Monday, July 22, 2013

Pieces of Tracy by J. Daniel Parra


A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in a book tour for J. Daniel Parra and his new book Pieces of Tracy.  I didn't know what I was getting into but I said yes.  I thought we were talking about a simple review as I have done before.  That, however, I have discovered was not the case and I have let Daniel down in a big way.  I can only apologize to him and his publisher as well as to each of you.  The book is fabulous and it deserves much more than I can give it here.  You really need to read this one!  I wish I could go back and do it over.  I actually had the chance to interview Daniel but didn't realize it.  What did I miss?





ABOUT THE BOOK (from the media kit)
Meet Teresa Felicia Santana León. In New York, she’s Tracy León, a would-be artist and telemarketer who falls for an older tycoon, Bruce Babich. When Bruce’s mother sends her to Rome to find a stolen painting, Tracy assumes an alter ego, the zesty Felicia Santana. In Rome, she meets a younger artist named Mario Giordani who helps her on her quest.
Before long, she is juggling two romances and two distinct identities: Tracy, demure trophy wife wannabe in New York’s high society, and wanton, thrill-seeking Felicia in sultry Rome. Against the backdrop of these exciting cities, she follows her divided heart, even if it leads her in the wrong direction.
The secrets behind the stolen painting send her on an unforgettable journey that prompts her to re-examine her own talents and inspirations. As the pieces come together, Tracy faces a life-changing choice, one that will lead to surprising discoveries about love and her own identity.
 http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/pieces-tracy


My Thoughts:
Dual personalities...boy, do I understand those!  Tracy/Felicia has two personalities, two love interest, and two wonderful cities to live in and explore. Although I didn't always understand Tracy's actions, I could relate to her dual personage.  I do disagree with some of her choices.  The characters are well developed and Daniel does a wonderful job expressing the contrasts between the two identities and how they affect the other.  Although we see that Tracy will never really change we also see her begin to take risks and explore the art she loves so much.  So maybe this is a change after all.    This is a very complex situation with humorous moments and it shows insights into the world of art and psyche.  The locations are breath-taking and well described.  I felt the heartbeat of of the cities  and I want to visit them but must do so vicariously. I give this one a thumbs up for a wonderful and pleasurable read.

For a more comprehensive review (as it should have been here)  and an interview with Daniel please check out   http://girlof1000wonders.wordpress.com.   I promise the next time I have an opportunity like this one I will recognize it and take advantage of it.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Where has the time gone?

I have been very busy for the last couple of months...Where did the time go?  I have been stitching for one thing.  I just finished up four models for one of my designers but I cannot show them to you at the moment.  They should be released shortly, however.

I have also been working on my own designs for release in September and February.   I am hoping to release 4 in September and 2 or 3 at Market in Nashville.  But we will see if I make it.

I haven't really felt like doing any deep thinking, complex reading so I have been reading my cozy mysteries.  I find that whenever I just want some light easy enjoyable reading a good cozy mystery is what fits the bill.  So over the last two months I have read all 19 of the Hannah Swenson Bakery Mysteries by Joanne Fluke.  

My review is simple.  These are quick and enjoyable and simple to read.  I love mysteries and these are easy to solve but with enough twists and turns to make it interesting.  My only question is...Will Hannah ever choose which guy she wants!?


 I suggest reading them in order to get the background information as it was given. 
 If you want to do the same then the correct order to read them is as follows:


1: Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
2: Strawberry Shortcake Murder
3: Blueberry Muffin Murder
4: Lemon Meringue Pie Murder
5: Fudge Cupcake Murder
6: Sugar Cookie Murder
7: Peach Cobbler Murder
8: Cherry Cheesecake Murder
9: Key Lime Pie Murder
10: Carrot Cake Murder
11: Cream Puff Murder
12: Candy Cane Murder
13: Plum Pudding Murder
14: Apple Turnover Murder
15: Devil's Food Cake Murder
16: Cinnamon Roll Murder
17: Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
18. Joanne Fluke's Lake Eden Cookbook
19. Gingerbread Cookie Murder (co-author)



Til next time...