Janna's 4th most entertaining books of 2008

One reason I love posting Janna's top picks? When it comes to the most entertaining books, we totally agree. It must be because we're sisters or something :-) So here's her 4th pick:

The 4th Most Entertaining Books of 2008 are "Only Uni" & "Single Sashimi" by Camy Tang

Why do these books rate so highly for me? Chick-Lit was a new genre for me a mere year ago (I know - hard to believe) and the first few I read really didn't impress me much... then came the Sushi Series. Here I found strong women who had flaws. They didn't necessarily have to have the latest designer purse and they weren't looking for Mr. Right with a ring - but Grandma was sure trying to find Mr. Right with a ring for them. A mix of culture, character, conflict and comedy. What more could I ask for? Not much and so that is when I fell for the Sushi Series. Last year I gave a nod to "Sushi For One" and this year I can't help but give an award to "Only Uni" and "Single Sashimi" as they round out the series.

"Only Uni" is probably my favorite. How can Camy take my least favorite character and turn her into someone that I really respected and admired? That is good writing - good drama and great resolution.

"Single Sashimi" brings us to Venus who is the least like me but fascinating. I love getting into her mind and seeing what makes her tick. And, wow, this is a great finish to a fantastic series. Do yourself a favor and curl up with this series - don't forget the wasabi - Camy sure didn't!

And now let's meet Camy...

1. Your Sushi series is so fun and unique. It introduced me to a culture that I didn't know much about. For instance, I can't imagine either of my grandmas trying to set me up and marry me off, of course I didn't give them much time to do that anyway since I married at age 20. :-) What are some of the major differences (good or bad) between the "typical American" culture and the "Sushi" culture?

The sad fact is that it's not unique to Asian American culture to have a grandma, mom, or aunty who is intent on nagging every single family member into marriage. I've had letters from people from German, Swiss, Scandinavian, Italian, and Irish American families who say they have a family member just like Grandma Sakai! (I'm not sure if I should laugh or pray for them! LOL) What I've learned from writing the Sushi books is that no matter what your ethnicity, families are all alike. The only differences seem to be the foods eaten at family gatherings and the language. I think that's why so many people who aren't Asian have enjoyed the series because aside from learning about different family parties and Asian food, they're seeing their own family foibles in the characters.

2. Your series is about 4 cousins – Lexi, Trish, Venus and Jenn. Sadly, the publishers are not having you write the book about Jenn whom I was really looking forward to getting to know. Were you sad to see this series end?

I was, but I am also planning a novella to finish off Jenn's story. This will be available as a free ebook to my newsletter YahooGroup members (it's free and easy to join:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join). I was hoping to have it done by December, but it looks like I may not have time until spring or summer 2009. I'll post to my YahooGroup when it's available. I'll also have it available to purchase as a hard copy on Amazon if people don't like reading ebooks or want a hard copy for theirbookshelves.

3. What is the main thing you would like readers to take with them after they visit the Sushi Cousin's world?

That God is always there for you, no matter what you do and what you go through. That when we surrender to His will, His love, and His guidance, things always end up okay.

4. I am a huge sushi fan and my husband and I go to a great Japanese restaurant for our special treat. I love edamame, california roll and the bento box with shrimp tempura and gyoza – I can handle wasabi in little bits – so what should I get next time if I want to be daring?

My favorite favorite favorite sushi is deep fried soft shell crab roll (I mean, what can be bad about anything deep fried???). It's also sometimes called a Spider Roll. Yummos!

5. I am sad to see the Sushi series end, but I am looking forward to what you have for us next. What can we be looking forward to seeing from you in the near future?

I have a romantic suspense coming out in July or August 2009 from Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense line. It's called Deadly Intent, and it's about a massage therapist in her family-owned spa who finds a dead client in her massage room at the same time a mysterious (and handsome) acquaintance shows up asking to see the woman who's, well,dead.

6. Where can readers find you online so they can keep track of everything you are up to?

Here's my website: http://www.camytang.com/

And here's my blog: http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

I'm also on Twitter: http://twitter.com/camytang

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=593807328

7. Thank you so much for joining us today and congratulations on writing some of the best books of the year (according to little 'ol me :-)

Thank YOU for having me here, Janna! And I'm sooo glad you enjoyed the Sushi series!

JUST A REMINDER: GO TO JANNA's BLOG TO COMMENT :-)  Just let her know you found her great giveaway here :-)

Because of the awesomeness of Camy, - she has agreed to giveaway 2 copies of "Only Uni" to 2 lucky winners! I will go one better - if we get over 40 comments then I will add a copy of "Single Sashimi" to the mix! That is 3 different books you can win! Don't miss out! The rules are the same as the other current giveaways -

1) Leave a comment and tell me who you know that would most enjoy this series (1 entry)

2) Link to this post from your own blog and leave a comment here letting me know (2 entries)

3) Tell someone else about this contest and have them put your name in their comment - (3 entries)

It's that easy! Don't miss out on these awesome books - good luck!