May 5, 2013

If Heaven Exists…This Is It and Californian, Tina Donahue Brings It Here



While much of the county shivered through a snowy winter and spring, I was lucky enough to bask in eighty-degree weather in Palm Springs, California—the city I’ve adopted as home. Yes, we do have snow in the local mountains; however, it’s definitely optional and a short ride away. Like say on Christmas or New Year’s when the white stuff seems appropriate.
When I first came to California from the Midwest I had no idea the desert areas were so awesome. I expected sand dunes (we do have those in Blythe).


However, the populated parts of the low desert (Palm Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage) are to die for. Emerald green golf courses, slender-trunked palm trees swaying in the warm, gentle breeze, stucco architecture that reminds one of missions from long ago.

 
Wow. Although I’ve used California as a setting for many of my novels—San Francisco for Adored and In His Arms, Northern California for Take Me Away, Los Angeles/Beverly Hills for Lush Velvet Nights and a California rancho for O’Toole’s Promise, I’ve yet to use Palm Springs.
Maybe it’s because I want to keep it all to myself for a little while longer.


 After a brutal week at
work—yes, I do have an Evil Day Job (EDJ) in addition to penning my novels, I want to bask in the beauty of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Driving down the 111 (our main highway through the area), gazing at the snow-capped mountains in the distance, while scarlet bougainvillea and other flowers in every imaginable color scent the air. Febreze, eat your heart out. 



As I pass The River (an outdoor shopping center with pools of water and gurgling fountains) and glance at the gentle hills surrounding our valley, I see cars from every state and note the wonder in the visitors’ faces. I can almost hear them thinking, “Wish I lived here.”
It’s my dream come true, the same as being able to pen my novels. I have two new releases scheduled this year. Shameless Desire, Book Three in my erotic paranormal series Outlawed Realm, came out April 23 from Samhain. June 25th, Deep Within Me, Book Two in my erotic paranormal series The Prophecy, also releases from Samhain.

To celebrate these new releases, I’m offering a contest – To one lucky commenter, I’ll send one of my back list e-books from this list:



1. Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT

2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit

3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award

4. In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT

5. Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT

6. The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller

7. Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books

8. Unending Desire – Best Book Rating LASR

9. SiNN – Nominated for Book of the Week LASR

10. Sinfully Wicked – Magnificent – Romancing the Book

11. Claiming Magique – Top Pick, NOR



Good luck on your entry!
And when you get the chance, come out to California and the low desert, especially in the winter, you won’t regret it. 

Tina Donahue
“Heat with Heart”


8 comments:

  1. It is indeed, a beautiful area. While I have relatives living in San Diego, LA and SF, I've never visited CA but would love to.

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  2. I joke that I'd be afraid that my weight getting off the plane would be too much, and the whole state would fall off into the ocean! I've also got relatives in the Fresno area, but have never been out there.

    I think I'd miss the changing of the seasons...but after reading your description...maybe not.

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  3. Hey, Karen - you have to come out here. You'll never regret it. :)

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  4. Fiona, hi! We do have a change of seasons, just not as pronounced as back east. :)

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  5. I'm jealous. We had snow on Mother's Day in Michigan. I'd love to visit CA and bask in the sun!

    daringzoey@yahoo.com

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  6. I have never been to California, but would love to go and visit. I would have loved to be in 80 degree weather, but stuck in cold Iowa.
    Your books sound great and going to have to check them out.
    christinebails at yahoo dot com

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  7. Hey, Melissa! Yep, it's gorgeous here. But you do have to deal with the heat. It's been over 100 degrees for the last couple of days and it's only early May. If you every get a chance to come by the Palm Springs area, look me up - we'll have lunch at one of the casinos. :)

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  8. Hi, Chris! Thanks for your kind words! Hope you get to visit this beautiful part of the country. :)

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