 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. 
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 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.   Congratulations to Debby Grahl, whose romantic suspense Island Heat just launched yesterday! The book looks great, and she's gifted us with a sexy little excerpt. But first let's get to know this talented author a little better. Welcome, Debby! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I loved Pippi Longstockings and Nancy Drew. I loved those books, too! 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I enjoy paranormal and contemporary romance. I also love mystery cozies. I’m a huge Miss Marple fan. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? First a little background. I have a disease of the retina called Retinitis Pigmentosa which causes gradual vision loss. I lost the ability to read in my early twenties, but even when I had sight, seeing the printed word was always difficult for me. Reading a book would take me twice as long as a person with normal sight. I was around twelve when I became frustrated with this and began to make up my own stories. As we walked to school, I would entertain my girlfriends with them. It wasn’t until the invention of computers and wonderful screen reading software that I was able to put my stories into print. Everything I type is read back to me. You are clearly a determined and very talented lady. Thank you for sharing with us. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? This would have to be the first book I wrote, Decorated to Death. The story and characters are all taken from a neighborhood I used to live in. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’m sure you’ve heard this from a number of authors, but these stories pop into my head, and I have to write them down. One of my books, Rue Toulouse, came about while sitting on our hotel balcony in New Orleans. I was taking in my surroundings -- the sounds, smells, and music, and the story came to me. I love that. And New Orleans -- it might be impossible for a writer to not be inspired in that extraordinary city. 6) What’s your writing space like? This is kind of embarrassing. A few years ago, I had back surgery. I couldn’t sit comfortably in my desk chair, and the recliner was the only place I could sit. So I placed my keyboard in my lap and began to type. I thought this was pretty easy, so I’m still there today. Sounds cozy! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? Mornings are best for me. The house is quiet and there aren’t too many distractions. If I become blocked, I find sitting in the hot tub with a nice bottle of wine helps. 8) Time to talk about your latest 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? Island Heat is the second in my Carolina series, Mountain Blaze, being the first. I love both the mountains and the ocean. Island Heat takes place on Hilton Head Island, where I live. I loved being able to describe this beautiful island to my readers and even more fun including some of my girlfriends in the story.  9) I realize that you’ve just published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Yes, the third book in my Carolina series will take place in historic Charleston, SC. I have the plot, setting and characters, but can’t come up with a title. 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I’d like to thank Anastasia for having me today. Debby, thank you. It's a privilege to share in your book launch week. Wishing you all the best! And now, Island Heat!  A chance encounter leads to romance and murder. When bookstore owner Suzanna Shay and writer Austen Kincade meet on a Who Done It mystery cruise, their instant attraction has them more interested in romance than searching for clues. But when the leading actress in the shipboard murder skit, Austen’s publisher’s wife, throws herself at Austen, she’s furious when he rejects her advances and vows to have Austen no matter what it takes. After the ship docks, with plans for a future together, Suzanna and Austen part, unaware vindictive lies will soon test their newfound love and entangle them in a real mystery that proves deadly. Excerpt “There’s a full moon. How about a stroll out on the deck?” Suzanna, you don’t know him. Think about what you’re doing. Her mother’s voice rang through her head. But as she gazed into Austen’s face, careful was the last thing she wanted to be. She stood. “Let’s go.” They said goodbye to the Paiges and headed for the doors leading onto the deck. The night was warm with a gentle breeze. Stars filled the velvet sky as moonlight sparkled upon the water. Suzanna breathed in the salty air. Right now, my life in Charlotte might as well be a million miles away, and I haven’t a care in the world. “There’s Orion,” Austen pointed. “Studying the constellations is a hobby of mine.” “I find the stars fascinating. And I love having my fortune told.” “I can tell you what your future will bring,” Austen replied. “What’s that?” He took her into his arms. “This.” His lips covered hers. The warmth of his mouth made Suzanna’s skin tingle. This moment came right off the pages of the romance novels she so loved — a moonlit night, a handsome man, and the faint sound of a piano in the distance. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He held her close. His kiss, gentle at first, his lips moving slowly across hers, skillfully coaxed her lips apart. Their tongues met, and Suzanna let out a low moan as the kiss deepened. Her body molded to his. She slid her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. His hand glided up and down her back. His hard erection rubbed against her, and Suzanna’s passion soared. Austen broke their kiss and gazed into her eyes. In a husky voice he said, “I want you.” Suzanna, never one to jump into bed with a man she’d just met, hesitated. Again, for a second, her mother’s disapproving scowl flashed through her mind. She defiantly brushed it aside. There’s no one here to question your actions. Don’t let this perfect night pass you by. Besides, who would ever know? the adventurous part of her brain screamed drowning out any misgivings. Who was she kidding? Nothing would keep her from having sex with Austen. “Yes.” she whispered. “I suggest we get off this deck before we go any further. Your cabin or mine?” Struggling to gather her wits, Suzanna nodded. “Mine.” Amazon B&N  About the Author Award-winning author Debby Grahl lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband David. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach, and a glass of wine at sunset. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books. Rue Toulouse, a contemporary romance set in the French Quarter, medalled as second place in the Readers’ Favorite international competition, and was awarded first place in the Top Shelf Fiction for the Romance category. His Magic Touch, a paranormal romance, is also set in New Orleans. Her latest book, Island Heat, will be released May 1, 2023, and will be the second book in her three-part Carolina series. The first, Mountain Blaze, released November 2, 2020, has received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite.  photo by Laurens Antoine  The last book I read by Linda Griffin was Bridges, a beautiful, tender romance that left me smiling and blinking back tears. You can imagine that I'm thrilled to celebrate her latest book, Reluctant Hearts, with an interview! Before we get to the book, let's learn more about this talented author. Welcome, Linda! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? An early favorite was Half Magic by Edward Eager. I read it so often that I can still recite the first few pages word for word: “It began one summer about thirty years ago, and it happened to four children…” Later my sister and I read the Williamsburg series by Elswyth Thane out loud to each other while we did the dishes, and over the years I must have read them at least twenty times. I also loved Robert A. Heinlein’s science fiction “books for boys,” especially Farmer in the Sky and Time for the Stars. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read a wide variety of fiction, but lately I’ve also been reading a lot of memoirs. A former YA librarian friend keeps recommending YA books to me, so I’ve enjoyed quite a few of those too. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I knew I wanted to be a “book maker” as soon as I learned to read and realized that somebody had to create those words. I wrote my first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” when I was six, using a plot device I stole from a “Little Lulu” comic book.  Little Miss Sunbeam! SUCH A CUTIE! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I wrote a story called “The Wind” for an eighth grade English class, and it earned an A+. My mother didn’t like it, though, because I wrote, “She cursed the wind.” 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I have no idea. Sometimes I get what I call glimmers, and sometimes I don’t. It happens most often when two different ideas come together. I think the level of creativity in the universe is higher at some times than others. 6) What’s your writing space like? I have two. My desk in the den is where I write during the day. I like the straight chair because it’s better for my back, but it’s also an heirloom that originally belonged to my grandmother. In the evenings I write in the living room in front of the TV, which gets very little of my attention, but sometimes gives me a name when I need one and occasionally sparks a glimmer. A conversation between the Winchester brothers on Supernatural somehow triggered a romance! That chair is a treasure! And you make an excellent case of writing in front of the television!  7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I don’t really have a choice. If I did, it would be in the morning when my creative energy is the highest, but I’m at the mercy of my characters, who are partial to bedtime and the middle of the night. I have to keep a notebook next to the bed so I can take dictation when they start having a conversation. LOL! Your characters dictate your writing schedule! I can understand that. 8) Time to talk about Reluctant Hearts (rubbing hands together). But first, how did you come up with the idea for the collection? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? Each of the four novellas had its initial trigger. A TV show bank robbery for “No Regrets,” a newspaper article about registered sex offenders and Halloween for “Probation,” a meditation on “The Shape of Life,” and the TV show House Hunters for, of course, “House Hunters.” Each story includes at least one character who isn’t ready to love again, so I brought them together with the theme of unexpected romance overcoming reluctant hearts. 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? Next up is a suspense novella, The Axe. I entered the first 500 words in a competition and one of the judges, Morena Stamm of the Wild Rose Press, asked to see the full manuscript. Much to my surprise, it’s now under contract! Oh, wow! That's wonderful!  cover art by Jennifer Greeff Linda, thank you for sharing your time and travels with us. Congratulations on your new release! And now, Reluctant Hearts!  cover art by Jennifer Greeff Four couples, four stories: Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again. Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation. David Early and Kate Howard meet in the Laundromat, but her life is consumed by the needs of her disabled child, and David isn’t ready for the responsibility. Realtor Frank Ellison meets Kayla Barnes at an open house, but a mistaken first impression derails any chance of romance. Can they all overcome the obstacles to love? ExcerptsWe are lucky enough to have short excerpts from each novella in Reluctant Hearts. Thank you, Linda! No Regrets “Well, you are too good to be true, aren’t you?” She grinned, and then she sobered, and their eyes met. They stopped walking. The dogs tugged at the leashes and strayed from the path, sniffing at everything they could reach. Richard tossed the remains of his lunch in a trash container and put his arms around her. The sounds of traffic grew distant, muted. Manning walked in a circle, wrapping the leash around their legs. They both laughed, and they kissed quickly and then not so quickly. “In a public place,” she said in mock disapproval. Probation “So, you don’t smoke, you don’t drink, and you don’t do Halloween? What do you do?” “Whatever you’ll let me do, I guess,” he said. He hadn’t used that old line since college. She was surprised, but she didn’t seem upset. She gazed at him speculatively for a few seconds and then leaned towards him. He didn’t want to take anything for granted, so he waited for her to kiss him first, but he responded without hesitation. She tasted of beer and cherry-flavored lip gloss. “Oh, gosh,” she said. “Wait till I tell Patty I kissed Mr. Kenniston.” The Shape of Life They backed away from the stove, the coffee forgotten, drifted, as if without purpose, through the living room, quietly past Chris’s room, into Kate’s bedroom. “I may hate you in the morning,” she warned. “I’ll risk it,” he said. He stood close to her in the half-darkness, feeling the soft contours of her body against his while he freed her bright, velvety hair. “Very nice,” he said, and his hands slid down to find the hook of her halter top. “David,” she said, her voice a little blurred, as in a dream. “Promise me we won’t be sorry.” House Hunters Her shape had never bothered him before. But right now, it was distracting him to know she had that lovely, decidedly female body under her jeans and sweater. He turned his head toward her, and she looked up at him, and he leaned in to kiss her. “Don’t,” she said, but she kissed him back. The gesture was more friendly than passionate, but her lips were soft and sweet all the same. He knew it wasn’t supposed to be happening, but he couldn’t remember why, and he liked it—more than he liked the Canaletto.  About the Author Linda Griffin was born and raised in San Diego, California and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She earned a BA in English from San Diego State University and an MLS from UCLA. She began her career as a reference and collection development librarian in the Art and Music Section of the San Diego Public Library and then transferred to the Literature and Languages Section where she managed the Central Library’s fiction collection. She had a short story published in the SDSU literary journal, The Phoenix, but most of her magazine publications came after she left the library to spend more time on her writing. Her stories, in every length from short shorts to novellas, have been published in numerous journals, including Eclectica, Thema Literary Journal, The Avalon Literary Review, and most recently Willow River. In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—she enjoys Scrabble, movies, and travel and has visited 48 states and three countries.   Gorgeous Italian locales, fine art stolen by Nazis, a side of romance... I'm thrilled to welcome multi-published author Marilyn Baron, whose books whisk us away to beautiful destinations around the world. Her latest, The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard, is set in Florence. It launched just a few weeks ago. We'll learn more about this tantalizing new cozy mystery -- including a great excerpt -- but first let's get to know Marilyn a little better. Marilyn, congratulations on your latest release! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? The author who inspired me to become a writer was Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote the “Little House” series of children’s novels. I loved those books. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I enjoy Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction and Suspense. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? In the third grade, I wrote my first short story, “The Gold Lace Dress.” In fourth grade, I wrote a novel called “East West Island,” which featured all of the children in my class. My teacher read it aloud in installments after lunch. I had some great teachers who inspired me to write. Throughout grade and high school I was either editor or feature editor of my school newspaper and I wrote programs for school assemblies. When I was eleven, I got a poem published in Highlights for Children, the one you get in the dentist’s office. It was called The Spider Web. I majored in Journalism and Creative Writing at University of Florida and had a career in corporate Public Relations and then started my own PR firm. So, I’ve been writing my entire life. But I didn’t start writing books until I joined Georgia Romance Writers. Oh, wow! You were a busy little author in grade school! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? In addition to writing projects like annual reports and marketing brochures for corporate clients, my first novel, Under the Moon Gate, an historical romantic thriller set in contemporary and World War II Bermuda about a German spy and a British socialite was probably what I was most proud of. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’ve wanted to write for as long as I can remember. I’ve written in a variety of genres from women’s fiction to historical romantic thrillers, from romantic suspense and paranormal to cozy mysteries. I’ve written in a number of formats, from novel length to short stories to anthologies. My sister and I even wrote a musical called “Memory Lane,” about Alzheimer’s. 6) What’s your writing space like? We live in a high-rise condo on the 35th floor in Midtown Atlanta. Since COVID, my husband and I share an office, which comes in handy when I have computer questions or issues. I have a great view of Peachtree Street and the Atlanta skyline. It’s really more of a library that we turned into an office.  Amazing view! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I love to write looking at the ocean, but we sold our Florida beach condo. I write mostly in the morning, since I find myself taking a cat nap in the afternoon and I’m too tired to write at night. I majored in Journalism and have my own PR business, so I work better under deadline. 8) Time to talk about your latest 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? Yes, I spent six months in college living in Florence, Italy, studying art history, English and Italian. My favorite painting is “The Birth of Venus,” by Sandro Botticelli in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, so I featured Botticelli in my first book [The Case of the Missing Botticelli] in the Massimo Domingo Mystery Series. Book 2, also contained in The Case of the Missing Botticelli, features the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. And the third, in The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard, features French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard. I set many of my books in Florence, but this series is my first attempt at cozy mysteries. The series is all set in Florence and, the heroine and her sexy carabiniere boyfriend (later husband) travel to different cities in Italy—Venice, Lake Como and Rome—in search of Nazi stolen art. I’ve traveled to those cities many times, so I enjoyed going back there in the books. I am fascinated by World War II (my father was a top-turret gunner on a B-17 flying bombing missions over Europe, including on D-Day) and I love art history, so I’ve combined the things I love most in this series. Such a wonderful idea for a series!  9) Now let’s hear about The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard. Hadley Evans Ferrari, art detective in Florence, Italy, is on the scent of a forgotten Fragonard painting at a villa in Rome when she stumbles across a treasure trove of stolen artwork—from Hermann Göring’s personal World War II stash. Here is the YouTube link for the book trailer: https://youtu.be/SizQ3LXSc9o The trailer is FABULOUS! 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? I just signed a contract for a short story called, “Blame it on the Moon,” for the Wild Rose Press series Jelly Beans and Spring Things. It will be published June 21, 2023. It’s about a woman who goes out on her balcony to watch the Blood Moon and when she comes back inside it’s three years later on the night of the next Blood Moon and everything has changed. I have also been researching an historical fiction to be set in Portugal, a country I just visited. 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I write destination fiction and love to set my books in locations I’ve visited, from Bermuda and Australia to Scotland, Austria, Italy, Greece, St. Petersburg and Germany, as well as places I’ve lived like Miami, Tallahassee and Atlanta. Next year, I will celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary. My husband and I have two daughters and two granddaughters. Marilyn, thank you for sharing your time and travels with us! Wishing you new adventures and joyful celebrations with your family for many years to come! Time for The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard!  Tracking stolen art in gorgeous Italian villas…secrets and danger… Hadley Evans Ferrari, art detective in Florence, Italy, is on the scent of a forgotten Fragonard painting at a villa in Rome when she stumbles across a treasure trove of stolen artwork—from Hermann Göring’s personal World War II stash. When she and the palazzo’s interior decorator are held hostage by the head of a secret Nazi organization and required, in a race against time, to appraise all the artwork in the house for private sale, she fears they will never escape with their lives. Can her sexy carabinieri husband Luca Ferrari and the police department’s Art Squad get there in time to come storming in and “save the day” before the villa’s evil Count “ties up loose ends”? Excerpt: The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard “How do you know me?” “Who in Italy doesn’t know the famous and beautiful Signora Ferrari of Massimo Domingo Art Detective Agency?” “I wasn’t aware anyone knew my name. My boss is the premier art expert.” “Signora, you’re too modest. Your reputation precedes you, as does the highly questionable and fading reputation of your boss. And your particular expertise will be put to very good use here, I assure you. It’s a special job that requires your particular skills.” “What exactly are we doing here?” Hadley demanded, acting more courageous than she felt. “Okay, let’s dispense with the niceties, if we must. I have inherited a number of paintings, and I’m in need of your talent in authenticating and tracking the provenance of what I believe are masterworks.” “You mean stolen Nazi art.” The man straightened. “Certainly not. I have the records that maintain these paintings were legally sold to the buyers and that I now own Palazzo Allegretti and all of its contents.” “But I understood that Herr Muller had purchased the palazzo.” “Herr Muller works for us. He’s what you could call an anonymous third party. We’ve been waiting a long time to release these paintings onto the open market. I simply need your assistance in verifying their authenticity, perhaps giving us an idea of their current value, which has undoubtedly risen since they were…” “Confiscated?” Hadley posed. “Is that the word you were looking for?”  About the Author
Marilyn Baron writes in a variety of genres from women’s fiction to historical romantic thrillers and romantic suspense to paranormal/fantasy and cozy mysteries. She’s received writing awards in Single Title, Suspense Romance, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements and Paranormal/Fantasy Romance. She was also The Finalist in the 2017 Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA) in the Romance Category for her novel, Stumble Stones, and The Finalist for the 2018 GAYA Awards in the Romance category for her novel, The Alibi. Her novel, The Case of the Missing Botticelli, has been nominated for the 2023 Author of the Year Awards in the Romance category. Her latest novel, Book 3 in the Massimo Domingo Mysteries series, is The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard. Released March 22, 2023, the cozy mystery is Baron’s 29th work of fiction. Her short story, Blame it on the Moon, will be released June 21, 2023. A public relations consultant in Atlanta, Marilyn is past chair and current member of Roswell Reads (a one city-one-read program) and serves on the Atlanta Authors Series Committee. Past Roswell Reads authors have included Geraldine Brooks, Ann Patchett, Delia Owens, Rick Bragg and Laura Morelli. Marilyn is also a reviewer for The Book Review Crew and Authors on the Air. To find out more about what she writes, visit her website at: www.marilynbaron.com/.  Spectacular worldbuilding. Memorable characters. Suspense. Everylyn C. Thompson's new book Grave-Reaping Hermit has it all! We're going to learn about it -- and we have a great excerpt -- but first let's get to know Everlyn a little better. Everlyn, congratulations on your splendid new release! 1)What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? Anything I could get my hands on. Nancy Drew was great, and when I finished all those books, I moved on to the Hardy Boys. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? My favorites will always be urban fantasy books (told in first person by a kickass heroine that uses sarcasm and sass along with sharp pointy weapons to protect those she loves) and paranormal romance books (with strong alpha males, told with dual points of view) But I’ve also been swapping ARCs with anyone willing, so I’ve gotten to try some new genres lately that I’ve enjoyed. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? When I was 12 years old I started writing stories on my family's old PC. As an adult, I’ve always wanted to write my own book, but never made time for it until the covid lockdown happened. Once all 3 of my library cards were maxed out with digital downloads (and I had nothing to read) I decided it was time to try writing again. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A Mother’s day poem when I was about 7 or 8 years old. Aww! Love that. 5) What’s your writing space like? If the kitchen table isn’t busy, I’ll set up my laptop there and write. If that’s not possible, I’ll sit on the couch or in the bedroom. Anywhere I can steal a few minutes. 6) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? Any free time is writing time. It doesn’t happen every day, but I can usually find a few minutes to myself right before bed. 7) Time to talk about Grave Reaping Hermit (rubbing hands together). What a book! So good! 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? My latest release is Grave-Reaping Hermit (April 10, 2023) I came up with the idea because I spend a lot of the summer months up north at my family’s cabin. The place is beautiful and secluded. The only thing that would make it better would be if I discovered a magical portal somewhere in the yard that led to another realm.  That's simply gorgeous. 8) I comprehend that you’ve just published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? The second book in my Grave Reaper series, Grave-Reaping Shrew, is being released on July 24th, 2023, and I’ve been offered a contract for the third (and final) book in the series. Hooray and Congratulations! 9) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I’ve still got 2 feet of snow in my backyard, so I’d like to share a little bit of sunshine with anyone that needs some. Everlyn, thanks so much for sharing your time and talent with us. Once more, congratulations again on Grave=Reaping Hermit! It's amazing. And now for a look at the book! Enjoy!  Homicidal vampires, homeless werewolves, and hot fae guardians are no match for one sarcastic hermit. When self-professed hermit Theodora Edwards is attacked by a dark fae and infected with his magic, she finds herself thrust into the supernatural spotlight as the first possible changeling in centuries. As if surviving the transition isn’t hard enough, Theo has to deal with an attempted abduction by her newly turned vampire ex-husband, unwanted courting offers from salacious fae suitors, and her growing attraction to the guardian of the gate to Fairie. Caught in a cruel tug of war between the queen of the fae and a surly law-enforcement agent, Theo must find a way to free herself before she loses her hard-earned independence for good. Excerpt I mentally hiked up my big girl panties and lunged for the hammer. It was heavy, and I lost my balance as I spun and swung upward with both hands. Whatever Ozzy had been saying was cut off with a sickening thud as the hammer connected with his head. I was pretty sure I’d read somewhere that the softest part of the human skull is the temple—and I nailed his like it had a big red bull’s-eye on it. Momentum from the blow flung us apart. Ozzy was knocked backward, releasing his death grip on my elbow. I floundered at the top of the stairs for a few seconds before gravity won, and I toppled backward with a shriek. The staircase of five steps was not too far a fall, but with my hands still zip-tied in front of me, it was like falling off a cliff in slow motion. The stairs rushed past in a blur, and my entire body tensed in anticipation of hitting the cold hard ground. I had a moment to be grateful that, if I was going to fall, at least I was landing on my backside where I had some extra padding to cushion the fall. My butt never made it as far as the ground. Strong arms seized me from behind, and I landed against a hard chest that knocked the air out of me with an oomph! I blinked in the near darkness and realized Farranen had caught me. He spun us around so that he was between me and the cabin, then gently turned me in his arms so that we were face-to-face. His expression was just as serious as the last time I’d seen him; the slight wrinkle in his forehead was a mix of thoughtful and concerned. “Are you all right?” My first thought was, He IS real! I knew it! “Theodora?” I realized he was still talking, probably waiting for a coherent response from me. Not that I had one. I mean, other than some chafing from the zip ties, I was okay. But the whole abduction thing was really, really not okay. Thoughts flitted back and forth in my head, but my mouth decided to go with “Farranen? You’re real.” Smooth, Theo. Real smooth. His mouth quirked a small half smile, and I found myself smiling back. With lips like that, he really should smile more often. “Yes, I am real. Did you doubt it?”  About the Author Born and raised on the beautiful Canadian prairies, Everlyn prefers to spend her time outdoors with her family kayaking, skating, fishing, and hunting. She loves reading and writing about vampires, witches, fae, and zombies that get to live their own version of happily ever after. Website Goodreads TikTok  Northern Lights, Saskatchewan
 Today I'm proud to welcome multi-published author Virginia Barlow! It's launch day for her new historical romance, A Gamble of Hearts! So exciting! Congratulations, Virginia! I'm astounded at the rate this talented, prolific author turns out books. Her next one, If Wishes Were Jelly Beans, releases next week! Amazing! We'll learn about A Gamble of Hearts -- one great excerpt coming up! But first, let's get to know Virginia a little better. 1)What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I read The Little House on the Prairie series probably ten times. I loved those books! Oh, I loved the Little House books, too. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read romance or self-improvement for the most part. Occasionally I read paranormal fiction. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I didn’t decide to write until I was in my twenties, but by then I had tiny children and didn’t have the time to write. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? When I was in high school I wrote a short story for the Pen and Quill Literary Club, My story won second place. I wrote for the high school newspaper. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I like to create stories in my head and make up plots first thing in the morning or right before I fall asleep at night. 6) What’s your writing space like? My writing space is a wonderful little office with pictures of my children, the little gifts they give me, a bookshelf with my book stock, and fairy tale themed items like a gold pumpkin, A picture of a knight in armor receiving a lady’s favor, and roses. A lovely, inspiring space! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I like to write in the afternoon and evening, when it’s quiet. To get in the right mindset, I often pour a glass of wine and pace. 8) Time to talk about Gamble of Hearts (rubbing hands together). Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? I came up with the idea of Gamble of Hearts one day at a redlight. I have no idea why. LOL. 9) Now let’s hear about Gamble of Hearts. This story takes place in Regency England. A powerful duke loses his only nephew to a card shark and cheater. The Earl of Hargrove. Seeking revenge, the duke learns the games and lures the earl to a high stakes game where he loses everything. Only when the duke comes to collect does he discover the earl has a sister. And he used the sister to ante up for the final hand. With no other relatives to care for her, the duke becomes her reluctant guardian and sets out to find her a husband -- only to fall for her himself. 10) I comprehend -- actually, I can't quite comprehend -- that you have two book launches within a week. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Yes. I have a Christmas in the Castle book entitled Once Upon a Christmas Castle coming this holiday season. That sounds lovely! I love the title! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I would like to say thank you to all my readers and to my family. They keep me going in the right direction. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us today, Virginia! Congratulations again on A Gamble of Hearts. Wishing you a great book launch! And now, time for A Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow.  The Highest Stakes Come With the Gamble of Hearts! When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother's arrest, she becomes the duke's ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever. The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew's death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain's sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything. Excerpt from A Gamble of Hearts He stared at her mouth as he ran a thumb over her bottom lip. “I have wondered for days what you taste like. You asked if I thought your mouth resembled a rose petal, and I have decided I must know the answer.” Her lips parted in anticipation, and she dared not breathe for fear the spell would break. He leaned close, blocking the moonlight above her as his warm lips covered hers. Afterward, she would always equate the scent of magnolias with her first kiss, for they surrounded her along with the duke’s heat beneath the magical night sky. He slid his firm mouth over hers, searching and applying gentle pressure while his hands caressed her face. She could not believe this was happening and leaned against him, wrapping her arms high around his neck. His embrace comforted her as no one else had, and for the first time since Nathan dragged her to London, she felt safe. With a groan, he tipped her head to the side. “Open for me.” She opened her mouth to ask what he meant but never got the chance, for his tongue slid between her lips and stroked along hers, sending shivers of delight through her body. She trembled against him, wanting each moment to last for an eternity. The taste of him in her mouth intoxicated her, and she could not get enough. Her blood sang, and heat filled her belly. Amazon B&N Goodreads BookBub  About the Author I have always loved reading romance novels. I used to sneak them from my mom’s room as a young girl and read them while she was gone. As I grew older, my reading and tastes expanded to sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy. I considered becoming an author in my late twenties, but as a busy mother with toddlers; I didn’t have the time. Later, in my fifties, I gave it a try and have enjoyed every word of it since. I recently signed my thirteenth contract and am doing my happy dance as I type this. My husband of forty-one years is my greatest support as are all my kids. Most of them are grown and carving out lives for themselves. They are the beat of my heart and with every grandchild; the rhythm gets stronger. I enjoy every moment of my life.     If Jelly Beans Were Kisses -- Release Date April 19!
 I'm thrilled to host multi-published author Karina Bartow today. Her latest release is Wrong Line, Right Connection. Isn't the title great? But before we get to the book, let's get to know Karina a little better. Welcome, Karina! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I loved—what I consider—the childhood classics: The Bernstein Bears, Raggedy Ann & Andy, and of course, Mystery Inc. The Berenstein Bears was a favorite in our house when our sons were little. Those books still make me smile. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I enjoy mainly love stories with a smattering of mysteries. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I always excelled in English class and had fun using my imagination. When my mom and sister took me to meet an author at the local library when I was nine, her passion for writing rubbed off on me, and that became my goal from then on. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? When I was twelve, I composed a children’s book about my dad’s childhood antics, titled What Planet is Dad From? Back then, I thought it was going to be a best-seller!  Awww! You made a cover and everything! It's so great that you still have it! 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? From day one, I wanted to write about subjects about which I’m passionate. Naturally, that’s evolved over time, but at the core, my books have explored characters being stopped in their tracks and forced to reevaluate their path in life or the path others have laid out for them. I’m really intrigued by the way people adapt to changed circumstances and how they can defy odds. 6) What’s your writing space like? It’s a spare room in my family’s home, and it’s Paris-themed. For a long time, it featured a mural of the Eiffel Tower hand-painted by my mom, but with heavy hearts, we painted over it two years ago.  Wow! You put in some work! I can understand that you might miss Eiffel Tower, but it's a great writing space. Congratulations! 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 to write in the afternoon and early evening as opposed to morning. As for rituals, I used to play a game of Sudoku or Hearts on my computer to rev up my brain, but I don’t do that often anymore. 8) Time to talk about Wrong Line, Right Connection (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? While Wrong Line, Right Connection isn’t in a true series, it’s sort of a prequel/spin-off of my 2018 novel, Forgetting My Way Back to You. Mabel, a secondary character in that, was a plain-spoken, feisty older woman many readers loved. My writing coach especially adored her and rallied for years for a standalone story about her. Once I warmed up to the idea, it flowed very naturally, given Mabel was based on a cherished friend. I didn’t make it a true biography, but I implemented real facts about her life here and there, centering it around her real-life occupation of a switchboard operator.  This is wonderful. I love that you based the story on a dear friend (above photo, right). 9) Now let’s hear about Wrong Line, Right Connection. The love story follows Mabel Jennings, who works as a telephone operator in June 1964. When she receives a call from a deep-voiced gentleman, her attraction to him befuddles her, making her connect him with the wrong business—not once, but twice! The haphazard introduction sets an unexpected romance into motion. Though she falls quickly for him, Mabel’s bittersweet past refrains her from giving Roy her full devotion. Can she overcome her memories of love lost to embrace the new one calling out to her? It sounds fun and very romantic (happy sigh). 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? Yes, I just signed my fifth book deal for a mystery novel with The Wild Rose Press! With the working title Accidental Allies, it's the third installment of the Unde(a)feated Detective Series, which follows deaf detective Minka Avery. After leaving the police force for six years to be a stay-at-home mom, she returns to Orlando PD…and let's just say she’s welcomed back with a bang! It should be released later this year. The whole series sounds great! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Check out my book trailers on my Youtube channel, @KarinaBartow! Will do! :) Karina, thank you for sharing your time and talent with us! Congratulations on Wrong Line, Right Connection. I wish you all the best! Now for the book!  Could a switch gone wrong turn into a love gone right? Could a mortifying day on the job end up netting you true love? When switchboard operator Mabel Jennings reports to work on a Monday in the summer of 1964, she doesn’t have any interest in finding love again. Out-of-towner Roy Stentz rings up her station, however, and makes her reconsider. Mabel’s intrigued by his deep yet kind voice, but she endeavors to remain professional. Her attraction frazzles her mind, causing her to transfer Roy to the wrong line. When he calls back to give her another try, she repeats the mistake, humiliating herself. The haphazard introduction sets an unexpected romance into motion. Though she falls quickly for him, Mabel's bittersweet past refrains her from giving Roy her full devotion. Can she overcome her memories of love lost to embrace the new one calling out to her? Excerpt When the motel lit up a third time, she dropped the preamble. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stentz. I’ll get it right this time.” “No problem, but now that I think about it, you can give me the number, anyhow. That way, I won’t have to trouble you if I need to make another call during my stay.” She did her best to conceal her humiliation while she recited it. She didn’t cry often, but to her alarm, a tear traced down her cheek. With him living out of the state, they probably would never cross paths, but discouragement washed over her. She blew her chance, if she had one to blow in the first place. “Thank you, miss.” His chivalry didn’t crack, a sign of what a nice fellow he must be, given what she put him through. “Since I have you again, I wanted to ask if you’d like to go to dinner with me tonight? I was hoping someone could show me the sights before I head north. Plus, I’d like to find out if you’re a better date than you are an operator.” Amazon | Walmart | Books-A-Million  About the Author
Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. Her works include Husband in Hiding, Brother of Interest, Forgetting My Way Back to You, and Wrong Line, Right Connection. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart! Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads  I'm delighted to welcome multi-published author Margot Johnson. Her romances are like a big, warm hug -- with chocolate! Her latest book, Let It Simmer, is a sweet and hilarious rom-com. We'll talk about the book and her Merilee Tours series, but first let's get to know Margot a little better. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I read every Nancy Drew book available as well as series books like Trixie Belden, the Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames, and Donna Parker. I loved The Secret Garden. I also enjoyed reading to my girls when they were young. We read the Little House on the Prairie series and classics like Charlotte’s Web and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I adored the Little House books when I was a child. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read a variety of things. I still love a good mystery/thriller. Chick lit books are fun. I like historical fiction, too. When I’m in the middle of writing a book, I can’t read other romances because I don’t want to influence my voice. My book club gets me to read things I would necessarily choose, which is good. Our current book is The Midnight Library. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? Around grade 2. I come from a family of writers. I remember my dad sitting at the dining room table clicking away on an old, manual typewriter. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? In grade 2, I made a small, illustrated storybook. I didn’t show promise as an illustrator! It must have been so cute! 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I just feel like writing is in my genes and something I’m meant to do. When I read a really good book, I want to enthrall readers in the same way. 6) What’s your writing space like? It floats around the house. I could set up an office in a spare room, but I like to move my little, rolling desk around to where the sun shine in or near the fireplace when it’s cold. I use different notebooks to help keep me organized (doesn’t always work!). LOL! At first, I thought you were referring to a laptop! How great to be able to move your whole desk around! That must be super-convenient! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I like to get started early in the day before other things distract me. Right now, I’m trying to find the right balance between writing a new novel, editing, and promotion. I set a target word count (minimum of 1,000 words a day) to keep me focused and make steady progress. 8) Time to talk about Let It Simmer (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? The Merilee Tours series started a novella for The Wild Rose Press Christmas cookie collection. I wanted to inject humor and had fun with starting each chapter with a humorous quote or corny joke that relates to the story. A little background on Let it Simmer… Merilee’s tour visits Waskesiu, located in beautiful Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. Our family holidays there every summer, and it’s one of my favorite places.  9) 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? My next novel is in the editing stage with TWRP. It’s another small-town story with characters pursuing their dreams. I’ll share more details as it progresses. I also have Merilee’s next adventure planned. As well, I’d like to write more stories about mature characters because I think a lot of woman would like to read about people closer to their own ages finding love later in life. I think you're right about that (the more mature characters) and that it's a lovely idea. 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Many people tell me they have an idea or would like to write a book. My advice is to sit down and do it! I find characters take on a life of their own, so the writing process leads to more creativity and interesting, fun surprises. I couldn't agree more. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us today, Margot! Congratulations again on your new release! And now for Let It Simmer!  He crashed her holiday…but will he break her heart? A sensible, mature widow like Susan doesn’t belong on a tour bus seated next to her high school crush. Thirty years later, Phil is as charming and handsome as ever, but she doesn’t need a new partner, especially not a love-’em-and-leave-’em guy. Happily single, Phil tags along to celebrate his matchmaking mom’s eightieth birthday. She’s embarrassingly persistent, but maybe she’s right he should, finally, settle down with the right woman. Susan only wants a little family time with her two cousins and a scenic vacation to Northern Saskatchewan…so why does she feel like a fluttery teenage girl? Can Phil spark even more excitement than games, scenery, and wildlife? Excerpt from Let It Simmer Phil swam to greet her. “You didn’t dunk your head.” “I like to keep my head above water.” She smiled and tilted into a side stroke, but with a huge, open lake in every direction, why did she choose to drift so close? Next to the shade of the water, his eyes glinted azure, and with droplets of moisture sprinkled over his face, he glistened youthful, refreshed…and more handsome than ever. Slowing, he flipped upright and faced her just a few feet away. She treaded in place and watched him float closer and sweep his gaze over her face and shoulders. Her body tingled, and she imagined the touch of his warm, gentle lips. Without a doubt, he wanted to kiss her…but was now too soon for a romantic interlude? She hadn’t kissed a man in eight, long years, and she’d only become reacquainted with Phil mere days ago. She hardly knew the man, except she felt this deep, unexplained connection. The holiday freed and unburdened her—like a woman who deserved a new kind of happiness. Should she allow a kiss? Could she? She closed her eyes, parted her lips, and…tasted a faceful of musty water. Sputtering, she snapped open her eyes, spewed it into the lake, and wiped her drenched face. What just happened?   About the Author Margot Johnson writes feel-good stories about dreams, family and romance. She is the author of five romances--the novels LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY and three novellas in the Merilee Tours series--LET IT SNOWBALL, LET IT MELT, and LET IT SIMMER. Her characters can't possibly find their happy endings...or can they? Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard." When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!) She lives with her husband in the Canadian prairies. Website: margotjohnson.ca Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor Twitter: @AuthorMargot  Readers say…
"Between the delicious-sounding meals, beautiful scenery, and sparkle of romance, this book is a page-turning joy!" “What a fun and entertaining read!” “A funny, cute, and romantic story” “Full of sweet anticipation and laugh-out-loud moments.” “A story as sweet and warm as summertime at the lake.”  Her latest book has me creeping around corners in my own house -- in broad daylight! But there's romance, too. I love it! Welcome, Christine! Congratulations on Forging Forgiveness. We're eager to learn more about it, but first let's talk about you. Thank you for inviting me. I’m thrilled to be here. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy as a child? Did you have a favorite book series? I’ve always loved reading mysteries. Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, and Hardy Boys were some of my favorites. I read every Nancy Drew mystery book I could get my hands on. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I have an eclectic taste in reading, and I’ll read pretty much anything…thrillers, mysteries, romantic suspense, paranormal…I like them all. 3) Around what age did you realize that you like to write? And when did you know you wanted to write books? When I was a pre-teen and all through my teens, I wrote my most intimate thoughts in a diary. I also enjoyed writing long letters to friends, but it wasn’t until I had a year off work for a medical reason that I attempted to write an entire book. It took me ten months to finish three hundred-and-thirty pages, but I was on the top of the world at the accomplishment. That first manuscript has never been submitted for publishing and rests amidst the dust bunnies under my bed, but since then, I’ve written and published eight romantic suspense novels. To my way of thinking, ten months to write three hundred thirty pages isn't so long. But the important thing is that the experience paved the way for future, award-winning books. 4) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I find ideas for my stories in many different places…the Classified section of newspapers, overheard conversations, on-line community buy and sell sites…snippets that make you wonder what if? Recently, I found a beautiful sterling silver opal ring in a campfire pit amidst the blackened coals. Now there’s an intriguing situation. 5) What’s your writing space like? I have an office with a view of the forest behind my house. The walls are covered with dozens of sticky notes where I’ve scrawled plot points, story ideas, and character notes. Old-time country and western music plays in the background, and my dog lays on her bed beside me. There’s something about the twang of a guitar and a song of lost love that sets my creative juices bubbling.  6) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in the writing mindset? My brain is more open to creativity first thing in the morning. Add a cup of strong tea and I’m all set. 7) Time to talk about Forging Forgiveness (rubbing hands together). But first, how did you come up with the idea for the book? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? I was hiking in the forest in late November, and I came across a set of bare human footprints impressed in the frozen mud. The tracks, in such an isolated spot at a cold time of year, got me thinking and led to the premise behind Forging Forgiveness. I just got chills. 8) Now let’s hear about Forging Forgiveness. Here’s the Blurb: When small-town college instructor, Candace Cooper discovers bloody, bare footprints in the snow while running in a state park deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it brings back the nightmare of her sister’s long unsolved kidnapping. After a botched investigation forced Detective Aiden Farrell to quit his job and move to Colorado, he’s determined to redeem himself, even if that means ignoring his growing feelings for the beautiful professor. His fear that the footprints are connected to a recent spate of missing teens, is confirmed when Candace is assaulted on campus, and the perpetrator reveals a secret only her long-lost sister knew. Aiden and Candace join forces, but the closer they come to unraveling the truth, the closer they get to each other, and to a killer who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious goal. Caught between duty and love, Aiden fights in a race against time to save the woman he loves. So good! Talk about suspense! 9) 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? I’m working on another romantic suspense that involves intrigue and adventure with an archaeologist at a remote Indigenous site in northern British Columbia. That sounds fabulous and delicious! Why do I have the feeling that you've been there personally -- or someplace like it? Christine, thank you for sharing your time and talent with us today. You're a scary-good storyteller! Congratulations again on your latest book. Looking forward to the next! Time for Forging Forgiveness.  When small-town college instructor, Candace Cooper discovers bloody, bare footprints in the snow while running in a state park deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it brings back the nightmare of her sister’s long unsolved kidnapping. After a botched investigation forced Detective Aiden Farrell to quit his job and move to Colorado, he’s determined to redeem himself, even if that means ignoring his growing feelings for the beautiful professor. His fear that the footprints are connected to a recent spate of missing teens, is confirmed when Candace is assaulted on campus, and the perpetrator reveals a secret only her long-lost sister knew. Aiden and Candace join forces, but the closer they come to unraveling the truth, the closer they get to each other, and to a killer who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious goal. Caught between duty and love, Aiden fights in a race against time to save the woman he loves. Excerpt from Forging Forgiveness Candace Cooper’s breath fogged out in plumes in the frosty, late afternoon air as she pumped her arms and loped along the narrow trail. Yesterday’s rain had turned to sleet, and overnight, two inches of fresh snow blanketed the path and weighed down the limbs of the tall pine trees. Hey, what was that? She slowed to a stop, turned around, and walked back three yards. What the heck? Indentations—a heel, the pad of a big toe, and the four, smaller indents of the other toes—were clearly formed in the smooth dusting of snow. The set of small, narrow footprints tracked along the snowy trail, veering into the deeper shadows of the forest. Someone had walked in his or her bare feet down the cold, snow- covered path. The wind gusted against her damp face, and she shivered. Late November was too cold for anyone in their right mind to be out in the mountainous backcountry of northeast Colorado walking around without proper footgear, let alone barefoot. She squatted for a closer look. A smear of dark red, stark against the white snow, marked the heel depression of each left footprint. She touched the red splotch with the tip of her gloved finger. A rust-colored smudge stained the light blue cotton. Her heart rate kicked up. Blood! Sinking back on her heels, she peered into the forest’s deepening shadows and shuddered. Only four o’clock in the afternoon, and the sun was already disappearing behind the mountains. Nothing stirred. Even the squirrels were quiet, as if the silent forest watched and waited. She knew this area of the park, ran the trails in the summer and snowshoed over the flatlands in the winter. Nothing manmade existed out there—no houses, no cottages, nothing but trees and wild animals. Most visitors to Creighton Springs State Park stayed on the well-groomed gravel walkways and didn’t venture far from the parking lot. She never saw anyone on the hilly trail, not in winter. Yet, as recently as this morning, or early afternoon, someone had gone this way—and in bare feet. They’d left a blood trail. If that person was injured, maybe they needed help. She slipped off her gloves and traced her finger along the impression. Too small to be an adult male or female’s footprint. Her gut clenched. A child? God, no! Please don’t let it be a child. The unspeakable horror of the past reared over her like an attacking beast, and she sagged onto her knees, her heart pounding as if threatening to burst from her chest. A piteous moan escaped her lips. Not again. Dear Lord, please, not again. Hot tears burned her eyes. A loud crack reverberated throughout the silent forest. She bit back a scream and surged to her feet. Gunshot? An instant later, another sharp boom filled the air. The piercing sounds of distant rifle fire were unmistakable. But no way would anyone be shooting. It was illegal to hunt in the park. Besides, it was too dark for a hunter to see his target. Her heart thundered, her breath frozen in her chest. Seconds passed, turning into minutes. Her back tingled with the certainty she was being watched, but she couldn’t move, could only stand there and listen, waiting for the next shot. The forest remained hushed. The sun dipped behind the mountains, and the valley filled with dark shadows as night settled in. A snap of a branch breaking shook her out of her paralysis. The breath she’d been holding whooshed out, and she fumbled in her backpack and drew out her headlamp. Slipping the elastic strap over her forehead, she switched on the light. Following the thin beam of light cast by her headlamp, she jogged down the trail. Her legs wobbled, and she stumbled over slippery roots and rocks, staggering, almost falling, but she dug deep and kept running. The parking lot where she’d left her car was an hour’s walk, but if she ran, she could make it in half that time. Heart thumping, her lungs burning, she raced around a bend in the trail but lurched to a stop at a flicker of movement in the trees on her right. A large shadow separated from the trunk of a fir tree and formed into the shape of a man. She shone her headlamp into the forest. The beam of light revealed a tall man with broad shoulders wearing a camouflage-patterned coat and baggy, green cargo pants. A gray woolen toque hung low over his forehead, and a thick black beard covered the lower half of his face. A rifle was strapped over one shoulder. “He...hello?” Her voice was thin and reedy. He wasn’t a park ranger. Not in that getup, but he had to be the person shooting, considering the enormous rifle slung over his shoulder. Not one part of his body moved. He didn’t even blink. Hands shaking, she peeled off her gloves, letting them fall to the ground, and yanked out the can of pepper spray she carried in a canvas holster strapped around her waist. Sliding off the safety guard, she held the can up, the nozzle pointed at the unsettling stranger. “Who are you? What do you want?” The man remained still and unspeaking. Her heart thundered in her ears. “Hey, I asked you a question. What do you want?” Behind the beard, he smiled, his lips stretching wide, his teeth gleaming in the headlamp’s beam. In the encroaching darkness, his muscular frame appeared larger, his demeanor even more threatening. Fear clawed her throat, and her primal instincts kicked in. Run! The urgent command roared through her, but her knees locked and refused to obey. Her breath puffed in and out in frantic huffs. Don’t come any closer.” Gripping the can of pepper spray so tight her hand ached, she shifted her finger on the trigger.  About the Author Forging Forgiveness is award-winning author, C.B. Clark’s eighth novel published by The Wild Rose Press. When she’s not busy traveling around the globe or hiking and camping in the wilderness near her home in northern British Columbia, she can be found in front of her laptop plotting her next story. Blog Goodreads Amazon Author Page BookBub  |
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