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Friday, December 13, 2013

Caught in a Compromising Position...with Maureen Driscoll and Giveaway


Caught in a Compromising Position on Christmas Eve - Maureen Driscoll

Maureen Driscoll is an Emmy-nominated writer/producer working in Hollywood. She is the author of the Kellington series of Regency romance novels and a happily struggling actress.

Places to find Maureen:



Rambling Christmas

Thank you, Danielle, for letting me participate in your Christmas event. This is my favorite time of year and I’ve loved reading these blog posts every day.

My assignment was to write about a compromising situation on Christmas Eve. I was actually writing about Christmas Eve for my next book, so I just had to make a small detour to make sure they got caught doing something fun.

The penniless Earl of Ridgeway, Colin Emerson, must marry an heiress to support his sisters and pay off his late father’s debts. Unfortunately, he has fallen in love with his sisters’ governess, Ava Conway, who is very much the opposite of an heiress. Their story will be told in the first book of my new Regency series about the Emerson family. Colin was introduced in the final book of my last series about the Kellington family.

***

Ava entered the sitting room to admire the Christmas greens. The fire was banked since everyone else had already gone to bed. She thought about how excited Colin’s sisters would be the next day. Not for the presents they would get – for even young Letty knew the family’s finances were not good. But because their brother was finally home.

Ava had to admit she looked forward to seeing Colin the next morning, as well. But not because it was Christmas. She just liked seeing him. She knew she should not lose her heart to him any more than she already had. He was an impoverished earl who needed a rich wife. But while she had not found a future husband in him, she had found a friend.

She heard the creak of the door and looked up to see Colin standing there. He was still fully dressed, save for his waistcoat and jacket. He wore no cravat and his shirt was unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of skin. Suddenly the room seemed much warmer.

“Are you here to check on Father Christmas’s arrival?” she asked. “I fear he has not yet come.”

“That is just as well, since I might plant a facer on the man for not doing better by my sisters. I fear the only present they shall have is the story I wrote for them.”

“They will cherish it.”

“But how I wish I could give them something more. Though these days I often find myself wishing life could be different in so many ways.”

Ava’s breathing was not quite steady and she knew she should leave. But she could not make her feet do what her head was telling them. “It is Christmas Eve, after all. I believe everyone can dream a little tonight.”

“Do you dream, Ava? How I wish you would dream of me.”

He approached her slowly. There was plenty of time for her to move away. He would not pursue her, she was sure of that. But she was equally certain that if she remained as she was, he would kiss her. And she very much wanted him to kiss her.

He stepped into the moonlight and she could see the intensity in his eyes. He did not simply look upon her. It was as if he could see right through her. He could see her thoughts, her wishes and her desires. Just as she felt she could do so with him.

He bent toward her and slowly brought his lips to hers. It was not their first kiss. But it was the first when they knew there could be nothing more between them. But perhaps it was enough to just have this moment. Mayhap this memory would last a lifetime.

Who was she trying to fool? She wanted more than a kiss. She put her arms around his neck, then he pulled her into his arms, deepening the kiss. He shared her hunger in the moonlight. And she could not imagine anything could feel better.

But then he pulled away from her, though he kept his arms around her to steady her. She did not know what she’d done to turn him away, until she realized they were not alone. A very embarrassed Stemple, Colin’s valet, was standing in the doorway holding a candle.

“Did you need something Stemple?” asked Colin, whose voice sounded a good deal deeper than normal.

“I was just checking to ensure the fire was banked,” said Stemple, who was looking at everything except Colin and Ava. Since arriving at the estate, Stemple had been serving as the de facto butler, as well as valet and general manservant.

“The fire is contained,” said Colin. “At least the one in the grate is,” he added for only Ava to hear.

“Excellent,” said Stemple. “Then perhaps I should go on about my duties.”

“You can do whatever you’d like, Stemple,” said Colin. “As long as it is elsewhere.”

“Very good, my lord. Good night.”

Stemple quickly left, closing the door behind him.

Colin turned back to Ava. “Where were we?”

“Unfortunately, I was leaving. Happy Christmas, Colin.”

He looked at her and it seemed no man had ever been that sad. “Happy Christmas, Ava.”

It was only after she left that he added, “my love.”



Caught behind enemy lines at the Battle of Waterloo, nurse Jane Wetherby is forced to seek shelter with British operative Lord Edward Kellington. After a night of passion, the two are separated. With nothing but the alias Jane used to protect her family, Lord Edward is unable to find the woman he can’t forget.

Seven years later, Jane courts scandal by serving as the unofficial surgeon in the village of Marston Vale. When Edward arrives to formalize his betrothal to a viscount’s daughter in accordance with his late father’s wishes, Jane has no choice but to watch the match proceed. When a threat from the past emerges, Jane must join forces with Edward to safeguard her loved ones. But at what risk to her heart…

Purchase: | Amazon |

Check out the Kellington series
Click for info.


 Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:
  • 1 Kindle copy of Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid

To Enter: 
  • Please leave a comment or question for Maureen.
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

**Don't forget to enter the grand prize giveaway!


Good Luck! 

Special thanks to Maureen Driscoll for sponsoring this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

69 comments :

  1. Oh my gosh!!!!! I didn't know you were the author of Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid!!!! I feel so guilty for not realizing it. *face palms*

    That book is high on my list and saw it had great reviews. Thank you for sharing this mini excerpt into your characters for their novel.

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    Replies
    1. Kipha,

      LOL! No face palm allowed! Thank you so much for commenting and I'm glad you've heard of the book. The second book in the series, NEVER MISS A CHANCE, is supposed to be free this weekend (14 and 15) on Amazon. That's the first time it's happened, so if you're interested, please grab one.

      Thank you again!

      Mo

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    2. Sweet! I'm looking forward to it! Thank you so much for the heads up~ :D

      Delete
    3. It was my pleasure! Thank you again!

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Dstoutholcomb,

      Thank you! I had a lot of fun writing it!

      Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  3. This sounds like a great series. I loved the excerpt and am definitely adding to my TBR list.

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    1. Steph F,

      Thank you so much! The second book in the Kellington series, NEVER MISS A CHANCE, is supposed to be free this weekend (the 14 and 15), so if you're looking to stay inside and stay warm, you could try that.

      It's been fun writing about Christmas Eve in December, although it's reminding me I'm behind on my shopping list...

      Thank you for commenting!

      Mo

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  4. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story ends. Thanks for the excerpt :)
    Happy Holiday!
    Lori

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    1. Lori,

      "Beautiful Disaster" made me laugh. What a great ID.

      Thank you for your kind words. I'm looking forward to how the story ends, too!

      Happy Holidays and stay warm!

      Mo

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  5. I remember I never finish the Kellington series. I remember jumping straight to book 5 Never Deny Your Heart and have been thinking about reading book 1 but seem to have slip my mind. Now I need to go read it...I enjoyed book 5 a lot and have a feeling I will enjoy the others in the series too.

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    1. Sandy,

      LOL! I think a lot of people were more interested in Liam than anyone else. If you want to add to the series, the second book, NEVER MISS A CHANCE, is free this weekend (14 and 15) on Amazon. So maybe you can read all of it out of order.

      Thank you so much for reading the 5th book and your kinds words.

      Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  6. I love the excerpt! It sounds like a wonderfully sweet read!

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    1. Sandra,

      Thank you so much. I'm having a lot of fun, particularly because these are new characters to me and I love Christmas so much.

      Happy Holidays! And stay warm.

      Mo

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  7. Hi, Maureen! I have been wanting to read this book since I first heart about it! Would so love to be your winner. The book sounds awesome.

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    1. Connie,

      Thank you so much! I'm hoping it'll be out in February. (Fingers crossed.) I don't know if you read the Kellington series, but the second book, NEVER MISS A CHANCE, will be free this weekend (the 14 and 15) on Amazon. So that could tide you over in the meantime.

      Thank you again. And HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

      Mo

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  8. Ah, another wonderful romance by the incomparable Maureen! I can hardly wait until I can read more about Colin and Ava. How sad were the strictures of that Regency society not-so-long ago and the havoc they created for couples. They had to work very hard to get their HEA, but at least their marriages lasted...unlike so many marriages of today. Maybe it is too easy today to marry!? In any event, I shall look forward to reading this newest by you, Maureen. Thanks for the post. jdh2690@gmail.com

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    1. Janice,

      Thank you for this incredibly lovely note. I really appreciate it, especially since I needed a bit of motivation to write this afternoon.

      It must have been extremely difficult to have wealth play such a huge role in marriages. I know money today is sitll a huge issue (and I relate quite well to Colin's financial problems). But to not be able to marry the person you love must have been terrible.

      Thank you for the great note. Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  9. Thanks for the story. Wow; you're a writer and an actress. Best of luck in both careers.

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    1. Kim,

      Thank you for the very kind words. My first dream was to be an actress. I've lived in LA for 17 years, but never seriously pursued it until this year when I turned 50. It'll be okay to try and fail. But if I wake up at 60 without having tried, I would be devastated.

      So, the moral to the story is to go for your dreams!

      Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  10. New author for me and I can't wait to start reading. Thanks for the post.

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    1. Sheryl,

      Thank you so much! In case you're interested, the second Kellington book, NEVER MISS A CHANCE, will be free on Amazon this weekend (the 14 and 15).

      Thank you for your interest. Happy Holidays and STAY WARM!

      Mo

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  11. The book looks good.
    What do you like to do at Christmas time?

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    Replies
    1. Lori,

      Thank you so much -- I'm excited for this new series.

      Christmas has always been an especially big deal in my family. I love decorating with my mom Thanksgiving weekend and this weekend we're going to drive around and look at all the lights. It's just so great. Sometimes I miss a white Christmas. But there's also something fun about seeing palm trees at Christmas lights!

      I hope your Christmas is amazing.

      Mo

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  12. I have been a fan of yours from day one! I do hope you know that!!! :) Now I would kill to have Ava and Colin in my Kindle right now! Lol Good luck with acting! (Though I will be sad because that means less time writing...yes, I'm a little selfish. Ha!) Happy holidays no matter what you celebrate! And to those who haven't read Maureen's books, please do! They are great!

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    1. Candice,

      You have been an AMAZING supporter. You have no idea how much it means to me to hear your very kind words. The last book was so difficult to write, but when I read comments like this (and your last review) it does make a difference.

      Fortunately, Colin and Ava, as well as Stemple and his lady love are moving along quite well....

      And thank you for the words of support on acting. My ideal job would be to do both of them. But I'll never give up the books!

      Have a terrific holiday (as you say, no matter what you celebrate) and happy 2014 -- the year of Colin and Ava.

      Mo

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  13. Oh, I really want to read their story now! Hate to wait for these good things. Thank you for sharing. Happy holidays.

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    1. Joyce B,

      Thank you so much! I wish their story was done now, but it's coming along.

      I hope you have a great holiday and a terrific 2014.

      Mo

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  14. I love Never a Mistress! I have the entire Kellington series on my wish list and now have another series to add. Loved the excerpt/short story. :-)

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    1. Glenda,

      Thank you so much! If you're interested, the second Kellington book, NEVER MISS A CHANCE, is supposed to be free this weekend (the 14 and 15) on Amazon. So at least you can add that to the collection :-)

      Thank you for the kind words on Colin's story. It's coming along.

      Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  15. Replies
    1. Jmcgaugh,

      Thank you so much for your comment. I'm sorry not to get back to you until now. I was at my mom's all weekend and she doesn't have Internet (it's okay; she's 90).

      I've always loved Christmas Eve, so I had fun with the scene.

      Thank you again and Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  16. Hey Mo!

    I made it!

    Couldn't miss the excerpt ;)
    LOVED IT and I'm so looking forward to reading their story ;)

    I see you do the same thing Don & I for Christmas. We decorate on Thanksgiving and drive around looking at the lights :)

    Now, break a leg, coz I want to see you in the movies soon :)

    HUGS!

    Mel

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    1. Mel!

      I LOVED your Christmas decorations. And my mom and I spent hours Saturday night driving around San Diego and looking at lights. I love it.

      Thank you so much for your kind words about Ava and Colin. And, yes, I am determined to get cast in a movie. The perfect thing would be a Christmas movie...

      xoxo Mo

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  17. Hello, you're new author for me, nice to meet you.
    Looking forward to read your book :)

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    1. Filia,

      It's very nice to meet you, too! This is what I love about doing blogs.

      Thank you for commenting and your kind words. I'm looking forward to being done with the book.

      Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  18. This was absolutely wonderful thank you.

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    1. Mary,

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words.

      I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a terrific 2014 (which doesn't even sound like a real year)

      Mo

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  19. Wonderful excerpt, looking forward to reading this one :)

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    1. Morena,

      Thank you so much. I'm really enjoying writing this. I think the financial situation is something a lot of people can relate to, especially this time of year. I hope you like the book when it comes out.

      Happy Holidays and a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  20. Thanks for this amazing giveaway.

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    1. Olga,

      Thank you for commenting. And Danielle has great giveaways. I really enjoy her blog.

      Happy Holidays and a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  21. This sounds like a fab series, thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Cerian,

      Thank you so much. But it's so weird to think it's a new series, but, uh, it is. I hope you like it.

      Have a wonderful holiday season and a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  22. Hi Danielle and Maureen!

    Danielle - I'm thrilled that you invited Maureen to be part of The Historical Christmas Eve Event! If you read Never A Mistress No Longer a Maid when it was released I'm sure you've read all the other books that have been released in the Kellington Series as well (and loved every one of them!).

    For those that haven't had the pleasure yet of reading her books they should know that Never A Mistress No Longer a Maid so on sale on Amazon for their Kindle for just $.99 and that the second book, Nevr Miss a Chance is FREE! right now!

    Maureen - I love all your books and am so excited about your new series! I loved the excerpt and can't wait to find out more about what happens to Colin and Ava! I'm so glad that this is an introduction to your new Regency series and can't wait to find out more about the Emerson Family!

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    1. Jeanne!!

      Don't make me cry. I'm currently getting over (hopefully) a bad cold and haven't written for a couple days because I can't have a cold without cold medicine. And cold medicine makes me loopy. BUT, this makes me want to sit down and finish Colin and Ava's book.

      Thank you so, so SO much for the kind words now and all along the way. I appreciate it more than you can know.

      Happy Holidays and have a TERRIFIC 2014 (with the Emersons).

      Mo

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  23. Reading the premise, I already want to put down what I'm reading right now and read that instead. It sounds great!

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    1. Meghan,

      Thank you so much! You made my day. I'm enjoying Colin and Ava and I'm glad to hear you liked them, too.

      Happy Holidays and have a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  24. Loved the excerpt and so glad to "discover" a new-to-me author. I'm off to look up your books! I'm sure I'll be reading them in the new year.

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    1. Michelle,

      Thank you so much. It's lovely to be discovered. I think there'll be another free promo of the second book in either January or February, so wait until then to get it. The first is pretty much always 99 cents.

      Thank you for your interest.

      Happy Holidays and have a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  25. I think it stinks that money would be the reason to keep two people who love each other away from each other, but such were the times. I can't wait to read their book and see what happens!

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    1. Chanpreet,

      Thank you so much! I also can't wait to see what happens (Okay, I do know most of it).

      I know money's a big issue in relationships even now. But I can't imagine choosing your future spouse based on finances.

      Thank you for commenting. Happy Holidays!

      Mo

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  26. Loved this excerpt. You are a new-to-me author....wonder how I missed you? Will be fixing that right now!

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  27. Karen,

    Thank you for the incredibly lovely comment. I really appreciate it. I published the first Kellington novel about two years ago and have had a great time since then. I've learned that Regency readers are some of the nicest people you could wish to meet. Not that I'm trying to start a war between Regency readers and other genres. But Regency rules.

    Happy Holidays and a terrific 2014!

    Mo

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  28. Thanks for the excerpt and the chance to win!
    Sounds like an amazing read!!
    Happy Holidays!

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    Replies
    1. Natasha,

      Thank you for the kind comment. I'm really having fun with the start of a new series.

      Happy Holidays and a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  29. I am really hoping for the HEA for this story! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Sharlene,

      First, I'm so sorry for the delay in this response. I was at my mom's and she still doesn't have Internet.

      Spoiler Alert....eventually they'll get their HEA. And I'm excited to write it.

      I hope you had a very Merry Christmas. And Happy New Year!

      Mo

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    2. Sharlene,

      First, I'm so sorry for the delay in the response. I was at my mom's and she still doesn't have Internet.

      Second, spoiler....they will get their HEA. And I'm excited to write it.

      Third, I hope you had a great Christmas and that the new year will be wonderful.

      Thank you for commenting.

      Mo

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  30. thanks for the giveaway chance! And Happy Holidays to you :-)

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    1. MK,

      Happy Holidays to you! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I was at my mom's and she doesn't have Internet.

      But thank you for commenting and I hope you have a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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  31. Hi, Maureen! You are a new author for me. Defiinitely want to read more about Colin and Ava. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. Cathy P,

      I'm sorry for the late response. I was at my mom's and she doesn't have Internet.

      It's very nice to meet you and thanks for checking me out. I'm having a lot of fun with Colin and Ava. And I'm looking forward to finishing their story.

      I hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year!

      Mo

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  32. I just got my first eReader - this would be perfect! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Di,

      I'm sorry for the delayed response. I was at my mom's and she doesn't have Internet.

      Okay, I was a hold-out on getting an e-reader for a long, long time. Now I use it all the time. I don't know if you've found it yet, but everyday there's a listing of free books on Amazon (if you have a Kindle). You can narrow it by category like "free historical romance." Not all the books are great, but sometimes publishers will put authors' backlists on there. It's a lot of fun to load up on books.

      Anyway, thank you for commenting. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

      Mo

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  33. Thanks for the giveaway! Thanks for the excerpt.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. Emma,

      Thank you for commenting -- and for the Christmas/New Year wishes. It doesn't seem possible that we're nearing the end of 2013. But I hope 2014 is a great one for you!

      Mo

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  34. Such clever book titles... Thank you for the heads up on the stories. lisagk(at)yahoo

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    1. Lisa,

      Thank you so much for commenting. And I especially appreciate the fact it's about the titles. They were pretty hard to come up with.

      I hope you're having a terrific 2014!

      Mo

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