A New Look!

Well, my body is getting a complete overhaul. No, no, nothing fake is being added, I'm just adjusting what God already gave me.

I'm toning up from having my baby, put a new color on my hair and bought some new clothes that's not my typical style, but makes me look good. Who knew?

So, since my personal look is changing, I decided to make other changes. First of all, I had a professional redo my MySpace site. Check it out! She did a WONDERFUL job:) www.myspace.com/authorjulesbennett

Next on my list is my actual website. I'm getting a brand new site this year and I can't wait for you all to see my new home!

Oh, I bought a new car. Well, that was hubby's idea, but I was all for it!

Um...is this starting to sound like a mid-life crisis? Really, it's not. I've just decided that I need to do what works for me and makes me happy. I've been told by friends, family and people who barely knew me that I give too much to others and not enough to myself. Well, that's changing.

Several months ago I had a bad life experience. Since then I've been depressed and not caring about myself. I'm so glad I've perked up and quit sulking around:)

Anyway, on the coattails of my new looks, I have another contemporary romance about to be released. Love in Bloom will hit cyber shelves on June 6th and bookstore shelves on December 5th. I can't wait for you all to read this remarkable love story with a blind heroine and a single father. I will be giving away a wonderful prize to launch this romance. Be sure to check back here, www.julesbennett.com, www.authorisland.com, OR www.myspace.com/authorjulesbennett.

Happy Reading!
Jules

Oh, the Horror!

I tried on bathing suits over the weekend.

Thank you, thank you for the groans and cringes:)

I HIGHLY recommend NOT trying on these ghastly scraps of torture only 9 weeks after giving birth. Unfortunately, I signed my toddler up for swim lessons and I have to get into the pool with her. Great, huh?

I tried all sizes, all colors, all styles...NOTHING WORKS! And those "slimming" suits? Yeah, unless they go from neck to ankle, forget it. Hey, I think I'll just get a wet suit:)

After two days and hours of pouring myself into lycra and spandex that should come with a warning tag, I ended up bringing two suits home. Of these two I'm trying to figure out which one will be less frightening to the young children in the class. I'm so afraid I'll give them nightmares...or worse, they'll just go blind.

Have any of you tried the dreaded ritual of trying on suits? How can I face the public when I can't even leave a dressing room? I'd love to hear your experiences/horror stories. Please tell me I'm not alone:)

Hugs,
Jules

I'm So Happy!

As you know my first romantic suspense was released last week from Samhain Publishing. Naked Vengeance was my absolute favorite book to write. There's secrets, dark pasts, revenge, and so many twists, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Here are just a few of the reviews:

Within the pages of NAKED VENGEANCE is a great suspense thriller that will shock you at the end. I was bewildered by the “whodunit” character. I never saw it coming. Sophia Rae does a great job drawing her readers in right from the beginning with her appealing characters and a thick plot that will have you turning the pages quickly.
~Billie Jo - Romance Junkies 4.5 stars

This is my first book by this author, and I am excited to say I’ve found another great storyteller.
~Lisa Freeman - The Romance Studio 4 Hearts

Need more inspiration to read Naked Vengeance? Check out my book trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UbD_KgrmDc

Check it out and let me know what you think!

New Release This Week!

My romantic suspense, Naked Vengeance, will be available on Tuesday, April 8th from Samhain Publishing! This is another title under my pen name, Sophia Rae.

Here's part of my review ~

Naked VengeanceSophia RaeSamhain PublishingApril 2008http://www.myspace.com/authorsophiarae SuspenseRating: 4.5EBOOK

Within the pages of NAKED VENGEANCE is a great suspense thriller that will shock you at the end. I was bewildered by the “whodunit” character. I never saw it coming. Sophia Rae does a great job drawing her readers in right from the beginning with her appealing characters and a thick plot that will have you turning the pages quickly.

I highly recommend NAKED VENGEANCE for all romantic suspense readers. You will not be disappointed in this book. I anxiously await Sophia Rae’s next saga.

Pretty cool, huh?

I'll have an interview up at The Long and Short Reviews tomorrow. http://www.longandshortreviews.com/interviews.htm

I will also host a Q&A at their Yahoo loop on Wednesday. You just have to join the loop to chat:)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongAndShortRomanceReviews

And, lastly, I'll be chatting live at Romance Junkies on Wednesday from 9-10 pm EST. www.romancejunkies.com

Do you want to win a free download of Naked Vengeance? I'm giving one away this week at The Long and Short Reviews. One will be given away at my chat with Romance Junkies and two will be given away at Author Island this month! www.authorisland.com

I hope you all can make it to at least one of my appearances:)

Have a great week!
Jules Bennett/Sophia Rae

Toddlers and Newborns

I now have a total appreciation for my mother - any mother, really. I had to put my daughter in time-out the other day.

Now, before I go any further, yes, I put her in time-out occassionally. I always laughed at parents who used this method, but, hey, you do what works and this seems to work well for my two year old.

When her father came home from work and asked what she did to get put into time-out, she rolled her eyes and informed him, "It was ridiculous." Believe it or not, she pronounced the word correctly.

This is the stage in her life where she does the embarrassing things in public and you hate to laugh, but can't help it. If she hears any noise at all that resembles passing gas, she'll call you (or a perfect stranger) on it. Yes, it's quite fun at restaurants when you slide across the vinyl seats and she says, "Mommy, you toot toot." Of course, people turn and stare and you're forced to eat just feet away.

My kids are providing so much enjoyment. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me:)

So, if you have kids (or if you just know some rotten ones) let me hear some stories!

Pick-Me-Ups

Rain, rain, rain. I'm a bit tired of dreary skies and soggy ground. I realize the rain is needed, but come on. Do we really need THIS much?

So, let's chat about pick-me-ups. What lifts your spirits on drab days? Do you give yourself a manicure? Read a book? Perhaps you clean your house. Yes, I know that is not a way to boost your mood, but after I clean, I do feel better because my house at least looks cheerful.

Let me know what you do to perk up and I'll draw one winner from the list of comments to win a book. I'll let the winner choose the book from my very large stack:)

Hugs,
Jules

The "D" Word

I'm never one to actually {gulp} diet, but since having baby #2 and getting ready for my best friend's wedding, I really feel now is the time:).

I know this will be a hard 20 lbs to lose, but I can do it. All I have to do is take one day at a time and visualize myself in my strapless, short, tight dress my friend so graciously picked out for me to wear. Remind me to send her a thank you card. Oh, did I mention the dress is pink? You know, pale pink. The shade of pink that will show every ripply and bumb beneath. Of course she's not concerned. She's never had a baby, never gained an ounce in places she didn't like and she'll be wearing a full gown.

Ahh, but I love her anyway. Which brings me to my question. Why do we feel the need to worry about our weight? Are we concerned about our health or about how people perceive us? Obviously I'm concerned with how I will look in this miniscule dress. What about you? Why do you diet? That is...if you do.