Welcome, alumni!

The Cyber Miracles got a nod in my high school alumni newsletter today. If you’re here because you read that, welcome. I think you’d enjoy the novel, especially since several settings in the story are locations you grew up with. You can read an excerpt from the first chapter here.
     The book can be ordered via my E-store and Amazon.com (see links to the left). You can also pick up a copy at Riverow Bookshop in Owego or Divine Devotions gift shop on North Street in Endicott (run by another alumna, Lynn Rollo Coyne). Next week I will be speaking with owners of a book store in Ithaca that is interested in carrying the book.
     In June I will be a guest on the Isabel-Rose Internet blog talk radio show. Watch this space for more details on the live event.
     Ah, the perks of being a first-time novelist. I stopped by the George F. Johnson Memorial Library the other day to do research for a book I am editing for the centennial of St. Ambrose Church. When I went to the reference desk to get some microfilm, the woman closed the book she was reading to speak to me. I glanced down, saw The Cyber Miracles cover and gasped, “That’s my book you’re reading!” We had a good laugh over it.
     Speaking of the centennial book, it has been my focus for the past few weeks but should be completed in about a month. Expect more Cyber Miracles events to be scheduled soon after that.

On set…

     I went to Esopus this weekend for the Daltaí na Gaeilge Irish language immersion weekend. Ahhh, the craic was mighty! It had been three years since I was there and it was so wonderful to be back among na Gaeilgeorí again.
     The weekend is held at the Marist Brothers Retreat Center on Route 9W, the setting for one of the scenes in The Cyber Miracles. Its back yard slopes down a long hill to the Hudson River. Walking around the peaceful grounds, I couldn’t stop thinking of the characters in the novel, especially Maeve. This place has a lot of meaning for her.
     The icing on the cake was the half moon in the pitch black sky Saturday night. Every time I see a half moon, I think of Maeve and Andy. Now it will remind me of this setting, too.

Check it out

Today the Friends of the George F. Johnson Memorial Library purchased a copy of The Cyber Miracles. Can’t tell you what this means to me, having my book circulated through this library. After all, this is the library where I checked out my first book as a child (“Horton Hears A Who” by Dr. Seuss). This is the library where I checked out all sorts of books to learn how to write better — from William Safire’s “On Language” to the wonderful works of Eudora Welty, whose stories of the lives of average people have been an inspiration to me. Who would have thought years ago, when the library was in George F.’s old home, that the little girl climbing the marble staircase to the children’s section would one day be able to check out her own book if she pleased. This is a moment I want to savor…

Introducing, new works by two friends

Tonight, author Susan Hubbard is celebrating the publication of her sequel to her mesmerizing novel, “The Society of S.” Her new novel, “The Year of Disappearances” picks up where her first left off, with Ariella Montero coming to terms with her secret identity and continuing her quest “to recognize the demons who may live inside us and the ones we love — so that they can be removed.” Hubbard is an award-winning author whose literary style will entrance readers. Sure to be a great read!
     In late June, C. Solimini’s debut mystery, “Across the River” will be available. I read an advance copy, and here’s what I thought:
     Imagine you are going back to your old hometown to investigate a murder for the tabloid that employs you. Imagine that much of the cast of characters intertwined in the murder story can be found in your school yearbook. The thought of reconnecting with all those faces from the past would make most people shudder; baby boomer Andrealisa Rinaldi can barely stomach the thought.
     Along the story’s hilly path, journalist Andie must confront the past and present while trying not to mix business with pleasure. Unfortunately for her, the boundaries of all begin to blur.
     C. Solimini has a knack for the well placed pun that will make you howl, as well as the skill for exploring the complexity and depth of her characters so well that you can empathize with their need to protect their own.
     This witty page turner offers up a side platter of nostalgia for readers of a certain age, but will keep all readers guessing right up to its satisfying end.
      Holy Moly, it’s a great read! 
Both books are available at Amazon.com and major booksellers. Hubbard’s is also available in Kindle e-book format.