Coffee and Love To Go Review

Friday, June 22, 2007

Review: Coffee and Love To Go
Coffee and Love To Goby Christine ColumbusDan is surprised to find out he is the topic of conversation on a women’s talk show about meaningful glances. For the last two weeks when he stops for his cup of coffee, he has noticed a beautiful woman with red hair and now she’s on the air asking the listeners if she should make the first move and talk to him.(12 pages) - sweetWhy Not To Buy a Coffee Maker! Thanks to our guest reviewer: Nancy A.Lindley-GauthierChristine Columbus is brewing another hit in her short romance, "Coffee and Love To Go". This tale starts off lightly enough, but with an interesting twist: While most folks suffer their attractions in private, or share them with a trusted friend, this dreamed-of romance is under the eye of a good many watchers, would-be match-makers, and nosy parkers. The many witnesses (who feel free to comment!) only add to the stress of the main couple.From the first, the reader will become invested in the story, hoping like mad the main characters will get a handle on their nerves, and that the other person is as they have perceived them. In no time, Columbus has us ready to scream with suspense! The tension continues building throughout the story. Her dialogue rings true, as does the discomfort the main couple experiences while trying to get together under so many watchful eyes.Many details in this story are delightful. We gain a wonderful visual portrait of the characters, although their description in no way slows the action. The gentleman's "long sleeved dark brown shirt and cream colored tie," fit fabulously with his acquired name of "Mr. Coffee." The lady's comparison to her drink of choice is smooth, and quite good fun. The idea of using descriptions in a parallel to coffee is carried off beautifully, fun but in a non-intrusive way.This is a very contemporary tale of attraction, embarrassment, involvement, hope, disappointment and joy. That so many emotions can fit in this one small but fast-moving package is amazing!
Labels: ,

A Review....

Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Review: Drama Queen
Big thanks to our guest reviewer - Nancy Lindley-Gauthier
Drama Queenby Christine ColumbusDid Mark bestow more than his mother’s dog? Will Michelle’s unexpected pet bring more than drama into her life?
Christine Columbus' rosette, "Drama Queen," starts with a charming surprise. But the first surprise is by no means the best, and intriguing elements become clear as you read along. All grocery store managers are not "Short, pudgy balding" men, and co-workers don't always have a clue who you really are. The author offers clear visuals, and the reader feels as though they were participating in each scene. Through the main character's imagination, we uncover the real person, the person who'd like to skip out of work early and go line dancing. Never has a grocery store aisle seemed so full of possibilities, or been so appealing.This is a wonderful tale of romance, true, but also, of simple love. The two main characters reveal love in so many ways; love for a parent, a friend, a pet. All this love is an undercurrent to this warm and genuine story. This story builds in warmth and wonder all they way through, but it is by no means merely contemplative. Throughout, the western motif brings our mind's eye to line dances, tight jeans, and black leather boots.You'll find yourself two-stepping along with this lively read. Don't hesitate to discover the drama queen in this delightful romance, by Christine Columbus.
Labels: review, The Wild Rose Press

Big Dog...Little Dog


Ruth is no longer the big dog... (at least for a couple of weeks - while Scout is visiting)...
One day you feel like you have it all and then you wake up to find...Things have changed.
It's tough to be the alpha male when you're a fixed female weighing 10 pounds...

May 5th, Saturday





I'll be selling Book Thongs, Bags and Purses at the Robbinsdale City Hall - 4100 Lakeview Ave N - (Held Rain or Shine) my table will be inside City Hall -

I'll be there from 8AM until Noonish....



Thongs $1.00
Book Bags $7.00
Purses $15.00

The Review Nook - 5 Roses...

HAPPY MEAL..... Christine Columbus


HAPPY MEAL is a sweet story of first impressions and first meetings.

Mark is thirty-five and believed by the time he had reached that age, he would have been married with children. He knew is mother wanted grandchildren, after being alone for a long time since his father's death. But he hadn't met the right woman, and he knew he would know it when he did. He fought against his mother's matchmaking the way any normal thinking male would.

During a weekly dinner out at Mc'Donald's, he gets to make his first impression on a lovely woman--by dumping his milkshake on her. His embarassment doubles when he realizes that the woman he adorned is actually the woman his own mother has been trying to get him to meet.

HAPPY MEAL is a quick short read, perfect for that break time, or while waiting for your child to come out of the school. It also shows a well mannered and bonded family unit.

Rating :: 5 ROSES



Book information :
Publisher - The Wild Rose Press/Sept. 2006
Romance/E-book
Length - Short
Heat - Sweet

It will grow...




I tried to explain to Ruth, that a haircut is like starting a story - sometimes it looks bad, but it just takes time and a chance to grow...

The only problem I'm having is with my novel - if I don't quit trimming the story - I'll never be done...It's hard to know when hair or the story is at the perfect length.

One small key stroke

One opps...The good thing is I am learning. My slideshow is not only on my blog, it is also on Sweet Romantic Notions - or was. I'm not sure if when I update my slide show - if I deleted the link.

I am learning to be brave. To take risks. To be an adventurer, not only in life but also in my writing. I’m not sure when I became cautious, but I wasn’t always. Maybe caution came with motherhood, age or ?

When it comes to writing, I want to be fearless. I have a tendency to want to control my characters, marching them across pages and keeping them in the shallow end of the pool.

At 48, I’m letting go. This is the year I’m going to dance and my characters will sink or swim.

It's my Birthday...




And this is what 48 looks like...I could find the button for take the red eye out - but where is the take the wrinkles and grey out button?

Tag Line????


Jumpstart Productions will be tweaking my blog and MySpace...and I decided I need a tag...can't decided between:


Set Sail for Romance with Christine Columbus


Discover a New World of Romance with Christine Columbus


Or…..?


Explore romance with Christine Columbus



Had a Great Day over at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party and Also Stop in at karenfindoutaboutnewbooks · Coffee Time Romance - Coffee Readers.


Now of course it would have made more sense to Post this info earlier...but it still not to late to stop by and look at my posts...and enter a contest or two.



Somebody has to be ...


King of the hill....


I'm not quite up to the task of being King...but my novel The Perfect Country and Western Story is getting closer to the end - for the second time. The first time the editor didn't like the ending...I'm thinking it's going to be much better the second time around....

If I had a larger hot water tank...





I'd generate a lot more ideas. I always get my best ideas when showering.

After 4 weeks of tooth pain...I ready to join the human race again...

So, right before I left for my big adventure with my sister, (A spring break for the over 40 and over 50 crowd).

I really should have done Spring Break when I was much, much younger. Although we scope it out so we wouldn't be done in S. Padre with the real spring breakers.

We spent 4 days with the "Winter Texans" and let me tell you...I felt like a babe. I'm thinking I might have to spend more time at retirement communities…puts everything into perspective.


Now, my goal is to post everyday.

Where I'll be next...

February 8th...appearing at A Slice of Orange: (Written by members of Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America) http://occsliceoforange.blogspot.com/

Look for my tale of woe at The Worst Valentine's Day Ever . Truth be told this didn't happen to me...it happen to Shellie in my new novel "The Perfect Country and Western Story," but I was certain she wouldn't mind me borrowing her tale to tell.


Highlights from the interview....

Hello dear blog studio guests! I have a very special guest for you to meet today. Author Christine Columbus. Her short stories are receiving five star reviews and very deservingly so!

CAROL ANN: If you had to describe yourself, what would you say?

CHRISTINE: I’m certain I was kidnapped as a small child from a warm and tropical climate and brought to Minnesota, because I hate the cold, but apparently not enough to move. I lived in MN my whole life, I’ve worked for the same company for 27+ years and the same house for 21 years.I think I need a mid-life crisis.

CAROL ANN: Do you collect anything?

CHRISTINE: Dust, cobwebs, streaks, dirt and grime.

CAROL ANN: What does the word romance mean to you?

CHRISTINE: Romance is walking to the edge of the cliff, love is jumping off and true love is when you have someone to catch you when you fall.

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