Tag Archives: Love

November 12, 2021 · 10:26 am

#HobbyCareerPassion: Maria Imbalzano ~ Baking May Not Be My Forte, But I Love It! & New Release: Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles #WRPgrp #Blog #AHAgrp

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Maria Imbalzano…

Baking May Not Be My Forte, But I Love It!

 

I’ve always hated to cook, but I love to bake. The reason is simple: I have a sweet-tooth and licking the bowl, beaters, spoon or spatula is far superior than tasting some sauce or chicken and veggie concoction.

Every year during the holidays, my mom, daughters and I bake Christmas cookies. When my mom was in charge, they all came out perfectly. We made butter balls, chocolate walnut, chocolate chip and kiefle (a square of thin pastry dough stuffed with a nut mixture, lekvar or apricot jam). While my mom, who is now 94, still supervises, she doesn’t jump in and help. Unfortunately, my cookies never come out as good as hers did, and after a few years I gave up on the kiefle. My dough was never thin enough and I didn’t have the patience to keep rolling it out after it stuck to the rolling pin or cutting board.

The problem with my baking in general is that I’m a little casual with quantities. My mother, daughters and husband have all commented on my methods of measuring water, flour, sugar etc. and my response to anything that doesn’t come out quite right is “oh well.”

My heroine, Bella, in “Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles” has a little bit of me in her. She’s a lawyer who lost her job in Manhattan and returns home to Princeton over the holidays to regroup. She learns that her parents’ gift shop in town is failing and she comes up with the idea to turn it into a cookie cottage.

Her parents bristle at the idea at first, but realize they may not have a business if they don’t change. In an effort to bolster the new cookie cottage during the holidays, Bella suggests that her father video her and her mom baking—with Bella making all kinds of mistakes. These videos will be posted on TikTok in an effort to reach a broader audience.

In order to write this scene, I researched common mistakes in baking – most of which I make. Who knew there was a proper technique for measuring flour? Apparently, you spoon it into the measuring cup instead of dipping the measuring cup into the flour bag, because no one wants excess flour causing a crumbly cookie. And too much sugar makes cookies brittle. You wouldn’t want others to break their teeth on over-sweetened treats. Not thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar results in flat, dense cookies instead of the more appealing light and fluffy ones. Not chilling the dough when called for means the batter will spread quickly and aggressively once in the oven. Presumably no one wants an aggressive cookie.

And the mortal sin of baking—using liquid measuring cups to measure dry ingredients. Or vice versa. So much to learn. Perhaps Bella and I will take heed. Perhaps not.

But one thing is for sure. “Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles” is a heartwarming holiday romance that will squeeze your heart and make you smile. And it might even make you head to the kitchen to make Christmas cookies.

Maria’s cookies in Santa Plate

Find the recipe here:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/231745/red-velvet-crinkle-cookies/ 

 

Blurb:

Competitive, work-obsessed Bella Simonetti has just been fired from her high-paying job at a Manhattan law firm. At an all-time low, she returns home and helps her parents at their small-town gift shop, but the business is failing and may not make it past the Christmas holidays.

Successful landscape architect Dean Jackson is like a son to Bella’s parents. But he’s a persistent annoyance to her—he seems to have forgotten his unforgivable blunder thirteen years earlier.

When Bella transforms her parents’ gift shop into a cookie cottage, Dean’s generosity and magnetic smile are hard to resist, and those feelings of unrequited adolescent love come rushing back. But can Bella let go of the past and accept Dean for the man he is today?

 Excerpt:

 “I agree with Dean. Barb’s Gift Cottage has been in Princeton for thirty years. You don’t decide one day to revamp the entire business. Get rid of the old, make way for the new. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Bella bit her tongue before responding, reminding herself to stay cool. “Okay. I’m open to anything. Let’s talk about your ideas to stay afloat.” She sat, poised with her pad in front of her, pen in hand.

Silence.

She looked directly at her dad first, eyebrow arched. “I’m listening.” Then she scanned over to Dean.

Her gaze moved up to his eyes—sea green in the harsh kitchen light but beautiful just the same.

His gaze locked with hers and held her hostage— an unwilling prisoner to his warden. All ire morphed into a swirling eddy of primal lust, and she felt herself disappearing into his aura. She needed to save herself as well as her ego. Fighting the pull, she surfaced, blinking to clear her eyes, inhaling to bring her back to the present.

She disconnected and glanced at her parents. Had they noticed she’d been missing?

The smallest smile quirked Dean’s lips—surely acknowledging her lapse into Dean-land. She reached for the annoyance she’d let slip from her grasp and pulled it back into her arsenal.

Buy links: 

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FYVGDWR

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-velvet-crinkles-and-christmas-sprinkles-maria-imbalzano/1140147130?ean=2940162321644

Apple

https://books.apple.com/us/book/red-velvet-crinkles-and-christmas-sprinkles/id1585527197

 

About Maria:

Maria Imbalzano is a retired matrimonial lawyer who now writes full time. Instead of drafting motions, legal memoranda, and briefs, although fascinating, she now spends her days creating memorable characters and taking them on their emotional journeys through her contemporary romance novels.

Her novel, “Unchained Memories,” won the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers’ Award and the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award. “Sworn to Forget,” the first of the four-book Sworn Sisters Series was a finalist for the illustrious RONE award as well as the Book Buyers Best Award. Two of her novellas, “The Blueberry Swirl Waltz” and “A Song For Another Day” won first place awards in their categories in the NEST (National Excellence in Story Telling) contest. Both of these novellas were also finalists for the Beverley Award.

Visit Maria at http://www.mariaimbalzano.com

Facebook –

https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor

Twitter

http://www.twitter.com/mariaimbalzano

@mariaimbalzano

Instagram: Mariaimbalzano_author

Blog Link

http://www.mariaimbalzano.com/category/blog/

Website Link

http://www.mariaimbalzano.com

Goodreads Author Page

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276749.Maria_Imbalzano

Book Bub Profile page

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maria-imbalzano

Mailing List Sign Up form

https://mariaimbalzano.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00FG9RI5K

 

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June 2, 2021 · 9:30 am

#HobbyCareerPassion: Debby Grahl ~ Sundae My Love ~ at Sand Lake, Where Ghosts Bring Two Lovers Back Together ~ #WRPgrp #Blog #AHAgrp

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Debby Grahl…

Sundae My Love – at Sand Lake,

Where Ghosts Bring  Two Lovers Back Together 

 Hi, I’m Samantha Murray, and Sundae My Love is the story of my family’s ice cream business. The Murrays have called Sand Lake, in the Irish Hills of Michigan, home since the nineteen fifties.

After my grandparents retired, I took over the running of the Dairy Delight. Lake-goers have enjoyed our Neapolitan Nectar milk shake for generations, but now Zack Hunter, the love of my life and the man who broke my heart, is back in town and threatens my business.

Hey there, I’m Zack Hunter, and I also grew up on Sand Lake. I left to go to college out west and have returned with a degree in architecture. You see, my grandparents built Frontier Town, a tourist attraction near the lake. The buildings have stood empty for years, and it’s been my dream to restore them and add an old-fashioned ice cream shop. The problem is the land I need to use adjoins the Dairy Delight. I have to confess I messed up pretty badly and hurt Samantha when I left. But I’ve realized my mistake, and I’m home and plan on winning back the woman I love.

When Wild Rose Press requested stories for their Two Scoops or One anthology, I knew my family’s home on Sand Lake was the perfect setting. Even though I’ve changed the characters’ names, the people actually exist. The house, built in the late nineteenth century, is as I describe, including the ghosts. I haven’t seen them, but, along with my cousins, we’ve heard them. Doors slam, floorboards creak, and footsteps go up and down the stairs.

Across the lake on US 12, there’s a drive-up ice cream shop, and down the road the empty buildings of a frontier town still stand. When I was young, my cousins and I would sit in the saloon wearing our western shirts and moccasins drinking root beer. We’d hop on the stagecoach which was always held up by outlaws. 

The Irish Hills is a rural area in southeast Michigan. There’s farm land, a number of lakes, woods of maples and oaks and dogwoods. I now live on Hilton Head Island, SC, but each summer I go home to the lake where I enjoy spending time with all my cousins, going out for ice cream, and reminiscing about growing up in such a beautiful place.

Can ancestral ghosts bring Samantha and Zack back together to fulfill all their dreams?

Sundae My Love Blurb

As manager of the Dairy Delight, Samantha Murray is dismayed to discover her past love is back and plans on building a rival business next door.

Zack Hunter returns to Sand Lake to win back Samantha and fulfill his grandfather’s dreams by restoring Frontier Town, a tourist attraction once owned by his grandparents, and adding an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Samantha is heartbroken over Zack’s past betrayal and struggles, conflicted over the love she can’t deny, but resolved to stop his building plans.

Zack is torn between his love for Samantha and his determination to follow through with his grandfather’s legacy.

Convinced the two are desperately in need of help, the family ghosts intervene to bring them together and solve their differences.

Sundae My Love excerpt

In the living room, a female shape materialized. Her     long dress swirled around her ankles, and the heels of  her high button shoes tapped across the hardwood floor. “Good grief, Angus, I wanted you to make them meet on  the lake, not have Zack run Samantha down,” Patricia Murray said with exasperation.

In a Queen Anne style chair, a male form appeared. “Patricia, it wasn’t my fault. Thaddeus was sitting next  to Zack and took control of the wheel.” He removed his pipe from his shirt pocket. Puffs of translucent smoke soon filled the room. “But it worked out.”

Hands on her hips, Patricia glowered. “Worked out! Are you kidding? What should have been a romantic reunion has made Samantha even more upset.” Patricia shook her head. “Samantha and Zack are perfect for  each other. It’s beyond me why that boy broke her heart and now is making matters worse by threatening the  Dairy Delight.” She narrowed her eyes. “You don’t seem too surprised over Zack’s plans. Did you already know about this?”

Angus squirmed in his seat. “Ah, well.”

“You did. Angus Murray, I can see it in your eyes. You’ve known all about this and didn’t tell me. This is why you’ve been gone so much lately. I’ll bet you and Thaddeus have been over there watching every move he’s made.”

“The boy is doing a top-rate job restoring the buildings. I can’t tell you how pleased Thaddeus is. You  know how much that place meant to him.”

“What about Zack’s disregard for Samantha and the  Dairy Delight?”

“Patricia, we’ve watched over our family for three generations. And no matter what problem occurs, they manage to work it out.”

Patricia threw up her arms in exasperation. “Sometimes situations need to be helped along. Samantha is on her way to confront Zack. Go over there and see what happens.”

“You want me to spy on my great-great-granddaughter?”

“Yes. It’s for her own good.”

 “Why don’t you go?”

“Because Thaddeus is your friend, not mine.      Besides, I promised Virginia Bradly I’d visit this afternoon. You know how lonely she gets when her  family is gone.”

Angus sighed, then stood. He placed his pipe in his pocket, adjusted his suspenders, straightened his bow tie, kissed his wife’s cheek, and vanished.

  Amazon Author Page — https://www.amazon.com/Debby-Grahl/e/B00B34HM26

 

Bio:

Debby lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach and a glass of wine at sunset. Her favorite places to visit are New Orleans, New York City, Captiva Island in Florida, the Cotswolds of England, and her home state of Michigan. She is a history buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and, of course, romance. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books.

Sundae My Love, in the Two Scoops or One anthology from The Wild Rose Press, will be  released June 30. Her other books  are Mountain Blaze, His Magic Touch, Decorated to Death, Rue Toulouse, and The Silver Crescent.

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/debbygrahlauthor?ref=br_rs

 

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March 25, 2017 · 8:27 am

Author Interview with Lisa DeVore ~ New Release: Sebastian’s Castle

I am very pleased to introduce today’s guest. Lisa DeVore is one of my Wild Rose Press authors. I had the pleasure of working with her on her debut novel, and on a handful of stories since. She’s a sweetheart of a person and a wonderful author. I love her and her stories. 🙂 Her latest is an excellent ghost story/romance. She’s here to tell us all about it, after her interview:

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

My name is Lisa DeVore. I was born and raised in Alliance, Ohio (about 20 miles NE of Canton, Ohio…home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame). I have been married to my best friend for nearly twenty-three years. Our oldest son, Lewie, is twenty-one, and works with his dad doing custom restoration on old hot rods and motorcycles. Our son, Cole, is eighteen and will be graduating in June, and off to college to study computer technology. And our “baby” girl, Jessica, will turn sixteen on my 50th birthday March 27th. She’s all about driving right now. We have three four-legged kids, Smitty & Wess, who are toy fox terriers (and brothers from the same litter) and my mini-pin, Chester.

Where did you get the idea for “Sebastian’s Castle”?

My hometown, Alliance, has its very own castle…Glamorgan Castle. The mansion was built from 1904-1909 and is now home to the Alliance City Schools’ administration. As a student and resident of Alliance, I’ve grown up around the castle, and have shared its beauty and history with my kids. It inspired the castle in my book, from the layout to the breathtaking chandelier. However, I don’t believe Glamorgan Castle has any secret passages. Who knows though? The ghost came naturally…what castle doesn’t have a ghost? Sebastian’s last name was, also, borrowed from William Henry Morgan, owner of the Alliance castle.
For more information on Glamorgan Castle- http://www.alliancecityschools.org/glamorgan-castle-history

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

This is my first “ghost” story, but the suspense genre is not new to me. I have to say, it was fun to write!

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

I have toured and visited Glamorgan Castle many, many times since I was a child, and know its history as well as my own, but prior to writing “Sebastian’s Castle” I took two tours. I wanted to feel the rooms, and the history. I wanted to see it as my characters, Brynn and Jax might see it, and imagine them there. Having that template for Brynn’s Mystic, CT castle made it come alive for me, and, I hope, my readers.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book? 

The most difficult thing about writing a book, for me, is time. I haven’t, as yet, experienced writer’s block. My writing takes me on dips and curves that I don’t even see coming. I have really given up on outlines, because my stories always take turns along the way, and I never keep to one. And, I may start off with a hero and he ends up the villain. I just never know!

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

Music. It inspires me. For each book, I have a theme song I listen to.

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

“Gone With the Wind.”

(Me too!!) Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

My day job is accounting for an electrical distributor. I work part time, and I do like it. My degree is in accounting, so it’s good to be able to use that knowledge. And I work with some great people.

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

Absolutely, without question, social media.

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

My favorite book of all time is the Bible. It inspires, calms, and gives hope. It has stood the test of time, and there is always something new to learn from Its pages. My favorite childhood book is “Green Eggs and Ham”. I loved that book! I read it so many times as a child, and to my kids, that I knew it by heart!

If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please 🙂

It would be Sebastian Morgan from “Sebastian’s Castle”. How cool would it be to spend a day with a ghost? I am a geek when it comes to history, and I would spend the day annoying him with questions about his life, and what it was like to live in his time.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Last May, I met my favorite singer, Scott Stapp (the front man of Creed, Art of Anarchy). His life experiences are in his music, and have inspired many. He has been criticized, and persecuted in the media, but he stays true to his style of writing, and gives God the glory. He is truly a kind man who loves God, his family, and fans. It was a pleasure meeting him…and he gives an amazing concert!

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

Nora Roberts. I don’t believe there’s one book she’s written whose characters didn’t come alive to me. Her stories have so much depth. She is a master at putting her reader in the moment.

What is your favorite…

Movie– The Patriot
Music– Rock
Place you’ve visited- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, Florida
Place you’d like to visit- Salem, Mass.
TV show from childhood- The Brady Bunch
TV show from adulthood- Once Upon A Time
Food– Pizza
Sports team– Cleveland Indians!!
Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Television

Love the interview, Lisa. I enjoyed learning more about you. Now, please tell us about Sebastian’s Castle…

Blurb:

Being married to a cop is hard, being the widow of one is harder. After Brynn Austin’s husband, Nate, was murdered in an undercover operation, there wasn’t enough evidence to convict the gang leader who killed him. Brynn refuses to let him kill their dream to renovate an old Connecticut castle. But her plan is hampered by a ghost who’s not ready to give up his home.

Contractor Jaxson Maddox signs on to renovate the old castle that’s sat empty for years. He didn’t believe the rumors about the place being haunted. But that was before he met the resident ghost. What Jax didn’t sign on for was trouble in the form of falling for the beautiful widow, dealing with a pesky ghost, and risking his life when a threat from Brynn’s past surfaces. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means becoming a ghost himself.

Excerpt:

Light shone in through the windows, but the space wasn’t any less creepy. Old cobwebs hung from the rafters, and dust particles danced in the sunlight. She hoped there wasn’t a family of raccoons, or worse, living here. Brynn pushed those thoughts
from her mind and kneeled in front of the trunk with the screwdriver. She’d never tried to pick a lock before, but there was a first time for everything.

“If you’re set on nosing around, I would rather you used the key. It’s under that pile of books.”

Brynn jumped to her feet and swung around to face the voice. She gripped tightly to her only weapon, the screwdriver.

There he stood, the same man she saw the other day. “Who are you?” She backed toward the wall, holding the screwdriver in front of her. “You’re trespassing.”

“No, my dear, you’re trespassing. This is my castle. I should be asking you the questions.”

Brynn’s eyes bugged out as she really took a look at him. His image was fading in and out. “No,” she said aloud, “it can’t be.”

“My dear, you don’t look well.”

“You’re a…” She patted her face.

“A what? I’m a what?” His face faded and returned.

“You’re a ghost!”
Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sebastians-Castle-Lisa-DeVore/dp/1509213325/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Bio:

Lisa DeVore is a romantic suspense author for The Wild Rose Press. Her active imagination started at an early age in her NE Ohio hometown, complete with its own castle. She’s an avid reader, loves the beach, dolphins, and sunshine! Yes, she’s a misplaced Floridian. Lisa stays busy utilizing her accounting degree, spending time with her husband of 20-plus years, their two sons and daughter, 2 toy fox terriers, and one mini-pin. And she enjoys spending time in the worlds she creates. Lisa made the Amazon best-seller list for her debut novel “Beautiful Music”, and is excited to announce the release of her fourth book, “Sebastian’s Castle”.
Contact Links:

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

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/mrsldevore

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Lisa+DeVore

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-DeVore/e/B00KMHIWRY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1490133627&sr=8-1

 

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April 14, 2016 · 8:12 am

Author Interview with Marianne Rice + Her Contemporary Romance: Then Came You

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Marianne Rice. Let’s get to know her a bit before she tells us about her new release…

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

I’ve been teaching high school English for nineteen years. Being a teacher was all I wanted to do until I got the writing itch about ten years ago. I never thought I wanted to do anything else until I got published last year. I’d love to be able to write full time now. Unfortunately, the bills must get paid.

  1. What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?

I love to do crazy, dangerous, muddy obstacle courses. Kind of odd since I love getting dolled up and wearing snazzy heels. I’ve run the 12 mile Tough Mudder twice (designed by the British special ops) where I have to army crawl in mud under barbed wire, go down a slide through a tunnel of fire, run through dangling electrical wires and scale ten-foot walls. I won’t do a straight-up 5K or marathon; running is extremely boring. I live for the obstacles. And the mud.

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

My favorite piece of literature is The Great Gatsby. Oh, the symbols, the one-liners, the twisted love triangle. We actually just wrapped up our “Fall of the American Dream” unit in my American Lit classes. I love when students feel passionate about literature; it doesn’t happen enough these days.

  1. What do you want readers to come away with after they read Then Came You?

I don’t write love stories as complex as Gatsby. Instead, I write fun, light-hearted romances that involve complex issues, but are emotionally satisfying in the end. If I can make a reader smile, laugh, or cry, I’ve done my job. And if they’re itching to read the next Wilde sister’s story…even better!

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

Check out my Pinterest board and you’ll see who I’d like to star in each of my books. Liam Hemsworth would make the perfect Grayson Montgomery. Grayson is loyal, serious, and business-minded, and too young for his polished personality. He’s followed his family’s pre-destined plan for him until he learns a five year-old orphaned girl is his daughter.

For spunky, sweet, adorable Thyme Wilde I picture Rachel McAdams. Oh, that permanent smile and dimples, just like Thyme. So sweet and a little sassy.

  1. What is your favorite quote?

“Cinderella and Dorothy are proof that a pair of shoes can change your life.”

  1. What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?

Chris Hemsworth. He’s my everything. *sigh*

 

***Join my mailing list and you’ll automatically be entered to win a slew of prizes. Every newsletter I like to give a lucky subscriber something special. Just for being kind enough to follow me. http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html

 

Wonderful interview, thank you! Chris Hemsworth is most definitely sigh-worthy. 🙂 And now, check out her contemporary romance, Then Came You…

 

THENCAMEYOU-3Dsmaller

BLURB: 

Thyme Wilde doesn’t make long-term decisions—until she falls in love with one…

Easily bored and quickly distracted, Thyme enjoys her freedom, so being a temp at her sister’s company is the perfect job. But when she takes a position as a nanny, she instantly falls in love with the five-year-old princess named Maddie—and just two months later, Maddie’s parents are killed in a plane crash, leaving Thyme in an unfamiliar role of responsibility.

Multi-millionaire architect Grayson Montgomery lives in the lap of luxury—but at a cost…

Being the sole heir of his family’s fashion empire and his father’s architectural firm, Grayson has never lacked for anything. But in return, he must stay subservient to the matriarch of his family—his grandmother—and date the heiress of their largest business partner. The only freedom Grayson has is his architectural designs, which are his true passion.

One day changes Grayson’s future forever…

A lawyer summons Grayson to Maine for the reading of the will of a woman he once knew. He doesn’t expect to be named the father of a five-year-old orphan. Then he meets his newly-discovered daughter—and her incredibly sexy nanny.

While acting as Maddie’s loyal nanny, Thyme develops feelings for her new employer that are more than professional. And after several passionate nights with Grayson, it’s clear the feeling is mutual.

When it’s made evident Grayson sees her as a convenient placeholder, Thyme must push aside her desires and put Maddie above herself—even if it means sacrificing her heart to do it.

 

EXCERPT:

“I kind of have this love-hate relationship with you.”

The look of shock on his face made her laugh. “Okay. Maybe not such strong emotions. How about like and dislike? One minute you’re sweet and kind and gorgeous and the next minute you’re too caught up in work and image but still working the gorgeous angle.”

“Is being gorgeous good or bad?”

“You seem to work it in no matter what you do. You can’t help it. You’re pretty.”

“Guys don’t want to be pretty.”

“Yeah. They do. But you’re hot, too. Pretty and hot.”

“Can’t you just call me pretty hot and call it good?”

“See, and then you throw in a dash of humor and I’m a goner.”

“Goner? Really?” Grayson set his hands on her waist and tugged her closer. She shivered from the heat, from the chill, from the anticipation.

“It was easier when I thought you were a jerk,” she whispered, her mouth dangerously close to his.

“Why is that?” he whispered back, his breath mingling with hers.

She swallowed, her throat tight and hoarse, and licked her lips. “Because then I wasn’t tempted to do this.” Thyme stood on her tiptoes and gently pressed her lips against his.

 Amazon buy page: bit.ly/thencameyou

MRICE

 

BIO:

Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on her website at http://www.mariannerice.com

 

CONTACT LINKS:

http://www.mariannerice.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mariannericeauthor/

amazon.com/author/mariannerice

https://www.instagram.com/mariannericeauthor/

http://www.facebook.com/MarianneRiceaut

https://twitter.com/mariannericeaut

https://www.goodreads.com/MarianneRice

https://www.pinterest.com/mariannericeaut

 

 

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August 7, 2014 · 12:36 pm

Five Authors from Oklahoma – Five Stories in One Boxed Set About a Cursed Doll and True Love

A while back, a group of Oklahoma authors came together to write a series of short stories with the recurring theme of a cursed Scrimshaw doll. The curse began in the late seventeenth century when a father feared his daughter’s betrothed would betray her. A gypsy attempted to hex the girl with this spell: All those who betray you will suffer. Only true love can break the curse. As luck (or bad luck) would have it, the girl was holding a Scrimshaw Doll her father had made for her, and the curse went into the doll instead, and therefore, it carried on for centuries. Our first installment picks up with the young woman’s daughter, who has inherited the doll. 

These stories, in various genres, all stand alones, were published with The Wild Rose Press as individual releases, but have now been released in two boxed sets, each containing five stories. The first set released today, and the second set, Betrayed, will release next Thursday, August 14th. Volume 2 contains stories from myself, Callie Hutton, Kathy L Wheeler, Tamrie Foxtail, and Anna Kittrell. 

*** ON SALE for a limited time for only 2.99. Click here to purchase… 

From Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cursed-Tales-Scrimshaw-Digital-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00MG8B940/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1407415923&sr=1-1&keywords=Cursed+tales+of+the+scrimshaw+doll

From The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=234&products_id=5783

 

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Be sure to check out next week’s post. In the meantime…take a look at the fun and exciting stories in Volume 1: 

 

Diana Layne, Pirate’s Proposal, Historical romance Novella 

The story that began it all…

Interesting Fact:

I love pirate romances and Italians and strong women heroines and was happy to find a way to combine the three!

A favorite line:

One pirate often looked like the other, sunburned and scruffy, but she was certain they’d never met.

 

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Find Diana here:

Website: http://www.dianalayne.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/dianalaynebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianalaynebooks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dianalaynebooks/

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Kae Elle Wheeler / The English Lily / Historical Novella

 A runaway heiress protecting her secrets is no match for a destitute viscount resolved to his fate—whatever the cost

Interesting Fact:

The English Lily was inspired from book iii of my Cinderella Series – The Surprising Enchantress, where Lady Esmeralda, Cinderella’s batty-eyed sister is jealous of the prim, very feminine, and definitely normal-fluttering-eyed miss. But Lady Kendra had her own secret, leading to her own story to tell.

 A favorite line:

She was happy to be his guinea pig, so to speak, although referring to herself as a pig of any sort seemed a bit extreme.

 

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Find Kae Elle here:

http://www.kathylwheeler.com

facebook.com/kathylwheeler

twitter: @kathylwheeler

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Heidi Vanlandingham, Trail of Hope, Historical Novella

Can love and hope prevail on a deadly journey?

Interesting Fact:

I love genealogy and have always wanted to know where my ancestors came from, how they lived, and what they believed. What decisions they made that trickled down through time and created who I am today. I’m actually descended from one of Pocahontas’s sisters and my several greats cousin was Nathaniel Pryor who founded Pryor, Oklahoma. His fantastic story inspired my ideas behind Trail of Hope.

A favorite line:

Hunger pains gnawed at the inside of Sophia’s shrunken stomach. And she stunk. Her dirt wore dirt, and it stunk.

 

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Find Heidi here:

Website: http://heidivanlandingham.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HVanlandingham

Email: heidivauthor@icloud.com

 

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 Tamrie Foxtail, Fading Rose, Contemporary Romance Novella

Can a cursed doll and a miracle bring life and love to a dying woman?

Interesting Fact: 

A few years ago my husband was given a year to live unless he received a new kidney. We were seven months into that year when he received the kidney. Also, the parrot is modeled after a friend’s parrot.

A Favorite Line:

“When I called yesterday to ask you out, you could have said ‘I wish I could, but I have to go to dialysis.’ See how simple that would be? Short, sweet and to the point.”

 

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Jessica Ferguson, The Last Daughter, Romantic Suspense Novella

A past more terrifying than she dares to imagine 

Fun Fact: 

I was living in Oklahoma when I learned that the Scrimshaw Doll series was being planned. When I sat down to pull together a proposal for submission, my characters and the house called Wounded Heart, appeared so incredibly real to me, it was as though they were alive and waiting for me to come into their lives to tell their story. Newspapers across the state were filled with stories of abuse so while my tale is dark, and has to do with that very unromantic subject, the theme is forgiveness. Hero Trent Jones and I learned a lot from our heroine, Rayna Guildbeau, and we’re amazed at her capacity to love and forgive.

A favorite line: 

“I know when I start finding clues, or relatives, there’ll be no turning back. My life will be different—for good or for bad.”

 

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Find Jessica Here:

Twitter: @jessyferguson

http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com

http://www.pinterest.com/jessyferguson/

https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRoachFerguson

https://www.facebook.com/jessica.ferguson.3557

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June 8, 2014 · 5:18 pm

NEW Releases from The Wild Rose Press Fun Facts About the Authors

I am proud to share some of the latest releases from The Wild Rose Press… Please check out the books and follow these authors on Twitter and Facebook, etc.

Enjoy the wonderful stories AND the fun fact tidbits…

 

Angela Hayes with Love’s Battle, Fantasy Romance Novel

If love isn’t worth fighting for, what is?

Fun Fact: Love’s Battle is my first novel. Be sure to look for the follow ups, Faith’s Forever and Hope’s Wish-as soon as I get through writing them!!!!

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****Love’s Battle is being offered at half price at $2.99 through the middle of July****

Click HERE to order from Amazon.

You can catch up with Angela Hayes at www.authorangelahayes.blogspot.com.

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Gini Rifkin with A Cowboy’s Fate, Historical Western Romance Novella

Former Mountain Man Era re-enactor, now living on a farmlette taking in abandoned animals

Fun Fact:  I travelled the same route my Hero & Heroine take from Denver to Leadville. It was much less fraught with danger in a car, but just as much “fun” when we got there.

A few lines from the story:

“I never claimed to be a gentleman,” he said.

“No, you didn’t. It was an illusion of my own making. A mistake I shall not fall prey to again.”

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Click HERE to order

Find Gina here:

http://ginirifkin.blogspot.com

gini@ginirifkin.com

 

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June 1, 2014 · 11:34 am

New Releases from The Wild Rose Press. AND, fun facts about the authors!

I am proud to share some of the latest releases from The Wild Rose Press… Please check out the books and follow these authors on Twitter and Facebook, etc.

Enjoy the wonderful stories AND the fun fact tidbits…

 

Devon McKay with Cowboy On The Run – Contemporary Romance/Novel

Can’t run from love!

Fun Fact: This may make me sound like a nut but, my idea for Cowboy On The Run wasn’t even for a book. It was for a stained glass project I wanted to do. In my spare time, I work with glass and have a small studio in my house. I pictured a pair of worn cowboy boots and an old Stetson leaning against a fence with a braided rope encircling them in an oval and was intent on making the glass piece more than just a good idea.

I had the cowboy hat and the boots, but not the fence. In search of the perfect fence for the background, I talked my husband into driving me to Gettysburg PA from our home in Ohio. I wanted an old rustic civil war like fencing and in my mind no other fence would do! So where better to go? Of course, I could have easily found such a pattern on the internet, or drawn it myself, but my husband and I love to travel, so off we went! (This is one of the images):

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On the way home, I realized the placement of the boots and hat looked as if a cowboy had laid the gear down in a way that he’d be ready to run. The picture sparked the idea for my book. Fortunately, the story was better told with words than with glass. 

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Order at The Wild Rose Press   Amazon  and many other outlets.

Find Devon here:

https://devonmckay.weebly.com

facebook.com/DevonMcKay2014

dev.mckay@yahoo.com

Twitter@devonmckay2014

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Larry Farmer with The Kerr Construction Company, multicultural, mini novel

Gallup was Navajo country, the Indian capital of America.

Fun Fact: I had a traditional country band in Switzerland. We got magazine write ups, newspaper, lots of radio time, and did advertisements for Swatches.

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Order at Amazon
Find Larry Here:
cottonfa@yahoo.com

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Linda Joyce with BAYOU BOUND, Contemporary Romance Novel.

When dreams and southern tradition collide, will Biloxi lose Nick forever?

Fun Fact: Bayou Bound won First Place in Romance from the Southeastern Writers Association. InD’tale Magazine reviewed Bayou Bound and awarded it a 4.5 Star rating with a Heart and a Crown. Biloxi Dutrey is very dear to my heart. We share the same birthplace, Biloxi, Mississippi. Her father’s family, like mine, hails from New Orleans, Louisiana. My greatest connection to the man that holds Biloxi’s heart, Nick Trahan, is flying. While Nick’s a pilot, I did take flying lessons, even soloed several times. Unlike Nick, I learned small planes aren’t for me.

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*****33% off – Only $3.99*****

Order at: The Wild Rose Press   Amazon  and many other outlets

Find Linda Here: 

Website: http://www.linda-joyce.com

Blog:  http://lindajoycecontemplates.com

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

Twitter: @LJWriter  https://twitter.com/LJWriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6950241.Linda_Joyce

Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=32071

Pintrest:  http://pinterest.com/LindaJoyceWorld/boards/

 

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