Carmen DeSousa

As always, I like to remind the folks who are reading this blog that first and foremost, I am a reader, then a writer. I read anywhere from one to three books a week, even when I'm writing. And considering the fact that I write only one to three books a year, I believe that means I have more clout as a reader than a writer. My opinion, of course. And ...  I do understand that not everyone likes what I like. But that's okay. I never forget that. My posts are just my opinions. Also, since I also market books for a living, usually sharing one to six books daily, I read a lot of reviews. So, with that disclosure, onto today's discussion about reading and/or writing. Today I want to talk about the unbelievable story and happily-ever-after comments in reviews. One of my least favorite comments in a review is that the story was unbelievable. I guess when a reader says that, I'd just like a little more clarification. What was unbelievable? The fact tha...

Tragedy draws us closer to God, to family, to loved ones. We love reading novels and watching movies about tragic events, we cannot impede ourselves from rubbernecking an auto accident, we strain our necks to hear about another person’s calamity . Why do we crave catastrophes? Oh, we say we don’t, but we certainly do. We desire the roller coaster of life, not the merry-go-round. Who wants to read about a faultless relationship, a perfect existence? Maybe we read about other people's suffering, so that we can appreciate our circumstances in life. Readers ask: “Why do all your characters experience such tragedy?” Answer: See above. Yes, you'll probably shed a tear when you read my novels, but I'll leave you with a smile.  Until next time, happy reading and writing, my friends. Carmen Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. I...

Aspen Creek, Colorado, a small town full of big stories... Find out why those who grew up here come home and why celebrities find it the perfect place to have private lives away from the lime light.  If you've never read a story by Bernadette Marie, get ready... She's the princess of happily ever after, but don't expect the journey to be all sunshine and roses. As with most relationships, her real-life characters must learn to put away the past so they can appreciate the here and now--and each other. Save $15 by buying the series all at once! The Aspen Creek Series Box Set Includes: First Kiss Unexpected Admirer On Thin Ice Indomitable Spirit Find all of Bernadette's bestsellers at your favorite eBook retailer, and hey, she even offers you a couple of FREE novels, just for stopping by. Amazon iTunes Barnes & Noble Thanks for stopping by, please visit my  bio  for more information about what I write and what I like to r...

Caught between the traditional Korean culture of her mother and the fun-loving Irish heritage of her father, Kym O'Byrne has never felt truly at home ... until she inherits the O'Byrne Karate School in the sleepy Colorado town of Aspen Creek. Staying focused and disciplined is her game, but something buried deep within the eyes of the grouchy handyman, John Larson—father of some of her most promising students—threatens to turn her strict world on its end.  Bernadette Marie is the bestselling author of the Keller Family Series and the Matchmake Series. You can find all her 'happily ever after' romance novels and even download a couple of FREE bestsellers on her Amazon Author Page . Aspen Creek Series Book One ~ First Kiss Book Two ~ Unexpected Admirer Book Three ~ On Thin Ice Book Four ~ Indomitable Spirit Thanks for stopping by, please visit my  bio  for more information about what I write and what I like to read and share.  Until next time...

I love writing. As far back as I can remember, I created stories—no, not to my parents—with my best friend. We would sit for hours playing with Barbie dolls, creating new adventures with the iconic toy. Then when I was eight, I actually wrote my first story, a horror story about gigantic fleas of all things. I guess I had a fear of fleas. Who knew I’d grow up to be a romantic-suspense writer? When I was in college, I wrote my first novella. My professor wanted something that entailed drinking and fishing—he was a huge Hemmingway fan. Well, he sure received a surprise when he read my short story. It did have drinking and fishing, but there was nothing funny about it. It was sad; it was real life. Luckily, he enjoyed it, even admitted I was the first student who had ever made him cry and that I had potential. Unfortunately, it just wasn't in my future at the time. After all, I needed a roof over my head and food on my plate. At nineteen, I was on my own an...

Excerpt: Jordan had his arm latched around her waist. “It sort of reminds me of our first anniversary, the cruise to San Juan, only safer. I never felt comfortable there.” She laughed. “Exactly where do you feel comfortable?” She leaned back against his chest as they marveled at the street performers who painted and danced for money. He tightened his grip around her and nuzzled her neck, laughing too. “That’s true. When I have such a precious commodity that I’m in charge of protecting, how can I relax?” “You’re so silly, Jordan. I don’t think anyone is going to try to run off with me.” He kissed the top of her head. “They’ll be sorry if they try.” She sighed. She never had to worry when he was with her. Jordan would always protect her. She’d never fretted wherever they went, even Puerto Rico. She knew nobody would take him on. After reading the 600-plus reviews--just on Amazon; there are two hundred more on iTunes and B&N--there seems to be a common c...

Like many kids, I come from a dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, my family is a tad bit more dysfunctional than other families. But since this is a Christmas story, I’ll save the tales of horror for Halloween. J I did have a ray of light in my life, though. I had wonderful grandparents and an Uncle and Aunt who were wonderful role models. Still, many years sitting at my cousins’ Christmases, made me long for the family I never had. So the weekend before Thanksgiving it wasn’t unusual for me to start feeling depressed. I was twenty-two, I’d been living on my own and dating the wrong men since I was seventeen, and my prospects weren’t looking good that I’d ever find my happily ever after. I’d prayed to God more nights than I could remember for Him to rescue me from the road I was travelling. And then, a funny thing happened. My roommate wanted me to go out partying on Saturday night. I’d refused repeatedly. I had a final on Monday, and if I didn’t pull my grade up,...