© 2002 Gracie C. McKeever

In This Issue:

It's a Girl!
Fictionwise Bestseller!
Recent Reviews for "Desert Dreams", "Flames Past" and "New Life Incognita"
Awe-Struck Flash! Fiction
The Pen Is Mightier
This Issue's Spotlight Site
This Issues Colleague in the Spotlight
What I'm Reading/What I've Read/Recommended Reads/Micro-Reviews
Fun Site
Contests
Shameless Promotion
Odds and Ends

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Congratulations, it's a girl! And her name is Gracie…. As you can see, I've given the old girl a name (Thanks for your input Paul Saevig !). Not very inventive you say? Welp, I was tired of calling it the generic "AD Newsletter". Besides which, and lest we forget, my fondness for alliteration…thus, for now, we unveil "G'sG"

Hope you enjoy this issue!
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Fictionwise Bestseller!
As of this writing, FLAMES PAST is a Top-Ten Bestseller (#3) in Romance at Fictionwise for Late-April/Early-May, and the month's not over yet, so who knows where she'll go from here… http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/RomanceEbooks.htm

Recent Reviews:
Of DESERT DREAMS: "…its willingness to bring up issues most romance novels avoid like plague set it apart from the others. It's enjoyable and pretty readable too…All in all, not bad, not bad at all." Rating: 85, Jenny Lim, Romance Novel Central http://mrsg.lunarpages.com/books/index.html

Desert Dreams is available now, in download (pdf or html) and print (trade paperback), and can be purchased from NovelBooks, Inc. at http://www.novelbooksinc.com

Of FLAMES PAST: "…puts together paranormal with love, conflict, chance, and need to make you want to read each page. I was a bit intimidated by all the chapters in the book but I began the book and from the start Ms. McKeever grabs my attention and keeps it. I sympathized with Echo from the beginning and wanted her hidden pain to be erased and filled with love. I ached for Sean and wished his pain from the past to be washed away. The author made me want completion for Athan and a whole family that he much deserved.

I read this book page by page and wasn't disappointed. I cried many times throughout the book and I'll be looking for more books by Ms. McKeever because she certainly wrote a winner with this book!" 4/02 by Jessica Holmes, Owner RAIB (http://www.romanceatitsbest.com)

"The strength of this book lies in the well-developed, multi-dimensional character of Echo. In spite of her flaws--and she has many--we understand her actions and motivations. The mother and son relationship is emotionally strong. Gracie C. McKeever has a distinctive, darkly humorous voice that adds spice to the natural dialogue and smooth narration in this novel…an interesting and entertaining read." 3/02, Mayra Calvani, for eBook Reviews Weekly (http://www.ebook-reviews.net) and RAIB

Flames Past is available and can be purchased from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net
in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers…IN PRINT 2003! Stay tuned for details in future issues…

Of NEW LIFE INCOGNITA: "Fast-moving with strong characters, this entertaining romantic suspense paranormal grabs your attention right away." 95/100—Completely outstanding - the absolute best book the reviewer has read. Will become a classic— Nancy Madison for Atlantic Bridge Reviews 3/02
http://www.atlanticbridge.net/publishing/contests/paranormalreviews.htm

Flashback Classic: "What fun thing it is when a book comes out of nowhere and socks it to me in the face. NEW LIFE INCOGNITA is an unusual romance with a really unheard-of-in-romance twist: the man dies and is reincarnated as a WOMAN. Some readers can balk all they want, but me, I'm too busy having the time of my life to worry about such irrelevant things… There's no denying, however, that NLI has me hooked line and sinker. Definitely one of the best books I've read in a while. I must admit I still have no idea why exactly - characters, interesting premise, the villain, everything? - but you know what? I'm off for a reread. Life's too short for too much analyzing. It's fun, and it's all that matters at the end of the day. " Keeper! Rating: 93, Jenny Lim, Romance Novel Central.

New Life Incognita is available and can be purchased from LTDBooks http://www.ltdbooks.com in download and diskette: Palmpilot, Rocket eBook, Gemstar REB 1100 and 1200 and Franklin eBookman.

Ad: Meet the authors that make Awe-Struck tick, read the interviews, the articles, the inspirational stories behind the books, and find out what Awe-Struck Awe-thors are up to. But most of all, sign up for the Awe-Struck Flash, Official Newsletter of Awe-Struck E-Books http://www.awe-struck.net, and get Awed!

Awe-Struck Flash! Fiction – "Borrowed Time"
Nix Jones finished reading her obituary right before Doctor Foxworthy breezed into her room clapping his hands and licking his chops as if ready for seconds.

His attitude was entirely too flippant and eager to suit her. You'd think he was ready to cut into a big juicy steak and not about to lop off one of her breasts.

Nix reflexively palmed the offending appendage as if to protect it from the surgeon's greedy little carving equipment just as Doctor Foxworthy reached the side of her bed. He craned his head over the top of her newspaper to get a peek at what she was reading.

"What have we got our nose buried in there?"

"We are reading our obit."

"Now, now…" He plucked the paper from her hand, scanned the page quickly as if to discredit or confirm.

Nix knew the exact moment he caught sight of her name when he gaped…

When jaded and single Wall Street trader Nix Jones is suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer, a brief unexpected journey back in time proves just the salvation for her body and soul in this paranormal short by Gracie C. McKeever. Read complete story at Awe-Struck FLASH Fiction (May 2002)
http://awe-struck.net/FLASH_FICTION/flash_fiction1.html

The Pen Is Mightier:
http://members.aol.com/RitrsPulse/Pen.html
Has been on hiatus due to uncontrollable circumstances, but look for its return and new postings in the near future! In the meantime, take this opportunity to catch up on reviews and short stories that you previously missed. Check out my review of Elaine Hopper's "Secrets" under COLUMNS. But don't stop here. There are other book reviews, movie reviews, short stories, novel excerpts, poetry and much more from the other talented authors and staff members at The Pen!

This Issue's Spotlight Site:
Romance At Its Best http://www.romanceatitsbest.com This review and more site burst onto the scene with an ambitious and grand Grand Opening April 10, 2002. Articles, Author Interviews (including the most recent with yours truly), Reviews (see Ms. Holmes' take on FLAMES PAST) and so much more! Excellent romance reader and writer resource (though they are open to ALL genres), so if you haven't checked it out yet, hurry on over and see what you're missing. I anticipate this site being around for a long time to come and expect great things from Ms. Holmes and Company over at RAIB!

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This Issue's Colleague in the Spotlight:
http://www.stuwriter.com is homepage to action/adventure/espionage/suspense/thriller-and-so-much-more writer, Stewart Thomas! I read Stu's espionage thriller "The Fury of a Patient Man" late last year and it is a serious testament to this author's story-telling talents and gift for engaging characterization that I was able to finish and enjoy this book at all so soon after 9-11 and the ensuing Anthrax scares. Exciting, timely, well-researched, and frighteningly true-to-life, "The Fury of a Patient Man" heralds the arrival of a great new voice in action/adventure/espionage. Tom Clancy, look out!

Stewart Thomas' "Apology for the Devil", prequel to "The Fury of a Patient Man", is available now from NovelBooks, Inc. http://www.novelbooksinc.com and it's getting rave reviews…check it out! And don't forget to visit Stu's site. It's pages and pages of entertaining and informative content. Military and action/adventure buffs will especially enjoy the site, but readers just interested in a well-written story and larger-than-life characters won't be disappointed either.

What I'm Reading/What I've Read/Recommended Reads/Micro-Reviews:
No, I am in no way, shape or form trying to take the place of Ms. O, or compete with Ms. Ripa (although RWR's Charter Rules are inspired). No, just wanted to share some of the books I've enjoyed, give you some ideas, as well as get some from y'all…What are YOU reading?

Me, I've recently re-discovered Harlequin Romance. "Boo, hiss" you say?. I know, I know, I stopped reading these as a teen when I graduated from the typical nurse/doctor, nanny/widower romances. The Blaze and Temptation Heat lines of today are not your mother's romances. These quick reads (average pp 220-250) pack a sizzling punch for the word-count without sacrificing characterization and story. And for those of us (like moi) who enjoy our romances with the bedroom door open, Harlequin's Blaze and Temptation lines should be right up your alley. One stand-out so far for me was "Aftershocks" by Jill Shavis. Sensitive, sensual and satisfying story, with entertaining plot and engaging characters. Recently read erotic romances "The Taming" by Jenesi Ash, from Ellora's Cave http://www.ellorascave.com, and "Too Much Temptation" by Lori Foster. Loved 'em both (although I might have a leaning towards TMT, since the heroine's name happens to be "Gracie" ). Not to be outdone, are Silhouette's Special Editions. Checked out October's "Cowgirl Be Mine" by Elaine Nichols. After unsuccessfully trying for several months to win this title in Ms. Nichols' monthly contest, I finally had to break down and purchase it. Originally drawn in by the reunion premise (young love lost now rekindled) and, okay a hot teaser blurb on a promotional bookmark, I wasn't disappointed. The extent of the heroine's injuries, sustained in a rodeo accident, initially surprised me. The hero's gentle acceptance and compassion lured me into the story deeper. Jake is intelligent, sensitive and strong. Mandy is his match in every way; their chemistry drives a well-written plot all the way to a satisfying end.

Fun Site: The Dialectizer
http://www.rinkworks.com/dialect

Contests:
I'll be at it again June 2002, and giving away some cool DESERT DREAMS gear in an upcoming summer contest at one of my favorite romance author and reader sites, Road to Romance. Two prizes will be up for grabs this go-round: First Place, a DD T-shirt; Second Place, a DD mousepad. Stay tuned to upcoming newsletters/updates for more details and the contest URL!

The luck of the Irish smiled on Louise Pocsics of Ohio, in my Feb/March New Life Incognita Newsletter contest! Louise was the winner of an original Dreams Unlimited edition of my debut New Age Paranormal Urban Romance novel, NLI… Congratulations Louise and hope you enjoy your prize!

This Issue's Newsletter Contest:
First "Prince of Wolves"… Now, for all you shapeshifting romance/Sue Krinard fans, for the May/June Newsletter Contest, I will be giving away, mint condition, a copy of Ms. Krinard's 1996 release "Prince of Shadows". To enter the contest, just send an e-mail with your name, address and e-mail to g_mac10@yahoo.com with "Prince of Shadows Contest" in the subject line. Contest runs until June 17, 2002. One entry per e-mail address, and per person. Winner will be notified by e-mail. I reserve the right to publish winner's name on my webpage and in the newsletter. Tell a friend about the contest and if they sign up for Gracie's Gazette by June 17, 2002, they'll automatically be entered in the POS contest!

Another Shameless Promotion:
Visit NovelBooks, Inc. Cyber Shops at http://www.cafepress.com/nbi where you'll find your favorite NBI cover (yes, Virginia, even Desert Dreams!) on a slew of different products—from tees and totes, to mousepads and mugs. You can also choose to purchase official NBI gear perfect for showing off to your friends or wearing out and about. Keep an eye out for new products and specials. And if you were not lucky enough to win one of the "Desert Dreams" prizes up for grabs in my December contest, well then you might have to break down and BUY the gear….UNLESS you want to try your luck and wait for June (see details above under "Contests"). Did I mention, affordable gifts, just in time for…any time?

Odds and Ends:
If you'd like to stay informed about lots of your favorite writers in one monthly newsletter, consider subscribing to Writerspace-News, where you'll be kept up-to-date on Janelle Denison, Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Geralyn Dawson, Susan Wiggs, Diana Palmer, Marilyn Pappano and more. To subscribe, visit http://www.writerspace.com/news.html

If you haven't yet stopped by Gracie's Gallery http://hometown.aol.com/gwiz10/myhomepage/index.html Check it out. Learn more about my books and me. Peruse the links of interest for writers and readers. Enjoy the available articles, poems, short stories, novelettes and free book excerpts, and...Happy Reading!

Please feel free to share this newsletter with a friend or two...or a hundred! Encourage them to sign up. Or they can just drop me an e-mail expressing their interest in the newsletter and I'll sign them up. (And if you forward it, please do so/share in its entirety with copyright notice, etc. intact). It's free, it's easy and until next time...it's done!

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Visit Gracie McKeever at: http://www.authorsden.com/graciecmckeever