Guest Blog: Favorite Summer Activities

Today's guest blog is written by Sarah Ballance, the author of Tide of Lies

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I spend most of our relatively mild winters freezing and dreaming of summer. (Because, really, it doesn't get *that* hot, does it? HAH!) Then summer arrives with the bugs, the local 110 heat index, and so much humidity a fish can survive out of water and … MEH. Yep, welcome to the south where it's HOT, y'all!

But I don't just live in the South. I live at the BEACH! Or a just a few miles from it—it takes fifteen minutes to go from the sofa to the sand, so I call that convenient. I also call it somewhat rare, because even though the beach is right there, actually going seems to be a bit of an issue for us. Maybe it's having to drag ourselves, six kids, and all of the "beach gear" required across miles of hot sand. Maybe it's parking or swarms tourists (a beach resort has its downside … uh, no offense) or the constant freak-outs every time one of my kids ducks under a wave. Maybe it's the sheer effort in all of this heat, but whatever it is, we don't get there often.

At least not the "sand" side of it.

A few years ago my husband brought home a boat. I didn't love the idea at first, but it was free, and the first time we went out, I was hooked. One boat turned into two, and now our "fleet" numbers four. That first one he brought home is a little speed boat—perfect for water skiing or dragging the kids behind us on tubes or floats—and it doesn't require much water to float, which means we can pull right up to sandy beaches on the local waterways (not so much the ocean because of the wave action) and have our drinks, towels, clothes, and snacks right there with us. The kids jump overboard into knee deep water, run back and forth from the boat to the sand, or head out into deeper water to swim. It's insanely perfect!

Only … it gets better. Last winter we happened upon a great deal for a cabin cruiser with the whole nine yards—two decks for lounging, a swim platform, full living quarters including (in layman's terms) a kitchen, refrigerator and stove, bathroom and shower, and … wait for it … air conditioning! So now we can go to the beach, play in the water, go deep sea fishing, take a nap, watch TV, and relax in the air-conditioning, all in one shot. You sure can't beat that for summer fun, and in a family of eight, having something for everyone is absolutely priceless. (Well, priceless plus the cost of the marina slip).

But having a spot to sneak off to with my husband … even better. And when it comes to a fun summer activity, you definitely can't beat *that*!

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Tide of Lies is avaiable here: Noble Romance / Amazon / B&N

Big thanks to Sarah for taking the time to share!

Tarot Review: The Medieval Scapini Tarot

by: Luigi Scapini

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Scapini's intricate paintings capture the splendor of the Italian Renaissance in this gold-accented Tarot deck.
Cards, 78 pages

Published December 1st 2005 by U.S. Games Systems
ISBN 1572815078 (ISBN13: 9781572815070)
edition language: English
original title: The Medieval Scapini Tarot (Premier Edition Tarot)

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U.S. Games Systems is THE company I think of when Tarot crosses my mind. They have so many editions out there, if you can't find what you are looking for, then you aren't looking very hard. I have dozens I am in love with. So when I asked awhile back for this one and Joie de Vivre Tarot, I was ecstatic to hear I would get not only these two but the Crystal Visions Tarot as well. I loved the other 2, but this one has a special place in my heart.

Since I first learned of it in school or TV (who knows which came first?), I have been enthralled with the Medieval times. This deck literally screamed at me more than any other deck I've ever come in contact with. The art speaks to me, and the pictures have so many intricate details, that they are easy to read.

Look at these cups. Each container has it's own story to tell. And I love that the cups aren't just goblets, these cards are filled with any kind of medieval vessel. On the coins, each coin has a different and unique image. The three of coins has a happy man playing a tambourine on one, Caesar on another and Venus on the third lined up next to a statue of a man who reminds me of da Vinci.

This deck is about a time in Western history that is still held dear today (Renaissance festival anyone?), has detailed images that are full of color, fun and are sometimes very serious. They have gold inlays and are printed on light-weight cardstock in Italy. In fact all three decks I received were from Italy. They must have a contract with a printer there. LOL - at first I thought it was because of the creator being Italian.

I think this deck would be great for beginners. It's so full of imagery that anyone is going to get something from it. And if you don't want to read the tarot but enjoy art, you'll still love this deck, as it's inspiration is Medieval and Renaissance art. As for this deck...I'm keeping it! :)

Character Interview for Faythe Reclaimed

LW – Please welcome Taylor from the novel Faythe Reclaimed. Taylor, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Taylor – Criminy! Nothing like putting a girl on the spot right off the bat, yeah? Um… well, I’m twenty-one, and I live in Hanaford Park, California. I love coffee, chocolate, Grey’s Anatomy and all things girlie.

LW – Where were you born?

Taylor – Perth, Western Australia

LW – What is your most cherished childhood memory?

Taylor – Probably the time my parents took me to Australia Zoo in Queensland. I had a major crush on the Crocodile Hunter. Like, MAJOR crush. I cried for days after he died. So sad.

LW – How old are you? And can you describe your appearance?

Taylor – I’m bloody hawt! A real sexy beast, lol. j/k! I’m twenty-one, about 5’7, and have long brown hair. Martha and Jessica refer to me as “exotic” which weirds me out a little. To me, exotic refers to snakes and other wildlife type creatures in the bush. I’m pretty comfortable in my skin, and Gabriel seems satisfied, so I’ve got no complaints.

LW – I usually avoid politics, but would you say you are more liberal or conservative?

Taylor – I’m with you on avoiding political discussions. I’m definitely more liberal, than conservative.

LW – Once you were over the shock of time travel, what did you miss the most from modern times?

Taylor – Running water and a modern loo. Relieving myself in a crude outside dunny was beyond gross!

LW – How do you plan to get yourself out of this situation?

Taylor – How do I get back home, or how do I deal with the loo situation? Lol! I really had no idea how to get back home. My main concern was survival. Living in a village with a bunch of bible thumping, holy rollers eager to brand people as witches was nerve-wracking and awful. I felt the smartest thing to do would be to lay low. Didn’t work out so well.

LW – What would you do if you were alone with Lucian (the one who sent you back in time)?

Taylor – I’d jab him in the throat! In all truth, though it’s easy to joke about him now that he’s dead, if he were alive, I wouldn’t put myself in a situation where I would be alone with him. Gabriel wouldn’t allow it. In fact, I’m pretty sure Gabriel would kill him. He doesn’t suffer maniacal assholes very well.

LW – Thank you so much for taking the time to share yourself with my readers!

Taylor - Thanks for having me! This was fun. G’day!
You can read my review of Faythe Reclaimed here
You can purchase your own copy here: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Vampyre Magick

by: Father Sebastiaan

Available at Red Wheel/Weiser Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Since the dawn of civilization, the vampire has danced through the dreams and nightmares of every culture, expressed in folklore, literature, and art. Today, this fascination resonates in pop-culture through hit television shows, movies, and bestselling books.

In Vampyre Magick, Father Sebastiaan reveals the hidden rituals and spells of the Living Vampires. This companion volume to Sebastiaan’s Vampyre Sanguinomicon, is intended for initiates of the Stigoii Vii, but will appeal to any scholar of magickal arts, The Golden Dawn, or other Western Mystery Traditions.

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I'm surprised at the gamut of emotions this book took me on, for a nonfiction piece. I was excited to get the book, then I couldn't believe he was serious, thought he was awesome and a few times a complete loon. I will try to give a honest review, but truly you have to decide for yourself. I'm not even fully sure of my opinion yet, so I'll just have to pick something.

It talks about being a vampyre in a more spiritual sense. It's not about immortality or any of the other vampire myths. It's about energizing yourself and having willing hosts. Blood is not often used, and Father Sebastiaan says to draw real blood there has to be such a commitment from the host that it's just not practical. The person would have to be quarantined for about 10 years before you could even draw from them, including lots of testing to make sure their blood is safe. So they generally stick with feasting on the life force of willing hosts. Can't stress that part enough, WILLING hosts. I love that he put so much detail and precautions in this book.

He does talk about immortality, but it's more about being able to leave this mortal coil and ascend to a fully spiritual level. Take this quote:

Vampyres of the Strigoi Vii Tradition see Themselves as part of a movement which promotes spiritual and philosophical evolution, which is deeply rooted in the soul, not just a specific singular religion or paradigm. Once Awakened there is no turning back; the Current is alive within the individual."

There is so much deep magick in this book, that I'm not even sure I believe in it. But that's a big part of what made this book so much fun. That and Father Sebastiaan's passion for the subject and the intelligent way he presents it.

Will I be practicing vampyre magick? Probably not, but the book was fascinating to read. So I should probably go with that for my stars.

Book Review: Faythe Reclaimed

by: Lisa Sanchez

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Running through a strange forest with a bloodthirsty demon hot on her heels wasn’t Taylor’s idea of a rockin’ evening. Then again, neither was soaring backward through time and space. Time travel chafed and left a rank, nasty aftertaste. So, when she finds herself floundering amidst a sea of Commandment-loving holy rollers who fling accusations of witchcraft and bedevilment like hotcakes in a diner, finding her way home jumps to the top of her to do list. Too bad she can’t remember who she is or where she came from. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Taylor has to fall for the mysterious Latin warlock living on the edge of Salem Village and who comes to her rescue, Gabriel Castillo.

Battling an identity crisis and lost in a time that’s not her own, Taylor is determined to find her way back to twenty-first century Hanaford Park. But first, she and Gabriel must work together to uncover the dark scourge lurking in Salem's shadows, and in doing so, save their own lives, and the lives of countless innocents from a lethal date with the hangman’s noose.

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This is the 3rd book in Lisa Sanchez' Hanaford Park Series, and I do wish I had read the first 2. Don't panic! You don't have to read the other books, I am sure they all stand alone as this one does. But it was SOOOO good. I'm not often a big fan of paranormal romance, but this plot and these characters all demanded my attention.

When Taylor was sent back, I felt scared with her. When Gabriel and Taylor (aka Faythe) first met, and the sparks flew, I was ecstatic. Their relationship is so romantic and fiery HOT, but the storyline in Salem during the witch trials was scary, weird and loosely based on what happened there. Lisa wrote them as an insane mob, with one hell of a twist. And that's all you'll get out of me!

There's paranormal, romance sex, witches, demons and time travel. If you like any of that, you'll enjoy this book.