Rita Bay's Blog

A New Cover: Search & Rescue

Rita Bay — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:05:18 +0000

Just received my new cover for Search & Rescue. from Secret Cravings, July 2013.

More tomorrow, Rita

An Author’s Desk: Joyce Proell

Rita Bay — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 05:05:03 +0000

Joyce Proell is an author of historical romance and historical romantic mystery who is published with Champagne Book Group. Her debut book with Champagne, Eliza, will be followed in July by her historical romantic mystery, A Deadly Truth.
Joyce grew up in Minnesota where she returned after living in Chicago and Reno. Joyce has a master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University. After years of working as a psychiatric social worker, a mental health manager and therapist, she retired to write full-time. Joyce will share her a bit about herself and her writing style and give us a peak at her upcoming book, A Deadly Truth. A Deadly Truth is the first book in the Cady Delafield series. The second book, A Burning Truth will be published by Champagne Books in December, 2013.

Rita, Thanks for inviting me to share my writing space on your blog today.
If I could pick my favorite setting for writing, it would be somewhere in the south of France. I’d sit in the shade of an old sycamore tree, high above the Mediterranean, my feet propped on an old stool, a tablet and a pen in hand. The atmosphere is so inspiring.
I also wouldn’t sniff at the chance to write while on a high bluff near Big Sur, shaded by tall trees with the Pacific Ocean far, far below. The vista is jaw-dropping.
On second thought, it’s probably just as well I don’t live in those places as I’d get lost staring at the waves and never write at all. Instead, I sit in a comfy swivel chair, my computer before me and labor away. Outside my two office windows are the rolling hills of a golf course. The grass is green and well maintained in the summer. In the winter, everything is white with snow.
My favorite time to write is first thing in the morning. I’m fresh and well-rested and usually full of new ideas and enthusiasm. I knock off around four o’clock satisfied with the day’s accomplishments.

A Deadly Truth

An Historical Romantic Mystery from Champagne Books , July 1, 2013

When Doyle Flanagan finds two strangers in his library—one dead and the other the beautiful but meddlesome Cady Delafield, his life begins to unravel as all clues point to him for the murder. As the sexual tension sizzles and Victorian conventions crumble, Cady risks job, reputation and family ties to help him clear his name. Even as his life hangs in the balance, his passion for her drives him on, but will the truth about him be the one thing to scare her away?

Joyce’s Buy Links: CHAMPAGNE * AMAZON * KOBOBOOKS
Contact/Follow Joyce: WEBPAGE * FACEBOOK * EMAIL

Next Week, Graeme Brown is featured at An Author’s Desk Rita Bay

Salute to Flag Day

Rita Bay — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:40:18 +0000

Today we celebrate Flag Day in the United states. On June 14th in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental the flag of the United States was adopted. Also, the United States Army celebrates the Army Birthday on this date. Congress adopted “the American continental army” after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. In August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. God Bless America!! Rita Bay

Medal of Honor Recipient, John Cooper

Rita Bay — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:05:12 +0000

Only nineteen members of the military have received the TWO Medals of Honor. John Cooper (AKA John Laver Mather Cooper), a Coxswain in the US Navy during the Civil War received two for his actions in the Battle of Mobile Bay and its aftermath. Cooper was born in Ireland in 1832 and lived in New York. Cooper died on August, 22, 1891 and is buried in Brooklyn, NY.

Citation
On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee, in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks from stem to stern, Cooper fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious battle which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.

SECOND AWARD Served as quartermaster on Acting Rear Admiral Thatcher’s staff. During the terrific fire at Mobile, on 26 April 1865, at the risk of being blown to pieces by exploding shells, Cooper advanced through the burning locality, rescued a wounded man from certain death, and bore him on his back to a place of safety. G.O. No.: 62, 29 June 1865.

I LOVE pics but was unable to discover a pic of Cooper. Please share, if you have it. Tomorrow, Another MOH Recipient. Rita Bay

Double Medal of Honor Recipient

Rita Bay — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:56:10 +0000

THOMAS W. CUSTER, brother of the famous General George Armstrong Custer, was one of only nineteen recipients of TWO medals of honor. Thomas W. Custer, Company B, 6th Michigan Cavalry, was only 18 years old when he earned his first Medal of Honor on May 10, 1863, at Namozine Church, Virginia, by capturing an enemy flag. Two years later, Custer captured a Confederate color guard, in spite of being shot in the place.
Riding up to his brother Brevet Major General George A. Custer, the lieutenant told him, “The Rebels shot me, but I have their flag.” He turned to return to the fight, but the general, realizing the severity of Tom’s wounds, ordered him to the rear. His brother refused, so the young major general placed him under arrest and had him escorted to the aid station. Custer died on Jun. 25, 1876 with his brother in battle at Little Big Horn. He is buried at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Tomorrow, Another Double Winner Rita Bay

Jax Garren & How Beauty Loved the Beast

Rita Bay — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 05:05:00 +0000

For the last year or so, I’ve interviewed authors at Coffee Time Romance & More. I’ve enjoyed meeting new authors, reading their books, then sharing an interview with readers at Rita’s Bower. It’s my pleasure to share with you my most recent interview with paranormal author, Jax Garren, where she tells loads of info about herself and her writing. HERE
Carina Press recently released How Beauty Loved the Beast which is the third in Jax’s Underlight series. It’s a great standalone read for those who like edgy paranormal/urban fantasy. After you’ve read How Beauty Loved the Beast, you’ll have to download How Beauty Met the Beast and How Beauty Saved the Beast. It’s that good. Check out the cover and blurb of How Beauty Loved the Beast, then buy it at CARINA PRESS or AMAZON.
Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke’s diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.
It’s been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.
Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows–and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same….
Visit Jax at her WEBSITE for more info about her and her books.
Tomorrow, More Medal of Honor Recipients. Rita Bay

The Youngest Medal of Honor Recipient

Rita Bay — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:05:09 +0000

The youngest Medal of Honor recipient was William “Willie” Johnston from St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He was eleven years old when he joined with his father and served as a drummer boy in Company D of the 3rd Vermont Infantry. During the Seven Days retreat in the Peninsula Campaign, Willie was the only drummer in his division to come away with his instrument, during a general rout. His superiors considered this a meritorious feat, when fellow soldiers had thrown away their guns. As a result, he received the Medal of Honor on the recommendation of his division commander. After he was mustered out of service on December 30, 1864, nothing is known of his life after his discharge from the Army. Tomorrow, A New Book by Jax Garren. Rita Bay

Most Recent Living Medal of Honor Award Recipient

Rita Bay — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:05:35 +0000

Californian Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha of the U.S. Army 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry. It was presented to Sgt Romesha on 2/11/2013. His citation read:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on 3 October 2009. On that morning, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his comrades awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Romesha moved uncovered under intense enemy fire to conduct a reconnaissance of the battlefield and seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with the support of an assistant gunner. Staff Sergeant Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, the generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, inflicting him with shrapnel wounds. Undeterred by his injuries, Staff Sergeant Romesha continued to fight and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him and the assistant gunner, he again rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers. Staff Sergeant Romesha then mobilized a five-man team and returned to the fight equipped with a sniper rifle.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets, including three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s perimeter. While orchestrating a successful plan to secure and reinforce key points of the battlefield, Staff Sergeant Romesha maintained radio communication with the tactical operations center. As the enemy forces attacked with even greater ferocity, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds, Staff Sergeant Romesha identified the point of attack and directed air support to destroy over 30 enemy fighters. After receiving reports that seriously injured soldiers were at a distant battle position, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his team provided covering fire to allow the injured soldiers to safely reach the aid station. Upon receipt of orders to proceed to the next objective, his team pushed forward 100 meters under overwhelming enemy fire to recover and prevent the enemy fighters from taking the bodies of the fallen comrades. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s heroic actions throughout the day-long battle were critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed the Troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Post Keating. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

Tomorrow, Another MOH Recipient. Rita Bay

US Senator & Medal of Honor Recipient

Rita Bay — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:36:44 +0000

Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye (9/7/1924 – 12/17/2012) was a Medal of Honor recipient and a United States Senator from Hawaii (1963 – 2012), a member of the Democratic Party, US Representative (1959 – 1963) and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate. He also was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Citation Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army. Tomorrow, Another Medal of Honor Recipient Rita Bay

The First African American Medal of Honor Recipient

Rita Bay — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:05:31 +0000

William Harvey Carney (February 29, 1840 – December 8, 1908) was the first African American soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Fort Wagner. His actions at Fort Wagner preceded those of any other black recipient but he was not presented with the honor until nearly 37 years later. He was the second African-American to be awarded the Medal, the first recipient having been Robert Blake, in 1864.
Sgt. Carney was born a slave in Norfolk, Virginia but escaped through the Underground Railroad to join his father in Massachusetts. They bought the rest of the family and settled in Massachusetts where Carney joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry where he participated in the Battle of Fort Wagner. He saved the colors (the flag), even though suffering multiple wounds. He eventually made his way back to the Union lines, and turned over the colors to another survivor of the 54th, modestly saying “Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!”
Citation: When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.
After the war he worked at a post office and was a guest speaker at public events until his death in 1908. Tomorrow, Another MOH winner. Rita Bay