First look? Outside appearance can be deceiving

Outside Appearances Appearances can be deceiving. Have you ever met a stunning man or woman, then after speaking with them for a short time, realize that all he or she had going for them were looks? Or just the opposite: someone who you would not think of as attractive—at least on the outside—turns out to be a gorgeous person on the inside.

Well, guess what? It happens with fruit, too.
I was assisting with the local church-sponsored produce giveaway and came upon this ugly fruit. I mean, I’ve seen the citrus with the common name of Ugli fruit, but this one had it beat. And guess what? Just like that ‘not the normal accepted version of attractive’ person you met who is now a spouse or best friend, this Lychee fruit is not what you expect.

The dark brown outside looks like a hedgehog crossed with a horse chestnut hull, but the inside is smooth, pale and sweet. It has a stone/pit, which is inconvenient, but I can deal with it. The flavor reminds me of the tiny bits of pears in canned fruit cocktail, but that's as close as I can get. Smooth texture and sweet, but you need a sharp fingernail or a knife to break open the hull. Enjoy one if you get a chance.

You can’t judge a book by its cover, either, but sometimes you can get a good idea about what’s inside by the blurb. And if it’s written by one of your favorite authors, you’re in for a treat. Here’s your no-calorie treat that’s as pretty on the outside as it is the inside: Tempted by Mr. Wrong by Jacquie Biggar. It’s out for pre-order now, but will be live and ready to read on September 5. How can something so wrong feel so right? Read on and find out. Only 99 cents, too.

TEMPTED BY MR. WRONG

by Jacquie Biggar

Solar Eclipse Mania and Aliens

On Monday, August 21, I’ll be in the path of the total eclipse of the sun. Big deal.
Well, really it is.
I’m sure other areas of the US are going through the same craziness as Oregon is. For over a month now, the front page of the local paper has featured at least one story about the solar eclipse and the impact it will have on the local residents.
Okay, not so much the eclipse itself, but all the eclipse watchers. Highways are predicted to slow to a near standstill between Portland - the nearest major airport – and throughout the Willamette Valley with the influx of over a million visitors. Backyards and open fields will be turned into temporary tent or camper cities (already happening). Public water and septic systems will be overtaxed (not likely). Food and gas supplies will run out or low (no telling). The local economy will boom (hopefully).
Because the traffic is expected to be horrible, garbage pick up has been delayed one day, many local businesses have given employees time off, and non-essential government workers are taking leave (or whatever they call it).
Right now, roads are blocked off in towns around here, not for safety, but to cordon off city blocks for vendors, events, and parties. I don’t know if they planned it this way, but a huge three-day country music extravaganza is going on right now in the Willamette Valley. If these folks came from far away, I doubt they’ll be in a hurry to leave Sunday night. Or if they are, they’re in trouble. I just hope the weight of all these extra people doesn’t cause a major earthquake!

What do people expect out of the eclipse besides a long weekend of partying? Some are saying it will allow the world to see the extra sun (or is it a planet?) that’s been hiding behind the sun.
Here’s a recent picture taken in Dallas, Oregon by Ashleigh Sawicki. Her aunt saw the same thing in Florida as did my friend in Alaska. It’s not exclusive to the United States, either. I hear it’s been sighted in South America and Europe, too. Oh, and if you say it's just the camera, why would someone take a picture of the sun? Had to be something strange to want to take that shot.
I guess we’ll find out what all the noise is tomorrow. Unless the aliens attack or, gasp, they take out our internet.


No matter what happens, enjoy the life you have, and if it needs improving, be the one to make the changes.



In the meantime, here's some great diversion. Romance box sets in different flavors!Feeling like a sweet story? Sweet & Sassy is perfect. Need some suspense? Dangerous Encounters and Risky Encounters. Historical fiction: Rebels, Rogues, and Romantics. Paranormal or time travel? Mystic Lovers. Check them all out! All but Love, Christmas are available to read for free with your Kindle Unlimited account. Don't have KU? Try it for free for 30 days. See Amazon for details.
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Double Release for SWITCHING IT UP & FORGING LOVE

A SAFE Security series
by Michele Zurlo

Jenny and Scout: Together (at last)!

If you're a fan of some of the characters of The Fairies Saga, my tale of time travelers who bounce back and forth from the 1780s to present day, you're in for a treat. I have another novella for you! Jenny and Scout are grown up!

~Jenny, the sweet young blond psychic and Scout, the half-Cherokee entrepreneur, have been secretly married for years, but have been saving that special part of marriage until they were older. Scout has been away from her for too long, working hard at whatever needed to in order to earn money so his lovely young lady could have a proper home. He didn't figure on being conned before he ever returned to her. Read about their trials and triumphs in Never Too Young, part of Sweet and Sassy: The Best Kind of Romance. This is the only place you'll find this novella (for now). Read it and 8 other sweet romances for only 99 cents or read for free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. Oh, and please leave a review. Authors love being read and reviewed. It keeps us pumping out more stories to share.

Here's more about the other books in the box set:

(Official genre: sweet romance)

Do you sigh when you see young lovers embrace? Does your heart sing to know that romance is in the air? Whether it's love at first sight, affairs of the heart, or a second chance to get it right – our wonderful collection, featuring 9 uplifting love stories, is the perfect place for you to find that springtime magic.

It’s all the sweeter when the Magic Makers are NY Times & USA Today best-selling authors who have chosen these sweet and sassy stories to help you enjoy your happy-ever-after.

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY, by Mimi Barbour, NYT and USA Today bestselling author: Big girls don't cry because no one is listening.

HEAL MY HEART, Mona Risk, NYT and USA Today bestselling author: With the help of a baby girl and four little boys, a handsome doctor may teach her the true meaning of love.

TURNAGAIN LOVE, Nancy Radke, USA Today bestselling author: Can she love a man who keeps trying to get her to go away?

MEND ME MEND MY HEART, Suzanne Jenkins, Multi-Award-winning author: Dating again has never crossed Charlotte's mind, until she takes a fall at the cemetery where her husband is buried bringing the handsome caretaker to her rescue.

SUMMER LOVIN’, Jacquie Biggar, USA Today bestselling author: Can two mismatched lovers find a way past their mistakes?

A KISS UPON A STAR, Tamara Ferguson, Multi-Award-winning author: When fate gives Tim and Emily a second chance, can an air force veteran break through the hardened heart of a rising star?

THE MONARCH AND THE MOM, Leanne Banks, NYT and USA Today bestselling author: A mix-up in the lab means the father of Sophie's baby is a prince. Can they turn this royal surprise into a forever love?

TOMBOY BRIDE, Alicia Street, USA Today bestselling author: Will he ever see her as a grown woman?

NEVER TOO YOUNG, Dani Haviland, USA Today bestselling author: Their secret marriage was strong enough to withstand deceptions and ruffians, but would time do them in?

Purchase now for #99cents http://amzn.to/2t5pbYs