THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHERYL KAYE TARDIF

Mystery, suspense, thrillers, paranormal, horror & YA by "Cheryl Kaye Tardif" & romance by "Cherish D'Angelo". Cheryl is represented by Trident Media Group in NY.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Kobo ereader winner announced

The grand prize for my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour is a Kobo ereader, generously donated by Kobo Books. (Thank you, Kobo!!!)

Everyone who left a comment on any of my tour blog posts, along with their email address was given a poi nt per blog comment. Those who purchased Lancelot's Lady during the special promotion time received an extra 25 points. The points were then converted into entries and all were placed in a box and shuffled.

Today, the winner was drawn.

And the winner is...

SARAH COULSEY!

Congratulations, Sarah.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Guest author Sandra Cox talks about sundials and time travel

A special welcome to guest blogger Sandra Cox, author of Sundial, a time travel romance. Sandra is sharing her thoughts on time travel and sundials. Take it away, Sandra...

Today they are ornamental and grace our gardens. But down through the ages the sundial has been a functional measurement of time. In fact, it was the first instrument developed to tell time. It was developed in BC and told time by the use of an object, commonly called a gnomon that threw a shadow from one side to the other as the object followed the sun. 

Since my lead female character is a garden painter, the sundial seemed the perfect means of transporting her back in time.

If you are writing, have written or thinking about writing a time travel what transport device appeals to you?

Thanks for joining me today. And a big thanks to Cheryl for having me.

(You are very welcome, Sandra! :-)

Now here’s an excerpt from the Sundial:
(Sarah is in a garden with her niece Meghan and cat Monet when she first discovers the sundial.)

Sarah blinked then squinted.  For the first time, she saw that Monet was seated beside an old sundial.
“Meghan, come here.  You’ve got to see this,” she called out excitedly, her headache forgotten. She heard an exaggerated sigh.
“You said not to come.”
“I’ve found an old sundial.  Or rather Monet has.”
“A real one?”  The rustling began again, as Meghan started pushing her way through.
“Appears so,” Sarah squatted down to study it.  “Looks to be a hundred years old. I bet it’s valuable.  You should see the intricate detail.  This will make a great piece to paint!”  
As Sarah studied it, she noticed the words.  “There’s writing on it.”  She read aloud, “Fate cannot be...drat, moss has grown over the rest of the words.”
A wave of superstitious terror washed over Meghan.  Suddenly, the pieces all fell into place.  And as the old woman had prophesied, she believed. 
“Sarah, don’t.  Get out of there now.  Please, Sarah, please,” she cried, her teeth chattering.
“What’s wrong with you?” Sarah asked irritably still studying the sundial.  “There’s actually heat radiating from it.  Surprising, it’s not that warm out.”
“Sarah, please,” Meghan pleaded.  “Don’t you remember what the old lady said?”  She fought her way through the overgrowth, not feeling the scratches a thorny branch left on her face or the warm blood trickling down her cheek.  But it was as if the thicket conspired to keep her out.
Tears streamed down Meghan’s face as she pushed at the bracken separating herself and her aunt.
She broke through just as Sarah reached down to brush the moss from the sundial.
“No, Sarah, no,” she screamed.  Later her mind would play the scene over again in slow motion:  Sarah’s hand reaching out; Monet jumping playfully at her fingers, bringing them both in touch with the sundial; the boom; the jagged streak of white; and then nothing.  They were gone, leaving Meghan alone in the clearing with the sundial.


Blurb: As Sarah Miles is driving down Eighteenth Street a stranger materializes in front of her car. She throws on her brakes, braces for impact and..drives straight through him. For a brief moment his voice filled with quiet despair echoes in her head. "Saura." Then he is gone. Later that day, Sarah discovers the Sundial ad her incredible journey through time begins.

Contest:

For a chance to win an autographed copy of SUNDIAL, a ‘seeing’ pendant and a Starbucks gift certificate just leave a comment mentioning Cheryl and SUNDIAL at www.sandracox.blogspot.com. The contest runs from October 15 – November 14 at 5:00 p.m.

SUNDIAL blog tour hostesses are invited to enter.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Lancelot's Lady review: "I absolutely loved it."

"Lancelot's Lady is a compelling and emotional tale of two people destined for one another. The suspense builds and builds until the stunning and shocking conclusion is revealed. D'Angelo pens a wonderful story of two passionate souls searching for someone to complete them. The sparks fly and the attraction sizzles between Jonathon and Rhianna, and the pages just fly by as this reader found herself captivated with their story. I absolutely loved it!!"

--Wendy, reviewer & blogger


Lancelot's Lady is available at AmazonKobo BooksSmashwordsBarnes and Noble and more.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Lancelot's Lady review: "Kept me glued to the page."

"I loved this story. The characters were compelling...intriguing and kept me glued to the page. Lancelot’s Lady is first and foremost a romance, but the mystery undertones definitely keep you interested and wanting to read more...I simply adore when there is a kid in the story, specially such a lovable one… Adorable!"

--Larissa Benoliel, reviewer & blogger

Lancelot's Lady is available at AmazonKobo BooksSmashwordsBarnes and Noble and more.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Whale Song - a novel about a teen who survives bullying, racism and tragedy

Here is the new book trailer for my bestselling novel WHALE SONG, an inspiring novel about family, love, deception, tragedy, forgiveness and hope that will change the way you view life...and death.
Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson's life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.
Some things are easier to forget.
But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.
Some things are meant to be buried.
Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.
Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.


"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel." --New York Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most

"Moving...sweet and sad." --Booklist

"A wonderfully well-written novel...would make a wonderful movie." --Writer's Digest

An enhanced paperback edition with bonus content is now available at:

You can also order the ebook edition at Kobo BooksKindle Store Smashwords

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Lancelot's Lady review: "If you’re a romance reader, you won’t want to miss this one."

"This author is a genius with lyrical description. I felt as though I saw and touched everything Rhianna did. Her characters are vivid, memorable, and likeable. The plot is fast moving which is good because there are so many secrets to uncover! They are woven throughout the plot and keep you guessing from start to finish. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong. If you’re a romance reader, you won’t want to miss this one."

--Elaine Cantrell, author

Lancelot's Lady is available at AmazonKobo BooksSmashwordsBarnes and Noble and more.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Whale Song review: "Your words made me weep."

"I was captured by Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s emotional tale, “Whale Song”...it is brimming with the wisdom...an ageless story, though, and appeals to readers across generations. Whale Song teaches us not only about the traditions and lore of Canada’s west coast Indians, but also about ourselves—about the children we once were and the wise elders we are destined to become...Cheryl Kaye Tardif, your words made me weep."

--Eileen Schuh, author

Read the full review.

Ebook available at Kobo Books, Amazon & Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

New trade paperback (2010 edition) now available at https://www.createspace.com/3486110. Coming soon to Amazon!

Lancelot's Lady review: "The ending came as a complete surprise to me"

"In this romantic suspense, the romance is not present in the beginning, but Cherish D’Angelo leads with suspense – Tardif’s specialty – to carry the reader through. The first chapters of Lancelot’s Lady are important background scenes full of suspense...Lancelot’s Lady follows the story structure of a good romance, making the story seem predictable, but the ending came as a complete surprise to me and left me crying but satisfied. On top of the romantic and suspenseful plot, this story also contains a dreamy private island setting and a well-rounded secondary cast of characters, including one bent on destroying J.T. and abducting Rhianna to use as he pleases, making Lancelot’s Lady a great romantic suspense."

--Jessica Subject, writer


Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

Monday, October 18, 2010

WHALE SONG paperback now available!

You can now purchase my critically acclaimed bestselling novel Whale Song, now in its third paperback edition. This new edition includes bonus content, including the touching story of how a talented artist was inspired by Whale Song to start painting again.

Order Whale Song now. Only $9.99 US plus shipping.

If you'd like a signed bookplate, please email me at cherylktardif (at) shaw.ca. I charge $5 shipping/handling via PayPal for up to 4 bookplates. I'll personalize and sign the bookplates for you and your loved ones.

Whale Song is for anyone, any age! It makes a perfect gift for tweens and teens, especially those dealing with bullying or racism. And it's an inspiring gift for all the women in your life, especially mothers and daughters.

Happy reading!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Contest: Show me your Whale Song!

New paperback cover
In celebration of the upcoming release of the special 3rd edition of Whale Song, which will be back in print due to popular demand, I'm holding a special contest--my "Show me your Whale Song! contest.

To enter, send me a photo (jpg) of you holding your ereader with the ebook cover of Whale Song on it. This can be ANY ereader--Kobo, Kindle, Sony, iPad--you name it.

Give me permission to post your photo on my blog and website, along with your name (full name or first name and last initial--you pick). I must receive these photos by November 29th, midnight MT. All photos received between October 1st and November 29th, 2010, will count. You can send multiple photos, but will receive 1 entry per person.

On November 30th, 2010, I'll draw randomly from all entrants and 3 lucky winners will win a signed copy of the upcoming special 3rd edition (paperback with bonus content) of Whale Song. Winners will be announced in early December.

This contest is open internationally. No cash value on prize, no exchanges.

A special thank you to Jessica Subject, who inspired this contest when she sent me a photo of herself, holding her Kobo ereader with Whale Song on the front. :-)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

New WHALE SONG paperback - back by popular demand


Back by popular demand, WHALE SONG my bestselling novel about family, love, life, tragedy and forgiveness, will be available shortly in print. The new paperback has a cover that closely resembles the 2010 ebook edition, but there's one main addition--"Sarah" is now on the cover.

Whale Song will be available via Amazon and Createspace to start, and then more retailers.

If you're in the Edmonton, Alberta, area you can order Whale Song directly from me. I'll be adding a PayPal button to my websites. Or you can email me and we'll proceed from there. Local area orders only, at this time.

I'll let you know as soon as Whale Song is available to order.

Now, make sure you check my blog tomorrow when I announce an exciting new contest--my "Show me your Whale Song!" contest.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

My Lancelot's Lady tour comes to an end

Today is day 14 of my mega tour promoting the release of my new romantic suspense, Lancelot's Lady. Tomorrow is the day I start awarding prizes and free ebooks. At the end of the month I'll be doing a draw for the Kobo ereader.

If you've left a comment at any of my blog tour stops--with your email address--you'll be receiving that day's free ebook. If you visited multiple days, you'll receive multiple free ebooks.

My Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour has been a success and a lot of fun. I've really enjoyed reading all the comments and getting to know my hosts more and the visitors to the blogs. Thank you all!

Since the goal of my tour is to promote Lancelot's Lady, I hope you've had a chance to check it out at your favorite retailer. If you've read Lancelot's Lady and enjoyed it, please let me know. And if you leave a review anywhere, I'd love to know. I always ask reviewers if I can have permission to quote some of the review on my website.

If you haven't picked up a copy of Lancelot's Lady, please do. It won't be given away as one of the free ebooks. Sorry... But I can promise you it's a worthwhile read.

Check out the trailer again...created by Kelly Komm:



You can pick up my contemporary romantic suspense, Lancelot's Lady (ebook only) at Amazon, KoboBooks, Smashwords, B&N and more.

Happy reading, everyone! :-)

Cherish D'Angelo
aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com

Day 14 of Cherish the romance Virtual Book Tour - Last day to win prizes

On Day 14 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you can learn more about Lancelot's Lady, Cherish D'Angelo and you can enter to win more great prizes.

Here's today's blog stop schedule:



            Grand prize: a Kobo eReader

            Follow me during my tour and enter to win great prizes. If you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.


            A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.


            Get your copy of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooksAmazon Or Smashwords.

            Saturday, October 09, 2010

            Save the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantasic

            The Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic is a juried award based on excellence of writing in two categories: adult and young adult. The awards are presented annually to Canadian writers with a speculative fiction novel or book-length collection of speculative fiction published any time during the previous calendar year.

            Unfortunately, the Sunburst Awards have run into a hiccup. They do not have enough operating capital to keep going as they currently stand. This sad news comes at a particularly critical juncture in the award's life--the operating committee is in the process of getting the Sunburst organization registered as a non-profit, and getting it "national arts organization" status.

            As part of a fundraising drive to shepherd the Sunburst through this change of status and structure, we’d like to ask fans, writers, editors, and publishers from the speculative fiction community to help raise awareness of this vital institution...

            How to Participate

            We're looking for short (30 second to 2 minutes) videos that say what you think about Canadian speculative fiction. These should be interview-style videos in the vein of Speaker's Corner and can be recorded as simply as with a web camera. Prior interviews or footage can be submitted provided that you have permission to do so. We will host these individually on a YouTube channel(sunburstaward), but will also edit them in order to create a series of short videos to promote awareness of the fundraising campaign. A longer video will be shown at the opening remarks to the Toronto SpecFic Colloquium. Check out the people who have already spoken out for us at:
            http://www.specfic-colloquium.com/apps/videos/ .

            Not savvy with a camera? Send us a high res image of yourself and either a short paragraph in text or a recorded audio track.

            Not Canadian? Never fear. If you have something you want to say about Canadian speculative fiction then we want to hear it.

            To participate, send your name, contact information, submission and a short release statement giving us permission to use the video/image to sunburstvideo@gmail.com by October 15, 2010.

            Possible Topics:
            • -favourite Canadian authors and/or stories
            • -the relationship between Canadian writing and the rest of the world
            • -publishing speculative fiction in Canada
            • -the state of Canadian fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc
            • -how does Canada inspire your work?
            • -favourite Canadian settings to use in your writing
            Of course, these topics are intended to be a jumping off point. Feel free to think outside of the box. And, above all, show your enthusiasm!

            To donate directly, visit:
            http://www.sunburstaward.org/content/please-lend-your-support-sunburst-awards.

            Day 13 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour - More prizes!

            On Day 13 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you can enter to win more great prizes. Plus if you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.

            Here's today's blog stop schedule:
              Grand prize: a Kobo eReader

              View the prize list & rules.


              A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

              Get Your Copy Of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooksAmazon Or Smashwords.

              Friday, October 08, 2010

              Whale Song on a Kobo eReader

              Jessica Subject, a writer and Whale Song fan, sent me these photos of her new Kobo ereader. This is the first time I've seen Whale Song on someone else's ereader, and I'll admit, it's very cool. This made my day!

              And it gave me an idea for a new contest...

              Show me your Whale Song!


              Stay tuned for more information and contest rules.

              Pick up your copy of Whale Song now.

              Available at KoboBooks, Smashwords, Amazon, B&N and more.


              Day 12 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour

              On Day 12 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, please pick up your copy of Lancelot's Lady today and check out my blog stops to enter to win great prizes.

              Here's today's blog stop schedule:


                    Follow me during my tour and enter to win great prizes. If you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.


                    Grand prize: a Kobo eReader

                    A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

                    Get your copy of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooksAmazon Or Smashwords.

                    Lancelot's Lady helps feed the hungry

                    Along with my Whale Song promotion featured last night, today I will be donating 100% of my Kindle and Smashwords royalties* from LANCELOT'S LADY (ebook) to Hope Mission to help feed the hungry during their radiothon on CISN Country. My donation will include all royalties made on sales of Lancelot's Lady purchased today until midnight (EST).

                    Lancelot's Lady: 



                    A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

                    When palliative care nurse Rhianna McLeod is given a gift of a dream holiday to the Bahamas from her dying patient, billionaire JT Lance, Rhianna has no idea that her 'holiday' will include being stranded on a private island with Jonathan, an irritating but irresistibly handsome recluse. Or that she'll fall head over heels for the man.

                    Jonathan isn't happy to discover a drop-dead gorgeous redhead has invaded his island. But his anger soon turns to attraction. After one failed marriage, he has guarded his heart, but Rhianna's sudden appearance makes him yearn to throw caution to the wind.

                    To live fully in the present, Rhianna must resolve her own murky past, unravel the secret that haunts JT, foil the plans of a sleazy, blackmailing private investigator and help Jonathan find his muse. Only then can Rhianna find the love she's been searching for, and finally become...Lancelot's Lady.

                    ~*~

                    You can purchase Lancelot's Lady at the Amazon Kindle Store.

                    Or from Smashwords.


                    You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

                    Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

                    * Unfortunately sales from KoboBooks won't count towards the Hope Mission donation as I can't track daily sales.

                    Thursday, October 07, 2010

                    Whale Song & Hope Mission's Feed the Hungry Radiothon

                    The first 100 people to donate $50+ and send me their receipt and email address will receive a free ebook of Whale Song. More info below.


                    In partnership with CISN Country Radio, Hope Mission in Edmonton, Alberta, invites you to help support the homeless and disadvantaged in our community. Tune in to CISN October 6, 7 & 8 and donate.

                    Hope Mission is very special to me and my family. My brother Jason used the services of Hope Mission while he dealt with alcohol abuse and depression. We are thankful that Jason had these services in his time of need, and we appreciate the caring we received when Jason was killed in January 2006.

                    Those of you who've read Whale Song will know that this novel is dedicated to my brother's memory, and the upcoming new paperback edition also has this dedication. A percentage of the previous paperback's sales was donated to Hope Mission, the Bissell Centre and the Mustard Seed Church, all of which played a role in my brother's life.

                    The new paperback edition will share its proceeds solely with Hope Mission, as this outreach ministry has a piece of my heart.

                    For the next 2 days, I am encouraging you all to give generously to a worthwhile cause, to feeding the hungry, homeless and less fortunate.

                    I will donate 100 free ebooks of my bestselling novel Whale Song to the next 100 people who donate $50 or more. 1 ebook prize per donation/person. 

                    Donate $50+ online, then send me your receipt and email address, and I'll send you a special coupon via email so you can pick up your free ebook online. Receipts must be dated between 6 PM (MT) October 7th, 2010 and 6 PM (MT) October 8th, 2010.

                    Donate online. International donations welcome.

                    For more information on Hope Mission, please visit http://www.hopemission.com

                    This offer will end October 31st, 2010, so get your receipts in now. :-)

                    Thank you!

                    ~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif

                    One Lovely Blog Award

                    Friend and fellow author Marian Allen honored me today by giving me a One Lovely Blog Award. Thank you, Marian! I do consider this an honor, but to be honest I usually shy away from any kind of "chain".

                    And now I'm going to be a bad girl. I'm going to change the rules a bit. Instead of listing 15 blogs I like (I like far too many!), I'm going to let you click on Marian's name above and visit her blog. She's a fabulous writer and I'm sure you'll enjoy her work.

                    Yeah, I know, I'm not being a team player, but here's why...

                    I'm in the middle of my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and on my blog every day I've listed the blog stops on my tour. These are some of my favorites, and there's far more than 15. More like 115! To check them out just scroll down on my blog or you can do a search for "cherish the romance" in the blogger search bar.

                    Or you can view my entire schedule at: http://www.cherylktardif.com/lancelots-lady-virtual-book-to/

                    Day 11 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour

                    On Day 11 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you can enter to win more great prizes. Plus if you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.

                    Here's today's blog stop schedule:
                        Grand prize: a Kobo eReader

                        View the prize list & rules.


                        A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

                        Get Your Copy Of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooksAmazon Or Smashwords.

                        Wednesday, October 06, 2010

                        Day 10 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour - Secrets are revealed


                        On Day 10 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you'll have a chance to receive another free ebook, plus enter the draw for the Kobo eReader.

                        Here's today's blog stop schedule:

                          Follow me during my tour and enter to win great prizes. If you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.

                          View the prize list & rules.

                          A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

                          Get your copy of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooksAmazon Or Smashwords.

                          Tuesday, October 05, 2010

                          Day 9 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour - Book Reviews

                          On Day 9 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you can learn more about Lancelot's Lady, Cherish D'Angelo and you can enter to win more great prizes.

                          Here's today's blog stop schedule:

                                    Grand prize: a Kobo eReader


                                    Follow me during my tour and enter to win great prizes. If you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.


                                    A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

                                    Get your copy of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooksAmazon Or Smashwords.