Please join me in welcoming Mary Ann Jacobs. Today we are spotlighting Don’t Mess With Me, Book 1 in the Berkshire Mystery Series. I love cozy mysteries that include a group of amateur sleuths working to solve a mystery. Factor in the beautiful Berkshires, and I’m ready to read!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Don’t Mess with Me
Series: Berkshire Mystery Series
Author: Mary Ann Jacobs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
BLURB:
Sheriff Houtman, who left Boston to have a more peaceful career, finds himself faced with two murders and a kidnapping. He is challenged by a band of amateur sleuths who doubt his competence. Will his conclusions hold, or will he have to admit defeat? Unfortunately, Sheriff Houtman’s judgement is impaired because of his infatuation with Sadie, and his immediate suspicion of a homeless teen that Robin and Sadie befriended.
Robin George narrates the story. She is a widow with a young son who moves to the Berkshires after her beloved husband died. Her bookstore, Bookworms, and Sweet Indulgences, her best friend Sadie’s restaurant, become the hubs for Robin’s amateur detective group where they plan how to solve the local crimes and exonerate Billy, the Sheriff’s main suspect.
Will they prove the Sheriff wrong?
AUTHOR BIO:
I have taught writing in elementary school, high school, and college. I am now a writer, a teacher of Creative Writing, and a writing coach. Some of my essays have been published in Moida Quarterly Magazine, Kentucky Monthly Magazine, Motherwell online, KRTA News, and Teachers of VisionMagazine. I have published poems in various publications including Elephants Never online, SOS Arts Cincinnati, and The Kentucky English Bulletin.
I enjoy writing essays, poetry, mysteries, and children’s books. I am excited that my cozy mystery, Don’t Mess with Me in the Berkshire Mystery Series is published by The Wild Rose Press. It is available on Amazon as an ebook and paperback.
Please join me in welcoming author Daryl Devore. As a fellow pantser, Daryl’s guest post truly resonated with me. Characters do take on a life of their own and, on occasion, try to take over the writing of their own story. Read on for an interesting spin on how they sometimes decide their own fate.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Voice in the Air
Author: Daryl Devore
Genre: Sweet Medieval Fantasy Romance
BLURB:
Leading an army of faeries and pixies into battle against mountain trolls was not what Cadi expected when she accepted the task of rescuing Ewen – the son of the Overseer of the Faeries.
Squire Ewen followed his liege into battle with a head full of romantic notions of knights, heroics, and damsels in distress. Being captured by a troll, thrown into a cave, and awaiting a hideous death was not how he had foreseen his adventure to play out.
Can Ewen stay out of trouble long enough for Cadi to rescue him? Will Cadi overcome her doubts and fears and bring her beloved Ewen home to Plucks Ridge?
Or will the petty evilness of The Scorned One defeat all and destroy the magickal realm?
If you love action, humour, quirky characters, and romance, then Daryl Devoré’s latest medieval fantasy romance – A Voice in the Air – is a must read.
GUEST POST:
A rambling look at the main character in A Voice in the Air.
Cadi is a barmaid who lives in the 1100s -ish. There is no real time frame except that it is hundreds of years ago. And it is not Ye Olde Englande.
Some of the names of people and places are Welsh – Irish – Scottish and English – oh – and Norwegian – I forgot about the troll. The sheriff’s name – Grwn – is old Welsh(?) if I remember. Cadi’s horse’s name – Cheffyl -is the older Welsh spelling of the word “horse”. I don’t remember where I got Cadi’s name, but once I had it – it stuck.
After being freed from the abbey prison cell – she is given a quest by the Overseer of the Faeries – to find the Overseer’s son. Who just happens to be the person Cadi has a secret longing for.
The story then follows Cadi as she struggles to find Ewen in a time that does not consider the value of a woman. This short excerpt explains it all from Cadi’s point of view.
***Grwn shrugged as contempt crossed his face. The scar above his lip increasing the repugnance of his sneer.
She knew why, even though she refused to accept it. In this moment, for that man, the most horrible, most repulsive idea was not the death surrounding them or the endless pain of the survivors. His disgust arose because she was only a woman — and an unwed one at that — and she’d dared to ask a question of so important a personage as himself.
Many thought she had no rights or a say in matters, being over sixteen years, still unwed, and from away. A man-less woman was worth less than a cow. But she did not believe that to be so. The fighter in her raised its voice.***
Throughout the story, I kept the characters (Cadi and Ewen) apart – up to the point I thought my cp (critique partner) was going to scream with frustration. During all that time – Cadi is looking for Ewen – which Ewen is aware of and he is trying to find her while he constantly worries – she is just a lass – she must be terrified – I must find her and save her. Then he immediately gets himself into another life-threatening situation.
Meantime “helpless” Cadi had fended off (1) a potential attacker, (2) an evil sorceress and (3) an enraged, cursed troll and she’s not even up to the middle of the book yet.
Why did I choose to let Cadi be the hero? I didn’t. She did. She led the story right from the start and I had the wherewithal to let her. I came up with obstacles to put in her path and she surprised me with her solutions.
For the non-writers reading this – our characters are real in our heads. We know everything about them. I remember a conversation with a non-writer where I was explaining that I was composing a character interview for a blog post. The person was puzzled by how I could create an interview with a fictional character. Then I started explaining what I knew about the character and left the poor person dumbstruck. I could probably get down to the person’s blood type if I wanted to.
I am not a plotter. I am a card-carrying pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t know what’s going to happen from one page to the next. But once, by about chapter 2-3, once I have the character in my head – I know everything. I don’t know how or why I know all of this – but I do. When someone tells me that the character wouldn’t do that – I usually disagree. I may not have told the reader why the character did it – I may never do that or I may reveal it later in the story – but I do know why.
Why might I not tell the reader? Let them think about it and figure it out. They might choose the wrong reason, but what does that really matter? What’s wonderful is they took time to think about a character in my book. Someone to me who is “real”. And what author wouldn’t like readers to think about our stories and characters long after they have closed the book’s cover or clicked off their tablet?
Happy reading.
AUTHOR BIO:
Two writers in one. Daryl Devoré (@daryldevore) writes hot romances with sexy heroes and strong heroines and sweet romances with little to no heat. Each of her characters is so captivating they leave her readers spellbound as they rush to reach the end of her stories. She has several published books available in ebook, print and audio – available at Amazon and other book retailers via Books2Read.
Daryl lives in an old farmhouse in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and 2 cats. Daryl loves to take long walks on her quiet country road or snowshoe across the back acres, and in the summer, kayak along the St. Lawrence River. She has touched a moon rock, a mammoth, and a meteorite. She’s been deep in the ocean in a submarine, flown high over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, and used the ladies room in a royal palace. Life’s an adventure and Daryl’s having fun living it.
Thank you to Corinne LaBalme for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I absolutely loved French Ghost and was thrilled to read another book from this author.
BLURB
Jessica Stratton’s long-cherished dream of opening her own Folk Art gallery in an idyllic Cape Cod setting finally comes true. However, her start-up is anything but smooth sailing.
Her ten-year marriage hits the rocks and, when the hunk next door to her shop – a brooding ecologist on a mission to save the planet – proves too irresistible to ignore, she’s got to relearn the rules of the dating game while working overtime to lure clients to her boutique.
Unfortunately, someone’s already far too interested in a 19th century example of advertising art in her collection and will go to any means – legal or illegal – to acquire it.
Maybe the planet isn’t the only thing that has to be saved…
I love books about fresh starts. In Summer People, we follow Jessica Stratton as she navigates her life after the demise of her marriage and the opening of her art gallery.
I loved how the author brought alive the beautiful setting of Cape Cod. Her vivid details and descriptions are evidence of someone who knows the area well.
I loved the friendship between Jessica and Nancy. Nancy brought a spark of humor and wit to the story.
I loved watching Jessica tiptoe into a new relationship with her new neighbor.
I loved that the story gripped my interest right away. Sometimes it takes several pages or chapters to get into a book and connect with characters. But Summer People drew me in immediately with a well-developed cast of characters, the affluent home in Boston, a charming summer house, a dash of comedy, and a thread of suspense wrapped around the new gallery.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Summer People was a delightful romance set in Cape Cod. Prepare to be swept into a gorgeous, vivid setting and follow along as Jessica Stratton navigates her life after the demise of her marriage and the opening of her art gallery. This book will draw you in immediately with well-developed characters, an affluent home in Boston, a charming summer house, a dash of comedy, and a thread of suspense wrapped around the new gallery. This author knows how to craft a compelling, emotional story that grips readers from the first page and drops them into a page-turning ride filled with surprises, humor, romance, and suspense.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Corinne LaBalme lives in France and loves everything about it… except eating snails. Her articles about European fashion, food and fun destinations have appeared in The New York Times Travel section, Diversion, La Belle France and France Revisited. Her favorite place to write? Any Parisian café with a good croissant connection…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today I’m sharing a few of my all-time favorite books/authors fitting the season. Originally an O’Connor, it’s no surprise that I enjoy novels set in Ireland. I welcome any any relevant additions to add to this list.
MAEVE BINCHY FAVORITES: Circle of Friends
Benny and Eve leave their small village for university in Dublin and meet the beautiful Nan Mahlon and Jack Foley. Their story of heartbreak, secrets, love, lies, and friendship kept me glued to each and every page. I read this for the first time just before heading off to my own freshman year of college and discovered one of my favorite authors. This is a book that drew me back for another read. Years later, I enjoyed recommending it to my daughter as she left for school.
IRISH JEWELS TRILOGY, BY NORA ROBERTS Jewels of the Sun
Jewels of the Sun was my first introduction to Nora Roberts, and it was love at first read. Ready for a fresh start, Jude Murray leaves America for the greener views in Ireland and lands at the Faerie Hill Cottage where the legends, visions, and lore linger with the reader long after turning the last page. And, of course, there’s handsome Aidan Gallagher, now managing the family pub after years spent traveling, who finds himself drawn to Jude. I loved everything about this book.
One can’t have too much of a good thing. And joy of joys, I was gifted with another opportunity to immerse myself in the Irish village of Ardmore to spend time with some old friends. This second book in the series focuses on Shawn Gallagher and Brenna O’Toole. For years, Brenna has carried a torch for Shawn. So much fun is found in these pages while watching the romance play out between the songwriter and the tomboy.
Last, but not least, we have Heart of the Sea. When you get to know Darcy Gallagher a bit better, don’t be surprised to find yourself rooting for a gold-digger. Who hasn’t spent a few minutes dreaming of the glamorous life? Enter the rich American, Trevor Magee. Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in fate?
CARLENE O’CONNOR SERIES The Irish Village Mysteries
No post about most-loved books is complete without a cozy mystery or two. And no list of cozy mysteries is complete without mentioning Carlene O’Connor. Murder at an Irish Bakery is the 9th installment in the series and follows Siobhan and her husband Garda as they work to solve the murder of a baking contestant on a reality show. Time is of the essence before another victim is targeted.
Please join me in welcoming author D.V Stone. D.V. was gracious enough to share a guest post and a mouthwatering chowder recipe. You’ll enjoy reading about her New England travels from Maine to Cape Code, MA. Writing research should always be so much fun. Her new release, Sea Hunter, is part of the Mortar and Pestle series. This books is sure to appeal to readers of paranormal romance filled with suspense and action.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Sea Hunter
Series: Mortar and Pestle
Release Date: 3/16/23
Author: D.V. Stone
Genre: A Paranormal, Action Adventure, Romance on the High Seas
BLURB:
A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe. Throughout time people have sought their heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive. Carved with ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters. Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.
Sea Hunter:
On the turbulent high seas, an archeologist must protect a historic shipwreck from treasure hunters—not fall for one.
Zahra Corbyn.
I’m a Sea Hunter. As an underwater archeologist and professor of antiquities, it is my duty to stop treasure hunters and looters from raiding Sea Wraith. But fate is a funny thing. Now I find myself working with Jack Alexander, a treasure hunter, to protect history from a known looter. Did my heart’s desire change?
Captain Jack Alexander.
I’ve been told women on a ship are unlucky, but this one has the two pieces of the map I need to finally claim Sea Wraith. Now I find myself in a deal that makes me one-third partner with her and a known scoundrel.
Can the two unlikely allies work together while safeguarding their hearts against the power of the Mortar and Pestle?
If you like Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, you’ll love Zahra Corbyn and Jack Alexander.
GUEST POST:
One of my favorite things to cook is soup. I love chopping, dicing, and building flavors. My husband I went on an adventure to research for my latest release. Sea Hunter takes place off the coast of New England. We traveled from Shipyards in Maine to a pirate museum in Cape Cod Massachusetts. The best part of this trip? Comparing clam chowder from restaurant to restaurant.
We enjoyed a boat ride seeing Lighthouses and the Bath Shipyard. Visited the naval museum, and a WWII battleship. (Sea Hunter takes place post WWII). In Freeport Maine we saw “Dock Dogs”. That was an absolute hoot. Dogs of all sizes, shapes, and breeds chased a buoy and dove into a huge pool. The winner had the longest jump. Let me tell you, these dogs were having so much fun. A few refused to get out of the pool and had to be fished out.
A train ride in first class with a five course meal, (including a very tasty clam chowder) was on of hubby’s favorite things. He loves trains.
Ah, research. some one has to do it…
Here’s a chowder recipe for you. I hope you enjoy it and it brings you a little closer to New England.
RECIPE:
INGREDIENTS
6slices bacon, diced (You can use less but why, it’s bacon.)
2tablespoons butter
2cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
½teaspoon dried tarragon (or thyme if you don’t have tarragon)
3tablespoons all-purpose flour
1cup milk
1cup vegetable stock
¾ cup of clams. (You can use cans in a pinch but fresh of course are better.)
8 oz clam juice (we have a party near the end of summer with steamed clams and save the juice in the freezer but you can but a bottle.)
1 bay leaf
2 Yukon gold or red potatoes, peeled and diced
1cup half and half (see note below)
Salt & pepper, to taste
2tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large stockpot over medium high heat. Brown bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping about 1 tablespoon of fat in the stockpot.
Add butter and melt in the stockpot. Then add garlic and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent,
Stir in tarragon until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.
Gradually whisk in milk, vegetable stock, clam juice and bay leaf, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in potatoes.
Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes. Time may vary depending on your potato.
Stir in half and half and clams until heated through, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
(If the soup is too thick, add more half and half until your desired consistency.)
Garnished with bacon and chives if desired
Serve immediately with a nice crusty bread.
Soup is liquid comfort. ~Author unknown
AUTHOR BIO:
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, contemporary or mid-grade, her stories are about the importance of friends and family. About overcoming obstacles often 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 as well as tidbits about her own life.
Now retired, she is a full-time author and incorporates her life experiences into her books.
As a former Emergency Medical Technician, she volunteered in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At the same time, 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. After those, she was 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 a 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.
It’s Write Stuff Wednesday, and today I’m thinking about those moments when the words refuse to flow. Writer’s block is not limited to moments when authors draw a blank mid-novel. This wordless predicament can creep up when engaging in any number of other tasks related to a career in writing.
THE SYNOPSIS
Summarize all of the most important plot points of your novel into 1-4 pages, depending on the publisher’s preference. After making every effort to show, show show, you are now expected to tell. You just wrote 60K+ words and know your story inside and out. This task should be a piece of cake. It isn’t. Below are a few websites I’ve found helpful. Best of all, many of the sites provide examples and links to additional resources.
The smaller the piece of writing, the more brain power needed. A tagline is a one-liner hook that provides the tone of the book. Examples are found in the links below.
If you plan to go the route of traditional publishing, a query letter is a must. Editors and literary agents are flooded with queries every day. How will your letter stand out in the crowd? The following links are excellent resources explaining the importance of writing a polished, engaging query, how to write this important introduction to yourself and your book, and examples.
And now it’s time to tell the reader all about you. What are your credentials, interests, and hobbies? Many authors are introverts. Sharing personal information is not tops on their to-do list. But the bio is a first step in making a personal connection with readers. See the following links for how-to’s and examples.
Whether you have paid advertisements or create free trailers, ad copy matters. The background, the cover, the font, the tone, the attention-grabbing script, the call-to-action all require attention to detail. The links below offer some helpful examples.
As previously noted, many authors are introverts and have little desire to crow about themselves from the top of every available social avenue. But social media can’t be avoided. With more than a bazillion books flooding the internet, name recognition is a significant hurdle to jump over. Stay tuned for more to come on this subject.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE:
The internet is your friend. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Search online and see what other authors have done. When all else fails, step away from the keyboard. My go-to activity for recharging my brain is a walk – preferably outside.
Please join me in welcoming Ana Diamond. Today we are spotlighting Body Snatched. One shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this one would have me snatching it off a shelf. Look no further if you’re in need of a new cozy mystery to top off your TBR pile.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Body Snatched
Author: Ana Diamond
Genre: Cozy Mystery
BLURB:
What’s worse than losing a body from a funeral home? Losing two. But mortician and amateur sleuth, Lily Reynolds has a hunch. The new visitor in town, Rick Drakon, may have charmed his way into her life but she’s not fooled by his smooth talking ways. Problem is, Rick is a long-time friend of Lily’s new husband, Detective James Rivers. While James is busy convincing her to look elsewhere, Lily embarks on a dangerous path toward uncovering the truth. Will this case come between the couple or will Lily find herself closer to evil than ever before?
AUTHOR BIO:
When Ana Diamond isn’t writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once.
Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats.
Below is a list of online resources that I found helpful on my road to publication. I welcome any additions to the list as I continue this writing journey.
Jane Friedman Countless writing articles Comprehensive list of resources for authors
Please join me in welcoming Seelie Kay. Today we are spotlighting her Feisty Lawyers Series bundle NOW ON SALE FOR $7.50 AT www.extasybooks.com .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Titles: Three books from the five-book Feisty Lawyers series, including Snatching Dianna, Infamy, and Cult
Author: Seelie Kay
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Price: $7.50
Feisty Lawyers Series
They’re smart. They’re feisty. They play to win!
The lawyers who make up The Agency are committed to bringing justice to situations in which justice is not normally found. At the behest of the President, they intervene in matters that impact Americans around the globe. They execute uniquely designed solutions with determination and no small amount of courage. Their journey begins with a kidnapped American law student. It ends with justice served. Three heart-stopping adventures from a five-book series are combined into one scintillating bundle of romantic suspense, including Snatching Dianna, Infamy, and Cult.
BLURB: Snatching Dianna
The hours are counting down as investigators try to prove that Dianna Murphy has been snatched. Unfortunately, without witnesses and solid evidence, all the police really know is that she is missing.
When suburban Milwaukee law student Dianna Murphy fails to connect with her roommate, there is no real evidence that she has been snatched. Until Law Professor Janet MacLachlan, a former covert agent, discovers a single clue. In a race against time, Janet recruits her husband, secret agent Cade Matthews, small-town Police Chief David Manders and his wife, criminal defense attorney Julianna Constant, and other law students to uncover the truth. Can they prove she has been taken, before Dianna disappears without a trace?
BLURB: Infamy
Infamy. An evil or wicked act. Terrorists bent on revenge have found a way to make planes disappear from the sky, without a trace. And when one winds up buried in a Wisconsin cornfield, it’s a race against time to rescue the passengers from certain death.
When international law attorney Sheikh Harun Ali is lured to the Amazon and warned of a frightening plot against the United States, he and his wife, Marianne Benson, enlist the assistance of their neighbors, covert agent Cade Matthews and his wife, Constitutional Law Professor Janet MacLachlan. Ultimately, these feisty lawyers are pushed to the wall, desperate to find a plane that has been buried in an unknown cornfield, the passengers still on board. The terrorists’ hatred for the Alis is absolute—the Alis once left their organization bankrupt and broken—but they hate America more. And their fiendish games are just beginning. They are seeking a much bigger prize, one that could destroy a nation and possibly the world. An act that will live in infamy.
BLURB: Cult (winner of the Editor’s Choice Award)
It’s supposed to be a simple assignment. A quick trip to a South American country for an “in and out” fact-finding mission. Unfortunately, the cult has other ideas.
When college students begin disappearing from American campuses, a notorious cult, God’s Delight, is the primary suspect.
Among the missing is the President’s goddaughter, and he wants answers. When he asks Agent Cade Matthews, a member of a secret covert organization, to find her, the mission appears fairly straightforward. Find the God’s Delight compound, determine whether a welfare check on American cult members is warranted, and get out. Simple. Clean. Easy.
Cade sends newly-married Agents Dianna Murphy and Anders Mark to the University of Wisconsin to follow the trail to God’s Delight, but when they wind up in Bolivia, things go sideways. Suddenly, what appeared to be nothing more than a simple in-and-out could cost Dianna her life. When an Agency extraction is ordered, chaos erupts, and the question becomes, will anyone survive?
REVIEWS:
“To me this is one of those series that I will be reading over and over again. From the very beginning I was drawn in, it’s got action, danger, suspense, and even, romance. I can’t recommend this series and Author enough…I highly recommend reading this whole series. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next.” (Goodreads review)
“Seelie Kay has an unforgettable imagination, and will keep you wanting more. You can tell she brings her all, while reading this story. I love her characters, especially the strong-willed, independent women. This is a must read! Along with the rest of her Feisty Lawyers Series. Well Done Seelie Kay, Well Done.” (Goodreads review)
“This author really knows how to deliver an edgy, and dramatic story. It was heart in throat entertainment. A complicated and colourful cast filled with many events that left me gasping and wondering if I read it correctly. I was captivated and intrigued. These kinds of stories are what keep me in my happy place. They keep me entertained and out of my head. I have travelled the world and experienced every feeling and moment with these characters. Seelie Kay has a knack for enrapturing an audience and it is a dangerously decadent state to be in, and totally addictive.” (Goodreads review)
AUTHOR BIO:
Award-winning author Seelie Kay writes scintillating tales of lawyers in love.
Writing under a nom de plume, the former lawyer and journalist draws her stories from more than 30 years in the legal world. Seelie’s wicked pen has resulted in twenty-two works of fiction, including the new paranormal romance series Donovan Trait and The Feisty Lawyers romantic suspense series. She also authored The Last Christmas, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The President’s Daughter, Seizing Hope, The White House Wedding, and participated in the romance anthology Pieces of Us.
When not spinning romantic tales, Seelie ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. Currently, she resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, WI, where she enjoys opera, the Green Bay Packers, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
Seelie is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!
Please join me in welcoming Kim Janine Ligon, author of Polly’s List. I’m always happy to share a new cozy mystery, but learning about the inspiration behind the story is a bonus. My characters have definitely kept me awake at night. But I’m wondering how common it is for characters to appear in authors’ dreams.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Polly’s List
Author: Kim Janine Ligon
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Romance
BLURB:
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.
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
Shortly after I retired, I got a spinning wheel and taught myself to spin. I spent hours sitting at the wheel creating beautiful yarn from the fiber I’d purchased. I had the shutters open so I could look out on the yard and the cul de sac beyond it. It was my catbird seat where I could observe the world outside virtually unnoticed. My ideas started turning and I began creating Polly’s story; a woman looking out the window while spinning who sees something she shouldn’t and it makes her a target for a murderer.
Where do you get your ideas?
I am an observer. I’m always watching people in restaurants or out in public and creating their back stories. My husband says my stories about them are probably more interesting than the people really are. Frequently, I’ll have observed something and then later a character will appear in my dreams reminding me that they have a story to tell. At first, I ignored the dream appearances, but my creations have been endowed with my gift of persistence and they don’t just make one appearance. Eventually, I realized that they knew what they were talking about. I’ve even changed a character’s name based on their dream protests about their inappropriate moniker.
Do ideas for plot or characters come first?
I’d say they usually arrive almost simultaneously. While I thought of the plot for this book while spinning, I’d had a character’s name, Mikal Benson, in mind for a long time wanting her to be a major part of one of my books.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
I guess, I’m supposed to say I have a schedule and I never miss a day of writing something. I don’t. I am most productive in the morning after the necessary stretching exercises to keep the arthritis in my back at bay. But I have lots of creative pursuits that vie for my attention. I create buildings for my husband’s model railroad layout. I spin, weave, knit, crochet, and read lots of books from classics to other Wild Rose authors. I tend to be a little streaky. If I’m on a roll with a story, I’ll write instead of anything else. If I’m finishing Christmas gifts I may be weaving and spinning exclusively. I find that my other pursuits help me think through character development and plot points. Then when I sit down to write everything flows more easily.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Hah! See my last answer. I need more hours in the day. I guess I’m a little greedy. I want it all. I want to be a published author and still be able to create unique things for the people I love. Thank goodness I don’t also have to juggle my day job any longer. My other challenge to being an author is figuring out the marketing side of the business, but I don’t appear to be alone in that.
What project are you currently working on?
I just finished my second novel. Another cozy mystery set in Lansdale, Wisconsin. “Landing On Her Feet” will be out 7/3/2023. I’m very excited that “Polly’s List” will have a book sibling. I have multiple other books in progress and am trying to decide which one to focus on next. And I still have over twenty building kits to paint and construct for my patient, sweet husband’s railroad layout. And I have six tubs of fiber waiting for someone to spin it into something exquisite. I have plenty of projects to keep me off the streets and out of trouble!
AUTHOR BIO:
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
As a long time fan of cozy mysteries, I’m excited to see a resurgence in the popularity of the genre. But with my own book scheduled for release this summer, I’ve had several friends and family members ask how cozies differ from a typical mystery. It’s funny how you can live and breathe something during every minute of your spare time and then become stumped when asked to define it. My canned response became “a mystery without graphic violence or gore.” Far from well said…
Cozy mysteries typically involve a murder to solve but may also revolve around a theft. An amateur female sleuth is often the protagonist who follows a trail of clues and red herrings until finally solving the case. Stories are usually set in quaint villages or close-knit small towns filled with a cast of eclectic, humorous characters. A sweet romance is sometimes sprinkled into the mix. Titles are tongue-in-cheek plays on words, and book covers are brightly illustrated and whimsical while hinting at suspense. Cozies are ideal for readers looking for a fun, twisty whodunit to solve and a series to immerse themselves in.
Agatha Christie launched the genre with her Miss Marple series during the 1930s. Her books continue to be fan favorites and set the bar for the rest of us. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have introduced the genre to a whole new fan base with viewer favorites such as the Murder, She Baked Mysteries and Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. Cozies offer themes to fit seemingly any interest. I love seeing a blend such as a bed and breakfast cozy with paranormal elements and a hint of romance all wrapped up into one book. See below for some ideas to add to your TRB pile. You’re sure to find several options that could fall under more than one theme. And rest assured, a “holiday” cozy is every bit as fun to read in March as in December.
The key to a cozy is an amateur sleuth solving a mystery free of graphic violence. But there are so so so many books under this umbrella that identifying one theme becomes tricky. Readers are sure to enjoy the Cozy Mystery Quartet podcast in this link to the first of over 20 episodes discussing all things cozy https://youtu.be/QHbKcSTXRKM .
https://cozy-mystery.com/blog/ is my go-to resource when looking for a new cozy mystery. This comprehensive, well-organized website offers more information and cozy themes than I could begin to include.
Author M.S. Spencer shared an idea of expanding the discussion in this post. Here’s one idea: I’d love for readers to share a cozy that is set in the heart of a city instead of a village or tiny town where everyone knows each other.
Please join me in welcoming Susie Black. Today we are spotlighting Death By Pins and Needles. I’m thrilled to see another cozy mystery by this author. Susie was also kind enough to share her expertise by providing a link to finding the right size swimsuit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Death By Pins and Needles
Series: Holly Swimsuit Mystery (Book 2)
Author: Susie Black
Genre: Cozy Mystery
BLURB:
Set in the heart of the competitive Los Angeles Apparel Industry, Death by Pins and Needles is the story of one ruthless woman who didn’t care who she had to step on to get to the top. Lissa Charney is the showroom manager of a ladies’ swimwear line in the California Apparel Mart. Since Lissa didn’t think any of the rules applied to her, she had no problem breaking them all. From job stealing to dumping a boyfriend when he needed her the most, selfish and self-centered Lissa’s list of enemies rivaled those of Al Capone. So, when Lissa is murdered, no one on the swimwear aisle was particularly surprised…the only surprise was what had taken so long. Who wanted Lissa Charney dead? The list was as long as your arm….but which one actually killed her? The last thing Mermaid Swimwear sales exec Holly Schlivnik expected to find when she opened the closet door was nasty competitor Lissa Charney’s battered corpse nailed to the wall. When Holly’s colleague is wrongly arrested for Lissa’s murder, the wise-cracking, irreverent amateur sleuth sticks her nose everywhere it doesn’t belong to sniff out the real killer. Nothing turns out the way she thinks it will as Holly matches wits with a heartless killer hellbent for revenge.
Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect.
When I finally decided to make the leap from notebook scribbling to writing a novel, I knew a large chunk of time would go toward learning the craft. Old-school notebooks are still my go-to in the beginning stages of a new book, and I will forever be honing my writing skills. In the beginning, I hid the first few books from public view for fear of people thinking I was nuts to even attempt something so daunting as finishing a full-length novel. And to have the audacity to assume anyone would want to publish something I wrote was unthinkable. Today, my secret is out in the open, and I’m sharing a few of the resources that played a role in moving me toward seriously pursuing this dream.
Writing Fiction for Dummies, by Randy Ingermason & Peter Economy
This book is an excellent resource for beginners with an easy-to-follow format. Every section is useful, but readers will find themselves taking copious notes, highlighting, and tabbing the sections on creating believable believable characters, building a story world, three-act structure, synopsis, scenes, action, dialogue, editing, the road to publication, plot, theme, genre, editing, interior monologue…okay the list is endless.
Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies, by Leslie Wainger
Like all Dummies books, this resource is easy to navigate and ideal for aspiring romance writers. Sections to take notes from, highlight, and tab include how to create compelling characters, writing conflict/climax/resolution, scenes, outlining, love scenes, research, the road to publication, the Top Ten lists, and..okay, everything else in between.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King
The infamous and unparalleled Mr. King states that this is not a how-to book. But he shares a wealth of invaluable knowledge and expertise in these pages. Cue copious note-taking. An added bonus is the memoir. A glimpse into his backstory and personal anecdotes from early writing days were a delight to read.
As a fan of the Bad Hair Day mystery series, I was thrilled to come across this how-to by one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. This book is another easy-to-follow resource filled with information on creating a sleuth, casting the suspects, building suspense, including a sprinkle of romance, crafting a series, and marketing tips.
This title is one of the cardinal rules for any fiction writer. However, at times, the task is easier said than done. A slew of writing exercises accompany the tips for describing backstory and emotions. I appreciate the section on recognizing and fixing instances of telling.
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, by Becca Puglisi & Angela Ackerman
After a brief, but useful, introduction to showing (not telling) emotion, readers are provided with a seemingly endless list of emotions, related physical signs/behaviors, mental responses, acute/long-term responses, signs the emotion is being suppressed, and power verbs. This book is a must-have in the arsenal of any aspiring fiction writer.
The Dictionary of Body Language: A Field Guide to Human Behavior, by Joe Navarro
Joe Navarro was a special agent for the FBI and has been called a body language expert. This book was not likely intended for authors. But the insight into the smallest details and subtlest changes in human movement and expression has landed this title at the top of my resource list.
Please join me in welcoming Shirley Goldberg. Today she is interviewing one of the main characters, Lucy Bernard, from her novel. She was also kind enough to share a scrumptious recipe for Chocolate Macaroon Cookies.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Little Bit of Lust
Series: Starting Over (Book 3)
Author: Shirley Goldberg
Genre: Women’s Romance Fiction
BLURB:
How many second chances will she give him?
Thanks for hosting us on your blog, Jill. I’m here with Lucy Bernard, one of the main characters in A Little Bit of Lust, the third book in my Starting Over series.
Lucy: Let’s talk about five things readers need to know about the characters, the book, and what you can’t live without. And I want to interview you, Shirley.
Shirley: Good. That’s a lot to cover. You start.
Lucy: It’s tough to talk about the book without spoilers popping out. Readers need to know that my best friend Deon, and I get together and break up near the beginning of the book.
Shirley: Yeah, that’s in the blurb, so it’s not a spoiler.
Lucy: It’s complicated.
Shirley: Have you seen the movie, It’s Complicated? Meryl Streep and Steve Martin.
Lucy: Love it. Alec Baldwin plays the ex-husband. He’s hilarious. Sexy, too, for a chunky guy.
Shirley: So, you guys are besties, along with Phoebe. And you have this hot weekend that starts with kissing on the beach––
Lucy: Don’t remind me. Why did you do that?
Shirley: Do what?
Lucy: Have us go from friends to…well, it was a tremendous weekend and then pfttt. Nothing.
Shirley: Don’t blame me. That was Deon’s fault.
Lucy: You wrote the book! [Frowns and glares at Shirley] Why isn’t Deon here?
Shirley: I didn’t invite him. I was afraid you two would embarrass me.
Lucy: That’s ridiculous.
Shirley: Now you’re embarrassing me.
Lucy: You’ll get over it. [Clears her throat.] I think the readers need to know Lust is about starting over. All the characters start over in some way. Deon’s a widower, I’m divorced, and Phoebe is moving on after a break up. We all hang out together, so our friendship is a big thing too. [Turns to Shirley] Did you ever start over?
Shirley: More than once. I was married and living in Crete, Greece and moved back to Connecticut. Went back to school to become a teacher. Lived with my mom.
Lucy: Me too. My husband left when I was nineteen. I had a two-year-old. My parents invited me to move in with them. We’re very close.
Shirley: What’s one thing readers need to know about you?
Lucy: I love to bake and I have a small business concocting yummy desserts for local businesses. I cater to a few of the restaurants around the New Haven area and on the shoreline.
Shirley: Yes, and Lust is all about summer and the beach and going dancing.
Lucy: It’s also about me getting up at an ungodly hour because I can’t sleep and I have to bake to get my mind off…things.
Shirley: No spoilers. One more question. What’s the one fun thing you can’t live without?
Lucy: That’s easy. Besides trying out new recipes, I love posting on Instagram. I have my own account and an account for my students’ work. They love it.
Shirley: Cool.
Lucy: What’s your one fun thing you can’t live without?
Shirley: Dancing with my honey. Oh, and dropping my characters into steaming hot soup. Metaphorically.
Lucy: Not funny.
Shirley: So funny.
Lucy: Hey! Speaking of baking. I have a special recipe for the readers.
Shirley: Thanks, Lucy. They’ll love that. And thank you, Jill. This was fun.
BLURB:
Love-cynical Lucy Bernard delights in her independence. Baking, all things Instagram, the occasional special guy, and most of all hanging out with best friends Deon Goldbloom and Phoebe Karis. But when Deon kisses Lucy at the beach on a chilly afternoon, the two friends jump into a lust-filled romantic weekend. So what’s with slotting her into “ignore” status afterward?
Deon Goldbloom is a widower who can’t move on after his wife’s death. Is he a little crazy spending a sexy few days with Lucy and calling it the best time he’s had in four years? Yeah. Except blue Monday comes calling, and Deon isn’t ready for the guilt.
Lucy wonders how a smoochy weekend turns into a friends-with-benefits disaster. And Deon wonders if he’s made the biggest mistake of his life putting Lucy on “ignore.” Using all his nerdy charms, he launches a campaign to bring Lucy around. Maybe they can chart a course back to one another if Lucy will only forgive him.
EXCERPT:
Lucy and Deon sat cross-legged, sifting through the stack of DVDs.
“Seriously?” Lucy read the movie titles aloud. “You’ve got chick flicks? When Harry Met Sally. You’ve Got Mail. Sleepless in Seattle. Nora Ephron.” She turned to him. “So you love Nora as much as I do?”
“Sure.” He dug out a few more movies.
“An Affair to Remember. That’s romantic. Heartburn, not so much, but it’s a great movie. Who doesn’t love Meryl and Jack?”
“There’s more,” he said, stacking movies on the floor.
“Let’s watch You’ve Got Mail. I always cry at the end.”
“So do I.”
“You’re a man. What are you doing with romantic––” Lucy stopped in mid-sentence. A verbal gaff. “Sorry.” She felt embarrassed. The movie collection had to be from when he and his wife used to watch together.
“Melinda loved them, yeah. We weren’t big on vacations or fancy restaurants. She loved a plain old movie night. And men cry at the movies too, you know.”
“Oh, of course.” Lucy tilted close and hugged him. “You cry at the movies, that is so, so romantic.”
“Sit, relax.” He knelt down. “And by the way, my lips hurt from all that good kissing. Do yours?”
“Nope, because I’m tough and you’re a wuss.”
Deon leaned in and kissed her a nice juicy one right when the opening credits started rolling.
Halfway through the movie, when Meg Ryan was losing her bookstore, Deon paused the movie. They opened the takeout bags to let out the oregano and basil and homemade tomato smells and prepared the plates with all the delicious Italian from Niki’s. Deon warmed the food and poured more wine, which contributed to their getting all misty-eyed at the end when Tom Hanks comes around the corner and Meg says, “I hoped it was you.” Which is what Lucy remembered her saying when she thought back on this moment.
Then Deon found Arsenic and Old Lace and they took turns fast-forwarding to all the scenes with Peter Lorre and Raymond Massey. Deon did his Raymond Massey imitation, thrusting out his jaw, threatening the Cary Grant character. “Mortimer, just because you’re my brother doesn’t mean I won’t kill you.”
Lucy howled and they rolled on the couch and made out a little.
And then it was time for bed. Lucy’s new favorite time, since of course, she’d be staying over.
CHOCOLATE MACAROON COOKIES:
*How can anyone not love a crunchy, chocolatey macaroon? These macaroons are a similar version of the favorite little gem but since it’s a healthier version, it’s perfect eaten as part of breakfast or better yet, for an afternoon energy pick-me-up!
Ingredients:
1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened
1 cup oats
1 cup milk of choice
1 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp coconut oil, melted or very soft
½ cup chocolate chips
2 Tbsp flour
Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix coconut, oats, milk and honey together in a bowl. Stir in melted coconut oil and chocolate chips. Add flour 1 Tbsp at a time until you form a dough. Spoon tablespoon sizes of dough on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes.
This and all the recipes are originals, contributed by Eva Papadogiorgaki, The Cretan Nutritionist. Find her on Instagram and Facebook @thecretannutritionist. Thank you so much, Eva, for your hard work and support.
AUTHOR BIO:
Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting over. Her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at dating in mid-life, and her friends like to guess which stories are true. A Little Bit of Lust is her third book in the series Starting Over, although all her books are standalone, including Revamped, coming in March as part of the Mortar & Pestle series. Readers can grab the Prequel to the series of 7 books by 7 authors for free. https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3vhm7opc1r
Shirley’s characters all believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and she agrees.
Drumroll please… The first installment in the Music Box Mystery series, A Sour Note, is set in a Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. When writing the first draft, I struggled with whether to use a real or fictional setting. But as a lifelong New Englander and more than thirty years of vacationing in Hampton Beach, I couldn’t resist the urge to write a series set in a place filled with memories for me and my family. To include all of the wonderful sites and activities in Hampton and the surrounding area would prove an impossible feat. Portsmouth, NH or Kittery, Maine, anyone? With nightly summer concerts, weekly fireworks, and an infinite list of dining options, a series set in this location provides endless ideas for story lines and backdrops. I’m already itching to finish Book 2.
I’d love to hear from other authors on whether they prefer real or fictional settings. Better yet, do writers prefer writing about a place they know well or a place they dream of visiting?
Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s no secret that I adore the cozy mystery genre. Today, I’m sharing a list of some of my favorites. Please feel free to share your cozy reading suggestions in the comments. I’m always adding to my TBR pile.
The Secret Book & Scone Society Series, by Ellery Adams
Nora Pennington welcomes tourists to her bookstore in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. She is gifted with the ability to prescribe the perfect book to ease her customers’ pain. She and a group of new friends work toward divulging their deepest secrets while also solving the murder of a recent visitor to their small town.
If your looking for humor in your cozy, graduate student Raina Sun won’t disappoint. I particularly enjoy the interactions with her feisty grandmother.
Sun, sand, romance, and a twisty mystery to keep readers guessing. I loved everything about the setting in this book. A Venice Beach boardwalk in February? Yes, and please. When Allison Sweet is implicated in a man’s death, she must clear her name and hold onto her new bakery. Add in a loveable dog, and you have a charming cozy mystery.
Siobhan Sullivan runs her family’s bistro in Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland while trying to solve mysteries. Readers will feel as if they’ve been dropped into Ireland with every turn of the page – no passport needed.
I was first introduced to this series by the movies starring the always delightful Alison Sweeney on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Hannah owns a bakery in Minnesota but is routinely tasked with solving murder mysteries. An eclectic cast of characters and several yummy recipes abound in this culinary cozy series.
Iced Chiffon: A Consignment Shop Mystery, by Duffy Brown
After a messy divorce, Reagan is trying to make ends meet while holding onto a run-down Victorian. She converts the first floor of her home into a consignment shop, aptly-named, The Prissy Fox. Reagan should be the last person trying to clear her ex’s name in the murder of his new girlfriend…
Death by Dumpling: A Noodle Shop Mystery, by Vivien Chen
A string of bad luck lands Lana Lee waiting tables in her family’s restaurant. While dodging her mother’s match-making efforts, she is tasked with clearing her family in the murder of their building manager.
Trouble in Mudbug: Ghost In-Law Mystery Series, by Jana DeLeon
This was the first paranormal cozy I’ve read, and I’m happy to say it was pure fun. Maryse Robicheaux was far from close to her mother-in-law when the woman was alive. Death fails to improve relations between the women with Helena spending her free time in the afterlife nagging Maryse as they try to solve a mystery.
One for the Money: Stephanie Plum Series, by Janet Evanovich
This book doesn’t quite fit the cozy genre, but I couldn’t not include it. Stephanie Plum is a newbie bounty hunter with a big attitude. The action-packed, fast pace will keep pages turning long after plans to put down the book.
Please join me in welcoming best-selling author, Sheila Kell. Today we are spotlighting Deadly Betrayal. If you enjoy romantic suspense novels, this is the next book to add to your TBR pile.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Deadly Betrayal
Series: Coastal Investigations (Book 1)
Author: Sheila Kell
Genre: Romantic Suspense
BLURB:
When trusting the wrong person can be deadly.
From Romantic Suspense BEST-SELLING and AWARD-WINNING Author • What happens when a former FBI analyst quits her job to become a PI and ends up partnering with the man who left her fourteen years earlier? In Sheila Kell’s riveting novel of secrets, deceit, and romance, two people rush to find a killer while reckoning with their growing attraction.
Cassie McKay was tired of being passed over as a FBI field agent. She quits her job as a FBI analyst, moved back home with her mother, and takes a job as a PI. Only she hadn’t expected her partner to be the one man who’d left her years before.
Jack “JD” Walker had done a lot wrong in his life, but he hadn’t killed the mother of his child as the police believed, nor had he expected the only women he’d ever loved to come to his rescue. The two work diligently to prove JD’s innocence while someone is determined to make JD pay.
Deadly Betrayal is the first book in the Coastal Investigations series. If you enjoy a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, you’ll love this installment of Sheila Kell’s new romantic suspense series.
AUTHOR BIO:
Sheila Kell writes about the romantic men who leave women’s hearts pounding with a happily ever after built on memorable, adrenaline-pumping stories. Or, (since her editor tries to cut down on her long-windedness) simply “Smokin’ Hot Romance & Intrigue.” Her debut novel, His Desire (HIS Series #1), launched as an Amazon #1 romantic suspense bestseller and Top 100 overall, later winning the Readers’ Favorite award for best romantic suspense novel.
As a Southern girl who traveled the world with the United States Air Force, she remembers all the embarrassing moments of her fellow veterans to include in her books and laughs every time she does it. She also tends to sneak in stories she recalls from classmates and instructors while earning her degrees in Space Operations Technology, Aeronautics, and Organizational Management.
Having left behind her days as a University Vice President, she can usually be found nestled in the Mississippi woods, where she lives with her cats and all the strays that magically find her front door. When she isn’t writing, you can find Sheila with her nose in a good book, dealing with the woodland critters who enjoy her back patio, or wishing she had a genie to do her bidding.
Please join me in welcoming J. Arlene Culiner. Today we are spotlighting A Room in Blake’s Folly. After reading the blurb and excerpt, I absolutely love the idea of following this story from 1889 to 2022 and moving on to future installments in the series.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Room in Blake’s Folly
Series: A Blake’s Folly Romance
Author: J. Arlene Culiner
Genre: Historical to Contemporary Romance
BLURB:
If only the walls could speak…
In one hundred and fifty years, Blake’s Folly, a silver boomtown notorious for its brothels, scarlet ladies, silver barons, speakeasies, and divorce ranches, has become a semi-ghost town. Although the old Mizpah Saloon is still in business, its upper floor is sheathed in dust. But in a room at a long corridor’s end, an adventurer, a beautiful dance girl, and a rejected wife were once caught in a love triangle, and their secret has touched three generations.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:
I love writing about people who are different. They are often opinionated, sometimes obnoxiously so, but they are also entertaining, and stimulating, and they do make us question our own values. Some are forced to adapt to new circumstances in order to survive, others are originals, folks who have never really fit into mainstream society.
In A Room in Blake’s Folly, six linked stories take place in a silver boomtown. The first is set in 1889, and the last, in 2022, when the town is no more than a semi-ghost town of crumbling shacks leads and inhabited by 54 eccentric locals. But all have dreams, and their love stories—or the love stories of their grandparents—are anything but humdrum.
A Room in Blake’s Folly is one a trio of stories. Two others, All About Charming Alice and Desert Rose will soon be released.
EXCERPT:
“You a widow?”
“No.” She could hear the tightness in her voice and feel the tension in her shoulders.
His eyes glinted. “A runaway wife.”
“Not that either.” Did she have to say more? She didn’t. But since people were bound to be asking that same question over and over, she might as well get used to it, even though the answer was only partially true. Even though it could never express what her life had been like up until now. “I left of my own accord, but with my husband’s full agreement. He’ll be looking into getting a divorce.”
“And your children?”
Ah, there it was. The big question, the one thing everyone would be curious about. “No children. I’ve never had any.”
He said nothing. Had he heard the note of anger in her voice? She’d done her best to sound neutral, but neutrality wasn’t an easy note to hit.
He stood, walked in her direction—no, walk wasn’t the word she could use. He sauntered, a slow, elegant saunter. A man sure of himself, of his power to seduce. Yes, that was why she’d felt so wary yesterday. He stopped when he was standing beside her. Smiled. No, there was nothing seductive in his smile. She’d been wrong. What had she been imagining? That she was still the young attractive woman she’d been years ago? What a fool she was.
AUTHOR BIO:
Writer, storyteller, photographer, and social critical artist, J. Arlene Culiner, was born in New York and raised in Toronto. She has crossed much of Europe on foot, has lived in a Hungarian mud house, a Bavarian castle, a Turkish cave dwelling, on a Dutch canal, and in a haunted house on the English moors. She now resides in a 400-year-old former inn in a French village of no interest and, much to local dismay, protects all creatures, especially spiders and snakes. She particularly enjoys incorporating into short stories, mysteries, narrative non-fiction, and romances, her experiences in out-of-the-way communities, and her conversations with strange characters.
Please join me in welcoming Laura F. Murphy. Today we are spotlighting Before Dawn. Fans of contemporary chick lit and forbidden romance are sure to enjoy a blend of both genres with this novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Before Dawn
Author: Laura F. Murphy
Genre: Contemporary chick lit
BLURB:
Feisty New Yorker, Max, falls for her mysterious coworker, Tommy, who is fourteen years her senior. Wanting to please him and meet his beauty standards she conflictingly conceals her natural hair from him and avoids tanning so her skin doesn’t get too dark. Max tightly holds onto their forbidden romance while trying to figure out who she is and her place in a world she doesn’t always fit in. Too caught up with her feelings she becomes oblivious to the consequences of her actions. As tragedy strikes Max has to face her own worst enemy, herself.
AUTHOR BIO:
It is imperative that I create characters that are strong and likable, despite their flaws. Nothing about the main characters I pen are black and white. They are all multi-layered individuals who may not always make the right choices, but most times learn from their shortcomings. I try to keep the storylines relevant and realistic by addressing topics such as family relationships, friendship, relationships, mental health, amongst other topics that many women can relate to.
As a Haitian American writer I find it necessary to have diversity in my writing. What makes this novel unique besides the multi-layered characters and strong storylines are the strong dialogue that captivates readers and makes this book a page turner.
In 2009, my dream came true when my first young adult novel, Reckless Perfection, was published. I received multiple positive reviews on the coming of age story. In 2016 I published the sequel to the above novel, Chasing Ghosts which was also well received. Other than several book signings, interviews, and book festivals I created a few YouTube videos for both books that have over thousands of views.
Please join me in welcoming Amber Daulton. Today we are spotlighting Arresting Benjamin, Book 3 in the Arresting Onyx series. I’ve had the pleasure of reading several page-turners by Amber and am excited to share her latest romantic suspense novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Arresting Benjamin
Series: Arresting Onyx (book 3)
Author: Amber Daulton
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 11th, 2022
Length: 85k
BLURB:
Indie rocker Belle Hamlin doesn’t give second chances, especially to a guy like Benji who ghosted her. When her arch rival sets her sights on him, Belle will have to choose what’s worse—swallowing her pride and letting Benji back in, or losing the keeper of her heart for good.
TAGLINE:
With enemies at every turn, how will they survive with their lives and love intact?
AUTHOR BIO:
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Please join me in welcoming Kim Janine Ligon. Today we are spotlighting Polly’s List. Fans of cozy mysteries and romance get the best of both worlds with this delightful pick.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Polly’s List
Author: Kim Janine Ligon
Genre: Cozy mystery/romance
BLURB:
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 she finds her neighbor, Polly Rogers, sprawled on the floor- barely clinging to life – in a pool of blood, 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. …danger engulfs them and love transforms them into a family.
AUTHOR BIO:
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
EXCERPT:
POLLY’S LIST By Kim Janine Ligon From Wild Rose Press 8/17/2022
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.
Please join me in welcoming author Karina Bartow and read about the inspiration behind her latest release. Wrong Line, Wrong Connection is a historical romance set during the 1960s and follows a switchboard operator on her path to romance. The nostalgic cover caught my eye immediately!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Wrong Line, Right Connection
Author: Karina Bartow
Genre: Historical Romance
BLURB:
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?
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
My mom cleaned for a family friend, Mabel, for thirty years, and she became a grandmother to my sister and me. Because of her clever wit and the deep impact she made on my life, I used to tease her that I’d write a book about her one day. She passed away when I was fifteen, but I kept my promise by putting her as a secondary character in the first book I ever wrote, Forgetting My Way Back to You. My writing coach liked her so much, though, that she worked on me for years to write a stand-alone story about her. Eventually, I conceded and used several true aspects of her life—like her career with the telephone company and her real love letters from her husband—to sculpt Wrong Line, Right Connection.
Where do you get your ideas?
From all over the place. A lot of times, the concept begins with a What if? notion and builds from there.
Do ideas for plot or characters come first?
It varies from book to book. With Wrong Line, Right Connection the characters obviously came first, both because of my old friends and because of a character spotlight I wrote about Mabel while promoting Forgetting My Way Back to You. A fun post on my blog became the makings for a novel!
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Yes. I didn’t get to visit the main setting, Louisville, Kentucky, for this book because I wrote it during the pandemic, but I did go to the hometown where Roy, Mabel’s love interest, lives a few years ago. I’ve incorporated vacations to Florida, Pennsylvania, and Arizona in my books. I hope I can find inspiration in Paris someday!
When did you begin writing?
When I was nine, but I didn’t take it seriously until I was eighteen.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
Usually three to four hours if circumstances allow.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I have Cerebral Palsy and can only type with one hand, so I have to pace myself a bit more than able-bodied authors. Still, I typically finish a first draft in close to a year, so I’m pleased with that speed.
What does literary success mean to you?
I try to keep a balanced perspective on how I measure my achievements. I doubt I’ll ever be a Nora Roberts, but I accept that. I never knew what kind of profession I could do on my own due to my limitations, but I’ve managed to get where I am independently, for the most part. No matter how many books I sell or what type of accolades I garner, that fact gives me the utmost fulfilment.
What writing tips or marketing advice would you like to share?
First and foremost, never give up. Also, be willing to learn and adapt, especially when working with editors.
Which authors inspire you?
Nicholas Sparks and Marie Benedict.
What project are you currently working on?
In time, I’m hoping to continue my “Unde(a)feted Detective Series” with its third novel, but meanwhile, I’m releasing a new installment of it by means of a short in a podcast. It’ll drop sometime in 2023 in author TG Wolf’s Murders to Die For series.
AUTHOR BIO:
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, Forgetting My Way Back to You, and Brother of Interest. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!
Please join me in welcoming Caroline Akervik. Today we are spotlighting My Golden Horse. This young adult story will delight readers who enjoy horses and a bit of romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: My Golden Horse
Author: Caroline Akervik
Genre: Young Adult Horse Story
BLURB:
Ellen Sanz is angry at the world, and she wants nothing to do with horses. Before her mother’s accident, they’d had a great life. Her mother, Linda, was a successful show jumper. Ellen had attended virtual school, and they’d travelled between international horse competitions. Everything had changed when Linda suffered a catastrophic riding accident. Ellen has been her mother’s caretaker in the year since. They’ve been forced to move to Linda’s parents’ hobby farm in the Maryland countryside.
Here, Ellen finds herself irresistibly drawn to Lemon Meringue, nicknamed Tandy, a show ring sour palomino rescue mare, as well as to Joel, a cute and horse crazy guy.
Can Ellen and Tandy let go of the pain of their pasts to embrace a new life and find that special connection?
AUTHOR BIO:
Caroline Akervik has always been a voracious reader of most any genre, with the exception of horror. Blessed with a wonderful husband and three amazing grown children, Caroline has worked as a horse trainer and as a school librarian. She remains an animal lover and believes that libraries are among the most magical of places. Her writings reflect the eclectic nature of her life and reading taste, and her books include sweet romances, horse stories and even science fiction. Caroline seeks to write from the heart, to transport her readers and to give wings to their imaginations.
Please join me in welcoming author C.B Clark for an interview and preview of her romantic suspense novel, Forging Forgiveness. Read how she used a medical leave as a launch pad toward a successful writing career.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Forging Forgiveness
Author: C.B. Clark
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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 horrific nightmare of her past.
Detective Aiden Farrell is determined to redeem himself in his new position in Colorado, even if that means ignoring his growing feelings for the beautiful professor he meets during an investigation. His fear that the footprints she saw are connected to a recent spate of missing teens intensifies when Candace is assaulted on campus.
Aiden and Candace join forces, but as they start unraveling the truth, they get closer 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.
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
The idea behind the plot in Forging Forgiveness has been in the back of my mind for years. I love to hike, and one day I was out in the woods in the late fall and came across a set of bare human footprints impressed in the mud. Immediately, I started thinking about the story behind the footprints. The who, the why, the what if? All the questions that start a story.
When did you begin writing?
A botched operation on my throat several years ago resulted in me losing my ability to speak above a whisper for a year. I was on medical leave from work, and I needed something to challenge my mind. Since I’ve always loved reading romance fiction, I decided to try my hand at writing one. Now my voice is back, and I have eight published romantic suspense novels and three audio books.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Writer’s Block. No question. These past few stressful years have made it difficult to write. To restore my creativity, I’ve focused on the positives in this world. Getting out into nature and experiencing the beauty of the wilderness have helped. Setting a daily routine of sitting in front of my computer and writing something…anything…has helped as well.
What writing tips would you like to share?
Write. Every day. As Nora Roberts, the undisputed queen of romance fiction has said, “You can’t edit a blank page.” Even if what you’re writing is not award-winning prose, just the fact you’re writing trains the creative part of your brain. More often than not, you’ll find some gold in the lines you wrote.
Which authors inspire you?
There are so many wonderful, talented authors. Some of my favorites are Nora Roberts, Allison Brennan, Diana Gabaldon, and Sandra Brown. These women write edge-of-your-seat, exciting books with strong female protagonists and intriguing heroes.
AUTHOR BIO:
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.
Please join me in welcoming author Barbara Donlon Bradley for the story behind her writing career. Magical Quest is a futuristic romance sure to keep you turning the pages.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Magical Quest
Author: Barbara Donlon Bradley
Genre: Futuristic Romance
BLURB:
Grinnell is sent to find the barou master to help someone he considers family. What he finds is a beautiful woman he can’t ignore.
Mehanna has magic in her blood but she doesn’t know to control it. The one time she tried went horribly wrong. She blames it on the fact she had no one to train her. She had been dumped on the planet as a child, with no memories, and left to her own devices. The only thing she can create without an issue is a piece of fruit.
Grinnell learns she has trapped the woman he needs in a mirror. In order to complete his mission, he offers to help her find out where she came from and find someone to free the barou master. They find someone who helps Mehanna free the barou master and unlock her memories which reveal she has a real problem. She has a wizard coming for her. He wants her power and sent her to that planet on purpose.
Grinnell and Mehanna have to defeat this wizard before he destroys everything they hold dear.
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
I wrote a book called Quest for Love years ago and had it published. I wanted to write a sequel for one of the minor characters for a while but hesitated when I wasn’t sure of the future of my publisher. Now that I found a good home with Satin Romance, I finally had the chance to tell Grinnell’s story.
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere. Sometimes they blossom from dreams. Other times I have characters beat me up so I will write their story. An idea will pop into my head at times too.
Do ideas for characters or plot appear first?
Good question. For me I normally visualize a scene that start the juices flowing.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Not yet. My only time of travel was based in New Orleans and I lived there for five years. I did a lot of research on the railroad on the sequel to that book. My futuristics rely on a lot of world-building.
When did you begin writing?
I thought it was when I was in high school, but I started going through some of my old keepsakes and found an old journal I had forgotten about where I had a bunch of short stories in. I was maybe twelve or thirteen then.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
As many hours as I can. I normally write at night, in front of the TV. I can tune out everything, but still be with my family. They don’t interrupt me as much if I’m in the room with them.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Writing-wise was watching my publishers go under. I had to pull all my books which was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m glad I did. They closed their doors about three months later.
What does literary success mean to you?
This is a hard one. I have success because I’ve published all but one book and that was because I never submitted it. I want to write for a living, but I can’t support me and my family yet, so in that way I don’t feel successful. These normally go hand in hand when looking at success.
What writing tips or marketing advice would you like to share?
Write every day. Even if you only write a sentence. You need to have the discipline to write or you will find excuses to keep you from putting word to paper.
Which authors inspire you?
Wow, how much space do you have? I had a wonderful English teacher who made us read all different genre’s. Ray Bradberry’s fahrenhieght 451. That was my introduction to Science Fiction. I’ve read Dauphin Demaurier, Steven R Donaldson, Katherine Woodiwiss, and JoAnna Lindsey just to name a few. I love Joanna’s books for their humor, Steven R Donaldson for his unique stories, Katherine for showing me romances that sucked me in so I felt I was in the story with the characters, and Dauphine for showing me how suspense should be.
What project are you currently working on?
I write under a pen name and the book I’m working on is currently under that name (Bethany Drake).
Upcoming books, events, appearances, giveaways:
Fall Into A Book Giveaway, hosted by Isn’t It Romantic Book Club. There are over 265 Authors currently signed up! Readers can join in and play along all month long leading up to the big day, September 23rd. On the 23rd, all they have to do is see what the authors write, and they can participate for a chance to win one of their books. Here is the link to the group https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntitromanticbookclub/
A BookBub Event, hosted by Romance Lives Forever & Rene’s Getaway that is running from October 10th and ends on October 19, for participants to enter to win a $150 gift card of their choice, either from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. All they have to do to enter is follow the participating authors on BookBub. The Links and info will be posted on my Facebook page once the event is live
AUTHOR BIO:
Writing for Barbara Donlon Bradley started innocently enough, like most she kept diaries, journals, and wrote an occasional letter but she also had a vivid imagination and wrote scenes and short stories adding characters to her favorite shows and comic books.
As time went on she found the passion for writing to be a strong drive for her. Humor is also very strong in her life. No matter how hard she tries to write something deep and dark, it will never happen. That humor bleeds into her writing. Since she can’t beat it she has learned to use it to her advantage.
Now she lives in Tidewater Virginia with a cat who thinks he owns everything, and her husband and daughter.
Please join me in welcoming author D.V. Stone for the inside scoop on the inspiration behind her writing. Jazz House is the second book of her Impact Series and is a perfect pick for anyone in the mood for page-turning, romantic suspense.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Jazz House
Author: D.V. Stone
Genre: Romantic Suspense
BLURB:
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.
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
Jazz House is the second book of my Impact series. It’s about the impact of not only First Responders but how each life and choices affect so many people.
Where do you get your ideas?
I’m a former First Responder. An Emergency Medical Technician, both as a volunteer and professional. It’s been a long time but somethings stay with you forever.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Yes, in Rock House Grill, the first book, I went scouting for a perfect real place for Aden and Shay’s first date in the Delaware Water Gap. Many places in Jazz House are inspired by places I’ve been to during my travels.
When did you begin writing?
I love books and several times in my life tried to write, but family, jobs, and life were a priority. During one of our previous financial downturns, I became laid off and took the opportunity to do what I wanted to do.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
It varies though I do try to write each day. I blog and count that as writing as well as content for my social media. Sometimes, despite what others say, you do need to walk away and take a break. Often my husband and I will take a “date” day and we go have fun. Please, everyone, take time for fun.
What project are you currently working on?
I have several projects in the hopper. The third Impact book is on the table focusing on Firefighters. My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, will be publishing Sophia’s Magic Beans next spring. I also write across different genres as an independent author and have a Fantasy series about ready to hit the market as well as a historical paranormal action-adventure in conjunction with other authors set for spring.
AUTHOR BIO:
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 as well as 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. At the same time, 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.
Please join me in welcoming Cherie Colyer. Today we are spotlighting her contemporary paranormal romance. Ice cream, spells, and romance? Look no further than Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss
Author: Cherie Colyer
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
BLURB:
Roman Briggs built a life for himself in Siren’s Cove. He restored the Sugar Cones Ice Cream Parlor and turned it into a popular stop along the boardwalk. He has everything he needs until a certain blue-eyed woman wanders back into his life.
Seer and witch Peyton Woods isn’t sure why her latest visions feature a man and boy she’s never met. Determined to find out, she casts a spell that leads her to a small beach town in Maine and, to her utter surprise, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier.
Peyton’s left with one question. Why didn’t her magic show her him?
AUTHOR BIO:
Professional network technician by day, novelist by night, Cherie lives a quiet life in the Chicago suburbs with her charming husband. She has four amazing sons who she loves dearly. Cherie magically weaves together stories with a paranormal twist. She’s the author of the Embrace series, Challenging Destiny, Damned When I Didn’t, and Friends to the End. She waltzed into the adult novel world with Merry Little Wishing Spritz. She’s delighted to be back with Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss.
Please join me in welcoming Rachelle Paige Campbell. Today we are spotlighting her sweet, contemporary romance. Love Overboard is ON SALE on Amazon only for $0.99 from August 5 to the 19th!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Love Overboard
Author: Rachelle Paige Campbell
Genre: Sweet, contemporary romance
BLURB:
Forced to share a stateroom with her ex-fiancé, Caitlyn fakes amnesia to stay on board her dream Alaskan cruise. Torn over deciding his future, Cruise Director Gregory tumbles into helping her. As they grow closer, unspoken secrets threaten to rip them apart, for good.
EXCERPT:
At one time, his face mirrored their shared hopes and dreams for the future. She pressed a hand against her stomach to stop the flip-flopping. When she caught a whiff of the cologne she’d bought him two years ago, she recalled his embrace, and her skin goose pimpled. Two people could care about each other and still not be the right fit.
She wanted to be anywhere else. Disembarking was still possible. She crossed her arms and rubbed against the sudden chill tickling her skin through the thin jacket. The inevitable confrontation about their relationship’s demise had been delayed long enough. If he needed closure, she wouldn’t stop him. She’d listen, he’d leave, and then she could enjoy her vacation. She forced her mouth into a smile. “I think you must have the wrong room.”
“Hello to you, too, Caitlyn.” He shook his head.
His rigid posture and stoic expression were unlike any of his cues she knew. Her attempt at levity belly flopped. She gulped.
Running a hand along his chin, he met her gaze. “I paid for half of the room.”
She scrunched her nose. “I think you’re mistaken.” Dragging out the words for clarity, she grasped her understanding of their situation. He should have started blaming and berating her by now, not worrying about details of her vacation. She prepared for raised voices and an uncomfortable silence. Within the next ten minutes, he’d leave the ship and any discussion over payment was moot. She tightened her hands into fists and stood tall. “I reserved this cabin. You are standing in my stateroom. I’m taking this trip.”
Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he rocked back and forth on his heels several times. “No. You’re not. I’d like to pay for your half of the room.”
She gasped. Why was he acting like he had an undeniable right to the trip? For years, she saved for her passage. Between the two of them, she should remain onboard. Adam Benson wasn’t an unkind or thoughtless person, but at the moment, he bordered on cruel. Clarity chilled her bones, and she shook her head and studied the floor. Her sister couldn’t be added to the manifest because her cabin already had another occupant.
With an outstretched hand, he stepped closer. “My wife is ashore and waiting to board. I’ll cut you a check now. We can get your name stricken from the room, and she and I will then take our honeymoon. Just be reasonable, Caitlyn.”
She recoiled, drawing back her chin and crossing her arms.
He dropped his hand.
For the second time in as many minutes, he shot her a pitying look. She placed a hand against her swirling stomach and darted her gaze about the room at everything she stood to lose.
He wanted to swap her for his wife. In the past seven months, he married someone else? Her brain refused to process his declaration. “I’m confused. I don’t even know who you are.”
Color drained from his face.
She caught her lower lip. She hadn’t intended to hit the target dead center with such force. Breathing through her nose, she swallowed the sharp taste filling her mouth. Her dream trip was over before the ship set sail. As she studied him, she frowned. He hadn’t changed his short hair or his bland earth tone style, but he acted like a stranger. Perhaps, she should clarify the statement. I don’t even know who you are anymore.
As her fiancé, Adam was kind and thoughtful. He knew what the trip meant and wouldn’t dare ask her to leave. Instead of using the voyage as a chance to finally discuss what went wrong, however, he hijacked her trip. Disappointment coursed through her veins followed immediately “by a surge of adrenaline and resolve. I’m not going anywhere.
In the usual way of poorly conceived solutions, the idea sprang into her mind fully formed. She was desperate and determined. Her hasty ruse had to work. Losing her dream trip was unfathomable. A sense of calm settled her stomach. She cocked her head to one side and studied him. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”
AUTHOR BIO:
Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance filled with heart and hope. She believes love and laughter can change lives. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog). Join her newsletter for upcoming releases and can’t-miss sales: eepurl.com/dEjzZz
Please join me in welcoming USA Today bestselling author, Liz Flaherty. I’m delighted to share her guest post on the allure of small towns and old buildings. Be sure to take a look at her latest release, Reinventing Riley, for a second chance seasoned romance read.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Reinventing Riley
Author: Liz Flaherty
Genre: Contemporary Seasoned Romance
BLURB:
He’s afraid a second time at love wouldn’t live up to his first. She’s afraid a second round would be exactly like her first.
Pastor Jake McAlister and businesswoman Riley Winters are in their forties and widowed. Neither is interested in a relationship. They both love Fallen Soldier, the small Pennsylvania town where they met, even though Rye plans to move to Chicago, and Jake sees a change in pastorates not too far down the road. Enjoying a few-weeks friendship is something they both look forward to.
However, there is an indisputable attraction between the green-eyed pastor and the woman with a shining sweep of chestnut hair. Then there’s the Culp, an old downtown building that calls unrelentingly to Rye’s entrepreneurial soul. And when a young man named Griff visits Jake, life changes in the blink of a dark green eye.
GUEST POST:
Living in Central Indiana among a gathering of small towns, one of the fun things for me about visiting cities is their tall buildings. I find them amazing and exciting. I like craning my neck in search of the sky, eating at restaurants not available in cornfield communities, and walking everywhere.
And then I can’t wait to get home, where the tallest building in all those small towns is three stories, the sky is big and beautiful, and “everybody knows your name.”
But it’s the buildings I’m thinking about today, the ones that hold place of pride on corners or stand in groups in the middle of the block, their facades corniced and bracketed. They’re brick and most of them have had windows and doors and purposes replaced over the years. Many of them have been painted in colors more welcoming than the old brick.
Reinventing Riley is a sweet romance between a rock-and-roll playing pastor and a savvy businesswoman. Their storyshouldn’t have anything to do with buildings, and yet it does. When Rye, who’s just sold a business and has absolutely no interest in buying another one, sees the Culp Building in downtown Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, it speaks to her. Like all old buildings, it has stories to tell.
Reluctantly, she listens.
AUTHOR BIO:
USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty started writing in the fourth grade when her Aunt Gladys allowed her to use her portable Royal typewriter. The truth was that her aunt would have let her do anything to get her out of her hair, but the typewriter and the stories it could produce caught on, and Liz never again had a day without a what if… in it.
A long-time newspaper stringer and columnist, she was also an inveterate reader of romantic fiction—one of those who thought I could do that and set about proving she could. Twenty or so books later, she’s happily writing sweet romance with a touch of inspirational. She’s working the Fallen Soldier series for Magnolia Blossom now, still mumbling what if… and drinking a liberal amount of coffee while she figures it out.
She and Duane, her husband of at least forever, live in a farmhouse in central Indiana, sharing grown children, spoiled cats, and their grandkids, the Magnificent Seven. (Don’t get her started on them—you’ll be here all day.) To find out more about her, stop by http://lizflaherty.net/ or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/df7dhP.
Please join me in welcoming Randy Overbeck. I’m delighted to share this insightful guest post, What We Write Matters. If you’re in the mood for a page turning mystery, be sure to check out Scarlet at Crystal River, the third installment in the popular Haunted Shores Mystery series.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Scarlet at Crystal River
Author: Randy Overbeck
Genre: Mystery
BLURB:
All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.
When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.
GUEST POST:
What We Write Matters
Words still matter. Perhaps, today more than ever.
What we say and what we write carries weight, makes a difference. A few words from a president can set off alarm bells. A phrase from the fed chairman can make the stock market soar or ignite a selling spree. And it’s not just the words of major players. During the past two years, we’ve learned the hard way that dangerous misinformation shared on social media platforms actually cost lives.
Our words can wound or heal, can obscure or reveal. We’ve learned long ago the saying, Sticks and stones can break out bones, but words can never hurt us, is clearly not true.
Words matter, still.
Another great writer came at this issue from a slightly different angle.
At a recent writers’ conference, I heard the best-selling mystery author, S. J. Rozan, explain to the audience, “Non-fiction is about reality; fiction is about truth. Or at least should be. Truths can sometimes be revealed in fiction far better than in any non-fiction forum.” This incredible insight has stayed with me ever since.
As an author, I ‘d argue that one important purpose of memorable fiction is to share the truths about life, love and sometimes even death.
I’m not naïve. I realize readers don’t choose a mystery or a thriller or even a romance because they are searching for insight or revelation. James Patterson is not a bestselling author because of his philosophical outlook on life.
Fiction lovers are not browsing book shelves in bookstores—okay, checking out Amazon or BookBub listings—because they are searching for the meaning of life. They want to be entertained, to be scared to death, to be drawn in and forget their world, or maybe to fall in love inside the pages of their newest discovery.
But I believe fiction authors have an important responsibility. First, we need to assemble the essential ingredients to capture readers’ attention—a plausible story line (mostly), credible characters, a setting readers can enjoy, and most important, a compelling narrative. But I also believe if we, as authors, are fortunate enough to command our readers’ attention for hours of their precious time, they should come away with more than just solving the mystery, seeing the bad guy captured or even making their heart race. Fiction should convey a truth, sometimes even a truth that can’t be conveyed via nonfiction—at least not as well.
As a classic example of this, I’d like to offer the 70’s TV series “M*A*S*H.” (To be precise, the TV series was a based on a movie, which was based on the book—all of the same name.) For those too young to be familiar with this incredibly popular “comedy” series, either in its original run or in syndication, M*A*S*H was the story of a fictional Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean conflict in the 50’s. (Its final episode had the largest audience for a sitcom episode ever, 125 million viewers!) Although the show was booked as a sit-com—and some of the shows were crazy funny— the episodes laid bare the brutality, horror and senselessness of war. Even though set two decades earlier in Korea, M*A*S*H was a cleverly staged satire on the Vietnam War and war in general. In fact, this fictional show may have done as much to tip public sentiment against the Vietnam War as all the demonstrations and op-eds combined.
Fiction is about truth.
So, as I wrote my novels, I paid special attention to my words…and what I chose to write about. I’m not naïve. I realize readers pick up my Haunted Shores Mysteries looking for puzzling whodunits or perhaps hoping to escape to one of my incredible locations—did you know Cape May has one of the top 10 beaches in America?—or even to experience a little “who-hoo.”
But my novels are about more than cold case murders, a ghost or two, a thread of romance or even breathtakingly beautiful resorts. I’m also careful to cast my narrative to tell a larger truth. A truth about us, about our society, about how we treat each other.
In the first entry, BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE, my hero’s investigation of a young man’s death becomes entangled with the thorny issue of racial injustice. My tale is set two decades earlier but the issue Darrell confronts—discrimination and racial injustice—is still incredibly problematic today on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as much of the country.
In the second novel, CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY, my hero, Darrell is stalked by a young bride seeking justice for her murder, five years earlier. When he looks into her death, he stumbles upon a far greater crime—both in 1999 and still now—the horrific crime of human trafficking. My murder mystery gives me the opportunity to expose the ugly truth about this scourge on human nature.
In the third installment, SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER, I set my sights on an equally compelling social issue, one not very well understood by most Americans. Darrell and his new wife Erin head to the quaint town on Florida’s Gulf coast for a romantic honeymoon, but the ghosts of two murdered children have other plans for him. As Darrell tries to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of two young Latino children, he is thrust in the middle of our “immigrant problem,” as they might say on the news. As I completed my research for this novel, which takes place more than twenty years earlier, I was amazed how little has changed on this issue. As a nation, we’re still struggling today much the same way we were in 2000 with how we deal with “the hungry, the poor, yearning to be free” as is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.
My words in these pages are not intended to persuade anyone. Like my efforts in CRIMSON about human trafficking, in SCARLET I’m hoping my writing may cause readers to pause and want to learn more, this time about the plight of migrant workers—and not simply accept the soundbites about these incredibly important issues on TV or social media.
I hope my fiction portrays truth. I believe that’s an important responsibility. More than success or popularity or fame, I hope my words matter.
“One thing that is particularly special about Overbeck’s books is that they unabashedly tackle social issues within their plots. Already having discussed racism and human trafficking in his first two books, “Scarlet at Crystal River” once again forces readers to confront a particularly pervasive and dangerous social issue. This book, in particular, touches upon the dangers of racism and xenophobia, as well as emphasize the often-ignored plights of the hundreds of thousands of migrant workers who are the reason we are able to have such a variety of fruits, vegetables and other resources in our daily lives.”—ReaderViews
AUTHOR BIO:
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children in roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His novels have earned national awards including the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Thriller of the Year from Readers Favorite, Silver Award for Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews and Crown of Excellence from Ind’tale Magazine. Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences. His newest literary project, the podcast, Great Stories about Great Storytellers, exposes the weird and unusual backstories of great storytellers like authors, directors and poets.
Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s sixth annual Christmas in July Fête. 46 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon (US or Canada) gift card.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event! Tinsel and Tea Cakes is featured today. Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Please join me in welcoming author Amber Cross. Today we are spotlighting A Full-Bodied Love. This contemporary romance won The Founders’ Award at Fall in Love With New England reader/writer conference 2021.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Full-Bodied Love
Author: Amber Cross
Genre: Contemporary Romance
BLURB:
Lisa Kirkpatrick is stubborn, but she’s not stupid. If this guy needs a cover date to evade an unwanted admirer, who is she to object? It’s not as if handsome men fall all over themselves to ask her out. Most don’t even see her. Sure, they know there’s a woman in the wheelchair, but it would never occur to them that there’s a woman in the wheelchair. He notices. This solid, fun, straight shooting guy ticks off every box on her ideal man list. But why do they call him Slick? Roger Plankey didn’t know what he was missing. Health, prosperity, friends, and family, he thought his life was full until he walked into the town clerk’s office and laid eyes on the woman behind the counter. A spunky, independent woman with a dash of humor and just enough sass to keep him on his toes. She fills that unknown void in his life like she was made for him. But is there such a thing as too perfect?
EXCERPT (First Meeting):
“If you’re running from the law, you’ve come to the wrong place.”
A woman leaning out of the town clerk’s service window pointed to the police department across the hall. She wore a black felt witch’s hat, and orange pumpkins dangled from her ears, as brilliant as the smile on her face.
Well, well, well.
“It’s not the cops I need,” he admitted, approaching the window and thrusting his hand out in greeting. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. Roger Plankey.”
“Lisa Kirkpatrick.”
Her skin was soft against his work-roughened palm, her beautifully manicured nails a sharp contrast to his blunt-tipped square fingers. Halloween decorations sparkled on the black-painted ovals, but nothing shone from her left ring finger. He checked.
“Are you new here, Lisa?”
“I’m the deputy clerk. I work when Maisie needs a day off.”
“Ahh, that would explain why we haven’t met before.” Reluctantly, he took his hand back to retrieve paperwork from the inside pocket of his canvas barn jacket. “I’ve got a bunch of vehicles to register.” He passed the documents through the window, letting his gaze wander over her pretty face while she scanned them. Brown hair curled against the brim of her witch’s hat and caressed the nape of her neck. Thick eyelashes feathered high apple cheeks, and when they lifted, her hazel eyes reminded him of spring rain on the meadow.
AUTHOR BIO:
Amber Cross was raised on a family farm in New England, one of a dozen siblings, each one inspiring her writing in some way. She still lives in that same small town with her husband and the youngest of their five children. She loves spending time in the woods, in the water, and watching people because every one of them has a unique and fascinating story to tell.
Please join me in welcoming Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy. I’m delighted to share her guest post on Herman, Missouri and a behind the scenes glimpse into how this story idea was developed. Cozy up for Christmas in July with this festive spin on a new Scrooge in Scrooge and Marlee.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Scrooge And Marlee
Author: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Genre: Contemporary romance/sweet romance
BLURB:
Theo Scrooge, like the fictional Ebenezer, isn’t fond of Christmas. Any resemblance ends there for the chef and proprietor of Bah Humbug! but his love life is almost nonexistent until he meets a teacher who plans to relocate to the small German flavored town in the Missouri Rhineland. When Marlee falls into the turbulent Missouri River, Theo rescues her. As their relationship grows, so do the obstacles in Theo’s life until his worries about making money and his profit margin overshadow their romance. He’s changed but it’s not an improvement. On the eve of Christmas, Marlee offers him an ultimatum and a copy of Dickens’ book to read. Whether or not Theo will reorganize his priorities will affect if Marlee and their love can both survive.
Scrooge And Marlee is available from World Castle Publishing and most online retailers in eBook format, hardback, paperback, and audio.
Although Christmas does figure into the plot, it is a story for all seasons!
GUEST POST:
The German Town in Missouri
Tucked away in the hills above the Missouri River as it ambles through the center of the Show-Me State is a small town with a German flavor. Hermann, Missouri was founded by German immigrants. Vineyards surround the city and there are numerous wineries, some within the city limits and more just outside in the surrounding countryside. The original town lies adjacent to the river with architecture that evokes a European flavor. Several restaurants offer up German cuisine and there are multiple festivals, many imported from the old country, each year including Oktoberfest and Maifest.
My latest release, Scrooge And Marlee, is set in Hermann. Because the place is one of my favorites to visit within my home state, I loved the idea of setting one of my novels in the picturesque area.
Like most of my novels, the inspiration began with a “What if?” question. Dickens Christmas Carol is one of my favorite classics and so I wondered what if there was a young man who happened to have the surname Scrooge. I pondered how it would affect him – especially if he had a reason not to like Christmas. As Theo Scrooge came to life in my imagination, I decided he should live in Hermann. Despite the English surname, I gave him a mother and extended family with a German heritage. I also decided that some of the locals would tease him about being Scrooge.
As the story began to build in my mind, I decided Theo was a chef. Although he once wanted to travel the world, he instead returned to his hometown where ten years earlier he opened a little pub/bistro he named Bah Humbug! As the novel begins, Theo is established but he’s also lonely. He’s close to his family and best friend who happens to be the local sheriff but he would like to find a lady to love. A past relationship ended badly and he’s yet to recover.
I also have a partial German heritage so I delighted in Theo cooking German dishes and adding just a little bit of German to the conversations in the novel. Once he meets a schoolteacher who hopes to relocate to the small town, Theo is smitten but he has to save her from drowning in the river before he can meet her.
Their love story isn’t without obstacles and one of the largest is his dislike of all things Christmas. Second to that, he’s preoccupied with making money and that eventually rubs Marlee the wrong way.
AUTHOR BIO:
Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy grew up in an old blue collar neighborhood in her hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri, the place where the short lived Pony Express began and where outlaw Jesse James met his end. Her love of reading was nurtured by a steady supply of Little Golden Books and books from the neighborhood Washington Park Library. At the age of nine she wrote a poem, her first publication, that appeared in the local newspaper and from then on, she wrote.
When her family relocated to the Ozarks, she discovered a new community in Neosho, home of the real Camp Swampy of Beetle Bailey comic strip fame. After graduating from two colleges with degrees in journalism, English, and history she worked in radio, education, and became a newspaper reporter, then editor.
She met the man she married when she was thirteen and he was fifteen, but she didn’t settle down to married life until her early thirties. They raised three children before her husband passed away in 2019. Her first novel was published in 2010 and she continues to write with a growing backlist of more than thirty titles. Her favorite places include anywhere with beaches or mountains.
I am delighted to share this unbiased review for Smoother Than Spumoni, by Marilyn Barr.
BLURB
Susie Larkin is a dolphin shifter and heir to the humble Larkin’s Dairy Dip on Seagrass Island, FL. Pedaling ice cream from bicycle carts on the beach is just a stepping-stone for this future CEO of a frozen confection empire—or so she hopes.
Frank Paulino Jr. receives his first taste of freedom from Strawberry, KY in a summer internship at Bart’s Oyster bar. His pasta creations save the restaurant when red tide poisons the fresh fish of the bay, making him the most popular werewolf on Seagrass island.
Frank and Susie uncover a conspiracy that threatens not only the wildlife of the area, but also their lives. Can these two shifters put their ambitions aside long enough to give their relationship a chance, or will Frank pay the ultimate price to protect Susie and the island she loves?
I loved that my first dive into a world of shifters broadened my list of enjoyable genres.
I loved how Susie’s experience transforming from human to dolphin and back again leapt off the page.
I loved the small town, Florida beach setting. This was a perfect read to welcome summer.
I loved how the author’s vivid details bring this world to life. The descriptions of food will leave readers craving a long list of menu items.
I loved how the author evoked both the thrill and sweetness of first love. Readers can expect more than tagging along with Susie as she navigates decisions, danger, and dreams. The excitement and uncertainty of being a young adult comes flooding in as we experience Susie’s journey through her eyes.
I loved that Susie puts her future first. She is a strong heroine with goals and wants a partner in life to share achievements with.
I loved the bit of mystery interjected into the storyline.
I loved that this book is part of the Strawberry Shifters series. Readers will definitely want to revisit these characters and their world.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Smoother Than Spumoni is an enjoyable story that will drop readers into a world of shifters and young love. Although this was the perfect book to kick off my summer reading list, the story will please readers year-round. Vivid details bring this small town, Florida beach setting to life. The descriptions of food will leave readers craving a long list of menu items.
The author expertly evokes both the thrill and sweetness of first love. Readers can expect more than tagging along with Susie as she navigates decisions, danger, and dreams. The excitement and uncertainty of being a young adult comes flooding in as we experience Susie’s journey through her eyes.
Susie is a strong heroine with goals and wants a partner in life to share achievements with. The bit of mystery interjected into the storyline is an added bonus. I’m so glad this story is part of the Strawberry Shifters series. Readers will definitely want to revisit these characters and their world.
Please join me in welcoming Linda Griffin. Today we are spotlighting Bridges. I’m always excited to welcome a fellow Scrabble enthusiast! More importantly, I’m sold on the book blurb. Get ready to add to your TBR pile.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Bridges
Author: Linda Griffin
Genre: Sweet Romance
BLURB:
In 1963, Neil Vincent, a middle-aged World War II veteran and “Christian atheist,” is working at Westfield Court as a chauffeur. He likes the peace and quiet after his military career and the abundant free time, which he spends mostly indulging his passion for books. He is in an ongoing casual relationship, but not interested in a commitment.
Mary Claire DeWinter is a young, blind Catholic college student who comes to Westfield Court when her grandfather is dying. To her shock, he leaves the entire estate to her, but to secure the inheritance, she has to marry within a year. Her domineering aunt pressures her to marry a rich man who teased and bullied her when she was a child.
Neil and Mary Claire are divided by age, status, and religion, but they begin an innocent friendship based on a shared love of books and ideas. Neil wants to help her chart her own path, even though he will be out of a job if she doesn’t marry. Can they maintain their friendship and perhaps cross the bridge to more?
AUTHOR BIO:
Linda Griffin is a native of San Diego and has a BA in English from San Diego State University and an MLS from UCLA. As soon as she learned to read, she knew she wanted to be a “book maker” and wrote her first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” at the age of six. She retired as fiction librarian for the San Diego Public Library in order to spend more time on her writing. Her stories have been published in numerous journals including, Eclectica, Thema Literary Review, The Binnacle, and most recently The Adirondack Review. Bridges is her fifth novel from the Wild Rose Press, after four romantic suspense titles, Seventeen Days (2018), The Rebound Effect (2019), Guilty Knowledge (2020), and Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking (2021). In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—she enjoys movies, Scrabble, and travel.
Please join me in welcoming M.S. Spencer. Today we are spotlighting Hidden Gem: The Secret of St. Augustine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Hidden Gem: The Secret of St. Augustine
Author: M. S. Spencer
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Romantic Suspense
BLURB:
Barnaby and Philo’s story begins with very bad chili and a dead body.
Barnaby is in St. Augustine, Florida, to teach a college seminar, and plans to use The Secret—a treasure hunt book—as a framework for his class. He enlists Philo Brice, owner of an antique map store, to aid him in seeking clues in the historic sites of the ancient city.
Together they face murderers, thieves, thugs, and fanatics, heightening their already strong attraction to each other. Can they solve the puzzle and unearth the treasure before the villains do? Philo and Barnaby pursue several twisting paths and false leads before arriving at a startling conclusion.
AUTHOR BIO:
Librarian, anthropologist, Congressional aide, speechwriter—M. S. Spencer has traveled the globe. She has published fifteen romantic suspense or murder mystery novels, with two more on the way. She has two fabulous grown children and an incredible granddaughter. She divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.
Please join me in welcoming author Josephine Strand. Misty Dreams is a perfect pick for readers of sweet romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Misty Dreams
Author: Josephine Strand
Genre: Sweet Romance
BLURB:
“As a child, she filled his void. As a woman, she completed him.”
Clare has lived on St. Isabel Island all her life, except for a few months she can’t recall. A traumatic childhood experience has left a blank spot in her memory and a lingering feeling of having lost more than just a small, painful piece of her past. When the enigmatic Dr. Richard Kelly shows up on her island, she feels whole for the first time. Yet she’s certain the man is a stranger to her, until she discovers he’s been hiding something from her, a secret that reawakens her childhood fears and threatens to upset her life again.
Richard Kelly’s hard-earned career as a world-renowned neurosurgeon has been derailed by his ex-wife’s unspeakable betrayal. His entire life is on a downward spiral. In a desperate attempt to outrun his demons, he sets off to a remote island in the South to trace the origins of an anonymous painting. He doesn’t expect to come face to face with the girl he once knew as Misty, and he’s instantly captivated by her genuine charm. But if the charismatic kindergarten teacher of the secret lagoon is the Misty of his past, why doesn’t she remember him?
Misty Dreams is a heartwarming love story about second chances and the healing power of new beginnings.
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
The idea for the story came from a series I wrote in my late twenties. In between caring for my daughter and helping my husband in his business, I wrote several novellas set in a vacation resort on a tropical island. It was superficial, frivolous stuff that will never see the light of day. I had grown to love two of my characters so much, Clare and Richard, I wanted them to have their own standalone story. What laid the groundwork for the plot was probably my deep-seated regret for not having been blessed with a sister. In Misty Dreams, Clare’s sister plays a key role in the mystery the story revolves around.
Where do you get your ideas?
The books I read are the inspiration for my stories. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child, and I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write. When I’m experiencing the dreaded writer’s block, reading a good book will get me back in the mood.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
When it comes to research, I’m mostly a couch surfer, though I draw inspiration from my actual travels. Ever since I was a little girl I have loved traveling to new places. I believe traveling and living in different parts of the world have helped shape me as a person and as a writer and impacted the way I see the world.
When did you begin writing?
I don’t remember not ever writing. As a little girl I loved writing essays for English class. One of the first fiction pieces I wrote was in elementary school, a fantasy short story on book characters coming to life in the school library when the clock struck midnight.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been English not being my first language. Although I read a lot of English books, using the English lexicon in my writing doesn’t come easy to me. I worked on Misty Dreams for several years before I felt comfortable enough to send it out into the world.
What does literary success mean to you?
Literary success to me doesn’t mean monetary reward. That would be nice, of course, but just knowing people are reading my book gives me a great sense of fulfilment. Having doubted for so many years my ability to write for other people’s enjoyment, I still have trouble believing I can and did.
What writing tips or marketing advice would you like to share?
The most important advice I would give new or aspiring writers is, don’t let your insecurities get in the way of your writing. Don’t let self-doubt and lack of self-confidence hold you back. Spend time learning the fundamentals of writing and becoming more competent in your own abilities. On the marketing front, I would advise to start setting up social media platforms well ahead of a book launch to start building an audience. I was never a fan of social media, and the thought of putting myself out there for the whole world to see was terrifying. Today, I regret not having had the foresight to do that.
Which authors inspire you?
Nicholas Sparks is a long-time favorite, and the one I draw the most inspiration from. Despite his obsession for serious subject matters and less-than-happy endings, he writes books that impact me on an emotional level and that stay embedded in my memory. I’m also a big fan of Jojo Moyes since reading “Me Before You”, for the humor and warmth she infuses in her books.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a second stand-alone novel. For a while I toyed with the idea of a Misty Dreams sequel, but I struggled to find inspiration. Not being a fan of romance series, I decided to write the story I wanted to read.
AUTHOR BIO:
Josephine Strand was born in Italy, grew up in South Africa, and is a long-time resident of the United States. She discovered her love of books when she was introduced to her town’s public library at the age of eight. At nine, she gained her English teacher’s praise with her short story The Library at Midnight. She hasn’t stopped writing since, though Misty Dreams is her first published novel. Her travels between the three continents have strengthened her love for the sea and the outdoors. When not writing or absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, she loves to cook and enjoys long nature walks.
Please join me in welcoming author Norm Harris. Today we are spotlighting Deception Pass, Book 3 in the Spider Green Mystery Thriller Series.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Deception Pass (Spider Green Mystery Thriller Series Book 3)
Author: Norm Harris
Genre: Legal Military Mystery Thriller and Time Travel
BLURB:
A girl travels back in time to that never never land of spies and samovars. To the land of bears, bombs, babushkas, and borscht. To the land where anything can happen and often does. An American ship on course in the Pacific experiences an event unlike anything that any ship, anywhere, has ever undergone.
Faydra “Spider” Green has had a storied career as a Navy lawyer, all while juggling being the daughter of a former U.S. president. She has successfully navigated intricate diplomatic situations, pulse-pounding legal investigations, and dangerous military missions, managing each time to save the day. But now a man who had nearly cost Fay her life has seemingly returned from the dead. Now, hellbent on revenge, he poses a threat to Fay and national security. Fay will have to go to extraordinary lengths to stop him, even tampering with the bounds of time and space.
EXCERPT:
She considered shutting the cell off. A message could be left. Yet, she was curious why her cell had service deep inside the hull of the Green to begin with. She glanced at the screen. It had to be urgent, and Jon never called. He only showed up unannounced in her bedroom when he felt the need to talk.
Fay spoke up. “Gentlemen, I have an urgent call. Can we take five?”
Admiral Cartright said, “Let’s take five, everyone.”
Fay said to JP, “It’s Jon Shaman. Come with.”
The two women rose and exited the room.
JP said, “What’s up?”
“I don’t know,” Fay replied. “Jon has something he said I need to see.”
“This is the same Jon who has little use for anything technology, unless it’s spy stuff related?” JP asked.
The ladies found an out-of-the-way spot in the passageway.
Fay called Jon back. “Jon!” she said in greeting. “This is unusual for you! What’s up, man?”
“Faydra, I want you to see this,” he replied. A photo of the upper torso of a woman was then displayed on her cell screen.
It took several seconds for it to register in her mind. “Jon… it’s me?” Fay guessed. “Well, it looks like me posing as Faye King. What is this?”
“A woman found dead yesterday in New York City.”
AUTHOR BIO:
Except for time spent in military service I live in the Pacific Northwest with my legal-beagle son K-K. and seven large tropical fish from the Amazon River. I am a second-generation Seattleite (that’s what they call those of us who dwell in the shadow of Mr. Rainier). I have had the opportunity to travel our planet many times over. My stories are created from my memories of my personal experiences, the places I have visited, and the people and friends I have known.
Please join me in welcoming author Wendy Rich Stetson. Look no further than Hometown for a delightful, sweet romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Hometown
Author: Wendy Rich Stetson
Genre: Sweet Romance
BLURB:
When Tessa’s big-city plans take the A Train to disaster, she lands in her sleepy hometown, smack in the middle of the most unlikely love triangle ever to hit Pennsylvania’s Amish Country.
Hot-shot Dr. Richard Bruce is bound to Green Ridge by loyalty that runs deep. Deeper still is Jonas Rishel’s tie to the land and his family’s Amish community. Behind the wheel of a 1979 camper van, Tessa idles at a fork in the road. Will she cruise the superhighway to the future? Or take a slow trot to the past and a mysterious society she never dreamed she’d glimpse from the inside?
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
Just out of acting school and twiddling my thumbs while I waited for the phone to ring, I saw an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show featuring romance writers. “I could do that,” I thought, every bit as naïve as I was to think a starring role on Broadway would land on my doorstep, wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a satin bow. Still, inspired by those Oprah writers with the often-heard advice to “write what I knew” I came up with a simple premise: what would happen if a girl moved back to her hometown and fell in love with an Amish guy. Twenty years and endless edits later, Hometown is now in the hands of readers.
Do ideas for plot or characters appear first?
Perhaps stemming from my work as an actor, I get most of my inspiration from situations. Actors often use the phrase “what if” to connect to our roles and approach our acting work in a truthful, emotionally-centered way. What if I was a young, headstrong woman in the time of the American Revolution, looking to find a husband among the hotheaded revolutionaries in New York City? What if my uncle killed my father and married my mother…how would I feel and behave? When I begin a book, I don’t think, “I know—I’ll write about a tall girl with curly red hair and impossibly high standards in men.” I think, “What if I moved back to my hometown in central Pennsylvania and met a drop-dead handsome Amish guy at the farmer’s market?” and I let the story spring from there. I like getting characters in trouble–that’s where the good stuff lies.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Since my hometown provided the inspiration for my book series, I didn’t have far to travel. But I still did oodles of research. I take the responsibility of writing about another culture very seriously. When I first started working on Hometown, my only resources were books and the observations I made from interacting with the Amish in my town. Now, many online sources offer details about all aspects of Amish life. I have read many books, watched videos, read blogs, and written to other authors of Amish fiction for help. It’s extremely important to me that I represent Amish life and culture as accurately and respectfully as I can, while also depicting the Amish as real people, not costumed characters.
When did you begin writing?
I can’t remember when I didn’t write. When I was a girl, I wrote fantasy stories, and as a teenager, I was an obsessive diarist.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
As a freelancer, my days are never the same. Sometimes I write 45 minutes, and sometimes I get a good four or five hours of writing before my brain turns to mush.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Social media. It can be such a great way to connect with other authors and readers, but it sure can be a time suck as well.
What does literary success mean to you?
A few weeks ago I sent a paperback copy of my book to a high school friend. We had been in touch off and on over the years, but after chatting one day on Facebook, I asked if she liked sweet romance. She said yes, and I just stuck a copy in the mail for old times’ sake. A week or so later, she messaged that she had spent the whole day at the hospital while her husband had neck surgery, and that my book really helped her get through the rough tasks of waiting and caregiving. That, to me, is the pinnacle of literary success.
What writing tips or marketing advice would you like to share?
Write the story you want to read. Don’t set out to please some ideal reader you’ve imagined in your head. Tell a tale that thrills and delights you, and you’ll find no end of inspiration.
Which authors inspire you?
Diana Gabaldon is a tremendous inspiration. Her depth of character, emotion, and detailed research make me drool. Amish romance writers Kelly Irvin and Patricia Johns are not only wonderful people, but lovely writers. And indy romcom writer Ellyn Oaksmith could teach a master class in comedy.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m so excited to be working on the second book in the Hearts of the Ridge Series, Heartsong Hills. Jonas Rishel, the Amish carpenter who is the hero of Hometown, has a sister who in book one is angry and bitter after suffering great loss in her life. Book two places her in the spotlight, giving her a story full of music, whimsy, and unlikely love.
AUTHOR BIO:
Wendy Rich Stetson is a New York City girl who still considers the Central Pennsylvania countryside to be her home. She grew up road tripping in a 1979 VW camper van, and she keeps a running list of favorite roadside attractions from coast to coast. Now an author of sweet, small-town romance, Wendy is no stranger to storytelling. She’s a Broadway and television actress, an audiobook narrator, and a mom who likes nothing more than collaborating on children’s books with her teenage artist daughter. Wendy lives in Upper Manhattan with her family of three and rambunctious Maine Coon kitty. Follow Wendy’s journey at www.wendyrichstetson.com
Please join me in welcoming author Mark Edward Jones. Peculiar Activities looks like a great option for anyone looking for a new mystery to read.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Peculiar Activities
Author: Mark Edward Jones
Genre: Mystery
BLURB:
Henry Ike Pierce is a junior detective in Alexandria, Virginia, newly hired to reassess cold-case killings. On the third day of his new job, a body appears in a local park. The corpse’s desecration is like slayings from over two decades ago, and his boss assigns Henry to his first investigation. He must uncover the present-day killer while his boss pushes him to resolve crimes from the past. Rumors point to a killer called ‘the hooded one.’
Henry seeks a killer within a community of rival ethnic groups, refugees from the 1990s Balkan wars. The recent murder in the park triggers the old passions, leading again to central Europe and a tangle of new intrigue. Money can smooth old hurts, manipulate feelings, and alter allegiances, but finding the guilty is a hopeless task if discoveries are unwelcome.
Distrust, betrayals, conspiracies–the young man from western Virginia’s coal country discovers that ‘trust’ has a flexible definition.
AUTHOR BIO:
Mark retired in 2017 after thirty-three years working in higher education finance and wanted to try writing again. The Wild Rose Press released Peculiar Activities on October 6, 2021, the first book in the Detective Henry Ike Pierce series. This manuscript won first place in the mystery category of the 2019 Oklahoma Writers Federation annual contest.
He signed a contract for the second in this series called Shadowed Souls, currently in an editing phase with a release date in the late summer of 2022.
Mark is one of thirteen authors bringing together thirteen mystery/suspense/horror stories for a Friday the 13th series to be released on May 13, 2022. Mark’s short story is A Gentleman from the Darkness.
His flash fiction piece called “Alone in Warsaw” was published in the Autumn 2019 edition of the U.K. publication, Painted Words.
Mark grew up in Duncan, Oklahoma, then attended the University of Oklahoma, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and public administration.
He and his wife have three grown children and celebrated their fortieth anniversary in November 2021.
Mystery/suspense/international intrigue novels are his favorite reads, and he’s found a niche with medieval murder mysteries, noting it’s interesting to see the lifestyles from other eras and how crimes were solved.
His favorite music includes Elvis, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Boz Scaggs (among many others).
Please join me in welcoming author Steven J. Kolbe. Steven is joining us today to share some insight on choosing the murder victim for a mystery novel. Be sure to check out his new release, How Everything Turns Away.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: How Everything Turns Away
Author: Steven J. Kolbe
Genre: Mystery
BLURB:
In the suburbs of Chicago, everyone’s a suspect.
GUEST POST: How to Make a Murder Victim
It can be easy to short-change the murder victim. For a forensic-leaning writer, the victim can become just a body covered in clues. For a crime writer, the victim might be someone in the wrong place at the wrong time. The genre I find myself most drawn to is the straight-forward detective story with a healthy splash of suspense. Even this genre, however, is ripe for weak victims, ones who provide a dose of sympathy or a solid motive but not much else. So let’s look at a few classic victims and see what tips we can glean.
The Hated Victim: Samuel Edward Ratchett (aka Cassetti) from Murder on the Orient Express. Here is a book I love to teach because you really get to see how wrong almost every reader is. What makes Ratchett a great victim is that he’s a jerk. As more is revealed, we find out that not only do the other passengers dislike and distrust Ratchett, they increasingly have legitimate reasons to wish him dead. This creates numerous valid murder suspects, enough to keep this reader guessing until the last reveal. A contemporary example that I am enjoying is The Afterparty streaming now on Apple TV. Also, see The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz.
The Guilty Victim:Everyone from And Then There Were None.This might be the greatest mystery novel of all time. Again Agatha Christie flexes her plot-muscles by weaving a series of murders so intricate they literally require a denouement explanation to understand what happened and why.
Plot: After eight guests arrive to a remote island, they meet a cook and housemaid, both of whom explain that the host, U. N. Nowen, will arrive later. One of the guests, Anthony James Marston suggests that the host, whom none of them know personally, is likely a play on the word, “Unknown.” Immediately after making this connection, he dies of cyanide poisoning. Slowly, the guests are picked off one by one, their deaths apparent payback for some crime in their past—but who is the killer? Will the guests be able to figure out who the killer before there’s no one left? Some contemporary examples are The Guest List by Lucy Foley and Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.
The Secret Victim: Elias Openshaw from “The Five Orange Pips” by Sir Conan Arthur Doyle. Secret societies, or at the very least mysterious, manipulative ones, were a favorite of Doyle’s. Here Openshaw is murdered for his involvement with an anti-Reconstructionist society from the American South. After he leaves, the secret society falls to ruin. I’ll let you learn about it yourself and the significance of the five orange pips, which hold meaning to the victim but not, initially, to the detectives. Doyle has a similar treatment of the early Mormon church in A Study in Scarlet. Contemporary examples include The Lovebirds, a romantic-comedy mystery that takes place in New Orleans. Also see the novels, The Feral Detective by Jonathan Lethem and, somewhat less contemporary, The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon.
The Innocent Victim:The Clutter Family from In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. As a resident of southwest Kansas (I actually teach about a mile from the Clutter house at the high school Nancy Clutter attended), I had to include this family. In real-life, sometimes a victim is just that. They didn’t do anything to explain or deserve their fate. While this is often the case, it doesn’t always make for a satisfying story. If there’s only one motive for killing them, then there can only be so many suspects. In the real-life case, Bobby Rupp, Nancy’s boyfriend, was suspected for some time, but once exonerated, he didn’t leave anyone else in the community to suspect—and in fact the killers weren’t locals. If you spend the time to make them sufficiently sympathetic, however, the resolution can be particularly satisfying. A contemporary example is Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara, which investigates rampant crime and deplorable living conditions in the bastis of India. Also see Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the F.B.I.by David Grann.
This is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully it can help you get started on creating a victim of your own!
AUTHOR BIO:
Steven studied at NOCCA and LSU in Louisiana before earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from Kansas State University. He started his writing career as a lowly student worker for the prestigious literary journal The Southern Review. If you received a formal rejection letter in the mid-2000s, he probably sealed the envelope. He has published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction in various newspapers, magazines, and journals since that time.
He lives in Southwest Kansas with his wife and three children. His debut novel How Everything Turns Away is available from The Wild Rose Press.
Please join me in welcoming author Mariah Lynne. A Gem of a Murder is in the spotlight today!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Gem of A Murder –A Seabliss Island Mystery
Author: Mariah Lynne
Genre: Cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal
BLURB:
A sleepy Florida Gulf Coast Beach town suddenly comes alive as two best friends, local merchant Mariah Linley and island psychic Moonbeam find themselves in the middle of some pretty strange business after Mariah discovers their friend, a local sea captain, dead.
As events begin to unfold, the two novice sleuths are drawn into a web of murder, deception, and drugs that stretches as far west as Mexico and as far south as the Keys.
Loaded with unique characters doing surprising things, A Gem of a Murder is a cozy mystery that is set in 1986 and laced with a little romance. With a backdrop of stunning locations, A Gem of a Murder will take you on a memorable vacation without ever leaving home!
So grab your sunscreen and park that imaginary lounge chair in the sand under some swaying palm trees, but all the while, watch your back. There’s a murderer on the loose!
AUTHOR BIO:
I was born in New Jersey. My father was an Italian immigrant who taught Latin and Classical Italian at a small local college before opening his own business, an independent print shop. My mother loved to help people and volunteered at our church and with charitable groups. She was a talented lace maker and loved to crochet and knit; her father, also from Italy, was a custom furrier and tailor for some of the most affluent residents of our community. Unfortunately I didn’t inherit any of those wonderful talents since I’m not fluent in a foreign language and am barely able to sew on a button but one thing I did inherit from my parents especially my father was the love of a good story. feel-good stories of dreams, family, and romance.
I am a graduate of Syracuse University and reside on a beautiful Southwest Florida Gulf Coast island. My island lifestyle serves as the backdrop for all of my stories whether romance or cozy mystery. Before writing fiction, I owned and operated a video store on the island like my character Mariah Linley and became very active in my national trade association meeting many movie stars and famous athletes. Although brief, these encounters made for some amazing memories.
I love to write and create memorable characters. Pets are my passion and I served on the board of directors for a county wide no-kill shelter. Because of this, all of my heroines have pets like Spike, Mariah’s German shepherd crossed with a teddy bear in “A Gem of a Murder.” When not writing, I still enjoy watching movies, travelling (even though we were stranded in beautiful Australia for eight days during March of 2020 because of the pandemic), swimming, and spending time with my husband Jerry.
Please join me in welcoming author Margot Johnson. Let it Melt is an excellent choice for readers looking for a new, sweet romance to cozy up with.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Let it Melt
Author: Margot Johnson
Genre: Sweet contemporary romance
BLURB:
How on earth did Jill, a single divorcee, land on a romantic Valentine’s Sweetheart Tour for couples? Worse, she’s paired with Jack, her daughter’s brash father-in-law, and everyone thinks he’s her valentine. Stranded in a Canadian prairie blizzard, how soon can she kiss this awkward evening goodbye?
Long divorced, Jack would love to charm Jill with his toned body and dynamic personality, but his wisecracks and obsession with fitness get in the way—especially when he nabs a post at the same school where she teaches.
Even the most romantic month of the year can’t melt their differences and sweeten Jill’s feelings….or can it?
AUTHOR BIO:
Margot Johnson writes feel-good stories of dreams, family, and romance.
She is the author of two sweet romance novels, LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY, and two novellas, LET IT SNOWBALL and LET IT MELT. 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!)
Margot lives in the Canadian prairies with her amazing husband and adorable golden retriever.
Please join me in welcoming author Jennifer Wilck. Unlock My Heart is a perfect for read for anyone looking for a new contemporary romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Unlock My Heart
Author: Jennifer Wilck
Genre: Contemporary romance
BLURB:
Abby Marlow, computer security expert, lands a job at the best IT security firm in the country. Her sole focus is financial independence so she never has to rely on others again, especially a man. But why does her boss make her wires short circuit?
Ted Endicott, CEO and founder of the IT security firm, is hard of hearing. Although an expert in his field, he’s still uncomfortable admitting his difficulty hearing to his clients or employees. So why is he willing to accept Abby’s help?
As Ted and Abby work together, barriers fall away, and soon the lines blur between colleagues and lovers. But a security glitch in a client’s system indicates one of his employees is the hacker, and all signs point to Abby. Can they get past the suspicion and find a future together?
INTERVIEW:
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
This is the second book in my Scarred Hearts series, although each can be read as a standalone. I’m a big fan of the wounded hero trope. The inspiration for the series came from having coffee with one of my author friends. We were discussing ideas for future books as we were lamenting the scary/crazy/depressing world news. I always try to write books where the reader can escape, and I started thinking about how to change what was going on around me. What if a billionaire used his wealth for good? What if he joined forces with his friends from college to do so? What if they all had secrets they hid from the world? And so, the idea for the series was born: Four college buddies have found financial success and risen to the top of their fields in media, architecture, landscape architecture and computer security. All of the men are damaged in some way—physically, psychologically, emotionally—and all of them have resigned themselves to a life focused solely on their careers. Yet something is missing and they seek fulfillment their careers can’t give them. They pool their extra money and form CAST, an investment group to help the less fortunate. They support coding for kids, therapy gardens, senior living facilities and shelters for abused kids. And then they meet the women who draw them out of their shells, challenge them and turn their worlds upside down. For this specific book, I wanted to create a hard-of-hearing hero who hid his difficulties from everyone—except the heroine, of course. And I wanted a strong, intelligent heroine, so I made her a talented computer programmer who rose from the depths of poverty to make a career for herself.
Where do you get your ideas?
Well, other than coffee with my author friends, I find them everywhere. Sometimes I’ll see a character on a TV show or in a movie that inspires me, or whom I want to flesh out and take in a different direction. Other times a piece of conversation or a scene will come into my head while I take my dog for a walk or while I’m falling asleep at night.
Do ideas for plot or characters appear first?
Characters usually appear first for me. Whether it’s their black moment or a conversation or just a type of person I want to write about, that’s what I usually see first. Then I create the plot around them.
When did you begin writing?
I’ve written forever and always had partial stories written. But I began seriously writing when my kids were little, in 2006 or so.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
It varies. I try to get about 1,000 words a day, but life happens and inspiration ebbs and flows, so I’m not always successful.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Currently, I’m fighting with my muse for inspiration, which is very frustrating. But I’m persistent and I’m determined to win.
What writing tips or marketing advice would you like to share?
Writing is a muscle, so use it regularly. Marketing is essential, but you can’t do everything. So pick one thing you’re good at or comfortable with and do it regularly. Once you’ve mastered that one thing, add in a second thing.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the third book in the Scarred Hearts series, A Heart Restrained. It’s about the third friend in this friend group, a media mogul who is afraid to show emotion. He’s a big, bald, tatted guy and I’m having so much fun with him.
AUTHOR BIO:
Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Pretty soon, her head was filled with these stories and the characters that populated them. Even as an adult, she thinks about the characters and stories at night before she falls asleep or walking the dog. Eventually, she started writing them down. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.
In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.
Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.
Please join me in welcoming author Jo A. Hiestand. If you’re looking for a delightful cozy mystery, A Trifling Murder is a perfect pick.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Trifling Murder
Author: Jo A. Hiestand
Genre: Cozy crime mystery
BLURB:
The annual Robert Burns Birthday Dinner celebration is underway in the small Missouri town of Beaudin Trace. Guests gather to honor Scotland’s national poet with bagpipes and haggis and a trifle for dessert. But everything isn’t as smooth as Scotch whisky. The Society’s president and vice-president have a very public haggle over the haggis. And less than an hour later, one of them is found dead.
And found by Kate Dunbar, owner of The Cookie Cutter Bakery. It wouldn’t be too bad except the victim was murdered with her knife.
Gossip hints she is the killer. The majority of her customers must agree, for her bakery sales fall drastically. If she is to keep the business from crumbling, she needs to investigate.
But sleuthing is harder and more dangerous to Kate and those around her than she thought. Luckily, she gets help from the town’s zany songwriter and his Scottie dog. Murder is no trifling matter.
AUTHOR BIO:
Jo A. Hiestand grew up on regular doses of music, books, and Girl Scout camping. She gravitated toward writing in her post-high school years and finally did something sensible about it, graduating from Webster University with a BA degree in English and departmental honors. She writes two British mystery series—of which three books have garnered the prestigious N.N. Light’s Book Heaven ‘Best Mystery Novel’ three years straight. She also writes a Missouri-based mystery series (of which “A Trifling Murder” is the second book) that is grounded in places associated with her camping haunts. The camping is a thing of the past, for the most part, but the music stayed with her in the form of playing guitar and harpsichord, and singing in a folk group. Jo carves jack o’ lanterns badly; sings loudly; and loves barbecue sauce and ice cream (separately, not together), kilts (especially if men wear them), clouds and stormy skies, and the music of G.F. Handel. You can usually find her pulling mystery plots out of scenery—whether from photographs or the real thing.
Please join me in welcoming L.B. Griffin sharing details about her new release. Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox is a historical romance filled with mystery and suspense.
Blurb
When Harriet Laws loses her grandmother and her job, her happy life in London seems over. Alone, grief-stricken and penniless, she thinks wildly about ending it all. Fate steps in as Tom Fletcher saves her, gives her hope, and guides her to new employment. He takes her to dinner, and she finds him attractive. He’s older, but she doesn’t mind. Does he? Tom, a quiet, hardworking man, is unsure of Harriet’s feelings, but he’s also very busy building his business interests. So it’s no wonder a suave, sophisticated man walks off with Harriet right under Tom’s nose. What follows, no one could have predicted, as Harriet not only loses contact with all her friends but must again fight for her very life…will she ever see Tom again?
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
It is my debut novel, but the inspiration was to show just how courageous women can be and are in the face of adversity and come out strong. Those people I write about are inspirational.
Where do you get your ideas? Do ideas for plot or characters appear first?
Great question, though I’m not sure I can give you a straight answer. For my debut novel the plot was definitely first, followed swiftly by the characters. In all my books I’ve found there is a running theme. Courage and survival. You see, over the years I’ve been in an amazing position to teach and work with wonderful groups of people. I’ve been on the front line listening to their stories and they have taught me so much, it has been a truly humbling experience. Knowledge is key to writing plots and knowing your characters. My stories are a fusion of everything I have ever learned.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Yes. For example I’ve been to London numerous times, but recently revisited, and took my granddaughter to see it through her eyes. That was a fab experience.
When did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing for years, though never had the confidence to send any of my work until a friend said “you better get it out there before you pop your clogs mate!” That was a bit of a wakeup call. After considering her words I thought did I really want my epitaph to read shoulda woulda coulda?
How many hours do you dedicate each day toward writing?
Phew, that is a hard one. Some days I can write for hours. Other times I just get twenty minutes or so drive in me as I can be pulled in many directions. It was different when I wrote around the full time paid job. I really had to be more organized. I often left the house toothbrush in hand, flinging on shoes but with my brain still typing on the keyboard but having to rush to get to work!
What has been your biggest challenge?
I guess you are asking me in relation to writing, so I have to answer honestly – 1. Being brave enough to send it to a publishers. I am incredibly shy, though no-one would believe it and marketing myself was a huge struggle, still is.
What does literary success mean to you?
When I got my novel published and held it in my hands. Goodness. That was really strange. To see copies are being sold in Waterstones and available all over the world. I can’t believe how many copies have been sold to date! I know I’m not in the same genre pool as the big names, but I do have to pinch myself from time to time, amazed at the fab reviews. I really never believed it would happen.
What marketing tips or advice would you like to share?
I write a blog, for budding writers. It’s lovely to hear from so many people. I love it when they say they found a post really helpful. It gives me a bit of a happy buzz so I carry on.
Marketing, as every writer knows, is really hard. Unless I guess you are in JK Rowling’s league, and can afford to pay for all that stuff. I don’t believe in wasting money on marketing in the huge sense. After all it would wipe out any royalties I might get, so I ask myself what the point is. From everything I have learned from the great bunch of TWRP authors, there doesn’t seem to be one ad, or promo place that makes you money (if that is what you are after). For me I’m happy with my lot. Just getting my book read is fantastic and payment enough. Don’t give up on your dream, if a gran can, so can you!
Which authors inspire you?
Hmm. I read so much it would be hard to put my finger on just one author. Roald Dahl is one for sure. Palahniuk, Kesey, Steinbeck.
What project are you currently working on?
I have two projects on the go. The Twenty One Year Contract, follows on from Secrets, Shame and a Shoebox. They are intertwined but also standalones. The other project is strictly confidential at the moment.
Upcoming books, events, appearances, giveaweays?
Kindle version of Secrets, Shame and a Shoebox has been reduced for the holiday season. I hope that people will find it more affordable, say as a stocking filler or to download for friends and family, who love a good read. Iceland’s tradition of sitting with family on Christmas Eve reading, sounds like an excellent one!
About the Author
LB Griffin is happily married and retired and still has plans to trek around the world. When she returned from Spain, Covid raised its ugly head and sadly changed people’s lives forever. However, it was then a whole new chapter in her life was born. She was offered a contract for her debut novel and the day after, had another wonderful surprise, the safe arrival of her fifth grandchild.
LB Griffin loves her family, writing, reading a good book, being with friends and British strawberries.
Thank you to Corinne LaBalme for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
BLURB
Ghost-writer Melody Layne is stranded in Paris when the over-sexed but unloved French movie star who hired her to produce his memoir accidentally drowns before the interviews begin. It’s a major financial relief when his enigmatic Spanish son re-hires her, but the seductive Carlos Ortega is strangely silent about his reasons for funding a feel-good bio about a father that he clearly despised. There’s enough amour in the air for Melody to ignore this apparent paradox… at least until she uncovers a hidden cache of death threats addressed to the actor. For the French police, the sexy, secretive Spaniard – and sole heir to the actor’s immense fortune – is suddenly a prime murder suspect. Can Melody’s research into the Ghosts of Carlos-Past be enough to save her lover from prison?
The cozy mystery genre might be my favorite, and this book did not disappoint. I loved everything about it.
I loved that I was hooked immediately and didn’t need to wait several pages or chapters to feel fully invested in the story.
I loved that this was one of those stories that kept me turning pages long after I should have shut off the lights. Every scene and every chapter left me feeling like I had to know what happened next.
I loved the author’s talent for dropping me right into the heart of France and French culture. I was completely transported. The sights, sounds, smells, and food were crafted so vividly that I almost felt as if I were sitting in little cafes with Melody Layne and munching away on a croque monsieur or pain au chocolat.
I loved that the author created 3D characters – characters that I liked and cared about.
I loved feeling like I had a bird’s eye view into the glittering world of French stars.
I loved that this cozy mystery read almost like a romance as well. I was as invested in seeing what happened with Melody and Carlos as I was in finding out what happened to the deceased French movie star.
I loved that as the book ended, I wanted to read more by Corinne LaBalme. Finding a new favorite author is always a treat!
REVIEW SUMMARY
French Ghost was a thoroughly engaging and delightful read from start to finish. Readers should prepare to be hooked from the beginning and expect to find it a challenge to stop turning pages. The author drops the reader into the heart of France and French culture. The sights, sounds, smells, and food were crafted so vividly that readers will feel transported to find themselves sitting in little cafes with Melody Layne, munching away on a croque monsieur or pain au chocolat. The author offers a bird’s eye view into the glittering world of French stars and creates fully developed 3D characters that leap off the page. This cozy mystery reads almost like a romance as well. Following Melody’s relationship and Carlos is as enjoyable as trying to determine what happened to the deceased French movie star. If you’re looking for a new favorite author, look no further than Corinne LaBalme.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Corinne LaBalme lives in France and loves everything about it… except eating snails. Her articles about European fashion, food and fun destinations have appeared in The New York Times Travel section, Diversion, La Belle France and France Revisited. Her favorite place to write? Any Parisian café with a good croissant connection…
Jill Piscitello 