Memories

We are leaving paradise in the Keys and heading north for the holidays. Christmas is a time to be surrounded by family. John is grumbling about freezing temperatures and blizzards, but he's as sentimental as I am.

In the small farming town where I was raised, Christmas was a wonderful and magical time. I played Mary in the church pageant and got so excited I burst out in hives. My whole body itched, and my face was a red mess of bumps, but the honor of playing Mary was worth it. During Christmas break we skated on the pond in the center of town. The jail was next door, and we warmed up around the old pot belly stove. There were two cells, but I can't remember anyone ever being locked inside. It was a great place to grow up.

If I could give everyone a Christmas present, it would be memories as wonderful as mine.
Jo

Memories

We are leaving paradise in the Keys and going north for Christmas. It is time to be surrounded with family. John is moaning and groaning about freezing and being caught in a blizzard, but he's just as sentimental as I am.

In the small farming town where I was raised, Christmas was a wonderful and magical time of the year. I played Mary in the church pageant and got so excited I burst out in hives. My whole body itched, and my face was a red mess of bumps, but the honor of playing Mary was worth it.

During Christmas break we skated on the pond in the center of town. The jail was next door, and we warmed up around the old pot belly stove. There were two cells, but I doubt if they were ever used.

If I could give everyone a Christmas present, it would be memories as wonderful as mine.
Jo

Website

Member

Saving Tampa won the October Covey award for most intriguing trailer!

Check it out at Covey Trailer Awards I would like to thank everyone that voted for me. Being a winner gives me bragging rights, but more important is the cover awards. Saving Tampa is in the November competition. Monika is the artist and if she wins, it could mean more work for her. There is some awesome competition. If you have a chance, please check out the Cover Awards.

Contest and Questions

This is an invitation to stop by and win a bag of goodies and a signed copy of “Saving Tampa.” On Tuesday, the 21st I will be a the guest author at LASR Interviews the following day I will be talking about the Florida Keys and my crazy lifestyle on the Yahoo Group.
Here's the latest review for “Saving Tampa”.
Jo Webnar – Author “Saving Tampa” & “Twilight” http://www.jowebnar.com/ WRDF Review
Posted by Lynda Coker at 10/1/2008 8:16 PM and is filed under WRDF Reviews
Highest Rating!
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: Highland Press Publishing-Florida
HEAT RATING: Sensual

BLURB:
For as long as she could remember, Rachel Cunningham feared and hated her psychic ability. When a strange man accidentally touches her, she sees death of thousands. Rachel knows the FBI won’t believe her, but she has to try. Lives are at stake.
Special Agent “Hawk” Arrons dismisses her information as a publicity stunt, yet his conscience nags at him. When Rachel identifies an Al Qaeda cell leader, Arrons puts his career at risk and issues an alert.
Will the terrorists’ threat succeed, or will Rachel and Hawk be in time to SAVE TAMPA?

Review:
Ms. Webnar has written an intriguing tale of a psychic, an FBI agent, and a terrorist plot. While the reader might first think—isn’t this predictable?—one soon learns the story is no ordinary one. She has a style of writing which pulls in the reader, with snappy dialogue, natural actions, and vivid depictions of the characters and scenes, without being overly verbose. The reader will appreciate the correct, authentic jargon and tools which are the mainstay of law enforcement units. Be prepared for an exciting, surprising conclusion.
The hero and heroine in SAVING TAMPA are believable, yet unique, and even show a human, vulnerable side. Rachel and Hawk draw in the reader, not only to cheer them on in their quest, but also to participate in the unfolding love and devotion they eventually share. What good romance—suspense or otherwise—would offer anything less?
Congratulations to Jo Webnar on an excellent novel. This reviewer highly recommends it to anyone, whether or not suspense is the genre of choice.

Reviewed by Celia Yeary
WRDF Review Buy at Amazon Buy at Barnes and Noble Jo's Website

On Our Way Home

John is homesick. We did everything we wanted to, so now we are pointing the motor home south ... to the keys. It's cold in Kentucky in the mornings, and he is longing for Florida sunshine and being rocked to sleep by the waves. The old man keeps telling me that it's going to snow soon, and we could get stranded in a blizzard.

Our stay at Mammoth Cave National Park was fantastic. It was a great chance to research and write something different for a change. The deer are so tame you can get within three feet and there are wild turkeys everywhere. I kept hoping someone would run over one so I could throw it in the oven. I finished two articles, and wrote "Zemmie's Story" for the National Park System, and they were really pleased.

This weekend we are at the Kentucky State Horse Park in Lexington. I wanted to ride, but walking trailrides were all they offered, and I would have gone crazy not being able to trot or canter. Besides seeing everything in the park, we got to watch a hunter/jumper horse show. The campers next door took a Grand Championship. I don't know which class, but they are really excited and people have been stopping by to congratulate them.

Tomorrow we are headed for Clinton, TN and the Museum of Appalachia. It's our last planned stop. The end of a trip is sad...it's like a mini death, but I will be glad to smell the salt water, rock to the waves, watch the fish jump, and the osprey dive. Yeah, I guess I'm a little homesick too.

Contest today!

Win a free autographed copy of Saving Tampa and a bag of goodies. To find out how, go to
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/

Uh Oh Here Comes Fay

I think everyone better cross their fingers and toes for me. (And if you don’t mind – say a prayer) It looks like my boat in the Keys is going take a direct hit from Fay. Hopefully it will only be a tropical storm when it hits. I do want a home to go back to! We thought about heading back to the Keys, but there is no way we can get there in time to do anything for the boat. It is in the hands of God and my friends.

Today we are at General Burnside Park in KY. Tomorrow we go to Richmond KY to see Daniel Boone’s fort, and Berea for crafts. If you see the MH stop by and say hi.
I’m sure everyone knows that Long and Short is celebrating their first year this month. I will be the featured author on 8/23. There is a contest for a signed copy of “Saving Tampa” and a bag of goodies everyone would like. Please check it out!

Great Review!

Hi everyone, "Saving Tampa" just got a great review from Long and Short Reviews.


For as long as she could remember, Rachel Cunningham feared and hated her psychic ability.When a strange man accidentally touches her, she sees the death of thousands. Rachel knows the FBI won't believe her, but she has to try. Lives are at stake.Special Agent Arrons dismisses her information as a publicity stunt, yet his conscience nags him. When Rachel identifies an Al Qaida cell leader, Arrons puts his career at risk and issues an alert.Together they race against time to prevent a terrorist attack. Will the terrorists' threat succeed, or will Rachel and Arrons find the solution in time to Save Tampa?
♥ ♥ ♥
Psychic Rachel Cunningham receives a terrifying vision, from the touch of one individual. She does not doubt the accuracy of her vision - nor question the horrifying threat to the lives of thousands. Her own history has given her cause to believe. However, finding a way to convey the danger to the disbelieving agents of law will be another challenge altogether.Special Agent Arrons not only doesn't believe; he doesn't want to believe.Saving Tampa" is an absolute page turner; not only does the thrill of the threat pervade every page, but the challenges to the emotions, beliefs and abilities of the main character Rachel are relentless. The many smaller threads within this really flesh out the story, like that little hint of attraction between Rachel and 'her' special agent. We don't even know if we should hope for them to get together, or if their personal life should be important at all; because, indeed, the two of them are a little busy with saving the world.Rachel is a caring and driven person ... and Hawk (Agent Arrons) is devilishly attractive. No matter how much you love mysteries and will be moment-to-moment anticipating their investigative efforts, savoring the romance will be part of the reading pleasure here.Secondary characters, including Ralph the dog, round out the story beautifully, with deft touches of humor and-or insight. Realistic scenarios play out among the many characters, and even relatively minor relationships (like Hawk's with his ex-partner Soderland) will prove important. The operations of FBI headquarters in Florida, and specific places- like among the boats at the marina, are realistic and interesting."Saving Tampa" is a great read, with wide appeal. Webnar's ability to create engaging characters is eclipsed only by the power and pace of her storyline.
More from Long and Short Reviews. Check out their contest. On August 23, I will be giving away a bag of goodies and a signed copy of "Saving Tampa."

Win

On August 23, I will be giving out a bag of goodies and an authographed copy of "Saving Tampa."

In a contest at The Long and Short Reviews

We are in Big South Fork National River and Recreation area. The trip here was more than hair rising. We had 13% grades on switch back roads. John said quite a few bad words so he’ll have to put extra money in the collection plate when we get home. (We’re building a new church and people put extra in when they swear. If this keeps up, we may be paying for the whole church! )
Yesterday my “woodsman” went out to collect wood so we could do ribs over a fire. Somehow he got wrapped up in vines. If he didn’t have a pocket knife he might still be there. That’s my guy. Now we just wait for someone to leave and pick up any wood left behind. It’s a lot easier, and I don’t have to search for John. It’s John’s birthday today, and it is raining. Neither one of us wants to ride mountain roads on the Kawasaki Ninja, so it will be a dull day in the old campsite. Maybe I’ll get some work done on “Hidden Death.” Until next time…

The Smoky Mountains

The Great Adventure:
The Smoky Mountains are beautiful, but some of the roads can be really challenging in a Motor Home. Last night a Coyote visited our campsite and the neighbors chased him away by beating on pots and pans. At least it wasn’t a bear!
Our campsite was right next to a fast running stream. Every time it rained, it turned into a river. The kids went down it in inner tubes. I put my toe in the water and shuddered. This little Keys Lady is used to WARM water! I decided to watch rather then participate.
The day before, John and I hiked up to Laurel Falls. The sign said 1.3 miles, but it was all up hill! I have a picture of John at the falls, and he really looks pooped.
I have been selling books everywhere we've stopped and handing out a lot of cards. The people we are meeting are really interesting and fun to get to know. Today we are trying to get out refrigerator fixed. It died two weeks ago and we have been waiting for the parts.
It will be great to here the pitter patter of ice cubes dropping!
I just heard that I will be a guest author on Long and Short Reviews August 23. I’m giving away goodies every lady would like and an autographed copy of Saving Tampa. Check it out!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/anniversary1.htm

On The Road Again

Hi Everyone,
We just had a great time in Live Oaks, FL at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. If you have a chance, I highly recommend that you stop there, or make it your destination. They rent cabins, so you don’t need an RV. We had a free concert last night and it was fantastic. I couldn't believe the low prices. NOTHING WAS EXPENSIVE.
I already forgot the band’s name, but they played everything from rock to Willie Nelson and did it well. It’s the first time John and I have danced in years. If you have time, look it up on the Internet www.suwannneechamber.com Live Oak is also a pretty place with large pitch pole pines and sandy ground.
I sold several books and handed out a lot of cards. It's a good thing I just ordered another thousand.
So far we are having “A Great Adventure.” Today we are on our way to Atlanta. We'll stop overnight and visit a friend I have loved for 40 years! Have a great day. For more information click here.
Jo

Book Tour "Land Cruise"

Hi,

We are getting ready to leave on the great "Land Cruise" the end of this month. It is driving me crazy (John says it was a short jog) trying to get the boat ready for hurricane season and the motor home packed.

I am getting so excited I can't sit still. If you see us, stop by for a chat. We will be the Wind Song with the sign on the back: "Saving Tampa" by Jo Webnar.

I will try to update my blog, Facebook, and MySpace every few weeks. It all depends on internet access. Please stop by and check me out at http://www.jowebnar.com

I have been getting great reviews on Saving Tampa. Stop by and read them at: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Tampa-Jo-Webnar/dp/0981557368/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213641053&sr=8-1

Welcome to Jo's World

I'm a romantic suspense writer that lives aboard a trawler in the Florida Keys. My second book just came out May 1. It's called "Saving Tampa. It's about a psychic and an FBI Agent that are forced to work together to prevent a terrorist attack on Tampa Bay. You can buy it online or get it anywhere that books are sold. If you get a chance, please check out my website at www.jowebnar.com. There are some great shots of the Florida Keys, and a newborn manatee.

I am very interested to hear what my readers have to say about "Saving Tampa." If you would like to discuss the book, or just ask some questions, feel free...