4.5 Stars for A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith

The story's plot offers adventure, mystery, and a trip to exotic Yucatan.

Having lost her husband to a dive accident, Kendall Jackson wrestles with her grief, as well as with a heaping load of frustration in dealing with her stepson. Then there’s the fear of not knowing who she can trust as her world goes spinning out of control.

A mysterious briefcase, belonging to her husband, contains maps and cryptic messages which lead her on an Indiana Jones-like trek through "jungles" in and out of the city. 

The beautiful locale lends itself to the descriptive writing, and I learned some interesting facts about Yucatan/Mayan history, and about diving in the amazing cenotes (natural, deep wells). I found myself holding my breath when they were exploring those scary, underwater caves.

 It took me a while to get into the story, but the pace soon picks up. The ending was very creative. I would recommend this fun read to fans of adventure. 

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Back cover blurb:
    Rocked by her husband's tragic death, Kendall Jackson strives to put her life back together. But Ryder, her nineteen-year-old stepson, is bitter and wants nothing to do with her. And she can't keep the grief at bay. Sometimes, it's so strong, she wonders if life is worth living. 
     A call from a cave diver in Mexico gives her hope of mending the relationship with her stepson. Before his death, her husband arranged a diving expedition as a birthday gift for his son. Kendall persuades Ryder to honor his father's last wish. 
     From the campus of Western Maryland College to the woods of Camp David and the caves of the Yucatán, Kendall and Ryder take a journey to discover what her husband worked so hard to hide, and to protect his treasured secrets from falling into the wrong hands. The choices they make will decide their fate and the future of others. Will they risk everything for the truth?                       

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A.K. loves seeing the world; Her goal is to step foot on every continent on Planet Earth (maybe even the moon)—she’s slowly getting there. She treasures her family, friends, and kindness. Check out her website at www.aksmithauthor.com or find her on Twitter, and Facebook. @aksmithbook

LOVE and WAR Valentine blog hop prizes galore

 During World War One (1914-1918), wounded soldiers, recovering in hospitals made Sweetheart Pincushions. It was a way to pass the time while recuperating from war wounds, and worked as occupational therapy.These little treasures were sent home across the miles, especially for Valentine's Day, to wives, mothers, and loved ones letting them know that they were thinking of them, and no doubt with hopes that someone out there was thinking of them.

"Forget Me Not" and "Remember Me" were favorite phrases, and even more elaborate verse was used to express the feelings of the soldiers far away. Now these wonderful homespun objects of art have become pieces of history.   

When the golden sun is sinking,

  And your mind from care is free.

  When of others you are thinking,

  Will you sometimes think of me.

   Some British soldiers stationed in India even made quilts, and throughout history sailors of all kinds often extended their sail-making efforts to recreational handiwork including putting needle and thread to work. 

Some were purchased as kits containing printed fabric, threads and beads – all the materials a soldier would need to handcraft a memento for his loved ones . Some were made from whatever fabric and doodads could be scrounged up or bartered for, even feed sacks and reused thread. 

So lovingly made in the midst of the horror, tragedy, and chaos of war, they are truly a symbol of the human spirit and resolve. What hope and love must have gone into each stitch. 

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To WIN prizes, collect freebies, and meet awesome authors simply visit each page below

1.	The Perfect Time For Love ~ Casi McLean	2.	Spunk & Hunks ~ Anna Durand
3.	Love in the Month of February ~ Mary Morgan	4.	Love Potions and Charms ~ Sorchia Dubois
5.	He said he wasn't the romantic kind of guy, but... ~ Peggy Jaeger	6.	Love and War ~ Gini Rifkin
7.	Sexy Chocolate Cakes ~ Kayden Claremont	8.	50 Great Date Ideas ~ Devon Mckay
9.	Hearts Abound ~ Tena Stetler	10.	Love Every Day ~ Darlene Fredette
11.	Importance of Valentines Day ~ Maureen Bonatch	12.	Souls Forever Bound ~ Judith Sterling
13.	Mysterious Origins of Valentine's Day ~ Barbara Bettis	14.	A Romantic Valentine Dinner ~ Jana Richards
15.	Steamy Romance Meets Spooky Suspense ~ Kathryn Knight	16.	Book Bling ~ Elizabeth Alsobrooks
17.	Sweet Romances ~ Katherine McDermott	18.	Historical Heartbeats ~ Brenda B. Taylor
19.	An Awesome Bewitching Author Valentines Day ~ Lisa Voisin	20.	Idea City ~ Kitsy Clare/Catherine Stine
21.	Welcome to the ABA Valentine Hop ~ Linda Nightingale	22.	Bridie Hall YA Author ~ Bridie Hall
23.	A Time For Love Valentine Blog Hop ~ Amber Daulton	24.	'Out Of This World' Romance ~ Hywela Lyn
25.	Time Travel For Love ~ Karen Michelle Nutt	26.	Valentine's Day - A Family Tradition ~ Holland Rae
27.	Historical Heartbeats

Happy Imbolc/ Ground Hog Day

                           

          What do groundhogs, ewes, a Pagan goddess/Christian saint, and spring cleaning all have in common? They are intertwined in the history of Imbolc, the feast day of Brigid, on February 2nd.

     This holiday is one of the Celtic fire festivals and is also called Oimelc (Imbolc), an Irish term that means ewe's milk. This was the time of year when the first sign of spring was the lactation of ewes. 


It is a cross-quarter day signifying the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. It is also a reverse barometer. Just like the logic used on Groundhogs Day. 


If the weather is fair (sun is shining and Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow) the weather will take a turn for the worse and there will be more winter. If the weather is bad, it's good news, better weather is on the horizon.

    The Celtic goddess Brigid, was known as the Light-Bringer, so when the Christians usurped the day they tried to redirect the Pagans to worship St. Brigid, and Candlemas, and it all tied in nicely. 

    St. Brigit (Brigid, Brighid, Bride, Brigit), is known for her special cross, said to have been woven from rushes as she tended a Celtic chieftain, telling him the story of Christ. Many streams, trees, and mounds are named for her in the British Isles. The Celtic Brigid is the goddess of poetry, healing, and smith-craft. Also  the patron of other vital crafts of early Celtic society: such as dying, weaving and brewing. 

                                    

Here, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is being presented with a St. Brigid Cross on a visit to Kildare April 2011.

Myth and ancient custom, call Brigid the daughter of the Daghda, the “Great God” of the Tuatha de Danaan (faeries). She is closely connected with livestock and domesticated animals. She herself had two oxen called Fea and Feimhean.  

Imbolc is also the time for spring cleaning. Time to let go of the past and look to the future, clearing out the old, making both outer and inner space for new beginnings. So burn a candle, get out the broom, take heart, and have hope as we look forward to the rebirth of the earth and our creativity. May your spirit be renewed.