Hi everyone, I'm bursting with news. I apologize for not being on the site for awhile, but I'm working on a new book and am double-y excited about my latest book being published.

NOT WITHOUT ANNA has just been released from Mundania Press LLC www.mundania.com

Here's some advanced reviews, I hope they intrigue you enough to want to read the book!

My immediate reaction, upon finishing Not Without Anna, was that it should be required reading for every parent of a teen or preteen. Then I realized that was only half the story. Teens and preteens need to read this book as well. And grandparents, who are perhaps even more clueless than the parents in this chilling story of drugs, sudden death, anguish, guilt, and—finally—rebirth. Not Without Anna is a modern morality tale, a story of good, well-meaning parents who had no idea what was happening with their children. It also delves, first-hand, into the anguish teenagers can suffer over little things, as well as over problems that are truly almost insurmountable. It shows in stark reality how teenagers risk death when they just think they are being cool. Not Without Anna opens eyes on both sides of the age gap. I heartily recommend it.
Review by Grace Kone, who writes as Blair Bancroft
THE INDIFFERENT EARL Signet, March 2003
THE MAJOR MEETS HIS MATCH Signet, August 2003
A SEASON FOR LOVE & THE INCONVENIENT MATCH Signet 2004
See also Blair's Historicals & Romantic Suspense at www.rfiwest.com

Not Without Anna is not for the faint of heart. When Anna is found dead after a party with friends, her distraught mother tries to uncover the secret life of her teenage daughter. This is a heartbreaker - a gritty, realistic read - a behind the headlines story of the results of teenage alcohol and drug use. NOT WITHOUT ANNA is a primer of the facts of life about teenagers in today’s world and not an easy read for parents who think:

"Not my child!"

Review by E. Joan Sims
CEMETERY SILK, Wildside Press
THE PLAGUE DOCTOR, Winter 2002
www.ejoansims.com

Not Without Anna is a gut-wrenching look at the problems of teenage drug use and sexual activity in today's society. Without judgment, Vicki M. Taylor explores the lives and emotional upheaval of a group of teenagers after the drowning death of one of their friends during a drug-fogged swimming party.

In similar fashion, she explores the emotions of the bereaved mother, left alone after her daughter's death with only the girl's diaries, discovering that the child she thought she knew did not exist.

As friends, loved ones, and a shocked town try to come to terms with the death, fingers begin to point and tempers flare. And just when you think you have it all figured out, a shocking twist changes everyone's life--forever. Not Without Anna is not to be missed.

Review by Natalie R. Collins
Buy this Book and I'll Wash Your Car: How to--or not to--Get a Literary Agent
http://www.nataliercollins.com/agentbook.html

Vicki Taylor’s, Not Without Anna, is a must read! Meet a heroine with spunk! I love that in a woman! Don’t YOU make the mistake I did, you order in and prepare yourself for a late night, or you’ll find yourself running around town doing errands with your nose in a book and it’s hard driving that way—not to mention dangerous! Better that you leave the driving to Ms. Taylor—you sink into your favorite chair, enjoy twists and turns, spiked with romance—in relative safety!

Review by Babs Lakey
Publisher Futures Mysterious Anthology Magazine/Author of the psychological thriller Spirit series.
Babs Lakey/Publisher/Futures Mysterious Anthology Mag. http://www.futuresforstorylovers.com
psychological suspense author. http://www.suspenseunlimited.net

Not Without Anna is a beautifully written, heart-tugging story. Compelling from start to finish. Bravo, Ms Taylor!

Review by Katherine Sutcliffe
http://www.KatherineSutcliffe.net
Coming in 2003 from Jove Books:
BAD MOON RISING
HOT AUGUST MOON

Vicki M. Taylor, in her new book Not Without Anna, reaches into the hearts of the reader by delving into the world of young people today and the issues they face: drugs, peer pressure, career choices and just daily living. Not Without Anna should be read not only by every young person, but also by every parent. You will never view these things in the same way; you will see them through your heart's eyes.

Review by Janet Elaine Smith Author of best-selling Dunnottar www.janetelainesmith.com

well it seems another one of my princess's has gone off and gotten her book published! VICKI! I am soooo proud for you. And the reviews are so glowing. Of course they make one want to read the book! And my children are grown, but you know what? I'll have grandchildren and who knows what insider info I can glean from your book and be made aware. I am excited about reading it, as well as afraid...mostly of the tears I know I will shed.

I want to wish you sooo much success Vicki, but from the read of the reviews, bet you don't need my wishes, you WILL succeed...I just know it!

da Queen may have to hunt you up a crown...

CONGRATULATIONS! What wonderful reviews your book has received....I only hope someone, somewhere thinks as much of mine when it's released.

Sounds like a very important book for parents and teens alike to read. A difficult and heartbreaking subject but one that needs to be examined and taken to heart.

Best of luck.....I'm sure this will be a best seller!

Pam

JawJaw and Pamela, you're words are so encouraging. Thank you!

I've been thinking all along that this novel would be my "breakout" novel. I've written 2 others that have been published, but not with as much excitement and such glowing advanced reviews as NOT WITHOUT ANNA.

I'm working on my 5th novel and doing final edits on my 4th. I love to write and am eager to get this next one finished, as it is going to be a wonderful comedy about a female alligator trapper.

A box came via UPS yesterday and my husband thought it was for him as he misread the return address label. He assumed it said "Lighting Source" because he's expecting lights for his aquarium. It actually said "Lightning Source" which is the printer my publisher uses. They were my advanced final copies. These were the paperbacks, the hardcovers are still on their way.

It was so thrilling and beyond expression to open that box and see my book. NOT WITHOUT ANNA has such a deep emotional link to me and my daughter, Michelle. I even dedicated the book to her. She was one who got me on the idea of a teenage girl with a secret life. Michelle was on that same road and fortunately, I caught on before it went too far and intervened.. not so, like the mother character in my book, she didn't realize what was happening until her daughter died.

It's a story that really hits close to home and I was so glad to be able to tell it.. for the sake of all parents and grandparents.

If you're interested in purchasing a copy, my publisher has it marked down right now for the first month of its release. You can find it at www.mundania.com

If you like it, I'd love to hear about it! :-)

[ February 12, 2004, 10:49 AM: Message edited by: Vicki M. Taylor ]

Take the link Vicki gives, go over there and read the prologue and Chapter 1!

WOW! This is going to be a great book!

Congrats Vicki! This is fantastic!

jawjaw!! Thank you for that heartfelt recommendation!! I'm all a ga-ga over it. You make me blush!

Meredith, thanks for your congrats. They're very much appreciated.

I read the link and I alos found it fascinating. Gotta' get the book. Great work!!

smile

VIcki, I love the whole idea behind your book. With three teens in the house, I think I should read it. Perhaps I could recommend it to my daughter's English teacher. They read the classics, but also have the kids read all kinds of funky teen stuff about, rapes, drugs, running away, etc. It makes me cringe a little, but they discuss this stuff in class and the kids learn there are consequences. SOunds liek that's what your book's about.

FYI- I tried to order the paperback off your publisher's site and it said that the link didn't follow correctly. Can I just buy it from you? Maybe send you a check and when you get it, send me the book?

Dotsie, I've just sent an e-mail to the publisher to look into the ordering link and find out what's up.

As for ordering from me, I'd be happy to send you an autographed book. That goes for anyone else too who wants an autographed copy.

The publisher's price for a trade paperback is $9.99.

Just send me a check to my address:

Vicki M. Taylor
9521 Cluster Ave W
Tampa, FL 33615

USPS shipping is $1.80 so include that in your check.

Dotsie, this would be a perfect book for your dauther's English teacher if they read consequential topics. Recommend away!!

thanks!