I attended the Blogger Day and our guest speaker for the Librarian breakfast was Alyssa Cole. She gave an amazing speech that was powerful and memorable. She spoke about the horrible experiences that the immigrants are living each day in the cages they are kept, like animals and not treated like humans. She wants ICE to be abolished. She spoke about her love of reading and how at some point she stopped reading, because the books didn’t relate to her and the characters didn’t look like her. She was an amazing speaker that pushes for change and equal rights for all. We had a couple other workshops that provided more ideas for us bloggers on getting more viewers and creating post that our followers will want to read. We also had a networking mixer with all the amazing authors. I was able to make new connections with various authors. The day ended with the Readers for Life book signing. They had almost 200 authors signing their books. I love being able to meet the authors and get to know them more.

Alyssa Cole speaking and her with her books.

I was fangirling over J.R. Ward winner of a Rita Award.

Look at all these amazing authors and readers.

• 

Me and Darynda Jones and me and Nancy Naigle

Sheri Cobb South, Liz Talley and Tif Marcelo

Alexandra Haughton, Me and K.C Bateman, Me and Jamie Beck and Heatherly Bell

The book signing event ended with an interview with the Today show that will be aired sometime in September or October. They asked me about my love for romance, why I love Christmas novels and ended with me twirling with my book dress. When it’s released, I’ll share with you all. It will have a mixture of speakers.

I highly recommend attending RWA if you are a blogger or looking to become an author. They have many workshops that will help you with getting your book out there in the world of readers. Thanks, RWA for giving a first timer like me, a wonderful opportunity to connect with authors, bloggers and make new friends.

RWA 2020, will be in San Francisco.

My morning started off with this amazing view from my suite window that faces Times Square.

It was another day of book signings. The day started with Kensington Books, St. Martin’s Press and Carina Press Books, plus many wonderful and interesting workshops. I was able to meet some of my favorite author’s and got to also meet many new ones. So many free books, so little time to read.

The Rita Awards followed for the evening. I was so happy to see all the authors and event attendees looking like Cinderella. The Rita Awards this year had epic moments that I would have loved it didn’t take this long to have happened, but finally not one but two African American author’s won a Rita Award. Their was also another epic moment when a Hindi author won a Rita also. I’m happy to see that RWA and the publishers are starting to see that books should look like all their readers with no inclusions. We had a magical evening with epic moments. Below are the winners in each category, the information about the Rita and winners was taken from http://www.RWA.org:

The RITA^®

The RITA—the highest award of distinction in romance fiction—recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. Up to 2,000 romance novels are entered in the RITA competition in 13 different categories. After the first round of judging by published romance authors, entries that meet the qualifications to become a finalist then advance to the final round.

Once RWA announces the RITA finalists,  judges evaluate and scores these novels to determine the RITA Award winners. The RITA Award winners are announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at the RWA Annual Conference.

RWA Announces 2019 RITA Winners

And learn about the trailblazers of the romance genre at www.rwa.org/trailblazers!

Paranormal Romance Winner

Dearest Ivie by J. R. Ward
Ballantine Bantam Dell, Ballantine Books
Kara Welsh, editor

Contemporary Romance: Long Winner

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Self-Published
Lauren Clarke, editor

Young Adult Romance Winner

My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma
Crown Books for Young Readers
Phoebe Yeh, editor

Historical Romance: Short Winner

A Duke in the Night by Kelly Bowen
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Alex Logan, editor

Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length Winner

Advanced Physical Chemistry by Susannah Nix
Self-published
Julia Ganis, editor

Romantic Suspense Winner

Fearless by Elizabeth Dyer
Self-published

Erotic Romance Winner

Three-Way Split by Elia Winters
Entangled Publishing, LLC, Scorched
Tera Cuskaden, editor

Romance Novella Winner

Bad Blood by M. Malone
Self-published
Angela Ramey, editor

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance Winner

How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan
Harlequin, HQN
Flo Nicoll, editor

Historical Romance: Long Winner

A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy
Self-Published

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements Winner

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
Tyndale House Publishers
Sarah Rische and Jan Stob, editors

Contemporary Romance: Short Winner

The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise by Teri Wilson
Harlequin, Special Edition
Gail Chasan, editor

Best First Book Winner

Lady in Waiting by Marie Tremayne
HarperCollins, Avon Impulse
Elle Keck, editor

Congratulations, to all nominees and winners of the RWA Rita Awards!!

After the awards, the authors and attendees danced the night away.

I was hoping to wear a dress that inspired romance and made me look like a princess. I decided to purchase this wonderful dress from Unique Vintage. This is a replica of the Peaches n Cream Barbie dress. I always wanted to be a Barbie and was able to last night.

We can’t forget the fun photo booth. Yesterday, was filled with fun, laughs, books, friendships and epic moments that I will always cherish. Stay tuned, for my last day at RWA.

Today was signing galore. Look, at all the amazing books I got today. I met so many new authors, plus some of my all time favorite.

RWA 2019 Golden Heart Awards Luncheon, Emcee was Darynda Jones

Winners

Contemporary Romance – Never Have I Ever by Rosie Danan

Comtemporary Romance: Short- Love on the Books by Betsy Gray

Historical Romance – Tempting the Heiress by Emily Sullivan

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance– Everything Comes Back to You by Melissa Weisner

Paranormal Romance – Bless Your Heart and Other Southern Curses by Heather Leonard

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements– The Promise of Spring by Martha Hutchens

Romantic Suspense – The Hustler by Angie Hockman

Young Adult Romance – Dragged! by Susan Lee

This is the first time I’m attending the full event and loving it! My first workshop was Anatomy of a Scene and the presenter was Lisa Cron. She was a wonderful speaker with great tips on how you can create a scene and the importance of keeping the theme moving along and minimizing unnecessary information. I also attended the First Timers’ Orientation with a 4 author panelists. They provided important tips, feedbacks and positive vibes. Who doesn’t love to twirl and have a moment? Tomorrow, will be a busy day of more workshops and book signings. So far, I’ve met new authors and new friendships.

• 

Book Blurb

Santa Claus gets thousands of letter every year. But this yea; Santa’s going to get a letter he’ll never forget. This enchanting Christmas story about one boy’s honest letter to Santa is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

My Review

A children’s book filled with magical illustrations. The colors and images really make you feel the holiday spirit in any month. The story was a perfect example to teach children, not everyone is perfect. Sometimes you make mistakes, but they are made with a purpose. Parker knew he couldn’t just tell Santa he was very good for the year, like his classmates did. He knew he caused mistakes, but each one had a valid reason. Parker and Santa have something in common, they both dislike Brussels sprouts, so do I. I loved the diversity of the characters. Wonderful book that will bring joy to the kids and they will have the opportunity to write their Christmas list to Santa. The book has a couple sheets in the back with holiday decor.

Author Biography

Susanna Leonard Hill grew up in New York City with her mom and dad, one sister and two brothers, and an assortment of cats. She went to the Brearley School for K – 12, then received her B.A. in English and Psychology from Middlebury College. She then went on to get her M.A. and M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology and Special Education of Children With Learning Disabilities from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

She worked for many years teaching dyslexic students, but stopped after her third child was born. Now she spends her time being a mom, writing, teaching writing, and visiting schools whenever she gets the opportunity.

Goodreads Blurb

While Maggie waits for her Witchy Hour, she works at the family diner with her mom, aunt Meme and Lilith, her sister – all witches. Soon Maggie gets entangled with a mysterious handsome stranger, Mick Jasper, and his secret U.S. organization, SKUL. Has she found her calling?

My Review

Another out of this world book series, that Tonya magically wrote for us to enjoy! I fell in love with the characters. Tonya worked very hard to bring a book that has mystery, laughs, hot men and she sprinkled some more magic. Maggie’s character is very lovable, fun and determine. Not scared of what might happen, since she can use her magic powers when she is in a bind. I loved Mick, he sounds sexy and strong. I just love how confused his character is with the unknown magic he has encountered. I loved that her familiar is this cool red car named Vinnie who is pretty despicable to Mick. I had so much fun reading this spell bound book. You need to pick this first book in the series, I can’t wait to see what Tonya will come up with next.  I rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Author Biography

Tonya Kappes has written more than fifty southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time. 

You can find her all over social media and at Tonyakappes.com .

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak…

Kappes Krew Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/20857…

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show…

Twitter 
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya’s newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years, 

To enter please follow my blog and leave a comment below. Good Luck!

Goodreads Blurb

The storm of the century is about to hit Little Bridge Island, Florida—and it’s sending waves crashing through Sabrina “Bree” Beckham’s love life…

When a massive hurricane severs all power and cell service to Little Bridge Island—as well as its connection to the mainland—twenty-five-year-old Bree Beckham isn’t worried . . . at first. She’s already escaped one storm—her emotionally abusive ex—so a hurricane seems like it will be a piece of cake.

But animal-loving Bree does become alarmed when she realizes how many islanders have been cut off from their beloved pets. Now it’s up to her to save as many of Little Bridge’s cats and dogs as she can . . . but to do so, she’s going to need help—help she has no choice but to accept from her boss’s sexy nephew, Drew Hartwell, the Mermaid Café’s most notorious heartbreaker.

But when Bree starts falling for Drew, just as Little Bridge’s power is restored and her penitent ex shows up, she has to ask herself if her island fling was only a result of the stormy weather, or if it could last during clear skies too. 

Author Biography

Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse — at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby–writing novels–for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses. 

She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy’s Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble. 

Meg is now writing a new children’s series called Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011. 

Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn’t know he married a fire horse. Please don’t tell him. 

This was Epic Reads second year opening their publishing house for their fabulous readers. This was my first time and I truly enjoyed myself. Epic Reads really knows how to party. They gave us a tote bag full of books and other goodies. I got more than what I paid for between the amazing panels, authors, goodies, snacks, giveaways and I got to spend time with my friends, I couldn’t ask for a better time. I had so much laughs between the authors and Epic Reads team members. I was so proud that Epic Reads had a diverse group of authors. They were able to share their views and how important having a book that have characters that look like them and share about their culture. I highly recommend you attend next year to have an epic day, full of bookish fun!

• 

• 

• 

• 

The program, snacks and goodies.

• 

• 

• 

Press machine

Please follow my blog and leave a comment. You will win a pin and a pin flag holder. Good luck 🍀🍀🍀

Goodreads Blurb

A stunningly ambitious and beautiful debut novel, perfect for fans of Sarah’s Key and All the Light We Cannot See, the story of a twelve-year-old girl’s harrowing experience fleeing Nazi-occupied Germany with her family and best friend, only to discover that the overseas asylum they had been promised is an illusion.

In 1939 before everything changed, Hannah Rosenthal lived a charmed life. Her family moved in Berlin’s highest social circles, admired by friends and neighbors. Eleven-year-old Hannah was often taken by her mother for an afternoon treat at the tea room of the beautiful Adlon Hotel, both dressed in their finest clothes. She spent her afternoons at the park with her best friend Leo Martin. But, in an instant, that sunlit world vanished. Now the streets of Berlin are draped with red, white, and black flags; their fine possessions are hauled away, and they are no longer welcome in the places that once felt like home. The two friends make a pact: come what may, they promise to have a future together.

As Hannah and Leo’s families desperately begin to search for a means of escape, a glimmer of hope appears when they discover the Saint Louis, a transatlantic liner that can give Jews safe passage to Cuba. After a frantic search to obtain visas, the Rosenthals and the Martins depart from Hamburg on the luxurious passenger liner bound for Havana. Life aboard the ship is a welcome respite from the gloom of Berlin—filled with masquerade balls, dancing, and exquisite meals every night.

As the passengers gain renewed hope for a bright future ahead, love between Hannah and Leo blossoms. But soon reports from the outside world began to filter in, and dark news overshadows the celebratory atmosphere on the ship; the governments of Cuba, the United States, and Canada are denying the passengers of the St. Louis admittance to their countries, forcing them to return to Europe as it descends into the Second World War. The ship that had seemed their salvation seems likely to become their death sentence.

After four days anchored at bay, only a handful of passengers are allowed to disembark onto Cuban soil, and Hannah and Leo must face the grim reality that they could be torn apart. Their future is unknown, and their only choice will have an impact in generations to come.

Decades later in New York City on her eleventh birthday, Anna Rosen receives a mysterious envelope from Hannah, a great-aunt she has never met but who raised her deceased father. In an attempt to piece together her father’s mysterious past, Anna and her mother travel to Havana to meet Hannah, who is turning eighty-seven years old. Hannah reveals old family ties, recounts her journey aboard the Saint Louis and, for the first time, reveals what happened to her father and Leo. Bringing together the pain of the past with the mysteries of the present, Hannah gives young Anna a sense of their shared histories, forever intertwining their lives, honoring those they loved and cruelly lost. 

My Review

Truly a story that will touch everyone’s heart. Just imagine, living at a time where you weren’t accepted in your birth home because of your religion. A place where happiness disappeared at a blink of an eye and only terror and fear lingered in the four corners of your house and your mind. To then see hope and paradise in a ship named St.Louis that will bring you to a new Country that was suppose to be a place to keep you safe, but it turned out to be terror and agony. Hannah the 12 year old girl who was hoping that the ogres were left in Germany and that she could live happily with her family didn’t get her wish. She and her mom lived in Cuba behind closed doors in fear for their safety, while the government took over everyone’s freedom. This book brought me back in time to the Titanic. The time she spent on the St.Louis was the happiest time of her life. She was able to feel safe, happy and determined. Hannah and her family fled Germany in the St.Louis ship, which was suppose to drop off 900 passengers to Cuba, who later didn’t let but only 28 passengers dock off in Cuba the Country which was far from being paradise. Armando did an amazing job of bringing two different time periods and two different characters who were family to bond as one. You were able to see the struggle that Hannah went through for so many years and how Ana’s life and curiosity of her great aunts life brought them together. I rated 5 out of 5 stars.  

Me and my mom got to meet Armando in 2016.

Author Biography

Armando Lucas Correa is a Cuban writer. He lives in Manhattan with his partner and their three children.

Correa is the recipient of various outstanding achievement awards from the National Association of Hispanic Publications and the Society of Professional Journalism.

His book En busca de Emma (In Search of Emma: Two Fathers, One Daughter and the Dream of a Family) was published by Rayo, Harper Collins in 2007 and for Aguilar, Santillana (Mexico) in 2009. It will be available in English, Spring 2020.

His first novel The German Girl/La niña alemana was published in October, 2016, in English and Spanish by Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. The German Girl is an international bestseller and It has been translated to 14 languages and it is in more than 20 countries.

His second novel The Daughter’s Tale/La hija Olvidada was published in May 7th, 2019