Wednesday, October 27, 2010

CASTING ABOUT: REVIEW AND BONUS ENTRIES

GIVEAWAY ENDED
 CASTING ABOUT
BY TERRI DULONG

   
REMINDER...ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this beautifully crafted and uplifting novel, the author of the acclaimed Spinning Forward welcomes readers back to the lush Florida island of Cedar Key, where the vibrant shades of hibiscus and azaleas are the perfect backdrop to a colorful, quirky community. 

In the four years since Monica Brooks moved to Cedar Key, she’s found a home, a husband, and now a business to love. Taking over her mother’s bustling knitting shop is a welcome challenge, but Monica’s exciting plans are waylaid by unexpected news. Her husband’s ex-wife has been deemed an unfit mother, and custody of their eight-year-old daughter, Clarissa, is to be transferred to Adam.

Going straight from honeymoon to motherhood--especially when she's unsure she wants children--leaves the normally even-keeled Monica doubting herself at every turn. Yet in a place like Cedar Key, nobody goes it alone. With help from friends and relatives, Monica, Clarissa, and Adam begin to forge a close-knit family of their own--one that will need to be strong enough to withstand all the surprises set to unravel.
 

MORE....ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author of the acclaimed women’s fiction Cedar Key Series, Terri DuLong is the author of Spinning Forward (Kensington Books, November 2009).
Born and reared in the Boston area . . . Salem, the Witch City, to be exact, DuLong was an only child, who relied on imaginary friends for playmates. All these years later, she believes those playmates (and her love for books) led her to her passion for writing.

Married young, with three children, then divorced, Terri went to college to become a legal secretary. After remarrying, with the children getting older, she decided to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. She also continued her love for reading women’s fiction. As for her own writing, well it was limited to extremely long letters to friends and keeping a journal. After working in Critical Care as an R.N., the thought of writing “seriously” became stronger, and Terri took a creative writing class at college. Encouraged by the professor, Terri began writing with the hope of publication.

With the transfer of her husband’s job to the Tampa, Florida, area, she began to work part-time as a home health RN and devote more and more time to writing. TO FINISH READING ABOUT THIS FASCINATING AUTHOR'S LIFE, GO HERE ON HER WEBSITE!

MY REVIEW OF CASTING ABOUT:

Terri DuLong has given a gift to readers everywhere with her new Cedar Key Series novel, CASTING ABOUT. I absolutely adored this book as it was the perfect read to curl up with on a fall day and get lost on the Island of Cedar Key with its down home charm and friendly inhabitants. In the first novel of the series, SPINNING FORWARD, readers were introduced to Monica who is the daughter of Sydney Webster. Sydney’s story was mostly what the first book was about and in it (not to add a spoiler) we found that her yarn shop was taken over by Monica when Sydney left town.

Monica is in the “honeymoon stage” of her marriage of five months to the marvelous Adams Brooks, a strong male role model who is a school teacher and single dad of eight-year-old daughter Clarissa Jo.  When Adam’s ex-wife, Carrie Sue, a “real character”, is declared unfit, Adam gains full custody of Clarissa Jo and couldn’t be happier. Newly located and settled in Cedar Key, Monica fell in love with Adam, and they were only married those few months when she is suddenly thrust head-first into the sudden responsibility of motherhood. Clarissa arrives and the three begin the process of forming a suddenly ready-made family as Monica is required to make huge strides into becoming a mother very quickly. Unsure if she even wants to be a mother, Monica takes on the mission however, and through trial and error, many emotional ups and downs, slowly helps the three begin to bond as a family. After a few missteps, things are moving right along and Monica’s doubts about her maternal instinct begin to diminish.

With the help of family and friends, Monica is able to run her business and actually make some great improvements to the shop as well as slowly become used to being married and being a suddenly new mother. Adam’s mother, Opal, comes to stay on the island for a while and her stay stretches out as she bonds more with her granddaughter and her own insecurities begin to fade somewhat on this tiny strip of paradise. Delightful Dora is Monica’s aunt and helps run the shop, although she does it out of love of the business and knitting, rather than for any money.  Last in Monica’s circle is Grace, who is her best friend, and runs a wonderful local coffee shop that is down the street from the shop. The two friends are great support for each other and with Grace, another plot line develops.

When Grace starts to see a new man in town, Monica worries as Grace seems to be getting in pretty deep, pretty fast. It turns out the local beehive of gossip has it that developers are trying to buy up property to turn the lovely island into a tourist mecca. The locals are against this and when Monica gets an idea that the man Grace is seeing is implicated, she gets involved in their business which starts some fireworks going.

The other sub-plot deals with a spirit of  Sybile who was Monica's late grandmother. Faintly, and then more noticeably, she seems to make her presence known to Monica who at first chalks it up as coincidence. First things disappear and then show up again suddenly. Next Sybile seems to play an important part in helping Clarissa adjust to her new home. However, when sudden illness strikes the family, Sybile’s presence is most assuredly felt and it plays an important part in the story.

With the twists and turns of each story line keeping the pages turning, all “knitting“ together nicely at the conclusion; this is a novel I hated to see end. CASTING ABOUT reads just fine as a stand alone novel, but my guess is that you are going to want to start with SPINNING FORWARD so you can then have the follow-up of CASTING ABOUT ready to follow up with. Thus, you leave less time to wait for the next installment, unlike myself who now has to hope that Terri DuLong is writing furiously about more of these memorable characters who you wish lived down the street from you!
 
GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO TERRI AND 

KENSINGTON PUBLISHING,
I HAVE ONE COPY OF THIS DELIGHTFUL
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY TO ONE WINNER!

IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 100 COMMENTS,
I WILL FURNISH A SECOND COPY MYSELF! 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:
VISIT MY AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
TERRI DULONG HERE FOR MORE INFO
AND EVEN MORE CHANCES TO WIN

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON MY REVIEW ABOVE OF CASTING ABOUT BY TERRI DULONG AND WHY YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: "LIKE" TERRI DULONG-CASTING ABOUT ON FACEBOOK BY GOING HERE. COME BACK TO REPORT YOU DID IT.

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OF MY CURRENT GIVEAWAYS YOU ENTERED. IF YOU ENTERED MORE THAN ONE WAY, YOU MAY COMMENT ON EACH SEPARATELY AND GET ANOTHER ENTRY FOR CASTING ABOUT FOR EACH ONE YOU ENTERED.

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, NOVEMBER 8!

 
GOOD LUCK!

91 comments:

Suburban prep said...

I am interested in how the story turns out regarding taking in a child she doesn't really know and how knitting is important to her.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I also entered the Better Homes and Garden giveaway.

debbie said...

I think the characters sound warm and friendly. I really like it is set around a yarn shop.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered oogy giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the room giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the earth giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

traveler said...

I was captivated with your review of this novel. It sounds wonderful. The characters and the stories. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

audreygeddes said...

This looks like an intriguing read. Thanks for the great review! You might also enjoy an inspirational memoir called, "Voices of the Heart," by Linda Lambert Pestana. I found this book to be very touching with an amazing testimony by the author who empowers and motivates you to trust yourself.

traveler said...

I entered Oogy. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered The Good Sister. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Safe Haven. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered If you lived here you'd be home by now. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Dead Head. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Let's Eat. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Nose for Justice. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Home For The Friendless. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Juliet. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Better Homes and Garden Cookbook. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered White House Dr. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Angelology. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

This story and the unique people all contribute to make this book so appealing. thanks for your great review. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered White house Doctor. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook giveaway. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Juliet. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Oogy. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered home For The Friendless. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Let's Eat. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Nose For Justice. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered The Good Sister. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

What a fun review. I like quirky and I think Monica and all the twists and turns look great.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the Dead Head giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered Safe Haven.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the Better Homes and Garden giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered Let's Eat.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered A Desirable Residence.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered A Nose for Justice.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered Painted Ladies.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered If You Lived Here you'd be home by Now.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered The Good Sister.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the Jon Stewart Earth giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered The White House Doctor giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered Fly Away Home.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

It sounds like a good family story.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Margie said...

The character interactions in this novel sound fascinating. I like the idea of the community involvement. Also, I am a knitting fan so that part of the book also draws me in.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

entered for Good Sister
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

entered Nose for Justice giveaway
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

entered for Home for the Homeless
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

entered for Fly Away Home
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

entered for Juliet
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered I was Saved giveaway
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the Grisham giveaway
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Pamela Keener said...

When you say you absolutely adored the book and it was a perfect novel to curl up with on a fall day that caught my interest and makes me want to get "Springing Forward" and start reading so I can get "Casting About". Thanks for your review and this giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I like Terri Dulong-Casting About on FB/Pam Keener
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "Room" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "Oogy" giveaway
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "Juliet" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "The Good Sister" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "Safe Haven" audiobook giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "A Nose For Justice" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "The Home For The Friendless" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "The Confession" giveaway
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Anonymous said...

When I read the review of this it remionds me of Debbie Maccomber's Blossom Street Series with the yarn shop and all the friends and relatives ivolved in the story. Since I love to knit, that draws me to this book too. It sounds like she has all the ingredients of a book to relax,be comfortable and enjoy.

CarolNWong(at)aol(com)

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:


Carolee888 See this link for 'Casting About' Giveaway: http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I liked Terri Dulong on Facebook.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for 'If You Lived Here,You'd Be Home'.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
The National Adopt A Dog Month".




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'The Good Sister.'



CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
Dead Head and book 2 and 3 of Dirty Mysteries.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Oogie'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Safe Haven'(audio).




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Let's Eat Cookbook'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Nose for Justice'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Nose for Justice'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Juliet'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Painted Ladies'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'Painted Ladies'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for 'A Desirable Residence'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'White House Doctor'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
The Home for the Friendless.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for
'The Confession'.




CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Amy said...

I am interested in the comments in your review re the sub-plot involving Monica's late grandmother.

avennett AT verizon DOT net

Amy said...

I like Terri on FB as Amy K V

grannyvon said...

I entered the Confession by John Grisom giveaway. Thanks for the extra entries. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

This is set in Florida and I live in Alabama just across the Florida line. If for no other reason I would like to win this book. Altho the fact that this deals with a stepchild and I know how that feels makes me want to win it more. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I liked Terri Delong on Facebook. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Connie said...

Hi! I think it sounds like a wonderful book to read. The main character is trying to bond with her family and run a business at the same time. Thank you for this giveaway! :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

g.g. said...

These sound like really interesting characters and I would love to win

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered a Desirable Residence audio book

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

Allison said...

I commented on the review. I'd love to win because it sounds like a great book.

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Facebook fan

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

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