Hello Everyone
Well today is mine and Denny’s 21st wedding anniversary and to celebrate we have Susan Mallery’s books visiting today. Most of you should have received a bookmark and a tattoo from Susan in your packages that were mailed out. I did run out so, sorry if you didn’t get one this time! So as per the trend of the last 21 years Denny is not home for our anniversary but it’s ok I’m used to it and the best gift for me is to eat out anyway. No jewelry, flowers or candy for me …..books though would be nice – otherwise to eat a really nice meal I don’t have to prepare is the way to my heart.
So Denny, since you subscribe I hope you read down this far….I Love You…… even though you drive me insane most of the time….I Love You….. otherwise I’d throw you to the wolves…….I Love You…… and thank you for marrying me and raising my older three girls as your own……I Love You…..and for the 6 children we now have…..I Love You…..and thank you for letting the grandkids come live with us too……I Love You…..and ahhh…shhhh(and for being really good in bed)….I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and everyone feel free to give us some advice to stay together another 20+ years now that he is retired from the Navy…other than working out-of-town…I like that one – I know it’s hard but it’s good for me since he’s been gone this last five years to have him out of the house and home once a week. Better than 6 month deployments anyway and yet not messing with my schedule.
So let’s take a look at Susan’s books shall we???? Pay attention now everyone you may find a surprise somewhere.
Summer Days is the seventh book in Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. And it was just released so be on the look out ladies.
Susan Mallery Q&A on SUMMER DAYS (Fool’s Gold Book 7)
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher’s Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” Visit Susan online at www.susanmallery.com.
Tell us about SUMMER DAYS.
SUMMER DAYS is the perfect beach read. It’s funny, romantic, sexy, and it’s light both in tone and in actual weight – you can toss the paperback into your beach bag and go. (It’s also available wherever ebooks are sold.)
Heidi Simpson had a vagabond childhood with her grandfather. The one thing she wanted most in the world was a home of her own. Now, in her late 20s, she finally has one, but her ranch is put on the line by a scam her grandfather pulled in order to pay for a friend’s surgery. Rafe Stryker is the son of the woman whose money was stolen, and the first of the Stryker brothers to move to Fool’s Gold. He’s on a tear when he arrives, determined to protect his mother’s interests at all costs.
Since possession is nine-tenths of the law, neither is willing to leave the ranch until a judge can decide the matter. Sparks fly right from page one between Heidi and Rafe! The people of Fool’s Gold take sides in a pretty hysterical way.
You can find SUMMER DAYS wherever books are sold – bookstores, online, even the grocery store check-out line. You can read a free excerpt on my website, www.susanmallery.com or in the free app for iPhone and Android (www.mobileroadie.com/apps/susanmallery).
Who are these Fool’s Gold cheerleaders I keep hearing about?
Oh, the cheerleaders are beyond fabulous! This year’s squad is made up of 60 Fool’s Gold super fans who are earning prizes all summer for telling other readers about Fool’s Gold. They’re driving around with Fool’s Gold car magnets, wearing Fool’s Gold T-shirts, handing out bookmarks like candy to everyone they meet.
Look at the lovely bracelet one of the cheerleaders made for the Fools Gold series. Boy I wish I had joined the squad a few years ago when I got the notice about them.
For those of my followers who have never read a Fool’s Gold book, tell us about the small town known as the Land of Happy Endings.
SUMMER DAYS is the seventh book in my series set in fictional Fool’s Gold, California. Fool’s Gold is a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a quaint place where people truly support each other – mostly with casseroles. And margaritas. Women rule in Fool’s Gold. For many years, there was a man shortage, which is just now beginning to level out, thanks to the town’s efforts to bring in some pretty spectacular men.
Fool’s Gold is the most popular series I’ve ever written. In fact, last year, one of the Fool’s Gold books hit #3 on the New York Times and #8 on the USA Today bestsellers lists. Those were personal bests for me and very thrilling.
Each book is written as a standalone, which means that you can jump in and start with SUMMER DAYS, and you won’t feel lost or confused. While previous characters make an appearance, you don’t need to know their stories to understand this one.
Why did you decide to write about three cowboy brothers?
With each year’s Fool’s Gold books, I try to create heroes who represent iconic male archetypes. The men of Fool’s Gold have been athletes, businessmen, pilots, surgeons. Each is a leader, powerful in his own way. His strength goes deeper than the physical. He does what’s right even when it’s not easy. When he falls, he falls hard… and he loves forever.
This summer, three cowboy brothers will ride into Fool’s Gold on horseback in SUMMER DAYS, SUMMER NIGHTS, and ALL SUMMER LONG. The Stryker men represent everything I love about a cowboy hero. They are protective, honest, tall and strong. And wow, do they do nice things to a pair of blue jeans!
Since this is Fool’s Gold, these cowboys come with a special twist – humor. Rafe is undone by Heidi the Goat Girl. Shane has to teach the local librarian how to do the ancient Dance of the Happy Virgin – while riding a horse. And Clay, the youngest, made his fortune as a Hollywood butt double.
What’s next for Fool’s Gold?
Summer Nights is Book 8 and will be out in July 2012.
In SUMMER NIGHTS (July), Shane Stryker will meet Annabelle who, oh my WORD, do I love! Annabelle is my gift to all the librarians who have supported me so wonderfully over the years, putting my books into readers’ hands with a fervent, “You’re going to love this!” Annabelle is a librarian who defies the stereotypes – she’s fashionable, modern… a dangerous, pint-sized sexpot, as far as Shane is concerned. He’s completely undone by her the first time they meet, so much so that he can’t even remember his own name.
All Summer Long is book 9 and will be out August 2012 just in time for my birthday!
Then comes Charlie, to be paired with Clay in ALL SUMMER LONG (August). Oh, Charlie. She’s so tough and oh, so wounded. She’s got that hard-as-nails firefighter exterior, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she is as vulnerable as they come. Something happened in Charlie’s past that has made her afraid of intimacy with a man. She’s the kind of person who tackles her problems head-on, much to Clay Stryker’s delight. She’s determined to learn how to be with a man, and she’s decided to ask Clay to teach her.
****Sigh**** what a good story this will be. They all sound like great reads don’t you think???? I’ve decided to give three lucky followers a copy of each book, how is that for an anniversary gift. Book 2 & 3 will arrive after they are released of course. And Susan has a gift for you all as well. if you pop over to this link you can download a Fools’s Gold Calender full of hunky men! http://foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com/cowboycalendar.html
Want to see more of Susan click on the covers or go here: http://www.susanmallery.com/
Z Seawitch
I hope you all have a great weekend….see ya Monday or so and Happy Anniversary Denny!!!!
Mary Preston
Jun 01, 2012 @ 09:18:51
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Enjoy your dinner.
I really should read more Susan Mallery. It’s been too long & the books all look amazing. This re-introduction is one of the reasons I love book blogs.
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 21:46:09
Thanks, but I didna get to go to dinner, I was at the Relay for Life and bought a Taco in a Bag and ate with my 9 yr old as we watched the walkers.
Yes I like being remeinded about books too.
KittyKelly
Jun 01, 2012 @ 09:21:42
Happy anniversary!!! 🙂 I have no advice cause I haven’t been with my hubby that long. I think you should pass out advise though. Lol 😉 the books look great too!!
KittyKelly
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 21:51:09
Thanks Kel
I don’t always pull my punches anymore, too old to be nice. I tell Denny as nicely as I can when he makes me feel like I’m suffacating. That’s the hard part. I’ve been on my own for the last five years and mostly on my own for the 13 before that so I can’t take being with him 24/7 in my bussiness interupting my routine.
CateS
Jun 01, 2012 @ 09:23:28
Well, Clay having made his fortune as a Hollywood butt double is certainly going to be a fun read — but then all of Susan Mallery’s books are fun ! I’m just going to monitor the advice you get for staying together for another 21 years now that Denny is retired… because my hubby retired this year also…..
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 21:52:59
I know the last two books really, really sound good. I like that description too.
Cate, did he retire from a cilvillian job or military?
Jenel Looney
Jun 01, 2012 @ 09:29:17
My husband retired five years ago, and I work from home. (I married an older man. :)) It was an adjustment at first. He was restless, and I felt guilty every time I told him that I couldn’t go with him somewhere, but I really had to get my work done. I encouraged him to develop hobbies that he would enjoy, so he wasn’t spending all his time doing chores or looking to me for companionship. Now we’ve settled into a comfortable routine where we each do our own thing during the day. We do talk to each other and touch base, and it’s really wonderful to spend so much time together, but for the most part, he does his thing and I do mine.
Also, get him a dog. 😉
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:04:46
I asked him for a dog but we are stuck in a 2 bedroom with 11 people, well we farmed the two oldest out to grandparents and Denny now works out of town so there are 8 in a two bdrm…no room for a dog right now. I tried that…I actually asked him if he wanted me to make him a honey-do list and told him to go visit friends. No he just wanted to sit in his recliner and do nothing but eat and sleep. So glad he got a job because I was beginning to hate him at times, even as I loved him. I know it sounds bad to say I hated him but I find for me it’s easier to get those feelings out instead of letting them fester inside me, then I don’t fill like such a terrible wife. I find I can handle more that way.
I told him he needed a job right away or I would kill him or divorce him….it was getting close.
Thanks for the advice. I’m going to really think about the dog and make him a honey do list too.
Wendy McKinnis
Jun 01, 2012 @ 09:29:58
Happy Anniversary. I’ve been married 35 years, and I STILL haven’t figured it out!!! Just pure stubbornness on my part, I think. Just won’t give up!!! Hope you get that dinner you want. Many Blessings.
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:12:37
Thanks Wendy
That stubborness is what keeps me from killing him or tossing him out, and biting my tongue.
Diane Sallans
Jun 01, 2012 @ 10:24:34
Happy Anniversary Zina & Denny! Here’s to many more years!
I read the first six Fool’s Gold books last year and enjoyed them very much (I often wait to read several books in a series one after the other). I’ve got ‘Summer Days’ in my TBR pile, but probably won’t wait very long to read it. I’m very glad the next two will be out within a few months.
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:16:25
Hey Dianne,
Goodness I look back at my comments…complaining shrew I am. I do love him…he just drives me crazy. I haven’t read any of them yet but I think I will remedy that soon. They sound like a series you can really get into.
AngieMac
Jun 01, 2012 @ 10:31:19
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! My husband travels a lot, too, being the international sales manager. Although, he has a home office for when he’s not traveling. I’ve been known to ask.. when are you leaving again? I can’t miss you if you never leave. LOL… it’s definitely a challenge sometimes, whether he’s here or gone. We’ve been married 14 years and have 6 kids between us, too. The Fool’s Gold books are WONDERFUL. I love this little town. Don’t we all wish we could live somewhere like this? Thanks for a great interview. And Happy Anniversary!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:20:38
Hello Angie
It’s hard to find a man willing to take on a ready made family then add more. When we got married he said he wanted 12 kids…by the time #9 arrived he was readdy to quit…thank goodness because I knew Ephraim was my last. I do try to remember all the good things about Denny when I want to kill him.
That’s what I was thinking, that Fool’s Gold would be a series like another of my favorites- Virgin River series I just love them and would move there in a heartbeat.
Carole Fiore
Jun 01, 2012 @ 10:36:16
Happy Aniversary to you and Denny! I wish you both best wishes…I’ve been married 22yrs. but seperated, but living on the same property for he got ill and ask me to take care of him…so many things happened after his surgery that he can’t take care of his wound by himself, he needs it clean 2-3 times a day anyways, its complicated…I love Susan Mallery’s books, wanting to read this book but have my daughter’s graducation that buying a book is on the bottom of my list even though I’d rather be reading than planning a party-love cooking and being with friends but hate all the work and tension that goes with it from my family members…love to win this series for she is one of my favorite authors and she’s always on the top of my list…Happy anniversary again and have a wonderful day and weekend!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:25:37
I think it speaks volumes about your character that you would do that for him Carole, I’m glad to call you a friend and thank you for the good wishes. Congraduate your daughter for me. And if you do do a party …ask for help and keep it simple.
Jennifer Tipton
Jun 01, 2012 @ 11:21:41
Happy Anniversary! Enjoy yourself!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:25:52
Thanks Jennifer!
MaryAnn Frerichs
Jun 01, 2012 @ 11:24:53
I have so loved the Fool’s Gold books, I’m anxiously waiting my turn at the library to read the latest. Would love to have the chance to win copies.
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:27:04
Hello MeryAnn
Ah, yes when I have no book budget or want to try a new author I go to the library singing my Busytown song.
Mary M
Jun 01, 2012 @ 11:25:06
Happy Anniversary Zina and Denny! I love hearing about special love stories, and yours warmed my heart! Slainte! 🙂
PS….my favorite series of Susan’s is the Marcelli brides! So love it!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:28:21
Mary
You guys would laugh at how Denny and I met, some may frown, but it is what it is. Thanks for the good wishes.
Marjorie Roberts
Jun 01, 2012 @ 13:56:02
Happy Anniversary! I love Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series! Susan is such a vibrant person and is so wonderful to her fans on her website and on Facebook. Winning her books would be so fantastic! And I would be my own cheerleader and pass them on to friends too. I already read the e-book, which was a big tease for this summer’s books. I did purchase Summer Days two days ago, but can always keep on sharing! The phone app is great too!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:30:45
Thanks Marjorie
Yes she and her assistant Jenel are sweet as pie. Can’t figure out how to get the calender up on the site but it did pop up on my desktop. Sharing is nice.
Deb
Jun 01, 2012 @ 16:38:48
Happy Anniversary! I hope you’ll be sharing a lot more years together. I love Susan’s Fool’s Gold books and I love the idea that you’re sharing her books with your followers.
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:31:53
Thank you Deb
I have to start collecting all the back books before I can read them. But I like to share.
leahluvsmedieval
Jun 01, 2012 @ 19:13:27
Happy Anniversary you two! I hope you have many, many more and as for advice, I think whatever y’all are doing right now is working just fine. Zina, I loved you words to Denny. I think that is a very important thing to do in a relationship. Remember why you fell in love and verbalize the words from your heart.
I haven’t read any of Susan Mallery’s books but these sound to be really good. I’ll have to give her a try. 🙂
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:33:43
Yes…I have to remind myself why I love him to counter all the times he drives me insane. I hope he read those words because I don’t often get the chance to say them. Thanks for the good wishes Leah.
Ivy
Jun 01, 2012 @ 19:31:15
Happy Anniversary Zina & Denny!! Many more to come I hope!
No advice, each couple’s unique. Mike & I both forgot our 25th last month. We remembered the day after thanks to my mom…:)
Haven’t read any of these….but I am off to read. Hope to get started on my personal mountain this year…
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:35:12
That’s me, usually forget because he’s always gone. Ah yes the old TBR pile, mine has grown too.
Thanks Ivy
Dalila G.
Jun 01, 2012 @ 19:52:30
WooHoo!!!!
Big congrats to you & Denny!!
Wishing you many more wonderful and fun-filled years!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:36:26
Thanks Dalila!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 20:40:43
Evening everyone,
Sorry I am just getting here, I had errands this morn then 5 kids had doctors appointments. Then I had to drive to the next town for meds and epi-pens, then I had to get my tire fixed then we went to Relay for Life for just a bit and now I am home….yeah! I haven’t read all the comments yet but I will but first I have to pay some bills oh and I picked up the 3 copies of Summer Days.
Thank you all now though for the wonderful thoughts much better than my #4 who told me she didn’t care about my anniversary. She’s the 18 year old and trying her new found I’m an adult wings out. Yeah apparently I didn’t beat her enough as a child otherwise I think she would be a little more respectful, and think before she utters hurtful things.Of course she has been getting bad influance from my MIL.
Thank you all again for the thoughts, advice and wishes.
Z
Victoria Zumbrum
Jun 01, 2012 @ 21:35:14
I would love to read these books. They sound very good. Congratulations to you and Denny. I hope you have many wonderful years of marriage.
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:36:52
Thank you Miss V!!!
Lexi
Jun 01, 2012 @ 21:53:05
Aww, now that was so sweet (your first part of the post to Denny) =) No wonder you two are still living in wedded bliss!
Happy Anniversary!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:39:21
Thank you Miss Lexi
I get so frustrated with him I don’t tell him or myself why I love him…even when he drives me insane. Often I bite my tongue or walk away before I say something I’ll regret or canna take back.
Melissa Mayhue
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:23:28
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Yes, I was shouting it, but 21 years deserves a shout! How to keep going for another 21? Well, my hubby and I just celebrated #38 a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is it’s always a work in progress! 🙂 My best to you both!
Z
Jun 01, 2012 @ 22:42:11
Hello Melissa
I’ll be seeing you in a few weeks, canna wait for your Highlander event at RomCon. Should Denny wear his kilt???? Thank you and a Happy late Anniversary to you as well. I agree it’s a work in progress as everyone changes over time. Oh and kiss those wee boys for me.
Cathy P
Jun 01, 2012 @ 23:24:12
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ZINA AND DENNY and many, many more! My husband and I have been married for 39 years. Our secret is to never go to bed angry with each other and tell the other one you love them several times a day. You can never hear it enough, we think.
I love Susan Mallery books.
Z
Jun 02, 2012 @ 00:09:34
Ah yes I know that rule but I go to bed sometimes angry at him, while he doesn’t want to hear what I have to say when I’m angry….
I try my best though. Thanks for the good wishes Cathy.
mtrybak
Jun 02, 2012 @ 00:28:47
Happy Anniversary from one of the Cheerleaders!
librarypat
Jun 02, 2012 @ 15:38:27
There are many librarians like Annabelle, except for maybe the sexpot part. One thing I enjoyed most about being a librarian was being able to order books I knew people would enjoy and recommend them to the patrons. I know I enjoy discovering new authors and like to share those discoveries with others. Best of luck with this part of the “series,” Susan.
Z, a very happy anniversary. We celebrate our 40th on Sunday June 3rd. I know what you mean about the separations. You become organized, self-sufficient, and get our schedule all worked out while they are gone. They come home and sometimes are upset at how well you can manage without them. It does blow the schedule having to fit one more person’s stuff in. I hate to admit it, but one thing I missed when my husband retired from the Air Force were the TDYs (temporary duty). You get used to your alone time and it is missed.
If you managed to survive 21 years with him on active duty, you are flexible enough to survive his being out. I think making sure everybody has their own time is important. You don’t have to be joined at the hip all the time to be happy. You appreciate each other if you pursue your own separate interests and manage some of that alone time. It makes those times you are together more enjoyable.
Hope you have many more happy anniversaries.
Kendra O
Jun 03, 2012 @ 15:55:55
Happy Anniversary!! 😀
Susan’s Fool’s Gold series is my absolute favorite. Not only do you wish the town and characters were real, you feel like it all is. Susan goes above and beyond other authors by giving us updates between the stories and after the HEA through her website http://foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com/ I really enjoyed Rafe and Heidi’s story. Their love bloomed gradually and they were both really real characters. I look forward to reading more about our favorite fictional town this summer 😀
Beccie Weaver
Jun 04, 2012 @ 18:26:11
Hope you and your husband had an awesome anniversary
Shannon
Jun 05, 2012 @ 09:12:59
SUMMER DAYS is the perfect beach read. It’s funny, romantic, sexy, and it’s light both in tone and in actual weight – you can toss the paperback into your beach bag and go. It should be on everyone’s must read list!
Melissa
Jun 10, 2012 @ 17:30:57
Happy Anniversary!!! I am a Fool’s Gold Cheerleader. I am having a ton of fun!! I love Susan Mallery & Fool’s Gold books!! Rafe & Heidi has a great chemistry together even though they are both stubborn. I feel so bad for Heidi, who finally has a home of her own. Rafe swore he would never go back to Fool’s Gold, but he did it for his mother. I love May. She was something else! If you are looking for a good romance book, then this is it! You won’t be disappointed!
Melissa
Jul 29, 2012 @ 22:22:46
Since June, I have also read Summer Nights. It has became my favorite of all of the Fool’s Gold books. Summer Nights is another great summer read. Annabelle is caring, a great friend, & so sweet! I love that Annabelle wanted to learn how to ride a horse for her fundraiser for her bookmobile. There is 1 thing that I absolutely love a lot & it has to do with Shane, but I am not going to give it away. In Summer Nights, we find out more about Heidi & Rafe’s story!! I can not wait for All Summer Long!!
Stephanie G
Jul 28, 2012 @ 23:14:56
Great post! 🙂 Susan’s books are great. She’s such a fabulous author and the Fool’s Gold series is awesome!