Tag Archives: oklahoma

Friday Fragment Contest – #Giveaway #FunGame #BookLovers – January 20, 2017

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Happy Friday and welcome to my weekly contest –

Below you will find three different books, by three different authors, and beneath each, you will find three different short excerpts. Only one excerpt is from the listed book. Using the form at the bottom of the post, enter your guesses as to which excerpt is correct for each book. Once a month, I will draw a name from all those who attempt a guess on this game, AND on my Facebook SpotaLie game (check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/) The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Each week, the first person to guess all 3 correctly receives an additional entry. (TIP: Click on each link and read the blurbs for a better chance at guessing correctly)

In addition to filling out the contact form, we’d also love it if you would comment, whether it is about your guesses, the books, the authors, etc. Have fun!

Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary to win. There is no limit on how many times one entrant can win. You do not have to guess correctly to be entered in the monthly drawing.

 

*** The game runs from the day it’s posted through the following Friday morning when the next post goes up, so feel free to send your guesses in and comment any time during that week. In order to stay up to date on each post, follow my blog by signing up in the column to the right.

*** Extra Giveaways!! – 

Alicia Dean will draw the name of one commenter and that person will win a $5 Amazon gift card.

Book 1:

Haunting at Spook Light Inn: A World of Gothic ~ Oklahoma by Alicia Dean

Buy  Link: https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Spook-Light-Inn-Oklahoma-ebook/dp/B01GNGTU96/

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Snippet A:

His tone was friendly, but I wasn’t fooled. His interest was business. I wondered if he had more questions or was just trying to get a read on me, see if I’d lied about Josie. I hadn’t. But I was probably going to. I couldn’t let the cops at her now. She was too fragile.

Even knowing his interest wasn’t personal, I was self-conscious about my appearance. I wore a sweatshirt and Royals’ cap, no make-up. My mother hated it when I “dressed like a vagabond,” so I did so more often than not when I knew I’d see her. Now that I’d run into Brody, my plan to annoy my mother had back-fired.

Snippet B:

Slivers of moonlight filtered through the leaves of the oak trees above Emily’s head. Thick fog floated on the ground, leaving only the tops of the phony headstones they’d set up showing. The fog was phony too, but it looked so real, the effect was downright spooky—as was standing in the woods with Michael Myers. Even though she knew Caster was beneath the mask, a little quiver of fear raced over her skin. She gave a breathless laugh. “Okay, let’s do this.”

“I’m ready,” he said, his voice muffled beneath the mask.

She turned her back to him, and he slipped an arm around her waist.

Snippet C:

I wasn’t aware I’d made a conscious decision, but I found myself parking the golf cart at the edge of the woods, at the mouth of the trail that led to the carriage house. What was there that Declan didn’t want me to see? I felt a little guilty, but I pushed it away. If he had something valuable, it wasn’t like I was going to steal it. And if he was hiding something criminal, the authorities had a right to know.

As before, I tried both doors. As before, neither of them opened. I checked all the windows, this time using the flashlight on my cell to try to penetrate the interior gloom. Nothing. Definitely something covering the windows.

 

Book 2:

Title: The Highlander’s English Woman

Amazon buy linkhttps://amzn.com/B01LXYHNGS

Find Ruth Here:   http://ruthacasie.com/ 

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Snippet A:

He put his pen down and sat back, his casual manner indicating he wasn’t in any hurry. A glint of humor lit his eyes. An easy smile lifted the corners of his mouth. The thrill of his obvious interest in her buoyed her spirits. Her smile broadened, it was the polite thing to do, although polite never entered her mind.

Snippet B:

“We’ll rest when we get to the other side.” He turned to Laura on her palfrey. “You’ll ride across with me.”

Laura gave him a cold stare. “I assure you, I can handle my horse crossing a river.”

“I’m sure you can. However, it’s all about size,” he smirked.

She tilted her head and sucked in a quick breath at the double meaning of his words.

“My horse,” he said in a husky voice. “Where is your mind, m’lady? He stands several hands higher than yours.” He straightened in his saddle. A flash of heat ran up her neck.

Snippet C:

He caught her around her waist and brought her face to his. How he adored the passion in her violet eyes. They asked for more. He answered with a searing kiss and teased her mouth open with his tongue. She didn’t protest. Instead she moved closer molding her body into his, fitting like a key in a lock. Encouraged, his tongue swept her mouth and he reveled at the sweet taste. When he released her she stood in the crook of his arm, her head on his chest. His cheek rested on her hair. Quiet and content, he savored the last few moments while the sun rose over the edge of the hill.

 

Book 3:

Title: A Taste of Tragedy

Find Kim Here:  http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com

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Snippet A:

Devyn scrambled out of the gully and cut across the raised ground above the bend in the creek. Inching out toward the edge, she peered over and spotted her target. His back was to her. She had a clean shot, but this time she was determined to get answers and dead men couldn’t talk.

Snippet B:

Grace Talbot gripped the steering wheel of her white four-wheel-drive truck. Every muscle in her body tensed as she leaned closer to the windshield, straining her eyes, searching the blowing snow for the reflector poles, which lined the road, or for any tire track, which would indicate someone else had driven through recently.

Traveling the remote rural Wyoming road in a blizzard was risky, and she would have avoided such a stupid act if her Uncle Moss wasn’t in the hospital fighting for his life  and Butch, his only hired ranch hand, wasn’t dead.

Snippet C:

“Try to get some sleep. We can’t afford to have a sniper with the shakes. I’ll wake you in a few hours and then I’ll get some rest.” Deuce wrapped his arms around her tighter and rested his chin on her shoulder, his cheek brushing hers, wondering how many times he could hold her this close without taking more.

 

 

Correct answers & winner of the extra entry from last week:

No one guessed correctly last week. 😦 (As far as I could see. If you think you did, please email me at AliciaMDean@aol.com and I’ll double check)

Last week’s answers:

Dance Toward The Light by Linda Carroll-Bradd  Correct snippet: “C”

Everything His Heart Desires by Patricia Preston Correct snippet: “C”

The Mad Monk’s Treasure by Kris Bock Correct snippet: “A”

 

 

4 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post, Friday Fragment, giveaway

Hauntings in the Garden – Halloween Romances PLUS a Wild Rose Press Gift Card Giveaway

A new Halloween Series from The Wild Rose Press – Hauntings in the Garden – Fun Facts, Brief Excerpts from Nine Short Stories and a cool giveaway!

 

Lara Parker, The House, Paranormal 

All is not as it seems… 

Fun Fact:

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday even though I do not enjoy horror movies, strange huh? I love fall and dressing up in costumes and jack o’ lanterns…pretty much everything having to do with Halloween. So the idea for this book came pretty naturally and excited me. 

A Brief Snippet: 

A faint sound reached me. It sounded like wind blowing through treetops. I listened closely and heard an almost imperceptible word. Leave. My heart rate increased, and I started to hyperventilate. I felt tingles in my limbs as my hands shook uncontrollably.

 

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Buy Here:

http://www.amazon.com/House-Hauntings-Garden-Lara-Parker-ebook/dp/B00O0EQ6TG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414270528&sr=8-6&keywords=hauntings+in+the+garden 

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Stacy Dawn with Love her Like the Devil, a contemporary western romance

Kick up your heels in the local honky tonk for Halloween…but beware the devil in red cowboy boots…

Fun Fact:

The idea for the story actually came to me from an old country/western song by Charlie Pride–“Kiss an Angel Good Morning”….the lyrics being “Kiss an angel good morning and love her like the devil when you get back home.”    My father had taught himself to play the guitar over the last couple years,  and during a camping trip this past summer, he played a lot of older country songs that I remembered from my childhood, which is why the song must have just popped in my head one day.  Once I had the phrase in my head, it all just unfolded like *snap*

Brief Snippet: 

He adjusted his Stetson and sidled up to the bar, tossing a leg over the stool next to the buxom beauty. A heady breeze of cheap perfume plumed around him as she turned and graced him with a perfectly wicked smile. 

Looks like my lucky nigh— 

“I wouldn’t if I were you.” 

Luke glanced over his shoulder to find a pair of deep brown eyes laughing at him beneath a smooth raised brow. 

“You’re the sixth guy she’s hit on since I’ve been sitting here.” 

He frowned and turned back to the blonde he’d had his sights on…except her sights were now on a Captain Jack Sparrow wannabe. 

“Thanks a lot,” he grumbled, swiveling to face the bar. 

“You’re very welcome.”

 

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Buy Here: 

The Wild Rose Press: 

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_141&products_id=5841

Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Like-Devil-Hauntings-Garden-ebook/dp/B00NP305KE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1414270528&sr=8-7&keywords=hauntings+in+the+garden

Find Stacy Dawn here:   www.stacydawn.com   www.stacydawn.blogspot.com

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Eliza March with Witch’s Tattoo, a paranormal romance 

Pride or power, lust or love, life or death.

A young witch must find her soul mate and unite with him in order to defeat the dark forces gathering around her.

Fun Fact: 

While I was attending a workshop with WRP Publisher, Rhonda Penders, she mentioned needing a few Halloween short stories, I came up with Witch’s Tattoo and pitched the concept off the top of my head, growing more enthusiastic as I spoke. Thankfully, she liked the idea, too.

A Brief Snippet: 

The skirt she wore barely covered her sexy ass—like a black leather napkin filled with wicked delights. Damn, the witch looked hot enough to melt ice-forged steel. He tortured himself with the image of her wearing just the pendant and the boots—thigh high, black leather cut in lacy patterns, exposing her creamy skin…

The tips of her long black hair brushed her narrow waist the way it had the night he watched her in the scrying mirror. His fingers twitched with the desire to trace her plunging neckline. A neckline that bared her deep cleavage and the pendant.
Skincare concept: back of beautiful nude woman with soft skin
Buy Here: 

The Wild Rose Press  http://tinyurl.com/m26vzcv

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Tattoo-Hauntings-Garden-Eliza-ebook/dp/B00NQMV4JK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/witchs-tattoo-eliza-march/1120533213?ean=2940150407206
Find Eliza here:

WEBBlogAmazonNookTWRPFacebook • TwitterGoodreads

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Release date: Oct 27 

Cecilia Farrell with Crimson Summer, a Paranormal romance 

Keeping secrets is as dangerous as finding them out. 

Fun Fact: 

In “Crimson Summer”, heroine Ranalt Fitzgerald notes that her name is unusual. While doing research on my own family name of Farrell, I found “Ranalt, daughter of Awley O’Farrell, King of Conmacne, who married Hugh O’Connor, the last king of Connacht.” The 12th century Ranalt and Hugh came to unhappy ends. He was betrayed and murdered; she drowned—accidentally or not—in her bathtub. When I was hunting for an Irish name for my protagonist that was a little different, I remembered “Ranalt”.  Ranalt’s sister Lacey is named after the main character of “Beatrice Lacey” from  one of my favourite novels – Wideacre – by Philippa Gregory. “Colin” is a nod to a favourite actor: Colin Farrell. The only other name of significance is ”Joe”, Ranalt and Lacey’s father. He’s named for one of my brothers because the real Joe thinks paranormal stories and shows are “idiotic”. But he likes those movies about Chucky the homicidal doll so go figure! 

A Brief Snippet: 

“Ranalt, did you not close the front door when you came in?” my mother asked.

“Of course I did.”

She paled and the blood drained out of my face too.

“Junie,” I breathed and ran to the verandah, praying she hadn’t gone far.

She stood on the top step, her back to me. The moonbeams bleached her cornsilk hair and aquamarine nightshirt, giving her a ghostly look.

“Junie, it’s me,” I called softly, not wanting to scare her. Then I saw what held her attention and my heart nearly stopped. It was a big black wolf, sitting on its haunches. In the moonlight the animal looked like a sculpture of antiqued silver.

Juniper glanced over her shoulder at me. “Hi Ranalt. I saw him from the window. That’s the doggie who came to my house last night. Isn’t he beautiful? Do you think he’s hungry?”

 

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Buy Here: 

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Summer-Hauntings-Cecilia-Farrell-ebook/dp/B00O0FVN9S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413970012&sr=1-1 

The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5862

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Release date October 27th

Dayana Knight with Witch Familiar, Paranormal romance 

Breanna McShae finds more in her newly acquired familiar then extra storage for her recently attained powers. She has discovered an unexpected addition to her very soul–something she will do anything to keep close to her heart.

Fun Fact: 

This book came to be in a dare to myself–to write on demand. I never thought I could do that. I always stayed away from Nano writing and any sort of write-on-demand projects.  This time I figured I am gonna toss the negative to the wind. With three little words in my mind (witch, wolf and raven) this story was born.

A Brief Snippet

“Sooo…” Brea looked everywhere but at Nadyia. She played with a small besom display on the counter. “Who was the guy? I haven’t seen him around before, though you seem to know him well enough, so I figure he must live around here somewhere.” She gave Nadyia a shy half smile. 

Nadyia returned the smile. “That, my dear, is Hunter Colhen. He lives off Dante’s Ridge, north of your place. He’s got a cabin out there—one of those modern rustic places.” She completed packaging Brea’s purchases and totaled the transaction.  “That’s $56.96 today, dearie.” She accepted the cash and grinned a devilish little smile. “If I weren’t so ancient… But, of course, I tease. I think of him as a grandson and somehow think he reciprocates the sentiment. He is a solitary sort, keeps mostly to himself.” 

Brea bent closer and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “Well, the dude is totally hot. So you, my friend, have very good taste in adopted grandchildren.”
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Buy Here:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Hauntings-Garden-Dayana-Knight-ebook/dp/B00O14EMWI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414272442&sr=8-6&keywords=witch+familiar

Find Dayana Here: 

dayanaknight@blogspot.com

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, with Unlocked Treasure, contemporary romance 

Will a prophecy keep a lonely woman from accepting the promise of adventure?

Fun Fact:

The heroine has started the genealogy of the maternal side of her heritage because family stories hinted toward witches and special abilities. Genealogy turns out to be a shared interest with the hero whose study of his ancestors has proved a link to a pirate who grew up on nearby Block Island, which was a pirate stronghold in the late 1690s and early 1700s. In the Newport-Providence area, caches of pirate booty have been discovered throughout the years.

Brief Snippet:

“Aleen—hey, that’s pretty, like the direction alee.”

Her own smile dimmed. Like I’ve never heard that before. “Thanks.” This guy was not charming his way around the rules. “Sorry, but you’ll need to come back when the gardens are open for visitors. That’s Wednesdays through—”

“Yeah, I read the sign.” He gave a dismissive wave then turned to gaze back at the main house. “But I just needed five minutes to check out some dimensions and the lot layout.”

“So, you woke up this morning and just decided to start out your week by trespassing?”

 

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Buy Here: 

The Wild Rose Press

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_143&products_id=5855

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Unlocked-Treasure-Hauntings-Garden-Carroll-Bradd-ebook/dp/B00O0EQ754/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413922816&sr=1-1&keywords=unlocked+treasure 

Barnes & Noble  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unlocked-treasure-linda-carroll-bradd/1120577500?ean=2940150749191

Find Linda Here: 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Carroll-Bradd-author/440814942635289

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/lcarrollbradd

Blog: http://blog.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Website: www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1806413.Linda_Carroll_Bradd

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Anne Knol, with ShriekWeek, a cozy mystery

It’s hard to fit in when you’re suspected of murder. It’s even harder to lay past ghosts to rest.

Fun Fact: 

The Isle of Wight is said to be one of the most haunted counties in England. Ghost stories and ghost walks lie around every corner. So it is a tailor-made Halloween setting for the fictional Creektown and its characters. The heroine of the novella, Maggie Ballater, takes her surname from a town situated near Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. 

The original plot idea came from the report of a car accident in the local paper which stuck in my head far longer than it should have and would not go away. I applied the magic “what if” formula, and the story gradually emerged. 

The characters added themselves and their relationships developed in unexpected ways. They all have stories to tell in the future novellas which will make up the Creektown Chronicles. 

I’ve wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember. It’s taken fifty years to get there so I’m not giving up now. Follow your dream. I recommend it.

A Brief Snippet 

She felt rather than saw someone watching her.

Breath caught in her throat, but there was nothing to be frightened of. Bram leant propped on the door jamb, his right ankle crossed slackly over the left.

“Sorry I’m late finishing.” She hated how teenage she sounded. “Are you waiting to set up class in here?”

“Just came to see you.” He wandered in, picked up worksheets and laid them down again, stopped at the dominoes and started matching the words to the pictures.

She had to apologize. She had rehearsed what she was going to say often enough. She cleared her throat, suddenly thick with nerves. “I wanted to say sorry about last night. I didn’t mean—”

He waved a hand dismissively. “No worries. Forgotten.” But his eyes when she looked were shuttered and told a different story.

 

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Buy Here:

TWRP

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5848 

Amazon. com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/188-8389611-4373629?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Shriekweek

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ShriekWeek-Hauntings-Garden-Anne-Knol-ebook/dp/B00NU7GW9S/ref=sr_1_1/276-2681324-8371863?ie=UTF8&qid=1413925069&sr=8-1&keywords=ShriekWeek 

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shriekweek-anne-knol/1120533323?ean=2940150407213

Find Anne Here: 

Twitter @AnneKnol1 

FB https://www.facebook.com/anne.duguid1 

blog

http:www.slowandsteadywriters.blogspot.com 

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Veronica Lynch with Caper Magic, a paranormal romance

This attraction: Complete madness or—sheer magic?

Fun Fact:

Interesting tidbit about the heroine Annunciata [Nunie] Doyle: Known as the Black Mamba because of the 4 [four] men she married, then buried shortly after the “I-do’s”, was raised in one of the Magdalene laundries [made infamous by the movie, starring Dame Judi Dench, based on a true story, “Philomena”].  

After her parents were murdered in an IRA bombing of a Belfast pub which served Catholic patrons, Nunie was sent to a convent school in Tuam Ireland. This same place recently made the news after the remains of more than 100 young women and infants and small children were discovered in a common grave. The causes of death varied, some of which likely occurred during childbirth as the pain and torture of labor and delivery was considered the girls’ penance for lifting their skirts outside the banns of marriage. Never occurred to some of those demons in black that some of the girls might have been raped or abused by family members. Must be incest does not occur inside the Emerald Isle. Must be no one ever read Angela’s Ashes. 

Nunie, as well as the real life Philomena, have forgiven the sisters for their abusive treatment and neglect. As a [lapsed] Catholic woman of a certain age, I find their generosity completely amazing.  

But, as we say in the game, what goes around comes around. Those penguins will get theirs eventually. 

 

A Brief Snippet:

         Five years had evoked more than a few changes in Annunciata Doyle. Much thinner, he noted, but as far as he was concerned she’d always been a bit on the hippy side. Back then her weight was something she’d thrown around with ease—or when the mood suited. When it came to cops, it suited her often. The hair was another matter. Who knew when she freed the ruthlessly tight bun she’d always sported, her hair would fall past her waist in a curtain of black velvet curls?

          In the costume of a Witchy Poo—and wasn’t that appropriate considering what she’d done to several of his fellow officers—her current manner of dress was looser, certainly more feminine than the severe straight-jacket type suits she wore back when reporters hung on her every word and judges clamored for her to speak as an expert during the sentencing portion of criminal trials. Counselors and advocates proclaimed her the  patron saint of victims and survivors. 

          Which, in his opinion, was complete bullshit. 

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Buy Here:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Caper-Magic-Hauntings-Garden-Veronica-ebook/dp/B00O0FVUDC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1414274930&sr=8-8&keywords=hauntings+in+the+garden

Find Veronica Here:

VLynchAuthor@yahoo.com

blog: www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com

 

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Alicia Dean with Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost, a paranormal romance 

He just thought nothing was more frightening than marriage 

Fun Fact: 

I’ve written a few paranormal stories, but this was my first ghost story. My original idea was that the hero’s mother would come back to haunt the heroine and try to drive them apart. That idea didn’t seem to come together very well, so it occurred to me that maybe the heroine’s husband should come back from the dead, with the intention of stopping her from hooking up with another guy, but inadvertently pushing her and the hero together. Thus, Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost was born. 

A Brief Snippet: 

“Emily!” Pennywise the psycho clown—aka Bob Ferrell—rushed up to her. “Have you seen Megan? She’s not here and now, Destiny is saying she’ll be Michael’s victim instead of mine. I need a victim, asap.”

Emily rolled her eyes. No doubt the curvy, young blonde would love to trade out horror monsters—Michael aka Caster had it all over Pennywise aka Bob. “Destiny will be your victim, just like we rehearsed, if she wants to be a part of this at all.” Destiny was a switchboard operator at the hospital who was bucking for a promotion, so she’d likely do whatever the administrative assistant asked of her. “I’ll call Megan, and if she doesn’t show—”

“Then maybe you can be my victim?”

Emily turned at the sound of Caster’s voice. He wore the Michael Myers jumpsuit, but was holding the creepy mask beneath his arm, making it look even creepier.

 

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Buy Here: 

Kindle: 

http://www.amazon.com/Casters-Unfriendly-Ghost-Hauntings-Garden-ebook/dp/B00NQMV4NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412516933&sr=8-1&keywords=caster%27s+unfriendly+ghost

Nook: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casters-unfriendly-ghost-alicia-dean/1120455662?ean=2940150463943

Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_139&products_id=5840

Find out how to Enter to Win a $25.00 Wild Rose Press Gift Certificate by clicking this link:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Visit these other participating blogs:

Eliza March

Linda Carroll-Bradd

Dayana Knight

Anne Knol

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Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Five Authors from Oklahoma – (Burdened, Vol. 2) Five Stories in One Boxed Set About a Cursed Doll and True Love

Last week I introduced a boxed set of 5 short stories from The Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series. This week, I am featuring Burdened, Volume 2. 

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.

BurdenedTalesoftheScrimshawDollVolume2_w9328_750

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

From Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Burdened-Tales-Scrimshaw-Digital-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00MNTXSF0/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1407933813&sr=8-9&keywords=alicia+dean

From The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5785

(Cursed, Volume 1, can be found here – and still on sale for $2.99)

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

Take a look at the fun and exciting stories in Volume 2: 

 

Kathy L Wheeler with The Color of Betrayal, Contemporary Novella

He’d risk a broken nose for love

Factoid:

When I found myself stuck trying to determine artist Malia Kane’s sidekick, one of my very good friends began to speak—so what if he’d already passed from this world into the next—It worked. Charlie’s advice was perfect! And I was happy to bring him back to life as Malia’s agent. It was a fitting tribute for one of my best friends ever.

A favorite line:

“You went out with Hercules?”

thecolorofbetrayal-kw-lg

 

Find Kathy here:

http://www.kathylwheeler.com

facebook.com/kathylwheeler

twitter: @kathylwheeler

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Callie Hutton with Tessa’s Treasures, Contemporary Romance Novella

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Alicia Dean with Thicker than Water, Romantic Suspense Novella 

Some secrets refuse to stay buried

Factoid:

I almost always use celebrities as inspiration for my main characters in order to have a set image in my mind and to make them feel more real. In this story, it seemed to work especially well for me. I used Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in Justified for my hero, Sheriff Jake Devlin, and the character really seemed to come alive for me. Another little tidbit; I almost always use fictitious towns in my books. In this story, I used Covington, Oklahoma, as a nod to Covington, Georgia, the real town behind fictitious Mystic Falls and where Vampire Diaries is filmed. I decided to use the same town in my upcoming Halloween short story, Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost.

A favorite line(s):

Julia stared at her incredulously. “You can’t possibly think that we deserve to be punished?”

Pam met her gaze. “I don’t think you do, but maybe the doll does.”

 

THICKERTHANWATER

 

Contact me…here! You’re on my website. 🙂

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Anna Kittrell with Skinbound, Romantic Suspense Novella

When Darcy falls for the town doctor, she finds herself at her wicked twin sister’s mercy, with nothing but the yellowed bones of an ancient doll to protect her.

Factoid:

Truth makes great fiction, and I infiltrate my stories with plenty of it. Take the following excerpt from Skinbound, for example: 

Once, as a young girl, Scarlett whispered Darcy’s name through the keyhole of her bedroom door. Darcy knocked, then twisted the knob. Finding it locked, she’d dropped to her knees, peering through the keyhole into the shadowy room. Puzzled, she’d raised her head—just as a straightened coat hanger plunged through the opening, nicking her cheek. 

The truth is, yes, I almost lost an eyeball. As a child, my sister plunged a straightened coat hanger through the keyhole, barely missing my eye. I moved just in time. Oh—I should mention one little discrepancy—she hadn’t called my name through the opening. I was just spying. Guess I deserved it.

A favorite line(s):

She dove for the cardboard box as if it were home plate. Blood oozed from her skinned elbows as she thrust her hands into her great-grandmother’s belongings, rescuing her scrimshaw doll.
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Find Anna here:

Website: http://annakittrell.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AKittrell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KittrellAnna

Email: kittrellbooks@gmail.com

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Tamrie Foxtail with The Bone Bride, Romantic Suspense Novella 

Daira’s first love has returned to their home town. Is he the next victim of the scrimshaw doll?

Factoid:

I live in a small Oklahoma town. Our old home was a short walk from a haunted bridge, one that actually appears on a list of Oklahoma’s most haunted sights. I’ve always wanted to use the bridge in a story, and it seemed a perfect fit with a cursed doll.

A Favorite Line(s):

She turned to look at him. His nose was an inch from hers. She struggled to keep her eyes from crossing. “You think I don’t want you to kiss me because you dumped me twenty years ago?”

“You mean there’s another reason?”

“Yes! You’re little more than a stranger, now. I don’t go around kissing strange men.”

His smile deepened. He leaned closer, the tip of his tongue tracing the shell of her ear. She shivered.

“I’m not a stranger, sweetheart.” His hands slid down her arms and moved to her waist. “I’m the man who took your virginity in the backseat of my car.”

 

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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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An Inside Look at Another Man’s Treasure with Anna Kittrell

I am supremely honored to introduce my guest today. Anna Kittrell is not only a fabulous author, but she’s my friend. And, she is one of the nicest, most pleasant and funny people you’ll ever meet. I had the privilege of being her editor for Another Man’s Treasure. I enjoyed every moment of it, not only because I was working with Anna, but also because the book is fantastic. I interviewed Anna, so read below for an inside look at the author and her romantic suspense, Another Man’s Treasure.

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What was the inspiration behind Another Man’s Treasure?

Twenty-five years ago, a retail photographer had a two-day assignment at the clothing store where I worked. Between customers, we visited, our small talk turning to his photography. He told me before becoming a photographer, he’d worked as a garbage collector. He said every morning on his trash route he saw people through kitchen windows drinking coffee and reading newspapers.

One morning, while looking through one of those ordinary windows, he made an extraordinary decision. He no longer wanted to be on the outside looking in. In that single defining moment, he purposed to be on the inside looking out. He quit his job as a garbage collector and enrolled in photography school. He’d been happily following his calling ever since.

In Another Man’s Treasure, Deason McKindle is also a manual laborer on the outside looking in. Though his dreams are of fighting fires, not snapping photographs, Deason has also made an extraordinary decision.

Now if he could only figure out how to follow his calling with a dead man standing between him and his dream…

Do you write in other genres, in addition to romantic suspense?

Yes. I also write young adult. WITCHA’BE, the first book in my Redbend High series, is a Christian suspense. Here is a bit about the book:

New to the small community of Redbend, Molly Sanders is delighted when she and Lenni Flemming become instant friends during the final weeks of her first Oklahoma summer. However, Bianca Ravenwood, Lenni’s best friend and self-proclaimed witch in training, is less than thrilled. In fact, she’s cursing mad, vowing to destroy Molly while honing her craft in the halls of Redbend High School. Molly’s new school becomes a waking nightmare as Bianca, beautiful wannabe witch, targets her in a jealous rage. Plagued by terrifying, inexplicable occurrences and an embarrassing case of panic-induced hiccups, Molly is unable to escape Bianca’s snare. But if Bianca refuses to back down and Molly refuses to stand up, not only will Molly lose the best friend she’s ever had…she may also lose her sanity.

The series tracks three main characters, Molly, Lenni, and Bianca, on their four year journey through the halls of Redbend High School. The second book, DIZZY BLONDE, is under contract with Prism Book Group, and is nearing the editing stages. I am currently working on book three, LINEAGE. One final book will follow, completing the four book series.

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

My sixteen-year-old daughter came downstairs a few evenings ago, sobbing. Afraid something terrible had happened, I jumped up from the couch and hugged her. “I finished my book,” she hitched out.

When she returned upstairs, I turned to my husband and said, “I want to write THAT book.”

It was called “The Killer’s Tears,” by  Anne-Laure. I read it the next day. I cried too—but not as hard as she did.

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

Buttermilk! I absolutely love ice-cold buttermilk. My great-grandmother raised me, and we enjoyed it together. I always think of her when I drink it. I think it tastes great. Plus, the calcium and active cultures are good for my body.

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

The Internet. But then I couldn’t promote all those books I’d be writing—it’s a no win situation.

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

The Picture of Dorian Gray. I love Oscar Wilde’s unmatched wit and timeless storytelling. Funny, heartbreaking, terrifying—the tale has it all. And I find the story’s premise so intriguing: Lord Henry, a twinkle in his eye, corrupting an innocent young man for his own amusement. Destroying a beautiful life filled with promise—just to see if he can. The creepy portrait, riddled and oozing with Dorian’s sins—while he stays young and gorgeous—is the icing on the cake.

The Velveteen Rabbit was my favorite childhood book. My entire life, I’ve loved stories that tear your heart out. I blame my great-grandmother for that too (as well as my love for buttermilk). She used to sing me heart-wrenching songs about terrible tragedies. I’d cry and beg her to sing them again with tears still streaming down my face. I tried singing them to my own children, but they got angry when I made them cry. They hated those songs, and still haven’t forgiven me.

If you could change something about one of your books that’s already released, what would it be?

I’d have my main character wake up and discover the entire story was a dream.

Joking!

There is one typo in Another Man’s Treasure that I wish I would’ve caught. I’m not telling where it is. I want readers to make a game out of finding it.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I love classic horror, and aspire to bringing that level of dread and fear to a story. I want to write the kind of tale that makes readers glad it’s only a book—to experience the same type of relief as when they wake from a nightmare.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

Static Guard (providing I still have clothes), my orthodontic retainers, and lip balm.

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

Melissa McCarthy. I can go without a lot of things, but I cannot survive one day without a belly-laugh.

Your most prized material possession? Why?  

The tattered stories and poems that I wrote as a child. They remind me that I was born to write. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been compelled to put words on paper. My love of writing is gift from God, to whom I am eternally grateful.

Your favorite…

Movie Gladiator, The Notebook, Titanic

Music John Mellencamp, 38 Special, Night Ranger, Tom Petty, Daryl Tonemah

Place you’ve visited Arizona—more specifically, Grand Canyon. It absolutely steals your breath.

Place you’d like to visit Hawaii. I love muddy Oklahoma lakes, but to see blue water would be very cool.

TV show from childhood Fantasy Island

TV show from adulthood Face Off, the special effects makeup competition on SyFy. I love watching people do what they do best—and these competitors are fiercely creative.

Food Chinese

Sports team huh?

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Television

I would like to thank Anna for being my guest today. I enjoyed getting to know her better.She always has interesting tidbits to share. I love her movie choices, and now I wish I’d written The Killer’s Tears, and I haven’t even read it yet, but I am going to. And, sorry about that typo in Another Man’s Treasure. My bad! 🙂

Below, you can find out more information about Anna’s books. But first, Anna has a question for you…

Do you prefer to be inside looking out, or outside looking in?

 

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Blurb:

Deason McKindle dreams of breaking free. Free from the ex-wife whose cheating ways landed his fist in his boss’s face, free from his dead-end job as a trash collector, free from small-town Oklahoma. In two weeks, his dream of a fresh start in Montana will come true.

His dreams scatter when he saves Charis Locke from her abusive ex-husband. The gratitude in her eyes awakens a passion deep inside him. But when he later discovers the ex-husband’s corpse in a dumpster, Deason’s charged with murder. Instead of breaking free, he loses every freedom he’s ever known.

Charis thought she couldn’t love any man other than the Alzheimer’s patient she takes care of. But when Deason is arrested, she can’t let him go to prison without a fight. As fate would have it, Charis has finally fallen in love, and only the key to the killer’s identity will unlock her dreams.

Excerpt:

“Hey, I know you,” Vic garbled, his dull eyes floating over Deason’s features. “You’re Deason

McKindle. SOB that punched out your supervisor and landed yourself on the trash wagon.” He threw his head back and wheezed out a beer-steeped laugh. 

Deason homed in on the oversized Adam’s apple, fighting the urge to twist the man’s collar until the stupid thing stopped bobbing. 

Vic squinted at Deason, a glint in his clouded eyes. “You socked old Ricky Holland right in the mouth for messing with your old lady. Now she waits tables at Suds. Always shoving her goods in everyone’s faces.” 

Hovering above Vic, Deason’s cocked fist quaked with anger, ready to drive the no good bum’s crooked nose straight through the back of his empty skull. 

“He’s not worth it.”  

Charis’s voice rang out stronger than Deason imagined it would, given what she’d just been through. Her words pulled him from his murderous thoughts, likely saving Vic’s life. He cut his gaze to where she stood, dusting her hands over the grass-stains on her clothes. A small, red line stamped the corner of her mouth like an exclamation point.

Vic cackled. “You ain’t gonna do squat to me, McKindle. I heard how it all went down. Sam, the big boss, made you promise to keep your nose clean, cause next time you screw up, it’ll be outta his hands.” 

Deason set his jaw. “Not a problem. I know how to operate the trash compactor. By the time they find what’s left of your worthless bones, I’ll be long gone. Now close your eyes. Wouldn’t want you to get blood in them.” 

Anna also has a new release, a Christian YA called Witcha’be. I love this cover!

EbookCover_Witcha'be

Amazon Buy Link (TREASURE) http://alturl.com/cct5o

The Wild Rose Press (TREASURE)    http://alturl.com/ws9i8

Amazon Buy Link (WITCHA’BE) http://alturl.com/qt8tm

Prism Book Group (WITCHA’BE) http://alturl.com/ckn2e

Website http://annakittrell.com/

Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/AKittrell

Twitter https://twitter.com/KittrellAnna

email kittrellbooks@gmail.com

Goodreads http://alturl.com/qu6as

Book Trailer (TREASURE) http://alturl.com/p2p8p

Book Trailer (WITCHA’BE) http://alturl.com/vwcct

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