Dear Romance Lover,

WELCOME TO MY LATEST NEWSLETTER!

Well, summer has hit our area with a bang: 90-degree heat and the occasional thunderstorm to cool things down a bit. If you’re like me, you also have a couple of kids underfoot, wanting to hit the pool or squirt water guns. Let me tell you, being corralled by two kids who shoot cold water on you when the sun’s blaring down can really be a shock, even though it’s refreshing.

APPEARANCES AND BOOKSIGNINGS

Saturday, July 27, 2002, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Head of the Lake Fair, Superior, WI 54880

A special booksigning and media blitz with various Port Town Publishing authors. Other booksignings will be announced as they occur.

CONTEST WINNERS

The lucky winners of my first contest are:

First Prize: Angela Chaney, Jacksonville, Florida.
Angela won the Catherine Stein cameo brooch

Second Prize: Jennifer Bolwig, Ontario, Canada: Jennifer won an autographed copy of FIERY SURRENDER. Jennifer writes reviews for Romance Reviews (Canada).

Third Prize: Melissa Lawson, New London, CT: Melissa won an autographed copy of FOURTEEN PIECES OF GOLD, which includes my erotic romance, “The Portrait.” By the way, Melissa lived in Hawaii and just recently moved to Connecticut.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

A few of my author friends indicated I should reserve my domain name. Naturally, I followed their advice and even set up additional website. If you get the chance, please visit it at: http://www.lindamorelli.us.

ACTIVITIES...

Friday, April 19th was Career Day at my daughter’s elementary school, and I met with four classes to discuss the process of writing a novel and designing the cover. The children had some really great questions. Naturally, I encouraged them to write and illustrate their own stories. After all, they make great presents for parents, relatives and friends.

I had a wonderful time at the Washington Romance Writer’s Annual Retreat, held at Hilltop House in Harpers Ferry, WV, during April 27-29th. I’ve been attending this event ever since I joined WRW in 1994. It gave me a chance to mingle with a great group of friends, fellow authors, agents and editors, and keep updated on the publishing industry. Most of all, I was able to relax and recharge my batteries.

THE CHAT CORNER...

As you know, I am an Associate Editor for Port Town Publishing, We’re almost done with the editing on Sue Bodily’s page-turning thriller, MOURNING LIGHT, based upon a “vampire” killer, and I’ve recently started editing another book, Donna Conger’s GREEN MOON, which is a wonderful sci-fi romance. The publisher and I are also in the final stages of editing SHADOW OF DOUBT, and no doubt will be available for pre-release pricing. I’ll keep you updated, and will post the cover I designed soon as it’s approved.

Jean Hackensmith, the owner of Port Town Publishing, really knows how to select the best books for readers of every genre. A.J. Russo’s book, THE HEALER, on which I did the initial edit, is getting rave ratings from the publisher’s advance readers: It’s a real page-turner!

If you’d like to check out PTP’s books, here's the link: http://www.porttownpublishing.com. By the way, new releases (including my romantic suspense, "Shadow of Doubt," are offered at special pre-release pricing if ordered before the actual publication date.

The Washington Post recently featured my family in an article entitled, “Widely Spaced Siblings: So Far & Yet So Close,” which discusses the challenges and rewards that large gaps in children’s ages provide. It appeared in the Style Plus section of the Tuesday, June 25th edition.

Well, we’re planning to take the kids to Disney World this summer. I hope you have great vacation plans as well.

LATEST PRAISE FOR "FIERY SURRENDER":

“For readers who miss the days of historical romance... If you long for early Woodiwiss or Rogers, this might bring back fond memories.”
-- Cathy Sova, The Romance Reader

“Monique meets Pierre Latier, Marques du Fonte when he saves her family from men who want to rob them. Pierre takes Monique and her parents back to his house, where he watches over Monique until he is sure she is safe and everything is well with her. Monique goes to Paris with her family, when they try to find her a husband. But what they don't know is that she loves Pierre and wants to marry him, even tho she is too young for her. When she finds the man she is engaged to very mean, she turns to Pierre and asks for his help. He marries Monique, but has not told her the truth about what he does...or about his family. Will she be able to forgive Pierre and stay as his wife? Will he tell Monique the one thing she wants to hear? Very good book!”
-- Jennifer Bolwig, Romance Reviews, Canada

RECIPE CORNER: Fresh Mexican Salsa

It’s summer time so I thought I’d give you something easy to make and enjoy on those hot days. This salsa tastes great with everything: corn chips, meat, poultry, fish and, believe it or not, cheese entrees!

3 large ripe tomatoes
½ red onion, diced
1 to 2 jalapeños or serranos, finely diced (I prefer it without the seeds)
Juice of 1 lime
Salt (to taste)

Core tomatoes and finely chop. Place in a mixing bowl and combine with remaining ingredients. Can be refrigerated until serving time, but best used within 3 to 4 hours.

*****

If you have any questions or comments on my newsletter, or know of someone else who might want to receive a copy, please write me. In any event, I’d love to hear from you!

All the best,

Linda Morelli