Author Archives: Alicia Dean

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About Alicia Dean

Author of paranormal and romantic suspense. Follow her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alicia-Dean/131939826889437) or twiiter (https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_)
August 8, 2024 · 7:51 am

Author Interview with C.E. Brown ~ New Release: Seeing Gray #YA #UrbanFantasy #wrpbks

Please help me welcome today’s guest, C.E. Brown…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I grew up and still live in the PNW, so clearly I love it here! I have a twin sister, who is a huge supporter and is often my first reader for everything (thank you)! I also have an older sister, am married, and have a son in elementary school. Growing up with a neurotic cat cemented my love of cats early on, so I always have cats in my household. If you want to see photos, please check out my Instagram @cebrownauthor.

Where did you get the idea for Seeing Gray?

I work in schools and enjoy writing for teens. I was really interested in touching on topics in my book that aren’t always talked about, like losing a loved one. Zoey, the main character in Seeing Gray, is drawn into the magical world by grief and her need for vengeance against the demon who killed her mother. It’s a world she’d always wanted to be a part of, but was kept hidden from by her parents. Once I had that main idea, I worked on brainstorming more ideas until I had an outline for my story. I used to be a pantser (I didn’t do any prep work first), but a few years ago I changed my writing style. I now loosely map out the entire book before writing, but I let my characters take me in new directions if they choose.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

The most difficult thing about writing a book is finding enough time to do everything. Most people believe being an author just means writing a book, but there is so much more. There is developmental editing, copy editing, querying, creating a website, doing a newsletter, setting up Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs), creating and engaging in social media, publishing, etc. All while writing the next book (and often multiple next books in different stages at the same time). Most of us have full-time jobs and families as well. While exciting, it can be exhausting too.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

I have been a School Counselor for many years. I love the variability of my job and that I get to engage with and help teens on a daily basis. While it sometimes requires long hours, every day is different and I get to meet a lot of interesting people.

What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?

I dislike dolls. As a kid I received a gorgeous porcelain doll from a relative and my older sister promptly told me a horror story about how that doll would come to life at night and scratch my eyes out. I spent every night terrified that doll was going to come and get me until my older sister finally told me the truth. Unfortunately, the damage was done, and I still am not a fan of dolls.

What was your first job?

I was a lifeguard. I love water and was always at the pool growing up. I was on the swim team and the diving team and my older sister was a lifeguard so it made sense to become a junior lifeguard and then a lifeguard. It was a fun first job. The sign at one of the pools read, “Welcome to our ool. Notice there is no ‘p’ in it. Please keep it that way.” Still makes me smile. Even back then I loved a good play on words.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

My commute. It’s about an hour each way. When COVID hit I gained two extra hours in my day by teleworking and it was absolutely amazing. I used that extra time for my writing and was able to accomplish so much! I’ve debated trying to find an online job now that we’re back to normal schedules so I can continue to work remotely, but being a school counselor doesn’t work well with being remote, and I would miss engaging with the kids in person.

What is your favorite quote?

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. -Wayne Gretzky 

The first book I ever pitched was picked up by Wild Rose Press and is being published! That never would have happened if I hadn’t been convinced by a friend to put my work out there and enter a contest, shocking myself when I placed. Take that chance on yourself and see what you can achieve!

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I have written six books but only one, Seeing Gray, is currently being published. The first book I wrote was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot, but it was a hot mess and will likely never see the light of day. My second book was pretty decent but I need to fix the saggy middle before I’d consider publishing it. Seeing Gray was my third and I’ve since written three other books, although some still need to be edited. One of the books is a Middle Grade Fantasy. When I received my publishing contract for Seeing Gray, my son really wanted to read it, but was too young. I promised I’d write him a different book instead, and he asked me to write a book about a troll and a dog (we were walking over a bridge at the time). He then helped me come up with different ideas for the book, and he was one of the first people to read it and give feedback.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

Most of the time when I tell someone I write and am having a book published they automatically assume it’s a non-fiction book having something to do with counseling. It’s been fun surprising people. I’ve never been secretive about my writing, but I guess I don’t talk about it as much outside of my writing friends as I thought I did. So far, people have been very supportive.

How did you come up with the title?

One of the main magical items in Seeing Gray is a ring with three stones: Gray, white, and black. No spoilers, so I can’t give more details, but the title was inspired by the ring. The book also has a sub theme around accepting everyone equally. Specifically in the book you’ll discover that certain races are treated differently by the Others as that is how they were brought up to treat them, but Zoey, not being raised to think of anyone in a particular way, sees everyone as being equal. I like the idea of having in the title the notion that we shouldn’t just look at things, but should focus on actually seeing them.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I don’t have a favorite author as there are way too many that I love, but I distinctly remember reading the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. I absolutely loved her characters and wanted to be able to write characters that resonated with other people the way her characters resonated with me.

Your favorite…

Place you’ve visited- I studied abroad in Greece and absolutely loved it

Place you’d like to visit- Egypt, I’ve always wanted to see the pyramids

TV show from childhood- Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Food- Pizza

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Board games! I adore board games and played a lot of them growing up. A particular favorite was always Scrabble.

“Over the course of this novel, Brown presents a thrilling coming-of-age adventure story in a compelling urban fantasy setting…Excellent worldbuilding conjures an ideal backdrop for plenty of action and misadventures…A fast-paced fantasy with a bold lead character and a well-developed fictional world.” –Kirkus Reviews

She can see them, but now they can see her too.

Blurb:

    Celestials have been killing Seers for centuries, as prophesy states that a Seer will overthrow Celestial rule. Worried for Zoey’s safety, her parents forbid her from registering as a Seer and interacting with the Celestials, Fae, and Demons who hide among humankind. Zoey is forced to wear a necklace that hides magic from her and conceals her magic from them.

    Witness to her mother’s murder at the hands of a Demon, Zoey vows to track down her mother’s killer and make him pay. Embracing her magic, Zoey is brought deeper into the mythical world by an unlikely ally and wonders if perhaps her parents were right to keep her out of it.

    Will she avenge her mother’s death, or will she meet the same untimely fate?

Excerpt:

    My heart stopped. Hidden in the shadows was a large shape. No, not large—massive. Hunched over, it was a tight fit under the bridge. The two yellow eyes were set in a mud-brown face with a huge potato nose. Floppy ears topped the head, and an immense belly protruded, as well as two curved tusks. I opened my mouth to say something, and no sound came. I swallowed. A low growl came from under the bridge, shaking the ground I was sitting on. I slipped and slid a few feet before catching myself, my side now covered in mud and my foot stuck in a squelching pile of goo. I hoped it was mud. It smelled awful. I somehow had kept hold of my notebook, but my pencil was long gone. I scrambled up the hill half crawling, fingers digging into the grass, terror making me shake. When I was at the top of the hill, I ducked back under the fence and then stopped, notebook pressed to my chest, and waited. No sounds came from behind me. Hands trembling, I shoved my notebook into my bag, grateful it had remained slung over my shoulder.

    No pursuit, no more growls. Should I go back? I debated, but the growl made me think that might be a bad idea. He or she had clearly not wanted me there. Was I breaking some sort of rule and invading its territory? The troll had just appeared. Had they come through a portal? Maybe they were just passing through.

    So, trolls. They exist. Check. I’d have to draw it when I got home and record what I knew. God, I wish I wasn’t such a scaredy-cat. Before Mom died, the sight of the troll wouldn’t have terrified me. I used to love to See strange creatures when I caught a glimpse. Now, anything larger than a cat sent my heart racing into overdrive and made me break out in a cold sweat. Not a full-blown panic attack, but close. Damn it. Gritting my teeth, I reached into my bag and grabbed the brownie I’d saved from lunch. Everyone liked brownies, right? I ducked under the fence, put my bag on the ground, and crept back down the hill.

Buy links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble BooksAMillion

About the Author:

C.E. Brown has lived most of her life in the Pacific Northwest, close to family and friends. She loves to travel, always searching for magical places to help inspire creativity. C.E. attests that she has a very patient and understanding husband, a wildly creative son, and three crazy cats—one steals her shoes, another steals her food, and the third is a sweetly neurotic old man who can’t decide if he’d prefer to be pet or left alone. C.E. didn’t find her passion for writing until she began wrangling kids as a school counselor, but then the writing bug bit and she’s been writing ever since.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

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August 1, 2024 · 12:17 pm

Author Interview with Lori Pollard-Johnson ~ New Release: Toxic Torte #CozyMystery #WRPbks

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Lori Pollard-Johnson…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I’m a writer who splits her time between Washington (the state) and Arizona. I have an amazing husband, and we’ll be celebrating forty years of marriage next March in Spain and Mallorca. I have two also amazing children, two wonderful kids-in-law, and two incredible grandchildren. I’m a bit of a foodie, and I love to hike, swim, and practice Pilates and yoga. And, of course, I also love to create curious and resourceful characters who solve crimes and learn about themselves while doing so.

Tell us a bit about how you came to write your book?

Toxic Torte was a joy to write. It features Jess Harriet, a young, sassy woman trying very hard to make a name for herself in the newspaper industry. Unfortunately, she’s a year shy of her journalism degree and stuck at The Seattle Sun, a local weekly best known for its back page, which is dedicated solely to personal ads. When she’s assigned an obituary for Perry Lowell, a local restaurant critic, she sees yet another dead end. But midway through the memorial, detectives arrive. It seems Perry didn’t die of a heart attack after all. He was murdered…with a toxic torte. Jess seizes her opportunity to scoop the story and prove herself a real journalist. But she stirs up trouble with the chefs who wanted him dead and is invited to a dinner she senses is a recipe for danger.

I got the idea for this book while writing for the food and wine industry many years ago. Again and again, I met chefs from unique backgrounds who poured their hearts and souls into creating incredible food, only to be panned by critics whose motives often felt inspired less by a love of food and more by a desire to sound important. And, as I discovered, these critics had the ability to make or break a chef’s career with a few strokes of fingers on keyboards. How frustrating and cruel! That’s when I began to wonder: What would it take for a mild-mannered chef to commit murder? The result, of course, is Toxic Torte.

Are there any tricks, habits or superstitions you have when creating a story?

I have a couple of tricks that I like to share with other writers who are trying to commit to writing a book. First, wear thick socks. I know that sounds silly, but it’s literal as well as metaphoric. If you wear thick socks, you won’t feel the crumbs on the floor as you walk to your office to settle into writing. If you don’t feel the crumbs on the floor, you won’t be tempted to stop and sweep, spending precious time cleaning when you could be writing. It’s a little like “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”; if you resist the urge to do all the mundane necessities, you’ll find you have time to write. And I promise you, the crumbs on the floor, like the dishes in the sink, and the dirty clothes in the hamper, will still be there when you finish writing for the day. Second, remove computer games from your laptop. It’s tempting to play a couple hands of Solitaire while waiting for the muse to speak, but it’s a time-waster that doesn’t serve you. Third, don’t booby-trap your writing. Nothing is scarier than a blank page. Don’t stop at the end of a chapter. Stop in the middle of a page, the middle of a paragraph, even the middle of a sentence. Stop at a place where you know what will happen next. It enables you to dive right back in and produce words the minute you open your manuscript.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

Although I’m retired from teaching (I taught elementary school first, then moved to the college level to teach English and creative writing), I do have a second job. My husband and I are mom-and-pop landlords for a few well-maintained, fairly priced rental homes. Some months that means three minutes of work; other months it may mean hours of coordination of repairs and craftspeople, as well as writing ad copy and interviewing potential tenants. What it always means, however, is unique experiences and interesting people that wiggle their way into my stories.

What was your first job?

If you don’t count babysitting and weed-pulling, my first real job was shoedog. That’s industry talk for a shoe salesperson. I started out as an hourly employee and worked my way into commissioned sales. I loved it! I loved helping women accessorize their outfits, make a statement with their attire, and even gain confidence in themselves by presenting themselves with flair. I also love shoes! I don’t wear a lot of high heels anymore, but I love a colorful pair of cute strappy sandals or a tall pair of leather boots.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? What’s your favorite childhood book?

My favorite book of all time is “The Ladies of Missalonghi,” by Colleen McCullough, the same author of the bestseller “The Thorn Birds” and the lesser-known “Tim.” It has everything: strong-willed and underestimated women, extremely challenging social and economic circumstances, and a dash of magic. It’s set in a small town in Australia just before World War I, so there’s also some historical references which are fun to learn about. I highly recommend it!

There are so many books from my childhood that I remember fondly. The first one that pops into my head is “Under the Haystack” by Patricia Engebrecht; in fact, I remember reading as a third grader, again as a sixth grader, and finally as a seventh grader. I learned to be resilient and rely on myself from reading that book. The other series I remember especially well is the “Encyclopedia Brown” books by Donald Sobol. I distinctly remember spending quiet afternoons in my room, reading about a boy sleuth and eating oranges. I guess it’s not surprising that I write (and read) mysteries now!

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

I would love to see a young Emma Stone play Jess, my main character in “Toxic Torte.” Her spunky attitude and very driven, risk-taking personality makes me think of Jess. Perry Lowell, my obnoxious critic, would be well-played by John Waters. He’s a ringer for the mean restaurant critic.

Blurb:

Jess Harriet writes for the Seattle Sun, a weekly newsrag best known for its personal ads. When her latest assignment turns out to be yet another obituary, this time for caustic restaurant critic Perry Lowell, she seriously considers quitting. But before the memorial buffet is replenished, detectives appear. Perry didn’t die of a heart attack after all. He was murdered…with a toxic torte, likely served at the Valentine’s Day Chocoholic Ball. Jess seizes the opportunity to solve the murder and scoop the story, but she’ll have to outwit Cherrie Belle, fellow Sun Reporter by week, cheerleader by weekend; Tom, a college dating disaster who holds a flame for Jess and the elusive Chocoholic Ball guest list; and a cadre of unsavory chefs who invite her to a dinner she suspects is a recipe for danger.

Excerpt:

“What do you mean you don’t believe it was a heart attack?” The sniff of scandal raised the hair on the back of my neck.

Will took a bite out of a mini-quiche topped with a swirl of cream and glared at the crowd before responding.

“I think someone did something to Perry.” He raised one eyebrow. “He was in excellent health. He ate right. He exercised. He had a positive mental attitude. These things matter, you know.”

A shiver raced down my limbs. It ended in a distinct prickling of my fingers and toes. I stamped my feet and bit into the obvious question. “Who’d want to kill Perry?”

Will lifted his finger and swung it round the room, jabbing as he spoke. “Him. Her. Him. Him. Him. Her. Him and her.”

I grabbed his hand and pulled it down, setting the offending digits on his leg and holding them there. A few people had noticed Will’s finger zeroing in on them. I shoveled a spoonful of fluffy yellow eggs into my mouth, took a swig of coffee, and focused on my plate. When I raised my head, the mourners had returned to their polite, hushed conversations, their eyes averted.

“Be careful,” I said, hushing him with the tone my mother taught me in the back row of our church when I was eight years old. “Someone might hear you.”

“I don’t care.” Will’s glare intensified, his eyes shifting back and forth. He pounded his fist on his knee. “I hate them all.”

I ignored the venom and took in the scene. The people he’d pointed out didn’t look like killers. To my left, a dude wearing chefs’ whites looked like an over-risen biscuit, his cheeks ruddy circles. I half expected him to giggle and clutch his protruding belly, then offer cookies all round. The flame-haired woman next to him looked more like a runway model than a murderer. She wore a red knee-length tunic jacket over matching slacks. The crease pointed to shoes the color of blood, their toes resembling medieval weaponry with their severe points.

To the right stood a couple in twin tiger-striped outfits, their faces scrubbed clean. They both appeared domesticated. And the caterer busily building a donut hole pyramid was a Denzel Washington look-alike. I watched him a moment. His attention to detail suggested a logical, sane mind, one given more to crullers than cruelty. The rest of the crowd looked like anyone else you’d see strolling a Seattle sidewalk. Regular folks.

I swung my gaze back to Will. “I understand your pain, Will. Really, I do. But these people look pretty tame. Are you sure these aren’t your emotions talking?”

He shook his head. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Buy link(s):

Toxic Torte

About the Author:

Lori Pollard-Johnson writes from her homes in Washington and Arizona, and has two new titles for 2024. “Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage” is an amateur sleuth cozy with two strong female leads who happen to be BFFs, and “Toxic Torte” is a classic culinary cozy featuring a caustic restaurant critic’s demise and a sassy young journalist determined to find out whodunit. Earlier titles include “The Lie,” a YA that profiles a young man journey to Iraq after lying about his age to join the military; “The Truth Test,” a mid-grade reader about a gifted student who convinces his buddies he’s developed surefire method to tell if someone is lying; and “Recipe for a Rebel,” a mid-grade reader that chronicles the misadventures of a young boy dealing with his father’s rejection and his love of cooking.  In addition to novels, Lori has over 100 publishing credits in short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, in publications as diverse as “Vegetarian Journal,” “Seattle,” “Black Belt,” “Bridal Connections,” and “The Binnacle.” She was a flash fiction finalist in “The Binnacle”; in PNWA’s Literary Contest for “The Lie” and “Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage”; and recently took first place in short fiction for “What it Takes to Scare a Man” and in poetry for “Hope is a Three-Toed Dragon” in a Southern California contest. She holds an MA in writing from Seton Hill University and spent her career in education: first as an elementary school teacher instilling the love of reading in children, and later as a college professor working with developmental, college-level, and creative writers. She’s also worked in business, warehousing, sales, and as a shoe model in college, which would have been a lot more fun if she’d been able to keep the shoes. Nowadays, when she’s not writing, she’s playing with her grandbabies, braiding rugs, perfecting her shavasana, swimming, hiking, practicing her releves, renovating fixer-uppers, reading, or watching javelinas dance through her backyard. 

https://www.facebook.com/lori.pollard.johnson.books/

https://www.instagram.com/loripollardjohnson/

@LoriPollJohn (Twitter)

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July 31, 2024 · 7:57 am

Author Interview with Beth Ford ~ New Release: In the Time of Spirits  #HistoricalFiction

Please help me welcome today’s guest, author Beth Ford…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I currently live in Virginia, but I like to say I’m from nowhere because I was military brat growing up, so we moved around a lot! I’ve lived on two different Hawaiian islands and went to grad school in Scotland. I’ve been back in Virginia for seven years now, though, and so far it feels like the place I will stay. I live with my two rescue cats. One of them, Rajah, is my miracle cat. When I adopted him he was about 13 and in terrible shape. The vet gave him a prognosis of one to three months to live. I’m happy to say it’s now been five and a half years and he’s still going strong!

Tell us a little about how this book came to be.

I gravitate toward writing historical fiction often. It’s the closest to time travel we can actually get. For me, writing a book is always a long process, but this one was even longer than usual. I actually shelved it for a few years, and when I came back to it last year, I was surprised with how much I still enjoyed it. After another couple rounds of edits and critiques, it has finally made its way into the world!

What was your first job?

I worked at a Blockbuster video in high school—a job that’s archaic nowadays!

How did your interest in writing originate?

I have always wanted to write. At about 8 years old, I drew a picture of myself opening a mailbox to find out if my book had been accepted or rejected. My very first stories were illustrated “Animal Adventure” stories about my and my friends’ pets. As an adult, I realize I am very much not an illustrator, so I stick to writing.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They are very supportive of my writing, but of course they aren’t informed about the publication process. Probably like a lot of authors, I’ve experienced my fair share of “Oh, you wrote a book, when is it coming out?” questions, when in reality there are many steps in between writing a book and publishing it.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

This is tough, but I really do think that Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is the perfect story. Some of the imagery is genius, for example this line about Scrooge’s house: “…it must have run there when it was a young house, playing at hide and seek with other houses, and forgotten the way out again”. But I also enjoy every movie version (though I hope we can all agree that A Muppets’ Christmas Carol is far and away the winner). My local professional theater also puts in on every December, and I try to go every year.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

When I was in middle school, my family and I went to Colonial Williamsburg for the day and ended up on the jury of a mock trial with Jamie Lee Curtis who was filming in the area. Her daughter was the defendant and we got to confer with Jamie Lee Curtis to decide her daughter was guilty.

How much of the book is realistic?

I strove to make the book as realistic as possible. When someone says they feel immersed in the time period when they read the story, I take that as a huge compliment. The popularity of the spiritualist movement around that time is also realistic. I found that fairly widespread belief in contacting the dead fascinating, and that is what initially inspired the book.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yes, I have a couple of projects that are still unpublished. The one that I am most excited about right now is my time travel romance Love Between Times that will be released November 27 by The Wild Rose Press. When the protagonist’s 21st century life falls apart, a chance to start over and find love comes from an unexpected source: a stranger who needs her help and who may actually be a 14th-century knight.

An epic adventure through the world of the nineteenth-century spiritualist movement.

Blurb:

In 1890, Addy Cohart is determined to defy convention and remain unmarried-until she meets William Fairley, a psychic medium who gives her hope as she grieves the sudden death of her parents. Addy becomes a devotee of the spiritualist movement, but as she takes on a larger role as William’s assistant, she realizes that all may not be as it seems. As the couple moves from New York to London to Paris, Addy is forced to confront the fact that William’s talents may be a ruse, and that he may even be a criminal. She must decide whom to trust and where to place her loyalties. What price is she willing to pay to protect her love and keep her faith?

Excerpt:

Back at the hotel that night, the dark secrets of the séance room still hung over Addy and William, with Addy struggling to speak beneath their weight. Finally, William spoke as he packed away his tools. “You did a good job tonight. Thank you.”

The praise Addy had wanted to hear for so long fell flat against her ears. She said nothing and continued brushing her hair, enjoying feeling its cool reality slide between her fingers.

William sighed. “Is there something you want to say to me, or are you going to pout all night?”

She set down the brush with a slight click against the glass top of the dressing table. “I don’t know what to say, William. It’s too big.”

“What does that mean, ‘it’s too big’?”

It was Addy’s turn to sigh. “Let’s just go to bed. We can talk about it in the morning.” She slid into bed, her back turned coldly toward his side. She heard him pause, considering; then he turned out the light, grabbed his coat, and went back out into the night.

Buy link(s): https://books2read.com/inthetimeofspirits

About the Author:

Beth Ford is a historical fiction author living in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She is the author of the novel In the Times of Spirits and the Cassie Woods, Reporter novella series. Her work has also appeared in a variety of literary journals. You can find more information at http://bethfordauthor.com or contact her at beth@bethfordauthor.com.

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July 30, 2024 · 6:42 am

Terry Korth Fischer ~ Spotlight on New Release: Gone Crazy ~ #Mystery

Please help me welcome today’s guest Terry Korth Fischer…

Gone Crazy, Rory Naysmith Mysteries, Book Three release date July 22, 2024.

Publisher,  The Wild Rose Press.

You just can’t keep murder a secret.

Book Blurb:

A formal declaration of love scares the bejesus out of small-town Detective Rory Naysmith. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he evaluates his relationship with bookkeeper Esther Mullins, and decides to take her on a romantic date. Unfortunately, it ends with a poet’s murder. Assigned to the case, Rory pushes his private life aside. Things gets tricky after Esther is appointed Executrix for the estate—then rumors start that place a priceless item among the poet’s many possessions. The race is on to unearth the treasure and solve the murder, but it leaves Rory wondering if Esther will live long enough to become his Valentine—or end up as the murderer’s next victim.

Excerpt:

Rory turned to Esther. “I overheard Lillie Anderson and Phoebe Sheehan in the bar. Anderson accused Sheehan of plagiarism and following in her father’s footsteps, whatever that means. She said that if Phoebe didn’t admit her fraud, she, Professor Anderson, was willing and able to expose her.” Esther’s face clouded as he continued. “It sounded more like a disagreement about Phoebe being considered for tonight’s award than to the actual plagiarism. I’m guessing it wasn’t Lillie’s poetry in question.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. And Professor Anderson manhandled Phoebe Sheehan.”

“What does that mean?”

“Grabbed her by the arms and retained her against her will. You know, manhandled.”

“To be politically correct you should use the term strong armed.”

Rory opened his mouth but decided it was better to remain silent.

The waiter appeared, lit the candle on the table centerpiece, then took their orders for wine. When he stepped away, Rory said, “I’ve always heard the academic world can be vicious but didn’t believe it. Plus, this Lillie Anderson is dressed like a man.”

“How does a man dress?” Esther asked.

Rory cleared his throat and studied the program.

Buy link(s):

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aq2VcC

Indie Bound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/gone-crazy-terry-korth-fischer/21506890?ean=9781509255979&ref=&source=IndieBound&title=

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-crazy-terry-korth-fischer/1145549586;jsessionid=2EFC0A7527279C2150443FFB6291552C.prodny_store02-atgap15?ean=2940186178125

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/gone-crazy/id6502704194

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213458955-gone-crazy

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/terry-korth-fischer

About the Author:

Terry Korth Fischer is the author of Rory Naysmith Mysteries, a cozy-crime series featuring a seasoned city detective relocated to small-town Nebraska. Transplanted from the Midwest, Terry lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two guard cats. When not writing, she loves reading and basking in the sunshine, yet, her heart often wanders to the country’s heartland, where she spent a memorable—ordinary but charmed—childhood. Learn more about Terry on her website: https://terrykorthfischer.com

Website: https://terrykorthfischer.com

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/terryiswriting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerryIsWriting

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/terrykorthfischer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14349440.Terry_Korth_Fischer

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/terry-korth-fischer

Newsletter: https://terrykorthfischer.com/newsletter-signup

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July 29, 2024 · 7:21 am

Author Interview with Colleen L Donnelly  ~ New Release: Katie Walsh  #HistoricalRomanticFiction

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Colleen L. Donnelly…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I consider the Midwestern US my home, though I did spread my wings in early adulthood and explored other places. My kids are grown and have struck out on their own…except for one. An adopted Shih tzu from the pound named Lucy, who has taken over and rules the roost.

Where did you get the idea for Katy Walsh?

My dad told the story of a woman preacher in their country church when he was a boy around 1940. She traveled from farm to farm in her Model A pickup and could be heard whistling long before she arrived. From those few details, “Katy Walsh” sprouted. However, she grew into a young woman whose father was murdered, who had a family mystery to solve, and who rejected her father’s final wish that she preach.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)? I’m old enough that I don’t have to do a lot of research to write a historical novel. Ha! My other reason for choosing that genre is to make my characters work harder. No modern conveniences that make communication or travel instantaneous. They have to earn what they accomplish.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

A radical change in my family brought my “write a book every year” practice to a halt. With a complete redirection of my time and energy, creativity all but vanished. For over four years, “Katie Walsh” was little more than a title on a page, until a new normal was established in my life, and the words began to flow again. This story turned out nothing like my others, so I considered keeping it out of publication, until I realized I had written a slice-of-life autobiography. Katie’s story begins when her family is turned upside down and her desire to write is uprooted. Katie and I both had to undergo the process of finding ourselves and starting over again. 

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

The due diligence it requires.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

Not worrying about myself when all I could do was stare at my laptop. Writers write, and for a long time I couldn’t.

What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?

Television.

What was your first job?

Selling magazines by phone, but I was fired immediately when I cancelled a large number of subscriptions I sold to a woman who clearly didn’t understand what she was agreeing to.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

“The Monk” by Matthew Lewis, who wrote the best internal clash of good and evil I have ever read.

What’s your favorite childhood book?

“Little Hippo” which was a story about using others’ inability to think outside the box to your advantage…it isn’t as creepy as it sounds.

What is your favorite quote?

Possibly a poem: “It has ever been since time began, and ever will be till time lose breath, that love is a mood – no more – to a man, and love to a woman is life or death.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be? Magdalena in “Asked For.” She is the most fabulous secondary character I have ever written!

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yes, the five they say you are supposed to write before you are good enough to be published.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

The one I took to heart as a fellow author’s critique about my writing, when it was actually intended as a criticism of me and my initial success. I accepted several debilitating critiques from that person before I realized they were tearing me down instead of helping my writing improve.

What has been the best compliment?

I couldn’t put your book down.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Louise Penny. She tells a mystery poetically.

Blurb:

Katie Walsh expects to write a love story someday. The hero resembles her father, and the heroine the deceased mother she never knew but imagines from the longing on her father’s face.
Katie doesn’t expect her father to be murdered, or his will to leave their farm to Guy Knowles, the man she hoped to marry, and order her to another state. Betrayed by the men she trusted, what should have become a love like no other withers and dies.
Until Ted Howard, who doesn’t fit the hole Guy left in her heart. Instead, he fits himself into what she needs—someone who will stay, protect her, and break his own heart for her if needed.

Excerpt:

When our neighbor, Guy Knowles, began to drop by and take me for long but mostly silent walks across Papa’s pasture, I wondered if my parents had done the same thing and if my excitement mirrored what my mother’s might have been. Did she, like me, translate every quiet step into tender words? Did she see lifelong devotion on Papa’s face then, like I watched for it now on Guy’s?

I expected my love story—the one I would write and the one I would live—to be like theirs. What I didn’t expect was that both stories would begin the day a stranger came to my door and told me my father had just been killed. Killed, not died.

Nor did I expect this tale of “A Love Like No Other” to reach full bloom in a tiny jail cell far away.

Buy link:

Amazon pre-order link: https://amzn.to/45pYv4q

About the Author:

Colleen L Donnelly was born and raised in the US Midwest but ventured to other parts of the country as an adult to experience life from other perspectives. Besides writing, she spends time outdoors, antique hunting, reading, or watching a good movie. Even though she retired from a career in laboratory science, she is never bored and always busy at something.

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July 26, 2024 · 8:03 am

Author Interview with Dyann Love Barr ~ New Release:  Hootiecackle Chaos #wrpbks #Romantic #Cozy

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Dyann Love Barr with her fun, fabulous mystery, Hootiecackle Chaos…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I live in the Ozarks, in Mansfield, Missouri, the last home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, where she wrote the Litte House books. I live with my husband Dennis and our two ginger cats.

Where did you get the idea for Hootiecackle Chaos?

Hootiecackle Chaos came about when I was traveling through Arkansas and saw a road sign that read, Hootiecackle Lane. It was hysterical and a friend and my husband suggested I write a book from the road’s name. I turned it into a small town cozy with romance and a whiff of the paranormal.

Are there any tricks, habits or superstitions you have when creating a story?

I usually write the first three chapters of a book when I get an idea and after that I file it away until needed. It’s a good way to get the feel of the characters and I also write a detailed outline once I start the book.

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

That’s easy, I have three. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, and The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.     

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?  

Jane Eyre. What’s your favorite childhood book? Tarzan of the Apes

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Hootiecackle Chaos?  

That’s a good question. I think I’d like them to fall in love with quirky characters who are thrown into difficult situations. The wacky mix of genres was a risk but one I’m glad I took.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

Henry Cavill as Lachlan and Jessica Chastain as Rory. Kathy Bates for the Callahan Twins.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

A bad review can be a learning experience. I published one book that got a lot of 4.5 and 5 star review and one really bad 1 star. First, I don’t get upset about a bad review. My skin is pretty thick. I’ve been blooded by some really fine critique partners. 

What is your favorite quote?

All of my plans for the future involve me waking up tomorrow with a sudden sense of discipline and adherence to routine that I have never displayed even once in my life.  John William Waterhouse

What do you want your tombstone to say?

She tried. She died.

If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be?

The Callahan Twins.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

Although most are fictional, I have included family stories in my books. Truth is stranger than fiction. Now it’s up to the reader to figure out which anecdotes are real.

Your favorite…

Movie: The President’s Lady with Charleton Heston and Susan Hayworth

Music: Serenata Immortale by Trailerhead

Place: Liberia: Africa

Place you’d like to visit: Ireland

TV show from childhood: The Man from Uncle (yes I’m that old)

TV show from adulthood: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (K-Drama)

Food: Powdered Sugar Donuts from Parlor Donuts in Springfield, MO.

Sports team: CHIEFS!

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Video games. I love all of the Assassin’s Creed games and God of War. I’m blood thirsty.

Dark secrets conspire to keep lovers apart in the small Ozarks town of Hootiecackle.

Blurb:

Chaos crashes into Hootiecackle when the town’s outrageous twins, Daisy and Maisy, scheme to marry their great-niece, Rory, off to the handsome police officer who moves in next door. Unfortunately, Rory has no plans to marry, and she really doesn’t like or trust cops—no matter how Sergeant Lachlan Donovan sets her heart to pounding. 

Recovering from the loss of his wife, Lachlan just wants some peace and quiet. However, life in Hootiecackle has other plans. Rory’s ex-fiancé causes trouble, her devastating secret threatens to tear the town apart, and Lachlan rushes in to save the day. But Rory needs saving like she needs a pair of porcupine panties. 

With the aid of a psychic, a beloved bootlegger and a couple of nosy ghosts, they fight against corruption and their own fears of betrayal. Despite their differences, will the lovers survive Hootiecackle chaos?

Excerpt:

Chapter One

“Oh, my.” Maisie McDermott adjusted the binoculars to get a better look. “That man’s backside is sweet enough to make my teeth ache.”

 “That’s impossible. You have a full set of dentures.”

 Daisy, her twin sister, snorted and reached for the

binoculars. “Here, let me see.”

Maisie shook her head and continued to stare at the object of her fascination. “Doesn’t matter. I’d still like to take a bite out of him. My Alfred always said he didn’t 16 mind if I lost all my teeth—told me that my gums were magic.”

“You are a pervert.” Daisy wrestled the binoculars away from the protesting Maisie. “I take it back. Alfred was the perv in the family.” She aimed the lenses in the  direction of Hootiecackle’s newest police officer, Sergeant Lachlan Briccio Donovan. “Oh, my…”

“Stop bein’ such a hateful toad.” Maisie’s bosom heaved with an affronted huff as she slumped into the delicate bistro chair. It groaned in protest. “He’s the one for Rory, isn’t he?

Daisy continued her perusal of Sergeant Donovan’s rear as he bent under the hood of his Ford Escape. “How 29 could it not? Rory will fall head over heels once she gets a gander at him.”

 “Maybe we’re pushin’ too fast? She just got out of one disastrous relationship. He’s been here a month and she’s not even curious about him. What if they don’t hit it off?” Maisie’s chair screeched against the tile floor of the breakfast nook as she scooted around to get a better look. “You know how she feels about the Hootiecackle police department. She’d just as soon spit in his eye.” She reached out for the binoculars.

“Trust me.” Daisy slapped her away without ever losing focus on their new neighbor. “I have the brains, you have the charm, and Rory has the looks. The poor man won’t know what hit him.”

“What if Rory finds out?”

“I wouldn’t have sold him my house if I thought we couldn’t pull this off. God as my witness, he’ll marry Rory, even if I have to sew their lips together.” She looked up from the binoculars with a reassuring smile for Maisie. “The man is a perfect fit for our great-niece— 17 tall, dark, handsome, and very Irish. And he can cook.”

Maisie chewed her lower lip. She had doubts about The Plan.

Buy link(s):

Hootiecackle Chaos

About the Author:

With  the maiden name of Love, how could I not write romance? I was a voracious reader in my teens and early twenties thanks to my mother buying load of books at garage sales. The first time I read Tarzan of the Apes I was confused by the flutter in my thirteen-year-old heart. As I got older I understood. It was after I married my greatest supporter and cheerleader that I realized I wanted to write as well. I mean, how hard could it be. Lesson learned on that one.

Now I’ve retired and reside in the Ozarks with my husband and two large marmalade cats–Aka and Jinja. Although there is a bevy of birds and squadrons of squirrels in our yard, I don’t consider them family.  Well, maybe a little.

Find me here:  https://dyannlovebarr.com/ 

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July 25, 2024 · 9:43 am

Hobby, Career, Passion: Being a Lawyer Means Never Having to Say “I’m Your Friend” ~ Alana Lorens ~ New Release: Cruel Charade #WRPbks #suspense #Mystery #ActionAdventure #thriller

Please help me welcome Alana Lorens and her fabulous book, Cruel Charade…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

Alana Lorens (aka Barbara Mountjoy) has been a published writer for over 45 years, including seven years as a reporter/editor at the South Dade News Leader in Homestead, Florida, after working as a server, a pizza maker, and a floral designer. She writes non-fiction, romance, adventure, and suspense novels. She is the author of the Pittsburgh Lady Lawyers series, which draws on her years as a family law attorney in the state of Pennsylvania. One of the causes close to her heart came from those years as well–the fight against domestic violence. She volunteered for many years at women’s shelters and provided free legal services to women and children in need. Alana resides in North Carolina, and she loves her time in the smoky blue mountains. She lives with her daughter, who is the youngest of her seven children, and she is ruled by three crotchety old cats, and six kittens of various ages.

Tell us a little about how your book came about

I was excited to use a technique I had been seeing on television, that of time jumps to tell a story, like THIS IS US and WESTWORLD. I’d never done it before, and I know it has been jarring for some readers, even though the times are clearly marked. It works in this story, to really let us soak in the emotion and impact of the older scenes—much better than a couple-paragraph flashback.

Being a Lawyer Means Never Having to Say “I’m Your Friend”

Being a lawyer, like being a doctor or other professional, means it’s important to draw an invisible line around yourself and keep all clients at arms’ length. No matter how much you might like or admire your client, it is often a mistake to become friends.

After practicing family law for thirty years, I’ve got to say that is a tough rule to follow. Not every client wants to be more than that, of course. Many come to you for a job, like hiring a plumber, and after you have filled out the right papers, passed them across the right desks, and delivered the results as expected (or dreaded), then your association is done. I expect with estate or tax attorneys that is much easier. When those cases are done, they’re really done.

In family law, however, the case is never done, specially if there are children involved. Co-parenting can be a nightmare, as our heroine Bet finds out, and it lasts way past the majority of the children, because there are weddings and other events, and grandchildren… So you get to know people pretty well over the years. I’ve personally had several divorces of my own, so I sympathize with some of the crap that gets pulled on clients, particularly women. As a child of divorce, I can also share insights that parents might not have considered. Talking about these things brings people closer, and yes, now several of them are my friends, whether in person or on social media, now that I’ve moved away.  The job? Sometimes I’ve loved it, others I’ve hated it, but what I remember from the years are the certain people who I became attached to.

But it’s often like surgeons operating on a family member. If you get too close, emotions will affect your judgment. Can you really remain totally objective dealing with that person’s life thereafter?

In CRUEL CHARADE, Bet helps a random battered woman one day in court, and before long, their lives become entwined in a number of ways. By keeping this woman in her life as her secretary, gal Friday and best friend, Bet is also exposing herself to the continuing wrath of the batterer, who has been shut out of his wife’s life by the restraining order against him.

But this isn’t her only problem. She’s made enough enemies to populate a phone book. (That’s an ancient form of a contacts list, for you younguns). Is it an enemy who leaves her for dead in a swamp in the Everglades? Or is it a friend? Or a complete stranger? That’s the thing: she just doesn’t know.

GIVEAWAY!!!: I’d be happy to give away an e-copy of one of my Pittsburgh Lady Lawyer books to someone who leaves  a comment on the blog today. Thanks for stopping by!

Miami attorney Bet Lenard has had a rough year. She’s battling an unknown illness that drives her to drink to cope with her pain. Her lawyer husband has divorced her and taken the best part of their business, their home and their children.

On the night of May 16, 1996, Bet finds herself in the Everglades in the middle of the night, drugged, lost and next to a burned car with a dead body in it. Hoping she’s hit bottom, Bet must drag herself out of her living hell and discover who tried to kill her. Was it her ex-husband, not satisfied with stealing everything that mattered? An angry client, unhappy with the outcome of their case? Her best friend’s husband, livid that Bet’s restraining order kicked him out of her life forever? Police officers fuming that Bet helped a client convict a dirty cop who was their friend? She has no idea.

As she tries to sort out the motives behind her would-be killer, even more suspects come to light. The only thing keeping Bet sane is her relationship with her therapist, who encourages her to struggle and survive, despite everything that’s gone wrong. How will Bet discover the truth and bring her enemy to justice before they strike again and, this time, succeed?

Excerpt:

Bet and the kids were lucky enough to see some of the exotic birds for which the park was named, one male peacock in particular strutting and fanning out his tail as photographers gathered around. Into the second hour of their excursion, though, the kids were dragging their feet and whining.

 Aren’t they supposed to grow out of that after they’re toddlers?

“All right,” she said. “Enough culture for one day. Let’s head over to the burger place. “

Both Jane and Jeremy perked up as they headed back to the lot.

“I’m getting the biggest veggie burger they have,” Jane said. “With provolone. And no tomatoes or onions.”

“Rag says the fries come in a huge basket. And you can have all the sauce you want.” Jeremy pumped his arm. “Honey mustard, right?”

“Ugh. No. Korean barbecue.” Jane shot him a sidewise look.

Bet dug for her keys as they came around the corner to the lot where the Jag was parked.

“Mom, there’s people by our car,” Jane said. She frowned and stopped.

Bet looked up. Several men were indeed standing along the right front fender. None looked Hispanic— more like suburban soccer dads and trade investors. “Huh. That’s odd.”

Jeremy marched up to confront the men. “Hey! What are you doing—oh my God.”

The distress in his voice made Bet break into a run. As she came up beside him, she saw what he had seen. In the center of the driver’s side of the windshield were three bullet holes, evenly spaced. The glass around them had splintered into spiderweb cracks.

Jane caught up and grabbed her mother’s arm. “If you’d been sitting in the car…”

Bet nodded slowly. “If I’d been sitting in the car, I’d be dead.”

The men murmured sympathetic platitudes. 

“Were you here? Did you see what happened?” Bet demanded. “How long ago did this happen?”

One man, in a peach-colored polo shirt, said, “Was just walking along and saw this. I mean this is a fine car, ma’am. What a shame.”

“Yeah,” another man said. “Your husband is gonna be mad as hell.”

Bet shot him a look that could kill. He just smiled, oblivious.

One asked if he should call the police. 

“You didn’t see anyone else hanging around? No one with a gun?”

Peach shirt chuckled. “Ma’am, this is Miami. Pretty much everyone carries here.”

The shame of a public scene clashed with a personal sense of deep loss inside her, and she fought back tears. She’d lusted after just this car, a green Jag with tan interior, since her first day of law school. How dare anyone desecrate it?

Buy link(s):

Amazon
Walmart
BooksAMillion
IndieBound
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Books
ITunes

Goodreads

Bookbub

Find Alana here:

Website       http://Alana-lorens.com

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/AlanaLorens/

Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829967.Alana_Lorens

Amazon Author Page  https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Lorens/e/B005GE0WBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Book trailer:

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alana-lorens

Twitter:  @AlexanderLyndi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander_lyndi/

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July 18, 2024 · 7:37 am

 Character Interview ~ Wild Irish Yenta by Joyce Sanderly

Please help me welcome today’s guests, Joyce Sanderly and Patricia Weiss…

Character Interview with Patricia Weiss, protagonist-narrator of Wild Irish Yenta

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and the title of the book?                    

Wild Irish Yenta, yes, that’s me, Mrs. Patricia (nee Reilly) Weiss, wife of a Jewish cardiologist and daughter of good Catholic parents. My Italian-American mother is a nurse and a dynamite cook. I followed my mother’s path into nursing. Unfortunately I did not inherit her culinary gene, much to the dismay of my foodie husband and my adorable four-year-old son. My Irish- American dad was a detective in the Randolph, Massachusetts police force and I did inherit his love of solving crimes and puzzles. 

My addictive attraction to puzzling is one of the reasons I was compelled to investigate the mysterious death of Roberto Gomez, the custodian at my family’s temple in suburban Maryland. His body was found in the temple’s parking lot squashed against a garbage bin. I had been tutoring Roberto with his English language skills. Roberto was struggling to be adopted by a new country, learn a new language, and hold down a job to support his family. I felt a kinship with him. I, too, felt like an outsider. As a recent convert to Judaism, I was trying to gain acceptance into the Jewish faith, the temple, and my husband’s family (especially my mother-in-law). In spite of my overly cautious doctor-husband’s wishes, my temple buddy Brenda and I designated ourselves the Yenta Patrol to unravel the mystery. 

What is a yenta you may ask. As with most Yiddish words, there is no precise English equivalent. My buddy Brenda defines yenta as a wise and knowledgeable female who distributes essential information to parties who have a need to know, kind of like an analog version of social media. A less complimentary definition of the term yenta might be “busybody.” In any event Brenda and I made a great detecting team, and we had good intentions at heart.

2. What made you choose nursing as a profession/career?

I was encouraged to follow my mother into nursing. My mother managed to take good care of both her patients and her family. She cooked amazing meals – lasagna and peach pie – and made sure she was home while my father worked long and unpredictable hours. I followed my mother’s nursing path in hopes that I could simultaneously pursue a caring profession and raise a family. Although other women of my generation were going into law and medicine, none seemed to live in Randolph. I enjoyed my nursing responsibilities in the hospital. Plus I met my handsome husband when he was a resident in cardiology at the hospital. But when my son Danny was born, I decided to be a full-time mom. My husband was just establishing his cardiology practice in Maryland, and I wanted to ensure I was available to give Danny hugs and meet his needs. 

In retrospect, I might have chosen differently. If I had been a boy I might have followed my father into the police force and become a detective. However, a detective can be put in compromising situations where she has to intimidate witnesses and bend the truth to obtain the truth. It’s not like being a firefighter. No one is happy to see a detective on the doorstep with a search warrant. In an ideal world with unlimited resources of time and money, I think I would have pursued a medical career. Perhaps I would have become an infectious disease doc or a pathologist who unraveled medical mysteries. In any event, I am going to encourage my son (and hopefully more children to come) to follow his heart and mind when choosing a career. 

3. What is my biggest fear?

My biggest fear is not being the best mother I can be for Danny, my four-year-old son. He is such a smart, sweet child. He shares with friends and asks lots of questions. I want to encourage him to be curious, to try new things, but I don’t want to pressure him or stress him out. I wish I could ensure him a happy life, but I know that is impossible. He will have to face many challenges by himself. I can only provide a safe and loving environment and give him as many opportunities as possible. I wish I knew when to protect and when to pull back. My parents were good parents but they were very traditional, and I was raised in a different era.  The world has become a much complicated place, what with social media, global warming, and pandemics. I hope I can raise Danny to be a caring person and to have the tools he needs to make fulfilling choices. 

4. Who are my favorite fictional character and why?

Growing up, I loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries and the Hardy Boys. I watched Cagney and Lacey reruns and Murder She Wrote on TV. My favorite character is Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU. She is compassionate and works for victim rights. She is not only a relentless pursuer of crime but also a single parent raising a young son.  

5. What is the best piece of advice I have ever received?

The best recent pieces of advice I have received come from my mentor Rabbi Deborah who guided me through the conversion process and from my buddy Brenda. Rabbi Deborah has convinced me that I need to be more accepting of my husband’s behavior, my mother-in-law’s behavior, and my own behavior. No one is perfect, and I need to learn to be more forgiving of all of our flaws. At the same time, Rabbi Deborah has emphasized that I should not give up on pursuing my own interests outside of the family. Rabbi Deborah has also emphasized that a married couple must be loving and beloved friends, passionate partners for life. Brenda, the most experienced spouse of the three of us, has made clear that marriage is a 50/50 proposition – both partners must share the responsibilities and the fun times equally.

To learn her new religion and keep memories of her birth faith, to improve her marriage to a cardiologist and his Jewish mother, to solve a mysterious death and disappearance at her temple—she wants it all—the Wild Irish Yenta!

Blurb:

Set against a backdrop of a suburban Maryland synagogue, Wild Irish Yenta dishes on interfaith marriage, misbehaving clergy, Biblical myth, and the beauty of religious traditions. When the body of custodian Roberto Gomez is found in Temple Israel’s parking lot, Patricia Weiss, nee Reilly, exchanges her suburban-mom sneakers for gumshoes to investigate the hit-and-run. An ardent new convert to Judaism, Patricia is grappling with her outsider status at the upscale

Reform congregation. For Roberto, the stakes had been much higher. He was struggling to be

adopted by a new country and learn a new language. Inspired by her detective dad, Patricia is compelled to find out who-dun-it and why.

This novel takes a wry look at marriage, insular suburban cliques, and the politics of religious institutions. While poking fun at cultural stereotypes, the novel interweaves biblical stories with questions of contemporary concern. Can a nice Catholic girl find happiness with a Jewish cardiologist even if she converts? Can Patricia’s yenta patrol detect a connection between a custodian’s death and other troubling happenings at the Temple?

“In Wild Irish Yenta, Philip Roth meets Agatha Christie, and the result is a page-turner that also explores the interlocking dynamics that exist within an interfaith marriage, a family and a Maryland synagogue.” — Michelle Brafman, author of Swimming With Ghosts.    

“This keenly observed, funny mystery … combines an insightful look at interfaith marriage, the complexities of friendship, and the politics of religious institutions.” – Susan Coll, author of Bookish People 

Excerpt:

Patricia owed it to Roberto to try to figure out exactly what happened the night he died.  She felt a kinship with him. Like her, he had been an outsider trying to fit in. While she was trying to gain acceptance into the Jewish faith, the temple, and her husband’s family, for Roberto the stakes had been much higher. He was struggling to be adopted by a new country, learn a language, and hold down a job to support his family. He’d described to her how he left his home and many of his relatives in El Salvador, because of gang violence perpetrated against innocent people. He’d worried the M-13 gang would try to recruit his son to sell drugs. Anyone refusing or complaining to the police could be subject to retaliation.

Patricia’s paternal grandfather had told her how he emigrated from Ireland in the middle of an economic panic that devastated the family farm. He fought for a longshoreman’s job and a decent place to live in Boston. Neither of Patricia’s parents had earned college degrees, and Patricia could see she had taken a leap upon arriving on the shores of Potomac Pines. Roberto had a much higher bar to clear but he was on his way, improving his English fluency and learning computer skills. 

The blare of her cellphone’s Real Detective ringtone made her jump. It was Michael.

“Just checking in. I was worried—that hit and run—your friend Roberto’s death. What a waste. Did you park close to the entrance?”

“I’m fine. I’m leaving.”

“Please, use the phone flashlight to get to the car. Be careful. Danny and I are hoping for good night kisses.” 

Patricia smiled at the plaintive note in Michael’s voice. “Be there in ten minutes.”

Home in time for bed check and kisses—what more could she desire? Nice to feel her presence was missed. Coming from a big family, that had not frequently been the case. She appreciated Michael’s concern, but his protectiveness could be overbearing. Like having her own personal Jewish mother. 

On the other hand, their contrasting backgrounds contributed to that mysterious je ne sais quoi—the irresistible magnetism that attracted her to him physically and intellectually. She was drawn in by his deep eyes, abundant curls, forthright opinions, intellectual prowess. And considering prowess, when it came to sex, his caring and tenderness were great assets. No denying that appeal. The old myth about relationships being based on having lots in common was dubious. More important, they were able to relate to each other and navigate life together. Admittedly they did need to work on their problem-solving abilities.       

Plus Michael was a good provider. His cardiology practice gave her the freedom not to work, at least for a few years.  But was nursemaid the only role she wanted? She sighed. She would have to consider what choices lay ahead. But tonight she was tired. She couldn’t wait to hug and kiss her warm boys before they fell asleep.    

Buy links:

Available at Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Irish-Yenta-Joyce-Sanderly-ebook/dp/B0CVXW6H8K     

Barnes & Noble   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-irish-yenta-joyce-anderly/1144882468

Bookshop:  https://bookshop.org/book/9781509250936

BookBub  https://www.bookbub.com/books/wild-irish-yenta-by-joyce-sanderly

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208880325-wild-irish-yenta?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=5PNQm2aezR&rank=1

About the Author:

Joyce Sanderly is a Pushcart-nominated poet and an attorney. She retired as a Senior Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Her poetry (written under Ellen Sazzman) has been published in numerous journals, and her poetry collection, The Shomer, was selected as a finalist for the Blue Lynx Prize, a semifinalist for the Elixir Press Antivenom Award and the  Codhill Press Poetry Award. She has lived in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland for the last forty years where she raised her family and practiced law for the federal government. Wild Irish Yenta is her debut novel.

To learn more about Joyce Sanderly and her writing go to:

www.joycesanderly.com

https://www.facebook.com/JoyceSanderly.author/

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July 16, 2024 · 7:39 am

“10 Moments That Changed My Life” by Margaret Izard ~ New Release: Stone of Fear #WRPbks #Blog

Please help me welcome Margaret Izard with 10 Moments that changed her life…

1 – Dancing to records in the living room. I started this shortly after my first dance classes at a young age. Someone had to put the music on early on, but soon, I learned how to work the record player myself. I danced a lot outside of dance class, and the music was always Broadway musicals or movies.

2 – Attending The High School for Performing and Visual Arts. As a budding artist and turned serious dancer, I applied for the Arts Magnet School, The High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Houston, Texas. I went into the experience young and naive but open to all the inspiration and education my young mind could soak up. While it wasn’t the start of my creative journey (That occurred at three in my first dance class), it was an awakening that great art exists everywhere in all shapes, colors, and sizes. My experiences in those two short years shaped my view of art today.

3 – Having Triplets. If that doesn’t change your life, I don’t know what will! From the moment the ultrasound technician exclaimed, “Oh my God, there’s a third one!” Our lives changed. Three, everything came in threes, whether you liked it or not. Each stage provided its challenge, so I can’t say the “terrible twos” are the worst or the best. Even now, as they grow into adulthood, it’s a journey for us all. As I watch each of them grow, I can’t help but be proud.

4 – Going away for summers at a young age. Starting at eight years old for seven years, I went away to summer camp in NE, New Mexico, every summer for eight weeks. It didn’t bother me to be away. I wanted to go! I learned to ride horses, vaulting, camp crafts, camping, archery, riflery, acting, dance, and arts and crafts. It was summers filled with an overabundance of enjoyment and education. I got excited about going every year and cried when I had to come home. During my first year away, I didn’t write to my parents until my sister chased me down and sat on me till I scribbled one note that said, Dear Mom and Dad, love Margaret.

5 – Gymnastics had me unloading the dishwasher at an early age. Along with my love for dance. Every Christmas, my mother made these bourbon chocolate candies. Powdered sugar, butter, and bourbon made the inside, topped with a toasted pecan and covered in dark chocolate. I bet the chocolate tempted me, but she would store these in old film canisters on the refrigerator until she wrapped them to give to neighbors. I learned to climb the cabinet and reach to the top of the frig for treats. Once she discovered my newfound talent, she put it to good use, unloading the dishwasher.

6 – Allowing a cute guy to kiss me after he politely asked my permission when we first met. This led to my wonderful marriage, which celebrated our 31st year together.

7 – Finishing twenty-four years of tutoring the triplets. After, I put my foot down, saying, “I’m gonna write that book I’ve always wanted to write.” I did and signed my first contract with Wild Rose Press two and a half years later. I signed my fifth contract in June 2024 and plan more.

8 – Traveling to Scotland. After drafting the first three books in the series, a trip to Scotland in June 2023 provided an inspiring view of Scotland and her people. I feel even more connected to the characters and their stories after visiting the locations featured in the series… Dunstaffnage Castle, Chapel in the Woods, Iona Isle and Abbey, and Dunollie Castle. Traveling, in general, is inspiring and relaxing. I have many other book ideas from my travels.

9 – William Shakespeare’s gravestone rubbing inspired me from a very early age.
I grew up with his gravestone rubbing hanging in our bar. A copy now hangs in my bedroom.
In old English text it says…
Good friend for Jesus sake forebear
to dig the dust enclosed here.
Bless be ye man who spares the stones
and curst be he who moves my bones.

Someone recently asked what I would talk about if I met him.
Shakespeare’s mastery of language, character development, and storytelling is unparalleled. I would love to gain insight into his creative process and understand how he crafted enduring works that continue to resonate centuries later. I’d ask how he mastered conveying complex human emotions and themes through poetic language. Or about his plays that explore profound philosophical questions about human nature, morality, and existence. Something I’ve worked hard to incorporate into my writing voice. Beyond his work, understanding the man behind the genius. His thoughts, struggles, and motivations would provide a richer, more personal connection to the craft of writing and the art of storytelling.

10 – My sense of humor has kept me sane. I get it from my father, this cynical view of the world that helps me find humor in the ups and downs. From a one-liner at the perfect point in a conversation to a comical view of a challenging time, humor has seen me through it all. I will always look at it this way: Laugh with life! We celebrate the ups, laugh at the irony of the lows, and when life gives you lemons… make electric lemonade.

Book Blurb

She’d give everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time to save her soul.

Marie Murray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumps at the opportunity to renovate the chapel mosaic floor at Dunstaffnage Castle, where she falls hard for the dashing John MacArthur. From their first kiss, sparks fly.

Believing her religious renovation creates magic, a fanatical priest kidnaps Marie. Obsessed with obtaining a powerful magic Stone of Iona, he drags her to 15th-century Scotland.

With his love kidnapped, John must tackle his hereditary duty and locate a magic Fae stone while chasing his love across time. Her memories of their passion keep her sane. His fuel his will to find her.

Will John get to Marie in time to save her soul?

Excerpt:

Hands closed over her eyes and startled her. At first, she grew concerned, but the familiar scent of clean male musk with an undercurrent of light aftershave wafted to her, and she recognized who held her.

A breath blew gently against her ear as he whispered, “How do ye get a geologist girlfriend?”

Marie giggled and shrugged as she leaned back against John’s muscular chest. Her head fit perfectly under his chin. John removed his hands, but she kept her eyes closed as he turned her in his arms, then kissed her lips. She returned his kiss and rose on her toes as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He lifted his head. “Well, how do ye get a geologist girlfriend?”

Another of John’s corny rock jokes, she opened her eyes to his expectant stare. “I don’t know. How?”

He smiled and replied. “Ye best esker out!” He paused. “Get it? Esker is a long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel…”

She giggled and kissed him quickly as she stopped his speech. “Are ye asking me to be yer girlfriend or asking me out?”

John hugged her and replied, “Both, be my girlfriend and have lunch later today. But first, I need to exercise.”

John took her hand as they strolled toward the Chapel in the Woods. “Woman of the rocks, were ye examining the excavation site ye and Bree believed to be a small village during the eighteenth century? Yer project starts today, right?”

She smiled at his endearment. He called her “Woman of the rocks” in their emails and phone conversations when they first spoke about Bree’s chapel renovation project, over a year ago.

Buy Links

mizardauthor | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) – Kindle edition by Izard, Margaret . Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) by Margaret Izard – BookBub

Stone of Fear by Margaret Izard | Goodreads

The Stone of Iona Series
Stone of Love, book 1 released March 4th Stone of Fear, book 2 June 12th. Stone of Lust, book 3, releases October 21st. The first Christmas Companion book, Thistle in the Mistletoe, comes November 4th. Stone of Hope, book 4 is in production now with a release date in 2025. There are seven books in the series with three Christmas companion books.

Author Biography

Margaret Izard is a multi-award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

Readers can email me at:  info@margaretizardauthor.com

Check out my website – www.margaretizardauthor.com

Social Media

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