Saturday, November 29, 2014

SUNDAYS WITH SHARON: Journeys Through Doorways and Gates

 

 

IMG_5592We grace many doorways and walk through many gates. Some of those were locked, some were left ajar so we'd find our way onto the garden paths that take us on life's journeys. I love doorways, gates and unexpected voyages.

I started photographing doors, gates and pathways some years ago, and I think I probably have enough for a nice colorful picture book. Perhaps some day I'll collaborate with someone who knows how to do this, and will produce one. But more important to me is the significance of gates and doorways, what they mean to all of us in the larger sense of life.IMG_5617

None of us knows what will befall us when we start out on our journeys. I like the accidents best because it teaches us how flexible we can be in the face of usually our own fears. Just like Robert Frost said in his wonderful poem, Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening, which was read at John F. Kennedy's inauguration, "The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep." This poem and Robert Frost's reading was not supposed to be on the program. Kennedy's featured poet (sorry, name escapes me), came down with a cold and could not speak. At the last minute Robert Frost was asked to do it. And he chose this poem, which was one of Kennedy's favorites, and history was made. It talks about choices, and which path to take, and whether or not it did or didn't make a difference.

IMG_5603The process of being a writer is about making choices with the lives of our characters. We decide what to put in, what to reveal, or hint at and reveal later. We decide to show an awkward moment, or that moment when suddenly a sunny window in the heart opens up and true love is first revealed in the warm apricot glow that true love lives in. I think of my characters sometimes as curious children, finding something to explore, and then finding the Secret Garden where all things miraculous happen. IMG_5560

What makes a good book a wonderful one we'll fall in love with is in the choosing choosing Like a good chef, just the right amount of spice and aroma. Like a painter, just enough color and texture. Like a songbird or a storyteller, just the right amount of passion in the voice or the soothing words of love that helps the body to vibrate to some mythical pattern somewhere between sound, color, space and emotion.

That's where I live. When they say a tale is woven, it is true. One golden thread at a time. We suspend disbelief. We believe in angels. We believe in true love that never dies. We believe in heroes that ultimately become greater than they ever thought possible. We believe in that perfect place, that Happily Ever After.

It's always there. It's just around the bend. Beyond that closed gate that opens with a loud metallic creek. Just beyond where we hear the sound of running water, the music of our souls, the sounds of birds calling to us, and the way our hearts feel when we are on an adventure. Or when we stand very near those we love.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Passionate Bite authors at PNR Radio

PNR Radio

Catch up with the authors of Passionate Bites over at PNR Radio. I had so much fun talking to Arial Burnz over at PNR Radio. The things my characters make me say! Grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up and click on the link below to listen - and I hope you enjoy.

Click here to listen to Passionate Bites at PNR Radio

And remember to enter our fantastic giveaways. You won't want to miss out!

Passionate Bites

Passionate Bites


Ten hot vampire romance novels by NY Times & USA Today bestselling authors.


Do you like stories that are a little bit decadent, indulgent, delightfully perverse, and dirt cheap?! I have teamed up with 8 other authors for a vampire boxset coming out November 25th. PASSIONATE BITES is now available for pre-order. And it's only 99cents!

We have 3 big giveaways - all the details are at the bottom of this post. There's even a Kindle Fire looking for a new home :)

Passionate Bites 1

Out November 25th

Buy Here:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
Amazon France
Amazon Germany
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Smashwords

***Full novels***

Passionate Bites is a paranormal romance collection loaded with sizzling hot alpha-males & badass heroines. From vampires to werewolves to witches & demons, these dark, sensual tales of romantic suspense weave a tapestry of intrigue, desperation, betrayal, & enough steamy desire to satisfy every taste.

DARKNESS SERIES, 1 & 2 - K.F. Breene

Sasha has grown up with one surety: she’s not normal. Since she was little, she’s had unexplained talents & seen strange shapes in the shadows no one else can see. One night, everything changes. Suddenly she is immersed in a world full of danger & magic. She must finally reveal her secrets in order to survive.

LUCA’S MAGIC EMBRACE - Kym Grosso

In the Big Easy, vampire, Luca Macquarie, & witch, Samantha Irving, embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical relic. With cryptic clues & clandestine allies, will they destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it? Will Luca give in to his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures his heart?

DAMON - Teresa Gabelman

Damon DeMasters, vampire warrior, has taken an oath to protect his own kind as well as humans. Social worker, Nicole Callahan, fights for the right of every child placed in her care. Damon has been ordered to train Nicole & her colleagues against the dangers they now face. Even as sparks fly, Nicole & Damon depend on each other to protect the children of both races.

DESTINED - Brenda K. Davies

Terrified of becoming mated like her parents, Isabelle has locked herself away to avoid their fate. Despite her determination to remain alone, her world is rocked when Stefan arrives at their door. Just as she begins to let her guard down, Stefan’s dark & deadly past catches up to him & threatens to destroy them both.

HONEYMOON BITE - Sharon Hamilton

Anne caught her husband cheating before their wedding cake was cut, so she takes her honeymoon in Tuscany alone. Bitten by a vampire on her wedding night, she is left for dead, until Marcus Monteleone, her 300 year old fated mate, rescues her. Will they be able to navigate Marcus’s rocky & dangerous past to have an immortal future together?

A SUMMONER’S TALE - Victoria Danann

The devastatingly seductive ex-vampire, Istvan Baka, is forced to relive his tragic life as human & confront his past as vampire while his friends search for him. That search ultimately proves that love waits patiently through lifetimes for a second chance.

BLOOD AND SNOW VOLUMES 1-8 - RaShelle Workman

“Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love's blood, become the Vampire, Snow White.” Every thousand years the Vampire Queen selects a new body, always the fairest in the land, & this time she’s chosen Snow White.

THE NIGHTLIFE SAN ANTONIO - Travis Luedke

Vampires, Mafia & Sexy Mayhem: EMT on call, Adrian Faulkner resuscitates a beautiful woman after a mafia shootout. He can't explain why he picks her up in the hospital parking lot three days later, then ducks the police. She wanted to escape. He wanted to get laid. They both got more than they bargained for.

MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE - Arial Burnz

After seven years, James Knightly returns as a master swordsman, ready to captain a ship & wed his childhood sweetheart, Cailin MacDougal. Waiting for him is a dagger-toting hellion for a bride, an immortal father-in-law, & an enemy bent on threatening the family James holds most dear.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Another Great Adventure, Part 2014

 

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Sundays With Sharon


IMG_5362Many of you remember the cruise we took last year from Italy to Brazil, and all the amazing places we visited. I took over 300 pictures and posted many of them. I plan on doing the same this year. Once again, we are cruising from Savonna, Italy to a mysterious and exotic destination: Miami. By the time you wake up and read this, we will be leaving port.

Today we wandered around Savonna, after catching a train from Genoa. Our hotel is right at the port of Savonna, and we had a day there twice before when we boarded the ship from this location. It was here during breakfast I met the Brazilian dance instructor, Roberto, from Cruisin For A SEAL. I also had the chance meeting between Mark and Sophia in the little piazza where this picture was taken. Sophia was speaking with her mother, and Mark couldn't help but watch her out of the side of his eyes as he sipped his IMG_5355cappuccino. Remember the description? There was a statue of the Virgin Mary embedded in the building? She's there in the picture.

The other SEALs hung out at the Ferrari store, sat and drank espresso and beer by the boats in the harbor. Remember Jones was hoping to get lucky and wanted Mark to go with him? But Mark had a date with IMG_5360Sophia, who lived in an appartment in one of these little winding streets off the Piazza?

In earlier books, Anne goes to the chapel here (although I do not call it Savonna, taking literary license) and prays for true love. Little does she know that Marcus Monteleone is in the chapel at that very moment, can hear her prayer and feel that she is the woman he's waited for for 300 years.IMG_5352

Just about everything I do I can make into a story. Today I watched another young couple kiss goodbye and I found myself staring. I love watching people in love, kissing in public. It makes my heart sing. In Italy, they do it a lot.

I wrote nearly 60% of Cruisin For A SEAL on the cruise we took last year, finding the lifeboat Mark and Sophia would have their rendezvous, and later where the Team would pull off a daring rescue. I climbed aboard this lifeboat and sat on the seat where they made love by candlelight. I found a secret way to enter the deck through a door covered by a curtain by accident. It was the perfect plan!

So, coming to Italy and going on another cruise has lots of meaning for me. I hope my readers will enjoy some of my next adventure. I've also got a setting in the Caribbean I'm wanting to research, and looking for a house to rent so I can explore next year further, perhaps stay a month or two and write. Another thing to add to my bucket list.

How about you? Do locations create stories in your head. Even if you're not a writer, do you make up stories about people just by watching them like I did with the young couple today? Are there places that get your creative juices flowing? Or make you so romantic you practically can't stand it? I want to hear it!!

Enjoy your Sunday.

A little piece of Italy for you!!

It's vacation time for me and I wanted to share snapshots of my travels with you. I spent the day just wandering around Genoa. Got my exercise! I bought a couple of things, and loved the Loving Man underwear (yes Mr. Sharon got 2 pair), the best cappuccinos on the planet and loved the glow of the culture and no one speaking English. Lots of architectural eye candy, for sure and the people watching was divine. Ice cream sandwiches before lunch - we shared a pistachio.

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I just love this video of a little piece of Italy!!

http://youtu.be/VA_k_WIs8w4

Friday, November 21, 2014

Vampires Giveaway!

I had so much fun chatting with Arial Burnz over at PNR Radio about my vampire and paranormal books. Viola Rivard is also there and there is a great giveaway for a KINDLE FIRE and I am giving away audiobooks!! Don't miss out on this drawing!

PassionateBitesPNRRadio

Click on the link to listen in: http://ilovevampirenovels.com/podcast/sharon-hamilton-viola-rivard-giveaways/

Sunday, November 16, 2014

An interview with a vampire....author

I am thrilled to be interviewed by Arial Burnz over at PNRRadio.com and you can listen in on our chat about all things vampire and that go bump in the night.

PNR Radio: http://ilovevampirenovels.com/podcast/sharon-hamilton-viola-rivard-giveaways/

iTunes podcast channel – https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pnr-radio-paranormal-report/id828094403?mt=2&uo=8

Stitcher Radio Channel – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=45888&refid=stpr

vampires of tuscannyI also have a great giveaway in conjunction with my podcast: audiobooks of books 1 & 2 in Golden Vampires of Tuscany series – Honeymoon Bite & Mortal Bite. This giveaway will run from November 17-23, 2014 with one lucky winner being picked on Monday (11/24). You can enter the giveaway here: http://pnrradio.com/contest

 

In partnership with ILoveVampireNovels.com, author Arial Burnz is the host of the podcast PNRradio.com, where she features entertainment that goes bump in the night. If you love paranormal and fantasy books, TV shows and movies, you’ll love PNR Radio! Guests include bestselling authors e.g., Nalini Singh, Kami Garcia, Kelley Armstrong, Sharon Hamilton & Patrick Rothfuss and celebrities from TV shows like Supernatural and Dracula, and every show has a giveaway.

i love vampires blog header

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Things Remembered

sundayswsharon

Yesterday, my brother and I went to visit our step-mom, who is downsizing. She wanted to return items we had grown up with, now that our father had passed. These were things coming back to our family that were owned and enjoyed by our mother and dad during their nearly 60 years of marriage. You haven't lived until your father starts courting at 80, and then remarries. Being an engineer with good humor, although dry, and not known for being a "player" he still managed for part of his last years to have a wife in both worlds, here and in Heaven.

IMG_5250Some of these things had been in drawers, unseen, because there were so many of them.  My brother and I appreciated that great care was taken not to dispose of anything the family would want to be passed down later on. A a suggestion my father should mark and label everything, he scoffed, "I don't want to be living in a museum of my own things." Point taken. And so, we know Dad loved them, tucked them away in a special place, but left no notation about it or its significance. We had to guess.

I think everyone wants to be like the kids in Madison County, finding an old love letter from someone not of their father's lineage, a great love secretly tucked away and hidden from family. In reality, I'm not sure that happens very often. We didn't expect this, nor did we get it. But it's always fun to revisit the things our father held, loved and decided to save in a special place.

We found these glasses. My brother and I had never seen them before and there wasn't anything indicating what they were. We guessed they belonged to a bachelor "uncle" of my mother's who lived in San Francisco and was a dental salesman for a time. He's buried along with his two spinster sisters, Aunt Mary and Aunt Elizabeth, in a cemetary in Galt, California. We knew Uncle John wore glasses, but not a double-lensed monocle.IMG_5251

Until we stumbled upon this picture. This is my great grandfather Fridell, on occasion of his 25th wedding anniversary 99 years ago. I remember this man, and so, I think I did see these glasses worn by him. Although his beard is short in this picture, he grew it long after my great grandmother passed, and used to separate it and tuck each half into his vest pocket. I remember playing with his beard while I sat on his lap as a toddler. He used to chase me around the house, saying "bitte, bitte Sharon" and I can remember screaming and nearly running into things as we played this little game of chase.

IMG_5243Grandpa Fridell came over from Norway as a young Baptist minister, seeking religious freedom in an environment where it was said the children could not go to school unless they were Lutheran. For a time, he traveled the midwest in a buckboard, with eventually 9 children, living from house to house as he cared for three churches in Nebraska, where there was a large Scandanavian population. My grandmother was the oldest, and had been born in Norway.

I can remember him talking about my great grandma, not by name, but always by his name for her, which was "My Beloved." IMG_5248

He became the pastor at the church California my mother's father would one day lead, which is where my parents met. It was the church where my grandmother and two of her sisters met and married my grandfather and two of his brothers.

And so the lost is found. The mystery solved. No steamy love letters amongst my father's things, but a story of dedication, and sacrifice, of new beginnings in a new country and a dynasty to follow. And yes, like everything in my life, a love story.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Warrior Mine

Warrior Mine



Warrior Mine: Military Romance Anthology


Buy Links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
Amazon France
Amazon Germany

Meet six HOT alpha warriors and the women who tame them!
Box set includes six novels by six amazing authors.
Get ready to swoon over sexy SEALs, Soldiers and Marines!


Authors: Sharon Hamilton, Lizzy Ford, Amy Rachiele, Amanda Hough, AJ Bennett, Janie Storer 



“Accidental SEAL” by Sharon Hamilton 


Christy Nelson embarks on her new career in Real Estate by holding her first open house. Entering the wrong house, by accident, she finds the nude sleeping body of a young man. Navy SEAL Kyle Lansdowne, on a mission to find his AWOL Team buddy, is staying at his buddy’s home while investigating the disappearance. When someone breaks in, he takes protective measures. He doesn’t expect to find that a beautiful young woman is responsible for his teammate’s abduction. 



“Semper Mine” by Lizzy Ford 


A freak accident landed both of the Khavalov twins under my command, just before a routine mission turned into a nightmare. I brought home one twin in a coffin and the other in a coma missing his leg. I did everything right – and still people died. I can’t forget that night or how many lives it changed, including mine. 



“Shrapnel’s Kiss” by Amy Rachiele 


It’s love and war! Captain Tyler Alexander, U.S. Army, Infantry: Mission first and mission ready is his motto, but he realizes it all has a deeper meaning when he meets Junie--a Flower-power Peace Corps volunteer. Can they have a relationship in the midst of terrorists and firefights?“ 



"Fight to Win” by Amanda Hough 


Navy SEAL, Jaxson Avery followed the example of his father, Mike—he became an elite fighter for the United States military. And he let no one get in the way. Jaxson became the youngest SEAL to complete BUD/S SEAL training at age seventeen. By twenty, he was leading a team. By the time, he was thirty his squad had hunted, captured or killed some of the deadliest murderers in the world. Can Jaxson convince Talley that she is the one regret he refuses to carry anymore? And will he ever see that look in her eyes? Can he be her hero again? 



“Now or Never” by AJ Bennett 


Twenty-one year old Grayson Alexander finally breaks away from an abusive relationship and finds herself free for the first time in three years. Determined to enjoy her new-found freedom, Grayson is intent on sticking with 'no strings attached' relationships—one-night stands, and steamy sex. 


But she didn't plan on Derrick. 


Her attraction to the sexy man in uniform quickly turns into an unhealthy relationship. They both try to resist the pull, but neither can stay away. 


When tragedy strikes, Grayson realizes it's now or never—walk away or make it work. 



"Bittersweet" by Janie Storer 


Jeoff has an accident whilst on his way to a date with Flora, and doesn't make the date. Flora thinks he has stood her up and goes home emotionally upset. It takes a few days for Flora to learn what happened to Jeoff, a serving member of the British Armed Forces. As soon as they do eventually meet, they realise there is something between them, and they begin to date. 


A disgruntled man who Flora prevents from assaulting another woman at a wedding, bears a grudge against Flora, and has a sinister plot. Can her Soldier save her in time? 

Monday, November 10, 2014

SEAL's Promise at Chapter One Live

Watch my reading of the first chapter of SEAL's Promise over at Chapter One Live!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaRBwQ41hyA




SEALs Promise

Buy Here:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
Amazon France
Amazon Germany
iBooks
Barnes&Noble - coming soon

Special Operator T.J. Talbot had watched from afar as his best friend married the love of his life. Raised in and out of the foster care system and nearly ruining his chance to become a SEAL, he figured his Happily Ever After would never be. But Dr. Death plays a heartbreaking trick on him and he winds up being the man’s father confessor, where he makes a promise to the dying SEAL to look after his friend’s wife and baby.

Back in the states, Shannon Moore is grateful for the baby she is carrying, though she is a constant reminder of the man who no longer lives at her side. She is not ready for the attention from the community she receives, especially from T.J. She’s decided to honor her fallen husband by giving her whole life to the child he left behind.

Recovering from his wounds, Talbot is plagued by the depth of the wounds he still carries inside him, as he tries to perform a mission he wishes he was not given. Rebuffed at every turn, he struggles but understands his promise might not be able to be fulfilled. He does not want to take what was never given to him in the first place.

But what starts out as an improbable love story begins to bloom and grow. When Shannon and the child are endangered, he will not quit fighting for the family he now knows he was meant to love forever.

SEAL's Promise

SEALs Promise

Special Operator T.J. Talbot had watched from afar as his best friend married the love of his life. Raised in and out of the foster care system and nearly ruining his chance to become a SEAL, he figured his Happily Ever After would never be. But Dr. Death plays a heartbreaking trick on him and he winds up being the man’s father confessor, where he makes a promise to the dying SEAL to look after his friend’s wife and baby.


Back in the states, Shannon Moore is grateful for the baby she is carrying, though she is a constant reminder of the man who no longer lives at her side. She is not ready for the attention from the community she receives, especially from T.J. She’s decided to honor her fallen husband by giving her whole life to the child he left behind.


Recovering from his wounds, Talbot is plagued by the depth of the wounds he still carries inside him, as he tries to perform a mission he wishes he was not given. Rebuffed at every turn, he struggles but understands his promise might not be able to be fulfilled. He does not want to take what was never given to him in the first place.


But what starts out as an improbable love story begins to bloom and grow. When Shannon and the child are endangered, he will not quit fighting for the family he now knows he was meant to love forever.


Buy Here:


Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia |Amazon France |Amazon Germany
iBooks | Barnes&Noble |Kobo | iTunes | Audible



Book Trailer


[embed]http://youtu.be/1JsjN1GyF6c[/embed]

Sample Reads


[embed]http://youtu.be/gV3zZeZQOuA[/embed]

(by Sharon Hamilton)



Sample Reads


[embed]https://soundcloud.com/j-d-hart/tj-talbot-congratulates-sharon-hamilton?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=email[/embed]

[embed]https://soundcloud.com/j-d-hart/seals-promise-sample-narration-by-jd-hart?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=email[/embed]

[embed]https://soundcloud.com/j-d-hart/tj-frankie-from-seals-promise?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=email[/embed]

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Gustavo, model for SEAL's Promise, talks with Sharon Hamilton

Gustavo cover model SEALs PromiseI was thrilled to be able to interview Gustavo, who is the cover model for SEAL's Promise. I think he makes a wonderful T.J! I hope you enjoy discovering more about Gustavo. Here's his interview.....

1. What name do you liked to be called?

G: Gustavo

SH: Goes well with your photograph. (I blush).

2. How long have you been modeling? Print or commercial? Are you also an actor?

G: I’ve been modeling for 8 years, I started late . Both print, commercial and some acting, but my real passion is writing.

SH: Now I want to see all his photos, don’t you?

3. Where do you live?

G: Right now I live in Barcelona, Spain

SH: Lovely city. Great choice.

4. What is your most favorite thing to do on a rainy night?

G: Movies at home, preferably in good company. (And some wine to go with)

SH: Exactly my kind of evening. A little fireplace, cozy blankets, some snuggling. Listening to the rain is one of my all-time favorite things to do too.

5. What is your most favorite thing to do on a sunny spring day?

G: Surfing or simply sitting down and enjoying a day at the beach

SH: Perfect answer.

6. What’s your idea of a romantic date?

G: The most casual the better, it’s all about the connection. Sitting down in a park or at a beach and getting to know each other. Some wine could be nice too! Red please!

SH: Awesome. You are down-to-earth. Love it. Make it real.

7. Red or white wine? Any particular favorites?

G: Haha… I guess I already answered that… Red. I like several, but there is an Italian one called Primitivo from Minini which I really like.

SH: So I did a little checking, and you can buy that wine online, for those of you who wish to partake of Gustavo’s favorite wine: Primitivo Wine Online.

8. Favorite beer?

G: Stella Artois

SH: Great choice.

9. When you go shopping, what can you not live without?

G: Protein! (eggs, chicken, meat, etc)

SH: Didn’t figure you for a vegetarian…

10. What’s your favorite form of entertainment?

G: Traveling for sure, first place. Followed by TV and movies

SH: Love it.

11. If you could live anywhere, where would that be?

G: Barcelona

SH: Ah! I have to agree. I love the Gaudi cathedral. Who can forget the Costa Brava? Some of the best beaches in the world. In fact, I know a young couple who honeymooned there and got robbed by Gypsies. (another story).

12. If you could do anything in life (job-wise), what would you do?

G: Screenwriter

SH: We’ll have to ask what genre next time, if we get lucky. {{{another writer}}}

13. Where is one place you’ve always wanted to visit?

G: An island in Brazil called Fernando de Noronha

SH: I think I’m in love. Looks like a great place. Thanks for the tip. Now I have to learn to surf…

14. Who would you talk to if you could talk to anyone?

I would like to talk to Osiris from Egyptian mythology

SH: King of the Afterlife. Interesting choice.

My readers and I thank you, Gustavo, for gracing our Facebook Launch Party today. And we also thank you for becoming my T.J. Talbot for the cover of SEAL’s Promise. May your beauty last forever!

Saturday, November 8, 2014

SUNDAYS WITH SHARON: Let There Be RED.

 

SUNDAYS WITH SHARON:  Let There Be RED


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As you know, I've been on a bit of a jag lately about the color red. It symbolizes so much to me, not the least of which is the strong red heart that beats passionately inside all of us, the love of our children and family. The extended family of friends and people in our lives we just cannot do without. Red also symbolizes heritage, and bloodline, and of course the shedding of blood. We give red roses to those that stir our passion and make our insides sing. Red is considered a good luck color, a happy color, the color of life and virility. It can also be synonymous with anger.images-4

When I was 5 I had a crush on the boy who lived across the street, and his mother was a professional model. She modeled with her poodle, who was dyed apricot pink and was a horrible dog (and I'm a dog lover). Peter's mom used to show us how to put on makeup, and one day, she made us all up with all her heavy stuff, including red lipstick. I'm not images-2sure what was in her makeup, but my lips swelled up so big I talked like a Botox devotee. It wasn't funny at all.  My mother took me to the Emergency Room, where everyone had to come in and look at my big bright red lips. I was humiliated. The puffiness lasted for nearly 24 hours. Even with cold cream, I couldn't get the color off. My mother was convinced I had been somehow cursed by "that woman across the street."

Red is still my favorite color today. I love my new red glasses. I've got red sparkly nail polish I got while at RWA in Kansas City two years ago, and I've continued since. No, "I'm not in Kansas anymore" but I still like the glittery polish. My nail lady tries to talk me out of it every time I go. On the few occasions I let her convince me, I am back at her shop one to two days later demanding my red be put back on.

images-3My favorite foods are red: strawberries, cherries, red tomatoes. My favorite wines are red. I love writing scenes where the hero or heroine blushes red. My favorite Lifesavers and jelly beans are red.
red-colorThe color red means love. We know love comes in many forms, but in it's purest, simplest form, it is intimate, hushed, felt rather than spoken. We say our heart goes pitter-pat or pounds in our ears when this intense emotion is felt. The body is in a heightened sense of arousal when we are in love. The world looks prettier, the sunsets more bright or golden, the colors of the sky more intense, and we smile more at little things. Life is precious.240x160redrose

So it is with this sense of being precious that I leave you. Because we value life, because we value love and are willing to be hurt by it over and over again and still come back for more, with the hope we'll find it again. Because there is romance and fullness and true love in the world. To believe in love is to believe in possibility, and, as I recently read John Steinbeck say,

"If it is right, it happens--The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away."

Honoring those who came before or who shed their blood for us is I think the highest form of love. The best way to show that honor and love is to live our fullest. To make sure each day is not wasted. To fill ourselves with hope. 

And Love. IMG_5233

Thursday, November 6, 2014

99c blow out sale & $100 gift card

Cruisin' for a SEAL is one of 10 books from great authors as part of our .99c blowout sale.

Go into our contest to win either an Amazon or B&N $100 gift card (you choose which one)

99centblowout

Click here to enter: http://buff.ly/1GsNDSd

A breathtaking audition & a match made in heaven

ACX did a feature on JD Hart and I on their blog talking about our collaboration in creating audio books!! I love my audio books and JD does such a superb job in narrating them and bringing the characters to life.

Here's the link to their feature: http://blog.acx.com/2014/11/05/acx-storytellers-sharon-hamilton/

Enjoy! And if you are looking for my audio books, you'll find them here: http://www.authorsharonhamilton.com/audio-books/

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

It's party central for the release of SEAL's Promise

Seals Promise FB Fang

Date claim! You’re invited to the FB launch party for SEAL’s Promise


Tuesday, November 11 at 2:30pm - 10:00pm EST


Join the party here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1556426387919844/


As always, there is a great line up of authors and a fabulous selection of prizes that I’m sure have your name on them.


Here’s the schedule:


2:30 - 3:00 Kaylea Cross


3:00 - 3:30 Kym Grosso


3:30 - 4:00 Brenda K. Davies


4:00 - 4:30 Melissa Schroeder


4:30 - 5:00 Marina Adair


5:00 - 5:30 S.E. Smith 


5:30 - 6:00 Lori Ryan and Toni Anderson and Dana Marton


6:30 - 7:30 Kallypso Masters


7:30 - 8:00 Marliss Melton


8:00 - 8:30 Marissa Dobson


8:30 - 9:00 Victoria Danann


9:00 - 10:00 JM Madden/Sharon Hamilton/Cat Johnson


Here's the link again: https://www.facebook.com/events/727432694002807/ I look forward to seeing you there!

SEAL’s Promise Audio Clip Chapter 1

Listen to the first chapter of SEAL's Promise narrated by the ever wonderful J.D. Hart. SEAL's Promise releases on Tuesday November 11th.

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Buy Here:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
Amazon France
Amazon Germany
iBooks
Barnes&Noble - coming soon

Let's Make Some Thunder for SEAL's Promise

Are you ready to make some THUNDER for SEAL's Promise?! 


I need you for a Thunderclap! Thunderclap is a great way for a group of people to send a message on social media all at the same time, in effect creating a THUNDERCLAP.


Here's the link to sign up & be part of this exciting announcement: http://thndr.it/10eWiX5


It is a simple 3-step promo and all you need is a FB, Twitter or Tumblr account. Do 3 clicks now and Thunderclap will take care of posting for you next week when SEAL's Promise is released.


I have attached a graphic for you to show you what you need to do for Twitter (it's the same process for FB & Tumblr too). Just 3 quick steps and you're helping me promote SEAL's Promise. Easy peasy! :)


Thunderclap instructions graphic


Click on this link http://thndr.it/10eWiX5 to be part of Sharon's first ever Thunderclap! 


Please share with your friends and networks. Let's get the thunder going for SEAL's Promise

Saturday, November 1, 2014

SUNDAYS WITH SHARON: Haunted Falcon and Tales from my Grandfather

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This is a love story of sorts. As a child, I loved my eccentric, difficult to understand grandfather, who was a Vet from the battles in France during WWI, and came back a changed man. Knowing what I now know about PTSD, it can be somewhat difficult to think back on those days growing up, especially to realize how little was done for him and how little we understood of this problem. My little brother and I used to spend a week every summer with each set of grandparents. On one side, my mother's father, was a Baptist minister, where we got to appreciate all the behind the scenes things that goes on in a preacher's personal life and all the emergency assistance he did for battered women and children and the sometimes midnight moves we had to do to accomodate someone who needed a safe place to stay for the night. We'd be relegated to the couch, while a mother and perhaps her several children would take over the guest bedroom. We were okay with it.

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On my father's side, this war Veteran battled demons on another front, internally. Most of what I remember of him is being in his pajamas and slippers, cooking in the kitchen and singing too loud at church where he'd sometimes start and stop songs inappropriately, or shout out an Amen! which embarassed the heck out of us. We knew when we heard he and my grandmother get up in the middle of the night to sing Tennessee Ernie Ford songs or hymns on the big upright piano, that we shouldn't be afraid. It wasn't what we did at home, certainly, but somehow, through our childhood innocence, we accepted him the way he was without questioning things, like I might do today. Some days he spent the entire time we'd be staying there in the bedroom. My grandmother would bring in his dinner, and sometimes we'd hear it being thrown against the wall, and then hear his crying my grandmother would try to dismiss with a smile as she closed the door behind her afterwards.

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"Grandpa is having a rough day," she'd say. Years after he was gone, she'd lovingly say, "Married for over 50 years and never had an argument." It was a badge she wore proudly. And I think it's true, he never showed his violence against her, personally. But he sure could sing in the middle of the night, was always swearing under his breath when he couldn't fix the leaking plumbing in the bathroom, had car trouble with the Ford Falcon station wagon they bought brand new, (the only new car they ever bought) and he did kill a couple of TVs when he didn't like what was on the news. He thought the country was going to ruin and we weren't going to survive a coming world-wide recession. But to a child, we just accepted that these things were appropriate, because we loved him. We kept his little secrets until we were adults and horrified our parents with some of the tales. Looking back on it, I never felt in any danger or feared for anything. I ached that God would some day heal his troubled soul, which was a prayer that was only answered when he passed away.

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I had fallen in love with my husband that year when he passed. It was decided I would inherit the Falcon. We were living in sin together at the time, just a couple of poor students, and my future husband's fleet of "fixer-uppers" -- a total of 23 -- didn't contain many that were driveable. Most of them couldn't be started without a lot of what I recall to be WD-40 and a generous dishing out of choice swear words. Like racehorses, this little Falcon took its place amongst the stable of my husband's riches he bestowed on me when I married him. My grandmother was more upset at the amount of facial hair he had, rather than the number of cars he owned that did not properly work. "It would be nice if I knew what Sharon's husband looked like," was her matter-of-fact way of dealing with things.

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The day of my grandfather's funeral we came home to the house they lived in, where my father had been born in, and found the plumbing had indeed backed up that morning while we were praying over grandpa's soul, and the whole place was flooded. Like a calling card, we knew grandpa was there in spirit, defying even death to come back to earth and have one more row with the plumbing problems at the little bungalow on Wilson Avenue.

When we got home to Sonoma County with the Falcon, what had been grandpa's nemesis he'd bequeathed to us. The car would work perfectly well, purr like a kitten and be the most reliable vehicle of our fleet, until we really needed to go somewhere. It was always just breaking down for no good reason. It became the "haunted Falcon" because some of the things that went wrong defied logic. We never did find out what that red jelly-like substance was that leaked onto the passenger floor mats, or the strange whines and overheats which spontaneously would strand us. Like a child in those old days, I believed my husband when he told me the car was haunted, because, afterall, he knew a lot more about cars than I did. My favorite thing to say was, "It must be the valves," and we carry on this conversation to this day for anything we own that doesn't properly work.

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But I honestly think it was my grandpa's quirky spirit coming back to the objects he battled in life like Marley did in Scrooge. We drove that Falcon the day we hauled chicken manure in it for our vegetable garden, stopping off at the Union Hotel for a soup and salad combo that cost $3.50, and he proposed to me. I said yes, and then was haunted by the decision for the next 2 days and hibernated. I'd stepped into a world of no return. It was probably one of the best decisions of my life.

I have no idea where I'm going with this story, except that I fondly think of this Falcon and its contribution to my life. We sold it to a Jehovah's Witness guy who liked to stop by our house on a regular basis and I hope his connection with the Almighty was better than ours and he expunged my grandfather's spirit. But after he bought the car, we never heard from him again, so I hope he was more successful with the car than with converting our souls.