Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Sandi Shilhanek | Readers ‘n ‘ritas
Author Guest / November 14, 2010

As I started this I was reflecting on the first day of Readers ‘n ‘ritas 2010. It was a rather full day that started at home. with attempts at prepping my home and family for a weekend without me. The dogs I think understood fairly well what was happening, but my son said, “you didn’t tell me you were going away for the weekend.” My response…”what do you think I’ve been talking about for the last several months?” Oh well! Got to the hotel and finished prep work for the actual convention. Finally the convention started, and while I worked registration it sounded like the party in the room behind me was in full swing. Thanks to a great team I was able to sneak in for a few minutes here and there, and got hugged by Dakota Cassidy, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Dianna Love. Could it get better than that? Well, for me it could. For several years now I’ve been fascinated with the works of Tara Taylor Quinn. Her current work is a four book series titled The Chapman Files. When Tara arrived I was pretty excited to be the first to greet her. I got a few minutes…

Sandi Shilhanek | Werewolves, Vampires, Shapeshifters Oh My!
Sundays with Sandi / October 24, 2010

With Halloween right around the corner I thought it would be time to discuss some authors who write paranormal romance. I know that there are tons of them out there, but I have to admit that I am not really a big paranormal reader….bad right? I am surely missing some really terrific stuff. I have read and really enjoyed Dakota Cassidy. I’ve had the chance to meet her personally and have to say that she writes just like she talks! I’ve been collecting Michele Bardsley and Jaye Wells because both these lovely ladies are authors who live in my area, and along with Dakota Cassidy are going to be appearing at Readers’n’ Ritas in November. I’ve also read Dark Lover by J. R. Ward because my friends insisted I was going to love it. I have to admit that I was hesitant, but did enjoy every page, and someday will move on to the rest of the series. I know that there aren’t many books dedicated to Halloween like there are books dedicated to Christmas, but with the vast array of paranormal romances available there surely has to be something to please everyone. What do you recommend for someone like…

SANDI SHILHANEK | Book Club and More
Sundays with Sandi / September 12, 2010

So yesterday Sara talked about the birthday party she attended. I was lucky enough to attend the same party, and while we didn’t talk books we did discuss our phones. We talked about the pros and cons of the latest ones available, and some nice man let me touch his Iphone4. (In case you don’t know I usually have a case of new tech gadget lust.) I did share with a coupe of my friends that for my birthday last month I bought a new generation Kindle. It arrived yesterday, but due to a Dr. appointment, the party, and my early to bed tendencies I could only get it unpacked and charging. I did manage to also sneak in some time to buy one book. I bought Just One Taste by Louisa Edwards because she’s going to be the guest at our book club dinner this week. Unfortunately I won’t get it read in time, but I did read and enjoy her debut book, Can’t Stand The Heat. Speaking of Louisa…did you realize you could meet her in person (along with me, and I just know that you’re dying to meet me!) at readers’n’ritas being held in the Dallas Ft….

Sandi Shilhanek | Reflections of the Summer of 2010
Author Guest , Sundays with Sandi / September 9, 2010

Now that Labor Day has passed, and for the majority of us summer has come to an official close it’s time to perhaps reflect back and see what was the best thing about the summer. I was lucky to have many special memories in the summer of 2010. I know there’s no way to tell anyone which one was more special than any other one. My oldest son announced his decision to elope with his fiancée, and then announced that early next year my husband and I would be embracing our first grandchild. No clue yet as to the sex of the child, but my daughter in law is convinced it’s a girl, and my son convinced it’s a boy. We shall see. Then I had the terrific opportunity to attend RWA in Orlando and meet so many of my favorite authors such as Robyn Carr, Tara Taylor Quinn, Christie Ridgway, and so many more. Then I had the chance to meet authors I’ve yet to read, but am now anxious to such as Carolyn Brown, Leigh Michaels, and Tessa Dare. Finally I spent Labor Day weekend with my family celebrating my sister’s oldest child’s wedding. It was the first…

Sandi Shilhanek | Catching up on my reading
Sundays with Sandi / August 15, 2010

All over the net I’m sure you’ve been reading what a great time was had by all at RWA. As I said last week I had a great time too, but unfortunately one souvenir I wasn’t planning on bringing home came with me. An illness that has taken me forever (at least in my mind) to get over! The good part of being sick…my doctor put me off work for this past week so I got to nap when I wanted and attempt to catch up on my reading. I also found out just how protective of the house my dogs, Oreo and Travis really are! I’ve included a picture of Travis protecting the house (well, maybe in his dreams). I read an entire book on my Iphone even though I dedicated ebook readers. It was so easy to grab my phone and move from room to room, and be able to do more than just read! I read Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts on my phone. My thoughts…I really didn’t mind reading on my phone, and have moved on to The Inn At Eagle Point by Sherryl Woods, and while I can read it on my Kindle I’m…