 “Remember, God put our heads on facing forward for a reason.”
Don’t we all need that reminder? Rag Lady, prequel to Susie Black’s Holly Swimsuit Mysteries, is a wonderful, hilarious, heartwarming journey of a book. Resonating with timeless wisdom and humor, it also inspires. Instant classic. The main character is Holly Schlivnik, new college grad ready to take on the world. While Holly is charmingly relatable, loveable, and funny, her Nana is the real star of the book. Wise, caring, and all brass tacks, she calls things as she sees them, no hesitation. She also encourages her granddaughter to live her best life. Holly graduates from college with high honors, poised to be a reporter. When she doesn’t get what she expects right away, she’s disappointed. To her astonishment, she finds herself working as a traveling sales rep with her father. She doesn’t realize that the course of her life has changed. Until she does. As Nana says, “Man plans and God laughs.” Rag Lady is about Holly’s journey, her adventures and struggles as she finds her place in the world. Author Susie Black carries off the first-person narrative superbly. I felt as though I was right there with Holly through it all. It is a poignant story of familial love and loyalty, about hard work, and doing what it takes. It’s also the tale of a young woman’s undaunted spirit, determination, and success, complemented with a riotous dose of humor. At the end of this bookish journey, I was laughing through my tears. Love you, Nana! Don’t miss Rag Lady by Susie Black.
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 It's that lovely, cozy time of year! Hallmark holiday movies and festive reads, here I come! Yesss!
I've started early. It's been a somewhat stressful time. My foot surgeries both failed. Both! Next week, I will have semi-emergency surgery on the first foot. I will be stuck through the holiday season and, frankly, through much of the coming year. Lots of time to write, read, listen, watch... Although my Audible credits are beginning to pile up, I wanted to check the Plus catalogue first as well as Kindle Unlimited. I ended up downloading quite a bit from both as well as purchasing a few. Do you receive emails about free books and deals? I get them from favorite authors I follow, The Fussy Librarian, BookBub, Goodreads, and, of course, Amazon. I know there are a lot of excellent, bookish newsletters out there. So much to read, so little time... Amazingly (at least, to me -- where have I been?), Kate Hewitt is a fairly new author to me. What a lovely discovery! She has written several series and lots of her books are included in Audible's Plus catalogue and Kindle Unlimited, including some holiday reads. I also haven't read any of Catherine Walsh's books, but her Holiday Romance was on sale for .99 and it looked really cute, so I snatched it up. That little purchase gave me a great discount for the Audible book, so I bought that, too. It's exciting to discover new authors in one's preferred genres. It's also splendid to hear of new books from favorite authors. Not that I don't reread and re-listen. I do -- frequently! I like what I like and I love what I love! How about you? Do you like seasonal stories? Wishing you quality quiet time with wonderful books!  I'm thrilled to welcome Author Kim Janine Ligon! She is the sort of person who sends hugs when she thinks you need them (and you do) and has a kind word for everyone. Today, we're celebrating the birthday of her first cozy mystery/romantic suspense, Polly's List, which is a wonderful read, as well as her new book, Landing On Her Feet. Before we get to her latest, I thought it would be fun to learn a bit more about Kim. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I loved biographies. I read all the little blue books they had in our library at school. I adored the books from The Five Little Peppers series probably because I had five little sisters for a long time. I always enjoyed historical fiction too. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? My reading has expanded since coming to Wild Rose Press. I've always read classics and quite a bit of contemporary fiction but now I do paranormal and time travel and some sci-fi. I've been introduced to a whole new group of truly talented authors. I have met so many talented writers and wonderful people through The Wild Rose Press -- including you, Kim! :) 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? I started writing poetry and short stories at ten or eleven. And when did you know that you wanted to write books? By thirteen I wrote my first novella. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I always liked to share my stuff but was most proud when my work garnered A pluses in high school and college creative writing classes. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? That's a great question. I think that I had to lean heavily on the detailed organized part of my brain in my career and my creative side had pent up demand for exercise. For years I've been making notes About my observations of behavior, great names, locations made for a story. Now those notes seem to be coming together. And I started other first time creative endeavors when I retired from my first career including getting a Spinning wheel and loom and learning how to use both. I set up my blog five years ago and slowly began to build a following. I've found doing anything creative helps stimulate my creativity in all areas. 6) What’s your writing space like? It's my writing, Spinning, reading, weaving space. It might seem a little chaotic to the untrained eye but I'm very comfortable and productive there. I've included some pictures for you. One of the writing side and one of the spinning side. I have two plaques. One says, "The joy of the journey is in the ride." The other says, "Life is too short to be anything but happy." I have lots of photographs of family and friends, bookcases, some of my favorite artwork and a view from my spinning wheel of the front yard and our cul de sac. What a wonderfully creative space! I love the sayings, too. Thank you for sharing them with us. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I'm best in the morning after a couple cups of coffee. I'm out of steam usually by early afternoon. I'm not super disciplined about it. If I'm in mid-story I might have dreamt about something I need to get on paper or I'm Spinning and looking out the window and an idea pops up that has to go on paper or the computer before I lose it. I'm a little streaky. When I'm on a roll, I write every day. When I'm letting a plot marinate,I may not write a word for a whole week. 8) Let's talk about Landing On Her Feet (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? LANDING ON HER FEET is my second novel. It is set in the small town of Lansdale, Wisconsin. It's a rated G mystery with a generous splash of faith. My debut novel, POLLY'S LIST, was also set in the same place and there are some characters who will be familiar but both books are standalone and may be read in any order. I actual wrote Landing first but Polly made it to print first. Some of my family and high school classmates have found the similarities between Lansdale and the small town I grew up in, also in rural Wisconsin. 9) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? I've submitted my third manuscript and synopsis to TWRP. It's another Lansdale mystery with some familiar faces and some brand new ones. I have some other non-Lansdale based stories outlined and two fairly complete but definitely not ready for prime time yet. I'll be happy if I can continue to publish a new book each year. 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I'm excited because today is POLLY'S LIST'S first book birthday. It is still a little surreal to me that it has been a year since my dream of being a published author came true and now she has a little sister in LANDING ON HER FEET. I am forever grateful to The Wild Rose Press for giving me this opportunity. I am especially thankful for my editor, Dianne Rich. She saw potential in my first book and worked tirelessly to coax the best book possible out of me and then did it again. She is a gem! We make a great team! Happy Birthday to Polly's List! Kim, thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you, and congratulations on your new release! We look forward to reading more of your books in the future! Hugs! Wishing you all the best! And now, Landing On Her Feet!  Kat Russell narrowly escaped death at Dirk Crowe’s hands six years ago. He’s out of prison. To protect her family, she must flee Philadelphia—the only home she’s ever known—with her five-year-old son, Timmy. Is Wisconsin far enough away to escape evil? Chase Merrick, father of Timmy’s new best friend, wants to help. What is Kat hiding? Why does she insist she must face whatever it is alone? When Can Kat stop constantly looking back over her shoulder? Will secrets and shame stop her from accepting Chase’s protection? Or unite them in the face of danger to keep their sons safe? Excerpt from Landing On Her Feet The unmistakable roar of a motorcycle echoed through the diner. Kat stopped where she stood. Her lungs wouldn’t refill. She gripped the counter to steady her trembling legs. Out the front window she saw a red- helmeted rider atop a motorcycle pull out of a space in front of the diner and drive away. Impossible. Not here. He couldn’t know she’s gone. Not yet. Other people with red helmets ride motorcycles. Get a grip, girl! People are staring. Stop scowling. She wiped away the tear that slipped down her cheek, plastered on what she hoped was a pleasant smile, and resumed pouring coffee. She needed to make a good impression. She had to keep this job.  About the Author Kim Ligon has been writing stories for most of her life—some on paper and some only in her head. She has lots of source material growing up as the oldest child in a large family in a small town in Wisconsin. Her father was a veterinarian so there were not only lots of children around, but all manner of house pets and farm animals too. Her love of reading comes from her mother who was seldom seen sitting down without a book in her hand. After a demanding career in healthcare information technology, she is now getting to do all the creative things she loves which includes writing her stories to share with you. She lives with her chief encourager and personal romantic hero, her husband of almost forever, in Alabama. Please follow her further adventures at www.spinningromance.com Amazon Goodreads
 I’m thrilled to welcome friend and sister Wild Rose Press author Susie Black, whose latest book in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series launched August 2nd! Susie, congratulations on Death by Cutting Table! Sooo exciting! We have an interview with the author, an excerpt from the book, all the links you need for more. But first, we have a beautiful guest post from Susie. Guest Post: Nana the Great Communicator by Susie Black If there is an inheritable gene for story-telling, mine came from my mother’s mother. My nana should have been a writer. No one could tell a story like her. She was the eldest of six children of a modest immigrant family from Eastern Europe that settled in Boston at the turn of the century. My great-grandfather was a tailor who managed to clothe, feed, and shelter his children, but there was precious little left over for extravagances like a day at the cinema for one child, let alone for six. Nana had a cousin Jenny who played piano at the local silent-movie house and she was able to get a free pass for relatives. Nana and her next oldest sibling traded off weeks going to the serialized show every Saturday afternoon and then came home to tell the story to all the other kids. The other kids hated it when it was my great-aunt’s turn because she gave a short synopsis and called it a day. They were thrilled when it was Nana’s turn. She set up two rows of chairs in the parlor like in the movie house, served popcorn, dimmed the lights, and played background music on the victrola as she recounted the episode of the serial. Nana would take her time, slowly build up to the cliffhanger and stop talking right before the finale. Nana would wait until my great uncle Murray would yell, “Go on Rae, go on!” before she’d finish telling the story. Talk about pacing and how to build tension in the finale. Nana had it down pat. Like many families, once my nana’s siblings grew up and left home, they scattered across the country. Nana knew the importance of keeping her family together no matter how many miles separated them. Since a phone was not an option, as the oldest child, Nana was chosen to write letters to family members living far from home. With the same level of dedication as the postman; come rain, sleet, or snow, war or peace, prosperous times or the depths of a national depression, my blind-as-a-bat without her coke bottle-thick glasses nana sat every Monday night at her dining room table and wrote a letter to each of her siblings. Her letters sewed the thread that kept our close-knit tribe connected. When I was in my sophomore year of college my family moved from Los Angeles to Miami. Despite their valiant attempts to persuade me to join them, I wasn’t interested in relocating to “God’s waiting room,” and remained out west. The good news was that Nana added me to her list of weekly letter-writing recipients. Lonesome for my family, Nana’s weekly letter was an eagerly-anticipated lifeline to my family’s heart and soul. For all of us, that letter was the glue that kept our family bound together no matter how far from home one of us wandered. The designated town crier, Nana’s letters were more like a newsletter. A date with her friends at the movies? After reading her letter, I was in the seat next to her. She reported who went, what they wore if they were late or early; where they sat if they had a snack, what the snack was, editorials on how much the snacks and the movie tickets cost, and every detail of the movie that was so complete, the recipient of her letter could write a decent review based on Nana’s commentary. If she described what an attendee was wearing, I could close my eyes and picture the outfit perfectly. Her descriptions were so detailed and rich, that if she was describing a meal, I could smell the wafting aroma and taste the food. Out of sentimentality or maybe a sixth sense that someday I’d need them, I kept every one of those letters. Like Nana, they were strong-willed and hearty; surviving dogs, a child, countless moves, several major earthquakes, and a devastating house fire. I had no formal creative writing training when I decided to write my first manuscript. I had a story to tell, but no clue how to tell it. I instinctively pulled the carefully wrapped packets of letters out of the storage box and re-read every one of them. I could picture Nana at the dining room table writing the letters. I heard her voice inside my head speaking to me. My long-gone, full-service Nana had given me all the tools I needed. I re-packed the letters, started to write, and thanks to Nana, I never stopped. My debut humorous cozy mystery Death by Sample Size was published in 2021, and by the end of this year, I will have a total of five books published. I kept Nana’s communication skills and distinctive voice in mind while writing Death by Sample Size. Somewhere in the great beyond, Nana is smiling with approval.  Susie's mom and Nana Such a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing it with us, Susie. And now, let's learn a bit more about the prolific author Susie Black. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? SUSIE: As a young child I was given the Mary Jane series and The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew series from my mother-these were her books when she was a child, so they were of course, quite special to me. When I was older, hands down, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series were my favorites. I also loved the biography of Amelia Earhart. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? SUSIE: I enjoy reading books in the mystery genre in general but gravitate towards the same type of books I write-humorous cozy mysteries. 3)Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? SUSIE: Actually, it was at a rather young age. I can remember writing short stories in the third grade. In junior high, high school, and college, I was a reporter and wrote for the school newspapers. I was ultimately made the Editor-in-Chief of all three. I am not in the least surprised you were made Editor-in-Chief!  And when did you know that you wanted to write books? SUSIE: While writing the daily journal entries that chronicled the interesting people I encountered and the crazy things I got myself into and out of during my career as a ladies’ apparel sales exec was when I knew I wanted to turn my experiences into books. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? SUSIE: My first column as the Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper. You must have been so very proud!  5) Tell us about the creative force within you. SUSIE: The creative force within me is how I see the world. That is why I write in the first person. So, it is my voice that the readers hear in their heads when they read my books. What inspires you to write, to create? SUSIE: I am a people person. People are utterly fascinating and are my inspiration to write and create. I can sit for an hour in the mall food court or an airport departure lounge and people watch and come up with hundreds of stories about the folks I observe. 6) What’s your writing space like? SUSIE: I have commandeered our family room as my writing space. I have a large-screen computer on a computer desk adjacent to a copier, a TV, and a stereo. If the writing is going well, I listen to either jazz or rock N’ roll oldies. But if I am struggling, I find music a distraction and turn it off. We live in the southern California desert on a golf course. I can look out the window onto the fairway and watch the hapless duffers whack away or observe the ducks and geese in the water hazard lounging around for comic relief. It is a very peaceful atmosphere and always gets my creative juices flowing. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? SUSIE: I don’t have a set daily schedule or a set number of hours a day to write. I try hard to write at least something every day, but candidly, life often gets in the way of the best-laid plans…That said, I can tell you that I rarely write in the morning. I am a night owl and often do my most productive writing late into the wee hours. Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? SUSIE: Before I sit down to write, I make sure there is a full pot of fresh coffee brewed and keep a jar of mixed nuts next to the computer. When I am plotting, I step away from the computer and walk. Some people do their best thinking in the shower or the car. I do my best thinking while walking. 8) Time to talk about your latest release (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the Holly Swimsuit Mystery series? SUSIE: I came up with the idea for the series based on my career. My protagonist’s name is Holly and she is a successful ladies’ swimwear sales exec in the Los Angeles area and an amateur sleuth. Holly is the me I always wanted to be. My journal is the source of all my writing. All my characters are based on real people I have crossed paths within my apparel career.  Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? SUSIE: I inherited my maternal grandmother’s love of perfume, jewelry, taking chances, speaking my mind, a wicked sense of humor, and regrettably, her fear of death that we both nervously compensated with by laughing whenever we heard someone died. I incorporated this weird trait into my Holly Swimsuit Mystery series by giving Holly Schlivnik, the protagonist, the same affliction and response to death. 9) Now let’s hear about Death by Cutting Table! SUSIE: Death by Cutting Table tells the story of the ultimate price one unscrupulous, power-hungry man paid for destroying a swimwear company by stealing it blind. For the record, I did not just squeal and clap my hands! That sounds fab! I can hardly wait to read of Holly's new adventures! 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? SUSIE: I do. After Death by Cutting Table is released, I have one more, new book that will be published this coming November 15th. I also have one half-completed manuscript that candidly should have been finished long ago but kept getting pushed to the back of the “to do” pile. I have vowed to finish writing this one and submit it to my editor by the end of this summer. YAHOOO! Looking forward to your upcoming books! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? SUSIE: First, I want to thank you for hosting me on your blog and giving me the opportunity to introduce myself and my books to your followers. Second, on behalf of all authors, I’d like to ask your readers to please consider writing and posting a review for the books they read. Reviews are the life blood of all authors. Word of mouth is the most effective way to have the light of approval shined on our works. If readers aren’t quite sure how to write a review, I have a terrific guide to point everyone in the right direction. E-mail me at: mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com and I’ll gladly send out a copy. Third, as a swimwear fit expert, I have created a Swimwear Fit Guide that I am offering FREE to your readers. Click the link and grab your copy: Swimwear Fit Guide  I wholeheartedly agree about the reviews! Susie, thank you for the swimsuit guide and for giving me a chance to share your work with my readers. Congratulations again! And now, Death by Pins and Needles!  Rock, paper, scissors…and you die. There wasn’t an honest bone in Mermaid Swimwear CEO Butch Oldham’s body. He was an equal opportunity scoundrel who screwed anyone and everyone in his wake. So, the question wasn’t who wanted the bastard dead. The question was, who didn’t? After Mermaid Swimwear sales exec Holly Schlivnik finds colleague Queenie Levine standing over Oldham’s bloody corpse nailed to a fabric cutting table with a big honkin’ pair of cutting shears plunged deep into his chest, the cops soon find Queenie’s hidden blood-soaked sweater, discover her stormy relationship with the victim, and her public threats to make Butch pay for destroying Mermaid by stealing it blind. When Queenie is arrested for Butch’s murder, the wise-cracking, irreverent amateur sleuth jumps into action to flesh out the real killer. But the trail has more twists and turns than a slinky, and nothing turns out the way Holly thinks it will as she tangles with a clever killer hellbent for revenge. Excerpt from Death by Cutting Table I cracked open the forward door and stuck my head out. I scoped a one-eighty around the dock. The street lights were on, as well as the lights at the top of the gangplank. A half-dozen apartments were also lit. A single light shined inside a cabin cruiser two boats from mine. My boat seemed to be the only thing in the marina with no power. This isn’t the first time I’d been the only one with no power. When I first bought the boat, I learned the hard way don’t let the coffee maker, microwave oven, and television run at the same time or the circuits overload. But in the middle of the night with no appliances running or an electrical storm to cause a power outage? The blood froze in my veins. The answer isn’t inside the boat. I hoisted myself over the forward deck onto the dock with my heart in my throat. A faint hint of smoke wafted from the breaker box and power outlet as I reached the end of the dock. I yanked the damaged plug out of the outlet and threw it in the water. I blasted the dock power outlet and breaker box with the fire extinguisher and pulled the other end of the power cord out of my boat power outlet. Eight minutes after my nine-one-one call, the cavalry arrived in force and all hell broke loose.  About the Author Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect. Looking for more? Contact Susie at: Website: www.authorsusieblack.com E-mail: mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com Let's celebrate Jill Piscitello's new release! It looks SO GOOD! Congratulations, Jill!  When murder provides a welcome distraction… On the heels of a public, broken engagement, Maeve Cleary returns to her childhood home in Hampton Beach, NH. When a dead body turns up behind her mother’s music school, three old friends land on the suspect list. Licking her wounds soon takes a back seat to outrunning the paparazzi who spin into a frenzy, casting her in a cloud of suspicion. Maeve juggles her high school sweetheart, a cousin with a touch of clairvoyance, a no-nonsense detective, and an apologetic, two-timing ex-fiancé. Will the negative publicity impact business at the Music Box— the very place she’d hoped to make a fresh start. Excerpt from A Sour Note With his mouth set in a grim line, he waited. If anyone else had enough nerve to presume she owed them an explanation, she would respond with a solid mind your own business. Instead, the seventeen-year-old still inside her refused to tell him to get lost. “He was hiding money in his office.” This was one of those times when learning how to wait a few beats before blurting out inflammatory information would come in handy. Each second of passing silence decreased her ability to breathe in the confined space. She turned the ignition and switched on the air conditioner. “How do you know?” His volume just above a whisper, each dragged-out word hung in the air. “I found it.” “When were you in his office?” He swiped at a bead of sweat trickling down the side of his face, then positioned a vent toward him. “Last night.” When would she learn to bite her tongue? Finn’s switch from rapid-fire scolding to slow, deliberate questioning left her unable to swallow over the sandpaper lump in her throat. “Where was Vic?” She stared at the back of the building, wishing she’d kept her mouth shut. “He’d left for the night.” If she averted her gaze, she could pretend his eyeballs weren’t bugging out of his head, and his jaw didn’t need a crane to haul it off his chest. “You were at the town hall after hours? Did anyone see you?” “A custodian opened his door for me.” She snuck a glance. Sure enough, features contorted in shock and horror replaced his boy-next-door good looks.  About the Author
Jill Piscitello is a teacher, author, and an avid fan of multiple literary genres. Although she divides her reading hours among several books at a time, a lighthearted story offering an escape from the real world can always be found on her nightstand. A native of New England, Jill lives with her family and three well-loved cats. When not planning lessons or reading and writing, she can be found spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, and going on light hikes.  I hold a special fondness for the Limbourg Brothers' image for July. It's a wonderfully agrarian scene. While the scything always catches this gardener's eye (although far beyond a sweet little flower bed or vegetable patch), it's the sheep shearing that makes me smile. That's because as summer presses on, the desire to do whatever it takes to cool off strikes more often. My personal favorite method for dealing with the heat is to escape to the mountains. After that, the beach or a swimming pool works! And my go-to garment for daily living is a light sundress. How about you? Medieval folk also had their ways of dealing with the heat. They wore lighter clothing in summer, certainly, and they wore hats. They also took to the water, which regularly resulted in drownings as swimming wasn't a commonly-acquired skill. And, of course, the nobility had the luxury of escaping to their presumably cooler, country homes. As for the summer solstice, which this year is today, June 21, it always surprises me that it's the longest day of the year. The days in July and earlier August always seem much longer to me. I suppose it's because we are well-settled into summer by then, necessarily concentrating our outdoor time towards evenings and giving in (to the heat) to enjoy the different cadence of life. To many a medieval observer, the summer solstice was a day of celebration that held a touch of melancholy. It signaled the turn, slow as it was, to shorter, darker days. It seems a bit pessimistic, doesn't it? But at least they appreciated their long, summer days. This summer is a markedly different one for me. I will be more or less on hiatus as I've some healing and physical therapy to get through. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be, but it's all good. When I catch my breath, I will work on finishing All Shook Up, the sequel to Tremors Through Time. That being said, I do still have a few wonderful guests scheduled -- just a couple, really, and I'm bound to post now and then. I've been blogging for many, many years, so it will be an unusual and challenging experience not to. I will miss you! Do continue to check in with medieval ladies Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis. I don't know that they'll be posting every week, but their posts and websites, as you probably know, are wonderful. In addition, I hope you will enjoy reading some wonderful,medieval romances under the shade of an umbrella as you soak up the season. Wishing you bright, happy days ahead! Happy Summer!   I'm proud to welcome author Rosemary Kubli, whose spectacular romantic suspense Gullible launches this very day. I'm in the middle of reading it -- WOW! The characters leap off the pages! SO GOOD! We will learn more about Gullible, but first let's get to know Rosemary a bit better. By the way, it is Rosemary who chose a lovely green for her responses to my questions. I believe it is indicative of the lady herself. :) Welcome, Rosemary, and congratulations! Thank you for having me as your guest, Anastasia! I’m honored to appear on your blog. 1)What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? Wow! You’re making me reach far back into my memory bank! I can’t say I had a favorite book series, but my mother subscribed to the Reader’s Digest, and I always looked forward to reading the periodical’s short stories. I’d also read the novels Mom ordered through her monthly book club subscription. Now that I think about it, I was probably the only student in my middle school who was reading John le Carre and Mario Puzo! 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? My favorite stories involve mystery and suspense – murder/crime, cozy mysteries, legal/psychological thrillers. But thanks to the wonderful ladies in my book club, I’m reading fiction and non-fiction books that I would never have selected on my own. Good writing, I’ve come to realize, will hook me on a book more so than the genre. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I think I wanted to write the moment I finished reading my first book. I wasn’t satisfied to just lose myself in a story invented by someone else’s imagination. I wanted to create my own narrative, to breathe life into my own characters and build a world for them to live in, to tell their story. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A science fiction short story that I wrote when I was about 12 years old, probably inspired by my addiction to the original Star Trek TV series. My older sister was in high school at the time and much more interested in her social life than her academics. She’d been assigned to write a short story for her English class and I jumped at the chance to write it for her. So, while she was out partying with her friends, I was at home sharpening my No. 2 pencil. I wish I could remember what grade the teacher gave her on that assignment. Aww, what a great story! 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I think we’re all born with a creative force whether it’s to paint, act, dance, sing, design, etc. Mine is to write stories. When I observe a situation – say a couple engaged in intimate conversation at a restaurant – my mind automatically creates a narrative in which they are the main characters. Who are they and what brought them there? A blind date? Siblings discussing an elderly parent’s healthcare needs? Lovers plotting to murder their spouses? You never know when you’ll come across the inspiration for your next novel. 6) What’s your writing space like? I honestly don’t have one specific place where I write. Depending on my mood, I’ll carry my laptop to my dining room table, or the kitchen island, or my sunroom. On a warm day, I’ll sit outside on the patio. Sometimes I like to get away, so I’ll grab a table in the back corner of our local coffee shop. I know it’s erratic, but so far, these changes in scenery have worked for me. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I’m a morning person, so I try to take advantage of the hours before lunchtime when my brain is fresh. On days that I have a morning appointment or other commitment, I try to devote a few hours in the afternoon to writing. There are some days, however, when I can’t set aside any time to write, and then I get really frustrated. There’s so much I want to accomplish and even one day missed is time I can’t afford to lose. Habits or rituals? To get in the writing groove, I read the passage I most recently committed to the page and that usually gets me into the proper mindset. 8) Time to talk about your new release (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? Who doesn’t like a good story about false identities and grand larceny? Think Catch Me If You Can, The Sting, Charade, Sneaky Pete, Lupin. Crafty con artists and suspenseful plot twists rarely disappoint! The heroine in my novel, Gullible, is a con artist extraordinaire whose overconfidence in her abilities blinds her to the possibility that she may have become the gullible victim of her own scheme. Oh – did I mention how those irresistible dimples on the handsome, debonair man she’s conning are a major distraction? But honestly, that wasn’t my original concept for the story. Gullible wasn’t even the original title! Like many authors, as the plot evolved, other ideas kept popping into my head and, two years after I started the manuscript, I ended up with a story that is much more interesting than the one I initially set out to write. One tidbit I’d like to share is that the Singing Bird Pistols, which play an integral part in the con my main character runs in Gullible, are based on an actual pair of extremely rare and valuable antique trinkets. I recommend watching the 4-minute YouTube video about the genuine artifacts. It’s fascinating, and will definitely enhance the reader’s enjoyment of the story! It's riveting!  9) Now let’s hear about – How grateful I am to The Wild Rose Press for seeing my potential. Most authors will tell you that it took a lot of passion and persistence to land their first contract, and I’m no different. Just when I was about to throw in the towel, my wonderful editor at TWRP responded positively to my query and renewed my belief in my ability and the work I’d created. I will forever be grateful to her! 10) I comprehend that you’ve just published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? As a matter of fact, I do! I became so invested in the characters I created for Gullible that I decided to expand their story. I’m currently working on a sequel titled Vengeful in which my heroine, Siena Ricci, is just getting her life back on track when an impulsive act of vengeance she committed several years earlier comes back to haunt her. Rounding out the trilogy, Reckless will have Siena’s hot-headedness getting her into the most dangerous, nail-biting situation she’s ever faced. Yaaay! This is great news! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Well…On a personal note, my husband of 45 years and I live in a small town in northeast Ohio. We have two wonderful sons who (sad face) live miles away from us – one in Wisconsin, the other in California – but that just gives us an excuse to travel out their way for visits! In addition to traveling on land, my husband and I are seasoned cruisers, and will soon complete our 21st ocean cruise. Professionally, I’ve worn many hats from HR and training to payroll and banking. I’m proud to say that, after retiring from the corporate world, I’m fortunate to have begun my favorite career to date – writing!  Once again, congratulations on your book launch, Rosemary! Wishing you all the best! Thank you, Anastasia!! The same to you! And thanks again for having me as a guest on your blog!  Siena Ricci is shrewd, seductive, and an expert in the art of deception. Masking her identity behind the guise of Marie Lacroix, a specialist in antiques and objets d'art, she swindles her employer's wealthy clients out of their valuable possessions. She hasn't yet met the man she can't manipulate, but then the con she's playing on Jonathan Woodward has only just begun. Jonathan proves to be an easy mark, but he's also enticingly irresistible. As their relationship heats up, her plot to steal his multi-million-dollar antique trinkets begins to unravel. Noticing a subtle change in Jonathan's demeanor, Marie questions whether she's still in control of the con or if she's blindly become the gullible victim of her own scheme. Excerpt Marie stared at Jonathan Woodward’s number on her cell phone, hesitant to make the call. She and Jonathan hadn’t spoken with each other in nearly a year, and she worried their rapport, which she’d worked so hard to nurture, might not have withstood the test of time. She berated herself for not considering this possibility before agreeing to Gus’s Somerset Necklace scheme. Well, there’s only one way to find out if Jonathan is still under my spell. She took a deep breath, touched the screen, and listened as the call rang once…twice… “Marie! What a welcome surprise!” Jonathan sounded happy to hear from her, an encouraging sign. “Hello, Jonathan,” she said in her sultry voice, the one that usually hooked her unwitting target within seconds. “Am I catching you at a bad time?” “No, not at all,” he replied, his tone soft and intimate. She’d successfully set the mood. “We haven’t been in touch for a while. How are you?” “I’m well, thank you. I wanted to call you before now, but I hated to intrude on your privacy.” “I appreciate your consideration. My family has had a rough year, but I think we’re finally on the mend.” Marie understood loss. The sadness in Jonathan’s voice elicited memories and emotions she preferred to keep buried. When she responded, her empathy was sincere. “It takes a while to recover from such a tragedy.” “Yes, longer than we imagine, unfortunately.” Jonathan sighed heavily. “So, what prompted this call? Is something interesting going on the auction block?” Marie giggled coyly. “Oh, I’m sure I can always find some little trinket for you to add to your collection. But this isn’t a work-related call. I just made plans to spend this weekend in Boston. You live near there, don’t you?” “Yes, in Burgess, just west of the city. Why are you traveling up this way?” To keep things casual, so she didn’t appear to be aggressively pursuing him, Marie fed Jonathan a tall tale about a weekend reunion. “A couple of friends from college invited me to join them for a girls’ getaway. I’ll be in Boston Friday night through Sunday afternoon.” Dead silence. Then, “That’s nice. It’s always fun to get together with old friends.” The disappointment in Jonathan’s voice came across loud and clear. He’d probably assumed Marie was traveling to Boston to meet him in person as they’d discussed the last time they spoke, then realized she was instead calling to ask for recommendations on restaurants and sightseeing venues. “Yes, I’ll be happy to see them. It’s been a long time since we were last together.” “Well, if you need my input about places to go or things to do, don’t hesitate to call.” Okay, time to get to the point. “Thank you for the offer. But Jonathan…gosh, I hope I’m not being too forward.” She paused to give the impression she was worried he’d reject her suggestion. “I was hoping we could get together while I’m in town.” Again, silence. Uh-oh. Had she misread the playful insinuations he’d made during their previous phone conversations? Or perhaps, in the months since they’d last spoken, he’d become involved with someone and was no longer interested in pursuing a relationship with her. At last, he said, “I’ll need to rearrange my schedule. How’s Saturday, mid-afternoon?” Relieved, she breathed easily again. “Saturday afternoon works for me, but I don’t want to interfere with your commitments. Perhaps I could make a trip to Boston another time.” “No, no,” he said hastily. “We’ve waited long enough to meet as it is. Text me the name and address of your hotel. I’ll find a café close by where we can spend the afternoon getting better acquainted.” “That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to meet you.” “Same here. I’m afraid I need to go for now, but I’ll call you Saturday morning to finalize the details. Take care, Marie.” Marie grinned with satisfaction as she strolled over to her closet to select her wardrobe for the upcoming weekend. Her plan was moving along perfectly. As a matter of fact, Jonathan was playing right into her hands.  About the Author Rosemary Kubli writes the type of books she loves to read - intrigue and suspense mixed with a pinch of romance and a clever plot twist or two. Her professional experiences run the gamut from Human Resources and training to accounting and banking, with publishing being her most recent endeavor. Aside from the seven years she lived in southern California, she has always called the northeast corner of Ohio her home. Rosemary and her husband of 45 years enjoy traveling - on land to visit family and friends and on sea to any destination a cruise ship will take them. When not working on her next novel, she can be found discussing the latest in literary fare with her book club, playing a rousing game of Bunco with some of her oldest and dearest friends, researching her ancestry, volunteering in her community, burying her nose in a book, or obsessing over the latest binge-worthy TV series.   Today. I'm delighted to welcome author Diane Scott Lewis, whose splendid WWII romance of forbidden love just launched last month. We'll learn more about the book -- and we have a beautiful excerpt -- but let's get to know Diane a little better first. Congratulations, Diane,and welcome! 1)What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? When I was very young, I liked the Henry and Beezus series by Beverley Cleary. That annoying little sister, Romona! Later I devoured horse stories, anything horsie. By the end of elementary school, I was deep into mysteries and historical fiction. I wanted to visit exotic places. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Mainly historical fiction, because that’s what I write, especially from the era I’m writing in. I also enjoy a good romantic suspense, or romantic mystery, which can be historical or contemporary. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I enjoyed writing before I could write. At age five I illustrated a story and told my mom what to put down for the words. At age ten I wrote a historical novel and a romantic suspense, both illustrated, of course. That’s when I knew. But life got in the way, work, husband, kids, so I put it off until twenty years ago. Wow! You started really young! That's amazing! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? My first novel, a historical that took place in England during the French Revolution--Escape the Revolution. It took ten years to write, and revise, with lots of research. I dove in to write before studying the time-period. I’ll never do that again. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’ve always loved to tell stories and I’m a voracious reader. Tales will pop into my head after reading something, watching a movie, or visiting a certain site. I can’t help myself. Then the characters rush forth and demand their story be told. 6) What’s your writing space like? My office is a bedroom that leads out to the back door. A cluttered desk, bookcases crammed with books, research documents and maps. I need to sort through it all. I’m working on that.  Now, that's a writer's space! LOVE IT! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I prefer first thing in the morning, 7 to 12. Though when I was working, I wrote in the evenings. Coffee, lots of coffee keeps me going. Still, if I get an idea, I’ll run in anytime to jot it down. 8) Time to talk about your recent release (rubbing hands together). Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? The TV series, Island at War, inspired me. The character of the baron was fascinating. How do I turn an anti-hero into a hero? I set my WWII novel in Brittany, France, a trapped Englishwoman and the German commandant. He’s not the man she thinks he is. I loved entwining them in the morass of war and mistrust. The idea of a forbidden affair. 9) Now let’s hear about Outcast Artist in Bretagne. Here is the blurb. Unwed and pregnant, Norah Cooper flees England to hide with her cousin in Brittany before Germany’s 1940 invasion. After her baby is stillborn, she's trapped under the Occupation. Norah consoles herself by sketching wildlife. When she’s caught near the coast, she comes under scrutiny of the German commandant, Major August von Gottlieb. August loathes what Hitler is doing to his country and France but is duty-bound to control the people in his jurisdiction. The young Englishwoman piques his interest. Is she a spy? He asks her to sketch his portrait so he might uncover the truth. Soon, their relationship evolves into a passion neither can deny. He plans to sabotage a major war machine of the Reich, while she secretly helps the Resistance. Will their love ruin her and end in heartbreak? Or will they overcome the odds and survive the surging threats. 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Oh yes. I’m working on a young adult haunted house mystery with my granddaughter. And I’ve begun a Victorian time travel. I also have a story set in Greece in the 1950s that I’m halfway through. 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I like to keep my history authentic, and situations believable. No melodrama or coincidences. Unless I’m writing a Gothic young adult where ghosts are involved. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us, Diane. We look forward to more books from you and wish you all the best! And now, ladies and gents, enjoy a peek at Outcast Artist in Bretagne.  Outcast Artist in Bretagne – WWII heartbreak and forbidden love Can a damaged Englishwoman find love with her worst enemy, or will the brutality of war rip them apart? Is she a spy? Will he retaliate against Hitler? A dangerous love affair. Excerpt from Outcast Artist in Bretagne August raised his eyebrows. “You are straightforward, as always.” He sipped more cognac as his career stumbled through his mind. “Do you mean have I ever commanded or committed any executions? No, honestly, I have not.” He was proud of this, too—but how much longer would he have that choice? “That’s important to hear.” Norah looked relieved, her shoulders relaxed. “As long as you’re truthful.” “I have been. Do you wish to be finished once the painting is completed?” He must measure her feelings for him. “I don’t wish to be done, no.” She smiled, her voice tender. “We mean much to one another, don’t we?” he asked. She might walk away, reject him, though she seemed too sincere and brave for that. Or so he hoped. “We do, it seems. But what else can I paint?” She tilted her head as if waiting to see if he had the solution. Her mouth firmed with intensity. “What excuse will I have?” Reaching over, he clasped her hand and squeezed it, his thumb rubbing along her fingers. He shouldn’t offer to do this, to put them both on open display. “There is a fine palace about sixty kilometers from here. The Château de Keriolet, in Concarneau. A magnificent place. I’d like a painting of that. We could go for a day.”  About the Author Diane Parkinson (Diane Scott Lewis) grew up near San Francisco, joined the Navy at nineteen, married in Greece and raised two sons in Puerto Rico, California, and Guam. She's a member of the Historical Novel Society and wrote book reviews for their magazine. She’s always loved travel and history and has had several historical novels published. Diane lives with her husband and one naughty dachshund in western Pennsylvania.  I'm pleased to spotlight the latest from Author Michelle Godard-Richer! Love this author! Congratulations, Michelle!  No matter how much you want to forget them, some things cannot be unseen. Jessica opens her bedroom window in the middle of the night to catch a breeze, but instead, she witnesses something that will change the course of her life forever—her neighbor, David, loading his wife’s body onto the back of the truck. She soon learns David knows what she saw and will stop at nothing to eliminate the only witness to his crime. With her young son Bryce in tow, Jessica flees across the border to Montana. She discovers her first love, Jon Kent, is back in town after an early retirement from the FBI. But he isn’t the only one in town. David surfaces to unleash hell on Jessica and everyone she loves. Excerpt She scurried up the cabin stairs, glanced inside the door, and froze. Oh, this is not good. This is not good at all. A chair sat in the middle of the only room. Zip ties, a toolbox, a big jug of gasoline, and plastic were lined up next to each other on the floor. He meant to tie her up in the chair and torture her. And if help didn’t arrive soon, that may still be her fate. Her breathing accelerated and the room tilted. She forced her breaths to slow and her feet to start moving. She couldn’t hide in the cabin. The front door was the only way in and out, a trap, and the huge drop behind the cabin, certain death. Gunfire continued to erupt. She spun. David and Sheriff Hank were on opposite sides of Jon’s truck in a standoff. A red stain spread on Sheriff Hank’s chest, and he fell to the ground. Purchase here.  About the Author Michelle Godard-Richer is an award-winning thriller and romance author living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. With her degree in Criminology, she writes edge-of-your-seat suspenseful stories with strong protagonists and diabolical villains. MICHELLEGODARDRICHER.COM Goodreads BookBub TikTok   I am thrilled, delighted, and utterly pleased to be celebrating with my friend, the talented Mary Morgan. This month has marked her ten-year anniversary with The Wild Rose Press and the birth of her spectacular series, Order of the Dragon Knights. I have all of her books in kindle and Audible versions, read or listen to them every year (sometimes both), and fall in love all over again every time. Today, she is sharing her playlist for the series. So gorgeous! Be sure to check out links to the Dragon Knights' trailer and their farewell song. Congratulations, Mary, and welcome! Hello Anastasia! Delighted to be on your lovely blog to celebrate my 10-year anniversary with The Wild Rose Press! What an amazing adventure since signing that first contract for Dragon Knight’s Sword (Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 1). I’d like to share a collection of songs I listened to while writing all the Dragon Knights’ stories. I’ve often said music feeds my soul for creativity. It stirs the muse and my writing soars. Writing each story in the Order of the Dragon Knights was emotional for me. The MacKay brothers were damaged and haunted by grief. Therefore, I required instrumental music to dig deep within the well of emotions for each brother. I had to search for unique melodies—ones that would be epic. Here are a few of the songs from my playlist for the Order of the Dragon Knights ~ 1. “The Quest of Culwch” by David Arkenstone, from the album Celtic Book of Days. The power in this melody says it all. Perfect for the intense scene where Duncan sets out to rescue Brigid from the evil druid Lachlan. (Dragon Knight’s Sword) 2. “Heart of Spring” by David Arkenstone, from the album Celtic Book of Days. A beautiful song that set the tone for Stephen and Aileen’s love scene on Beltaine. (Dragon Knight’s Medallion) 3. "Destiny" by Marc Streitenfeld from the Robin Hood soundtrack (2010). When Fiona first sets her gaze on Alastair "Beast" MacKay at a slave market in medieval Ireland. To her horror, he barters with others to purchase her. (Dragon Knight’s Axe) 4. “Lament” by Ronan Hardiman from Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. A haunting melody that was perfect for a certain scene with Duncan. I won’t give any spoilers for those who have not read the book. But I will say this scene brought this powerful Dragon Knight to his knees with grief. (Dragon Knight’s Sword) 5. “Stolen Kiss” and “Gypsy” by Ronan Hardiman from Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. A song for the marriage between Angus and Deirdre. The four MacKay brothers had returned to Urquhart Castle, and this was a celebratory event. (Dragon Knight’s Shield) 6. “Warriors” by Ronan Hardiman from Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. This song resonated deeply while I was writing the scene where Alastair turns his back on his brothers, Fiona, and his powers. His journey leads him to the Great Dragon who is not pleased with him. (Dragon Knight’s Axe) 7. "Nightmare" by Ronan Hardiman from Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. The battle between Angus, the Fire Dragon, and Lachlan. Powerful, epic, and both will never be the same again. (Dragon Knight’s Shield) 8. "Celtic Treasures" by Joemy Wilson from Celtic Treasures, Music of Ireland. Loved this song! Perfect for the tender reunion of Stephen and Aileen after being separated for a long time. (Dragon Knight’s Medallion) 9. “The Quest of Culwch” by David Arkenstone, from the album The Celtic Book of Days. I used several songs for the final battle, but constantly played this one until I knew I had poured out every detail in the final battle between the Dragon Knights and Lachlan. (Dragon Knight’s Ring) 10. “Ceridwen—The Potion of Knowledge” by Peter Gundry, from the album The Dream Weaver. My farewell song to the Dragon Knights. It starts slowly and then builds to this powerful ending. Did I cry writing this ending? Aye! I sobbed buckets! The Dragon Knights had dwelled within me for sixteen long years by the time Dragon Knight’s Ring was published. Currently, the Wolves of Clan Sutherland dominate most of the time and my thoughts. Usually, I turn to YouTube for a selection of Nordic and Viking music. We won’t discuss how intense these men are until I’ve finished the series. Thank you, Anastasia, for letting me share a huge part of my writing inspiration with your readers. Book Trailer for Dragon Knights: https://youtu.be/iEruV9P6PtU And if you have a moment, check out the farewell song to the Dragon Knights here: “Ceridwen—The Potion of Knowledge” below: https://youtu.be/eFKGvn7Z5pQ All I can say is... "swoon!" Thank you for sharing your time, inspiration, and Dragon Knights with us, Mary. We eagerly await your next in series!  Order of the Dragon Knights They were an ancient order, descended from the great Tuatha Dé Danann, the Sidhe, or in simpler terms: the Fae. Half-human and half-fae, each knight blessed with mystical powers. Given to them were holy relics from the Fae and guardianship over their Dragons. They were known as the Dragon Knights. However, some believed the Order had too much power and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night. The brothers of the Clan MacKay—Dragon Knights, fought a battle. Blood spilled onto holy ground, bringing forth the wrath of the Fae. Their relics were taken, and the Order was banished—each name stricken from the hallowed halls of the Fae. The Clan MacKay is no longer. The Dragon Knights have scattered across the land. Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption, and the women they love. Available at AMAZON (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7QR2T3 )  About the Author
Multi award-winning romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories. If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books. |
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