Kim McMahill

Last Chance, the Summer Holiday Reads promotion ends on August 31, 2017. You could win a Kindle Fire eReader and Amazon gift cards ranging in value from $10.00 to $50.00. Here’s the contest link: https://www.booksandmore.club/monthly-giveaway . 

During 2017 ten days were set aside as free admission days into all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee. Most have already past, but there are still a few opportunities to enjoy our National Parks for free. Mark your calendar for August 25, the National Park Services’ Birthday and the next free entrance day. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm The last two free days will be on September 30 ,   National Public Lands Day, and November 11-12,   Veterans Day   Weekend.

The Mojave and Colorado deserts are both represented in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua trees can be found in the higher elevations of the Mojave, while the lower Colorado Desert is populated by cholla cactus, ocotillo, and creosote bushes.  Aside from the namesake feature, there is plenty more to see including a myriad of plant and animal life, unique geological features, and remnants of the area’s human and cultural history dot the landscape. For more information visit http://www.nps.gov/jotr

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste it, to experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” - Eleanor Roosevelt" 

On the last Book Hooks blog hop I participated in a couple weeks ago I provided a short excerpt and blurb from the first novel in the Risky Research Series, A Dose of Danger (scroll down a few posts to view). This week I’ll offer up A Taste of Tragedy , book two in the series. Book three, A Foundation of Fear , is in editing and the release date will be announced soon. Hope you enjoy this little taste of action. Excerpt Devyn scrambled out of the gully and cut across the raised ground above the bend in the creek. Inching out toward the edge, she peered over and spotted her target. His back was to her. She had a clean shot, but this time she was determined to get answers. Dead men couldn’t talk. She quietly set her gun on a rock, where she knew she could find it quickly. Stepping closer, she leapt. Blurb Morgan Hunter sacrificed everything for her career. She had yet to encounter anything she wasn’t willing to do to succeed...until now. When she uncovers evidence that the he...

Located northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada near the border with California, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a fascinating and unique ecosystem. The refuge was established in 1984, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. Over 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands protect a number of threatened and endangered species found nowhere else in the world. Water from over 100 miles to the northeast enters a vast aquifer system and slowly moves underground until it is forced to the surface by a geological fault. The seeps and springs created as the water reaches the surface make the refuge a unique spot in the dry Mojave Desert. The visual contrast between the desert and the wetlands, along with its wide array of plant and animal life are well worth the detour on the way to Death Valley. For more information visit http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows  

“You’ve been so long in the rain, you feel like a dirty dish rag. But despite the misery of your water soaked body, you look around to see verdant leaves dripping with water. The air entering your lungs smells vibrantly clean. To experience adventure, you must be willing to be uncomfortable at times and enjoy the loneliness by being happy with your own singing. A song pops out of your mouth… "It rained all night the day I left, the weather it was fine…”   - Frosty Wooldridge-

Smokey Bear turns 73 today. Celebrate by continuing this icon's good work.

Don’t miss out on the Summer Holiday Reads promotion running through August 31. Prizes include a Kindle eReader and Amazon gift cards. Here’s the contest link: https://www.booksandmore.club/monthly-giveaway . Good Luck!

Judging by the list of “National Days” in August, the month is clearly the month of camp outs and picnics. August 3 rd is National Watermelon Day, the 10 th is National S’mores Day, and the 30 th is National Marshmallow Toasting Day. So, get out there and celebrate the waning days of summer with a cookout with friends and family

Welcome to this week’s Book Hooks blog hop. I’m pleased to provide a few sentences from the first novel in the Risky Research Series, A Dose of Danger. The second novel in this romantic suspense series is A Taste of Tragedy , and the third, A Foundation of Fear , is in the editing phase with my publisher (release date to be determined).   Excerpt “You already have more than a full-time career. This situation will most likely be long-term, so I need to get into a rhythm with the chores and my job, and not get too dependent upon your kindness and nice muscles,” she added with a shy smile.  “So you like my muscles?” “Don’t let it go to your head, Deputy. Remember I work with a bunch of researchers, PhDs, and marketing executives.” He laughed as he turned and walked out the door. Grace stood on the porch and watched until the truck’s taillights disappeared over the rise. Just my luck, I may have met “Mr. Right,” and the timing couldn’t be more wrong. ...