I just love making gift baskets! Back in February 2007, I had a chance to create two more fabulous gift basket for contest prizes. I'm a member of the RAWSISTAZ online reading community. Each month, the members take turn hosting a selected theme. Well February was Hot & Spicy month, and that was my month to host. I'm a die-hard romantic, and if you had a little spice to the romance, then I'm really good to go. LOL

As part of my hostess duties, I came up with a contest called RAWSISTAZ Survivor. Yep, just like the hit reality show Survivor. There were three rounds, and the final member left standing was the lucky recipient of the basket you see above.

This was the ultimate reader basket. It included:

Another service I provide are custom gift baskets. Whatever the occasion, I can create a unique basket just for you.

Authors, are you promoting your newest release via a contest? For a unique, custom gift, choose a literary themed gift basket, featuring your books and the exquisite, nature based products of Warm Spirit.

Here's a sample of some baskets I've done previously:

Only You

Francis Ray
St. Martin’s, October 2007
$6.99 US, ISBN 0312948743

Sweet surrender…

Ruth Grayson is now four for four. She has successfully married off all of her sons, and now she faces the toughest challenge of them all, getting Sierra, her only daughter, to the altar. If her brothers’ easy capitulation into marital bliss is any indication, Sierra’s day are certainly numbered.

From there, the desire between them continues to build, almost out of control. No matter how hard he tries to fight it, Blade finds himself hopelessly enraptured by everything that is Sierra. Blade has loved and lost once; so he refuses to open himself up for that kind of pain again. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. When he wasn’t looking, Blade finds Sierra firmly entrenched in his heart. But will he be able to fight his demons once and for all, and allow himself to truly love again?

Francis Ray has done it again! She has crafted a story so blissfully romantic, I found myself wanting to trade places with Sierra, and claim Blade as my own. Although I’ve enjoyed each of the Grayson love stories, Only You has become my favorite in the series. The portrayal of Blade’s hurt and pain was so real, my heart literally ached for him. Not many authors can evoke that type of emotion from me with a single read. But Ray manages to do that on a consistent basis, and this is why she is one of my all time favorite authors.

- Renee Williams, All The Buzz

How Sweet the Sound
Jacquelin Thomas, Francis Ray, Felicia Mason
Steeple Hill, February 2005
$12.95 US, ISBN 0373785348

Love, sweet love...

Whether you have a new love, or get a second chance at love, you are experiencing the greatest emotion given to us by God. In How Sweet the Sound, bestselling authors Jacquelin Thomas, Francis Ray, and Felicia Mason bring us three inspiring, uplifting, and blissfully romantic stories of love.

In "Make a Joyful Noise" by Jacquelin Thomas, Desiree Coleman loves to sing and desires to be the lead soloist in the choir. The only problem is, her voice isn't quite the angelic or soulful sound that she believes it is. Choir director Bradley Rhodes wants her out of the choir, but Desiree refuses to give up her dream. Slowly but surely, Desiree not only becomes a better singer, she manages to work her way into Bradley's heart.

It's old school vs. new school in, "Then Sings My Soul" by Francis Ray. Grace Thompson and Caleb Jackson find themselves at odds when their ideas for song selections for their upcoming choir competition don't exactly mesh. Tempers rage, but soon anger turns into something much sweeter for Grace and Caleb.

"Heartsongs", by Felicia Mason, is the story of TC Holloway and Carys Shaw. After 25 years, the two meet again at their class reunion, and find themselves given a second chance at love.

Romance and Christian fiction are my two favorite genres, and How Sweet the Sound is a perfect combination of both. Not only was each story well written, they were heartfelt and wonderfully exemplified what love is all about. This anthology has found a spot on my all-time favorite books list, and reserved spot on my bookshelf. It's one I know I will read again and again.

Renee Williams
All the Buzz

Well, I think I've got you all caught up. LOL Let me get busy with some reviews now.

On Saturday, June 9, 2007, I had the privilege of attending the Self-Published Authors Forum in Dallas, presented by the Jus' Sistahs Book Club and Half Price Books. Authors in attendance were Dr. Moe, Monica Frazier Anderson, Evelyn Palfrey, Vonda Lovell Brigham, Tom Greer and Sean Chandler. Marlive Harris, of TheGRITS.com, was also in attendance as a expert in the literary industry. Authors Lesley Hal and N'Tyse were also in attendance, but as guests.

This was a wonderful, well attended and very informative event. The authors were very open and honest about everything they have experienced as self-published authors, the good and the bad. There was a Q & A with the members of the audience, and no matter what kind of question was posed, or comment given, the authors were very receptive and responsive.

I'm glad that I got the chance to attend this event, and look forward to attending more events as a reader. Check out some of the photos from the event:

After the event at the Houston Public Library, later that night we made our way over to Boudreaux's Cajun Restaurant where a good time was had by all. There was lots of good food, lots of door prizes, and each attendee walked away with a bag of goodies. Francis was very gracious; taking pictures with everyone, answering questions, giving us a quick peek into her upcoming storylines, autographing books, etc.

Here's a few pictures from both events:

Well, this was my first official event, and even though I was nervous, I think it went off without a hitch. LOL

How Sweet the Sound, a romantic Christian anthology, with fellow authors Jacquelin Thomas and Felicia Mason, was Francis' first foray into the Christian fiction genre. Each novella was either based on a well known gospel song, or the song was featured in the storyline. Although Jacquelin Thomas nor Felicia Mason were unable to attend, their stories were still featured.

After my welcome speech, Marlive Harris, of TheGRITS.com, introduced our soloists and gave a brief history of each song selected. Our first soloist was Gwendolyn Ross, who sang I believe in conjunction with "Make a Joyful Noise" by Jacquelin Thomas. Our second soloist was Nicole Taylor, who sang How Great Thou Art, the theme of Francis Ray's "Then Sings My Soul". Our final soloist was Bettye Armstrong, who sang Just As I Am in conjunction with "Heart Songs" by Felicia Mason.

I tell you, each of these women had such beautiful voices that they moved me to tears. For a minute I forgot we were having a literary event and felt like I was in church.

After each soloists were done, Francis then came forward and not only shared how she came to be a part of this anthology, but also gave us a little personal history on her journey as an author. We finished up with refreshmens, a book sale, courtesy of Borders Books in Meyerland Plaza, Houston, Texas, and a book signing.

All in all, I believe the event was a huge success.

First, let me take you back to where it all started. On July 23, 2005, I hosted two events for Francis Ray. First there was the How Sweet the Sound book discussion and signing of her first Christian fiction release, How Sweet the Sound, and anthology featuring stories not only from Francis, but also Jacquelin Thomas and Felicia Mason.

Here's the official press release:

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Renee Williams, CEO

Stuff Happens! Event Planning

936-650-3952

stuffhappensep@yahoo.com

HOW SWEET THE SOUND
July 23, 2005

HOUSTON, TX (May 2005) – In celebration of the publication of her first Inspirational novella, Francis Ray presents HOW SWEET THE SOUND, to be held Saturday, July 23, 2005, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., in Houston, Texas at the Houston Public Library – Central Branch, located at 500 McKinney, Houston, Texas 77002, (832) 393-1313. This event, free and open to the public, is a venue for fans of Francis Ray to meet the national bestselling author, and to hear her speak about her involvement in this anthology.

Scheduled events include stirring solos based on the hymns each story comes from, book sale and signing, refreshments, and contests. For more information, or for parties interested in being a sponsor for this event, contact the event planner at stuffhappensep@yahoo.com.

Welcome to All the Buzz! Here you will find reviews of books I've read and recaps of events I've hosted. I'm new to this blogging thing, LOL, but I think I'm gonna enjoy it, and I hope you do to.

Authors and publishers, if you want me to review your book, feel free to contact me at the information listed.

Well, here goes!

Renee