Sunday Salon: Whale Song reviews

I haven't finished either of the two thrillers I've started reading and I am heading into my busy season. I have a few events lined up for December and had some in November too; so if you're in the Edmonton, Alberta, please be sure to check them out on my website and come visit me at one of my book signings. All 3 of my novels will be available. :)

In lieu of writing a review myself, I thought I'd share some of the wonderful reviews I have received for the novel I call "my heart book". I wrote the original first edition of Whale Song back in 2003. It took me 3.5 months to write it and have 2 people edit it--all in 3.5 months. The story was in my head for 2 years before I wrote the first word. I unleashed a tidal wave of words...and emotion.

Here are some review blurbs for WHALE SONG, a moving and uplifting story of love, loss and hope--for all ages. Although this is not a thriller like my novels Divine Intervention and The River, Whale Song does have an element of mystery.

This novel is perfect for mothers, daughters, grandmothers, wives, girlfriends, sisters and best friends--and even my male readers have enjoyed it. Whale Song will make you remember what it was like to be young. :)

REVIEWS:

"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written a beautiful, haunting novel." -- NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

"Mystical and poignant...Reminiscent of youth's sweetness, Whale Song confronts the truth of that treasure's fragility, upon varying paths, with uncomplicated and graceful ease...'Bravo' to Cheryl Kaye Tardif for Whale Song." --J.M. Lavallee

"The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas...is called "The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks. "Whale Song" is not only that good... It just might be considered by some, better." -- Chase Von of The Student Operated Press

"It's completely heart wrenching...I seriously never wanted to put it down. Cheryl's use of words is amazing, like when she's talking about the killer whales or describing scenery. They just flow so easily across every page. My heart strings were being pulled the entire time and I absolutely loved it...I seriously recommend getting yourself a copy. You seriously won't be disappointed." --Breanna, a reviewer for teensreadtoo. com

"The story of Sarah Richardson is a journey of wonder, friendships, happiness, sadness, loss and love. It will keep you reading from cover to cover. Cheryl Tardif's writing is captivating and I look forward to reading more of her novels." --Karen Scott

"I had to wash my tear-streaked face after reading "Whale Song" by Canadian author, Cheryl Kaye Tardif...Her characters are so well described I feel I've met and know them all personally." --Claudette Binette

"Tardif again leaves a lasting mark on her readers...Moving and irresistible." --Midwest Book Review

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novel, Whale Song, would be a tough act to follow for any written genre." --Fresh Fiction

"Tardif, already a big hit in Canada...a name to reckon with south of the border." --BOOKLIST

*WHALE SONG is being read by many film producers, including some from HOLLYWOOD!

**Great Christmas gift! Order now, then email me through my website by December 10th, 2008, to request a FREE personalized, autographed bookplate, making your gift that much more special. :) I'll even throw in some free bookmarks!

Quick Amazon.com link:
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1601640072

Or buy from your favorite bookstore. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Whale Song - "mystical and poignant"

"Mystical and poignant...Reminiscent of youth's sweetness, Whale Song confronts the truth of that treasure's fragility, upon varying paths, with uncomplicated and graceful ease...'Bravo' to Cheryl Kaye Tardif for Whale Song."

--J.M. Lavallee

Reviewer compares Whale Song to The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

I was recently interviewed for The Student Operated Press by Chase Von, a two time war veteran, retired Marine and author. He then went on to read my novel Whale Song.

Chase posted an interesting review of Whale Song on Amazon.com, and compares my novel to The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller and also to The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.

"The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas...is called "The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks. "Whale Song" is not only that good... It just might be considered by some, better." -- Chase Von

You can read Chase's review on Amazon.com.

Please read the interview I did with Chase too.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,

http://www.cherylktardif.com/

My visit to a new Starbucks and to Rasoi on 50th - The Indian Kitchen

Today I had quite the little adventure. I set off to write at my normal haunt--a relatively new Starbucks by my house on 17th Street--but then suddenly decided to visit the brand new Starbucks on 50th Street.

When I first stepped inside, I was amazed by spacious atmosphere. This Starbucks has plenty of seating for two or four, and five plush red armchairs circling in front of a fireplace. Right away I checked out the power outlets (I always plug my laptop in) and saw at least 3 areas where I could sit and write. I've already made my claim on a very comfortable couch. :)

The assistant manager Kris used to work at the other Starbucks, so it was very nice to see a familiar face. For me, Starbucks doesn't just represent great coffee and a place to write, but a welcoming environment with people I can get to know. And both of my Starbucks have that. It's always nice to know I'm missed if I don't show up for a week or two. :)

Today I met the store manager and the district manager, and I am planning an exciting book signing for December. More on that later.

After a productive writing day, I decided to head a few stores over and visit a restaurant I've been meaning to check out--Rasoi on 50th - The Indian Kitchen. Ironically, I used to visit this location many days a week when it was a Cappuccino Affair. Yes, I love my specialty coffees! :) It was great to see what the new owners had done to the place. There's now an intimate setting on the upper floor for dining, soft lighting, great music, and a bar. It's tastefully decorated--part Indian, part modern.

During the week, Rasoi offers a lunch buffet. The food is not too spicy and very flavorful. I ordered an assortment of dishes so my family and I could try a few different things. Yummy Tikki (fried potato patties), Prawn Curry, Fish Masala, Samosas, a variation of fried and baked flatbreads, saffron rice...I think my favorite was the Butter Chicken. The owner, Neil Nayyar, was right; it's the best I've tasted! Neil and his lovely wife are perfect hosts, and they really like to make you feel at home.

Back when Rasoi was Cappuccino Affair, I had gotten to know that owner, Victor, and he allowed me to put up posters of my book covers in the washrooms. I even held my book launch for The River there, back in 2005. Today I was so stunned to find out that Neil had left my posters up in the washrooms. I think he was rather surprised to meet me. :) Rasoi on 50th will be participating in my special Starbucks event in December. Again, you have to wait to learn more.

For now, I highly recommend that if you're in the south Edmonton area, you must stop by the strip mall on 43rd Ave & 50th St. and visit the new Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato, then pop over to Rasoi on 50th - The Indian Kitchen for some awesome Indian cuisine.

Who knows? Maybe I'll see you there! :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
http://www.cherylktardif.com

Free sample of Cheryl Kaye Tardif's latest novelette

You can now read the entire novelette REMOTE CONTROL for free on Textnovel.com.

In this dark, suspenseful and somewhat comical look at one man's desires, Remote Control by bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif delivers a strong message: Be careful what you wish for!

Meet Harold Fielding--plumber by part of the day, slacker/tv addict the rest of the day and night. Harry believes that fame and fortune will come to him if he wishes hard enough. God forbid if he should actually work for it.

Beatrice Fielding is Harry's hardworking wife. She holds down multiple jobs so her husband can laze about on his recliner, eating popcorn and drinking cola while watching his favorite shows. She has many wishes--some aren't so nice.

I hope you'll check it out. If you sign up (FREE) on Textnovel.com you'll also be able to read my suspenseful and creepy short story OUIJA.

And please don't forget to vote by clicking on the "thumbs up" icon. I need all the votes I can get. :)

http://www.textnovel.com/stories_list_detail.php?story_id=309



Whale Song is "a journey of wonder...captivating..."

"The story of Sarah Richardson is a journey of wonder, friendships, happiness, sadness, loss and love. It will keep you reading from cover to cover. Cheryl Tardif's writing is captivating and I look forward to reading more of her novels."

--Karen Scott

Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif is interviewed by Chase Von from The Student Operated Press

My interview is now live on The Student Operated Press. Chase Von has dug up the dirt on me. :)

In this interview I talk about my life as a "military brat", how I researched the topics in my novels Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention, my past job as a background actor for two popular (but NLA) TV shows, my serialized novelette Remote Control on Textnovel.com, the novel Finding Bliss that I'm writing on my iPhone, and so much more.

You can read the interview at:

Chase Von and Canadian Sensation Cheryl Kaye Tardif!!!