards, Emmys, CLIOS, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Foresight of Miriam Asquith won its Gold Award in the category of Creative Writing/Novel. If you’ll allow me a moment to brag, all five of my previous books published by TouchPoint Press have been national and international award-winners between the MarCom Awards and Hermes Awards, another highly respected marketing and communications competition.
Meantime, my 2017 novel, The Thing With Margot, is now an audio book and is available at audible.com. This makes two of my books that are available at audible.com, The Thing With Margot, and my 2013 multi award-winner, Substitute Angel; an especially great listen right now since most of the story takes place in snowy northern Michigan between December 1 and December 24.
So, take your pick for either yourself or someone on your Christmas list. You can enjoy a great paperback or e-book read with The Foresight of Miriam Asquith. It’s a compelling WWII romance set in England with an Agatha Christie-like who-done-it twist. Or for the road, you’ve got two audio book choices: The Thing With Margot, where you’ll go around the world in an action romance featuring a Disney-type girl next door who happens to be a deadly assassin, or, Substitute Angel, where a beautiful but injured angel from heaven recruits an agnostic paramedic to stop a murder in a small Northern Michigan town. Whichever you choose, you and yours will enjoy hours of escape and entertainment.
Finally, while I’m certainly grateful all my readers everywhere, a special shout out and thank you to readers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I’m SO appreciative of your support!
Once again, happy holidays and stay safe out there.
The novel won a Gold MarCom Award at the 17th Annual MarCom Awards based in Dallas, TX. The MarCom Awards are a national and international competition that recognize the best in marketing and communications. Each year, the MarCom Awards receive an average of over 6,500 entries from corporations, advertising agencies, film production companies, and individuals throughout the United States and around the world. From these entries, only a small percentage of winners receive either Platinum, Gold, or Honorable Mention recognition. The award show is administered by the Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals (AMCP) and the award itself is manufactured by the Society Awards, makers of the Golden Globes, MTV Awards, Emmys, CLIOS, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Foresight of Miriam Asquith won its Gold Award in the category of Creative Writing/Novel. If you’ll allow me a moment to brag, all five of my previous books published by TouchPoint Press have been national and international award-winners between the MarCom Awards and Hermes Awards, another highly respected marketing and communications competition.
Meantime, my 2017 novel, The Thing With Margot, is now an audio book and is available at audible.com. This makes two of my books that are available at audible.com, The Thing With Margot, and my 2013 multi award-winner, Substitute Angel; an especially great listen right now since most of the story takes place in snowy northern Michigan between December 1 and December 24.
So, take your pick for either yourself or someone on your Christmas list. You can enjoy a great paperback or e-book read with The Foresight of Miriam Asquith. It’s a compelling WWII romance set in England with an Agatha Christie-like who-done-it twist. Or for the road, you’ve got two audio book choices: The Thing With Margot, where you’ll go around the world in an action romance featuring a Disney-type girl next door who happens to be a deadly assassin, or, Substitute Angel, where a beautiful but injured angel from heaven recruits an agnostic paramedic to stop a murder in a small Northern Michigan town. Whichever you choose, you and yours will enjoy hours of escape and entertainment.
Finally, while I’m certainly grateful all my readers everywhere, a special shout out and thank you to readers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I’m SO appreciative of your support!
Once again, happy holidays and stay safe out there.
September 19, 2021
NOT ONE BUT TWO NEW PROJECTS COMING SOON!
I hope everyone had a great, safe summer and is looking forward to the cooler autumn weather and the holidays to come. 2021 for yours truly has been a year of big changes: A new job in Atlanta, moving from Colorado back to the South, a daughter getting her Master’s Degree then getting engaged, and now two new writing projects to talk about.
The first project is a brand new novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith. Like all of my books, it’s an adventure romance, but this story has taken me into some new and exciting directions. For one thing, it’s set in 1939 England just a few months before Great Britain is plunged into WWII, and I’ve never written anything in this timeframe before. Another cool twist is it dives into the realm of precognition and those who can see the future. Still a third new direction is this story was partly inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie. So, above and beyond a main character with precognitive abilities, a love story, and world on the brink of war, there is a mystery of who-done-it to unravel.
I think the back cover synopsis explains it best so, here it is, straight off the cover:
It’s 1939 and Europe is on the brink of war.
Rumors have circulated for years that Lady Miriam Asquith, a distant cousin to England’s King George VI, suffers from seizures where she seemingly predicts the future. But no one really knows for sure. When a kidnap attempt of Lady Miriam goes wrong in Paris, it’s believed the German S.S. is behind it. Working for British intelligence, a U.S. Army officer, Captain Sam Burke, is sent to the Asquith country estate to determine Lady Miriam’s abilities and, if necessary, protect her. What Sam finds is a free-spirited woman with amazing abilities dismissed by her father as a “sickness.” He also discovers German operatives are still after her, and a who-done-it betrayal straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. What Miriam finds is an American with a troubled past who’ll do anything to keep her out of harm’s way.
Pretty cool, eh? I hope you’ll check out The Foresight of Miriam Asquith when it drops November 17. The paperback will be available November 17, but you can pre-order the e-book now on amazon.com. The holidays are coming, and books are a wonderful gift with hours of entertainment that can be shared again and again.
The second project is my award-winning 2017 novel, The Thing With Margot, is being recorded as an audio book. Though I don’t have a release date yet, it’ll be available on audible.com in the near future. This book has been wildly popular with readers and I suspect the audio book will be too. As of this writing, I’ve heard the first eight chapters and the characters, locations, excitement, and romance of the story come to life on an entirely new plain of existence in audio form. The book is being read by Kate Wisniewski, a professional actor, teacher and coach from the Seattle area. Kate has worked with a long list of commercial clients like Nintendo and the Seattle Aquarium, and also has impressive theatrical credentials that include the Seattle Shakespeare Company and the American Repertory Theatre. Wait until you hear how she brings my heroine of Margot Laurent to life. Amazing!
Since I shared the back cover synopsis of The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, I’ll do the same with the back cover synopsis for The Thing With Margot:
She decorates. She bakes. She assassinates.
Margot Laurent seems like the perfect girl next door. She likes romantic movies, baking, decorating, listens to chirpy love songs, and she never uses foul language because she thinks it’s unladylike. Yep. She’s many a man’s dream. Except she also happens to be a deadly assassin for a foreign government.
When a hit goes wrong in London, Margot is sent into hibernation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There, she meets Bennett Chambers, a charming but unassuming history professor. Both he and Margot see something special in one another, and when the sparks start to fly, so do the bullets when the brother of Margot’s latest victim comes seeking revenge. Get ready to laugh, cry, and go ‘round the world on a heart-pounding adventure. The thing with Margot is—she’s killer fun!
Well—there you have it. Whether you want a modern spy story based in a university town that’ll take you around the world, or an historical novel set on an English country estate at the dawn of WWII, you’ve got hours of romantic adventure at your fingertips that I sure hope you’ll take advantage of and enjoy.
I’ll keep you updated on the release date for the audio book of The Thing With Margot and don't forget The Foresight of Miriam Asquith is available November 17. In the meantime, thank you as always for your continued support. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out
The first project is a brand new novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith. Like all of my books, it’s an adventure romance, but this story has taken me into some new and exciting directions. For one thing, it’s set in 1939 England just a few months before Great Britain is plunged into WWII, and I’ve never written anything in this timeframe before. Another cool twist is it dives into the realm of precognition and those who can see the future. Still a third new direction is this story was partly inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie. So, above and beyond a main character with precognitive abilities, a love story, and world on the brink of war, there is a mystery of who-done-it to unravel.
I think the back cover synopsis explains it best so, here it is, straight off the cover:
It’s 1939 and Europe is on the brink of war.
Rumors have circulated for years that Lady Miriam Asquith, a distant cousin to England’s King George VI, suffers from seizures where she seemingly predicts the future. But no one really knows for sure. When a kidnap attempt of Lady Miriam goes wrong in Paris, it’s believed the German S.S. is behind it. Working for British intelligence, a U.S. Army officer, Captain Sam Burke, is sent to the Asquith country estate to determine Lady Miriam’s abilities and, if necessary, protect her. What Sam finds is a free-spirited woman with amazing abilities dismissed by her father as a “sickness.” He also discovers German operatives are still after her, and a who-done-it betrayal straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. What Miriam finds is an American with a troubled past who’ll do anything to keep her out of harm’s way.
Pretty cool, eh? I hope you’ll check out The Foresight of Miriam Asquith when it drops November 17. The paperback will be available November 17, but you can pre-order the e-book now on amazon.com. The holidays are coming, and books are a wonderful gift with hours of entertainment that can be shared again and again.
The second project is my award-winning 2017 novel, The Thing With Margot, is being recorded as an audio book. Though I don’t have a release date yet, it’ll be available on audible.com in the near future. This book has been wildly popular with readers and I suspect the audio book will be too. As of this writing, I’ve heard the first eight chapters and the characters, locations, excitement, and romance of the story come to life on an entirely new plain of existence in audio form. The book is being read by Kate Wisniewski, a professional actor, teacher and coach from the Seattle area. Kate has worked with a long list of commercial clients like Nintendo and the Seattle Aquarium, and also has impressive theatrical credentials that include the Seattle Shakespeare Company and the American Repertory Theatre. Wait until you hear how she brings my heroine of Margot Laurent to life. Amazing!
Since I shared the back cover synopsis of The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, I’ll do the same with the back cover synopsis for The Thing With Margot:
She decorates. She bakes. She assassinates.
Margot Laurent seems like the perfect girl next door. She likes romantic movies, baking, decorating, listens to chirpy love songs, and she never uses foul language because she thinks it’s unladylike. Yep. She’s many a man’s dream. Except she also happens to be a deadly assassin for a foreign government.
When a hit goes wrong in London, Margot is sent into hibernation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There, she meets Bennett Chambers, a charming but unassuming history professor. Both he and Margot see something special in one another, and when the sparks start to fly, so do the bullets when the brother of Margot’s latest victim comes seeking revenge. Get ready to laugh, cry, and go ‘round the world on a heart-pounding adventure. The thing with Margot is—she’s killer fun!
Well—there you have it. Whether you want a modern spy story based in a university town that’ll take you around the world, or an historical novel set on an English country estate at the dawn of WWII, you’ve got hours of romantic adventure at your fingertips that I sure hope you’ll take advantage of and enjoy.
I’ll keep you updated on the release date for the audio book of The Thing With Margot and don't forget The Foresight of Miriam Asquith is available November 17. In the meantime, thank you as always for your continued support. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out
January 18, 2021
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021!
I think it’s fair to say all of us are happy to see 2020 in our rear-view mirrors. With some high, or, at least, “better” hopes for 2021, allow me to share some news from my Colorado corner of the world.
My latest novel, “The K’Terrian Affair,” received a stellar video review from respected Science Fiction aficionado, Greg Kaffenberger, on his YouTube show: Greg Reviews Sci-Fi. The review was released on December 24th and was a nice and unexpected Christmas present. In his review, Greg said:
“This is the most realistic first contact story I’ve ever read. If we had a first contact scenario, it could go down just like this!”
Wow! High praise indeed. Thanks so much, Greg!
Here is a link to the complete review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aixj7...
“The K’Terrian Affair” is an emotional, romantic, and action-packed read. You can order it via amazon.com, or online via Barnes & Noble, BOM, and other major book retailers.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+k%27te...
One of my readers recently complimented me on how effortlessly I switch genres, timeframes and locations for stories. It was a very kind thing for her to say, and while I am a romance writer, I definitely like to mix things up when it comes to different timeframes and locations. That’s why my second novel, “The Intended Ones,” goes back and forth between the present and the 1950s. And my third novel, “A Farm In Pennsylvania,” takes place in 1863 right after the battle of Gettysburg. It’s why my fifth novel, “The K’Terrian Affair,” is about an evolved and technologically advanced civilization from another planet. In that spirit, my soon-to-be-released novel similarly delves into a different location and timeframe.
The new novel is entitled, “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith.” It’s set in England, 1939. Tentatively, the back cover description of the book reads as follows:
In 1939, many in England believe another war in Europe won’t happen. But British and American Intelligence know better. When American operative Captain Sam Burke is nearly killed in a Paris hotel suite during a case of mistaken identity, he learns the previous occupant who had to leave unexpectedly was Lady Miriam Asquith, a cousin to King George VI. British and American Intelligence suspect Hitler’s S.S. intended to kidnap Lady Miriam and use her unique ability for its war efforts.
It’s been long rumored that Lady Miriam can predict the future. Burke is assigned to determine whether or not this is true and, if necessary, protect her. He’s sent to her father’s estate in the English countryside where he discovers secrets, treachery, murder, and an unexpected love affair with the unconventional Lady Miriam. Here’s an exciting who-done-it intermixed with steamy romance, deadly Nazis, and twists you’ll never see coming.
Please look for the new book to be released later this year. Hopefully in the spring. And if checking out “The K’Terrian Affair” and “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith” isn’t enough, I hope to have yet another new novel—a Christmas story involving gangsters, time travel, and angels—coming out in December. (Whoa, what a combination, right?)
So, yes indeed, here’s to a much better new year! As always, thank you for your support! Wear a mask, get your shots, and stay safe!
My latest novel, “The K’Terrian Affair,” received a stellar video review from respected Science Fiction aficionado, Greg Kaffenberger, on his YouTube show: Greg Reviews Sci-Fi. The review was released on December 24th and was a nice and unexpected Christmas present. In his review, Greg said:
“This is the most realistic first contact story I’ve ever read. If we had a first contact scenario, it could go down just like this!”
Wow! High praise indeed. Thanks so much, Greg!
Here is a link to the complete review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aixj7...
“The K’Terrian Affair” is an emotional, romantic, and action-packed read. You can order it via amazon.com, or online via Barnes & Noble, BOM, and other major book retailers.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+k%27te...
One of my readers recently complimented me on how effortlessly I switch genres, timeframes and locations for stories. It was a very kind thing for her to say, and while I am a romance writer, I definitely like to mix things up when it comes to different timeframes and locations. That’s why my second novel, “The Intended Ones,” goes back and forth between the present and the 1950s. And my third novel, “A Farm In Pennsylvania,” takes place in 1863 right after the battle of Gettysburg. It’s why my fifth novel, “The K’Terrian Affair,” is about an evolved and technologically advanced civilization from another planet. In that spirit, my soon-to-be-released novel similarly delves into a different location and timeframe.
The new novel is entitled, “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith.” It’s set in England, 1939. Tentatively, the back cover description of the book reads as follows:
In 1939, many in England believe another war in Europe won’t happen. But British and American Intelligence know better. When American operative Captain Sam Burke is nearly killed in a Paris hotel suite during a case of mistaken identity, he learns the previous occupant who had to leave unexpectedly was Lady Miriam Asquith, a cousin to King George VI. British and American Intelligence suspect Hitler’s S.S. intended to kidnap Lady Miriam and use her unique ability for its war efforts.
It’s been long rumored that Lady Miriam can predict the future. Burke is assigned to determine whether or not this is true and, if necessary, protect her. He’s sent to her father’s estate in the English countryside where he discovers secrets, treachery, murder, and an unexpected love affair with the unconventional Lady Miriam. Here’s an exciting who-done-it intermixed with steamy romance, deadly Nazis, and twists you’ll never see coming.
Please look for the new book to be released later this year. Hopefully in the spring. And if checking out “The K’Terrian Affair” and “The Foresight of Miriam Asquith” isn’t enough, I hope to have yet another new novel—a Christmas story involving gangsters, time travel, and angels—coming out in December. (Whoa, what a combination, right?)
So, yes indeed, here’s to a much better new year! As always, thank you for your support! Wear a mask, get your shots, and stay safe!
July 30, 2020
SUBSTITUTE ANGEL IS NOW AN AUDIO BOOK!
Hey everyone! I’m delighted to report that after many months in production, then months of delay due to the horrible COVID-19 pandemic, my novel, Substitute Angel, has been released as an audio book and is now available on audible.com.
As you might recall from previous blogs, paramedic Wyatt “Doc” Reynolds is driving home in a snowstorm one night when he hits a deer that runs across the road. At least, Doc “thinks” it is a deer. It actually turns out to be an angel sent to prevent the murder of a young woman in the small northern Michigan tourist town where Doc works. Now injured, the angel can’t complete her mission. So she recruits a very skeptical Doc to step in and try to keep the young woman from harm. But in the process, his life gets caught up in a whirlpool of danger and life-changing realizations.
This was my “breakthrough” book. It caught the attention of a traditional publisher, won numerous accolades, got fabulous reviews, and even spawned a prequel/sequel, The Intended Ones, which turned out to be another award-winner. Understandably, I can’t help but be proud of it and am so jazzed to say now you can take Substitute Angel along on a road trip. It’s romantic, magical, thought-provoking, dangerous and funny!
In the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction department, the story takes place in Charlevoix, Michigan. When auditions were held for the narrator, the prospects could’ve come from anywhere: New York, Chicago, Atlanta and so on. I really liked the audition of a guy named Bob Brill. So did my editor. So did my publisher. So, we cast him. It wasn’t until we were well into production of the audio book that I learned Bob actually lives just eight miles from Charlevoix and, as a young man, used to work in the same bookstore where my hero and heroine first meet. Even stranger, his wife works at the same hospital where my paramedic hero took his patients.
Of all the voice talent, in all the recording studios, in all the world… is that kismet, or what?
Bob’s a great talent. He’s the veteran of numerous radio commercials, other audio books, and I also understand he’s quite active in theatre. His intimate knowledge of Charlevoix and the Great Lakes area really makes a difference in his performance. Listeners will pick up on this right away.
Jerry Garcia once sang: “What a long strange trip it’s been.” That’s especially true in 2020 with the pandemic we’re all facing. When you’re feeling cooped-up and need a change of mental scenery, go to Christmastime in Charlevoix with Substitute Angel. I promise, you won’t regret it. It’s 9 hours and 27-minutes of escape. Also, please don’t forget The K’Terrian Affair, available at amazon.com, Kindle, and can be ordered through most major book retailers. It’s my latest novel and a 2020 recipient of a Gold Hermes Award in the category of Outstanding Book.
Meanwhile, the next novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, is with my editor and I’m hoping it’ll be out later this year, but I can’t say for sure because everything is slower these days because of the health crisis. I’ll keep you posted. Here’s the 121-word back cover breakdown for the new book:
It’s May, 1939, and Europe teeters on the brink of war. Working in cooperation with British Intelligence, American Army Captain Sam Burke is assigned to investigate a member of the British royal family, Lady Miriam Asquith, distant cousin to the king. Lady Miriam is prone to trance-like episodes where she speaks in riddles. But if one unscrambles these correctly, what she’s really doing is predicting the future. There’s evidence to believe the German S.S. is out to kidnap her for her unusual talent. Burke’s job is to determine if her talent is real and, if necessary, protect her at all costs.
Here’s a story of intrigue, betrayal, murder and love. Set on a sprawling Yorkshire estate in the English countryside, it’s a time of Glenn Miller, Winston Churchill, victory curl hairstyles and spies lurking in dark corners. The Foresight of Miriam Asquith is full of twists and turns you’ll never see coming from multiple award-winning author Timothy Best.
Oooo, sounds pretty good, right? More to come on this later.
As always, thanks so much for your interest and support! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
As you might recall from previous blogs, paramedic Wyatt “Doc” Reynolds is driving home in a snowstorm one night when he hits a deer that runs across the road. At least, Doc “thinks” it is a deer. It actually turns out to be an angel sent to prevent the murder of a young woman in the small northern Michigan tourist town where Doc works. Now injured, the angel can’t complete her mission. So she recruits a very skeptical Doc to step in and try to keep the young woman from harm. But in the process, his life gets caught up in a whirlpool of danger and life-changing realizations.
This was my “breakthrough” book. It caught the attention of a traditional publisher, won numerous accolades, got fabulous reviews, and even spawned a prequel/sequel, The Intended Ones, which turned out to be another award-winner. Understandably, I can’t help but be proud of it and am so jazzed to say now you can take Substitute Angel along on a road trip. It’s romantic, magical, thought-provoking, dangerous and funny!
In the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction department, the story takes place in Charlevoix, Michigan. When auditions were held for the narrator, the prospects could’ve come from anywhere: New York, Chicago, Atlanta and so on. I really liked the audition of a guy named Bob Brill. So did my editor. So did my publisher. So, we cast him. It wasn’t until we were well into production of the audio book that I learned Bob actually lives just eight miles from Charlevoix and, as a young man, used to work in the same bookstore where my hero and heroine first meet. Even stranger, his wife works at the same hospital where my paramedic hero took his patients.
Of all the voice talent, in all the recording studios, in all the world… is that kismet, or what?
Bob’s a great talent. He’s the veteran of numerous radio commercials, other audio books, and I also understand he’s quite active in theatre. His intimate knowledge of Charlevoix and the Great Lakes area really makes a difference in his performance. Listeners will pick up on this right away.
Jerry Garcia once sang: “What a long strange trip it’s been.” That’s especially true in 2020 with the pandemic we’re all facing. When you’re feeling cooped-up and need a change of mental scenery, go to Christmastime in Charlevoix with Substitute Angel. I promise, you won’t regret it. It’s 9 hours and 27-minutes of escape. Also, please don’t forget The K’Terrian Affair, available at amazon.com, Kindle, and can be ordered through most major book retailers. It’s my latest novel and a 2020 recipient of a Gold Hermes Award in the category of Outstanding Book.
Meanwhile, the next novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, is with my editor and I’m hoping it’ll be out later this year, but I can’t say for sure because everything is slower these days because of the health crisis. I’ll keep you posted. Here’s the 121-word back cover breakdown for the new book:
It’s May, 1939, and Europe teeters on the brink of war. Working in cooperation with British Intelligence, American Army Captain Sam Burke is assigned to investigate a member of the British royal family, Lady Miriam Asquith, distant cousin to the king. Lady Miriam is prone to trance-like episodes where she speaks in riddles. But if one unscrambles these correctly, what she’s really doing is predicting the future. There’s evidence to believe the German S.S. is out to kidnap her for her unusual talent. Burke’s job is to determine if her talent is real and, if necessary, protect her at all costs.
Here’s a story of intrigue, betrayal, murder and love. Set on a sprawling Yorkshire estate in the English countryside, it’s a time of Glenn Miller, Winston Churchill, victory curl hairstyles and spies lurking in dark corners. The Foresight of Miriam Asquith is full of twists and turns you’ll never see coming from multiple award-winning author Timothy Best.
Oooo, sounds pretty good, right? More to come on this later.
As always, thanks so much for your interest and support! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
April 12, 2020
The K'Terrian Affair Wins Gold Hermes Award
Brookland, Arkansas. For immediate release:
The K’Terrian Affair, the fifth novel from TouchPoint Press author Timothy Best was the winner of a 2020 Gold Hermes Award at the 14th Annual Hermes Creative Awards in the category of “Overall Publication.” The Hermes is one of the oldest and largest creative competitions in the world.
The Hermes Awards honors creative and communications excellence in numerous categories ranging from publications, to graphic design, to electronic media such as radio and television commercials. There are dozens of entry categories and, on average, the competition attracts over 6,000 entries per year from all 50 states and up to as many as 100 countries. Approximately only 20% of entries are distinguished with either Platinum, Gold, or Honorable Mention status.
The K’Terrian Affair is a 315-page romance adventure novel that tells the story of the first love affair between a human and a visiting member of an alien delegation from another world. Readers and critics alike have called the book a surprisingly unexpected love story with plenty of intrigue that goes beyond the boundaries of typical science fiction fare.
“We’re thrilled by Timothy’s achievement, which is just the latest in his long line of distinctions,” said Sheri Williams, Publisher of TouchPoint Press. In 2018, Best won a Gold Hermes for his novel, The Thing With Margot. In 2016, he was the recipient of a Gold MarCom Award for his novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania. In 2014 his novel, The Intended Ones, won a Platinum MarCom Award, and in 2013 his novel, Substitute Angel, also won a Platinum MarCom Award. He’s additionally a two-time nominee of the RONE Award, which honors the best books by Indie and smaller publishers.
Both the Hermes and MarCom Award competitions are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communications, advertising, public relations, media production, and freelance professionals. The award itself is made by the Society Awards, the world’s foremost designer of custom awards. The Society Awards also makes awards for the Golden Globes, the Emmys, the MTV Awards, the Academy of Country Music and The Voice.
For additional information, please contact Sheri Williams at TouchPoint Press: info@touchpointpress.com.
The K’Terrian Affair, the fifth novel from TouchPoint Press author Timothy Best was the winner of a 2020 Gold Hermes Award at the 14th Annual Hermes Creative Awards in the category of “Overall Publication.” The Hermes is one of the oldest and largest creative competitions in the world.
The Hermes Awards honors creative and communications excellence in numerous categories ranging from publications, to graphic design, to electronic media such as radio and television commercials. There are dozens of entry categories and, on average, the competition attracts over 6,000 entries per year from all 50 states and up to as many as 100 countries. Approximately only 20% of entries are distinguished with either Platinum, Gold, or Honorable Mention status.
The K’Terrian Affair is a 315-page romance adventure novel that tells the story of the first love affair between a human and a visiting member of an alien delegation from another world. Readers and critics alike have called the book a surprisingly unexpected love story with plenty of intrigue that goes beyond the boundaries of typical science fiction fare.
“We’re thrilled by Timothy’s achievement, which is just the latest in his long line of distinctions,” said Sheri Williams, Publisher of TouchPoint Press. In 2018, Best won a Gold Hermes for his novel, The Thing With Margot. In 2016, he was the recipient of a Gold MarCom Award for his novel, A Farm In Pennsylvania. In 2014 his novel, The Intended Ones, won a Platinum MarCom Award, and in 2013 his novel, Substitute Angel, also won a Platinum MarCom Award. He’s additionally a two-time nominee of the RONE Award, which honors the best books by Indie and smaller publishers.
Both the Hermes and MarCom Award competitions are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communications, advertising, public relations, media production, and freelance professionals. The award itself is made by the Society Awards, the world’s foremost designer of custom awards. The Society Awards also makes awards for the Golden Globes, the Emmys, the MTV Awards, the Academy of Country Music and The Voice.
For additional information, please contact Sheri Williams at TouchPoint Press: info@touchpointpress.com.
October 10, 2019
NEW NOVEL NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER
October 8, 2019. Jonesboro, AR. For immediate release:
The K’Terrian Affair, the latest novel from national and international award-winning author Timothy Best will be released from TouchPoint Press Monday, November 11, 2019. But the book can be preordered now, just in time for the holidays. Readers can preorder Kindle and Nook versions, and the hardcover version can be ordered through Barnes & Noble.
Alex Tucker’s mother abandoned him when he was nine years old. Twenty years later, she’s a major with the U.S. Army overseeing a high security post on Dune Island, a remote community in the middle of Lake Michigan. So, Alex leaves a promising career at the FBI to become Chief of Police on Dune Island and, hopefully, get to know her.
Once there, he meets and is attracted to the mysterious Eleanor Engle. She and her father are scientists who do research for the army. But, as their relationship develops, Alex discovers the Engles are the last two surviving members of Earth’s first alien delegation from another planet. A delegation his mother is sworn to protect.
When it’s discovered an organization called the Consortium is out to kidnap the Engles for their advanced technology, things quickly escalate to a heart-pounding climax. The K’Terrian Affair
is like all Timothy Best novels: it immerses the reader in deep romance and high adventure all rolled into one unforgettable story.
“This is our fifth collaboration with Timothy and I think it’s his finest work yet,” said Sheri Williams, publisher. “It’s sure to attract new fans as well as thrill his readers around the world.”
“This is my second book that has been set largely in Michigan,” Best said. “It’s my home state. I don’t get back there very often, but I still love it. It’s a great springboard for stories. It’s also within 500 miles of half the country’s population. So, I think a lot of people relate to the Great Lakes region.”
Besides Michigan, the book takes the reader to Italy and the United Arab Emirates as well as Rhode Island, California, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Best’s work has been the recipient of three MarCom Awards and a Hermes Award. Both are national and international competitions that recognize creative excellence in numerous fields including publications. He’s also a two-time nominee for a RONE Award (Reward of Novel Excellence) honoring the best from Indie and smaller publishers. In D’Tale Magazine, an online publication for the romance reader, called Best’s most recent novel, The Thing with Margot, “A true winner… wonderfully written. Mr. Best makes it all work and delivers a beautiful ending tied with a big red bow!” The magazine also had high praise for one of Best’s earlier novels, Substitute Angel. The reviewer declared: “Timothy Best weaves a touching tale, evoking belly laughs and sobby tears of joy that most novels only dream of producing.”
Best is the author of five novels from TouchPoint Press, Substitute Angel, The Intended Ones, A Farm in Pennsylvania, The Thing with Margot, and The K’Terrian Affair. He also has a book of short stories, The Petroglyph Papers. All are available at amazon.com. He is currently writing his sixth novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, for release in 2020.
When he’s not writing novels, Timothy Best is a Creative Director in the advertising industry. He’s written award-winning advertisements for Fortune 100 companies like GM, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Honda, and has authored commercials for the Allstate Insurance character of “Mayhem,” one of the most popular spokespeople in American advertising.
Mr. Best is available for readings and discussions with book clubs either in person or by Skype. Please make your queries to the attention of Ashley Carlson at touchpointpress.com.
TouchPoint Press
3747 Wildwood Lane
Jonesboro, AR 72401
662-510-03021
The K’Terrian Affair, the latest novel from national and international award-winning author Timothy Best will be released from TouchPoint Press Monday, November 11, 2019. But the book can be preordered now, just in time for the holidays. Readers can preorder Kindle and Nook versions, and the hardcover version can be ordered through Barnes & Noble.
Alex Tucker’s mother abandoned him when he was nine years old. Twenty years later, she’s a major with the U.S. Army overseeing a high security post on Dune Island, a remote community in the middle of Lake Michigan. So, Alex leaves a promising career at the FBI to become Chief of Police on Dune Island and, hopefully, get to know her.
Once there, he meets and is attracted to the mysterious Eleanor Engle. She and her father are scientists who do research for the army. But, as their relationship develops, Alex discovers the Engles are the last two surviving members of Earth’s first alien delegation from another planet. A delegation his mother is sworn to protect.
When it’s discovered an organization called the Consortium is out to kidnap the Engles for their advanced technology, things quickly escalate to a heart-pounding climax. The K’Terrian Affair
is like all Timothy Best novels: it immerses the reader in deep romance and high adventure all rolled into one unforgettable story.
“This is our fifth collaboration with Timothy and I think it’s his finest work yet,” said Sheri Williams, publisher. “It’s sure to attract new fans as well as thrill his readers around the world.”
“This is my second book that has been set largely in Michigan,” Best said. “It’s my home state. I don’t get back there very often, but I still love it. It’s a great springboard for stories. It’s also within 500 miles of half the country’s population. So, I think a lot of people relate to the Great Lakes region.”
Besides Michigan, the book takes the reader to Italy and the United Arab Emirates as well as Rhode Island, California, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Best’s work has been the recipient of three MarCom Awards and a Hermes Award. Both are national and international competitions that recognize creative excellence in numerous fields including publications. He’s also a two-time nominee for a RONE Award (Reward of Novel Excellence) honoring the best from Indie and smaller publishers. In D’Tale Magazine, an online publication for the romance reader, called Best’s most recent novel, The Thing with Margot, “A true winner… wonderfully written. Mr. Best makes it all work and delivers a beautiful ending tied with a big red bow!” The magazine also had high praise for one of Best’s earlier novels, Substitute Angel. The reviewer declared: “Timothy Best weaves a touching tale, evoking belly laughs and sobby tears of joy that most novels only dream of producing.”
Best is the author of five novels from TouchPoint Press, Substitute Angel, The Intended Ones, A Farm in Pennsylvania, The Thing with Margot, and The K’Terrian Affair. He also has a book of short stories, The Petroglyph Papers. All are available at amazon.com. He is currently writing his sixth novel, The Foresight of Miriam Asquith, for release in 2020.
When he’s not writing novels, Timothy Best is a Creative Director in the advertising industry. He’s written award-winning advertisements for Fortune 100 companies like GM, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Honda, and has authored commercials for the Allstate Insurance character of “Mayhem,” one of the most popular spokespeople in American advertising.
Mr. Best is available for readings and discussions with book clubs either in person or by Skype. Please make your queries to the attention of Ashley Carlson at touchpointpress.com.
TouchPoint Press
3747 Wildwood Lane
Jonesboro, AR 72401
662-510-03021
November 15, 2018
AUTHOR INTERVIEW TO CHECK OUT.
I’m happy to share that I'm a featured author on my publisher’s website and there’s a very nice interview about my books, my writing and research process, authors that have inspired me, and so on. Please check it out by clicking on the link. While you’re there, go on over to the “Bookstore” part of the TouchPoint Press site. After all, the holidays are coming and you can give the gift of romance, adventure, comedy, and escape all in a great book!
https://touchpointpress.com/2018/10/0...
https://touchpointpress.com/2018/10/0...
September 2, 2018
MARGOT HONORED AGAIN & NEW BOOK COMING SOON!
I hope you had a wonderful summer! One of the things that kicked mine into high gear was winning a Gold Hermes Award for my current novel, The Thing With Margot. In my last blog, I mentioned that Margot had been an “Editor’s Pick” by In D’ Tale Magazine. So to be honored with a Hermes Award is really icing on the cake.
Based in Dallas, The Hermes Awards are a national and international competition recognizing excellence in a variety of digital and traditional medias including books. The Thing With Margot won its Gold Award in the category of “Outstanding Published Book” and this marks the fourth time in four novels that I’ve been lucky enough to win a national and international honor. (My previous three books were recipients of MarCom Awards, a similar competition.)
During its over 20-history, the Hermes Awards have attracted entries from all 50 states and over 100 countries. So it’s a pretty well established and prestigious honor and I’m very grateful. As a fun fact, award itself is made by the same company that makes the Golden Globes, the Emmys and the MTV Awards. That's about as close as I'll get to Justin Bieber, but I figure that's a good thing.
As much as I love Margot though, I spent a good part of the summer finishing up my next novel, The Ambassador’s Daughter. That is, when I wasn’t binge-watching Gilmore Girls, a fabulously written show. The Ambassador’s Daughter is the story of young boy named Alex Tucker, whose mother abandoned him when he was nine-years-old. Twenty years later, she’s a major with the U.S. army overseeing a high security post on Dune Island, a remote community in the middle of Lake Michigan. So Alex leaves a promising career at the FBI to become Chief of Police on Dune Island in the hopes of getting to know her and finding out why she left him.
On the island, he meets and becomes attracted to Eleanor Engle. Eleanor and her father are scientists that do research for the army and live on the post his mother commands. But as their relationship develops, Alex discovers a secret about the Engles that his mother is sworn to protect, so their already strained relationship becomes even more so. The Ambassador’s Daughter is a deeply romantic, action-packed adventure that I hope will keep you turning the pages and reaching for tissues. It’s currently in the hands of my wonderful editor at TouchPoint Press and I hope it’ll be released before the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted on its progress.
Totally switching subjects, I discovered two wonderful vacation destinations this summer: Arches National Park in Utah and Taos, New Mexico. As its name implies, Arches features some 2,200 natural red-rock arches that are simply amazing to explore. The park has also been the setting for countless western movies featuring everyone from John Wayne to Kevin Costner. It’s hot as Hades in the summer, but you can drive through the park and pick highlights to explore at your own pace. Meanwhile, Taos has a robust artisan community and it's definitely worth spending a long day there. Two days are probably too much, unless you want to redecorate your home with some cool Southwestern art, in which case, staying longer is perfect. And by all means, check out the Catholic Church of San Francisco de Asis, built between 1772 and 1816, a really spectacular example of Colonial Spanish architecture.
Well, that’s all for now. Except to report I’m already outlining the plot of the next novel. Think, pre-World War II England and an expansive estate nestled in the lush countryside. More on this later and, as always, thank you for your interest and continued support!
Based in Dallas, The Hermes Awards are a national and international competition recognizing excellence in a variety of digital and traditional medias including books. The Thing With Margot won its Gold Award in the category of “Outstanding Published Book” and this marks the fourth time in four novels that I’ve been lucky enough to win a national and international honor. (My previous three books were recipients of MarCom Awards, a similar competition.)
During its over 20-history, the Hermes Awards have attracted entries from all 50 states and over 100 countries. So it’s a pretty well established and prestigious honor and I’m very grateful. As a fun fact, award itself is made by the same company that makes the Golden Globes, the Emmys and the MTV Awards. That's about as close as I'll get to Justin Bieber, but I figure that's a good thing.
As much as I love Margot though, I spent a good part of the summer finishing up my next novel, The Ambassador’s Daughter. That is, when I wasn’t binge-watching Gilmore Girls, a fabulously written show. The Ambassador’s Daughter is the story of young boy named Alex Tucker, whose mother abandoned him when he was nine-years-old. Twenty years later, she’s a major with the U.S. army overseeing a high security post on Dune Island, a remote community in the middle of Lake Michigan. So Alex leaves a promising career at the FBI to become Chief of Police on Dune Island in the hopes of getting to know her and finding out why she left him.
On the island, he meets and becomes attracted to Eleanor Engle. Eleanor and her father are scientists that do research for the army and live on the post his mother commands. But as their relationship develops, Alex discovers a secret about the Engles that his mother is sworn to protect, so their already strained relationship becomes even more so. The Ambassador’s Daughter is a deeply romantic, action-packed adventure that I hope will keep you turning the pages and reaching for tissues. It’s currently in the hands of my wonderful editor at TouchPoint Press and I hope it’ll be released before the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted on its progress.
Totally switching subjects, I discovered two wonderful vacation destinations this summer: Arches National Park in Utah and Taos, New Mexico. As its name implies, Arches features some 2,200 natural red-rock arches that are simply amazing to explore. The park has also been the setting for countless western movies featuring everyone from John Wayne to Kevin Costner. It’s hot as Hades in the summer, but you can drive through the park and pick highlights to explore at your own pace. Meanwhile, Taos has a robust artisan community and it's definitely worth spending a long day there. Two days are probably too much, unless you want to redecorate your home with some cool Southwestern art, in which case, staying longer is perfect. And by all means, check out the Catholic Church of San Francisco de Asis, built between 1772 and 1816, a really spectacular example of Colonial Spanish architecture.
Well, that’s all for now. Except to report I’m already outlining the plot of the next novel. Think, pre-World War II England and an expansive estate nestled in the lush countryside. More on this later and, as always, thank you for your interest and continued support!
