tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82505754362867612252024-03-23T04:16:41.999-07:00 Cara Bertoia Hi, I have drawn from my years working in the casino industry to create a critically acclaimed fascinating thriller. The Desert Sun raves, "Cara Bertoia stacks the creative cards in our favor in Casino Queen a compelling mystery set in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. Crime-solving tales that revolve around strong female protagonists aren’t just a luck of a draw. They’re downright successful." Click on follow button to receive new updates to my blog. On mobile phone follow button on web version.
Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-28669708746815170182023-12-17T10:03:00.000-08:002023-12-22T15:23:22.555-08:00A Month of TikTok taught taught me the ten ways it spreads wild anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about the Israel-Hamas war <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW07r2p7R4WyMxMUnfqU5y4pwa43JDCJ2_ro2IF8N0v98nXH95U1Ad7rkHRJgxjpU3JY1RghYLywqjDMt2I8_ZVnuAjJ-Aci1rwD3ytRsQKfltLhGA-o5sMdtA6_udkYidh-_hDZm3aZw96TPh1zluSQFlIwCgkZquR3v2SGKTZZVOcL6Qh5omznPK4Q/s1024/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-12-17%20at%2012.34.14_53e35516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="650" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW07r2p7R4WyMxMUnfqU5y4pwa43JDCJ2_ro2IF8N0v98nXH95U1Ad7rkHRJgxjpU3JY1RghYLywqjDMt2I8_ZVnuAjJ-Aci1rwD3ytRsQKfltLhGA-o5sMdtA6_udkYidh-_hDZm3aZw96TPh1zluSQFlIwCgkZquR3v2SGKTZZVOcL6Qh5omznPK4Q/w226-h356/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-12-17%20at%2012.34.14_53e35516.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No calls for genocide here!</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been on TikTok for the last month trying to understand
how the social media site handles posts about the Israel-Hamas war. This came
about because after the war broke out my niece asked me to educate people on
the conflict. I usually post on TikTok, but I had a broken arm, so I decided
just to comment. War sucks, but I do admit to a bias, I think Hamas must be
destroyed along with all the terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the Middle
East. There are so many conflicts Yemen, 377,000 dead, Syria, 306,000 dead, and
Lebanon 150,000 dead, to name a few. Terrorists managed to gain control in Iran
and Afghanistan. Terrorist groups don’t try to protect civilians, their main
focus it to kill civilians and anyone who opposes them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have been to Israel four times and seen the transformation
of the country into a modern technological powerhouse. It is not perfect but
Jews, Druze, Christians and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bahia
manage to live together in peace. It is the only country in the Middle East which
allows religious freedom. I</span> am also a history major and spent a lot of
time learning about the region. If something caught my attention, I would
investigate further using credible sources. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am happy to share my top ten observations from the
thousands of posts I watched. The posts were from Israel, Europe, ex-military,
Iranians, Americans and anyone whose content I learned something from. If you
look through my reposts at @carabertoia you can see my best of collection.
There are some great contributors out there. I included links to many creators points
so you can also enjoy their work.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX1_7TTkm0IaIi-gsyQq8vtHPb_VCDrr2M2du16JwdlA6TxLgJ3QQsaVugPcxrp0oSE_PcOJ5HYsR1QEq1o3h8ERG3claJwGhu_vvv-tmdQQUdNkIQK6ouOFPEaILpzvvAcF8aNE_2FBOFTU-mG3DrSDJNyHGVrRIyluHsKElQrqO2GSTXJc8CtTdpJI/s1024/ERICA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX1_7TTkm0IaIi-gsyQq8vtHPb_VCDrr2M2du16JwdlA6TxLgJ3QQsaVugPcxrp0oSE_PcOJ5HYsR1QEq1o3h8ERG3claJwGhu_vvv-tmdQQUdNkIQK6ouOFPEaILpzvvAcF8aNE_2FBOFTU-mG3DrSDJNyHGVrRIyluHsKElQrqO2GSTXJc8CtTdpJI/s320/ERICA.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->From
the beginning of this war even before Israel invaded, I was curious at the lack
of pressure in TikTok videos calling on Hamas to return the hostages. If this
had happened to any other country, I think the calls would be loud and clear.
In fact, from the first day, they were calling the attacks resistance. Since
when is it permissible to classify terrible acts of atrocity resistance? If it
happened to their family, would they feel the same way? <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRMB76/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRMB76/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Very
few people on TikTok realize Gaza was under the control of Egypt not Israel in
1948, and wasn’t occupied by Israel. In 1967 they won Gaza in a war, and in
2005 they left, but in 2007 Gaza elected Hamas and started bombing Israel. If
Israel had been the occupiers there would have been no Hamas government, and
they would have known where the 300 miles of tunnels were. There was a naval
blockade to stop weapons from coming in, wouldn’t you do that to if people were
firing rockets at you. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8uBdpNu/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8uBdpNu/</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Many
people have heard about the Nakba, but few realize a million Jews were ethnically
cleansed from Arab countries in the Middle East after 1948 either by murder or
expulsion. They lost their homes of over 3000 years with no compensation. No
one has ever advocated for them, and they have no right of return. <br />
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRNrck/"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRNrck/</span></a><u><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #338fe9; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Somehow
people think there were no Jews in Israel before 1948 even though they wrote
the Old Testament in the land of Israel. Palestine is not the name of a people but
of a place where Jews, Christians, Druze, and Muslims lived. In the 19<sup>th</sup>
and 20<sup>th</sup> centuries Jews from Europe settled there but so did
Egyptians and Syrians. Like in most countries in the world there were
migrations of people across the region with all the tensions amongst groups
that entails. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mdCMKy/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mdCMKy/</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Most
people on TikTok seem to think an independent Gaza would be some kind of
Islamic paradise absolutely ignoring the brutality that already exists under
Sharia law there now. Female circumcisions is practiced there as well as honor
killing and child marriages. I’ve heard women in the United States say they want
to date Hamas members and be taken hostage by them. I hope they get to fulfill
their dreams. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8ushVF5/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8ushVF5/</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->One
of the main talking points is the children, don’t you care about the children.
But they only mean the Palestinian children, and when I ask if their prayers include
Israeli children they deflect. It is my litmus test. They never blame Hamas for
this war, the only ones who can actually save the children by returning the
hostages. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mdQ2Ws/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mdQ2Ws/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Most
people hear the word genocide shouted over and over by Palestinian supporters.
But most of these people don’t realize there is ethnic cleansing going on, but
it is by Arab countries. Besides the numbers of Jews going down to almost zero,
the Christian population have plummeted, the Yazidis, Baha’is in Iran, and
atheists. And talk about apartheid Jews can’t enter Gaza while there are two
million Muslims in Israel. They also talk about Israel being a colonial state
while they are sitting in America another colonial state. But I haven’t seen
any of them giving up their homes to Native Americans. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRNWxP/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRNWxP/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Western
organizations don’t realize it but by not condemning Hamas they are setting new
standards for warfare. Next time someone commits the atrocities like Hamas did
on October 7 and they claim to be a resistance group this will come back to
bite us! Muslim school children in France already beheaded a teacher. He showed
a cartoon of the Prophet Muhamad during a class on freedom of expression. If
Muslims object to that maybe France isn’t the country for them. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mdWjbB/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mdWjbB/</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
have many forums called TikTok live where people are supposed to be able to
discuss the war from opposing points of view. Mostly it is ill-informed people
spouting wild conspiracy theories that could be disproved with a three-minute
Google search. For example, some conspiracies about October 7<sup>th</sup>. It
never happened, there were no rapes or beheaded babies, no terrorism at all, or
the ever popular the IDF killed all the people. So, where did the hostages come
from? The hostages were treated so well hostages didn’t want to come home.
Really? Israel did it because they want the oil in Gaza. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRNjo8/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8mRNjo8/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Throughout
all of the news casts well-funded shadow groups keep appearing such as my
favorite Jewish Voices for Peace, an anti-Zionist, anti-Semitic group. They
would never get so much attention if they didn’t have the word Jewish in their
name. The condescending and insulting news media always trot them out to say,
not all Jews agree with Israel. I can’t find out how many Jewish members they
have, you don’t even have to be Jewish to start a chapter. But betraying your
people will get you so much more publicity. Where do they get their funding,
and why do they need millions for such a small organization? I bet some people
are making a great living out of trying to destroy Israel. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8ukoMA8/">https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8ukoMA8/</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve heard the debate, TikTok has removed so many Pro
Palestinian sites. Many of those sites openly call for genocide and spew hate
and conspiracy theories. But my experience has been quite the opposite. I’ve reported
vile anti-Semitic remarks worthy of a good Nazi and been told they don’t
violate community guidelines. So many time people on the site would say, not
all Palestinians support Hamas. I tried to repost some screen shots from a poll
sponsored by the Arab World for Research and Development that showed 80%
support for Hamas. It was taken down in five minutes for violating community
guidelines. I do believe TikTok is Pro Palestinian. They love anything that
will divide Americans. If you think the Chinese allow their citizens to post
such controversial views, you probably think there isn't Sharia law in Gaza.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For everyone who thinks it is about Israel and not Judaism
if you could read the vile comments, I received over the last month you would
know it is all about Jews! I can’t and won’t repeat most of them here but just
go to any pro-Israel site on TikTok and read the comments. It seems like many
of the accounts are bots with few followers, thousands of them. Who is paying
them? I used to think these people would be more civil in public but I don’t
believe that anymore. The more they say it is only about Zionism while being
anti-Semitic the more they convince me Jews need the country of Israel.
Sometimes I feel like I am a Jew in Germany in 1938 but now we are fighting
back, and most of the American people have our back. Remember the leader of
Hamas came out the other day and said there should be terrorist attacks in The
United States, Britain, and the rest of the west. They don’t want to just
destroy Israel they want to destroy our way of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b> Read the new short story from Cara Bertoia</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzRVB8dx48TXcwJ1Rapx8-ZidCVCMyNfzLPacAYaAh7sBxQqpicz6iiECE4B4U2iUccBAd0sSgbNIAqyZ-z8ukUNJgcnD06FHY7PNuGu1vXwje4Q7Bu9kWNdjm7iXTdomMJLRMuFME4jZxg0dldBLUo22MxZD3kVGyveZNgg9lyuCJoL7-DkUegMALGU/s1804/THE%20PERFECT%20BREAST.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzRVB8dx48TXcwJ1Rapx8-ZidCVCMyNfzLPacAYaAh7sBxQqpicz6iiECE4B4U2iUccBAd0sSgbNIAqyZ-z8ukUNJgcnD06FHY7PNuGu1vXwje4Q7Bu9kWNdjm7iXTdomMJLRMuFME4jZxg0dldBLUo22MxZD3kVGyveZNgg9lyuCJoL7-DkUegMALGU/s320/THE%20PERFECT%20BREAST.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A Short Story About Boobs!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Perfect Breasts </i>is a personal and raw short story about boobs, written to honor breast cancer awareness month. It is about the pivotal moments in Hannah Clein’s life. The moments that change everything. All proceeds from every page read on Kindle Unlimited to every book bought will be donated to cancer research. Thank you for your help.</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hannah Clein will always remember the day she went to a department store with her mother to buy her first bra as her last best day, “B.C.” before the cancer. She considered herself an ordinary child</span><span style="color: #0f1111;"> who loved challah bread, reading, and her family – often in that order.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>With a normal life in the rear-view mirror, we follow Hannah over three decades, as she navigates the tricky transition from girlhood to womanhood. All her life, she just wants to belong. <i>Be normal.</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>In a tale that explores a women’s complicated relationships with her body, and the love of her life, we learn the psyche is a funny thing. What are the <i>perfect breasts</i>? And how does the loss of a loved one affect those left behind?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>The <i>Perfect Breasts</i> mixes family lore with imagination in a compelling tale of loss, longing, and love.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><b><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Early Editorial Reviews:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.12px; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The Perfect Breasts</span></i></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> is a book that should be required reading for every woman because it does not soft-soap the emotional effect of a life-threatening disease and forces readers to face a hard truth: The ultimate symbol of femininity and womanhood can either be a source of great strength and pride or when lost, a weapon to destroy one’s faith in life and one’s self. — Susie Black author <i>of The Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The <i>Perfect Breasts</i> is a heartfelt story about breast cancer and how it affects <i>all</i> of our lives. Because, yes, almost everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Cara Bertoia handles the issue with sensitivity and compassion. She takes us on Hannah's journey. leaving us with hope and a promise for a good future. This is a story which should be read by everyone. — Janie Emaus author of <i>Latkes for Santa Claus</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Links to the Perfect Breasts on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited: </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><a name="_Hlk145328821"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGMTYBFD?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145328821;">The Perfect Breasts Amazon</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145328821;"><u><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-perfect-breasts-by-cara-bertoia">The Perfect Breasts by Cara Bertoia - BookBub</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145328821;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197894911-the-perfect-breasts?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=wScWD8IFtM&rank=1">The Perfect Breasts by Cara Bertoia | Goodreads</a></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-58642571922320953662023-09-29T10:30:00.001-07:002023-09-29T10:34:25.877-07:00The Perfect Breasts a short story about Boobs! All profits donated to cancer research!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzRVB8dx48TXcwJ1Rapx8-ZidCVCMyNfzLPacAYaAh7sBxQqpicz6iiECE4B4U2iUccBAd0sSgbNIAqyZ-z8ukUNJgcnD06FHY7PNuGu1vXwje4Q7Bu9kWNdjm7iXTdomMJLRMuFME4jZxg0dldBLUo22MxZD3kVGyveZNgg9lyuCJoL7-DkUegMALGU/s1804/THE%20PERFECT%20BREAST.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzRVB8dx48TXcwJ1Rapx8-ZidCVCMyNfzLPacAYaAh7sBxQqpicz6iiECE4B4U2iUccBAd0sSgbNIAqyZ-z8ukUNJgcnD06FHY7PNuGu1vXwje4Q7Bu9kWNdjm7iXTdomMJLRMuFME4jZxg0dldBLUo22MxZD3kVGyveZNgg9lyuCJoL7-DkUegMALGU/s320/THE%20PERFECT%20BREAST.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A Short Story About Boobs!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Perfect Breasts </i>is a personal and raw short story
about boobs, written to honor breast cancer awareness month. It is about the
pivotal moments in Hannah Clein’s life. The moments that change everything. All
proceeds from every page read on Kindle Unlimited to every book bought will be
donated to cancer research. Thank you for your help.</b></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hannah Clein will always remember the
day she went to a department store with her mother to buy her first bra as her last
best day, “B.C.” before the cancer. She considered herself an ordinary child</span><span style="color: #0f1111;"> who loved challah bread, reading, and her family – often
in that order.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>With a normal life in the rear-view
mirror, we follow Hannah over three decades, as she navigates the tricky
transition from girlhood to womanhood. All her life, she just wants to belong. <i>Be
normal. </i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>In a tale that explores a women’s
complicated relationships with her body, and the love of her life, we learn the
psyche is a funny thing. What are the <i>perfect breasts</i>? And how does
the loss of a loved one affect those left behind?</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>The <i>Perfect Breasts</i> mixes
family lore with imagination in a compelling tale of loss, longing, and love.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 8pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><b><span style="color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Early Editorial Reviews:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The Perfect
Breasts</span></i></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> is a book that should be required reading for
every woman because it does not soft-soap the emotional effect of a
life-threatening disease and forces readers to face a hard truth: The ultimate
symbol of femininity and womanhood can either be a source of great strength and
pride or when lost, a weapon to destroy one’s faith in life and one’s self. —
Susie Black author <i>of The Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The <i>Perfect Breasts</i> is a heartfelt story
about breast cancer and how it affects <i>all</i> of our lives.
Because, yes, almost everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast
cancer. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">In this story we follow, Hannah, a Jewish girl
through three decades, from the death of her beloved mother from breast cancer
to becoming a self-sufficient woman. Cancer itself becomes a character
burrowing into Hannah’s psyche. Knowing oneself is difficult enough, but with
this added fear, Hannah struggles to find happiness. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Cara Bertoia handles the issue with sensitivity and
compassion. She takes us on Hannah's journey. leaving us with hope and a
promise for a good future. This is a story which should be read by
everyone. — Janie Emaus author of <i>Latkes for Santa Claus</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><i><br /></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DeGCw-eQhxf6htUgz5Z-_unma255PMYfq3O-oBPzXaRG3sBDbRRREdbItGm3JytSdGUUbIXYs7HrEH0mThLpHQSUwgnwhQ-GGoo8_iWzOtqn4TwoAyXhOpS3cPuXIdnu-0hXsd96Xj0O7ciuuapvDgtV1A-N13KXfhmmVhkkZV9fg70lUEzFx-i3E_w/s632/caol%20and%20flowers%20squat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="632" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DeGCw-eQhxf6htUgz5Z-_unma255PMYfq3O-oBPzXaRG3sBDbRRREdbItGm3JytSdGUUbIXYs7HrEH0mThLpHQSUwgnwhQ-GGoo8_iWzOtqn4TwoAyXhOpS3cPuXIdnu-0hXsd96Xj0O7ciuuapvDgtV1A-N13KXfhmmVhkkZV9fg70lUEzFx-i3E_w/s320/caol%20and%20flowers%20squat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The six pivotal moments from my life Cara Bertoia</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><i><br /></i></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>These are the Six Pivotal Moments of My Life from Cara Bertoia. What are the pivotal moments of yours? Everyone has those moments although we might not realize it at the time only years later.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>I had documented six moments in Hannah’s life. But then I
began to wonder how could I distill my life into six moments? The thing
about pivotal moments is that you only realize they were pivotal looking in the
rear-view mirror. Some are good and some are bad, but it is those moments that
make a life. What were the pivotal moments of your life? </b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 1. </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
first disappointment in my life came at nine years old. My family moved from my
beloved Charleston, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina, only a
four-hour drive but a world apart. Charleston was a walkable city filled with
antebellum mansions, and beaches galore. And Charlotte a suburban ghost town
where you never saw a human walking.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 2. </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In
my senior year in college my boyfriend decided he didn’t want to get married.
Not sure what to do next I decided to spend my last semester at the University
of the Americas in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puebla, Mexico. I
loved it there. When I got home he proposed, but I decided I didn’t want to be
married. I wanted someone to want me when I was there not
because I went away.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 3. </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
first year after college I was teaching school and living in Charlotte. Then
one day my father dropped dead from a heart attack while playing tennis. My
heart broke because he was the parent that I felt the closest to. I joined the
sad club that day, but it cut the ties that tethered me to Charlotte.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 4. </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->On
a summer break from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teaching, I traveled
to Lake Tahoe to work as a blackjack dealer. I fell in love with the place, a
crystal-clear blue lake surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range. I never
returned to teaching and spent the next three years dealing at Caesars Tahoe.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5. </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Eventually
I moved back east to Boston and took a job in hi-tech. A friend from Tahoe
passed through town on her way to New Zealand to work for Princess Cruises. An
adventure down under sounded like more fun than my job, so I applied to the
cruise ships and got a job traveling the world.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 6. </span></span></span>I
had lived on cruise ships for five years when I decided I needed to leave and
go back to living in the real world. I had been getting a bit anxious about my
future. Three months before the end of my contract my Prince Charming appeared.
We both worked on the Star Princess. When I left Ray jumped ship to leave with
me. We married a week later. I discovered that although I had sucked at dating,
I was great at marriage. We took jobs at an Indian Casino in Palm Springs,
California. It turned out to be the best job of our lives. </b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Links to the Perfect Breasts on Amazon Kindle and Kindle
Unlimited: </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><a name="_Hlk145328821"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGMTYBFD?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145328821;">The Perfect Breasts Amazon</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145328821;"><u><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145328821;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-perfect-breasts-by-cara-bertoia">The
Perfect Breasts by Cara Bertoia - BookBub</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197894911-the-perfect-breasts?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=wScWD8IFtM&rank=1">The
Perfect Breasts by Cara Bertoia | Goodreads</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I love interacting with readers. If your book club is interested in reading Casino Queen just email me at carabertoia@yahoo.com. I will provide your group with questions, and I will appear on Facetime, Zoom or WhatsApp to talk at your meeting. I will also answer any questions you have about casinos and gambling. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <em>The Big Thrill </em>and <em>Women Writers Women's Books</em> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</strong><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</strong></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b> </b></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</b></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><a href="https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/books/2023/02/12/former-palm-springs-native-cara-bertoia-talks-new-book-casino-queen/69886521007/"><b>Desert
Sun article Casino Queen</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #303030; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>An excerpt from the article:<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #303030; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Cara Bertoia stacks the creative cards in our favor in <i>Casino Queen</i>
(The Wild Rose Press), a compelling mystery set in Palm Springs and Joshua
Tree.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.5pt; margin: 10.5pt 0in;"><span style="color: #303030; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Bertoia lived in
the Coachella Valley for nearly 22 years. In fact, she and her husband, Ray,
were casino employees and long-time residents in Chino Canyon before moving to
Florida several years ago. <i>Casino Queen</i> arrives at the perfect time when
crime-solving tales that revolve around strong female protagonists aren’t just
a luck of a draw. They’re downright successful. (See TV’s "Equalizer"
and "Poker Face" for samplers.)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #303030; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>To that end, <i>Casino Queen</i> has
the makings of a streaming series.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</b></a></p></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">About The Author:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>When I was a child, I grew up in a very crowded house in
suburbia. I have three sisters. The way I would escape all the mayhem was by
reading. From the time I could read I became a voracious reader. By the age of
eight I was reading my parents’ novels, whatever books I could find. I wanted
to move to a big city like the ones in their novels. At night instead of
counting sheep I would tell myself Cinderella type stories where I lived in a
fabulous apartment and got to be the heroine.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>After college I moved to a big city, Boston. My first real
writing class was when I worked in high-tech in Boston. I took a class at
Harvard Extension, and the professor read my story aloud to the group. He asked
me to read it, but I was too self-conscious, because it was the first story I
had ever written. From that day on I was hooked. I had finally earned my place
in the big city. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-60519503617397345422023-03-29T11:47:00.001-07:002023-09-12T08:53:33.899-07:00Do You Know the Way to the Camino de Santiago?<p><b> By Cara Bertoia</b></p><p><b>Last night my husband and I watched a movie we made when we walked the Camino de Santiago. It is an informative movie, not a religious one. You follow us as we walk across Spain, interview fellow travelers along the way, and document the journey each day. You will see the cities and countryside we pass through which will give a prospective Pilgrim an idea of the terrain they will encounter. We also offer travel tips. We didn't have a camera crew it is just us documenting our journey so it is raw footage but I think anyone who is curious about the Camino will learn from watching it. The best part is the movie is free, we have uploaded it to YouTube. You will find the link at the end of this article. </b></p><b>The Camino De Santiago has attracted pilgrims for more than a thousand years. The path across Northern Spain leads to the tomb of St. James in Santiago, a beautiful walled city. After the death of Jesus, St. James one of Jesus's disciples traveled to Spain to convert the populace to Christianity. In medieval times so many Pilgrims were said to be cured by walking to Santiago that it became the most popular of the three major pilgrimage sites, including Rome and Jerusalem. As recently as 2022, over 400,000 people walked the Camino, some in search of a cure, but the majority for the love of walking.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2022 was a special year, a Holy Year. Santiago de Compostela celebrates a holy year whenever July 25th, the day of Saint James falls on a Sunday. Although it is a Christian pilgrimage it can be enjoined by anyone because most of the walkers aren't walking for religious reasons. Many historical sites in Spain represent three religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Since all three groups have a long history of living in Spain. <br /><br />Never having walked more than five miles in a day, I was surprised when my husband asked if I would walk the Camino, to hear myself say "sure," and committing myself to walk 500 miles. This was to be truly the hardest and yet most rewarding experience of my life because it taught me anything is possible if you have the right attitude and good health. Having immersed myself in historical novels when I was young, following this path by foot was truly like stepping back in time. More importantly, it gave me confidence about what I can accomplish in the future.</b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj83WhPiJVo5zgqbZgpKMIkL9TNN0kGxYLiIi5XPl4JGrTYJCgLn6-TBDAcYPn7ryDwDX9s0INUTjQwk7gNICtQyagwM6bAXIq1hBwOAurYlxaXFQOV6v7kMJrAONE8rYt09un4_JhgrA/s1600/after+a+hard+climb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj83WhPiJVo5zgqbZgpKMIkL9TNN0kGxYLiIi5XPl4JGrTYJCgLn6-TBDAcYPn7ryDwDX9s0INUTjQwk7gNICtQyagwM6bAXIq1hBwOAurYlxaXFQOV6v7kMJrAONE8rYt09un4_JhgrA/s320/after+a+hard+climb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><b>Ray gets a well deserved rest after a long climb!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b> <br />To begin our journey, my husband and I flew to Madrid, and then took a bus to Roncesvalles, a picturesque mountain village on the French border. This is the official beginning of the Camino in Spain. At the monastery there, we received the Camino Passport, which is stamped by hotels and churches all along the way. Pilgrims must present their stamped passports in Santiago to receive The Certificate de Compostela proving that they walked the Camino.<br /><br />The Camino walk is not a tour. Pilgrims arrive independently and walk in small groups or on their own. The Spanish government, which helped revive the Camino in the '80s, provides a series of Refugio's - hotels along the way, as well. The Refugio's, or hostels, are strictly first come, first-served - and unisex, a new experience for most Americans, but quite common to Europeans. If a dormitory is not your style, a charming hotel room with all the amenities was less than $100 a day.<br /><br />The Camino is designed to pass along medieval paths and roads and to bypass major roads and highways, so most of the day is spent walking through beautiful woods and fields. One passes through three or four villages a day that look as they did in the tenth century. There are also major cities such as Pamplona on the route, which are great places to take rest days.<br /><br />The most amazing aspect about walking the Camino was in meeting people along the way. Most were from Europe, Australia, and Brazil. Although our Spanish was rudimentary, we had no problems communicating. While over 50 percent of the walkers were between ages 30 to 60, many were over 60. The numbers of women, many of whom walked alone, reinforced what I felt about attitude. Most were world travelers with interesting careers. To the Europeans, walking is no big deal; it's an intrinsic part of their lives. And walking the Camino is very safe, partly because the Spanish people believe it is good luck to befriend a pilgrim. We are still in touch with friends we made on this Journey.<br /><br />An average day on the Camino would see us waking up early, packing our backpacks, putting on our hiking boots, picking up our walking sticks, and being on our way. After walking for a few hours, we'd stop for thick Spanish hot chocolate and a pastry. Later we would lunch on fresh bread and ham to fortify us for the next five miles. We would reach our destination around 4 p.m., having walked between 10 and 15 miles, check into a hotel, and then soak in a tub. Around 8 p.m., the restaurants would open and we would enjoy a typical pilgrim's meal, consisting of three courses and a bottle of wine - all for a special price. After a long day's walk, nothing could have been better. And it was great not to hear the word "diet" for six weeks!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Here is the link to watch:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nywdyoe0veg&feature=youtu.be">Camino Santiago Movie</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <em>The Big Thrill </em>and <em>Women Writers Women's Books</em> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</strong><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</strong></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b> </b></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</b></span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</b></a></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b>Cara Bertoia's first book is Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Her</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!"</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b> </b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m7RhVvt-t1Px_sEAZuzT1LYs4i0BdjAsSyH_xZD2ngnMNS6gXEBSpZfmNFH5dYD5mgTsDFx1xpGNYJPKFQfBRhWOHpvsn8SZN-aHJWvn2ku93Xi6XjvkPkDhOZGMK2prTAeL_SsdgZkb9e-UR_VFCCFhcyaAWRS8vdW6-xIbyS3nHVpiaH3fLUSI/s663/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m7RhVvt-t1Px_sEAZuzT1LYs4i0BdjAsSyH_xZD2ngnMNS6gXEBSpZfmNFH5dYD5mgTsDFx1xpGNYJPKFQfBRhWOHpvsn8SZN-aHJWvn2ku93Xi6XjvkPkDhOZGMK2prTAeL_SsdgZkb9e-UR_VFCCFhcyaAWRS8vdW6-xIbyS3nHVpiaH3fLUSI/s320/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" width="244" /></b></a></div><b><br /><br />Below is the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships to buy at Amazon or read as a part of Kindle Unlimited. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Quarters-Novel-About-Casinos-ebook/dp/B004NIFUUU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cruise+quarters+novel&qid=1662908992&sr=8-1" target="">Cruise Quarters Amazon</a></b></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-23304403819512103852023-03-03T14:21:00.000-08:002023-03-03T14:21:05.985-08:00BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE CASINO INDUSTRY: WRITING CASINO QUEEN<p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50HkmHVqXDksLLfBaH6NfleZlT3mPfBdmg7j8sygtqaXgmFV8Ewz6KHYsTT1TqF44C96IIX0U4f9Huv4YJ5Fj9I7WPZYt2viMsNoizE4lP_6xUjJrltr8ufFIY5DXjLiZx37QOlm7EwLHR9pXG0-1AL95qImVV4UNcwrnaH3yCuXForhEztpdxp5G/s511/carol%20and%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50HkmHVqXDksLLfBaH6NfleZlT3mPfBdmg7j8sygtqaXgmFV8Ewz6KHYsTT1TqF44C96IIX0U4f9Huv4YJ5Fj9I7WPZYt2viMsNoizE4lP_6xUjJrltr8ufFIY5DXjLiZx37QOlm7EwLHR9pXG0-1AL95qImVV4UNcwrnaH3yCuXForhEztpdxp5G/s320/carol%20and%20flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in my beautiful garden in Palms Springs!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><p></p><p><b><span style="color: black;">A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by The Desert
Sun. The main theme of their interview and all the articles that have been
written about Casino Queen is that this is a story about a strong woman. Here
is an excerpt from their review, </span><span style="background: white; color: #303030;">“Casino Queen” arrives at the perfect time when crime-solving
tales that revolve around strong female protagonists aren’t just a luck of a
draw. They’re downright successful. (See TV’s "Equalizer" and
"Poker Face" for samplers.)</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #303030;"><b>Booksbywomen.org is the
online magazine for the Facebook group, Women Writers, Women’s Books. It’s
creator Barbara Bos wanted to have a supportive place for women to talk about books
and the writing process. I wrote an article for them in which I explained the
inspiration for my novel. With their permission I am reprinting it here at my
blog. Hope you enjoy it. If you like to write or you like to read be sure to
check them out. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p><b><span style="background: white; color: #303030;">WOMEN WRITERS, WOMEN’S BOOKS</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b><u1:p></u1:p>I worked in the casino industry for
a long time. As a child watching Ocean’s Eleven, casinos seemed so grown up and
glamourous. They were open 24 hours, which made them so alive. On a summer
hiatus from teaching school, I drove to Lake Tahoe Nevada and quit my job. I
never felt lonely working in the casino. I later worked for Princess Cruises
traveling the world as a croupier. I met my Scottish husband on the Star
Princess, and when we left ships, we moved to Palm Springs where Native
American casinos had just opened. Since we were experienced dealers with
connections, <i>juice, </i>we were hired the first day we arrived in
town. It was boom time in America, the economy in overdrive, it seemed like the
party would last forever.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>We were in good company, at the same time
thousands of people from all over the world had the same idea and were flocking
to the desert to find work. Some of those people had escaped from some of the
most oppressive regimes on the planet. Compared to that, handling an unruly
gambler probably seemed like a piece of cake. What I admired about my
co-workers is that most of them arrived in the United States penniless and
worked hard to make their American dream come true. A casino is a
multi-cultural environment where every day I learned a lesson about their
culture and their stories. I found myself in awe of their resilience. Whether
they came from Afghanistan or Communist China, everyone quickly adjusted to
life in America. They just got on with it, they didn’t have time for
self-pity. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The characters in my book were familiar to me
from my two decades working in the casino industry. Fortunately, my boss was
the most charismatic tribal chairman in America. I really loved my employers
and my job. People always asked me, “What’s a nice girl like you doing working
in a place like this?” Now I can honestly say, “Research.” Through the years I
took writing classes to hone my craft. The characters in my head just kept
letting me know how they wanted their story told. All the pieces of the story
came together in an organic way to capture that special time and place when
gaming arrived in Southern California. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>I wanted to tell the story of a strong but
relatable woman, because I worked with so many smart independent women. When my
main character Caroline Popov loses everything Tribal Chairman John Tovar
throws her a lifeline. The other reason I wrote Casino Queen was to give the
readers an insider’s look of what really goes on behind the scenes in the
gambling industry. I know that I like to learn something when I read a novel,
and from the reviews, I know that my readers really love that aspect of the
book. I want them to step into Caroline’s shoes and feel like they have a
connection with the Shotowa tribe. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>I found the perfect backdrop for Casino Queen in
the High Desert of Southern California. A refuge for artists, ex-Marines and
desert rats. The brilliant blue sky framed the chocolate mountains in the
distance. The rocks at Joshua Tree National Park looked like giant Jenga pieces
precariously balanced, ready to fall. Located about an hour from Palm Springs,
we loved hiking in the park, an isolated place near the largest Marine base in
the world. The Night Hawk casino near that base became the setting for my
novel. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Writing a thriller, is like designing a jigsaw
puzzle where every piece has to fit, but it can’t be too obvious. The most
challenging scene I wrote was the climax of the book. You know the place in the
thriller where the crime and the villain are revealed and the protagonist lays
her life on the line. For me it was important to write a realistic novel, one
that could actually happen. I also had to tie up all the plot points. But most
importantly I wanted the ending to be a surprise and you can tell me if I
succeeded once you read Casino Queen. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What you don’t know reading my novel is that the
series was inspired by actual incidents so coincidental that if you put them in
a novel, they would sound like a contrivance. We arrived in Palm Springs and
got married three weeks later. My husband’s roommate from the cruise ships was
the best man at our wedding. Dave, left his job at our casino and moved to
Albuquerque to take a job as a shift manager there. Working there he met Julian
and encouraged him to move to Palm Springs for greater opportunities. Even
though they switched places they couldn’t avoid their fate. They were both
murdered under mysterious circumstances. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The casino industry has been good to me, but I
always witnessed corruption just perfect for a thriller. Schemers and thieves
operated on both sides of the tables. Millions of dollars passed through the
casino every week, casino fleas operated their personal side businesses on the
gaming floor, and you never knew who might walk through the door itching for a
fight. My hope is that after reading Casino Queen you will walk into a casino
more aware of what goes on behind the scenes.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><b>Here is the link to the original article in Women Writers, Women's Book</b>s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://booksbywomen.org/behind-the-scenes-of-the-gambling-industry-writing-casino-queen/">Behind the Scenes of the Casino Industry</a><br /></span></p><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I love interacting with readers. If your book club is interested in reading Casino Queen just email me at carabertoia@yahoo.com. I will provide your group with questions, and I will appear on Facetime, Zoom or WhatsApp to talk at your meeting. I will also answer any questions you have about casinos and gambling. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <em>The Big Thrill </em>and <em>Women Writers Women's Books</em> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</strong><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</strong></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b> </b></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</b></span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</b></a></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b>Cara Bertoia's first book is Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Her</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!"</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b> </b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m7RhVvt-t1Px_sEAZuzT1LYs4i0BdjAsSyH_xZD2ngnMNS6gXEBSpZfmNFH5dYD5mgTsDFx1xpGNYJPKFQfBRhWOHpvsn8SZN-aHJWvn2ku93Xi6XjvkPkDhOZGMK2prTAeL_SsdgZkb9e-UR_VFCCFhcyaAWRS8vdW6-xIbyS3nHVpiaH3fLUSI/s663/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m7RhVvt-t1Px_sEAZuzT1LYs4i0BdjAsSyH_xZD2ngnMNS6gXEBSpZfmNFH5dYD5mgTsDFx1xpGNYJPKFQfBRhWOHpvsn8SZN-aHJWvn2ku93Xi6XjvkPkDhOZGMK2prTAeL_SsdgZkb9e-UR_VFCCFhcyaAWRS8vdW6-xIbyS3nHVpiaH3fLUSI/s320/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" width="244" /></b></a></div><b><br /><br />Below is the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships to buy at Amazon or read as a part of Kindle Unlimited. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Quarters-Novel-About-Casinos-ebook/dp/B004NIFUUU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cruise+quarters+novel&qid=1662908992&sr=8-1" target="">Cruise Quarters Amazon</a></b></div></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-51547254551919296002023-02-09T05:00:00.061-08:002023-09-12T08:56:22.670-07:00To Win at Romance You Need a Basic Strategy of Love -- Cruise Quarters on sale for $.99 at Amazon and on KU<p> </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IAvB0UHIUXZqnxsRz1D9PnedzFoZYc70HuGdYfoZy6Zpr5rq5r3yUtyFghaG-OjpGYjgmTrLXp8-lWuccJQLVYVep4RQgly3OMLDEa5o-YkzVV7TxIS9dRZez4RSJF5j-l64y9i4rek/s1600/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IAvB0UHIUXZqnxsRz1D9PnedzFoZYc70HuGdYfoZy6Zpr5rq5r3yUtyFghaG-OjpGYjgmTrLXp8-lWuccJQLVYVep4RQgly3OMLDEa5o-YkzVV7TxIS9dRZez4RSJF5j-l64y9i4rek/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><b>RAY AND I ENJOYING A DAY OFF IN THE CARIBBEAN</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>I love reality
shows like <i>90 Day Fiancé, Love Is Blind</i> and my all-time favorite, <i>Married
at First Sight.</i> I will watch anything if the goal of the show is a good
relationship, love or marriage. I call myself The Hopeful Romantic, because I met Ray and married him four months later. We could have qualified for<i>
90 Day Fiancé</i> because he was from Scotland. So, I hold these shows close to
my heart. <a name="_Hlk126313007"><o:p></o:p></a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="text-indent: 0in;">On </span><i style="text-indent: 0in;">Married at Frist Sight</i><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> couples meet at the altar. They have
never seen their person before and don’t know anything about them except for
the fact that they have been matched by experts. If one of the partners doesn’t
like the looks of the other one there is almost no chance that the marriage
will survive. Chemistry can make or break the relationship. In Nashville when
Gina told Clint that she didn’t like gingers my heart broke for him. I thought
he was really cute. Then the next day he said she wasn't as slender as the girls he usually dated. I see divorce in their future. The dynamics of how couples do or don’t make things
work fascinates me. Especially if I can watch their stories safely from the
comfort of my living room.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>The show brings back that terrifying time after college when life was
full of possibilities and fraught with loose connections. I dated guys when I
didn't know if they were my boyfriend or not, but I was too afraid to ask. I
also dated guys who I promptly dumped because they were too nice. Sometimes a
bad haircut was all it would take and once a guy got dumped for bringing me a
single rose, a very nice gesture. I would have happily signed up for the
show because my picker was definitely broken. The experts had to do a better
job than me.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>In my twenties I was teaching high school and though I loved my
students, why wouldn't I, we were about the same age! But the thought of
staying in my hometown and teaching for the next forty years filled me with
torschlusskpanik, the German word for the fear of missing the boat. I left for
California, got a job dealing in a casino and never looked back. My job was
sorted out but I still kept dating the bad boy, the elusive, uncommitted one I
was going to make fall in love with me.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="text-indent: 0in;">It took me a long time to sort myself out get married and live happily
ever after, but I finally met my Mr. Right, while working on a cruise ship. We
decided to tell our story in </span><i style="text-indent: 0in;">Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos
and Cruise Ships. </i><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Stand behind a blackjack table for years, deal to
thousands of couples and you learn a thing or two about people. Gamblers know
that to win at blackjack you have to play basic strategy. In our novel Sarah
(my alter-ego) learns from her past mistakes to write her own basic strategy of
love. Maybe hers can help you take some shortcuts, but probably not, we
all have to suffer our own heart breaks. Everyone needs to throw away
the self-help book they are reading and write their own.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>Below is Sarah's, if you come up with a new strategy leave a
comment here or e-mail me at carabertoia@yahoo.com. I have put Cruise
Quarters on sale for $.99 this week (Feb 10 to 17) to celebrate Valentine’s Day.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">SARAH SELDON’S BASIC STRATEGY OF LOVE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">1. It’s a sure bet that if someone doesn’t introduce you to his family,
he thinks there is something wrong with you -- or his family.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">2. It is a mistake to fall for a strong silent type; you will get tired
of doing all the talking, and he will get tired of doing all the listening.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">3. Don’t fall in love with someone who is a challenge; if you want a
challenge, go climb Mt. Everest.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">4. It is not important that you share all the same interests, only that
you are both open to new and different things.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">5. Some people think a relationship has to include drama; without drama
it can’t be love. Drama is just drama, not love. If you want drama, go see a
play.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">6. The first time someone cheats is never the last time someone cheats;
it is just the first time someone cheats.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">7. Never get involved with someone who blames all his problems on
others; you will soon be one of the others.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> 8</o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">. If there is something wrong in a relationship, you know it. He stops
looking you in the eye, he doesn’t call every day. People always have a tell.
They always leave a clue, you just have to look for it.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;"><b>9. In love as in cards, it's hard to walk away from a winning streak, even harder to leave the table when you're on a losing one. Always know when to give up the dream and walk away.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">10. The golden rule of love is this: always be with someone who likes
you just the way you are, quirks and all. Always love someone just the way they
are. You can change sheets, not people.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of <i>Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships</i>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!" She would be happy to do an online chat with any book club reading her novels. Contact her at carabertoia@yahoo.com</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28Z8tmHnPP5t7uLhEr1F63csHy_iaYCI5KBkqPwBzp7XyRLI-YTljkIl-HlipybFBFfstDhSNpGTWL-cakZ_nCV_4IqOHu1F9cY1GpzAJU-kFPWiERhSfnPVOtFr89fGwcsx-t2fFr4vnluxh36nfNi6kUJ3Q8h9-sQ6QdellNCSLu6xX7NSa3svn/s663/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28Z8tmHnPP5t7uLhEr1F63csHy_iaYCI5KBkqPwBzp7XyRLI-YTljkIl-HlipybFBFfstDhSNpGTWL-cakZ_nCV_4IqOHu1F9cY1GpzAJU-kFPWiERhSfnPVOtFr89fGwcsx-t2fFr4vnluxh36nfNi6kUJ3Q8h9-sQ6QdellNCSLu6xX7NSa3svn/s320/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" width="244" /></a><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">C<b>ara Bertoia is the author of </b></span><b><i style="text-align: left;">Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships</i><span style="text-align: left;">. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;">Her</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; text-align: left;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!"She would be happy to do an online chat with any book club reading her novels. Contact her at carabertoia@yahoo.com</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Below is the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships</b><br /></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click here to find at Amazon Canada</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a><br /><b>Her second novel, Casino Queen is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry, although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>"Glitter, grifters and greed collide with high stakes mystery and suspense in Casino Queen. With her in-depth knowledge of the casino world, Cara Bertoia takes readers on a wild ride through the High Desert that leaves you hungry for more." - Rob Samborn, author The Prisoner of Paradise</b></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® </span></a></p></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">.</p><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
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<![endif]-->Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-17930453542786305572023-01-22T07:57:00.004-08:002023-09-12T08:57:25.737-07:00What Not To Do If Your Cruise Ship Is Sinking<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlubRseJzzzy940S6_GyYcDfr71EuudN7op8qe9WqcB-892Lzo6ToXUto1hyhsNWZxIc99q2HLqsWlu2aDHxXLGrDiiUdvIHF7Lu5eAAQIv65vGGuOJo2TjLmfLSYdcxMA9e9qDZZWFRU/s1600/RAY+LIFEJACKET.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlubRseJzzzy940S6_GyYcDfr71EuudN7op8qe9WqcB-892Lzo6ToXUto1hyhsNWZxIc99q2HLqsWlu2aDHxXLGrDiiUdvIHF7Lu5eAAQIv65vGGuOJo2TjLmfLSYdcxMA9e9qDZZWFRU/s320/RAY+LIFEJACKET.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><b>Ray attending a lifeboat drill.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Cruise season is here, and I decided to update a blog I wrote about, what not to do if your cruise ship is sinking. Because safety is always important. I worked for Princess Cruises for five years happily traveling the world when I met my future husband Ray on the Star Princess.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Cruise ships have excellent safety records in fact the last time one sank was in 2012. That year the Costa Concordia sank off the coast of the island of Giglio, enroute to Civitavecchia, a port I had visited many times working for Princess Cruises. I would like to say that in all my years at sea I never encountered a captain like Francesco Schettino who abandoned his ship. I considered all the captains I worked for kings of their ship, they were all very professional, attentive and if I have to admit it, a little bit scary.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>While normally I am not one to comment on ship safety the lack of knowledge of some of the press made me feel I had to write this post. A newscaster was interviewing some passengers after they had made it back to safety in the US. They told him that when they realized that the ship was in trouble they were dressed in formal wear, an evening gown and high heels. Reasoning that this was not the proper attire for lifeboat travel, they returned to their cabins and changed their clothes.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The commentator congratulated them, "What clear thinking,"</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>NO, NO, NO, it was not clear thinking returning to their cabin. It was a horrible idea. It is never a good idea to return to your cabin when a ship is possibly sinking. There are just too many things that can go wrong, What if the ship is on fire? What if the electricity goes off? What if the ship tilts, and you can't open the door to your cabin? When you hear any kind of alarm you should proceed to your muster station and if you don't know where it is then proceed to the highest open deck.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Even though international law states that a lifeboat drill has to be held at most 24 hours after a boat leaves port, every ship I ever worked on held an emergency drill as soon as the ship sailed. As a crew member I also attended many drills over the course of my career at sea. If you read my book Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships, I talk about the 'how to board a lifeboat drills', 'how to locate a bomb drills', 'how to crawl out of your cabin in case of a fire drills', and even a drill about the proper way to jump off the side of a ship without breaking your neck!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The following story perfectly illustrates my point.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Ray had been working on a Greek ship for three months and was very familiar with his surroundings. One day while the ship was docked in Patras he went out to lunch with a friend. Returning to the ship, they learned the engine room was on fire and the ship had been evacuated. After a few hours the fire had been extinguished but the ship was declared out of service for repairs. They allowed the crew to board so that they could collect their belongings.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There was no power or lights working on the ship. When Ray left the ships entrance and headed to his cabin, he became disoriented walking down the pitch-black corridor. He found his cabin by counting the doors. Once inside he relied on the light from the porthole as he gathered his belongings but leaving his cabin, he found it very difficult to find his way back to the gangway. His walk was further complicated by the debris that had been dropped in the hallway, by the other crew in their scramble to get off the ship.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My main point is that even in this situation when the ship was stable and upright and there was no immediate danger or rush and no crowd of panicking passengers, finding his way around the corridors of the ship was no easy task - and he was a crew member. So imagine the problems a passenger would have in the middle of an emergency situation.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Although ships are very safe and safety is taken very seriously on a cruise ship, accidents can still happen. We hope this helps you if you ever find yourself on a sinking ship. Please share this information to anyone you know going on a cruise.<br /><br />As an update to this article in 2015 a court found Captain Schettino guilty of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, abandoning the ship before passengers and crew were evacuated and lying to authorities about the disaster. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28Z8tmHnPP5t7uLhEr1F63csHy_iaYCI5KBkqPwBzp7XyRLI-YTljkIl-HlipybFBFfstDhSNpGTWL-cakZ_nCV_4IqOHu1F9cY1GpzAJU-kFPWiERhSfnPVOtFr89fGwcsx-t2fFr4vnluxh36nfNi6kUJ3Q8h9-sQ6QdellNCSLu6xX7NSa3svn/s663/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28Z8tmHnPP5t7uLhEr1F63csHy_iaYCI5KBkqPwBzp7XyRLI-YTljkIl-HlipybFBFfstDhSNpGTWL-cakZ_nCV_4IqOHu1F9cY1GpzAJU-kFPWiERhSfnPVOtFr89fGwcsx-t2fFr4vnluxh36nfNi6kUJ3Q8h9-sQ6QdellNCSLu6xX7NSa3svn/s320/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" width="244" /></b></a><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of <i>Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships</i>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!" She would be happy to do an online chat with any book club reading her novels. Contact her at carabertoia@yahoo.com<br /><br />Below is the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships<br /></b></p><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NIFUUU"><b>Click the link to find at Amazon.com</b></a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004NIFUUU"><b>Click here to find at Amazon Canada</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a><br /><b>Her second novel, Casino Queen is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry, although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>"Glitter, grifters and greed collide with high stakes mystery and suspense in Casino Queen. With her in-depth knowledge of the casino world, Cara Bertoia takes readers on a wild ride through the High Desert that leaves you hungry for more." - Rob Samborn, author The Prisoner of Paradise</b></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® </span></a></p></div></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-69587517936165435532022-11-15T08:17:00.080-08:002022-11-21T08:21:07.856-08:00I Would Like to Thank the Readers That Take the Time to Review Books<div class="separator"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><img height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/OyixVtWMiBhWrWfVv1roWNrLx4gbg-frKzV933BlloLF-yaY_Uv8E0iRBbPe8eqWsc8=w235-h320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="235" /></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jeff at the Temple of Athena in Delphi, Greece</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Jeff is holding a copy of my second novel Casino Queen set in the High Desert and Palms Springs. It is about my years working in a Native American casino in California. I know that whenever I want to read a book the first thing I do is look at the reviews. Not the critics reviews I rely on reader reviews. Most readers review books where they buy them, but some go to BookBub or Goodreads among many online sites to answer the question, what does the average reader, someone like me, think of the book? And even if they don't want to write a review, they can always rate the book. You know where you check a box 1 through 5 depending on how much you liked the book. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>I have a few things to say to my reader reviewers, thank you, thank you, thank you. Recently my book was featured at Women Writers Women's Books and the first thing that a potential reader will see if they click on my link will be my reviewer rating, the thumbs up that an author really needs. It is nice to know that people who read Casino Queen really enjoyed it. Everyone knows that writing is a solitary pastime. There are so many hurdles to being a writer that sometimes you wonder why you do it. It's because you have a story to share. I feel like I have the best readers in the world!</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>My path to writing was years in the making. I was dealing cards in a Lake Tahoe casino. The casino owner was a plumbing contractor from Fresno. The head of security was an ex-Mossad officer and every few weeks we would be strapped down and given lie detector tests. They allowed porn movies be filmed in the casino and there were rumors that he rigged the slot machines. I’m not sure if that was true but he did manage to get his casino closed down by the Nevada gaming commission, no small feat. One day a sports agent with Hollywood connections played on my game and encouraged me to write down all my great casino stories. That was the day I became a writer. Well my script got as far as HBO where it was promptly rejected but that didn’t matter, I was a writer.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>A year later I went back to the real world and became a systems analyst by day, writer by night. I lived in Boston, the home of perpetual students and so I was able to take writing classes and join critique groups and improve. After a few years I began working on an MFA in writing at Emerson because they were connected to Hollywood. Well, just before I was scheduled to intern in Los Angeles as a script reader I got the opportunity to join Princess Cruises as a croupier. My choice was spend my dwindling savings on an internship or get paid to see the world. I wasn’t scared of going - only staying. The Germans have a word for it torschlusskpanik, the fear of missing the boat.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>I stayed working at sea for five years and I would like to say that I wrote every day, but I didn’t. I spent those years soaking up all the history I could. The ship was my home and the crew bar was my living room. The nights I spent there were research since I planned to tell the story of all my crewmates someday. And then on my last contract I met Ray a Scotsman who became my husband. My novel turned into a love story and that surprised me more than anyone else.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>After leaving ships we settled in Palm Springs, and I began writing my novel 'Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships'. There were years of writing and editing, rewriting and more re-writing but finally I decided my novel was ready to face the world. You would think that when it is published the hard part is over, but it is only beginning. Then your job as an author is to do everything you can to get the word out to readers and after that you wait for that special reader to find you.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>And now my second novel Casino Queen is out. It draws from all the years I have worked in the casino industry. I wanted to build a story that took the reader behind the scenes of the casino industry, present relatable characters, and tell a really engaging story with a believable plot. </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><img height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/oHs-TEjSjMdNLi51nZpkqZes4eO4oUHd6lmr3TwAm0oj8vxTPc1FgK9FmhDpX9imZVM=w240-h320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rosaleen at Ubiquitous chip in Glasgow, Scotland </b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>But then you turn on your computer one day and you look up your book at a review site, and you find something like this.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="swspritesstar50"><b>5.0 out of 5 stars Robert</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer4537840198"><b>There are two things I really look for in a good read, first I want to go inside a world that’s unknown to me. Next. I want to be surprised when I finally get to the part where the “who done it” is revealed. Casino Queen hit it for me on both points and one more. I love Palm Springs California the setting for the story. For over a decade I attended the Palm Springs film festival and saw a lot of films and even more celebrities, writers, directors and artists of all types. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable"><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable"><b>5.0 out of 5 stars Debbie S.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable"><b>A unique look at casino operations, with so much suspense!<br />Such great character development and depiction – I could see and hear every character as I read. The Coachella Valley and High Desert were also told from an insider’s point of view, rather than just as a backdrop for the story. As were the casino operations and roles, both on the floor and behind the scenes. Very well done. This was a super-fast read because the suspense just kept layering. There were red herrings and real hints, but as the reader I wasn’t sure which was which. I could not solve the mystery until it was laid out for me, which to me is the sign of a well written book.</b></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lori Caswell wrote:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer4599639716"><b>I started reading Casino Queen and could not put the book down. I stayed up late because the story had a slow build that grabbed a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. Soon the story became so surprising and suspenseful the pages were flying so fast there should have been steam coming out of my Kindle.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable"><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable"><b>Susie Black wrote on BookBub:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="readable"><b>Part romance, part mystery, part redemption, and a second chance at life, Casino Queen does not disappoint. Gaming industry pro Cara Bertoia has penned a taut tale that weaves an insider’s view of the world of casinos with a heart-pounding plot that keeps readers interested long after bedtime. The deftly written plot moves at a good clip and is driven by love, loss, trust, betrayal, family ties, and the inner strength one must summon to accept responsibility for the consequences of one’s decisions. Bertoia has created a cast of flawed, but believable characters who drive the plot, and readers find themselves rooting for them right from the first page. Bertoia creates enough conflict with a backstory and throws in a couple of clever red herrings to keep readers turning the pages to see how it all turns out. </b></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b> Those readers all wrote a review so good that I think I could use any of them as the perfect blurb for my book. They got it. It was even hard to decide which reviews to include in this post because I loved them all so much. Susie, Robert, Lori and Debbie along with all my other readers knew exactly what I was trying to do when I wrote my book. That alone makes all the hard work worth it.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>It is not easy to write a review. In fact, most readers never write a review. You have to go back to the site where you bought the book or a review site after you have read the book and write your review and submit it. I also think reviewers like all writers suffer from performance anxiety. They are putting something out there for all the world to see. There are also readers that go above and beyond that post their reviews at multiple sites and since I started writing the number of review sites just keeps growing.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Proud Momma wrote a fantastic review of my book and brought up points in the book that I had taken for granted but that really caught her attention as a reader. TK always wanted to know what it was like to work in a casino and now she does. Susie loved my three-dimensional characters. I re-wrote my dialogue a hundred times to make my conversations sound natural and nuanced. Sandy Young a great writer and the author of the paranormal romance <em>Divine Vintage</em>, took my book along with her on vacation. I have received so many pictures of people carrying Casino Queen across the globe. They will never know how much seeing those photos thrills me.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>I use reader reviews all the time as a reader. I love to know what actual readers are saying about a book because they are the ones who have purchased it. Their opinion can sway me to click that <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">buy</em></span> button. I particularly enjoy going back to the review page after reading a book, it is like having you own book club where you get to discuss the book with readers from around the country.</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>I know that other writers feel the same way about the reader reviewer. I belong to a fantastic network of writers. Writers love to post their reviews. They glory in every five-star review. Because everyone knows you don't write for the money but to tell your story. And the reader reviewer doesn't write for money either but out of the love of books. Let me end with a thank you to all the readers writing reviews, the people that make it all worthwhile, keep them coming. And remember readers the best thing that you can do for an author when you like a book is to write a review, but if that is too daunting, they will be very grateful for nice rating. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I love interacting with readers. If your book club is interested in reading Casino Queen just email me at carabertoia@yahoo.com. I will provide your group with questions, and I will appear on Facetime, Zoom or WhatsApp to talk at your meeting. I will also answer any questions you have about casinos and gambling. </b></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <em>The Big Thrill </em>and <em>Women Writers Women's Books</em> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</strong></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</b></span></a></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8"><b>Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</b></a></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b>Cara Bertoia's first book is Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Her</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!"</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b> </b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m7RhVvt-t1Px_sEAZuzT1LYs4i0BdjAsSyH_xZD2ngnMNS6gXEBSpZfmNFH5dYD5mgTsDFx1xpGNYJPKFQfBRhWOHpvsn8SZN-aHJWvn2ku93Xi6XjvkPkDhOZGMK2prTAeL_SsdgZkb9e-UR_VFCCFhcyaAWRS8vdW6-xIbyS3nHVpiaH3fLUSI/s663/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m7RhVvt-t1Px_sEAZuzT1LYs4i0BdjAsSyH_xZD2ngnMNS6gXEBSpZfmNFH5dYD5mgTsDFx1xpGNYJPKFQfBRhWOHpvsn8SZN-aHJWvn2ku93Xi6XjvkPkDhOZGMK2prTAeL_SsdgZkb9e-UR_VFCCFhcyaAWRS8vdW6-xIbyS3nHVpiaH3fLUSI/s320/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" width="244" /></b></a></div><b><br /><br />Below is the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships to buy at Amazon or read as a part of Kindle Unlimited. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Quarters-Novel-About-Casinos-ebook/dp/B004NIFUUU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cruise+quarters+novel&qid=1662908992&sr=8-1" target="">Cruise Quarters Amazon</a></b></div>
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</div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-55019278272129762042022-09-30T08:24:00.009-07:002022-10-12T20:44:26.917-07:00Forget Quiet Quitting Try a Hard Eight or Take a Chance on a Career in the Casino Industry<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZomYsObMjWXHTJZV5_NXSEupcGlJo_Cvdj1hZIeEUISKotzxGcWpr-LErQVjtzU3E72-ii98WIVPYwwRdlRH_MjyvRQBvYVwI11t1xJwLXlR7VDtFow-LCjyrQoiQGE6O7Jjb1FHWr22EnmxwlSU21Al6cMW9fEtMN1UaKQuqmCC4sOn7K26_vrp/s1080/BLACKJACK%20TABLE.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZomYsObMjWXHTJZV5_NXSEupcGlJo_Cvdj1hZIeEUISKotzxGcWpr-LErQVjtzU3E72-ii98WIVPYwwRdlRH_MjyvRQBvYVwI11t1xJwLXlR7VDtFow-LCjyrQoiQGE6O7Jjb1FHWr22EnmxwlSU21Al6cMW9fEtMN1UaKQuqmCC4sOn7K26_vrp/s320/BLACKJACK%20TABLE.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could be you!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I understand why people are quiet
quitting their jobs. At first When I lived in Boston and worked as a systems
analyst for a high-tech company, I was thrilled with my company credit card and
my expense account. But it all came at a price, I was expected to travel at any
time, not glamorous travel but snowed in at the Keene New Hampshire airport for
six hours travel. I was expected to stay at the office and socialize after 5
p.m. I had no life. I worked between 50 and 60 hours a week but received no overtime
pay because I was on </span><i style="font-size: 13.5pt;">salary</i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. I dared not calculate my hourly wage to
avoid falling into despair. Did all this dedication promise me my company’s
loyalty, a lifelong job and great benefits?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Not really, people were fired all the
time. I doubt if the average employee lasted more than two years. At first traveling
sounded great but after two years and 15 pounds heavier something had to give. How
many nights can you spend in a lonely hotel room? Excitement led to boredom and
finally burnout. When I got an opportunity to join a cruise ship as a blackjack
dealer. I jumped. I stayed at sea for five years and then I went to work in
Palm Springs. I still traveled but the ship moved with me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">People wanted to know how I could leave
my prestigious job at a tech company to be a blackjack dealer. Why I went from
a salaried tech job to become a factory worker. After working in both
professions I can tell you why. If you ever walk into a casino you will see a
line of dealers slinging cards, they look like workers on a factory line, and
that is just fine with me. I just wanted to work a Hard Eight. I give work my all
for eight hard hours then I finish my shift and go home.</span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk115255064;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The other 16 hours of the day are mine.
Since I work nights and am off during the day, I can ride my bike, go to the
beach or write a book. All that free time allowed me to write my novels, Cruise
Quarters and Casino Queen, both about the casino industry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I work in a go for your own joint, which means any
tips I make I keep. Thousands of dollars cross over the table each night, if
they tip me even a small fraction of that amount, well you do the math. I deal
fast while playing the role of entertainer engaging the customer in
conversation. I cheer them on hoping they will win, because if they win, I will
probably get tipped. There is nothing more exhilarating than sharing in a big
win with a player. Your income is only limited by your personality and by your luck.
But even losers will tip you if they like you. I consider job satisfaction to
be walking out of work with a wad of cash in my hand and leaving my players happy.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To sum it up my take home pay
increased, and so did my job security. Dealers weren’t the only one who make
tips, slot cashiers, cocktail waitresses and valet parkers also do. Many
dealers leave to try to make it in the real world, but in the end the majority
return. Some people might look down on shift work but in the end life work
balance means more to me. On the other hand, if you ever want to go into
management and get paid a salary there are so many opportunities to advance in
the gambling business because it is new and growing. <a name="_Hlk115253649"><o:p></o:p></a></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk115253649;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">One of the good things about working in a factory
is that most provide good benefits. Every casino that I have ever worked in
provides health insurance, vacation pay and sick leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Factories work in shifts, at a casino you can work
any shift that you want to. Can’t stand sunlight, just sign up to work the graveyard
shift. A morning person, well day shift is for you. With casinos open 24/7,
including the holidays there is a perfect shift for everyone. Dealers who have
children don’t need child care they just work opposite shifts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Gambling is a growth industry. With more states and
cities in desperate financial straits, they are turning to casinos. Fifty years
ago there were casinos only in Nevada now according to Wikipedia
there is some form of casino gambling in 44 states. You need to attend a
dealing school and learn to deal and some casinos have inhouse training
schools. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Unlike a tech job you can’t be outsourced. Someone
does have to actually pitch those cards on a blackjack game. I know they have
been working on perfecting a blackjack machine, but then you might as well-just
play the slot machines, Table game gamblers don’t trust machines. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You can get a job at almost any age. I have seen
dealers in their sixties get hired. This is great because at some point most
people in the casino get fired. But it is a small enough industry that you
probably know someone in management somewhere, and they will juice you into a new
job.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Free food is a great incentive. Most casinos I’ve
worked in have provided free meals and drinks and if they do charge the cost is
minimal. If going out to lunch costs $10 a day, then that is like a $50 raise
every week. It can get even better, when I lived on a ship I also got free room
and board.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You don’t have to buy clothes, because your company
will gladly provide you with a uniform. It will be ugly, it will be made of
polyester, but it will be free.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You get to live in nice places which is what got me
into the business in the first place. Besides Tahoe, I have lived on a
cruise ship circling the world, Palm Springs, and I now live in Hollywood,
Florida. My husband has worked in Moscow, London, the Czech Republic and the Bahamas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You get to meet celebrities. I am just thrilled
whenever anyone from Vanderpump Rules plays on my game. Well, okay to
me reality stars are big celebrities. My husband dealt to Pamela Anderson and
Kirk Douglas. I saw Justin Bieber on the table next to mine. Some of them are
nice, but you soon realize that the rich and famous aren’t “all that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The next time you play at a table you
don’t have to ask, you will already know why that dealer is working there.
Casinos aren’t the only places with shift work but they do offer you the
opportunity for a lifetime career with many opportunities for advancement. If
you are interested in a “Hard Eight,” and have any questions please contact me
at: carabertoia@yahoo.com </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">if you would like to be added to my blog list
so I can notify when I post.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuclpOuuln5LBw_QbzQE30UwTvg3fMj8r15rnxtK6FxIVpyFvbXRXPMWbSePzSdRrgQw8pBPY4moMsciz4kffysXvUrrm88G_p1DSr-kMx0pneTk6eI1hPp_-Jcds9gdm9uzwABTmBGRqy5tsVqFmafEjTuef2HU9PrspIP3dqqO_Kf8p_ZfWBn_P6/s2475/Casino%20Queen%20best%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1544" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuclpOuuln5LBw_QbzQE30UwTvg3fMj8r15rnxtK6FxIVpyFvbXRXPMWbSePzSdRrgQw8pBPY4moMsciz4kffysXvUrrm88G_p1DSr-kMx0pneTk6eI1hPp_-Jcds9gdm9uzwABTmBGRqy5tsVqFmafEjTuef2HU9PrspIP3dqqO_Kf8p_ZfWBn_P6/s320/Casino%20Queen%20best%20cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My highly rated thriller Casino Queen
has been featured at The Big Thrill,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlotte Reader Podcast and dozens of other publications. Spend some
time at the Night Hawk and find out what it is really like to work behind the
felt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
<!--[endif]--></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in
debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have
just opened. She lands a job at the Palm
Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way
up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree.
There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying
the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out
corruption.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Her list of enemies grows as she uncovers the underbelly of corruption running through the casino. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk115254413;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Click the link below to order at Amazon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z" target="_blank">Casino Queen at Amazon.com</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Click the link below to order at Barnes and
Noble <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492" target="_blank">Casino Queen at Barnes & Noble</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a name="_Hlk115254466"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tU_MY9DjKQAn-V30U0DmIzbgJYtmnVWibrxJssdk3EO0RUdfRb4q_BQP2-kQo54wy4QMn37sf72oQGtWO7-60edRSwnTMb7-5FRw-GBFs7B1Qxz3-1GXoItJW_Dwy6WFYkh1bvnyi9WLHCouXazXTmf0MqVPvi2BNSXyhDabk6sn09-BKwbGk6cH/s663/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tU_MY9DjKQAn-V30U0DmIzbgJYtmnVWibrxJssdk3EO0RUdfRb4q_BQP2-kQo54wy4QMn37sf72oQGtWO7-60edRSwnTMb7-5FRw-GBFs7B1Qxz3-1GXoItJW_Dwy6WFYkh1bvnyi9WLHCouXazXTmf0MqVPvi2BNSXyhDabk6sn09-BKwbGk6cH/s320/CRUISE%20QUARTERS.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first date became our book cover!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You can read Cruise Quarters free at Kindle Unlimited. It is about my years working on a cruise ship and meeting my husband there. Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Click the link below to check it out. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Quarters-Novel-About-Casinos-ebook/dp/B004NIFUUU" target="_blank">Cruise Quarters Kindle Edition Amazon.com</a></span></p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk115254466;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-25281399403926604592022-08-30T07:41:00.005-07:002022-09-08T11:41:40.298-07:00The Top Ten Reasons to Travel Around Europe on a Cruise Ship<p> .</p><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZD6zQ8jV77-uXYJgSJpQ6SDSUz60d5FQfD1Nx0mpAsz7WXwhIH6NfLjWyRDWgEp5PgJcsLWbp72EH5hIPH_ggAKR4THDvVhJAgLPVOPh4QDfa5E6nnNzdeCr0PCLMwI7Tn1g0WLIldQ/s1600/ship0179.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZD6zQ8jV77-uXYJgSJpQ6SDSUz60d5FQfD1Nx0mpAsz7WXwhIH6NfLjWyRDWgEp5PgJcsLWbp72EH5hIPH_ggAKR4THDvVhJAgLPVOPh4QDfa5E6nnNzdeCr0PCLMwI7Tn1g0WLIldQ/s320/ship0179.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The Author in Leningrad</td></tr></tbody></table>Many times people ask me what is the best way to travel around Europe. I have toured England and Europe by car and train, but definitely the best way to get around Europe was on a cruise ship. For many seasons I cruised the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Here are my top ten reasons for picking a cruise ship over train or road.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 1. Sail Away. There is no view in the world that compares to sailing out of Venice on a large ocean liner. I remember the time the crew club sponsored a pizza party on the back deck. To look down on the city of Venice and sail past all the medieval buildings while drinking wine and eating pizza, cooked by Italian chefs will always remain a special memory. The sun was setting and the view was spectacular.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 2. You only have to pack your bags once. When you try to visit a lot of countries in Europe by car or train, you always seem to be packing. Inevitably you leave a few things behind. But on a cruise ship you unpack at the beginning of the cruise and pack the night before you go home no matter how many countries you visit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 3. You don't have to spend all your time working out how to travel from place to place. When I went by train so much of my time was spent figuring out the train schedules and I ended up spending many of my nights on trains and buses lugging heavy suitcases. I was always exhausted. On a ship one day you are in Copenhagen and the next morning you wake up in Stockholm, refreshed, very well fed and ready for a new adventure.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 4. Speaking of well fed the food is wonderful, plentiful and served at any hour of the day or night. It seems as if in Europe that the chefs try to outdo the local chefs. Besides three meals there is the pizzeria, room service and the midnight buffet. It is a feast and at the midnight buffet it is also a feast for the eyes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 5. If you pick your ship carefully you will find first rate entertainment. Many of the ships offer history lessons about the ports of call, wine tasting and some feature Cirque de Soleil caliber shows. I never did figure out how they managed to balance so well while the ship was moving.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 6. You can sample many countries on a cruise and if you find a place that you really enjoy you can always return for a longer stay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 7. Tea Time. I just love tea time. In the afternoon I would always run down from the casino to the lounge where tea, finger sandwiches and adorable tiny cakes were served. I worked on a British ship and no one does tea better that the Brits.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 8. When you travel from country to country you never have to worry about clearing customs, that is all taken care of by the pursers staff, usually when you are asleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> 9. There is something luxurious about traveling on a cruise ship. From the crystal chandeliers to the polished brass stair railings, ships exude elegance. Even though I was only working on a ship I always felt like a celebrity traveling on a very big yacht.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">10. I wrote novel based on my years at sea called Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. I met my husband while working in the Star Princess and it is about adventures. I have to mention that most cruise ships have an onboard casino. It is usually a small and intimate room, which closes while the ship is in port but opens as soon as the ships sails. Here is the link to find my novel on Amazon. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Quarters-Novel-About-Casinos-ebook/dp/B004NIFUUU">https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Quarters-Novel-About-Casinos-ebook/dp/B004NIFUUU</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">About the Author:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">.</p></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-73581808975098800112022-08-01T09:15:00.003-07:002022-09-08T11:43:10.760-07:00How the Casino Industry Sucked Me in and Never Let Me Go!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">.</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVSUKeXgk_79n4bdYtukcYZkDGXd9ASOd4VqL21pFEcx-w-Vh5wX_ugElzyOCNaXry8qt7oPH6zfy3pKMHutJqjxCopTND4oBZqBLdvhfkkP508mLZEGLfyoh3E3TqCHDrDKavZ7IjowM7iLgJIO_GdwrSWlgQOsIF5BtJ64QQNlDES94YHnCiASj/s1080/BLACKJACK%20TABLE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVSUKeXgk_79n4bdYtukcYZkDGXd9ASOd4VqL21pFEcx-w-Vh5wX_ugElzyOCNaXry8qt7oPH6zfy3pKMHutJqjxCopTND4oBZqBLdvhfkkP508mLZEGLfyoh3E3TqCHDrDKavZ7IjowM7iLgJIO_GdwrSWlgQOsIF5BtJ64QQNlDES94YHnCiASj/s320/BLACKJACK%20TABLE.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I was younger and working at Caesar’s
Tahoe, players would sit down at my game and invariably the following question
would come up. “What’s a nice girl like you doing working in a joint like
this?” I would always look around me where there were rows of dealers like me,
fresh-faced recent college grads trying to postpone adulthood as long as we
could and Lake Tahoe (America’s all year playground) was a great place to do
it. Over the years at one time or another most of us have left the casino
business, but in the end the majority return. So let me tell you the top ten
reasons for working in a joint like the Night Hawk.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
get paid for playing games all day but you really don’t get paid much. The
majority of your income comes from tips. Remember punters there is one person
in the casino who wants you to win, and that person is the dealer. Because if
you don’t win she won’t make tips and everybody likes to eat. There is nothing
more exhilarating than sharing in a big win with a player. If you work in a ‘go
for your own joint,’ you get to keep all the tips you can make. Your salary is
pretty much up to you and your personality. It’s like being a salesman but the
casino provides all the leads.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every
casino I have ever worked in provides health insurance because we are all going
to get carpel tunnel from pitching cards for years. You also only work 8 hours
a day. Occasionally I worked overtime but I got paid for it. I decided I’d
rather work by the hour than for a salary.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
can work any shift that you want to. Can’t stand sunlight, you sign up to work
the graveyard shift. A morning person, well day shift is for you. With casinos
open 24 / 7, including the holidays there is a perfect shift for everyone.
Dealers who have children don’t need child care they because work opposite
shifts. At a young age I decided I liked to work night shift. I lived in Lake
Tahoe and if I worked nights that left my days free to ski or swim in the lake.
I also hate waking up to a alarm clock.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gambling
is a growth industry. With more states and cities in desperate financial
straits, they are turning to casinos. Fifty years ago there were casinos only
in Nevada now according to Wikipedia there are casinos in 30 states.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
can’t be outsourced. Someone does have to actually pitch those cards on a
blackjack game. I know they have been working on perfecting a blackjack
machine, but then you might as well play the slot machines, Table game gamblers
don’t trust machines. I believe dealers are safe for a while.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
can get a job at almost any age. I have seen dealers in their sixties get
hired. This is great because at some point most people in the casino get fired.
But it is a small enough industry that you probably know someone in management
somewhere, and they will juice you into a job. When I left high tech to go<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into the casino industry people thought I was
crazy but most of my friends got laid off at one point or another that never
happened to me.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Free
food is a great incentive. Most casinos I’ve worked in have provided free meals
and drinks and if they do charge the cost is minimal. If going out to lunch
costs $10 a day, then that is like a $50 raise every week. It can get even
better, when I lived on a ship I also got free room and board.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo8; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
don’t have to buy clothes, because your company will gladly provide you with a
uniform. It will be ugly, it will be made of polyester, but it will be free.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo9; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
get to live in nice places which is what got me into the business in
the first place. Besides Tahoe, I have lived on a cruise ship
circling the world, and Palm Springs. My husband has worked
in Moscow, London, the Czech Republic and
the Bahamas. Not all casinos are located in nice places but with a little
research you can find a beautiful place to deal.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo10; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
get to meet celebrities. I was thrilled whenever anyone from Vanderpump
Rules played on my game. Well, okay to me they are actually big celebrities. I
have also dealt to official Hollywood stars. Some of them are nice, but you
soon realize the rich and famous aren’t “all that.”</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next time you play at a table you don’t have
to ask, you will already know why that dealer is working there. Read my
suspense novel Casino Queen and enjoy your time at the Night Hawk.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-23577154452529330712022-07-01T09:01:00.006-07:002022-09-08T11:44:31.771-07:00If the Blackjack Table Could Talk<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hi, my name is Cara and I am the author of a new
suspense novel Casino Queen, it is based on my years working at Native American
casinos in Southern California. One week we were working on a cruise ship and
the next week in a Native American casino in Palm Springs, California. When I
arrived, the casinos had recently opened. It was a brand-new industry that
needed to hire thousands of people. If you build it, they will come, blackjack
dealers appeared from all over the country.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you read my book, you are probably curious
about casinos.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have spent decades in
the casino business. I have decided to show you the view from behind the table.
I will pass on a few tips, so superstition doesn’t ruin your game. Please let me
know if they help you win the next time you visit a casino!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJswGSH_gN9bFjdC2X-6vbtpY8om5y2Q1VJDteQki6uQQ9FqisXgtmlemuRmSGA3mIfMJxz5_P1iY1G0kPadpQE3NvTX_7Sw4ILuG-6Ja_0C52ja21w5HnPNlf74lCCPJcAVvCrpBT9VYiA1OqiBdfDH-1CC0YGdXAsKsxZgjfVFg3lI9yiFseDuQ/s625/raydealing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="625" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJswGSH_gN9bFjdC2X-6vbtpY8om5y2Q1VJDteQki6uQQ9FqisXgtmlemuRmSGA3mIfMJxz5_P1iY1G0kPadpQE3NvTX_7Sw4ILuG-6Ja_0C52ja21w5HnPNlf74lCCPJcAVvCrpBT9VYiA1OqiBdfDH-1CC0YGdXAsKsxZgjfVFg3lI9yiFseDuQ/s320/raydealing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the Blackjack Dealer Was Allowed to Speak!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you were a blackjack table visited by
thousands of punters a year, you would hear the same five things repeated every
day. Guess what, all five of them are misconceptions, mixed up with
superstitions and topped off with a thick layer of so-called expertise.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. When the majority of players walk up to the
table the first words out of their mouth are, “Dealer, are you running hot or
cold?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This old chestnut has been around as long as
gambling. Movies, books, and even a dealer or two have added to the mystique of
hot and cold dealers. Some things are easily disproved. Trust me, if some
dealers were naturally hot and some cold then the casino would only employ the
hot variety. Have you ever seen an advert in the paper for a new casino, “Now
interviewing for staff, hot dealers only need apply.” No one would be a dealer
because dealers work for tips and generally people who are winning tip. Without
winners dealers would have no income. I can assure you there is only one person
in the casino who wants you to win, the dealer! They want you to win because
they work for the tips you throw them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Third Base is the most important spot at the
table, because seat number seven controls the cards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That would only be true if the player in seat
seven had a crystal ball and knew what cards would appear next. Sometimes they
play correctly and the cards fall perfectly and the dealer busts, then third
base will take all the credit. Sometimes they play correctly and the dealer
hits out to twenty-one, but they don’t take the blame for their losses. In fact,
the cards are shuffled many times during the course of the day and no one knows
the next card – or equally importantly the dealer’s hole card.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Someone at the table has to take a hit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s imagine the following scenario. The dealer
shows a low card, maybe a five or a six, and everyone at the table has a stiff
hand (12 – 16). All the players signal no card, but the benevolent player at
the all-important third base will offer to sacrifice his hand for the good of
the table, because, “Someone has to take a hit.” I have never understood the
logic of this one. Since no one knows what the dealer’s hole card is or the
next card out of the shoe, then just like every other hand a player should
stick to the rules of basic strategy. By the previously mentioned twisted
logic, third base may very well take the bust card and his sacrifice will doom
the table. But if everyone loses with a sigh he will proclaim, “Well at least I
tried.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. When things are going badly at the table,
players think they can change the flow of the cards by adding or subtracting a
hand from the game.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is no flow or run of the cards, they are
shuffled in a random order. Casinos go to great lengths to devise a shuffle
which results in a random rearrangement of the cards at every shuffle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. I know I shouldn’t split these sixes against
a ten but I have a feeling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nothing gets a gambler into more trouble than a
feeling. A gambler feels like they are smarter than the average person. The
house always has slight edge even at blackjack but if a player follows the
rules of basic strategy, they can avoid increasing that edge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like most things in life blackjack is a game of
skill, which can be easily learned. I feel that if a player is going to spend
$300 on a night at the tables it is worth their while to invest ten dollars to
buy a book on basic strategy. There are thousands of books on basic strategy,
you can find them in the gambling section of any bookstore or online. No book
on basic strategy or gambling mentions ‘hot dealers’ or ‘taking the dealers
bust card’ or ‘flow of the cards,’ it’s all strictly math. Take our advice, forget
the old wife’s tales, buy yourself a copy, read it and study it. Happy
Gambling.</span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-63406011057553553982022-06-01T08:46:00.010-07:002022-09-08T11:51:41.453-07:00Derrick from Donegal from Casino Queen Will Take You Inside of the Mind of a Gambler!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Yeh,
I’m Derrick from Donegal. I’m the table games director at the Night Hawk. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Don’t believe what people say about me
especially that that tight arsed bitch Caroline. I’d like to see how long she’d
last in the East End </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">of London</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> where I
was raised. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
can’t see I am a damn good boss. They should have made me casino manager
instead of her. Who ever heard of a bird running a casino? She’s probably
sleeping with the Chairman John Tovar. I see the way they look at each other. It’s
like they speak a secret language.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t
start me on John. All the guest and employees act like he walks on water. It’s
as if they think he’s not just the Indian chief but some kind of shaman. With
his braids he looks like Pocahontas, pretty like a bird. I like his cousins,
the Tovar twins, a whole lot better, they know the score. Don’t look too closely
don’t upset the good gig we have going on here. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU2voDUbwPlBt7zxLf6Mo-F8XuX_pvpCjzXmkjpdHduewZNu-nPixr5wESspc9ST_5tb_k9bRO-RNyW9J7hazdj6JcOYA9q5yafpJHb8WtlVbPFcZJc_RLIpOCzsfHouYeuFIthM9_-m9JMXYoqwfRcr3h9HdZyrjuGz7SLdEhM9JH_h-8y_U2fBF/s674/quote%20roulette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU2voDUbwPlBt7zxLf6Mo-F8XuX_pvpCjzXmkjpdHduewZNu-nPixr5wESspc9ST_5tb_k9bRO-RNyW9J7hazdj6JcOYA9q5yafpJHb8WtlVbPFcZJc_RLIpOCzsfHouYeuFIthM9_-m9JMXYoqwfRcr3h9HdZyrjuGz7SLdEhM9JH_h-8y_U2fBF/s320/quote%20roulette.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Caroline
caused trouble for me since the first day she walked through the door. Towering
over me in her heels, trying to intimidate me. She acted all lady boss, calm
and efficient, but I could tell this wasn’t going to work out. I don’t know
what the problem was, but I have never done well with lady bosses. They don’t
really understand how this business works. Blokes know that if you scratch
someone’s back, they’ll scratch yours in the future. It’s what I did for my
employees. I did favors for them to help them make more money, and they passed
part of it my way. We have an understanding. Do you see the problem?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
first walked into a casino in London when I was laying bricks at the Golden
Nugget. Working inside seemed a damn site better than freezing my bum out in
the cold, wicked streets of the city. I signed up for a grueling training class
in roulette. I remember the thrill I felt the first time I spun the ball around
the heavy mahogany wheel without it flying into space. I had to memorize so
many multiplication tables, it almost did my head in. But I survived. We
started with fifty in the class and ended up with five. I’m glad to say, London
dealers are the gold standard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
were wanted all over the world, from South Africa to cruise ships circling the
globe. A captive audience. I met the Ex on a Regal Cruise ship. An American who
fancied a man in a suit. I fancied a green card. When the marriage ended, I
walked away with a green card and a restraining order against me. I tried to
get as far away from San Diego as I could which is how I ended up in this
godforsaken desert, with a bitch for a boss. But it is a sweet gig and I don’t
intend to lose it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's
not my fault, the only thing there is to do around here is play at the casinos.
It’s so hot in the summer you feel it in your bones when you walk outside. The
dust from the wind storms so thick it settles in your suits. I can only spend
so many nights on the couch drinking Guinness and watching the telly. When I
get off work casinos an hour away in every direction entice me to eat, play,
win. I get the itch about half-way through my shift. I drive to Indio Springs
convinced I will walk away with a small fortune and make up for the losing
streak I have been on lately. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
first, it all goes to plan. I keep hitting numbers at the roulette wheel,
turning a thousand into ten thousand. It feels so good to win, there is nothing
that compares, even sex. In the flow, I feel invincible. But a plonker like me
never knows when to quit. I keep telling myself the next roll will be my last
as my pile begins to disintegrate. Before I know it, I am back to my one
thousand and then down to naught. Pissed off at myself, I slam my fist on the
table. A few minutes later security escorts me to the door. Hope the Chairman
doesn’t hear about that. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">But
I can feel it starting again, that itch. But tonight, I will quit when I’m
ahead. It will happen, I will climb out of this hole. All it takes is one good
night. Only four more hours to go. I walk over to watch the black jack game and
notice this idiot making money hand over fist. But I’m not worried I know he’ll
walk away with nothing. Because </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">it’s hard</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> to walk away from a winning streak. But I will tonight. </span><o:p style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve
learned my lesson. Want to come with me to Indio Springs? I could teach you
roulette.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</b></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-55862403428622320402022-05-01T08:32:00.011-07:002022-09-08T12:22:26.600-07:00Caroline Popov Casino Manager at the Night Hawk Would Like to Introduce Herself to You!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hi,
I’m Caroline Popov, casino manager for the Night Hawk. I was more surprised
than anyone when I was promoted to this position. The first woman casino
manager in the valley. John, the tribal chairman likes to call me the Casino
Queen but that doesn’t sit well with me. Whenever I think of a Queen, Mary
Queen of Scots comes to mind and we know she was beheaded by her cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
funny living up here in the High Desert between Joshua Tree National Park and
the world’s largest Marine base. There isn’t much around here some scrub brush
and twisty mountain roads bordered by rocks that look like Jenga pieces. The
kind of place where you would film a car commercial. The sky is always crystal
blue and it barely rains, but when it does it is quite spectacular. A few days
after a rain storm the desert wildflowers bloom painting the hillsides in a
rainbow of colors. There is something spiritual about the place. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodnqjwOSeCq7qR2OGMi4efWQCZh7IGUBWpOJzPoH56wt5FyFNDsPzHfq7j5QWcQUQdamPYhGkPhOj1R4Ca55sMR18s8sAyumk7-DdCVuezMjnYgZ_rF2TUkWi5UIjRPLajp_F8Y3zKba-0cM8kDAnI8kzre6kuHCyFua05Gim-l_vRJBOmB-3IClW/s321/jeff%20pics%20greeting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodnqjwOSeCq7qR2OGMi4efWQCZh7IGUBWpOJzPoH56wt5FyFNDsPzHfq7j5QWcQUQdamPYhGkPhOj1R4Ca55sMR18s8sAyumk7-DdCVuezMjnYgZ_rF2TUkWi5UIjRPLajp_F8Y3zKba-0cM8kDAnI8kzre6kuHCyFua05Gim-l_vRJBOmB-3IClW/s320/jeff%20pics%20greeting.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
worked hard to deserve the job. I was such a scared lonely person when I came
to work at the Palm Oasis in Palm Springs. I needed money and John Tovar our Tribal Chairman
promised me a future with the tribe. He guaranteed it would be a trial by fire.
I know there were some skeptics who didn’t think a woman couldn’t be tough
enough to run a casino. Especially that chauvinist Derrick. He’s from Ireland
and speaks a nice brogue but I can tell you his words are all Blarney. You have
to be tough, but there is room for a little heart in this business. John taught
me that. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
thing they never tell you about when you are training is at end of the day your
feet feel like lead weights are attached to them, and your hair and clothes
smell like cigarettes. Not the glamorous image of casinos you see portrayed on
the movie screen. I can’t remember the last time someone walked into the Night
Hawk in an evening gown. But there was something about the business that drew
me in. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
was a fun atmosphere in the casino, you worked with hundreds of people. Every
night was a mini adventure. I was alone, but I never felt lonely. Because
dealers are working with math, after an hour the numbers start to get jumbled
in your head and you lose concentration. That’s why if you are dealing you get
a twenty-minute break every hour. That meant I had plenty of time to read, most
dealers always have a book on the go. But most breaks I shot the breeze back in
the break room with my team members. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Working
with dealers from all over the world opened me up. Rui came from China. June
came from Wales, she won the Green Card Lottery. Binh escaped from Vietnam on a
leaky boat. Nadia came over as a mail-order bride. So many countries, so many
stories. I could spend all day telling you about them. I was completely fascinated
by them, Sometimes they made me cry but I admired the way they all fought to be
part of the American dream. Although I doubt living forty miles off the highway
slinging cards or pouring drinks was part of that dream. But the money was good,
the hours were flexible and the job came with health insurance. <a name="_Hlk95820967"><o:p></o:p></a></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk95820967;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here
at the Night Hawk, my team really works well under pressure. You try dealing to
someone when you’ve just relieved them of $10,000. Sometimes customers can be
less than diplomatic. I’ve been called a bitch on many occasions. But it comes
with the territory. On the other side I’ve had a player throw me a $500 chip.
You learned fast in this business to take the bad with the good. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
course, there are a few bad apples around here. When people work in the money store,
they begin to think the money is theirs. Look around there are cameras
everywhere. Everything you do is being recorded. We trust our employees but we believe
in trust but verify. There are so many inventive ways to steal from a casino. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
you come visit the Night Hawk, I’ll show you some of the scams people have
tried to pull on us. There is the famous wall of shame filled with photos of
all the finest hustlers, petty thieves, hookers, drug pushers and gambling
addicts the valley has to offer. Keeping one step ahead of them is a big part
of my job. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
can tell I really love this place. I confess, the business is in my bones. I’ve
seen people leave but they always come back. Come to work for me, you’ll find
out why. But in the meantime, let the casino buy you some dinner.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here</b></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-88187641401096079932022-04-15T13:17:00.042-07:002022-09-08T11:47:19.469-07:00The Big Thrill Interviews Me, Cara Bertoia About My Novel Casino Queen <p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjGO2AQZR1zVJJ_6xbet0uw7o5bTWeiHUP0YJlgmdm3HKqIE9qa1u9ksqjQP1olVxQNRkW9gG2cGLutccnoe04P69KUk5aXvAS-TC0DbDiS96LbKBGQEAC8dyd7mHxIqD8xZi_hQOso7QFLtDNMiz6ecr9D2SmZ-2YYZk46uEIy8evdg5HlRUZQj-/s1203/casino%20queen%20big%20thrill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1203" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjGO2AQZR1zVJJ_6xbet0uw7o5bTWeiHUP0YJlgmdm3HKqIE9qa1u9ksqjQP1olVxQNRkW9gG2cGLutccnoe04P69KUk5aXvAS-TC0DbDiS96LbKBGQEAC8dyd7mHxIqD8xZi_hQOso7QFLtDNMiz6ecr9D2SmZ-2YYZk46uEIy8evdg5HlRUZQj-/s320/casino%20queen%20big%20thrill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to express my appreciation to The Big Thrill for including an author interview from me in their April issue. I consider it a great honor to see my name beside so many accomplished authors. In the article I trace the inspiration for my story and the crazy journey I took to becoming a novelist.</span></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you write a novel you have a vision, and Susana Kuehne got it! My inspiration for a suspense novel was based on the noir classics. I love stories with quick-witted characters, twisty plots with red herrings thrown in for flavor, and realistic storylines. But Casino Queen was written for this century, it tries to capture the craziness of the first two decades of this century, when casinos opened in Southern California. </span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out the article here. Please share if you enjoy it. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Click the link below.</span></p><p> <a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><br /></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com</span></a></p></div><p><br /></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-58690531841963554212022-03-31T08:29:00.004-07:002022-09-08T12:23:26.565-07:00Tribal Chairman and Fan Favorite John Tovar from Casino Queen Returns to Palm Springs High to Give the Commencement Speech <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hi, everyone my name is
John Tovar although most of you probably know me as Kevin’s father. It feels
funny returning to my alma mater Palm Springs High to give a speech. I was
embarrassed when they first asked me. Believe me in high school I would have
been voted least likely to succeed if anyone paid any attention to me at all. I
didn’t have fancy clothes, a nice car or any car. I went to school to get the
free meal at lunch, and to hang out with my friends. My mother worked three
jobs to keep a roof over my head, and she would have kicked my ass if I ever
dropped out. So, I limped along and finished high school with a very below
average G.P.A. Not setting a very good example for you, but this is a
redemption story.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQ58y-vGIybpekmtkNZfocYB3s1AwibLzYuBzhwTikgHo32W-k1idm0AzPu1TOQoMfKLaWU__jzarAFE0HJTB7dIi7to9uYR4oYudz7OYv1J-pqKcMRo-bhB6pkGonJf_HJCFzA3mruTAgKaTPeMt2z7JM7XiaAqsydEI4zfteR2fvemp83t9CQvz/s4608/indian%20maiden.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQ58y-vGIybpekmtkNZfocYB3s1AwibLzYuBzhwTikgHo32W-k1idm0AzPu1TOQoMfKLaWU__jzarAFE0HJTB7dIi7to9uYR4oYudz7OYv1J-pqKcMRo-bhB6pkGonJf_HJCFzA3mruTAgKaTPeMt2z7JM7XiaAqsydEI4zfteR2fvemp83t9CQvz/s320/indian%20maiden.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native American Women in Palm Springs </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m going to give it to
your straight because I believe you are old enough to learn how the world
works. When I was growing up, I wasn’t proud of being Native American. I wished
I could be one of the kids who had a celebrity for a parent. This city was
swarming with them when I was young. They lived in big mansions behind high
walls and we were shuffled to Section 14, one square mile in the middle of the
city. When the city decided to develop it, some people would go to work and
return home to find their homes had been bulldozed. The only time I felt like I
belonged was when I went to play with my cousins in the High Desert. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a member of the
Shotowa Tribe and my ancestors have lived in the Coachella Valley for thousands
of years. We were the original immigrants, when this land was wide open. Now
it’s time for a little history lesson. I believe it is important that we learn
the history of this country good and bad. Native American tribes were always
considered sovereign nations which usually meant we were on our own. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ultimately the secret of
my success did lie in my heritage because in 1987 the supreme court decided a
tribe could have gambling. I was born into the right tribe. It was like we won
the lottery not the mega millions but one that will pay your bills. It allows
us to offer educational and job opportunities for our members. Maybe a casino
isn’t a fair trade since we lost a whole country to illegal immigrants but it’s
a start. But it feels pretty good to be the tribal chairman. It was a thrill to
be introduced to Queen Elizabeth as the leader of the Shotowa. Not bad for a
kid raised in Section 14. Today our story is in the Smithsonian.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know that there are
casinos all over Southern California now, but in the early days opening a
casino wasn’t easy. We had to sneak slot machines in at two a.m. For the first
few years we lived in fear of the feds shutting us down, Then the voters of
California made it legal under Proposition 5. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know everyone tells
you get your education but when I left this place more school was the last
thing on my mind. I joined the Marines and stayed there for about ten years and
one divorce. But when I returned home with no career path, I went to work at a Native
bingo hall. I learned owning a casino was like printing money. I had found my
calling. I could help do good things for the Shotowa Tribe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pledged that if the tribal
council would send me to college for business I would find a way for us to open
a casino. This time I studied hard because it was my idea and I couldn’t let
the tribe down. My most helpful class turned out to be business etiquette. I
learned how to have a meal with potential investors and more importantly how to
listen and when to speak. Because in life it’s all about the relationships you
create. Always surround yourself with good people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will leave you with
this piece of advice. Try not to dwell in the past. If Native Americans felt
like that we would never get up in the morning. Your story will contain twists
and turns which will make for an interesting life. You have to lose a few times
to appreciate winning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I start each day anew
and thank Mother Earth for her bounties. I ask her how can I best help the
Tribe. We live in a beautiful place and we need to care for it. Go out in the
world and make your mark, take advantage of all the opportunities life gives
you. You may not be the smartest or the richest, I sure wasn’t. But you are the
only you, and you have your own story to write. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b> </b><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</b><b> </b></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">.<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-1873626067835325122022-03-27T06:07:00.003-07:002022-04-04T20:29:56.210-07:00A Day At The Beach Is Just Around The Corner, So Swimsuit Season Is Here Again, Welcome To The New Normal!<p> </p><br />What is normal these days? They sell a mixture that contains 15% pink slime, and they call it lean ground beef, they put high fructose corn syrup in canned tomato soup, and when you fly on a plane you have to pay to check your baggage. These things happen and gradually we just accept them. And now in clothing sizes who the hell knows what the new Normal is? I am planning on going on a cruise next month and that means I have to buy a new swimsuit! <br /><br />I was dragging my husband with me shopping the other day. If he doesn’t like something I wear he lets me know it, so I decided he should go with me while I picked an outfit out, to bypass the insult. We were wandering around the department store where I was trying to find some new t-shirts. Well, that might seem easy enough, but I wanted a shirt that you couldn’t see through, that you could wash and that came past my belly button so that the top of my ass wouldn’t show every time I bent down.<br /><br />My sweet husband picked up a t-shirt and held it up for me, “I like this it must be about your size.”<br /><br />Bless his heart he had picked up a small. “A small are you kidding, have you looked at that shirt.” He held it up, and I would have sworn it wouldn’t fit a young child, but I looked around, and we were in the women’s department.<br /><br />“Well, how about this one,” he reached for a medium.<br /><br />“A medium, who do you think I am, one of the Olsen twins? When they were in Full House."<br /><br />“What do you mean - you aren’t a medium?”<br /><br />“A medium, I hate to break it to you but for the last five years I have been an extra large, not a large but an extra large, and god forbid I ever throw it in the dryer.” I grabbed an extra large shirt and held it up to me.<br /><br />I could see his confusion. I am 5'5" and weigh 135 pounds on a good day, 137 on a bad one. A weight that shouldn’t be considered extra large. A weight that wasn’t considered extra large not so long ago. A weight that is a little below normal on the height and weight charts. A weight that I worked damn hard to get to in the last two years. I have lost weight but the funny thing is the more weight I lose the bigger my clothing size. I know there is something funny going on.<br /><br />I am convinced that all the clothing manufacturers got together and said. Hey, how can we make the American woman feel even worse about herself? We can resize all her clothes. We will base all our measurements on a thirteen year old girl. And since everything is manufactured abroad the manufacturers can send anything over here slap any old size on it and save on materials! It doesn’t mean that the clothes will be cheaper. I keep hoping that since everything is made in China this is only a translation problem and XL really means Extra Lucky.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS-FAYqxdmhbrAiO6pQ13pByg9TuBQqRzbgtGIRjFKZrnQVlF6StlKAQgFeLrnNtrwKWzSk7GB97jAWHoJmYPHRGKpduYwhW6-QK49gCH19GQYQMzZUC8ILkCo6p2u19ibQb9ftHDAIA/s1600/SWIMSUIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS-FAYqxdmhbrAiO6pQ13pByg9TuBQqRzbgtGIRjFKZrnQVlF6StlKAQgFeLrnNtrwKWzSk7GB97jAWHoJmYPHRGKpduYwhW6-QK49gCH19GQYQMzZUC8ILkCo6p2u19ibQb9ftHDAIA/s320/SWIMSUIT.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The perfect fit, a Grecian Slender Suit!</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><br />But if you won't tell anyone I will let you in on a little secret. I don't dread buying a bathing suit. Would you like to know how you will never again have to stand under those unforgiving fluorescent lights in a retail store fitting room? One of the happiest days of my year is when <i>The Lands' End</i> swimsuit catalog arrives. For the last ten years I have ordered all my bathing suits through the internet. I choose a size larger than my own a 12 instead of a 10, and god bless, besides a great selection they even have long waisted swimsuits.<br /><br />No, I don't have any affiliation with the company, and I am not getting a free swimsuit. But if they happen upon this blog and they are feeling generous I would love a Slender Suit, holds you in at all the right places, in the Sweetheart or Grecian style in that pretty rose color I saw in the catalog.<br /><br />In the meantime, we the American consumer will grit our teeth and swallow a Zanax every time we have to go to the mall. It just means that if we find anything that fits we will wear it until the seams dissolve. I don't think it is as bad in Britain when my husband and I go to Scotland to visit his family I always go to Frazer's to buy clothes because I seem to wear an average size there. As for gifts I never give anyone clothes anymore, I don’t want my friends to unwrap something labeled XL and get insulted.<br /><br />Yes, our destruction is complete; the sexy, curvy American woman has been replaced by a botoxed, size 0 model, what kind of size is 0? So I give up and surrender and wait for the day when I become an extra, extra large or extra, extra lucky.<div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">.<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span></p></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-88423956271941508192022-01-29T09:26:00.002-08:002022-04-04T20:30:54.910-07:007 Awesome Things I Didn't Realize I Would Love So Much When I Moved Into A High-Rise<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjMs3Gjoh_K6nFHDfwJMi2yp72a-DnXtXYRGlADq0C3Dng4CCpb2iWKQbRmWrfiL8Jgv5HzFJ9gDwbcxVpJogz5njij5ZlUxmuqDFWTYkz37N4RxRReDS3i-CHRq-ZNW8Kew5NaHAANr0rUtjzWt6cLosSbNfTzGC0O5qZtmqVXFAhl-UsPk705ZeE=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjMs3Gjoh_K6nFHDfwJMi2yp72a-DnXtXYRGlADq0C3Dng4CCpb2iWKQbRmWrfiL8Jgv5HzFJ9gDwbcxVpJogz5njij5ZlUxmuqDFWTYkz37N4RxRReDS3i-CHRq-ZNW8Kew5NaHAANr0rUtjzWt6cLosSbNfTzGC0O5qZtmqVXFAhl-UsPk705ZeE=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Share a glass of wine with me on the balcony!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are seven awesome things I didn’t realize I would love
so much when I moved into a high rise. I have lived in many places, houses,
apartments, a cabin on a cruise ship, and even lived in a trailer in the desert
one hot miserable summer. But a few years ago, my husband and I moved to
Florida, so I could move closer to family, and he could work at the Hard Rock.
I had one demand I wanted to live on the ocean. It had been a dream of mine all
my life. I wanted to go to sleep at night with the sound of the waves roaring
in the background. Unfortunately, we installed hurricane doors and windows that
work so well I can’t hear the ocean when the doors are shut.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sold our house,
and moved into a much smaller apartment, almost half the size. We live in a
complex of four buildings, 800 apartments. Of course, the haters all wondered
how I could leave a house for an apartment in the sky.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From Boca Raton to South Beach the A1A is high rise heaven.
The road is bordered with high rises Fifty miles of ocean front apartments for
every taste. From the glamour of Bal Harbour to the futuristic skyline of Sunny
Isles there is a wide range of choices. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My husband and I love to travel and it is so nice not to
have to worry about our apartment when we are gone. Another great perk there is
always someone at the reception desk to accept our packages and make sure they
will be there when we return from our trip. My husband works until four in the
morning, I love knowing that security is near.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQUI6EYo0s78uhNL1Nhj8IfK3PLRPcCdWMsP_PRCMvLlpdnCWCzkwhEFMlGk6YioRw4P99IWFiQTfPCCiTiuw2Op1IZkpkJEf1iCBtaNlwJXlNcEsT5u9H2l4UBmI-trYsheyqSQjylrEzwfrypKFu8WKcDO73mnqcrz347SlRrR7RZKsw0hb7D0y-=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQUI6EYo0s78uhNL1Nhj8IfK3PLRPcCdWMsP_PRCMvLlpdnCWCzkwhEFMlGk6YioRw4P99IWFiQTfPCCiTiuw2Op1IZkpkJEf1iCBtaNlwJXlNcEsT5u9H2l4UBmI-trYsheyqSQjylrEzwfrypKFu8WKcDO73mnqcrz347SlRrR7RZKsw0hb7D0y-=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our newly renovated lobby!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I don’t know about you, but I have bought many gym
memberships but at the end of a long day the thought of getting back in my car
and going to the gym is daunting. Now I just have to take the elevator down to gym,
they even offer yoga. It is hardly ever busy, and I can always get the machine
of my choice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even better than the gym is the restaurant. It will never be
awarded a Michelin star but if I’m hungry and lazy I can go downstairs. I hate
to get a lukewarm pizza, well I can order a handmade one just a short elevator
ride away. That means it is hot and tasty when it arrives at my door.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the perk that really seals the deal. The first time
I saw beach service was on the French Riviera. You could rent an umbrella and a
chair, at exorbitant rates in Cannes. Now, when I decide to go the beach, I ride
the elevator down. Someone grabs me a beach chair and an umbrella and I’m set
up for a day at the beach, like at a fancy hotel but better, it’s free. Then I grab lunch, beach service is
a game changer.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To live in an apartment, you have to embrace a minimalist
style. Too much clutter, and you begin to seem like a hoarder. I had to get rid
of most of my furniture. It was too big for my apartment, but then I got to buy
new stuff. Since I love furniture shopping maybe it was a plus. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Southern Florida is a mecca for people from all over the
world. They all want to live here, Russians, Colombians, Venezuelans, Canadians,
and even a few Americans mostly from New York. Needless to say, our homeowners’
meetings are very entertaining. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi7zaiyHKw_h40FbeU10zry1pNmXQWXX5va0U_-P0N-7ZzWrJjwW5MPg_Oi7RVBEEQw215mr6kxrUKsQ3t4PIZdDt1POwkSmO5VG9dF6s-DxgBdl_6mdEzfj7PjsOYJqxu-C8O0QVh6K9SEBqiIrr2tmhcz2lHCWdy_mzFmCm76qsLzzn_I6RG68kg=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi7zaiyHKw_h40FbeU10zry1pNmXQWXX5va0U_-P0N-7ZzWrJjwW5MPg_Oi7RVBEEQw215mr6kxrUKsQ3t4PIZdDt1POwkSmO5VG9dF6s-DxgBdl_6mdEzfj7PjsOYJqxu-C8O0QVh6K9SEBqiIrr2tmhcz2lHCWdy_mzFmCm76qsLzzn_I6RG68kg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally found the end of the rainbow!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most amazing thing is living on the 22<sup>nd</sup>
floor. I am always in sight of the sea. When I sit on the balcony, I get to watch
the birds fly by. Since our apartment overlooks the beach and the famous
Broadwalk in Hollywood we can watch the action below us. As a city girl I like
to be around people, and here I never have to be alone. One of our favorite
things is sitting on the balcony, and watching the cruise ships sail out of Port
Everglades. I can lie in bed and pretend I am on am onboard.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am just trying to spread a little cheer in the world. I
would love to hear what is awesome about where you live. Because sometimes we
forget that, ‘life is good,’ is not just a slogan on a T-shirt. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-25119081645974672302022-01-05T08:27:00.007-08:002022-03-31T09:00:53.218-07:00Married at first Sight - Boston Redeux<p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Married at First Sight returns to Boston and I couldn’t be
happier. When I was younger, I lived in Boston, had a job in high tech, and
bought an apartment. At the time I worked at a high-tech firm and traveled the
Northeast as a systems analyst on an expense account. I moved there to take
advantage of the fact that it is a walking city filled with ethnic
neighborhoods, beaches, and a river runs through it, but best of all my father grew up there. There are so
many entertainment options, classes, shows, plays, festivals and even rowing
that it would be hard to get bored. I also love the accent.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was just one thing I couldn’t find, a good boyfriend.
It would seem like in a city loaded with young, smart and educated people this
would be a snap. But in reality, I just met crazy people each one crazier than
the next. A boyfriend that didn’t want to see me on our days off, one that
always wanted to remind me I wasn’t the one, and one that was massively
depressed all the time. If I close my eyes, I can see that lonely woman looking
for love. At the time I would have loved a panel of experts picking a mate for
me. Since I didn’t have them, I began to think it was me. Discouraged and bored
by my job, I ran off to sea to become a croupier and met the love of my life. Glad
to know, it really wasn’t me, it was them!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I really feel for these couples. I have watched MAFS
faithfully since season one. This is the only reality show I would have applied
for if I was single because single people need all the help they can get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider myself a ‘Hopeful Romantic’ and
every season I hope the experts get it right. It also has a remarkable
success rate. Way higher than the Bachelor.
It is great to see all the happy couples the show has produced like Shawniece
and Jephte from season 6, the first time the show filmed in Boston. Now it is
season fourteen and the weddings begin soon. After watching the matchmaking
special, I will make my predictions, then later on in the season I will update
them. It is always so great to see how these new couples react to one another.
I think watching MAFS is the greatest tool singles can watch and learn from to
help them navigate relationships. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3medumqqkhXcJ5yXnl5j9yko26tzvhA1IWXjckf9qzoRssqI79e846E4tvmaR6uE4NweL3Bbbi0E1Z9HkOx6osBlNYdwe31MOynY3hS-TPCL3HyMwpoRBsGg1cAhVnODFANXZOnouVQ1EI_soRr0FdhGiYJbfJK3mXfzmTbAAOhA_zW9KE4DO7XLz=s550" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3medumqqkhXcJ5yXnl5j9yko26tzvhA1IWXjckf9qzoRssqI79e846E4tvmaR6uE4NweL3Bbbi0E1Z9HkOx6osBlNYdwe31MOynY3hS-TPCL3HyMwpoRBsGg1cAhVnODFANXZOnouVQ1EI_soRr0FdhGiYJbfJK3mXfzmTbAAOhA_zW9KE4DO7XLz=s320" width="241" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our first couple Lindsey and Mark seem ideal on paper. Both
are kind, caring and love cats. This is the second time that Mark has tried out
for the show. The first question is, will Lindsey be attracted to him?
Attraction seems to be the most important part of the equation. Occasionally, a
woman will grow attraction for a guy so let’s hope Lindsey appreciates Mark’s
finer qualities. Also, will Mark be able to tolerate Lindsey’s hyper
personality? I’m sure she acts out because of insecurities so let’s hope the he
makes her feel secure. I have a feeling this couple is doomed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIHIqIpJfO5bHvrg7c0ueCuXFgVQty1Rz_PJe3odQjR-kIwkPkl5-rq0NC0fwKapd7ui5WnVi1fsCJgA4xUw4MtQ_HPraWVCCw3uoaPkmXaIEH7ho04y1EH90fhjDK-6xgbLN0Lg5jAC6RVopNFWTVCysOaSo4syCoDE2gP62QKQdc6PIBukY2RvzD=s184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="171" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIHIqIpJfO5bHvrg7c0ueCuXFgVQty1Rz_PJe3odQjR-kIwkPkl5-rq0NC0fwKapd7ui5WnVi1fsCJgA4xUw4MtQ_HPraWVCCw3uoaPkmXaIEH7ho04y1EH90fhjDK-6xgbLN0Lg5jAC6RVopNFWTVCysOaSo4syCoDE2gP62QKQdc6PIBukY2RvzD" width="171" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Noi and Steve are another couple that seem great but don’t
they all in the matchmaking special? These two come from big beautiful
families. The only problem is that Steve doesn’t have a job at the moment. He
is also suffering from a case of wanderlust. Will he be able to stay in Boston
long enough to make the marriage work? I think they just might pull it off and
stay together.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfwIDINObFSxiz84v5nSt4H3GCmFbSFrvh9yxNQtq2LGnfGX6JLmKZ3anY_HUwvxTNXxOXtdRDVTg46bnAyB-zXCD8zsoZnZZduXGZaQ0v9xeDZIoxiNee5C5O1uR0OEEUvSlzP5Swy2CWpI0G-mhaU_qwqJCJ-j1SVW-euyB04yTIqmR1Eu5lfblx=s456" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="456" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfwIDINObFSxiz84v5nSt4H3GCmFbSFrvh9yxNQtq2LGnfGX6JLmKZ3anY_HUwvxTNXxOXtdRDVTg46bnAyB-zXCD8zsoZnZZduXGZaQ0v9xeDZIoxiNee5C5O1uR0OEEUvSlzP5Swy2CWpI0G-mhaU_qwqJCJ-j1SVW-euyB04yTIqmR1Eu5lfblx=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Katina and Olajuwon look great together. My only question
is, why do men think that women want to go to strip clubs with them to look at
other women? That does not seem like a very fun thing to do. Ask Yara from
Ninety Day Fiancé, Jovi took her to a strip club, and she was bored to tears. The
fact that he is just a little too much into his looks, that does not bode well
for them. I think they will break up spectacularly.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7exnKDP116Q823KJf6bhlm6H0ghbKwQzhp1XTBjZc0y44jAh85edDFatr8IXeWM_7oSwRC0Ee0nsfmXWInf3UQAEYJ-thsA54VHJqMe9F3qaQjntU5bUYv0FBR57uN-7LCMCAvB4FKiFmBtYnocoU0pgz6WuDaEzcJ8uq_LFYAP3z2xpLOECRF6Cy=s431" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="372" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7exnKDP116Q823KJf6bhlm6H0ghbKwQzhp1XTBjZc0y44jAh85edDFatr8IXeWM_7oSwRC0Ee0nsfmXWInf3UQAEYJ-thsA54VHJqMe9F3qaQjntU5bUYv0FBR57uN-7LCMCAvB4FKiFmBtYnocoU0pgz6WuDaEzcJ8uq_LFYAP3z2xpLOECRF6Cy=s320" width="276" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think this can work out if Jassmina can get over the fact
that Michael is short, not that short, just too short for a woman who wants a
tall guy. He seems wonderful and very dedicated to the process. Can he get over
the fact his sisters have spoiled him like no other woman will? I just don’t
think she will be attracted<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to him and
that it will all fall apart. So regretfully I am giving them two thumbs down.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj08GHeGaYTaGqJrB66bCNok1cTYOp-pdDWxOUPEVv4b-2AKAOSZIZjM2RcUkrX_Q2ILnFeCzghAUSqDo5vfHtpOymVW3y92T6Q42u-CV_B2U8WrcO5FGa4Yre-NhAFJ454u0wczQeiCl4-BcwQF0Qzvpc6VauwiwNSDUSKxbegD-oS9vzuJdc-OIvm=s423" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="364" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj08GHeGaYTaGqJrB66bCNok1cTYOp-pdDWxOUPEVv4b-2AKAOSZIZjM2RcUkrX_Q2ILnFeCzghAUSqDo5vfHtpOymVW3y92T6Q42u-CV_B2U8WrcO5FGa4Yre-NhAFJ454u0wczQeiCl4-BcwQF0Qzvpc6VauwiwNSDUSKxbegD-oS9vzuJdc-OIvm=s320" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This last couple pull at my heartstrings. Chris is the kind
of guy I would have loved to have found when I lived in Boston. He is cute,
motivated to work hard, he even does his own videos as the ‘Real Estate Professor.’
Alyssa rescues animals and he wants a dog, what could go wrong? I don’t know if
she will be attracted to him, he seems a little softer than she is. He probably
isn’t the type of guy she will fall for, but he is the type of guy she should.
I don’t see it lasting but the great thing about the show is that we will soon
find out!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Let me know what you think about the new couples. Check back
here throughout the season for updates and predictions.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPsccvzafm6RK3euU6TCSJGLdeGRQGmt1LiAWY6lGZOX4RYlMUVjQdTAMVKga0pqEsjrBVXAdwVAVuhyrSRo9VI0ilIEY-KFoHZOPJwGYP7Ehu32g_NWGMYCdJEOlJI-BGMWRCA3IgYxOPmP8UX-WPwENo0Q9HTRy_UratYAgLZovZkAmOwHkPUNXy=s746" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="502" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPsccvzafm6RK3euU6TCSJGLdeGRQGmt1LiAWY6lGZOX4RYlMUVjQdTAMVKga0pqEsjrBVXAdwVAVuhyrSRo9VI0ilIEY-KFoHZOPJwGYP7Ehu32g_NWGMYCdJEOlJI-BGMWRCA3IgYxOPmP8UX-WPwENo0Q9HTRy_UratYAgLZovZkAmOwHkPUNXy=s320" width="215" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition
by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes
& Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">With her life on the line, can she pull out a win?</p>.<br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-20078023482989362502021-10-25T11:44:00.007-07:002022-01-15T12:39:21.911-08:00Below Deck Season Nine Sails From Saint Kitts -- On Bravo<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmLli8inHP9AeyVSJU8pGuSPy1M5WrmuD-mElHyZtTxK4Cl9HHhqEiV2eamqmu-lf49nho5_kIvkQ4QXuy49cqubXDf3ql0NFh2_XK2c3uEDb28DiV2axKH1imSyGEUfV3ATATI9w5Ng/s1600/_BelowDeck_44p_OL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmLli8inHP9AeyVSJU8pGuSPy1M5WrmuD-mElHyZtTxK4Cl9HHhqEiV2eamqmu-lf49nho5_kIvkQ4QXuy49cqubXDf3ql0NFh2_XK2c3uEDb28DiV2axKH1imSyGEUfV3ATATI9w5Ng/s320/_BelowDeck_44p_OL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">THE FIRST CREW OF BELOW DECKS ABOVE DECKS</td></tr></tbody></table><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
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<![endif]--><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Ever since I was very young I always wanted to run away to sea. I was born in Charleston, S.C. and love the ocean. I did finally join a cruise ship as a croupier and everywhere we sailed to, there were yachts. At the Cannes Film festival there were gorgeous yachts filled with beautiful Europeans. In the Caribbean the yachts moored in secluded coves too small for cruise ships. Have you ever been curious about what it is like to be part of the crew on a private yacht?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now I have your answer. Bravo's reality show Below Decks is returning with its ninth season, and I have been cruising with them since the launch. In the pilot the show sailed out of Saint Martin which holds a special place in my heart because my future husband and I had our first date there. It is a beautiful island divided into a Dutch side filled with duty-free shops and a French side filled with fantastic restaurants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both worked on a cruise ship, the best part of a cruise ship is that you have much more time off than the crew of a private yacht. They work with fifteen other crew members we worked with over six hundred. This season the crew will sail out of Saint Kitts another beautiful island in the Caribbean.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the show the crew is on call twenty-four hours a day. The officers are trained professionals, but most of the cast is a group of attractive people doing essentially service and maintenance jobs; you won’t need your college degree here. But since the pay is all in tips and room and board is included what a great place to save up money to pay off those loans. The cost of the cruise can run up to $150,000 a week, and the average tip is between 10 to 15%v of the cost, so tips for each crew member averages between $1,000 and $2,000 a week. That being said some of the guests are very difficult, the chef has to change his menu on a guest’s whim, and the stewards might have to not only unpack but iron all the passengers’ clothes. You would think they would go on vacation to relax but to type ‘A’ personalities making demands and finding fault are part of a good vacation. Since most people bring their friends it is also a way to try to impress your mates with your importance. It really does show how hard the work is and that you have to have nerves of steel, to handle out of line comments such as ‘how great your tits are’.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because this is a reality show, the focus is definitely on bad behavior. On their one day off a week it is all about getting pissed and hooking up. It was like that on a cruise ship we even had a crew bar, but we had some time off everyday, so when we got to port our major focus was sight seeing - and then getting pissed. As for shipboard romances, being a hopeful romantic I am all for them. I met my husband when we both worked on a cruise ship, and with no commute to work, or bills to pay for rent or food, it was a wonderful experience, a vacation from the real world. We computed everything in ships time, a week at sea is like a month on land for a new romance. The most fun part of every season is figuring who will hook up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every season has their issues. This is what I wrote about the first season. Sam hates Adrienne her boss because she is very demanding. CJ is upset because the captain keeps telling him to put his shirt back on. I can tell you if Sam was on a cruise ship she would have been booted off before the week was over for insolence. On a cruise ship an officer is to be obeyed. Only Captain Lee and Eddie Lucas are still cast members and they are the heart and soul of the cast.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This show will be interesting for anyone who loves to cruise. The setting is beautiful and there are facts to be gleaned between the cat-fights. The crew works hard and parties hard, but the work is the main focus for any crew. I just wish the show was more focused on the mechanics of the cruise world but alas the show is on Bravo not the Discovery Channel. I left cruise ships with wonderful memories and a Scottish husband, and thought not everyone can be that lucky. I am sure the crew of Below Decks will cherish this experience for the rest of their lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpIlnn2sv5cDnGbRk8CIbp3gIQS302biumgIfKa7Kr4mjKaxJX1m3XYws8SFxy0ywUPGSN49obhXLkILyeyTc1u7MwoS1UjSkC-L0dSC66S5-sMcXKZptGcCiq1W0mYXrf4JNWWf4qCSYtK8WGSpAip6vvR__A5xxYydhPqcB6gTD1lqxDtg5oryLL=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpIlnn2sv5cDnGbRk8CIbp3gIQS302biumgIfKa7Kr4mjKaxJX1m3XYws8SFxy0ywUPGSN49obhXLkILyeyTc1u7MwoS1UjSkC-L0dSC66S5-sMcXKZptGcCiq1W0mYXrf4JNWWf4qCSYtK8WGSpAip6vvR__A5xxYydhPqcB6gTD1lqxDtg5oryLL" width="202" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the below to order at Barnes and Noble</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.rtoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p>.<br /></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-55735622701255355932021-10-20T11:57:00.008-07:002022-01-15T12:39:55.301-08:00How To Travel the World and Fall in Love Without Leaving Your Couch<p>I used to be a great traveler, but now like the rest of the
world Covid anxiety has kept me at home, although I still need to escape from
my everyday world. I still love to go places, but now I mostly do it through my
imagination. We can all travel the world from the comfort of our couches. To
decide where to go, I scour the lists on my Newsfeeds and I search the
streaming services we subscribe to. I have probably watched thousands of
trailers in the last two years. I want to find shows that will entertain me and
teach me about the countries they are filmed in. I can’t even put my process into
words, but as the Hopeful Romantic I want something that grabs and inspires me.
Today I will share a few of my favorites but only a short synopsis, no spoilers
just enough to pique your interest. Please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:carabertoia@yahoo.com">carabertoia@yahoo.com</a> and share your
top picks with me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_sEUZzmEzi323ndiyu6bzFIOJX0taj36ZgOMpEZh8Mf0-NibyoPMBiEVXGHeqsHDZmoIDeYWAI7MFMhslbHYwtXAeAKTrHLM6LS-TYP3S-UiwhVQyUcSbcSzatWFXcjFfK-MBDRRhHk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="144" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_sEUZzmEzi323ndiyu6bzFIOJX0taj36ZgOMpEZh8Mf0-NibyoPMBiEVXGHeqsHDZmoIDeYWAI7MFMhslbHYwtXAeAKTrHLM6LS-TYP3S-UiwhVQyUcSbcSzatWFXcjFfK-MBDRRhHk/" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Midnight Diner</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My husband works nights and this winter our ritual every evening
before he went to work was to watch an episode of <i>Midnight Diner</i>. I was
won over the first time I watched the intro about a wonderful show set in a diner
in Tokyo that opens at midnight. This is a place where the dreamers and the
losers come to share their sorrows and their joys with the Master. Every
episode tells a new story about one of the patrons of the diner. Listening to
their stories you learn so much about life in Japan. I was so sad by the end of
the last season that I wouldn’t be able to spend any more time with my friends
at the diner. And for those of us that love Japanese food, at the end of the
episode they demonstrate the proper way to cook the dishes on the show. Watch on Netflix</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Tokyo Girl</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">For me this series is Japan’s answer to <i>Sex and the City</i>.
The story is about Aya a woman who moves from her town of Akita to Tokyo hoping
to make a new life in the big city. You won’t find a fairy tale here just a
realistic look at the life a single girl faces trying to navigate a city filled
with its own prejudices. The name of each episode relates to the neighborhood
she lives in. Through the years she moves around the city in her search for a
better life, a magazine life. What I loved about the series was its insight
into the dating life of a modern career woman in a big city. I really felt for
Aya as she traversed the years from eighteen to forty-five always in search of
that perfect Tokyo life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Watch on Amazon</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpPY6zBO1Y2ZoaKHpv9jmnVKTQ2JGpP_8q8Dpe55_N3lTcfbaqieCGyBFucHrzVKlY5gS2uHoUFD5wY0DYaKD6vX9_7J5IQqnQ5ls3CyHaMqVNzolJKon4u5P16YDr8B-e8Vd4zFHxdQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="667" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpPY6zBO1Y2ZoaKHpv9jmnVKTQ2JGpP_8q8Dpe55_N3lTcfbaqieCGyBFucHrzVKlY5gS2uHoUFD5wY0DYaKD6vX9_7J5IQqnQ5ls3CyHaMqVNzolJKon4u5P16YDr8B-e8Vd4zFHxdQ/" width="286" /></a></div><br />The first series that grabbed my heart was <i>The Baker and
the Beauty </i>from Israel. I know that they tried to make an American version
of the show but nothing compares to the original. The premise of the show is
pure Hollywood but the execution is pure Israeli. Noa a famous supermodel falls
in love with Amos who bakes pita bread in his parents’ small grocery store.
It’s all about the family and Amos’s family will win your heart. It also
highlights cultural differences in Israeli society. The characters in this show
are fully developed. There are no villains here, they all suffer from their
own insecurities. I watched it on Amazon Prime, it is unavailable now but I am sure it will come back.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Shtisel<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although<i> Shtisel</i> is also set in Israel the two series
couldn’t be more different. This show is set in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish
community in Jerusalem. It is also a tale of romance; can anyone find a wife
for Shulem Shtisel? It follows his story as he tries to make a living as an artist in a
very strict community with a rule for almost everything. The show is also the
story of the Shtisel family. This isn’t an anti-religious show, instead it shows
you how people find strength and community in their faith. How do a people hold
on to their beliefs while navigating the modern world? It will make you laugh and
cry so please keep your tissues handy. Watch on Netflix</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-dGWa-ERsmtUJND1jKPbKkuzCCEcBNlaH0q-dh_Ju5TntvsCN-u9bUhVgpviOdFBYzBEYZlm_Fw20hR4tG3ayGrmLuub4ftEWvkTVk9ZLpomYlCPU0uXKA2f6kxjZvGzhjehmAgvkDw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="294" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-dGWa-ERsmtUJND1jKPbKkuzCCEcBNlaH0q-dh_Ju5TntvsCN-u9bUhVgpviOdFBYzBEYZlm_Fw20hR4tG3ayGrmLuub4ftEWvkTVk9ZLpomYlCPU0uXKA2f6kxjZvGzhjehmAgvkDw/" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Married at First Sight - Australia</i></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal">Okay, I admit a reality show might seem like weird choice
but stay with me. <i>Married at</i> <i>First Sight – Australia,</i> a show
about meeting your mate at the altar is a blast! It differs from the American
show which I also love, because it is bigger, has more episodes and that means
more drama! Ten couples, a diverse group whose ages range from twenty to the
fifty, are pulled from all over Australia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the honeymoons they move to a beautiful
apartment tower in Sydney as they negotiate the new marriages. <a name="_Hlk85371094">Next, they all meet for a dinner party every week. </a>During
the season, they travel to each other homes, this is when you get to find out
what its like when you match a city girl to a cowboy who lives in the back of
beyond. This show is packed with drama, infidelity and a good amount of love at
first sight stories. It also makes Australia seem like a wonderful place to live.
But as always, the burning question is, will they stay married or will they get
a divorce? Watch on Lifetime</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTECknTBni7rmK-aQ2WI7haV1xMYYUWjv8f20HiHLTEelCsmEa2xarTiN6sn8W_G9QKBWcCTe26ct5Cxz2GDV9KJOxz4s345fGDm1hvF5hnmIbM2dUyTxwIEEGkvnqRym7qkYijeziSXw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="145" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTECknTBni7rmK-aQ2WI7haV1xMYYUWjv8f20HiHLTEelCsmEa2xarTiN6sn8W_G9QKBWcCTe26ct5Cxz2GDV9KJOxz4s345fGDm1hvF5hnmIbM2dUyTxwIEEGkvnqRym7qkYijeziSXw/" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lovesick - Scotland</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whenever my husband gets homesick, we can always watch <i>Lovesick</i>
then he can travel the streets of his hometown Glasgow, Scotland. It is a great city with
a vibrant downtown, great transportation, and an historic university. The show
Lovesick follows a group of ex-students as they live and work in the West End
of Glasgow. The premise is that Dylan must let his previous sex partners know
that he has chlamydia. Dylan has been a busy man so there are lots of women in
his past. Part of the appeal of the show is the chemistry between the characters,
and the witty British banter. Watch on Netflix.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-4776987710831385912021-09-25T09:32:00.004-07:002021-11-08T09:38:56.376-08:00MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT -- AMERICAN STYLE -- DECISION DAY<p><b> </b></p><div class="separator"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><img alt="" height="346" 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" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="408" /></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Now with decision day fast approaching on the Married at
First Sight – Houston season, I have included an update to my original predictions.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Humans out there, I have a question for you. What
would you try to find love? Wouldn't you love to take the guess work out of
your hands and just have someone else pick your partner? I am a hopeful
romantic who loves reality television but only the shows that help you find
love, true love. So, I keep my screen tuned to the Bachelor, 90 Day Fiancée,
and the ultimate challenge, Married at First Sight. I have followed this series
faithfully since season one. I am sure most of you can figure out the plot by
the title. It is a show where five strangers walk up to the altar, in front of
their friends and family, and promise to love five other strangers the first
time they lay eyes on them. A blind date that never ends. Now before you
dismiss it as some creepy reality show meant to shock you, this show is really
serious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">There are many things I love about this show. The
thousands of singles who apply for the show are whittled down into a manageable
list by the experts on the show, Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal and Dr. Viviana. I
don't know about you, but before I got married, dating was hard. If I were
single, I would definitely try out for the show. I believe the experts couldn't
do a worse job than I did choosing people to date. They cast people who seem
relatable, not overly glamorous, and they have a good track record with
diversity. At least they aren't going to set you up with a serial killer. They
want the couples to succeed because success lends credibility to the show.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">To keep the show from getting stale, every season
they move to a new town. This season it filmed in Houston, last season in
Atlanta. It moves around the country although they haven't gone out West
yet, but next season they are going to San Diego. I can't wait. It has a pretty good success rate, twelve marriages and many
children are products of this show. You can't fake babies for the camera. In
contrast, only one Bachelor has married his Bachelorette, although sometimes
they change their mind and go for the runner-up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After the honeymoon, while the couples get adjusted
to their new partners, they aren't sequestered, they keep up with their normal
lives all while filming the show. They go to work every day, interact with their
friends, and visit the family. To all you singles out there, this show is like
a crash course in dating, you can learn about "what not to do"
watching these couples navigate life with a new partner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">These were my predictions at the beginning of the season:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A new season is upon us, and it is now the time to
decide, whether they will stay married or get a divorce. I will boldly make my
predictions about the Houston couples after watching the matchmaking special.
Rachel and Jose will go the distance, they seem like the perfect match. Brett
and Ryan might have a shot, if he is ready to settle down with a real woman and
not the imaginary one in his head. I don't give Johnny and Bao much hope
because they are both perfectionists, and she has already met him and passed. I
think Zack and Michaela will stay together, these two over achievers can
achieve a lot together. Myrla and Gil make a beautiful couple, but her high
maintenance ways will turn off firefighter Gil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Update: Halfway to Decision Day<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We are now at the point in the series when we have
gotten to know these couples. They are real people to us now, we have had deep
dives into their personalities, and we are finding out they are kind of like
the rest of us, filled with lots of flaws and strengths. We know which couples
suffer from a lack of chemistry the most important element of any relationship.
Viewers hoped the older age of many of the couples would make them more mature
and ready to make a commitment. It turns out age does not equal maturity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Rachel and Jose were the perfect match for about
the first week. They both rushed in before she realized he is a penny-pinching
control freak, and he found out she is a spendthrift who does not like to be
controlled. Last week Jose had an absolute freak out when she accidentally
called him by the wrong name. Even I was shocked by the language coming out of
his mouth. To make sure she got the point, he locked her out of the apartment.
I’m pretty sure this couple will reconcile but it won’t last. I predict
divorce.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Ryan is a serial dater who will probably keep on
dating once the show is over. I hate it when the experts set the couples up
with a partner who is hard to please. It is a sure-fire way to doom the
relationship before it even starts. Brett is very pretty and she has a great
personality her only fault, she is a human woman and not a Barbie doll. We’ve
all dated guys like Ryan, it is an exercise in frustration knowing that you
can never live up to the image in their head. Brett will be happier once this experiment
is over.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In my first prediction I got it wrong. Bao didn’t
pass on Johnny the first time, he passed on her. If I think Brett has high
expectations Johnny’s are through the roof. If she is in a playful mood, he accuses
her of being too giddy. Conversely, if she tries to paint a pretty picture, he
tells her she is too intense. There is a reason these men are alone. I don’t
know if there is a woman alive capable of making Bao happy. He is used to
running when thing get real. I think the only reason he isn’t running now is
because he is on television but he will.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The next couple breaks my heart. Zack thinks
Michaela is a hot head with a temper but I know she is just a broken woman who
just lost her father. I also lost my father in my twenties and it killed me. For
too many years I wandered the world looking to fill the hole in my heart, then
I met my husband who always delivered what he promised. I never went crazy
around him because he made me feel secure. Zack tells Michaela that he will be
there for her but he really isn’t. He keeps gaslighting her every chance he
gets. He can’t really understand what she is going through since he has both
parents, and she can’t act rationally because she is in pain. I would love to
see this couple make it but both of them aren’t ready. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Myrla and Gil both suffered through terrible traumas.
They both lost their fathers in violent murders. It is a horrible thing to bond
over but they can understand each other. The couple is very funny in the small
doses we get on television. I’m not sure how her daily dose of negativity would
play out in real life but Gil has the patience of a saint. I think a good-looking
guy like him appreciates a challenge like Myrla. What happens when she falls in
love with him? Will he lose interest? Please, let this couple make it, they are
my last best hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm really excited to see if the rest of the season
turns out to be train-wreck or heaven sent. Only time will tell. Meet you here
at the end of the season!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">DECISION DAY:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Now it is the end of the season. And I predict that Rachel and Jose will be the only couple to stay together at the end of the season, but they will break up soon after the show airs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I can't believe how depressing this season was. Johnny, Zack, and Ryan are all looking for a superwoman. Ryan is looking for a beauty queen who also wants to do everything he does. Zack wants a woman who never gets mad. I do admit Michaela is crazy, but I still think it is because of the death of her father. The loss of a good parent leaves a person with such a pain body in their heart that it is hard to know what normal is. I don't know what the hell Johnny wants because he keeps changing the parameters. I do think it is a shame that Myrla and Gil will probably break up over money because they are such a sweet couple.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I thought the older age of the contestants this season would make for happier couples, but I was wrong. It seems like with each year men's, and it was the men, expectations grow higher. The women were ready to do the work, but the men had such fairy tale expectations of marriage that no woman could measure up. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!"</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br />Please check out her most popular posts at <a href="http://carabertoia.blogspot.com/">CaraBetoia.blogspot.com</a> to find more blogs about cruising, casinos and anything that catches her fancy.<br /><br />Below are the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships<br /></b></p><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click here to find at Amazon Canada</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon United Kingdom</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Germany</a><br /></b><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B004NIFUUU"><b>Click the link to find at Amazon France</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.it/dp/B004NIFUUU"><b>Click the link to find at Amazon Italy</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.es/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Spain</a> </b></div></div><b><span class="fw_sanitized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Brazil</a></span><br /></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-55420249729445185152021-07-27T10:12:00.007-07:002022-09-08T11:58:45.614-07:00WHY I LOVE AND HATE -- THE CRUISE SHIP BAN IN VENICE<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUo9LBqKpxOMWY0l73bRO5mAzJYNbGdZQOJ4dfErpU_jFYDsNmaZ8ZMAPDQyH6dgI9jRf3t4qBwxKcW62q1R2DKIPH75-pVhJAIBW10IozeDs8v9Q4xIqX0cb57LeEYNVc1YHTrgHH_k/s1600/gondola-venice-italy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUo9LBqKpxOMWY0l73bRO5mAzJYNbGdZQOJ4dfErpU_jFYDsNmaZ8ZMAPDQyH6dgI9jRf3t4qBwxKcW62q1R2DKIPH75-pVhJAIBW10IozeDs8v9Q4xIqX0cb57LeEYNVc1YHTrgHH_k/s320/gondola-venice-italy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The most beautiful sail away in the world - Venice, Italy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I wrote this article a few years back. Now that cruise ships are being banned from the city center, I thought I would revisit those times. </p><p>Skeptics always ask me why I love cruising so much. What makes it so special? They ask me this because I once worked on a cruise ship and sailed out of Venice for two years. I love cruise ships because I love the ocean. But what makes a cruise ship so special? Well, my favorite thing about a cruise ship is the sail away. I know that you also sail into a port but that usually happens when you are fast asleep in your cabin encased in your soft, high thread count luxury sheets. But sail away is a time when most of the passengers gather on the deck to watch the ship leave a port, drink frou-frou drinks and wave at those unfortunates on the dock that won't be sailing with us. This week I will tell you about my favorite place to sail away from.</p><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My number one place to leave is Venice, and not because I want to get away but because I love Venice so much. One of my memorable experiences was planning a pizza party on the crew deck. Earlier in the day I had bought cheap bottles of red wine in town, but I didn't have to bring the pizzas because onboard an Italian head chef made sure that the pizza was thin and crispy with just a smattering of sauce and cheese that is hard to duplicate in American but can be found in any town in Italy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The sail away from Venice was set in the late afternoon for the greatest dramatic appeal. The whole city takes on a golden glow. It is a balmy summer day, with the movement of the ship creating a soft breeze on deck. The ship meanders past medieval houses and cathedrals painted in muted earth tone colors. The harbor is crowded with water taxis, gondolas, and boats moving produce and goods through the canals. Commerce moving as it has for thousands of years. While the ship meanders past all of this splendor all the casino staff are lounging on the crew deck, sipping local red wine and chewing on crispy hot, fresh pizza that has just been delivered from the kitchen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And then we sail past St. Marks Square, if there is a more beautiful place on earth, show it to me. Thousands of tourists are gawking at the Doge's Palace and the Basilica waiting for The Moor to strike his bell. The music from the violinist playing in the square is barely discernable from the ship. The day is perfect, the chance for days like that are why I lived on ships for many years.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know that some of you have been to Venice, some left by plane where long lines and customs awaited you. Some of you went by train and what a great way to see the countryside. But as for me, I will always cherish those sail aways from Venice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal">A few years after I wrote this article, I went back and visited Venice. The Venice I found was inundated with tourists. Where once you could find quiet streets and escape the crowds, now every street was at full capacity resembling a county fair on a Saturday night. I realize that this ban is good for the people of Venice because so many cruise ships are hurting the eco-system of the lagoon. Some say the cruise ships are ugly and take away from the cultural heritage. So, we all have to ask ourselves the question, what happens when Venice quits being the Venice we love? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon. While you're there check out the reviews and enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cara Bertoia is the author of the critically acclaimed Casino Queen, a new suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. She has drawn from her years in the casino industry to create a fascinating thriller. It is all true although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. It had been featured at <i>The Big Thrill </i>and <i>Women Writers Women's Books</i> and at many other sites. Read the blurb here.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 19.26px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s1650" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSgTeGBH7boAuRlJZRzXWZ4cfrRzDpk-77rVaNDkkEw4kc2sl4duYOxkzcRwBhRsisQU16s64MEXkqngnrth4PWsHnL2r-ShaZKrgDmpsoXC_z_rhDGL9NLbbIuIph4eEOxi5IhjtAbC4E5A4yz4mn1GNDWC8qtrEgpxf-6lW3BVD_HBWc3l_zcM-o=s320" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Click the link below to order at Amazon, enjoy your stay at the Night Hawk!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768" style="color: #d52a33; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s383/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="383" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDpnv0vic1jD4c5nxiNsA1P8r1ZFithEC3mi8TX28idzhb6ZpBGPtSZmQ1SpGKrmm-4amW4RXRtxhnKURnYoz1xMVRdM8ZHjuq20En2WQUYoZ59EDIDxCI81_isYW902MxjJVF7B97nAUQpsEXa6Z30kkdIYEXJuU332V6FGteBrRdy4cJFTUg8cr/s320/big%20thrill%20logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"> To c<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">heck out my interview in The Big Thrill, click the link below. </span></p><p></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=75945&fbclid=IwAR3FZliz01MuATEto8K5JgGX7QF9EzUxLZDclV_vWBNpSBvLG736tmTFBW8">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | THE BIG THRILL</a></p><p style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. With her life on the line can she pull out a win?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div class="MsoNormal">.</div></div>Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-57948403744076746202021-07-21T11:20:00.003-07:002021-07-30T19:29:13.075-07:00MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT - HOUSTON<div class="separator"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="346" 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<p class="MsoNormal">Humans out there, I have a question for you. What would you
try to find love? Wouldn't you love to take the guess work out of your hands
and just have someone else pick your partner? I am a hopeful romantic who loves
reality television but only the shows that help you find love, true love. So, I
keep my screen tuned to the Bachelor, 90 Day Fiancée, and the ultimate
challenge, Married at First Sight. I have followed this series faithfully since
season one. I am sure most of you can figure out the plot by the title. It is a
show where five strangers walk up to the altar, in front of their friends and
family, and promise to love five other strangers the first time they lay eyes
on them. A blind date that never ends. Now before you dismiss it as some creepy
reality show meant to shock you, this show is really serious. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are many things I love about this show. The thousands
of singles who apply for the show are whittled down into a manageable list by
the experts on the show, Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal and Dr. Viviana. I don't know
about you, but before I got married, dating was hard. If I were single, I would
definitely try out for the show. I believe the experts couldn't do a worse job
than I did choosing people to date. They cast people that seem relatable, not
overly glamorous, and they have a good track record with diversity. At least
they aren't going to set you up with a serial killer. They want the couples to
succeed because that lends credibility to the show. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To keep the show from
getting stale, every season they move to a new town. This season it was filmed
in Houston, last season in Atlanta. It moves around the country although they
haven't gone out West yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a
pretty good success rate, twelve marriages and many children are products of
this show. You can't fake babies for the camera. In contrast, only one Bachelor
has married his Bachelorette, although sometimes they change their mind and go
for the runner-up. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the honeymoon, while the couples get adjusted to their
new partners, they aren't sequestered, they keep up with their normal lives all
while filming the show. They go to work every day, interact with their friends,
and visit the family. To all you singles out there, this show is like a crash
course in dating, you can learn about "what not to do" watching these
couples navigate life with a new partner. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But a new season is upon us, and it is now the time to
decide, whether they will stay married or get a divorce. I will boldly make my
predictions about the Houston couples after watching the matchmaking special.
Rachel and Jose will go the distance, they seem like the perfect match. Brett
and Ryan might have a shot, if he is ready to settle down with a real woman and
not the imaginary one in his head. I don't give Johnny and Bao much hope
because they are both perfectionists, and she has already met him and passed. I
think Zack and Michaela will stay together, these two over achievers can
achieve a lot together. Myrla and Gil make a beautiful couple, but her high
maintenance ways will turn off firefighter Gil. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm really excited to see if the couples turn out to be
train-wrecks or heaven sent. Only time will tell. Meet you here at the end of
the season!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> novel is really a travelogue, a narrative, a romance, a self-help manual for gambling and cruising, and a real-life story all rolled into one funny, obsessive, and entertaining story of two people whose separate life journeys meet at a crossroads. </span>Kindle Fire Dept. says, "This novel is a gem that is nothing short of a vacation in a book!"</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />Please check out her most popular posts at <a href="http://carabertoia.blogspot.com/">CaraBetoia.blogspot.com</a> to find more blogs about cruising, casinos and anything that catches her fancy.<br /><br />Below are the links to Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships<br /></p><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click here to find at Amazon Canada</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon United Kingdom</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Germany</a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon France</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.it/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Italy</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.es/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Spain</a> </div></div><span class="fw_sanitized"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B004NIFUUU">Click the link to find at Amazon Brazil</a></span><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<![endif]-->Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-26772002262161486452020-10-04T08:39:00.030-07:002023-02-14T13:03:17.321-08:00THE TOP TEN THINGS WORKING BEHIND THE BLACKJACK TABLE HAVE TAUGHT ME ABOUT LIFE & LOVE -- BECAUSE LOVE IS THE BIGGEST GAMBLE OF ALL.<p> <b>TALES FROM BEHIND THE FELT </b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk5CYMd11Qkg12JecwrixrSbuFRORqTYPTAiYjCK-_7ErwlQAUQlxsQb-xpgNtYO3v8az_rUwGvdoHMEY37s1WcyJ4NnEyT0jOe-yKJPcicBKyMIVy7vSWmK4Rbm85lNm1-KJrCI7ttI/s588/CASINO+PICK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="588" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk5CYMd11Qkg12JecwrixrSbuFRORqTYPTAiYjCK-_7ErwlQAUQlxsQb-xpgNtYO3v8az_rUwGvdoHMEY37s1WcyJ4NnEyT0jOe-yKJPcicBKyMIVy7vSWmK4Rbm85lNm1-KJrCI7ttI/w400-h297/CASINO+PICK.jpg" title="TALES FROM BEHIND THE FELT" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For most of my career I have worked at casinos, on land in California and Nevada, and at sea all over the world. Let me just say that you learn a lot about the human personality when you watch thousands of people from behind the felt of a blackjack table.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I wrote a
novel, Cruise Quarters, about my experiences living and working on a cruise ship. While I was promoting my book,
I received a request from a website asking me to provide a quote from my novel. Imagine my surprise a few months
later when I Googled my name and I found a list of websites where my quote had
been used. The first and most exciting was Goodreads, where it was listed as a top gambling quote. Being a writer, I was thrilled because Goodreads is the
world’s largest site for readers. Online casinos picked up
my quote, people on social media sites, and even <i>Seeking Alpha</i>, a financial website<i>.</i> My words have even been used as part of a legal
argument in an Indian lawsuit. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Working at a casino is hard. You are on your feet for eight hours, with seven demanding faces in front of you. Even though it is a challenging job I like it because I know all the rules and procedures I have to follow. The rules are all written down in a very big manual.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The truth behind that one quote was not all that I learned by working at a casino. So I have decided to share some more of my wisdom with you. Even though you might not ever visit a casino, hopefully you enjoy them. <b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>1. It is hard to walk away from a winning streak, even harder
to leave the table when you are on a losing one.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the quote that started it all. As a dealer, I have watched this a million times from behind the table. People who
are losing will pull out more money then they budgeted, will borrow from their
friends or even open up a line of credit. Because they just believe that on the
next hand, the next spin, or the next throw of the dice things will turn
around. It reminds me that sometimes desperation will lead you to do crazy
things. How many times have we driven by an ex-boyfriends house or drunk dialed them even though we know that we are never, ever, getting back together.<br /></p><b>2. A player in the last stage of her gambling addiction, just
wants to lose all her money.
</b><p class="MsoNormal">To take it one step further when someone stays at the table
so long and loses so much money, they don’t walk away with that last fifty
dollars. Instead they prefer to lose it all. When they leave I watch them walk away with an empty
wallet and a look of relief spread across their face. Like in that bad relationship you
have to do all the crazy stuff, to convince yourself that it is really over,
and only then can you begin again. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>3. Before you sit down at the table make sure the dealer runs
an honest game.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All the casinos in America run honest games, licensed
by the state and the federal government. But you need to research the rules of
each casino, whether you get paid even money or time and a half on a blackjack,
or if they stay or hit on soft seventeen, because those rules can
really change your odds of winning. The same applies to dating, always make sure the person you are dating is sincere. If you are dating a guy with
a girlfriend or even worse a wife your odds for success go down. And if you are dating a
serial womanizer, just give up.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>4. In life, there are gamblers and there are people who gamble.
Gamblers have studied the odds.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I have said the rules at a casino really matter. To
a gambler the difference in the rules at certain casinos can mean the
difference between winning and losing. So think like a gambler, research a
potential date like a gambler researches the odds at a casino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Serious gamblers follow the rules of basic strategy for blackjack. These rules are designed to increase a gamblers odds of winning at the table. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Since I consider myself the Hopeful Romantic, I have developed a basic strategy of love. Bits of hard-earned wisdom designed to increase the odds that your relationship will work. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/8250575436286761225/3117462357742092458">Click here to read my Basic Strategy of Love</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Juice might get you in the door, talent keeps you there.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The casino business is like any other industry the people you know, your connections might help get you the job,
but you must have the talent to succeed. In love the same rule applies. You might have an initial connection but it will take work to make the
relationship work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>6. A winning streak can only last for so long.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No matter how great your life is going, one day you will hit a road
block. I consider myself a realistic optimist. I hope for the best
but prepare for the worst. In life that means saving for an emergency fund. I
think in life we also need an emergency fund for our relationships, a back up plan if
things don’t work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>7. You’ve got to gamble big to win big.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You have to gamble big, but only if you have studied the
odds, considered all the obstacles along the way, and have a back up plan. I
think that in affairs of the heart you have to love with all your heart. I took a huge chance when I married my Scottish husband Ray, after only knowing him for three months. On top of that we moved from a cruise ship to Palm Springs. It was a huge gamble but many years later, I am happy to report both the move and the marriage have paid off.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>8. The best part of playing one-on-one with the dealer is that
there are no other players to piss you off.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I guarantee that if you sit down at a blackjack table that it won't be long before one of the other players will be happy to offer you some unsolicited advice. Players just don’t sit there in silence, they are happy to let you know how you or the other players screwed up the hand. Somebody took the bust card, someone didn't hit when they should have, the list goes on and on. </p><p class="MsoNormal">That is why I love dealing with just one
player at the table, especially if it is a person who knows that if they follow the rules of basic strategy they greatly increase their odds of winning. In life there is always someone giving you advice you never asked for, telling you why your
relationship is doomed. Sometimes they are right and sometimes they are wrong. The best advice my father ever gave me was, <i>you have to make your own
mistakes, no one else can make them for you. </i><i> </i>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>9. When people work in the money store, they begin to believe
the money is theirs.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a casino the dealers and the players are surrounded by
money. The dealer stands in front of a tray filled with chips and sometimes the
temptation to throw a few of those chips into their tip box is just too great. Even though
they know that if they get caught it will end their career, they do it because
they feel like the money will never be missed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I have been watching a
fascinating mini-series on HBO, Love Fraud. It is the story of a guy who
travels around the country scamming hopeful women looking for love out of
their money. So, people be careful, guard your money and your heart, because
sometimes when you date people they begin to believe your money is theirs. The same goes for lending money. A wise lawyer once told me, <i>once you lend someone money they begin to believe it is theirs. <br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>10. You can’t replay the last hand, that is in the past. You have
to play the cards in front of you.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regret, that is what holds most people back. So many times
at the blackjack table people are in their head replaying the last hand, which means that they can’t
concentrate on the cards in from of them. </p><p class="MsoNormal">No matter what cards life have dealt you, good or bad, I know one thing for sure, you can't relive the past. Most of us can’t get over that last
relationship, or that last job. But when you keep playing that script in
your head you spend so much time regretting the past that you miss the present. If you keep pining for the guy or girl who hurt you in the past, you will never see the person standing in front of you now. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Isn't that what being in the present is all about? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to pre-order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250575436286761225.post-54680218232515232352020-09-16T18:25:00.002-07:002022-01-15T12:33:05.446-08:00READ ALL ABOUT CASINOS AND CRUISE SHIPS HERE<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
WE HAVE CREATED A NEW ONLINE NEWSPAPER TO KEEP OUR READERS INFORMED
ABOUT ALL THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CASINO AND CRUISE SHIP INDUSTRY
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
If you are reading this blog post right now it is probably a good
guess that your are interested in Casinos and Cruise Ships. So to keep
our readers up to date and current with what is happening in both
industries we have created a new online paper Casinos and Cruise Ships,
and the best part is that the subscription is absolutely FREE. So keep
yourself informed about the latest developments in the casino and cruise
ship industry across the globe. You don't have to subscribe to check it
out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://paper.li/CaraBertoia/1324874951">TO CHECK OUT THE NEW ONLINE PAPER CASINOS AND CRUISE SHIPS CLICK THIS LINK</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBziTN5LslmS7Guih9d2uPAT2_0rtVp307BCHBZ55l_UcfMSDu3hHAggOnRGwuXlyvVxJc5qeJMvAP9lRAH_WRgK-buiLn-AMB7xu3fNK70RqC1n2NzSslDNG7LpNfkUtP3Mhp1isedQ/s1600/casino+paper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBziTN5LslmS7Guih9d2uPAT2_0rtVp307BCHBZ55l_UcfMSDu3hHAggOnRGwuXlyvVxJc5qeJMvAP9lRAH_WRgK-buiLn-AMB7xu3fNK70RqC1n2NzSslDNG7LpNfkUtP3Mhp1isedQ/s640/casino+paper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8=s298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="202" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgdK3K6i3NrHp4IHERJDvqa5fEIVlpe_N9rZY4f12Z8z-fcAgvZwxyjfQ6iSA3gwkXRZkJXLt8y7zryLsK6SeZa68G62qyj_uXgia3lZjIgym0mzHpj1uXZDuYmEsoNPMYX7SOq-rdYl7hnuRtFollRtAXHRFys5susDFn0HZN7vMCIBlHO4wJq1V8" width="202" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Click the link below to order at Amazon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casino-Queen-Night-Hawk-Book-ebook/dp/B09PJWMG9Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=casino+queen+cara+bertoia&qid=1641919886&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen (Night Hawk Casino Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bertoia, Cara. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Click the link below to order at Barnes and Noble </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casino-queen-cara-bertoia/1140834492?ean=2940160852768"><span style="color: blue;">Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia | NOOK Book (eBook) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cara Bertoia is the author of Casino Queen a new mystery novel that will be published by the Wild Rose Press on March 16th. It is based on the many true stories she lived through in her many years in the casino industry although the names have been changed to protect the guilty. Read the blurb here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino and is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of challenging guests, growing revenue while rooting out corruption.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br />
Cara Bertoiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661918205130865978noreply@blogger.com0