Book Signing Event

Romance Writer
Mary Quast

The author will be signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul, and chatting with friends over coffee.

Enter to win a Diva Gift Basket from Mary.

Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.


Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.



Saturday, Nov. 15
10:00am
TLC Used Books
Deckerville, MI



“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told. I will be looking for more of Mary’s work; that is for sure!” -Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer.

Humpday Help - Give me Coffee!!!!!

I love flavored coffee! It really picks me up any time of the day. I don't mean the caffeine... I simply enjoy the hot beverage. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still am a tea totter.

On November 29th, I'll be at a friend's coffee house promoting my book. I look forward to sampling her teas. There is an array of natural flavors I've never seen and look forward to trying; especially those with "Vanilla" in the name. Yep... I can see myself lounging by the fireplace in the shop sipping my tea, chatting with the regular customers.

However, I love how I can go up to the counter and say, "I like coffee and chocolate. You decide." My friend, Bambi or her daughter, will smile and begin making me a wonderful surprise. It's like a mini Christmas gift when I hold that cup in my hand; not really knowing what is inside. Is it a Latte, Cappuccino, does it have whipped cream? I may know it's coffee with some kind of chocolate flavor, but there are so many varieties. Mocha, Mocha-caramel, Choco-mint, Choco-almond, Choco-cherry, Choco-hazelnut... the list is endless!

What? I can get it hot or iced! Oh wow! Can I have both?

Mary Quast featured at Barnes & Noble Fall Authors Event

Romance Writer
Mary Quast

The author will be participating in Barnes & Noble Booksellers Fall Authors’ Event signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul, and chatting with readers and fans.



Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.
Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told,” says Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer, “I will be looking for more of Mary’s work, that is for sure!”

Painted Soul can also be purchased online at http://www.amazon.com/Painted-Soul-Mary-Quast/dp/0981473938/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226075392&sr=1-3

Saturday, November 8
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Barnes & Noble
3311 Tittabawassee Rd
Saginaw, MI
(989) 790-9214

Humpday Help - "What's a Bodice Ripper?"

Being a writer in the romance genre, I hear the term "Bodice Ripper" occasionally. Today's writers don't care for the term too much and are quick to correct the person who uses the phrase.

"Bodice Ripper" is considered a derogatory term for all romances. It was inspired by some early historical romances that featured rape fantasies or included rape as part of the plot. This term is used most often by people who do not read romance books.

Today's romance is sensitive to the needs and emotions of women. Rape is not part of today's storylines! Romance writers focus on the emotion and sensuality between characters; providing the reader a chance to escape from every day life into a variety of plots and a world of passion.

Erotic romance sometimes referred to as "romantica", is a story at the more erotic end of the romance spectrum. These adventures will include intense details of sexual liaisons that may happen frequently between the main characters and are vital to the plot. These stories are usually very sensual and emotional as a strong relationship develops between the characters.

Take a break this Humpday and check out an erotic romance. If you hear somebody call it "a bodice ripper" tell them to read one... they'll be hooked! Passion is such a wonderful word and so much, much more.

I think we all would like to have this sort of passion in our lives... but we certainly don't want our bodices ripped! We prefer them to be slowly undone with tender kisses and soft caresses.

Cleaning Day - Make Your Home Cozy

A cozy home is the result of mixing comfortable surroundings to create a nurturing and relaxing atmosphere. One doesn't need expensive furnishings but a cozy, welcoming home can be developed during your cleaning day.

I'm a junker. I love finding treasures at sales and using them to make my home cozy. But you don't have to run out to a sale to find treasures; clean out that closet or rummage around in the basement and attic. Look for items such as an old lamp that with a bit of elbow grease will shine a new light. Gather some photos and put them in some old frames to arrange a new display on a boring wall. Rescue vintage plates and display them as artwork.

If you're not in the mood to wrestle with a large project such as cleaning the attic; then tackle the washing. Wash your comforter or bedspread in lavender scented detergent for that cozy feeling in the bedroom. Wash those dingy curtains and look at a different way of hanging them; try some tiebacks, a new valance, or perhaps a homemade grapevine & silk floral swag. Take some old throw pillows, throw them in the dryer with a scented sheet then recover them with lovely silk or sheer scarves; attach a vintage pin for a fabulous new look!

Speaking of scarves... I love to drape them on tables for a romantic look. I also use them as a valance on curtains. Depending on the size and shape, you can create many items from scarves. I collect ones that catch my eye from rummage sales and Goodwill.

So, today while you're cleaning look for the small things you can change to add a little comfort to your home. Make your space the refuge from the busy world and the shelter from the storms of life. A cozy home is a place where you can be yourself and spend some valuable time be cozy with someone you love.