I’m thrilled and honoured to be hosting my dear friend author Mary Morgan today of all days – the launch day for her new book, Wishes Under a Highland Star. It's a brilliant, beautiful story. Congratulations, Mary! As chieftain for his clan, Alex MacFhearguis struggles with the burden of an unwanted responsibility. With the midwinter feast approaching, he flees his castle to find comfort and solitude within the forest. Yet on his quest, Alex stumbles into a world filled with magic, mysteries, and a woman with beguiling eyes who could capture his heart. When half-Fae Aine Fraser makes a powerful wish, her simple request unlocks the magic she possesses and brings forth a Highlander into her world. Though the man has lost all his memories, she finds her attraction growing for this brooding warrior with each passing day. Unable to deny her feelings, Aine risks everything when she confesses her greatest secret. Can a beauty who wished for a champion tame the beast of Leòmhann Castle? Excerpt Alex grumbled a curse and walked away. Striding with intent, he gave a curt nod in passing when Aine stepped from her safe haven. She hurried after him. “Ye are bleeding.” “Aye,” he returned, making long strides through the bailey and ignoring her concern. “The cut requires tending to. Glenna is a healer. I can take ye there,” she suggested, doing her best to keep up with him. “Nae need.” “What do ye mean?” she pressed. Alex clenched his jaw. Rory’s talk about marriage settled like a nettle’s sting. Without a clear path in front of him, he had no intention of luring any woman into his life with false hope. Especially the one who smelled like wildflowers on a spring day with enchanting eyes that beguiled him. “The wound will heal in time,” he gritted out, sweeping past a yew tree and heading toward the sounds of a nearby stream. Aine grasped his arm with a force that surprised him. “Can ye stop for a moment!” Halting his stride, he glared down at her. The look he gave her would singe the hair from any warrior or animal. “Do ye have more to say?” “Why do ye refuse aid?” she demanded, fisting her hands on her round hips. Her stubborn refusal to leave intrigued Alex. Would she flee if he challenged her? He lowered his head near hers. “Why do ye care?” Her eyes widened, and her luscious lips parted. “Because I do,” she whispered. Alex’s breathing became shallow and the air around them thick. Her pink lips begged to be kissed. Would they be as sweet as berries? Or as heady as the wine he drank last evening? An ache to take her in his arms filled him. He wrestled with the conflict—duty, honor, possession. She was pure as new-fallen snow on a crisp morn, and he no better than a rutting stag. Though his hands shook to hold her in his arms, Alex steeled his emotions and moved away from her. Ye deserve a better man, Aine. Ye are a beauty, and I am but a beast. Aine’s smile came slowly as she took a step toward him and did the unthinkable. Standing on her tiptoes, she brushed a kiss along his bearded cheek. “Is it wrong to care for ye?” Indecision plagued him as he regarded her—disbelieving, curious as to what his real fear might be. Shoving aside the conflict within, Alex grasped her around the waist. He nuzzled the spot below her ear. “Ye tempt your fate with a kiss, Aine? With a man ye do not ken?” She lifted her gaze to his—her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. “Did I tempt ye?” Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Do71DuMcO98 Meet Mary Morgan Multi award-winning paranormal 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. Literary You I thought I'd seize this opportunity to learn a bit about this talented author's writing life! Mary, I'm so glad you are with us today! Thank you for agreeing to this little interview! Hello, Anastasia! Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m delighted to be here on my special day. Now for your fascinating questions… 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? When I was ten or eleven years old, I devoured the Nancy Drew series. I would curl up on the floor between me and sister’s beds and read how Nancy solved a mystery. This was a magical time, until my mom would come in and make me go outside for some fresh air. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Since I write historical fantasy, specifically medieval, I’m always eager to read out of the period I’m writing in. I’m a huge fan of regency romance, historical fiction and non-fiction books, and anything on Celtic or Norse mythology. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I’ve been writing stories since I was a young girl. I’d write about daily happenings in my diaries, poems about animals, and pen plays for my siblings to perform for our parents. There’s always been a book percolating in my mind. Yet it was on my first trip to Scotland in June 2000, when I had an overwhelming desire to write stories. The Dragon Knights were created on hilltop at sunset, and the rest is magical history. Magical, indeed! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? My first published book, Dragon Knight’s Sword. I’m an introvert, so stepping outside my comfort zone into an arena where others would read and review my book was a huge personal milestone. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’m a constant daydreamer, Anastasia. There’s always a running story and/or characters fighting for control of a scene. As a young girl, I was told to get my ‘head out of the clouds’ and pay attention. Ha! My mom is extremely happy I chose not to listen to her and follow my daydreams. 6) What’s your writing space like? I have this lovely corner in my bedroom that overlooks the garden. I write all my stories on an antique writing desk. I’m surrounded by all my favorite reference books, crystals, stones from my travels, and nature. Perfect 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? For me, my writing works best in the early afternoon to evening hours. Before any writing begins, I take three deep cleansing breaths to calm and bring in the muse. If I don’t do this little quirk, the writing doesn’t seem to flow. 8) Congratulations on your new release, Wishes Under a Highland Star. It is such a beautiful story. You amaze me. How did you come up with the idea for book? Please tell us all about it. I always wanted to give Alex MacFhearguis his story—his happy ever after. But his gruff demeanor made it difficult on finding the one woman who could stand beside him. Ironically, I was watching a children’s holiday show in December 2019, and the word misfits resonated strongly with me that evening. I dashed to my writing desk and started writing down the prologue for Wishes Under a Highland Star. And yes, the title came to me instantly. 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. But I believe you have another book in the works? Please, won’t you tell us about it, even just a little? You’re so kind to ask, Anastasia, and I’m happy to share. I’m writing Steinar’s story, the third book in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland series. Here’s a teaser: This man is known for his exceptional battles fought at sea. In his search to seek the ultimate treasure for Scotland—a prize valued by both Norse Gods and Kings—Steinar MacDougall must surrender what he treasures the most. Yesss! I confess to doing a little happy dance over here! 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I’ve learned this journey of writing can be a solitary path. Yet I’ve met so many wonderful readers and author friends along the way. I feel I’ve been blessed, even with the hardships, to find readers who enjoy my stories. They are one of the main reasons why I continue to weave tales. Mary, thank you for sharing your time, talent, and this exciting day with us! You know I adore both you and The Dragon Knights! Congratulations, again! I wish you continued joy and success. For more Medieval Monday, be sure to visit Mary's Tavern and Barbara Bettis!
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I'm delighted to welcome author Diana Rubino. Her latest book Now and Always is a time travel romance and on my TBR list! Let's learn a bit about her literary life! Welcome, Diana! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I always enjoyed biographies. My favorite series was Trixie Belden—much like Nancy Drew. She and her friends lived in Sleepyside NY and solved mysteries. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Biographies, books about American history, and for fiction—historical murder mysteries, novels set in any time during American history or British history, especially the Tudors back to Arthurian times, and legal thrillers, especially John Grisham. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I had a notebook of short stories as a kid—in college, my journalism professor encouraged me to write my first novel; to me it was daunting writing something that long, but I studied numerous how-to books for novelists, went to novel writing classes, and made it happen. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? My first historical novel, The Jewels of Warwick. I thought it was my grand masterpiece! 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? The art and craft of storytelling has always fascinated me, because it goes back to prehistory. The people in my books inspire me, because they were great achievers, and made a difference in the world. 6) What’s your writing space like? I sit at my computer with windows facing northwest and glimpse a deer or a turkey, or even a skunk or a rabbit, at times. I’m surrounded by my bookshelf stuffed with reference books and portraits of my favorite historical figures. That sounds lovely and inspiring! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I write in the afternoon, and my goal is 2,500 words a day. If I can write more, it’s a bonus! 8) Congratulations on your new/upcoming release. Please tell us about it. How did you come up with the idea for your book/series? My latest title is a time travel romance where the modern heroine goes back to England in 1485. I wrote it in the mid-90s, it was published, went out of print, and I recently gave it a complete overhaul. I’m glad I did! I got the idea because I wanted to write a time travel set in Richard III’s time, so I placed my heroine Leah there with Richard III’s bed as a portal, which sits on a Ley Line in my story. (Very strange things happen on Ley Lines; no one knows the reason for this phenomenon—it could be the earth’s magnetic field.) The bed actually exists, and I went to see it, in Donington-le-Heath Manor House in Leicester, England. (but it’s really not on a Ley Line). I knew I had to write a story around it! It sounds fab! I can hardly wait to read it! 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? I now write biographical novels about people who shook things up. My next story, which is awaiting a pub date, is about Edith (Mrs. Theodore) Roosevelt. 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? My mission is to make readers forget their troubles for a while, escape into another time and place, and maybe get a few laughs along the way. And my advice to aspiring authors—NEVER give up on your dream! That is wonderful advice! I couldn't agree more. Thank you for sharing your time and talent. Wishing you continued joy and success. The present: Historic preservation architect Leah Halliday falls asleep in the bed once owned by King Richard III. It sits on one of many mysterious Ley Lines that crisscross England. She wakes up in the same bed, but in King Richard’s time, 1485. 1485: Hugh Radcliffe, trusted knight of King Richard, believes Leah is his bride Matilda. The king arranged the marriage, and Hugh never set eyes on her before now. According to Leah’s history books, Hugh was executed for treason and drowning his first wife. When she meets Andrew Gilbert, another time traveler from the 21st century, she learns that Hugh’s>treason and drowning of his wife was a setup by a Welsh clan, the Griffins, who’s hated Hugh’s family for centuries. As she falls in love with Hugh, she finds out he’s innocent. She puts her life on the line to clear his name and get back home--with him. They do live 'happily ever after' -- but in what century? Excerpt from Now and Always "Come with me, Hugh. We may never get another chance," she pleaded, and he sat on the bed next to her. "I must go to battle, Leah," he declared, “but I cannot leave your side until I convince you. And since you are even more stubborn than I, this shan’t be easy. You know I cannot live without you. Surely you can wait a few more days." "Hugh, you'll die, I know you will.” Tears choked her voice. “Don't go to battle just to die, please, I lost one husband, don't let me lose another!" "But I am not truly your husband...yet." "You never will be if you go to battle!” She grasped his arm. “Please, Hugh, Richard will have understood. Come with me." "Nay.” He gave a resolute shake of his head. “I cannot and will not.” As they spoke she pulled him down with her into the center of the bed. She reached his lips with hers and their mouths locked in desperation, neither wanting to let go. His arms enveloped her. She wrapped herself around him, bringing him farther into the feathery deepness. Together they floated and drifted. She felt that strange pull, that spinning sensation she'd felt that long-ago night. As her eyes closed, her body floated in spacetime, a portal not of her world or any other world; a void they both entered. She found her voice and said, "Hugh, are you with me?" "Aye." He hadn't actually spoken it, but she knew he was there. "I am with you. But please let me go back. I must join the king, I must." She grasped him, her fingers clamped around his arms. He was still with her. "No, Hugh, come with me, you no longer belong here." Then, ever so slowly, he began slipping away. "Hugh! Stay with me!" she shouted. "I cannot, I am falling." "No! Oh, God, no!" She clutched at his arms, his hair, his doublet, yet he kept slipping away; that same force bringing her forward was pulling him back. He grabbed her arms, but his fingers lost their grip. She felt him tugging at the watch. It slid off her wrist, scraping her knuckles as he grasped at it. Her last connection with him was now broken as the force tore them apart. "Hugh!" she screamed one last time, flung her arms out to him, but clutched only emptiness. He was gone. A Note from the Author I wanted to write a time travel set in Richard III’s time, so I placed Leah there with Richard III’s bed as a portal, which sits on a Ley Line. (very strange things happen on Ley Lines; no one knows the reason for this phenomenon—it could be the earth’s magnetic field.) I’m really big on justice and fairness, and wanted to use that as one of the story’s themes. So I have Leah use her knowledge of what she knows about Hugh Radcliffe from history books to clear his name, save him from being falsely accused of treason and a horrible death on the battlefield. I like Leah because she’s adventurous and even though she tries hard to survive in this difficult and dangerous time, she puts her life on the line to save Hugh, who she’s grown to love. I identify with her because I’m rather adventurous; I went to live in London by myself after college graduation (even though it wasn’t the 15th century!) at times it was scary, but I knew my courage would pay off. What I like about Hugh is that he’s honorable; he doesn’t want to leave his call to battle to join Leah in the 21st century until he’s fought in the battle. He’s also a gentleman, and was very devoted to his wife and son before they died. He’s perfect for her because he’s the ‘pre-incarnation’ of her late husband Matt, the love of her life. This is the secondary theme, how true love and our souls can transcend the time continuum. I’d already written two books set in this time with Richard III as a minor character; for these books, I read some great books about Richard including The King’s Bed by Margaret Barnes and Crown of Roses by Valerie Anand. I took several trips to England and went to Richard’s favorite haunts, his residence at Middleham, where he died on Bosworth Field, and the Richard III Society helped me a great deal, especially the former President, Peter Hammond and his wife Carolyn, the former Librarian. Happy Medieval Monday! I just finished reading Jennifer Ivy Walker's thoroughly medieval, thoroughly mesmerizing romance The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. Steeped in medieval legend, I thought it an obviously perfect subject for Medieval Monday and that it would be interesting to learn about the author's literary life. Following is our interview, Literary You, then information about the book, tantalizing excerpt included, and my review. For more of our magnificent, Medieval Monday, be sure to visit authors Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis. They always have something beautifully medieval to share. Literary You Welcome, Ivy! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I enjoyed stories about medieval knights and ladies, such as tales of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Robin Hood. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I love paranormal, medieval, and historical romance! Me, 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 discovered I had a knack for writing when I was eleven—the same year I started studying French. I realized I had a passion for the French language, history, literature, and culture as well. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A short story about my cocker spaniel in seventh grade. That is just too sweet. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? Growing up, I lived far from friends, so Nature was my companion, and being alone a lot fostered my imagination. Later, I learned to sew and make jewelry, so in addition to writing, I create other things as well. As a French teacher, I used creative instructional methods—such as puppets, Theater in the Classroom, music, art, history, and literature to enhance my students’ learning. 6) What’s your writing space like? I redecorated a spare bedroom, furnishing it with light aqua French antique furniture, huge pink roses, and lots of plants in the two sunny windows. 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 during the day when it’s quiet and peaceful. 8) Congratulations on the publication of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. What a splendid book! How did you put it all together and how did you come up with the idea for this new series? When I earned my MA in French literature, I discovered the medieval legend of “Tristan et Yseult”. I have always loved Arthurian myth, and when I discovered that Tristan was a Knight of the Round Table and friend of Lancelot, it gave me the idea to do a paranormal fantasy adaptation of that medieval French legend, incorporating the French version of Arthurian myths. You have done so seamlessly. 9) I realize that you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? Yes, The Lady of the Mirrored Lake -- book 2 of my trilogy-- will be published on January 23, 2023. The conclusion of the trilogy, entitled The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight, is expected to be published in April 2023. I have nearly completed another novel, Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle, which I hope will be selected for the “Christmas in the Castle” series that my publishing company, The Wild Rose Press, is launching. It all sounds amazing! 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? As a high school teacher, I used puppets to illustrate the medieval legend of “Tristan et Yseult”, which my advanced students read as part of our study of the Middle Ages. We used to listen to the soundtrack of the French musical “Tristan et Yseult”, and we would watch the French version of the film with James Franco and Sophia Myles. I always took my students each year to the annual French competition, where they performed a play I had written, Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête, an imaginative blend of the medieval French legend of Tristan et Yseult and the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast", enhanced with fantasy elements of a magical Celtic fairy and a dangerous, wicked witch. My debut novel, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven--the first of a trilogy-- is a paranormal fantasy retelling of that same medieval French legend, interwoven with Arthurian myth, dark fairy tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, and otherworldly elements such as Avalonian Elves, Druids, forest fairies and magic. Thank you for sharing your time and talent. I’m looking forward to reading The Lady of the Mirrored Lake. Wishing you continued joy and success. Thank you very much! Merci beaucoup!! In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom. Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his past and defend his king or lose everything. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks. Haunted and hunted. Entwined by fate. Can their passion and power prevail? Excerpt L’ Amour Fou Taking another gulp of ale, Tristan turned to Lancelot and searched his knowing eyes. “I don’t know if she even exists, Lancelot, but I want a woman who makes me feel alive! I want her kisses to arouse my passion, her heart to sing to mine. I want a muse to inspire my song, a lady to whom I would pledge my sword—and my life.” Tristan shook his head and sighed. “Is such a love even possible?” The First Knight of Camelot responded with a sad smile. “It is indeed possible, Tristan.” Lancelot turned his pensive gaze to the vast expanse of sea. “In French, we call such a love l’amour fou--a passion so intense… it can drive you mad.” Lancelot glanced back at Tristan, a forlorn smile reaching his intense blue eyes. “When you find such a woman, Tristan, the love she gives you fills every empty hollow in your soul. She completes you; she invigorates you; she thrills you. And, when you consummate such a love, the exquisite blend of the spiritual and physical realm will satisfy you more than the finest wine or the greatest victory in battle. The love she gives you with her body will transport you to the stars, and you will never experience a greater joy.” And, though he smiled, Tristan saw that the First Knight emanated loneliness, suffering, and sorrow. As Lancelot returned his gaze across the faraway sea, Tristan knew that the White Knight of Avalon longed for the beautiful blond queen of Camelot About the Author Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French. As a high school teacher, she took her students every year to the annual French competition, where they performed a play she had written, "Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête"--an imaginative blend of the medieval French legend of "Tristan et Yseult" and the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast", enhanced with fantasy elements of a Celtic fairy and a wicked witch. Her debut novel, "The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven"--the first of a trilogy-- is a blend of her love for medieval legends, the romantic French language, and paranormal fantasy. It is a retelling of the medieval French romance of "Tristan et Yseult", interwoven with Arthurian myth, dark fairy tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, and otherworldly elements such as Avalonian Elves, Druids, forest fairies and magic. Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you. My Review I’ve just returned from a magical land, from the mists of Avalon and the company of Tristan and Iseult, Lancelot and the Lady of the Lake, and the Tribe of Dana (Tuatha de Danaan), to name a few. Jennifer Ivy Walker has woven a beautiful, truly magnificent tale of good and evil, magic, legend, and romance. I’m not sure if I can choose a favorite aspect of this extraordinary book. The lore and legends are treated respectfully, lovingly, but new threads are added, creating a new story. Then there's the reverence that the (good) characters hold for nature and its healing powers. The book partly reads as a flowing treatise on clean-living, medieval-style. You can taste the freshness of the foods, smell the fragrance of the forest and herbs, and feel the peace of the surroundings – until it’s all disrupted. The evil in the book is scary and pervasive. Both Tristan and Issylte have lost all that was dear to them. But how are their fates entertwined? I’m not going to ruin it for you here. But I don’t think it will come as a surprise to say that Issylte is forced to leave her homeland because her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen, wants her dead. The Evil Queen and her cohorts are deadly and relentless. I would say that there’s no rest at all, but that wouldn’t be true. The author weaves peace, beauty, and healing with murder, avarice, and treachery. It’s amazing, and I can hardly wait for the next in series. For a delicious plunge into medieval lore, legend, and romance, do yourself a favor and pick up The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker. I’m thrilled to welcome one of my favorite authors, Judith Sterling, whose new gothic paranormal mystery Trip the light Phantasmic launches today! Judy, thank you for sharing launch day with us! I just have a few questions… 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I loved reading (and writing!) ghost stories and mysteries. My favorite book in elementary school was Weeny Witch by Ida DeLage; in middle school, it was Moon Eyes by Josephine Poole. My overall favorite series while growing up was the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? For the past few years, I’ve mostly alternated between cozy mysteries and traditional gothic romances. 3)Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? My mom taught me to read and write early on, so I was writing stories—albeit simple and short—before kindergarten. I wrote my first chapter stories in elementary school. Honestly, I can’t recall a time when I didn’t want to be an author. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? Probably Mysteries of the Judson House, a chapter book I wrote when I was eleven. I bound it with thick poster board, and a talented friend (who was also eleven) did the cover art. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I guess it’s that divine spark which lives inside and around each one of us. It’s a palpable force that has always been there. Some ideas I can trace to a word, a song, a location, etc., but many just pop into my mind. Sometimes the fabric of a story seems to weave itself, if you know what I mean! 6) What’s your writing space like? I write in our dining room, which often feels like Grand Central Station. My twin boys, who recently turned eighteen, can get pretty loud, so I’ve had to hone my focus to accomplish anything! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I used to write only at night; it’s the time when I feel most alive. When my boys came along, I got used to writing during the day. Family time is a priority, and I also work part-time as a tour guide at the 17th-century Witch House here in Salem, Massachusetts. So nowadays, I write whenever I can. I don’t have any rituals, but I feel that when I sit down in front of the computer, with hands poised above the keyboard, it’s a signal to the universe that I’m ready to create. Perfect! 8) Congratulations on Trip the Light Phantasmic! I can hardly believe… I love your romances, but this is so exciting! How did you come up with the idea for the book? How did you come up with the title? Please tell us all about it. Is this the first in a series? Thank you! Believe it or not, I wrote the detailed outline for this book almost seven years ago, and it has been waiting in the wings while I completed my other two series. It’s kind of sad that nine other books pushed it aside, but now its time has finally come. The title just popped into my head while I was writing the outline, and it’ll make more sense once you read the book! As for the idea, it might have its roots in my childhood. I’ve had lucid dreams for most of my life, and when I was ten, I experienced what could only be called “serial dreaming” over a two-week period. On the first night, a mystery worthy of Nancy Drew began to unfold. I was the detective, and each successive night, I dreamed the next “chapter” of the story. At the end of the fortnight, I solved the mystery my mind—and who knows what else—had cooked up. Also, I’ve always thought it’d be cool to somehow leap into the world of a beloved story and play the heroine’s role. There will definitely be more Gothic Gwyn books. In fact, this may be the series I write for the rest of my life. I think you've said it exactly right - "its time has finally come". I like to think there is a right time for everything. And your dreams - that's astounding to me. 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? Ideas for the next book in this series are starting to flesh out. I hope to have a detailed outline finished by the end of the month and start writing Chapter One in December. 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I’m so grateful for your enthusiasm and support, and I sincerely hope the book makes readers happy. Thank you for having me here today! I'm so very glad you've allowed me to host you today of all days! Once again, congratulations on your new release and for sharing launch day with us. I wish you much joy and success! And now, let's enjoy a little Trip the Light Phantasmic! Gwyneth Camm has just inherited her great-aunt’s house in Salem, Massachusetts, along with an extensive collection of gothic romance novels. As a PhD student who prefers “serious” books, Gwyn has always avoided pulp fiction. Now, in honor of her beloved Aunt Ethel, she gives one of the gothics a try…and promptly falls asleep. When she wakes, she finds herself inside the story, thrust by forces unknown into the heroine’s role. There’s magic afoot, and the only way back to her own life is to play her part and solve the mystery. When fiction becomes fact, anything can happen… Excerpt I stepped out into the crisp, fresh air of an autumn evening and inhaled deeply. To my eyes—and lungs—the terrace was Heaven, illuminated by electric lights whose glow reached partway down a wide stone staircase. Darkness hid the rest of the grounds and whatever else lay beyond. I turned to my savior as he closed the doors to the dining room. “How can I thank you enough?” “By telling me the real reason why you wanted to leave.” He closed the distance between us. His broad shoulders looked sturdy, dependable. “I’m not sure you’ll like it.” “I still want to know.” “I’m sensitive to cigarette smoke. I was okay with it for a while, but then I had to get out of there.” He performed a little smile. “You sound just like…” I held my tongue, expecting him to elaborate, but the wait was wasted. “You were saying…” He shook his head as though shaking off a memory. “Never mind. Why didn’t you tell the truth?” “I didn’t want to seem rude. But I suppose I did anyway.” “You’ll have to forgive Mother. She’s had her share of tragedy.” He took a deep breath, then sighed. “She was once a prima ballerina…world-famous. Until she married my father. They were happy for a time. Then she had an accident and was paralyzed from the waist down.” “How horrible.” He nodded. “Being confined to a wheelchair is…difficult for her, perhaps harder than for most.” Out of nowhere, an icy gust swiped me. I shivered and rubbed my bare arms. “You’re cold.” He removed his jacket and placed it around my shoulders. Though haunted by the smell of smoke, it infused me with his warmth and an odd sense of intimacy. He lingered behind me. “Thank you.” Twisting around, I looked up into his finely chiseled face and detected a hint of interest. His pupils expanded. “It’s the least I can do.” Oh yeah? What more could you do if I let you? Best not to think about that. A slight movement at one of the windows caught my eye. Penny, the maid, watched us from inside the house. Before I could acknowledge her presence, she dropped the curtain, hiding herself from view. Okay. That was interesting. Edgar followed my gaze. “What is it?” “We had an audience.” “Oh?” “Penny was watching from that window.” I pointed to the one in question. “Ah, Penny. I’ve known her a long time, and she’s a curious girl. Of course, it wouldn’t surprise me if she had company.” I turned to face him. “Meaning?” “This house has many eyes, and they’re always watching. You’d do well to remember that.” Dude, you just upped the creep factor by half. “I’ll try.” I doffed his jacket and handed it back to him. “Thanks for this. I’m going now.” “Where to?” “My room. I know it’s early, but—” “You’ve had a long day.” You have no idea. “Yes. Should I go back through the dining room?” “Better not. Roland will still be smoking. Go through the drawing room, over there.” He indicated the other set of French doors. His eyes held understanding, and if I wasn’t mistaken, regret. “Good night, Gwyn.” “Good night.” About the Author
Judith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Through gothic paranormal mystery (The Gothic Gwyn Mysteries), medieval/time travel romance (The Novels of Ravenwood) and young adult paranormal fantasy (the Guardians of Erin series), she loves to whisk readers away from their troubles and remind them of the hidden magic all around us. Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons. Today, I’m pleased to welcome author Michelle Godard-Richer. Her new romantic suspense Fatal Hunt was just recently published and has been receiving great reviews. Having just finished reading the book, I’m more eager than ever to learn more about her writing life. Welcome, Michelle! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I stumbled upon The Chronicles of Narnia in the school library as a child and fell in love with this series. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I like a wide variety of books. I read fantasy, horror, true crime, thriller, historical and time travel romance. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? From the time I learned to read I wanted to write my own stories. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I was really young, but I remember learning about fables in school, and then writing a bunch of my own and bringing them to my grade four teacher, Ms. Fredricks. I love that you remember your teacher's name! :) 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I have ideas and stories running through my head all the time and I like to escape my world by diving into theirs. 6) What’s your writing space like? I like to write in my living room on a recliner with a lap desk, my Macbook, and lots of coffee. I usually have one of my dogs next to me and they sometimes try to contribute their own ideas with chin typing. LOL! That's too cute! 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 know why, but I can’t write without coffee beside me. I usually open whatever I’m working on, edit the last few pages, and then I’ll start writing. My most productive time seems to be from 10AM until 2PM. 8) Congratulations on Fatal Hunt. How did you come up with the idea for the book? Please tell us all about it. Every book for me starts with a combination of ‘what if’ questions. With Fatal Hunt, I started with one question. What if a mob boss that Jon betrayed as an undercover agent found out where he was living with his family? Mobs are notorious for revenge hits, and some have a far reach. The rest of the story spiraled from there. Spirals, indeed! What a suspenseful masterpiece you've written! 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? Once you’ve reached the end of Fatal Hunt, the need to go backwards becomes apparent. I have a prequel written, Fatal Witness, that is under contract and coming in 2023. I’m writing the sequel and final book of the trilogy now. As a reader, all I can say is "Love it! Excellent!" 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? In between thrillers, I decided to try my hand at a different genre. The result is Back in Time Jelly Beans, a time-travel romance, releasing in 2023 as part of the Jelly Bean and Spring Things line through the Wild Rose Press. Michelle, thank you for sharing your time and talent. Wishing you continued joy and success. Be the hunter. Never the hunted. After being widowed and surviving the wrath of a serial killer, Jessica believes her misfortunes are over. She’s reunited with her first love, Jon, and together, with her son Bryce, and a baby on the way, they’re living their happily ever after on their ranch in Montana. That is until secrets, lies, and a formidable foe from Jon’s past emerge to shake the foundation of their relationship, forcing them to flee for their lives. Excerpt from Fatal Hunt Jessica’s limbs weighed a ton. She forced her heavy eyelids open. After a split second they shut on her again. She lay on something soft, and an engine droned around her. Where am I? What happened? Then she remembered her fruitless struggle in the hospital room. Willing her head to the side, she forced her eyes open again. Her kidnapper sat in a chair across from her reading a newspaper. He looked over the top of his paper and smiled. "You’ll be groggy for a while longer. Go back to sleep.” Too tired to fight, she gave into the void sucking her down. About Michelle Growing up as an only child in a small town, I dreamed of becoming an author. My father laughed and said okay, but you might be broke. I shrugged my shoulders and kept clacking on the keyboard of our home PC, delighted when my words appeared on the small monitor, a staple of early ’90s technology. In high school, when it was time to decide on a future career, I chose to pursue an Honours Degree in Criminology at the University of Ottawa, but at the back of my mind, the dream of writing for a living persisted. Fast forward fifteen years, and as a happily married woman and proud mother to two children, four dogs, and a cat, my dream came true. For information on upcoming releases please visit my website: michellegodardricherauthor.com Twitter: @MGodardRicher Facebook: Michelle Godard-Richer Author Instagram: michellegodardricherauthor Tiktok: @mgodardricher My Review: Fatal Hunt by Michelle Godard-Richer Author Michelle Godard-Richer does not kid around when it comes to suspense! From beginning to end, Fatal Hunt holds the reader in an iron grip of nonstop action and tension! Every time I thought it was safe to draw a breath, a new terror – or something or someone else – would grab hold!
The characterization is sublime. All of the characters are finely drawn -- the good, the bad, and those in the middle! I instantly fell in love with the main characters and found myself sitting at attention (not relaxed – it’s that good) as Jessica, Jon, and Bryce pushed through one terrifying incident to the next. There are twists and turns and completely unexpected occurrences. There’s familial love and romance, too. This story checks lots of boxes! Michelle Godard-Richer has written a masterful romantic suspense. Five stars! I’m delighted to welcome my dear friend author Barbara Bettis to discuss her writing life and her latest book, Last Stop, Wylder. Welcome, Barb! Thanks, Anastasia. I love visiting you here— where I’m always hoping to see a handsome medieval knight slip through time. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? Oh, goodness. I honestly read everything I could get my hands on. But my earliest recollection of favorites were myths and folk tales from around the world—including the Knights of the Round Table. Attitudes were different—or at least as they affected me—about reading material back then (the 1950s), so my parents were absolutely fine with whatever I wanted to read. Of course, ‘back then’ there were still books that were ‘censored’ so they weren’t readily available to kids. Like most of us, I did gobble up the Nancy Drew series, the Hardy Boys, Trish Belden. But I have to tell you about one book I read in high school. I don’t recall the name, I don’t recall the author. I only recall a scene where several high school kids were in a car that was going waaay too fast and crashed. The description of the accident scene tattooed itself on my mind—and affected my driving for years after. Oh, wow. The driving -- I would say that could have been a good thing, but it must have made you terribly anxious. Being cautious is one thing, being anxious and afraid something else. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I’m so lucky to have author friends who write in all genres, and I try my best to read their work as it comes out. That includes my fellow Roses. But if I have to choose, I’d have to say my first go-to is historical romance and historical fiction. I can get as lost in a research book as I can a novel. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I honestly can’t recall for either. It seems always to have been a part of me. Aww, I love that. Same here, I think. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A poem in the first grade. It was just a little rhymed verse about a flower. In later years, much to my disappointment, I learned that I was not a poet. LOL. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I sincerely wish I had a touching, uplifting, and/or heartwarming answer. I don’t. I just hear and see stories in my mind. They can be triggered by something I read or someone I see or often a situation that clings to my thoughts. Sometimes an idea starts with a character in a situation; sometimes one starts with a situation that eventually populates with characters. Sometimes it’s the ‘What If’ or a ‘What would you feel like’ incident. Once I was inspired to plot a short story—which I never wrote, by the way—after watching a TV news reporter interview starving refugees in another country. Having been a newspaper reporter for years, I wondered what it would feel like to do that story. To get up at a hotel, have coffee, eggs, bacon-or a sweet roll, then go out to intercept a refugee caravan for an interview. Hearing about the deprivation, the starvation, the life-changing and life-threatening stories the people told. Seeing the hunger in the eyes of a child. Then hop in a car and go back to my world of plenty. What would it feel like if I were the refugee, being interviewed like that? Gosh, I’m really going on and on. Let me give you an idea that did result in my first published book. I was intrigued by mercenaries (Who knows why?). And I thought that surely all of them couldn’t be lawless, horrible, mean guys. How would one feel if he truly was a good person, wanting only to better himself, yet everyone was frightened and superstitious about him because of his occupation. I could see a defensive—but inside, bewildered—man sitting a horse with villagers backing away, leaving him in a vacant circle. Thus Giles “Silverhawk” was born. 6) What’s your writing space like? I think it’s neat—my family says, “Why don’t you decorate in here?” LOL! Nothing wrong with being tidy! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? Nope. Some days early, some days late. I’ve tried to establish a routine, but there are days my muse simply goes shopping and leaves me all alone, thinking one more cup of coffee will snap my imagination into action. It doesn’t. 8) Congratulations on your latest release, Last Stop, Wylder! You have broken into a new genre! You must know how much I love your medieval romances, but this is exciting! Was it difficult to research and write? Please tell us all about it. Thank you for that, Anastasia. The thoughts are sincerely returned! About the change--It was challenging because I had so much to clarify. I thought I knew, but I needed to verify so much about clothing, etc. Then getting to research women’s right to vote in Wyoming (they always could!!), early train service, frontier newspapers. I was surprised at how ‘modern’ some of my findings proved. But that’s a whole ’nother post 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? A couple of medievals are circling my mind, as is a Regency story. I’ve done narrative outlines of all of them, but haven’t settled on just what will be next. Right now, I’m ready to send off a short story to my editor. A medieval. Yahoo! 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I would! I’d like to thank every reader who spends his or her hard-earned dollars on my—and every author’s—books. We writers want to tell the stories filling our heads and hearts, yes. But we also want to entertain you. To make you chuckle, or scowl, or even swipe a tear—and remember our names. Happily. Barb, thank you for sharing your time with us today. I wish you continued joy and success. And now, about the book, Last Stop, Wylder. A gunman’s word is his bond, and a lady’s trust can shatter. Gunman Morgan Dodd is headed to a new life in California, where no one knows his name. Or his reputation. Just one last job to raise money for his fresh start—gunhand for a railroad agent in Wyoming. Easy enough. Until he meets the woman who could change everything. After ending her engagement, Emily Martin longs for independence. She sets out for Wylder, Wyoming, to help her brother with his newspaper. But when she arrives, she finds he’s off investigating a story. Well, then! She’ll simply publish the paper herself until he returns. Emily’s prepared to face challenges, but not the dangerous stranger who ambushes her heart. The same man hired to destroy her livelihood. When a common enemy threatens, Morgan and Emily must find a way to defeat danger and save their budding love. But a gunman’s word is his bond, and a lady’s trust can shatter Meet Barbara Bettis Multi-award-winning author Barbara Bettis can't recall a time she didn't love adventures of daring heroes and plucky heroines. A retired journalist and college English and journalism teacher, she lives in Missouri where she tries to keep her grandchildren supplied with cookies. When she's not editing for others, she's working on her own stories with heroines to die for-- and heroes to live for. Website/Blog BookBub I'm proud to welcome Brenda Whiteside, multi-published author of romance and mystery! Her latest book is Curse of Wolf Falls, the third book in her series The MacKenzie Chronicles. Congratulations, Brenda, and welcome! Thank you so much for having me on your great blog, Anastasia. I’m happy to be here. And now for our little interview, Literary You. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? The first memories I have, although Mom says I loved to read when young, was middle school. I read Peyton Place and any other book Mom left lying around that I probably shouldn’t have been reading. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I love romantic suspense and romantic mystery. I also like series suspense novels involving the same detective and recurring characters. Character driven stories, think Maeve Binchy, are a favorite 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’ve always loved to write. But I always liked to paint and draw also. I chose art over writing until adulthood. At that point, I took a creative writing class for fun and realized I enjoyed filling an empty page with words more than with paint. 4)What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? In the fourth grade I combined my love of art and writing. Using crayons, I drew a fairy forest with flowers and fairies. On one side I wrote a poem about fairies. I looove that! :) 5) You have traveled quite a bit! Have your travels given you ideas for your novels? Tell us about the creative force within you? What inspires you to write, to create? Way back, when I wrote short stories, I did draw on some of my adventures from places we’d visited in Europe. But when I turned toward novels, I found myself using settings closer to home as well as people I knew. The smallest detail can strike an idea for a story. I’ve been inspired by words on a wedding invitation, a happening from my mom’s childhood, a millionaire I met and became friends with, a tourist city, and a night my brother spent in a cheap hotel. 6) What’s your writing space like? Cramped! We’ree living in an RV…a large RV, but still no office. I write from a recliner, which actually suits me fine. I like my feet up and my coffee on the table next to me. I have a great view out the window of my fairy garden and the forest beyond. 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 better in the morning, and I quit by 3:30. I’m up by 5:30. Love winter when it’s dark, and I’m the only one up. I can’t say I have any special habits. 8) Congratulations on your new release. Please tell us about it. How did you come up with the idea for this series? Curse of Wolf Falls (The MacKenzie Chronicles Book 3) is the story of the youngest MacKenzie sibling. In present-day Joshua, Arizona—an 1800s mining community-turned-ghost-town, reborn hippie haven, and now tourist town clinging to the side of Spirit Mountain—secrets and treachery come home for the MacKenzies. The town is modeled after Jerome, Arizona, and if you ever come to Arizona, Jerome is a must stop. The MacKenzie family had their beginnings in the hippie community of the 1960s. The three siblings are definitely products of that upbringing. Ahh. The whole series sounds marvelous. 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting on the backburner? Ha! More than one. I am currently writing a cozy mystery series with another author. I have two more ideas for stories revolving around the MacKenzies. And my nine-year-old granddaughter wants me to write a book about a dog with her. Too many stories and not enough time! Wow! You are prolific! I completely agree about there not being enough time. I have a nine-year-old granddaughter, too -- so much sweetness. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? The second book in the series, Mystery on Spirit Mountain, will be on sale for $.99 October 22 to October 29. Although a series, it is possible to read them out of order and enjoy the stories. Brenda, thank you for sharing your time and talent. Wishing you continued joy and success. Secrets can protect what the truth will destroy. Elidor MacKenzie has a gift she can't return—the ability to absorb the joy, pain, and suffering of others. She's spent her life running from what she considers her curse. Now, her best friend is dead, and she alone holds the key to an archaeological discovery that could destroy a culture. With newfound inner peace, Elidor has returned home to make amends and guard the secret revelation. But greed-driven scavengers have followed her. Once again, the energies of Joshua will stir the hurricane, with her at the deadly center. Jules never got over Elidor. Twenty years and a famous journalism career later, he's back in Joshua—and so is his first love. If his heart can stand the torture, he'll risk reviving their relationship. But saving Elidor from herself and the secret she won't give up may be the death of them both. With Jules by her side, Elidor is determined to outrun the scavengers, guard the secret, and renew their love. But fate is coming after her, and there's nowhere the couple can hide. About the Author Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart so won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes. I'm so pleased to welcome the talented Darlene Fredette on my blog today! Darlene is an artist as well as an author. Creative people always amaze me. Today, of course, we're focusing on her writing and her new release, Derailed Hearts! Let's get to know this creative lady a bit better with my new, quick interview, Literary You. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? Growing up I read Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. I also enjoyed reading Archie comic books. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I love romance books of many genres such as contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, fantasy, and western. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I was in my early teens when I started writing a young adult novel. I didn’t think I had a talent for writing until my high school English teacher told me I had a great writing voice. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? Finishing my first novel ‘Law of Attraction’ and seeing it published was a proud moment I’ll never forget. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. You are an amazing artist as well as a writer. What inspires you to write, to create? Thank you for the compliment! I have always loved to create stuff, from crafts, to drawing, and building things. I believe art comes in many forms. Writing is one way I release my creative side, but I also love to draw and paint. I draw a picture for my daughter every week, and I recently discovered the art of fluid painting. 6) What’s your writing space like? I have a desk in the den, but my favorite place to write is in the living room, sitting in my comfy recliner. My husband made a small table that sits above my lap and holds my laptop. Oooh, I need to ask my husband for one of those! I usually plop mine on a throw pillow, which isn't the most stable situation. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I would like to have a favorite time or ritual to write, but daily life gets in the way. I go with the flow of my day. After house cleaning and a long walk with my dog, I manage to get a couple of hours late morning, break for lunch, then another couple of hours before shutting down for the day. 8) Congratulations on your new release, Derailed Hearts. The whole series, Redford Falls, looks wonderful. How did you come up with ideas for this series? Please tell us about your writing, Redford Falls, and Derailed Hearts. Thank you! Redford Falls is a made-up town. I created it with the visual of two places my family visits often - a small town about an hour away is our favorite place to go, and another town (an hour away in the opposite direction) has a park with amazing waterfalls. With the first book in the series, I reworked character names from some of my favorite holiday movies. The town and its residents soon came to life and grow with each new book. 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. But I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting on the backburner? Derailed Hearts is the sixth book in my Redford Falls series, but I am currently writing the seventh. My new story is about Eric Martini, who is the brother of Jenn Martini (the heroine in Derailed Hearts), and Jade Parsons who has been a secondary character in previous books. My new book is part of a series with six other authors. Each book is individual and has a common object in the stories. It all sounds wonderful! 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? If you are new to Redford Falls, and starting with Derailed Hearts, don’t worry because each book stands well on its own, but for those returning to this quaint little town will be looking for the town’s legendary and mysterious matchmaker. I love it! Thank you for sharing your time and talent. Wishing you continued joy and success. Thank you, Anastasia, for hosting me and for allowing me to share my new release. I really enjoyed this interview. Links, information, and an excerpt from Derailed Hearts follow. Readers, enjoy! Nana Marley has her heart set on more great-grand babies, and with the help of a folklore legendary rabbit, she might receive her wish. Derailed Hearts by Darlene Fredette Single father and ER doctor, Ethan Marley, is ready to put down roots. He and his daughter embark on a train adventure across Canada from west to east coast. Boarding the train, he meets a woman who steals his breath, and he learns that she too is headed to Redford Falls. He is intent on maintaining a friendship only, but Jenn makes his heart race faster than the train. Fashion designer, Jenn Martini, travels by train to Redford Falls to visit her father. Her plan for a solitude escape derails after meeting Ethan and his daughter. Sharing a confined-spaced cabin sparks an immediate attraction, and by the end of the trip, she longs to be a part of their family. Only as she opens her heart to love, do the scars from her past begin to heal. With more in common than relatives in Redford Falls, is their love strong enough to overcome the truth behind the accident…and save their future? Excerpt: Avery pointed to herself, Ethan, and then Jenn. Ethan rested his forehead against his daughter’s. “You want Jenn to come, too?” Avery nodded. The little voice in Jenn’s head told her to return to her cabin and to stay clear of Ethan and his daughter. They were as enticing as strawberry ice cream. “I would love to join you.” The words fell from her lips. Ethan stood and set Avery on her feet. The child held onto her father’s hand and reached outward with the other. Jenn accepted the tiny hand and in doing so, she sensed a comfortable connection to this family—a connection she suspected would be incredibly hard to break. Purchase here. About Darlene Fredette Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, or painting, or drawing, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Other Books by Darlene Fredette
Law of Attraction Twist of Faith Hershey’s Choice His Candy Christmas (Redford Falls Story 1) Kissed By Winter (Redford Falls Story 2) Under The Apple Blossoms (Redford Falls Story 3) A Recipe For Forever (Redford Falls Story 4) Cherry Red Finding Home Again (Redford Falls Story 5) I’m proud and excited to welcome Author D.V. Stone. Today is the launch day of her new release! Welcome, Donna! Congratulations on Jazz House! I have to tell you, I’m a fan! I eagerly look forward to your posts on the various social media venues. You always seem to be doing something interesting. Before we delve into writing and your upcoming release, won’t you please tell us about yourself? Thanks so much not only for your kind words but for having me over today. As I’m doing this interview, we’re returning from a camping trip that included Maine and Massachusetts. I’m blessed to have retired from full-time employment and now can focus on the things I love. Hubby and I love to travel, history, and camping. We are both avid readers and enjoy opening a book or, in my case, a device and reading around the campfire. Cooking is one of my hobbies, and I recently was invited by Still Moments magazine to contribute a recipe and short blurb about the recipe to each of their issues starting this fall. I look forward to your recipes! I love the premise of your blog, Around the Fire with D.V. Stone. You have such a warm, relaxed style and you very generously showcase and interview a lot of authors. How did you come up with the idea and how in the world do you find the time? Thank you! One of the things about camping is if you light a fire, people will join you. Discussions often lead late into the night, and you learn so many interesting things. Other people interest me. Anytime I can talk about books is a bonus. Time management is much easier now that I don’t have a nine to five. Tell us about your writing! Where do you write? When? Do you have a favorite spot or time of day? When my son moved out, my DH turned his room into an office/library. I spend a lot of time there. However, I move around a lot depending on the weather. A lap desk makes me mobile. The deck is one of my favorite places, and my camper has a bunkhouse that doubles as an office when we hit the road. Okay (rubbing hands together), let’s talk about your Impact Series. How did you arrive at the name for this series? Tell us more about your inspiration and research. I believe we should all we can to make an Impact in our world. Each of our lives touches so many others for the good and the bad. Choices we make, or don’t, have repercussions. As a former EMT, both as a volunteer and a professional, was an important part of my life. When I learned about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) I took what I knew and loved. Rock House Grill was the first book and combined my love of Rock/music-House/family-Grill/cooking into a novel about love and how our life choices can help or harm others. Jazz House easily followed with a continuing theme of First Responders. That sounds like an amazing combination! Jazz House – it looks intense! Please tell us about your latest release! At the end of RHG, Shay and Olivia are getting ready to take on the restaurant world by opening Jazz House. They listen to a demo tape for their dinner club’s entertainment, and we hear about Madeline Cielo. One of my favorite characters in the first book is Michael Michau, a police officer who had a crush on Shay. I needed Michael to have his happily ever after. In the same way, Shay makes an Impact on the House family, as Michael does in Madeline’s shattered life. Were some scenes hard to write? Did you ever get emotional? One day I’m going to finish Olivia’s story. Liv is like the spoke of the wheel the series revolves around. Her story is tragic, and every time I write a scene with her, my heart breaks. I realize this might seem a crazy question, considering we’re celebrating the launch of Jazz House. But we’d really like to know – is your next book in the works? Honky Tonk House is being drafted. Along the lines of First Responders, this one will focus on a female firefighter. I’m a huge fan of 80s and 90s country music, hence Honky Tonk. I have a couple of lost souls looking for love and haven’t decided which male character will find his soul mate. Both Nick (Shay’s ex-husband) and Zach, another EMT, have been requested. We’ll see. I’m also working on several Indie projects. One is a fantasy series, the other a historical paranormal adventure. Oh, wow -- it all sounds great! Before we go, is there anything else you’d like to share? We live in very difficult times. Be kind. You never know what someone else is going through. Make an Impact for the good. One of my favorite quotes is—let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. I respect and appreciate that. Thank you, Donna. I look forward to reading Jazz House and the Impact Series. I wish you happy travels and much success! About the Author D. V. Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre, traditionally and independently published author. She writes books people want to read. Whether romance or fantasy, her stories are about the importance of friends and family. About overcoming obstacles while doing it with humor. Around the Fire is a popular weekly blog where she introduces both established and new authors, giving an insider’s look into their lives and books and tidbits about her own life. After retiring, she is now a full-time author and incorporates her life experiences into her books. A former Emergency Medical Technician, she volunteered in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She worked as a professional EMT in a women’s state prison. She was the proprietor of a coffee shop and a small restaurant/ice cream stand in the years that followed. The years following were as a manager in an animal emergency hospital, while her last position was in a human medical office. When not behind the wheel of 2Hoots—a 41-foot long 13.2 feet high 5th Wheel camper, she rambles around town in Northern New Jersey in a white Camaro. She also loves travel and history. D.V. is wife to an amazing husband, mother to one son, and not your average grandma to three beautiful grands. A woman of faith, she believes and trusts in God. “My greatest pleasures are spending time outside with friends and family, cooking over the open fire, sipping a glass of wine, and reading.” Hali, her rescue dog, always reminds her to let readers know, “Woof, woof.” Which is loosely translated as support your local animal rescue. You can learn more about D. V. by following her on social media. For one-stop connections Link Tree Website Newsletter Amazon Author Page Bookbub Goodreads Around the Fire Blog with D.V. Stone Jordan Vasilakis is on the run, living under an assumed name. After a disastrous marriage to a notorious Greek business tycoon, she flees to the States and starts rebuilding her life. But her ruthless husband is determined to destroy her…once he finds her. Michael Machau is drawn to the new singer at Jazz House restaurant, but the guarded woman is harboring dangerous secrets. The dedicated police officer may have to risk more than just his heart to forge a connection with the woman he knows as Madeline Cielo, especially when he discovers she’s living a lie. Worlds collide. Lies entangle. Survival, much less love, is in question. They must quickly distinguish friends from enemies or risk losing everything—including a future together. Excerpt from Jazz House Jordan scrambled to the other side of the limo. “You sing good tonight.” He scrolled through his phone. “Yes, Kyrios.” Outside the window, massive cruise ships docked in the port. Happy older people made their way up the gangplanks toting bags filled with souvenirs, while the younger ones debarked dressed for the nightlife. Sparkly sequins flashed like diamonds as one young woman twirled on the pier. God, how had she come to this life? She willed her hovering tears not to fall. Kyrios wouldn’t approve. When she was offered a place in the touring group ten years ago, she thought it was the beginning of great things. Standing in the cabaret with the lights shining down was her dream come true. When she was the woman in the sparkly dress. Until he showed up. Each night, Kyrios Vasilakis, Greek business tycoon, sat at the front table watching her. Yes, he was older but so very handsome. Dark hair with silver at the temples, he cut a dashing figure in his black suits. Jordan began to sing to him. It was the beginning of the end. After a whirlwind romance, she found herself a prisoner in marriage to a brute. Other Books by
D. V. Stone Rainbow Sprinkles by The Wild Rose Press After the storm come the rainbows. Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Rock House Grill by The Wild Rose Press One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact. Amazon Barnes & Noble iBook’s Google Books Kobo Contributing Author Australia Burns by The Wild Rose Press Amazon Independently Published Mid Grade Agent Sam Carter The Mystery at Branch Lake https://a.co/bb0HlkS The Mystery at High Pointe Tower https://a.co/bb0HlkS I’m honored to welcome author Kim Janine Ligon on the eve of her new release. Her romantic suspense novel Polly’s List launches tomorrow! Welcome Kim, and congratulations. Thank you for the invitation, Anastasia. How are you feeling about your imminent book launch? It’s still a little bit surreal. Even though I have my author copy and can look it up online, I still can’t hardly believe it is finally happening. I have so many questions! But first, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself? I had a demanding career in healthcare information technology and after I retired, I finally had the time to pursue things that interested me like writing, spinning, weaving, and all kinds of needlework. I’m the oldest of ten children and grew up in Wisconsin. I live now in Alabama with my husband and encourager of forty-seven years. I find it fascinating that you spin and weave! Have you done it for long? What made you choose this ancient craft? Do you have a spinning wheel at home? Please, will you tell us a little more about your amazing hobby, how you started, and why? I knew before I retired that I wanted to learn to spin. I was a history major in college and I’m fascinated by the arts that were necessary to survive before so much technology invaded our lives. Spinning is one of those things. It doesn’t require electricity, only patient creativity. I have a spinning wheel that I got about six years ago. It is a space-saving upright model rather than a “Rapunzel” looking one. It has two treadles which makes it a little easier to get in a rhythm. I hadn’t realized until I brought it home how many simultaneous things have to happen at once to spin a consistent even yarn. You are treadling with both feet at, hopefully, a smooth, slow pace. With one hand you control the twist of the yarn and with the other you are stretching out the fiber to feed into the yarn twisting on the bobbin. It is easy to mess up. The best analogy I have is when you were a new driver on a three lane highway for the first time. You are in the middle lane and have to change to the right lane to exit. Traffic is heavy. You have to use your side and rear view mirrors, maintain a consistent speed, and plan for how soon to move over. It’s a lot to keep track of when you first start. Now, I find it very peaceful and rewarding. It’s fun to experience the sensations of the different fibers running through your hands and great to be able to knit or crochet things from the yarn you spun yourself. I’ve created over ten miles of yarn and I’m still spinning. "Ten miles of yarn" -- that's fabulous! I enjoy needlework and appreciate fine yarn, but I've never even mastered basic stitches. It must be very rewarding from start to finish. I love how you compare spinning yarn to “spinning romance”, but do you suppose you might incorporate an aspect of your craft into future books? As you know from reading Polly’s List that Polly is a spinner. I think some part of a writer’s hobbies get into their stories like your love of gardening brings people together in Tremors Through Time. It’s part of writing what you know. That's so true. Now for your writing! I thoroughly enjoyed Polly’s List, as my following review shows. But why romance and why suspense? Please, tell us about your writing and what inspires it. Many of my early romance books were passed along from my mother. I’m basically an optimist who loves a happy-ever-after ending. I firmly believe there is someone for everyone out there. You just have to be aware enough to grab them when they come by. I add the suspense element because there is nothing like a little danger to drive people into the safety of one another’s arms. And right now, I’m writing sweet, not steamy, romance so you need a little something to spice it up. And what about Polly’s List? How did you come up with the plot? The first inkling of the plot came while I was spinning and looking out my window one day thinking about how interesting it was to be able to observe the world outside in relative anonymity. Was it fun writing the characters? Absolutely. I wanted to use the name Mikal because I liked the gender ambiguity of the spoken name and potential for confusion. CJ just seemed to put himself out there and insist on having a story. We actually had a dog named Rhett when I was growing up, although he was a German Shepard, not a Basset Hound. Do you have a favorite character? A “mom” shouldn’t have favorites, but mine in this story is Will, without a doubt. I love being an observant auntie and Will is a composite of my many nephews, great nephews and great-great nephews. Leave it to a child to tell the unvarnished truth and force adults to shed their pretensions. And talk about suspense – both with the romance and the mystery! Were you laughing gleefully-- like an evil genius -- when you added each new twist? Did you have it all planned or did the story and/or characters surprise you sometimes? Sometimes I will confess to laughing out loud at what I’ve just written. I’ve also gotten too teary to see the keyboard. I think that’s good because hopefully my readers will have the same responses. To paraphrase Stephen King: no tears or laughter in the author; no tears or laughter in the reader. I have a basic outline—basic being the operative word. But my characters are almost as strong minded as their creator. Mine appear in my dreams to straighten me out. They insist on name changes sometimes and usually send me down a trail that I hadn’t originally conceived—like CJ’s old love interest having a role. (I won’t say more to keep from spoiling it.) They almost always make their story better in the end. I appreciate the help! Have you started working on your next book? Yep. I have five different books that are works in progress. One, however, is complete and being reviewed. It also takes place in Lansdale, Wisconsin. Some of the characters overlap with Polly’s List, but it is a standalone novel too. I learned so much on this first publishing experience that I wanted to be able to use it again. Wow! Five books! That's amazing! Is there anything you’d like to share in closing? I am so pleased with my experience with The Wild Rose Press. My editor is top notch and the camaraderie of the authors in the Rose Garden is beyond anything I could have imagined. It is nice to have so much talent cheering you on and helping you down the path on this new adventure. I am truly blessed. I agree. It is a wonderful publishing house and the authors are as generous as they are talented. Thank you for joining us, Kim. Wishing a great launch for Polly’s List and all the best to you! Thanks, Anastasia. It has been fun. Find Kim at her website, Spinning Romance. 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. CJ Reynolds couldn't wait to escape his hometown. He's loving his bachelor life as a software developer in California. So much so that he hasn't been back in years to see the grandmother who raised him. Mikal Benson believes her small town is perfect for raising her son, Will, alone. When Mikal finds her neighbor, Polly Rogers, sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood, barely clinging to life, she calls Polly's grandson--CJ Reynolds--and insists he must come home. Now! From her coma, Polly whispers three words that change everything. Did she fall or was she pushed? CJ, Mikal, and Will form an unlikely team coming together to discover the truth as danger engulfs them and love transforms them into a family. Excerpt from Polly's List by Kim Janine Ligon Why is the Bassett baying? Mikal Benson hurried across the yard and pushed her neighbor’s unlocked back door open. It groaned loudly. The still howling dog rumbled into the kitchen – as quickly as his short legs would allow. “What’s wrong Rhett? Polly, where are you?” she called as she crossed the worn linoleum-covered kitchen floor. “It’s me, Mikal.” The dog loped into the front entryway. She followed. What happened? Was the purple-flowered heap with legs and arms akimbo Polly? Blood pooled beneath her head . The body was lying in front of the door. Was she still alive? Mikal knelt beside her neighbor’s crumpled body. She gently picked up her arm and felt for a pulse. It was faint. Polly took a ragged breath and moaned. Mikal pulled her cell phone out and called 911. A blood stain circled Polly’s head like a dark, expanding halo – blotting out the muted colors of the antique rug and spreading into the cracks in the parquet floor. Something had to be done. My Review
Polly’s List had me at the edge of my seat from Chapter One and kept me there throughout the book. Talk about suspense – on multiple levels! The action begins immediately. What a shocker! The mystery: will the victim survive? Will there be more victims? Will the main characters be all right? There are so many twists and turns! The romance kept me every bit as anxious! At first, Caleb – or CJ, as he prefers to be called – is stand-offish and abrupt. I could not imagine him with Mikal, who is warm and caring. But he finally begins to thaw. The dynamics between him and Mikal and Will ease into a sweet and natural rhythm. Then, of course, the twists and turns begin! I loved all the main characters. I was rooting for them from the beginning – even Caleb! Despite his rough first impression, it’s clear that he’s a good person. Mikal, on the other hand, is loveable right from the beginning. Warm-hearted and thoughtful, she's the neighbor anyone would hope for. Her son Will is absolutely adorable. He has an important role in the story and shines every step of the way. The title character Polly is an irresistible little, old lady. Her dog Rhett rounds out the ensemble perfectly. The setting offers a warm, cozy, small-town atmosphere. I'd like to emphasize the cozy aspect of this story. Polly’s List really is a cozy mystery and romantic suspense all rolled into one! If you’d like to spend some time with characters you love and a story that will have you turning pages fast, do yourself a favor and read Polly’s List. Five stars! |
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