Daily Vintage - Victorian Trade Card of Women, Child, and Sailboat

This lovely Victorian trade card is from the late 1800's and advertises Domestic S.M. Co.  It features two women and a child watching a sailboat in the distance.  I have framed cards like this with vintage paper or scrapbooking paper as a background, in a little frame.   You'll find Victorian trade cards at Birdhouse Books.

Book Spotlight and Giveaway: The British Agent Series by M.K. McClintock

Please join M.K. McClintock as she tours the blogosphere for her British Agent Series, from May 18-28, and enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or a Blarney Lambswool Throw!

Book One: Alaina Claiborne

Publication Date: January 8th, 2013 Trappers Peak Publishing ISBN: 978-0615742502
Series: British Agent Novels, Book One Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

READ AN EXCERPT.
​How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan. 


​Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer. 

On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.

Praise for Alaina Claiborne

"This one is a winner. It broke my heart several times, the poignant moments she describes are so real." -Deborah from The Bookish Dame Reviews 

"Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!" -InD'Tale Magazine

"With a strong female lead and a nice mix of both action and romance, this novel tops my list." -Judge, Writer's Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards

Official Book Trailer

Alaina Claborne Available At

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Nook | Kobo

Book Two: Blackwood Crossing

Publication Date: June 2, 2014 Trappers Peak Publishing ISBN: 978-0991330607
Series: British Agent Novels, Book Two Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

If you had to make a choice, would it be loyalty or love?
Torn between loyalty to her family and refusal to marry a laird she despises, Rhona Davidson accepts a dangerous proposal from a man she knows only as Blackwood.

Leaving behind a life of leisure, Charles Blackwood bravely serves his country with honor and the skill of a trained British agent. When his newest case returns him to the wild Highlands of Scotland, he is faced with a choice between killing a man and saving the only woman he has ever loved.

Charles and Rhona join their lives, only to discover that their choices will result in bloodshed, unless they can uncover a truth long buried, deep in the Highland soil.

Praise for Blackwood Crossing

"Historical Romance readers will be delighted with the author's style and veritable plot line in this clean romance. "Blackwood Crossing" is a wonderful book for the reader to begin their lifelong Historical Romance adventure or continue their HR journey! Bravo Ms. McClintock!" -InD'Tale Magazine, 4 1/2 stars and a Crowned Heart

"MK McClintock has spun an enchanting tale deeply entrenched in the lands of Scotland and England that will leave you riveted to your chair until you turn the last page." -Donna McBroom-Theriot, mylifeonstoryatatime.com

“This is a wonderful book with suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat and surprises to keep me guessing . . . a feisty heroine and a strong, gentle hero . . . My poetic soul is fed by the beautiful descriptions of nature.” -Verna Mitchell, poet and author of Somewhere Beyond the Blue

Official Book Trailer

Blackwood Crossing Available At

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Nook | Kobo

Book Three: Clayton's Honor

Publication Date: April 29, 2015 Trappers Peak Publishing ISBN: 978-0991330652
Series: British Agent Novels, Book Three Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.

Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.

On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.

Clayton's Honor Available At

Amazon (US) Kindle | Amazon (UK) Kindle

About the Author

MK McClintock spins tales of romance, mystery, and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana.

-2014 RONE Award-Nominee for "Alaina Claiborne" -2014 Crowned Heart for Excellence from InD'Tale Magazine for "Blackwood Crossing" and "The Montana Gallagher Collection" -2015 Crowned Heart Heart for Excellent from InD'Tale Magazine for "A Home for Christmas"

Learn more about MK by visiting her website or blog at Books and Benches. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Sign up for M.K. McClintock's Newsletter.

British Agent Series Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, May 18 Review at Flashlight Commentary (Alaina Claiborne)
Tuesday, May 19 Spotlight at View From the Birdhouse
Wednesday, May 20 Review at Flashlight Commentary (Blackwood Crossing) Review at Book Nerd (Blackwood Crossing) Review at Dreams Come True Through Reading (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing)
Thursday, May 21 Review at Layered Pages (Alaina Claiborne)
Friday, May 22 Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story (Alaina Claiborne)
Monday, May 25 Review at A Chick Who Reads (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing) Excerpt at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Tuesday, May 26 Review at Quirky Book Reviews (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing)
Wednesday, May 27 Review at The Lit Bitch (Alaina Claiborne)
Thursday, May 28 Blog Tour Wrap-Up at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

Click Here to Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or a Blarney Lambswool Throw!

Music Monday - "I Hear Trumpets Blow" by The Tokens (1966)

This is one of those great oldies that you rarely hear on the radio.  It comes on SiriusXM, 60's on 6, occasionally and I always turn the radio up. 

The Tokens started making music together in Brooklyn as the Linc-Tones in 1955.  Neil Sedaka was in the earliest incarnation of the band, but left early on.  The Tokens' big 1961 hit was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."  "I Hear Trumpets Blow" charted in 1966 and went to 148 on the U.S. charts.  They had a cute puppy dog record label, too - you'll see it on the video clip.  

Daily Vintage - The Art of Being a Girl 1965 Teen Popularity Book

The Art of Being a Girl is a 1965 teen popularity and etiquette book by Judith Unger Scott.  It's hard to find, and so much fun to look through!  It really gives a glimpse of teen life in the 1960's.   You'll find this book at Birdhouse Books: The Art of Being a Girl.

Author Interview - Ollie the Orca by Laura Maw

Children's Book

Date Published: October 2014

Come along and join Bubba the Bottlenose dolphin as he makes a new buddy while sharing a day they won’t soon forget. Grade 1-2 Reading Level.

Bubba is out on one of his undersea adventures when he finds a frightened Orca trapped by a fishing net! In this attention gripping yet comical tale, Bubba works with his buddy Sammy the Seagull to free Ollie. Come along and join Bubba the Bottlenose dolphin as he makes a new buddy while sharing a day they won’t soon forget. 

Purchase Link

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Ollie-Orca-Bubba-Buddies-TM/dp/0992115124/

View from the Birdhouse Interview with Laura Maw

Q1: What inspired you to write this book?

I have a very vivid imagination that often takes me on wondrous adventures in my dreams. In fact, the idea for my first book, Bubba’s Balloon, came to me in the form of a very funny dream. I woke up laughing and felt that it was a story that must be shared with others. My second book, Ollie the Orca, was later created through daydreaming about what other adventures Bubba might be having.

Q2: What was the research process like?

Looking at the story with its audience’s needs in mind was the first part of the research process. Children’s books are tough because you have such a wide audience to please, including kids, teachers and parents. Trying to balance the kids’ desire for fun, with the parents’ need for lessons, and the teachers’ need for educational learning was definitely the hardest part of the research process. The second part of the research process was evaluating the words for grade level. When writing a children’s book that can also be read by a child them self it is important to keep a tight grade level range for words.

Q3: What is your daily writing schedule?

I don’t have a writing schedule of any sort, you can’t force inspiration. As dreaming and daydreaming are a major part of my story creation process, when I write depends on when a great story decides to unveil itself.

Q4: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

With out a doubt I would have to say Robert Munsch. I loved reading his books when I was a kid! I must have read every one of them. I really liked the humour in his stories and the different imaginative situations that his characters would find themselves in.

Q5: Who are your favorite authors?

For children’s books these authors are at the very top of my list: Robert Munsch, Stanley and Janice Berenstain, and Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). All four of these authors have something very important in common, they are not afraid of the power of imagination. Outside of children’s book authors, George Orwell is without a doubt my favourite! Nineteen Eighty-Four is my favourite novel of all time! I can’t stop myself from reading it again every few years. I plan on reading Orwell’s entire collection over the course of my life.

Q6: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

My favourite activity is hiking out to see beautiful lighthouses and ocean scenes. I’ve been to lighthouses in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia. I also enjoy spending time with my horses, Vinni and Jake.

 

Q7: What is your next writing project?

I have a story idea for a third Bubba n’ Buddies book that I hope to develop in the near future. There is a new marine character named Sally to introduce!