At the beauty salon I work part-time in, we've been discussing how people are depressed from the economy, the time of year, and a number of other things depending on their lives.

So, in an attempt to brighten others' spirits (and ours in the process) we decided to have a contest within the salon. We had one week to do something nice for a complete stranger. At the end of the week, we told our stories and voted on the best one.

I went through a drive-thru and paid for the car behind me. When I asked the worker how much the car's order was, she told me and I said, "Add it to mine."

She looked a bit confused and said, "Do you know them?" I told her I didn't, but that I was hoping by me doing something nice for them, they would do something nice for someone else that day. The worker smiled and said, "I'll tell them that."

I was hoping to form a chain reaction. I know I can't enforce this on everybody, but if just a few people do this, the trickle down effect would be amazing...I hope.

Anyway, now that the contest is over, I'm going to continue to do something really great for a total stranger at least once a week. This week I swept through my house and gathered up all my baby items and old baby clothes and gave them to a young teenage couple (just graduated last year). This couple is expecting their first child next month and they only have a crib. They are struggling to work and make a life for themselves and I want to do everything I can to help.

The boy (who doesn't know me) found out my phone number and called and left a really sweet message on my machine. He choked up in the middle of thanking me and my heart broke. I went back through my house with tears in my eyes and gathered up even more. I plan on passing them along through our mutual friend tomorrow.

The lady who delivered the baby items gave me $35 because she felt bad for me giving this stuff away. I didn't want her money, so I will take that money and go buy them some diapers and wipes.

So, I will now turn the challenge over to you. Can you find a total stranger and do something for them without expecting something in return? Let's see if we can't lift the spirits of those around us and try, one by one, to make this world a better place.

BTW, I won the challenge at work.

Hugs,
Jules
www.julesbennett.com

That's my new nickname. Seriously, I've let some things go lately to really concentrate on my proposals to my agent. Take this blog, for instance. It's been nearly two months since I posted! YIKES!

Another thing I've slacked on is my housework...but that doesn't bother me too much.  I figure if my kids are fed (hubby can fend for himself) then I'm good to go...to my computer.

Do you all let your priorities slide on occassion? I'm really bad about shuffling my priorities.

Happy Reading!
Jules

This is THE BEST CLASS EVER! One hour, twice a week of kicking and practicing punches is just what my body needed to get into pre-preggo shape.

I've never sweat or worked so hard in my life, but the workout is SO worth it. My butt thanks me every time I slip into my smaller jeans. I've still got about 10 lbs. I'd like to lose, but the scales haven't moved. The trainer said I was building muscle, so that's fine. I don't care what I weigh, so long as my body isn't jiggling after I've stopped walking.

So, do you all workout or could you care less? I wish I wasn't so anal about it, but it's turned into my life. I breath lifting weights, running and kickboxing.

Hugs,
Jules Bennett
LOVE IN BLOOM- Now Available from The Wild Rose Press
www.julesbennett.com
www.myspace.com/authorsophiarae

 

Okay, this is my first time being a Recommended Read, so let me bask in this moment for just a bit.

For those of you who haven't read Love in Bloom, here's a snippet of the wonderful review from Joyfully Reviewed:

For a romantic, irresistible story that makes you believe in happily ever afters, look no further than Love in Bloom.   Weeks later, I still find myself smiling over the book - a testament to Jules Bennett's superb storytelling skills.  I Joyfully Recommend Love in Bloom and am excited to read more of Ms. Bennett's work.  Simply perfect!

If you want to read the entire review, here's the link:

http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/RRs/Aug08RR/LoveInBloom.JB.html

Thanks for letting me share!

I've been overwhelmed by reader comments about my current release, Love in Bloom. I can't tell you how thrilling it is as an author to hear positive feedback from readers.

Here's what some are saying:

I finished Love in Bloom 15 minutes ago and I had to tell you how much I loved it!!!! I'm kinda in gush mode, so I can't give any sensible comments right now, lol. Love in Bloom is such a beautiful story. I fell in love with Jackson, Claire, and Emma right from the start. ~ Kat

4.5 Stars from Romance Junkies!

Within the pages of LOVE IN BLOOM is a wonderfully written love story that will bring tears to your eyes. Jules Bennett pens a romantic and passionate tale weaved into a gripping plot with magnetic characters. I laughed at the easy bantering, cried from the heartbreak both have suffered and sobbed at the beautiful ending. 

Both Jackson and Claire are wonderful characters that you can not help but to be drawn to. Claire is passionate, sensitive and has a heart of gold. But when she faces a horrible tragedy, she is unsure of how to cope and shuts herself off from the world. She thinks Jackson is stubborn and unrelenting in pursuing a friendship. Jackson is sexy, charming and what every woman would love to have. I admired his sense of honor and duty to his daughter. However, Claire blindsides him and he is unsure of how to deal with his feelings. Claire and Jackson are two souls that belong together and Ms. Bennett does a wonderful job intensifying the spicy scenes with the underlying love that rocks their world. ~ Billie Jo

 

I hope you all get a chance to read Love in Bloom. I am donating a portion of all sales from this book from now until the end of the year to the Pilot Dogs of Columbus, Ohio. This is a wonderful organization that pairs seeing eye dogs with seeing impaired people. So, buy a book and help out those in need!

 

Hugs,

Jules

 

I figured since I was giving my body a whole new makeover, I might as well apply a new look to other aspects of my life. I started with my MySpace page.

Since I have a new book, Love in Bloom, coming out in 4 weeks, I decided now was the time. Many of my readers have asked about Love in Bloom and when I tell them it is an emotional story with a blind heroine and a single father, they instantly want to know when it will be released.

Well, June 6th is the big day! I'm very excited about this book. If you like emotional, heart-tugging romance, you'll love this!

I plan on having a spectacular contest to launch Love in Bloom so I hope you'll check back here, www.julesbennett.com, OR www.authorisland.com.

Happy Reading!
Jules

I mean really, this is the middle of March and there's inches upon inches of snow on the ground! The sunshine has tried to break through so many times, but it keeps getting pushed aside by the drab, grey clouds.

{sigh} I can't wait for June! My best friend is getting married, I'm going on a family vacation and the sun will be shining! So, what are you all looking forward to this summer? Other than the warm weather, of course.

So the big day for lovers is less than a week away. What are you planning? Hubby kept hinting at items he wanted, but I just laughed. I'm giving the man a baby next week, so I think that will be my gift.

What do you like to receive? Are you a chocolate person? Flowers? Jewelry? Perhaps all three. Personally, I don't care what I get, if anything. We don't need anything, so I feel silly buying something just for the sake of buying it.

Of course, a weekend getaway would be nice. I'd always take one of those!

So what are you planning? Is there anything exciting you can share with me? Since I'll be in the delivery room, I'd like to hear what everyone else is doing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jules Bennett
HOME AGAIN - Available Now from The Wild Rose Press
LOVE IN BLOOM - Spring '08 from The Wild Rose Press
www.julesbennett.com

 

Who's ready for candy day? My daughter is dressing up as a bumble bee (she's 2) so the little tu-tu is adorable on her...not so cute on someone my age.

So, do you all like to dress up to pass out your candy? I love seeing the little kids all decked out. What are some cute costumes you've seen in the past  years?

This weekend I will be attending my first gathering and book signing as a published author! Excited doesn't begin to describe what I feel. Granted, I know the majority of the attendees, but the thrill is still there.

Lori Foster and Dianne Castell put on an amazing Reader/Writer Get Together in Cincinnati, Ohio every year. Along with the amazing B&N manager, Linda Keller, this event is fun, fun, fun!

Socializing with your favorite authors for three days? Who wouldn't want to attend?

I'm off to have a fun-filled weekend. See you all on the other side!