The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Off the Leash Could Be On Your Doorstep




       Right now, I am 22 pages away from finishing Jean Ellen Whatley's Off the Leash.  And yes, I counted.

       I've sprinted through it. Brief, read-as-much-and-as-fast-as-possible sessions before going to sleep. Unfortunately, since I never get enough sleep, every evening, my drooling and snoring took over before too many pages could be inhaled.

      Taking a nap on a Saturday afternoon is a rare treat, and one I got to enjoy today. When I woke up, I read some, and got to a crucial part--one that I was holding my breath over.

       You see, Jean and I have something in common. In her memoir, she wrote about trying to find a half-sibling she had never met, and when I was in my 40s, I (found out about and then) met two half-sisters. it was a life-changing (and heartbreaking) experience.

       Now with not much of the tale left, I'm dragging my feet instead of sprinting. I'm going to finish it as slowly as possible since I don't want it to end. After the final line is read, it will be the end of the journey that Jean took me on, from the midwest to the east coast and then down to Florida and then west to Texas and then over to the west coast...with her Libby, her trusty pooch at her side the whole way.  

       Since I bought two copies (my daughter is borrowing the other one) I am going to give away this copy. To get a chance at snagging it, all you have to do is promise you will pass it on to someone who needs it. And you have to leave in your comment why this friend/relative is such a wonderful friend. 

       To find out how Whatley's book might make a difference in your or your friend's life, check it out here. And then leave a comment. The winner will chosen on March 15. (I promise it will be a trip you will not forget.) 

        (Linda O'Connell got me hooked on Jean, another WWWP is a rabid fan of Whatley's as well, and Jean even makes an "appearance" in my NaNoWriNotYet novel. When I went to Jean's book signing at the Humane Society I saw her publisher--Kristy Makansi--standing outside in the cold, making sure no one got lost. Now that's what I call an incredible publisher.) 



         And now, until Tuesday (March 5), you can get Fifty Shades of Santa free from Amazon. It's an ebook, and even if you don't have a Kindle, you can download (for free) a Kindle app and then read it on your computer (or phone? or ipad?). I've read five of the stories so far,and they're all entertaining. However, none of them are explicit.



22 comments:

  1. I love Jean. Her story is inspirational, and she is just an all-around great woman.

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    1. Mary--You hit the nail on the head. Her book is definitely inspiring...

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  2. I am certain Jean is one of the most sincere and honest writers on the planet. What she can do with words, others only wish they can. her life story is amazing.

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    1. Linda--I have to agree. She writes from the gut.

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  3. Boy. I had some catchin' up to do 'round these parts! :-) So let me just say that a. if I win the book, I'll pass it on to Lovely Lisa. B. I've already downloaded my free copy and after I finish zipping 'round here, I plan to read a couple of (sorta) steamy holidays stories. And C. I don't see anything wrong with ellipses...

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    1. Cathy--I think you will enjoy it. And thanks. When the WWWPs chastise me about my overabundance of ellipses, I will shout, "Cathy C. Hall says ellipses rock!" ;)

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  4. Thank you for letting me borrow it! I enjoyed every page. I've never met Jean in person, but she has one of those voices that made me feel as if I have. Had a hard time putting her book down.

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    1. You're quite welcome, Tammy. I felt that way too, just reading her posts and before I went to her book signing. She has that kind of voice that leaps off the page.

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  5. Well, I really want this book, so please PICK ME! Sounds great--and haven't been lucky enough to read anything from her yet. :)

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    1. Margo--And who would you pass it onto? 'Cause this is a travelin' book. It needs to move on after you read it.

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  6. You are so generous, Sioux.
    Jean's book sounds like something I would love to read. She sounds like an inspiring writer who has unleashed her creativity into her book!
    And thanks for passing the work about the free Fifty Shades of Santa book.

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    1. Donna--Thanks. I love when friends get me hooked on a writer/book, so I just like to pass it on.

      And you're welcome. I've enjoyed the five stories I've read so far. Even for the full price, it's a bargain.

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  7. Hi Sioux - This sounds awesome. If I win the book I'll share it with one of the ladies in my writer's group. And from there it will go from her to . . . whoever needs it most. I'm a bit of a fatalist with things, and I think the Universe brings us gifts such as these when we most need them. Just reading about the book at the link you provided was inspirational. So even if I don't win, I won. So, um. Thanks!

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    1. Lisa--You're welcome. Linda "gifted" me with Jean and her journey...I'm just passing it on.

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  8. Jean spoke at a recent Saturday Writers' meeting and what an intriguing story she shared. I couldn't wait to get the book. Then I tried to read it like you, in snatches. Once I really committed to it, I fell into her story head over heels.

    If I win a copy I will pass it on to Linda Minney, my amazing sister. She and Jean have a lot of points in common, and this hitting the road thing wouldn't surprise me. But Linda's beloved lab passed away, and now she craves getting an Irish Wolfhound.

    And thanks, Sioux, for posting the Fifty Shades of Santa free offer. Hopefully if folks read it they will also buy Cupod's Quiver and read your story!

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    1. Marcia--I think Linda Minney probably describes you as "amazing" too.

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    2. Of course I meant CUPID'S QUIVER - the anthology with a story by my amazing friend Sioux!

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    3. Butt kissing has no impact. Chocolate yes, brown-nosing, no.

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  9. If I'm fortunate enough to win the book, I will pass it on to... well gosh, there are so many friends I could pass it on to. Maybe I'll blog about it too and pass it on that way (how's that for a novel idea - and don't mind the pun). And if I don't win, I'm going to get a copy one of these days.

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  10. I was thrilled to meet Jean at the SW meeting when she spoke. I bought her book then, so please don't enter me in the give-away. She's a fascinating woman, and yes, her book is wonderful.

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  11. It sounds really good. My hubby has several half siblings that he has never met and unfortunately doesn't remember their names...and their mutual biological father is now gone.

    Kathy M.

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    1. Kathy--

      It is an excellent book.

      I would encourage you to encourage him to try and find them. Getting to know them MIGHT enrich his life.

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