Land Of Ice And Fire

My recent trip to Iceland was one of my favorite adventures. It’s impossible to describe the country’s natural beauty without using superlatives. Volcanic activity is evident everywhere. Clouds of steam billow from volcanic vents, geysers shoot boiling water high into the air, and natural hot springs are abundant. In early June, the rugged moon-like terrain is covered with purple lupins, and the volcanic crags are home to thousands of nesting water birds. Waterfalls, each one more stunning than the one before, are around every corner.

We rented a car and drove the popular Golden Circle Route in Pingviller National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with its numerous waterfalls, views of distant glaciers, and the site of the first parliament in Iceland. At Geysir Thermal Area we watched hot steam erupt 20 meters into the air from the Great Geyser, while bubbling mud pots of boiling water surrounded us. Gullfoss (Gold Waterfall) and the nearby volcanic crater are stunning.

The Ring Road led us to the small, picturesque village of Vik. Along the way we visited countless gorgeous waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss, we were able to walk behind the waterfall. An incredible experience! Well worth the soaking from the spray. Sea arches, basalt columns, sea stacks, and sea caves sit amidst black sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a two-hour drive from Reykavik, is an area where few tourists travel. Hexagonal basalt columns, deep ravines, volcanic craters, cliffs, sea arches, and a miles-long beautiful white sand beach are overseen by a towering volcano topped with a massive glacier.

Puffins nesting in the rocks.

Next we flew to Eastern Iceland, and from there we travelled an hour to the tiny fishing village of Borgarfordour. We spent the next five days trekking in this rugged, pristine area through knee-deep snow, and across steep volcanic slopes with beautiful vistas of glacier-covered mountains. The hiking was strenuous and the wind biting, but the adventure was well worth the effort as we watched seals frolick in the aquamarine waters of a small bay and a herd of reindeer ford an ocean inlet. Hundreds of nesting puffins watched us from their perches on the volcanic rocks.

The local food of fish and lamb and hearty bread is delicious, to say nothing of the milk chocolate-covered liquorice treats I inhaled by the handful. The people are friendly and generous, and combined with out-of-this world scenery, Iceland is a must-see country.

One of the many waterfalls in Iceland.
An ancient traditional Icelandic house.
Hubby and I enjoying one of Iceland’s many waterfalls.
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Another 5 Star Review!

Thrilled to receive this awesome review.

“Devastated by the disappearance of her parents, Athena’s world is shattered when she learns the truth. Athena’s past continues to haunt her. She tried drowning herself in the bottle, but it soon became an addiction. Forced to seek treatment, she’s on leave from the law firm where she works. Her past doesn’t want to stay hidden, though, when she meets handsome Russell. The attraction is there but when they reveal their true identities to each other, Athena is thrown. Both thinking the other is responsible for their lot in life soon discover what they’d been told are twisted lies. Athena agrees to help Russ get to the bottom of her parents’ disappearance. Family secrets, missing money, and murder reveal a shocking discovery. Can Athena find the closure she needs, or will the truth put her in grave danger? After all the lies she’s been told, can she trust in the love Russ promises?

Twisted Lies is a riveting romantic suspense from start to finish. I connected with Athena and her current state of mind. Her battle with alcoholism is brilliantly described throughout the story as is her quest to find out what happened to her parents so long ago. C.B. Clark weaved the story expertly using descriptive narration, a full cast of characters, suspenseful subplot, a bit of romance, and more. Her ability to tease the reader with twists and turns is impressive. I was so invested in the story and the characters, I read it in two sittings. I stayed up way past my bedtime just to see what would happen next. If you love romantic suspense, you’ve got to read Twisted Lies. If you’re looking for a book you won’t be able to stop reading until the very end, pick up Twisted Lies. Canadian readers, you’ll love the setting of Twisted Lies. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5 stars”

Follow the link to see the full Post:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/twisted-lies-bookreview

Today is the day! Twisted Lies, my 7th romantic suspense, published by The Wild Rose Press, is out in the world. Yes! Pretty darn exciting.

Here’s the Blurb:

Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity.

Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.

Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love?

Check it out at:

https://books2read.com/u/3Lw8LX

So…let the celebrations begin.

Cover Reveal!

I’m so excited to share my newest cover for my seventh book, published by The Wild Rose Press, and soon to be released. I just love it! Thanks to Debbie Taylor for creating this stunning cover.

Blurb:

Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity.

Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.

Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love?

I’ll keep you posted on the release date.

Summer Fun Kindle Giveaway!

SummerFun2020

Hello, my Awesome Readers,

I know you like reading Romance, but are you up for a fun on-line game where you can find new romance reads by some awesome authors, AND have a chance to win great prizes?

The Night Owl Romance Summer Fun Romance Reader Scavenger Hunt event starts June 23 and runs until July 7. I’ve teamed up with Night Owl Romance and other romance authors to bring you the chance to win a Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, Redouble gift card, or Amazon.com gift card.

It’s EASY, FUN, and FREE to play. Enter the giveaway at:  https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Summer-Fun-2020-by-Night-Owl-Romance. Make sure to check out my novel, Healing Hearts, along the way.

Have fun and best of luck!

C.B. Clark

SummerFun2020

***This contest is open to the world. There are some alternative prizes for those outside the USA. Void where prohibited. Open to those 18 and over. ***

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Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia’s rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers.

Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property.

Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

 

 

Paradise Lost?

Healing Hearts, my latest release, a romantic suspense/western, is based on a real event. Five years ago the tailings pond of the Mount Polley copper mine in North Central British Columbia burst and spilled twenty-four million cubic meters (6,340,129,256.6 US gallons) of mine waste into nearby Hazeltine Creek, obliterating the narrow creek. This tidal wave of sludge and debris destroyed everything in its path and poured into pristine Quesnel Lake.

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Warning signs posted at the mouth of Hazeltine Creek.

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Mouth of Hazeltine Creek.

Quesnel Lake, at 600 meters (1969 feet), is the deepest glacial fjord lake in the world. The area is remote and stunningly beautiful. Trophy-size fish can be caught right from shore. The views of the snow-capped Cariboo Mountains and the lake’s many secluded bays and beaches make this area a treasure.

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Quesnel Lake on a rare calm day.

The government scientists tell us the water in the lake is okay for fish, birds, and humans, but when you see the horrendous destruction to the environment, there’s no question that this beautiful isolated lake has been changed forever. The mining company has made some environmental remediation, and the work is ongoing, but the damage is done.

In Healing Hearts, the hero is fighting a mining company that is determined to develop a copper mine on his ranch. This story, set in the beautiful and remote Chilcotin Plateau area of British Columbia, is close to my heart. My family and I have spent countless days camping in our truck and camper in this stunning wilderness region.

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Canoeing on Quesnel Lake.

 

 

Release Day!

My sixth Romantic Suspense/Western, published by The Wild Rose Press is out in the world today! Very exciting. Day 1 and Healing Hearts already has two 5 Star reviews. Can’t get better than that.

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Blurb:

Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia’s rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers.

Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property.

Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

Buy Links:

Nook (Barnes & Noble): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-hearts-c-b-clark/1136377247?ean=2940163089826

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Hearts-C-B-Clark-ebook/dp/B084FW1VTV/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=healing+Hearts+cb+clark&qid=1581114278&sr=8-1

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/healing-hearts/id1497767650

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/search?query=healing+hearts+cb+clark

Google Books: https://books.google.ca/books?id=htzWDwAAQBAJ&dq=Healing+Hearts+cb+clark&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrzsTIyaToAhUIvp4KHbJ4B2MQ6AEIKTAA

Also available at Walmart.com.

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The Chilcotin Plateau, British Columbia.

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Canoeing on Quesnel Lake.

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Chilcotin wild horses.

My Top Ten Reads

I’ve been a voracious reader my entire life. If forced to make a choice between watching television or reading a book, the decision is a no brainer. I go to bed early so I can read, and I get up an hour earlier in the morning to read. My taste runs across the spectrum, and I read mysteries, romances of all genres, Scifi, thrillers, literary fiction, and even a few westerns.

Choosing the top ten books I’ve ever read is a monumental task. I could easily come up with hundreds of great books. But forced to choose, here’s my top ten (in no particular order):

  1. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – Who can resist this sweeping saga of the fall of the American South in the Civil War. The sparks between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara are off the charts.

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  1. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel – This book explores the possibilities of contact between Neanderthal and Cro-magnon humans. I really enjoyed learning about herbal remedies, to say nothing of the hot romance between Ayla and Jondalar.

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  1. Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott –This popular young adult story follows the lives of the four March sisters as they struggle with the transition from childhood to becoming women. Loved it when I was a kid. Reread the book a few years ago, and I still loved it.

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  1. Not Without My Daughter By Betty Mahmoody –An autobiographical account of the author’s escape with her daughter from her abusive husband in Iran. A fascinating read, and with what’s happening in the world today, all the more relevant.

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  1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon –A terrific time travel romance. Claire Randall travels through ancient standing stones and is transported from 1943 Scotland to 1743 where she meets the oh-so-dashing highlander, Jamie Fraser. I couldn’t put the book down.

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6.  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. –The heroine, Katniss Everdeen, in this dystopian young adult novel, battles powerful forces, saves her sister, helps her community, and finds love. Non-stop action from beginning to end.

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  1. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque –A very moving story of a young German soldier’s trials fighting in trench warfare in World War 1. The story will stick with you long after you finish.

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  1. Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene –This series of children’s books is a bit dated, but as a child, I was enthralled with Nancy and her adventures. Who doesn’t love a good mystery?

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  1. The Da Vinci Code By Dan Brown – This exciting mystery thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. The historical details are fascinating, and the hero’s adventures riveting.

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  1. Anything by Sandra Brown –I love all of her stories. She’s a master of mixing romance with suspense. Always guaranteed a great read.

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Any books to add? I’d love to know. I’m always looking for another great book.

 

New Release!

I’m thrilled to announce that Healing Hearts, my sixth Romantic Suspense, published by The Wild Rose Press, will be released on March 23!

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Blurb:

Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia’s rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers.

Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property.

Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

Available for Preorder:

 

A Busy Month

Wow! November is shaping up to be a very busy month. My upcoming romantic suspense, Healing Hearts is at the copy editor and should be released in the New Year, and all the promotions are going on.

Looking for that perfect gift for the reader in your life? My book (as well as many other Wild Rose Press authors’ books) is featured in the N.N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Holiday Gift Guide. https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/holiday-gift-guide

Holiday GIft Guide 2019

I am also featured in this month’s issue of Uncaged Book Reviews magazine. You can read my interview, see my latest book cover, and read about Jazz, my German Short haired pointer, whom we recently lost. Rhttps://issuu.com/cyreneolson/docs/uncaged_book_reviews_nov2019

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Finally, The Wild Rose Press 2019 edition of the Holiday garden Gourmet cookbook is out. Follow the link below and get your free copy. My Sauerkraut-Rye Bread is a family tradition and delicious, especially toasted or served with a hearty bowl of soup. Find the recipe on page 34. /2019HolidayGourmet_w14464_digital.pdf

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