Tag Archives: the wild rose press

February 12, 2015 · 7:44 am

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

I’m so pleased to introduce another Wild Rose Press story, One More Second Chance by Jana Richards. I just love TWRP, their authors, their covers, and their fabulous stories!

Where did you get the idea for your new novel?

Actually, it wasn’t my idea. The Wild Rose Press came up with the concept of a multi-author, multi-romance-genre series that takes place in a small coastal town in Maine called Lobster Cove. I had a work-in-progress that felt perfect for this series, and ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE was born. 

Why did you choose this genre?

Because Lobster, Cove, Maine is a small town and I love writing, and reading, small town romances, I felt this was a good fit for me. Also, the idea of being part of a “team” was also appealing. Being a writer is a solitary occupation, so it’s always fun to participate in a group project. 

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book you’d like to share?

I had a bit of an issue coming up with a title for this book. My publisher already had a book in their catalogue with the same title I originally used. So I came up with something else. And again, my editor emailed to say that title had already been used. Back to the drawing board once more! I came up with a couple of titles, and my editor and I agreed that ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE was the winner. It seems to fit because this is a second chance at love story, for Julia at least, and Alex gives her more than one chance to fall in love again. 

What was the most difficult thing about writing this book?

The most difficult and unusual thing about writing this book was the co-ordination required between all the writers and the senior editor of the series. We couldn’t just create characters or landmarks in the town willy-nilly. If there was a statue in the park in one book, it couldn’t just suddenly disappear or change in the next book. I couldn’t just create my own restaurant for my hero and heroine to hang out in; it had to be one already in existence, with the same staff and the same décor. Without this kind of continuity, we wouldn’t have a series. But it necessitated a lot emailing back and forth, a really terrific map of the town, and a spreadsheet with a list of manuscripts and their characters. 

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

I always do some advance planning before I begin writing. I fill out character sketches, and write a long, rambling synopsis-type story, outlining what I think the plot of the story is going to be. It gives me a place to start, and characters to start with. I wish I could say that all this pre-work is everything I need to write my novel and it never changes, but I always find that once I get into the actual writing of a story, things evolve. Sometimes I learn something new about a character that alters the direction of the plot. Sometimes the entire trajectory of the story transforms. In one of my recent WIPs, I discovered I had the wrong hero and heroine together! Back to the drawing board!

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

I work as a part-time admin assistant for a provincial veterinary medical association and I like it very much. My main function is the accounting for the association. But because we’re a small staff, just five of us, and my executive director trusts me, I get to do a lot of other things. I’ve researched and written articles for our newsletter. Every year when we give out awards at our annual general meeting, I get to interview the award winners and tell their stories. I even get to shop for gifts for speakers for our annual conference, which is always fun! I like the variety, the ability to choose my own hours, and the fact that I get to hang out with people I like. As I said before, writing is solitary. Sometimes I need to get out of the writing cave!

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

Sleep! I’m kidding, sort of. The thing that would be give me the most writing time would probably be if I got rid of my television. But I have to admit I’m a little addicted to TV, so the best I can do is to try to limit the time I spend in front of the tube, and use that time for writing instead.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE?

First and foremost, I would like readers to come away from reading ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE feeling they’ve been entertained. I hope the novel evokes the emotions the characters feel; love, hope, fear, belonging. And I also hope readers who’ve never lived in a small town come to an appreciation for small-town life.

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

When I’ve looked back at some of my already published books, I always find some phrases that I wish I’d changed. Occasionally some dialogue makes me cringe. But I don’t think there’s anything really major I’d change about any of my books. I’m proud of all of them.

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

I’ve written historical novels set during World War Two, but I’ve never written a historical set in an earlier period. I love books set in Victorian or Regency England or Scotland, so someday I’d like to try my hand at one of those.

Now I’d like to ask readers a question…

Have you ever lived in a small town? Do you like small town romances? Why?

 

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Blurb:

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

Excerpt:

“What did the x-ray find?” she asked.

“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.”

Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice.

“You think someone deliberately hurt her?”

“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.”

“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.”

“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.”

“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.”

“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.”

Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her…

She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her.

No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong.

“I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.”

“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.”

Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.”

“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.”

Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?”

“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children…”

He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.”

Buy links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421199187&sr=1-4&keywords=jana+richards

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065

Kobo:

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/one-more-second-chance

Chapters/Indigo:

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/one-more-second-chance/9781628307061-item.html?ikwid=Jana+Richards&ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=0

ibooks:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-more-second-chance/id959306323?mt=11

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Bio:

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile:  https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

 

 

 

 

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February 11, 2015 · 10:03 am

Dances of the Heart – Andrea Downing

**** Winner of the FREE ecopy of Dances of the Heart is Teressa Mirault. Congratulations, Teressa!

I am pleased to welcome Andrea Downing and her latest, a Wild Rose Press romance. Looks like a great one! Take it away, Andrea…

Hi Alicia, thanks so much for having me here today and helping me share the release of my new book, Dances of the Heart.

Where did you get the idea for your story?  

Strangely enough, the idea for Dances of the Heart came from the Texas Two-step; Texas Two-Step was its original title until I discovered there were numerous books with that title so opted to change it.  It just made me think of writing a story about two couples, mother and daughter/father and son, which took place in Texas.  Quite honestly, I have no idea how it evolved from that.

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

I’ve never written a contemporary book before; all my work has been historical, and this effort was really rather frightening.  I have no idea why I’m so much more comfortable in the 1800s, but I was once told I was born in the wrong century!  Obviously, in some ways, contemporary’s easier—you don’t have to think that much about language and the way they lived and how they would be dressed and so on, although I did have to have a Texan check my dialog to make sure it sounded right.

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

As I just mentioned, getting the language correct, making the Texas characters sound ‘Texan.’  I’m from the northeast and have lived most of my life in Britain so, for instance, I never say “I’m fixin’” to do anything!

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

PROMOTION  It is such a time-suck, it isn’t even funny any more.  The book world is swamped now, and it’s difficult to know what to do, what works and so on, to sell books.  I hate it.  I would also like to get rid of waiting time in doctor’s offices.  For some reason, doctors seem to think their time is more valuable than ours.  To give you an example, I had a 3 pm appointment last week and was called to please come in for 1.30 pm because the doctor had a meeting in the afternoon.  So, what happened?  I still wasn’t seen until 3pm…  I have a couple of medical issues at the moment and the amount of time I lose in doctor’s offices doesn’t bear thinking about, although it’s good reading time.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?    

If push comes to shove, I’d rather have a bad review than none at all although, having said that, I, myself, have opted out of reviewing a book I didn’t like rather than give it a bad review.   For me, I’d like to know why people don’t like my work, what annoyed them—I want feedback from readers basically.  If you don’t receive a review at all, you’re left wondering whether the reader just gave up or what the heck happened.  But, for goodness sake, you want a sensible, intelligent review, good or bad.

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

Oh, I’d love to re-write Loveland and fill it out into a saga.  There is a lot that happens ‘off stage’ in that book, particularly when Lady Alex and Jesse are separated and she is in England, I would love to fill out.  And I would like to finish their story and tell a bit more of it.

What is your favorite quote?    

It comes from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig, and readers can find more of his amazing made-up words online.  Here’s my favorite:  Sonder:

“Realize that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own – populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness – an epic story that continues invisibly around like an anthill, sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.”    John Koenig

What is your most prized material possession? Why?   

I’m really not attached to material possessions.  I mean, I like having a computer to write and I like to look at photos in our old albums, but if you ask me what I’d grab in a blazing fire, I’m not sure.  If pushed, I guess I’d have to say it’s a portrait I had done for my daughter’s 18th birthday; it’s the two of us sitting by the piano, which is a big part of my daughter’s life.  When I had it done, the young artist, Alastair Adams, was virtually unknown; he has since gone on to become President of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters and paint such notables as Tony Blair, whose portrait by Alastair now hangs in The National Portrait Gallery.  I doubt I could afford his work now!  But anyway, the painting captures the two of us and our relationship so well.  I hope it remains in the family for generations.

So I’d like to know from readers here what their most valued possession is, and why; I think I’m going to ask to discount photo albums because so many people say that.  And I’ll choose one person to receive a free digital copy of Dances of the Heart.  Thanks so much for having me, Alicia.  It’s been great to discuss these things with you.

It’s been a pleasure having you, Andrea. I enjoyed the interview…congratulations on the new release!

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Blurb:  Successful, workaholic author Carrie Bennett lives through her writing, but can’t succeed at writing a man into her life. Furthermore, her equally successful but cynical daughter, Paige, proves inconsolable after the death of her fiancé.

Hard-drinking rancher Ray Ryder can find humor in just about anything—except the loss of his oldest son. His younger son, Jake, recently returned from Iraq, now keeps a secret that could shatter his deceased brother’s good name.

On one sultry night in Texas, relationships blossom when the four meet, starting a series of events that move from the dancehalls of Hill Country to the beach parties of East Hampton, and from the penthouses of New York to the backstreets of a Mexican border town. But the hurts of the past are hard to leave behind, especially when old adversaries threaten the fragile ties that bind family to family…and lover to lover.  

 

Excerpt: Ray pointed to his pickup, smirking slightly with the knowledge of what her reaction would probably be.

“You must be joking.”


He could hardly hear the mumbled comment, but it was exactly what he’d been expecting.


She glowered, a brow definitively arched in query.  “What year is this thing?”


He attempted to wipe the amusement away from his face with a hand that rubbed his stubble in a satisfying scrape. “Sorry, I left the Cadillac at home this time.” A raised brow questioned if she took him seriously. “It’s an ’89, and still runs as smooth as the day I got it.”

“Which was, what? Last year?”

Ray shook his head and proceeded to the passenger door. “You have the key, sweetheart,” he said, patiently standing and waiting.

“Listen!” Carrie put her hands out as if to stop any further conversation. “First off, I am not your sweetheart. And second, if by any chance you think you just may have gotten lucky tonight–”

“Whoa, whoa now.” Ray was truly mystified at the turn events were taking. “Not that I wouldn’t be honored and damn well pleased, but I sure as heck wasn’t thinkin’ along those lines…and truth be told, you know, I’m hardly up to it.” He considered this for a second, a fog clearing for a moment’s view of the road. “And I don’t mean I need Viagra either.” He noted her staring at the key as if it might turn into something else. “No, it doesn’t open automatically,” he informed her at last.

She shoved the key into the handle and got the door open, climbed up into the cab and reached across to unlock the door for him. Her gaze ran over the dashboard, uncertainty scrunching her face like a bitter fruit.

Ray folded himself into the passenger seat and slouched back, tipping his hat over his eyes. “Just let me know when you give up. I’ll be right here, darl…” Yeah, better not. He could almost feel her indignation, listening as she squirmed around and adjusted the seat.

“It’ll be a cold day in hell, mister, before I give up!” The key turned and the truck sputtered to life, then died again.

“You ever drive manual before?” he mumbled from under his Stetson, and sensed Carrie eyeing him. “That’s what I thought,” he answered to her lack of response. “Put your foot on the clutch, move her into first, release the brake, and get goin’, slowly releasing the clutch.”

“Who the hell drives stick shift anymore?” she muttered as she followed his terse instructions. The truck lurched forward as she spun it off the grass toward the road.

“Right,” Ray directed, feeling suddenly nauseous with the pitch of the car. Bile rising, he opened the door and spat before yanking it shut again. “Can you get the damn thing into second? Foot on the clutch, move the shift and let’s go if we’re going.”

“Fine! You don’t have to yell at me.”

Ray sat up, shoved his hat back from his eyes and glared at her, reining in his frustration and anger. “I was not yelling at you, but you know dang well we’d be far safer with me drivin’. As it is, I’m gonna need a new transmission.”

The truck staggered again. “I know no such thing.” She bent forward to swipe at the windscreen to clear it. “We haven’t got seatbelts on,” she murmured.

“We’re not going fast enough to need them.”

Carrie ignored his last remark and appeared to concentrate on keeping the truck moving. It sputtered again, and Ray let out a sigh of resignation just as flashing blue lights appeared in the side mirror. She pulled over, and the motor unceremoniously died.

“Damn!” she cursed, reaching down for her bag at Ray’s feet. “Let me get my license.”

©nathandehartphotography-andreadowning copy

Bio:  Andrea Downing likes to say that when she decided to do a Masters Degree, she made the mistake of turning left out of New York, where she was born, instead of right to the west, and ended up in the UK.   She eventually married there, raising a beautiful daughter and staying for longer than she cares to admit.  Teaching, editing a poetry magazine, writing travel articles, and a short stint in Nigeria filled those years until in 2008 she returned to NYC.  She now divides her time between the city and the shore, and often trades the canyons of New York for the wide open spaces of Wyoming.  Family vacations are often out west and, to date, she and her daughter have been to some 20 ranches throughout the west.  Loveland, her first book, was a finalist for Best American Historical at the 2013 RONE Awards.  Lawless Love, a short story, part of The Wild Rose Press ‘Lawmen and Outlaws’ series, was a finalist for Best Historical Novella at the RONE Awards and placed in the 2014 International Digital Awards Historical Short contest.   Dearest Darling, a novella, is part of The Wild Rose Press Love Letters series, and came out Oct. 8th, 2014, and Dances of the Heart, her first contemporary novel, comes out in February, 2015.

 

Links to Social Media:  WEBSITE AND BLOG:  http://andreadowning.com

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

Twitter:  @andidowning  https://twitter.com/AndiDowning

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446229.Andrea_Downing

Linkedin:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=124888740&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

 

Buy Links:  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dances-Heart-Andrea-Downing-ebook/dp/B00S46BGY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421510959&sr=8-2&keywords=Dances+of+the+Heart

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepub: http://www.amazon.com/Dances-Heart-Andrea-Downing-ebook/dp/B00S46BGY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421510959&sr=8-2&keywords=Dances+of+the+Heartlishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6060

 

 

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January 31, 2015 · 11:13 am

New Releases from the Lobster Cove Series – Old Loves and Second Chances

So happy to share some new releases from The Wild Rose Press’s awesome Lobster Cove series. Fun settings, great covers and intriguing romance awaits you….

 

Working My Way Back to You by Doreen Alsen

Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea?

 

My heroine, Beth, and my hero, Jeff, were teenagers in my first book with TWRP called Mike’s Best Bet. He was the high school quarterback and  she was a musician and he fell in love with her the minute he heard her play the piano. More impulsive than cautious, Jeff got Beth pregnant. Her father was pretty much insane and so the two ran away to Maine, in a blizzard, to elope. They got busted, and Beth’s father picked up his family and made them disappear.

The most asked question from readers who read Mike’s Best Bet was will Jeff and Beth get an HEA. Now they do.

 

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

 

It’s been a blast writing with other authors, especially ones as friendly and generous authors as the Lobster Cove peeps! Sometimes it was a challenge, but there was always someone to lend a hand or an ear.

 

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

 

I’m a musician, I teach singing and musical theater and I spent 26 years at a Catholic church here in upstate NY.

 

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

 

Jeff and Beth’s ten year old son Danny. He’s a pistol. I also loved making up The Adventures of the Refractor comic book, as The Refractor is Danny’s favorite hero.

 

What do you love that most people would find odd?  

 

Anchovies. Love ‘em on my pizza.

 

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?  

 

Bowling. Hate it. Had to put a bowling alley in the book. It didn’t hurt too much.

 

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Blurb:

Beth and her ten-year-old son are living happily in Lobster Cove, Maine–the only place she’s felt true love. She works hard as a single mom to provide for her son. Her world is rocked by the appearance of her high school sweetheart. Love for Jeff battles with fear that he will find out he’s the father of her precious son. Lies pile upon lies as she dodges his questions about the child.

PE teacher Jeff Myers can’t believe his eyes when he spots a familiar face in the diner. Though the beautiful Beth ducks his advances, his persistence finally wins out and she agrees to a dinner date. But when he discovers she gave birth to a son rather than the daughter she’d told him about, he is over-the-top angry.

Can they escape the quagmire of emotions, rediscover love,  and bring three people together as a family?

Excerpt:

“She isn’t here. Don’t say anything else.” She disappeared behind the door.

A tiny blonde, Jenna squeezed the bridge of her nose looking like Tinkerbelle trying to stave off a migraine. “I wouldn’t dream of doing anything different.”

“You are totally made of awesome,” Beth said from behind the door. “I owe you.”

Jenna sighed. “I’ll put it on your tab.”

“And that’s why I adore you.”

“You adore me because I sign your paychecks.” The door to the shop opened. “Shut up,” Jenna said, sotto voce. “May I help you?” she said, in a very hearty voice, to the new arrival in the shop.

“Yeah, I’m looking for someone named Beth.” Jeff glanced around the store. “I know this looks weird, but Maggie and Sally told me she works here.”

Jenna cleared her throat. “Beth isn’t here right now.” Big pause. “Do you want to leave her a message?”

Beth trembled waiting for Jeff to answer Jenna. “When she comes back, tell her Jeff Myers was here asking about her. Here’s my card so she knows how to get in touch with me.”

“You got it.”

“Thanks.”

Beth waited until the store door opened and closed.

Jenna yelled, “Ollie, Ollie, oxen free! Come out, come out wherever you are!”

Beth inched out of the storeroom. “Thank you so much.”

Jenna crossed her arms under her chest. “Okay. Who is that guy and why is he wearing my coffee?”

Find the book here:

 

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_133&products_id=6044

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The Widows’ Gallery, A Lobster Cove Book by Marilyn Baron

 

Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea? The Birth of Venus, by Italian painter Sandro Botticelli, is my favorite painting. I used to gaze at it when I visited The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, where I studied in college. That painting is a recurring theme in the book. The story starts on a Mediterranean cruise, which I took last year with my husband on our 40th anniversary. Like the book, our ship made a stop in Florence, but the rest of the story was set in the fictional town of Lobster Cove. I’ve been to several towns in Maine and I fell in love with those places so I enjoyed setting my story in Maine. This might be my favorite book. I’m excited about it and can’t wait to see it in print.  

 

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers? I enjoyed it a lot. We followed a literal map of the fictional town, and a story Bible with all the main characters, and we communicated back and forth via an internal loop when we had questions. If one of us had a character name that was already taken, we had to rename that character. I enjoyed the fact that characters from other books would appear in our books and vice versa. I did something similar with my blog group, The Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. We wrote several books (Free Reads on our site) where one blogger would start a chapter and the others would finish chapters, in turn, so it took a lot of coordination. 

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life? The fact that, like the main character, Abigail, I studied Italian. Mythology and Art History in Florence, Italy. I love Renaissance art and especially the painting The Birth of Venus, which also inspired the cover. I took that love of art and used it in the book when I had the characters start an art gallery and take possession of a missing masterpiece. 

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why? I love five-year-old Isabella. My favorite line of hers is, “I’m Queen Isabella and I’m going to marry the Prince of Whales.” She means real whales, since her father, Tack Garrity is captain of a whale-watching excursion ship. Her mother, a ballerina, is dead and Isabella wears a tutu all the time, but she wears it inside out. She’s in desperate need of a mother and Abigail, the main character falls in love with Isabella and wishes she were her own. Now it’s up to Tack, who has harbored a crush on Abigail for a number of years, to make her fall in love with him. 

What do you love that most people would find odd? Nothing comes to mind. I love the ocean and the beach, and nature, which most people do. I also love jewelry, which most women can relate to.

 

What do you dislike that most people would find odd? I don’t drink coffee, but I love hot chocolate. 

 

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Blurb:

Childless heiress Abigail Adams Longley and three other widows bond over a Renaissance masterpiece in Florence, Italy, and find love, friendship and joy in their joint venture to open an art gallery at the Longley mansion in Lobster Cove, Maine. Since the death of her husband, Abigail has been lonely and drifting in a house that’s too big and a town that’s too small. When she literally runs into sexy widower and whale-watching excursion captain Tack Garrity on the dock, she’s entranced by his adorable five-year-old daughter. But will Tack, who has harbored a secret crush on Abigail for almost two decades, be able to capture her heart? A secret pact her husband made with Tack could either tear them apart or bring them closer together and change their lives forever.

Excerpt:

 

Abigail Adams Longley looked around at the three women flanking her in Hall 10/14 of the Uffizi Gallery. They were all staring at The Birth of Venus like wide-eyed art students. Admittedly, the painting was as compelling as when the Medici family originally commissioned the tempera on canvas in the fifteenth century. But for Abigail, seeing the painting again wasn’t cathartic. It was beautiful, but that wasn’t the feeling she was going for. Peace. Why couldn’t she get some goddamned peace in this life?  Abigail glanced at the square-cut, four-carat diamond on her finger, gazed at the sparkle of the ring she hadn’t removed since the day Louis had proposed.  And now, a whole year after his death, she still hadn’t taken it off. Conventional wisdom dictated that you weren’t supposed to make any major life decisions until a year after a spouse’s death. Well, it had been a year already, and she hadn’t wanted to make even one decision—major or minor—about where to live, where to go, or what to do. Whoever said money can’t buy happiness had devised another dead-on axiom. She had all the money in the world—in fact Louis had left her a big chunk of the globe. He’d left her set for life, monetarily. But she would have traded every cent for the chance to be with him again. Louis was gone, and the sooner she faced the fact that she was alone on this planet, the better off she’d be.

Pre-order here: (Release date Feb 11)

Contact/Social Media Information

 

If you’re interested in learning about Marilyn’s other books, short stories and a musical, visit her Web site at www.marilynbaron.com. Or find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marilyn-Baron/286807714666748 and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MarilynBaron.

 

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One More Second Chance by Jana Richards

Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea?

 

I already had a small town novel in mind when the call came out from The Wild Rose Press about the Lobster Cove series. So I packed up my characters and moved them to Maine, where they fit in perfectly!

 

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

 

It was fun and challenging. Keeping all the details straight in our little town takes a lot of effort. But everyone has been so helpful and upbeat that it’s been a real pleasure.

 

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life? 

The only part of ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE that is from real life is my knowledge of small towns. My character Alex is a city boy and he’s shocked by the gossip of small towns, and how everyone seems to know a lot about everyone. But he’s also struck by how much people look after each other in Lobster Cove. He comes to realize that you’ve got to take the good with the bad.

 

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

 

That’s a hard question! I like all of my secondary characters, but if I had to choose a favorite, I guess it would have to be Julia’s six year old daughter Ava. She’s sunny and adorable, without being too cloyingly sweet, I hope!

 

What do you love that most people would find odd? 

 

Most think that the flat prairie or plains is boring, but I happen to think it’s beautiful. Who needs an ocean view?

 

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

 

I really hate Dr. Pepper, and I’m not fond of anything with figs. And though I love sunshine, I can’t handle hot weather, especially hot, humid weather. I’m definitely a Northern girl!

 

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Blurb:

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

 

 

Excerpt:

 

He stepped off the stage as inconspicuously as he could, and made his way to the table manned by Jill from the diner and several other volunteers who were collecting the proceeds of the auction. Writing a check for his purchase, and adding an extra hundred dollars to make an even thousand, he handed it to Jill.

 

“Thank you very much for your contribution, Dr. Campbell,” she said with a smile.

 

“Please, call me Alex. I spend so much time in your diner I feel we should be on a first-name basis.”

 

“All right. Alex it is.” She wrote a receipt and handed it to him. “You made a very fine purchase.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

He couldn’t help turning his attention back to the stage. Edie and Aaron had stepped down, leaving Julia alone to handle the master of ceremonies duties. Her voice sounded shaky, as if she was still struggling with her emotions.

 

“I invite you to take a look at the silent auction prizes we’ve assembled. There’s something there for everyone. We’ll be picking the winners in an hour, so there’s still time to get your tickets. And the ladies at the bake sale booth tell me they still have some items for sale. Everything has to go, so please go see them. I’m going to turn over the mic to our deejay now. Let’s get this party started!”

 

Alex closed his eyes. He had to get out of here. He couldn’t listen to Julia’s voice anymore, couldn’t watch her, and still pretend there wasn’t something between them. He couldn’t hide his feelings any longer.

 

He was in love with her.

 

“Dr. Campbell? Alex? Are you okay?”

 

Jill stared at him with a concerned look on her face.

 

 

She probably thought he was crazy. Maybe he was. He couldn’t be in love with Julia. He was leaving in six months.

 

He left the gymnasium as quickly as he could manage, but he couldn’t outrun his thoughts. He was in serious trouble. He was in love with a woman he couldn’t have. A woman who didn’t want him.

 

 

Find the book here:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065

 

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile:  https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

 

I don’t have any buy links or pre-order links yet, but I do have a page on my website where the buy will eventually go: http://www.janarichards.com/onemoresecondchance.html

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January 29, 2015 · 9:56 am

A Debut Release from Marin McGinnis: Stirring Up the Viscount

Please help me welcome Marin McGinnis and her first ever novel, a Historical Romance: Stirring Up the Viscount. What an exciting time…congratulations, Marin!

Now, let’s get to know a little bit about the author and her book: (Be sure to check out her beautiful, elegant cover)

Where did you get the idea for Stirring up the Viscount?

Viscount was inspired by a few things: Downton Abbey, a BBC series called The Victorian Kitchen, and from somewhere in the dark recesses of my brain, the Julia Roberts movie Sleeping With the Enemy.

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

Theodora’s name comes from an old (1936) movie I loved, called Theodora Goes Wild, with Irene Dunne. The two Theodoras are nothing alike, but somehow it fit.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Butt in chair.  Seriously, the hardest part of writing a book is getting the butt in my chair and writing every day.

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

I wrote this book very fast, in about 3 months, but I spent another 22 months editing it and adding scenes that I had glossed over when I wrote the first draft. I also spent a lot of time staring at the screen and writing nothing. The most difficult thing about it, for me, was in going back and fixing those early scenes. I learned, though, that the fast draft is not my style—I really need to write chronologically, from start to finish, with nothing major left out.

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

In my non-writing life I’m a lawyer. I’ve been doing it for almost twenty years so there are things I like and things I don’t like, but other than writing it’s all I know how to do. Looking forward to retirement when I can write full time!

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

Peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. Don’t judge!

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

There are a couple of movies, and one book, that are beloved by people all over the world that I just cannot stand.

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

Other than my day job? 🙂 My habit of procrastination. And Netflix. But I’m never giving up Netflix!

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

Honestly, since this is my first book I’ll be ecstatic if anyone reads it at all. 🙂

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

I’ve never written paranormal, but I think I’d like to one day. I’m not sure I’m creative enough, though!

What is your favorite…

Place you’ve visited – England

Place you’d like to visit – Ireland

Food – Lay’s Lightly Salted potato chips. Seriously addicted.

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

I was never much for TV, but now that I can watch it on my iPad I binge watch like crazy.

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Blurb: 

Seeking to escape an abusive husband, Theodora Ravensdale answers an ad in The Times for a job as cook in a country home. A fortuitous house fire enables her to fake her own death and flee to northern England and live under an assumed name. But Theodora’s refuge is not all she would wish, when she stirs emotions in the heir to the estate, Jonathan Tenwick, and in herself. 

Meanwhile, as the connection between Theodora and Jonathan grows, her husband learns she did not perish in the fire, and searches for her. Fearing he is close to finding her, Theodora must flee again to protect the family and the viscount for whom she cares deeply. In the final confrontation with her husband, Theodora learns she is stronger than she ever knew, and love is worth fighting for.​ 

Buy links:       The Wild Rose Press            Amazon

Excerpt: 

“Did you love him very much?” he asked quietly, afraid to know the answer. 

Her voice almost a groan, she whispered, “Please, Jonathan. Enough.” 

It was the “Enough” that was his undoing. In that single word, he heard years of torment, from a woman who clearly had not loved her husband, at least not for some time. Whoever or whatever he had been, Jonathan was certain he was the source of her fear. 

But if he were truly dead, why did she still fear him? 

 

MarinMcGinnis

About Marin: 

Clevelanders are tough, a bit cynical, and just a little crazy, and Marin McGinnis is no exception. She writes smart and sexy tales of Victorian-era romance.

When she’s not chasing after big dogs or watching tween-aged children skate around Ohio hockey rinks, you can find her hanging out at marinmcginnis.com, on her group blog at throughheartshapedglasses.com, on Twitter @MarinMcGinnis, or Facebook at facebook.com/MarinMcG.

 

 

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January 22, 2015 · 6:40 am

A Brand New Valentines Day Story from The Wild Rose Press: Time Out, Valentine by Melinda Dozier

I’m always pleased to host Wild Rose Press authors, especially considering I am one myself. I love their covers, and they publish some fabulous stories. Today, I have Melinda Dozier answering some questions and sharing her latest release…

 

Where did you get the idea for Time Out, Valentine?

Two years ago I visited Portland, Oregon on a business trip. The city inspired me along with one particular couple I stalked ̶ um, I mean, saw ̶ at the International Rose Garden.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Novellas are always difficult to build the characters enough for readers to understand them. I think I did a good job, though. 🙂

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

My agent has taught me to keep a character chart and it’s such a useful tool. If I forget an eye color, I can just check the chart instead of searching through the manuscript.

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

All of Jill Shalvis’s books. I am a die-hard fan of Shalvis.

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

Yes, I’m a middle school teacher. I was kind of thrown into the position at first, but after 19 years, I’ve realized it was a calling. However, after this year, I’ll retire from teaching to focus on writing.

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

I have a celebrity crush on Ryan Gosling, so I should say him, but I think I’d like to have deep conversations with Neil Gaiman.

What is your favorite…

Movie Crazy, Stupid Love

Place you’ve visited Disneyworld

Place you’d like to visit New York City

TV show from childhood Little House on the Prairie

TV show from adulthood The Office

Food  Tex Mex

Sports team New Orleans Saints

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

Now, Melinda has a question for readers…

What has been your most favorite romantic date of all time?

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BLURB:

Lexi’s life is one big dump. Or so she thinks. To keep her mind off her latest breakup, she stays busy with work. It’s no big deal, since writing for Time Out Portland Magazine is a blast…except for the one small snag – Grant Reeds. Grant, a shy but sexy computer geek, is new to Time Out, working as the Networking Director for the online magazine. Even though Lexi thinks he doesn’t notice her, he sure as hell does. The owners have a plan for their upcoming Valentine’s Special, pairing up the two to explore romantic date ideas around the city. Soon, Lexi and Grant learn that the old adage, “Opposites Attract,” can ring true.

EXCERPT:

Grant sipped his beer and surveyed the room around them—anywhere but at the siren next to him, with her fancy drink, an umbrella hanging off the side. Overhead lights strobed the room, gleaming in all directions. The DJ announced a new song and a new crowd rushed to the dance floor, leaving them more alone in the back of the room. Thank God. 

It was stifling hot. He tugged his collar from his neck and rolled the sleeves of his white button-up. His glasses slid down his nose, forcing him to take them off and put them in his shirt pocket. 

Luckily in that part of the room, the music wasn’t so loud that they had to scream to converse. He only raised his voice a fraction to ask her the question he’d been wondering since they set foot in the place. “So, you think this is romantic enough for a Valentine’s date?” 

She batted her long lashes in his direction and smirked. “There’s low lights.” 

“Yeah and loud music, people all around.” To help prove his point, someone bumped him in the back, pushing him closer to Lexi. His hand circled her waist and rested on her hip. 

She sipped the drink, moving the umbrella with her other hand, then licked her lips. “It’sthe place to be. All trendy couples find their way here.” She cocked her head. “What would make it more romantic? Kissing?” 

A slow smile formed and he faced her. Not a bad idea. “Actually, yeah.” He placed his bottle on the table behind them, cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck. 

She laughed nervously, putting her weight on another sexy as hell foot. “What? You’re gonna kiss me? For real?” 

“We need romance.” He grabbed her cup and put it next to his bottle. His gaze dropped to her mouth. 

“You kissing me won’t—” 

He placed his thumb on her lips. “Shhh. Stop talking so we can be romantic.”

LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00RASDUTS

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Time-Out-Valentine/book-yYA2K7SnFUSuL1kAU8LAhQ/page1.html?s=mfws6h0hQ0aRNbe-wLUbRQ&r=4

B&N: To come

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6037

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23784438-time-out-valentine

 

TRAILER LINK: http://youtu.be/DK4hVHiVAmo

 

 

MelindaDozierAuthor

AUTHOR BIO:

Melinda is a multi-published contemporary romance author with books from Crimson Romance, Swoon Romance and The Wild Rose Press represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband/college sweetheart who brings “mucho amor” to her life. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her three boys once they are grown. Melinda’s guilty pleasures include reality t.v., traveling, blogging and playing Zynga games.

 

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: www.melindadozier.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/melindadozier

Facebook: http://www.twitter.com/melinda.doz

The Wild Rose Press: http://goo.gl/F3IG1W

Sign up for Melinda’s newsletter HERE.

 

 

 

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January 15, 2015 · 7:25 am

A Brand New Release from The Wild Rose Press – Stormee Waters by Linda J. Coker….

Stormee Waters by Lynda J. Coker, Contemporary Sweet Romance from The Wild Rose Press

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Blurb:

Dirk Savage never fails to acquire what he wants until he encounters Stormee Waters and a backwash of trouble…

Stormee Waters knows about hard times. Needing to care for her aging grandmother and teenage brother, she moves to Houston, Texas and takes a writing job for a popular magazine. Her first assignment is to interview a successful business man for a series of articles entitled, Make My Man Texas-Sized. Her target, Dirk Savage, appears to have the right criteria. He’s adventurous with the air of a conqueror. Admired by his peers and coveted by beauty queens and debutantes, he’s just the type of man that Stormee needs to make her first article sizzle and sell. But can she handle the heat when she catches his attention?

Dirk Savage is used to acquiring what he wants, except in the illusive quest for the one woman who can fill his heart. The shock of discovering her in the naive young woman assigned to interview him sets his jaded emotions on high alert. Can he convince her that his pursuit is genuine?

Excerpt 

He studied her in silence before making a blunt reply. “I’ll pick you up at 7:30 this evening.” 

Had he extended an invitation or a command?  “Well—ah.” She shrugged to hide her confusion. 

“Surely, you eat dinner?” he quizzed through lips curved with humor. 

“I suppose it’s okay.” She fiddled with the edge of her collar and contemplated the hint of challenge underlying his playful smile.

“Dress casually but bring a wrap. We’ll be dining by the river.” He dismissed her with a short command to leave her phone number and address with the receptionist. 

Why do I feel as though I’ve been ordered to show up for duty call? Did alpha males assume that women in general deferred to their decisions, or was she just a simple-minded exception?

 

LyndaCokerAuthorPhoto

 Author Bio:

Lynda is an author of contemporary romance that lingers in a reader’s mind long after they’ve closed the book. She lives in Northeast Texas with her husband of fifty years. They enjoy traveling, trying new foods, spending time with family and friends, and doing community service work together. When she feels the need to take a break from writing, she enjoys creating fabric art.  She offers an open invitation to view both her writing and fabric art on her blog.

Blog:  http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lyndacoker

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

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/lyndacoker/

 Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6034

Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00R9YQZTK

Stormee Waters Launch Giveaway Link:  http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/p/stormee-waters-launch-giveaway.html

 

 

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January 14, 2015 · 9:55 am

Author Fun Facts: Elvis, Hauntings, Gingerbread, Surrogate Babies, Hawaii

Sharing some fun facts about myself and a few author friends. And, we all have questions for readers…

 

End of Lonely Street – A Vintage Romance Short Story from The Wild Rose Press – $1.99

Alicia Dean Fun Fact:

I wrote my first romance at eleven years old. My hero’s name was Lonnie Beal (after Elvis Presley’s character in the movie, Tickle Me) and I describe him in the story as looking just like Elvis. 🙂 I still have my pencil-written copy of the story, although it’s faded and difficult to read. When I began publishing, I continued the tradition of mentioning Elvis in most of my stories, although I learned to be a little more subtle. 🙂

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Blurb:

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B00QQO3BK0

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/end-of-lonely-street-alicia-dean/1121006997?ean=2940150002807

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_145&products_id=6029

 

Question for readers: What is your favorite era to read about? Contemporary? Vintage? Civil War? Regency? World War II? Other?

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A Red, Red Rose Cozy Mystery, Southern Gothic, The Wild Rose Press 

Susan Coryell Fun Fact

I got the inspiration for a Red, Red Rose when I explored an actual Colonial estate that was rumored to be haunted. Though I never experienced anything unusual there, every family with children that toured the place reported that the kids felt “something weird.” One asked, “Did someone die in here?” Another said, “Oh no! I see a man in the fireplace!” My writer’s antennae went up and I started writing my cozy mystery/Southern Gothic on the spot.

Coming Spring of 2015 Beneath the Stones – The Wild Rose Press – sequel to A Red, Red Rose, 5 years later.

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Blurb:

When twenty-year-old Ashby Overton travels to Overhome Estate for the summer, she hopes to unearth her ancestral roots and the cause of a mysterious family rift surrounding the horseback riding death of her Grandmother Lenore many years ago.

From the moment she enters her room in the oldest wing, Ashby feels an invisible, enfolding presence.  She learns the room belonged to a woman named Rosabelle, but no one is willing to talk about Rosabelle—no one except Luke, the stable boy who captures her heart. As Ashby and Luke become closer, she realizes he can be the confidant she needs to share the terrifying, unfolding secrets.

Ever present is a force Ashby never sees, only feels.  Candles light themselves, notes from an old lullaby fall from the ceiling, the radio tunes itself each day.  And roses, always meant for Ashby, appear in the unlikeliest places.  Are the roses a symbol of love, or do they represent something dark, something deep and evil?

Amazon Link:http://amzn.com/B00GVKMG0K

Author Website: www.susancoryellauthor.com

 

Question for readers: Have you personally had a supernatural or paranormal experience?

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Now available for $.99— Gingerbread Wishes – Book 1, Sugar & Spice Bakery series. Holiday, Indie release 

Linda Carroll-Bradd Fun Fact:

This story has made a progression from a holiday story aimed for a confession magazine to a short story included in a holiday anthology (but the company went out of business) to an indie release. Each time, I made changes (from first person to third, added the hero’s POV, lengthened the word count). But the essence of the story has remained the same and I’ve loved it in all its versions.

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Blurb:

Tora can’t wait to sell the family bakery run by generations of Hammond women and seek excitement outside of Dorado, Texas. Widower Jordan Dawson, the town’s star quarterback from a decade ago, returns to his hometown with plans to develop a sporting goods store. He also hopes experiencing a small town Christmas will cheer up his five-year-old daughter, Jenna, still recovering from the loss of her mother. Will the spark of interest Tora sees in Jordan’s eyes be the excitement she’s looking for?

Amazon link:  http://amzn.com/B00HGUZSMC

Author website: www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Question for readers:  What do you like best about romances set in small towns?

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Nobody’s Baby, Contemporary romance, holiday ending, Indie release for only $3.99 

Carol Burnside Fun Fact:

NOBODY’S BABY came about during a brainstorming session as I attempted to put a twist on a secret baby trope or plot. Well, the baby was a surprise to Rio but not in any way I’d ever read in a book. Authors are supposed to torment their characters and and—whoo-ee—do Kate and Rio have a lot to deal with in this heartwarming story with a Christmas ending! I hope my readers enjoy my twisted take on an inherited baby/secret baby plot.

About Carol: Award winning author of “Sizzling romance with heart and humor.” A native Texan, Carol is a southern gal through and through, a gardener, amateur chef, avid reader, dog and cat lover, crochet enthusiast, seamstress, and creative diva who dreams up ways to torment her characters from an imagination fueled by too much sweet tea. Also a traveler and at one time a nomad, Carol loves to draw upon her memories for story settings, whether close to home or far-flung.

nobodys-baby-e-reader-copy

Blurb:

She was the incubator,
 nothing more
until the parents died tragically.
Now she’s having Nobody’s Baby.

For Kate Morissey, becoming a surrogate seems like a great way to refill her tuition account and get the education she’s always wanted. After putting her life on hold to raise and educate her two brothers, she’s desperate for freedom and a college degree that will secure her future. Weeks away from realizing her dreams, a freak accident threatens everything.

Adopted as a boy into the safety of the Hawthorne family, Rio swore he’d never become a father. He won’t pass along his cruel legacy of abuse. When he inherits the last Hawthorne heir, obligation and duty dictates he abandon the challenges of guiding safari’s and become a parent. Convincing Kate to teach him infant care was the easy part. Proving his love isn’t her prison may be the hardest thing he’s ever done.

Buy e-book on: Amazon / AzonUK / AzonCA / AzonAU / B-N / Kobo / GooglePlay / iBooks / AllRomance / Smashwords and other retailers

CarolBurnside.com

 Question for readers: As a reader, what are your favorite tropes / plots / storylines? 

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The Marriage Trap – Hawaii, Sexy romance, The Wild Rose Press 

Marissa Garner Fun Fact:

I set THE MARRIAGE TRAP in Hawaii because every time I’ve visited the islands, it’s been a romantic adventure. The book draws on some of my experiences. I’ve actually stayed in the Volcano House overlooking the Kilauea Caldera, which is where my hero and heroine plan a getaway. I’ve hiked on Maui’s dormant volcano, Haleakala, which my characters also visit. I’ve snorkeled in the coral reefs and bodysurfed on the crashing waves. But I let Drew and Ginny do something that I never had the pleasure of experiencing. You’ll have to read the book to learn what they got to do that I didn’t.

THE MARRIAGE TRAP (First in the Hawaiian Heat series) is available now and only $4.61 from Amazon.

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Blurb:

Ginny Fitzgerald has always dreamed of marriage and motherhood. But when she escapes her domineering former fiancé to attend a two-month writing seminar, she discovers more about herself than about fiction. Sparks fly and then ignite when she meets enigmatic Drew Morgan. He melts her reserved façade and unleashes her repressed passions. Sadly, Ginny believes she can never achieve her goals with Drew and fears the only happily-ever-after in her future is the one she’s writing for her romance novel.

Drew thinks marriage is a trap, and he’s made a pact with his brother to remain bachelors forever. Even when the Hawaiian Heat welds love and lust into his dream soul mate, he can’t marry Ginny. After she declines his invitation to live with him, he must choose between his opposition to the chains of marriage and the possibility of a lifetime of happiness.

Buy now at:  Amazon | iBook | Nook | Kobo

Visit Marissa at https://www.facebook.com/MarissaGarnerAuthor

 

Question for readers: Would you like to visit Hawaii? Which island?

 

 

 

 

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January 8, 2015 · 1:00 am

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 29 – Elvis’ 80th Birthday – End of Lonely Street – An Awesome Giveaway

*** I’m posting my weekly Elvis blog on Thursday instead of Friday this week ***

As everyone in the free world and beyond knows, today would have been Elvis Presley’s 80th birthday. He was born January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He’s been gone for 38 years, but his legacy is thriving. Never has another entertainer had such a profound and lasting impact on the world. I often wonder, what would Elvis be like today had he lived? His hairdresser, friend, and mentor, Larry Geller, stated that, in the months preceding his death, Elvis spoke of turning his life around. He wanted to get healthy, he wanted to rid his life of some of the people around him who weren’t good for him, and among other things, he wanted to focus on making serious movies. I fervently wish he’d had that opportunity. While I would not have wanted him to stop touring (and I don’t believe he could have done so completely, he loved it too much), I would have loved to see what kind of new chapter he could have begun.

I have loved Elvis my entire life. He’s as much a part of me as breathing. I saw him in concert three times, I own all of his movies on DVD, my car stereo permanently remains on Sirius XM Elvis Radio, I named my son Presley, and my first ever romance, which I wrote at age eleven, was titled ‘Just Pretend,’ and my hero, who looked like Elvis, was named Lonnie Beal (after Elvis’ character in Tickle Me :)).

Today, in honor of Elvis’ 80th birthday, I am pleased to announce the release of ‘End of Lonely Street’, a Vintage Romance Short Story set in 1957, in the era when Elvis first burst on the scene. I have over twenty published titles, and I mention Elvis in almost every one of them, but this story is even more Elvis-oriented. It was so much fun to write it, and I hope it’s as much fun to read.

Who can tell me where the title of my story comes from? 🙂

Check out End of Lonely Street and enter to win GREAT prizes…

GIVEAWAY: – Entries accepted from January 8, 2015 through noon on January 22, 2015

Three prizes –

  • Elvis Gift Basket including DVD, CD, plus more
  • $25 Amazon Gift Card
  • $10 Amazon Gift Card

First place winner has first choice, second place winner has second choice, third place winner receives remaining prize.

Click here to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 *** 10% of all of Alicia Dean’s net royalties for End of Lonely Street will go to

The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation http://www.graceland.com/epcf/  ***

EndofLonelyStreet_w9180_FINAL

Blurb:

Can she let go of the past, before it destroys her future? 

All Toby Lawson wanted was to go to college to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and the painful memories of finding her and the guy Toby loved kissing. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away, helps her escape from everything wrong in her life. 

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, and even though she knows her mother initiated the kiss, and that he didn’t kiss her back, she can‘t seem to get past what happened. He soon realizes that the true problem lies in Toby’s belief that she’s not good enough for him and in her fear that she will be just like her mother. 

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

 

Excerpt:

After work that night, Toby wasn’t ready to go home, so she sat in her car in the parking lot of Winstead’s, listening to the radio. “Love Me” by Elvis came on, and she cranked the volume.

Nothing else calmed her and lightened her heart like listening to him. She could escape into his music and all the bad just…faded away. When Elvis sang, there was no drunken mother, no failed dreams, no dying Miss Murdock. Toby didn’t only listen to his music, she felt it. It seemed to vibrate through her blood.

Although she was embarrassed to admit it, sometimes listening to him, watching him on television, made her all squirmy and hot—just like Noah made her feel. Especially that one night, when they had almost gone all the way.

Toby had been a senior in high school, and he’d graduated the year before. He picked her up and they drove out to the bluff, known as Make Out Row, overlooking downtown Mapleton.

The town was shrouded in darkness, but scattered lights shone, as though a starry sky were laid out below them. There were other cars around, but closed up in their cocoon, it was as though they were the only two people on Earth. Noah had kissed her, deep and long, whispering love words, telling her she was special, beautiful. She’d fallen in love with him at that very moment—wanted to be with him forever. He’d been  the one to halt their make out session. She would have willingly gone all the way that night. She was helplessly under his spell…the feel of his lips on hers, his hand covering her breast through her thin blouse…

A tapping sound on the window made  her jump. She looked through the glass to find Noah standing outside the car. Was he real, or just part of the fantasy world she’d drifted to? When another tap came, she blinked away the memories. He was definitely real.

 **** Bonus Giveaway 

I will draw one name from those who comment, and the winner will receive…

  • A free ebook of End of Lonely Street
  • Their choice of any other Alicia Dean title in their choice of any available format
  • A $10 Amazon Gift Card

(Winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 11th. My books can be found on this page: http://atomic-temporary-24849064.wpcomstaging.com/books/ – Only residents of the U.S. are eligible to receive print books. Non U.S. residents must choose an ebook format)

Purchase End of Lonely Street Ebook for only $1.99

(If you do not have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle App for your PC or other devices. Click Here: Kindle App)

Amazon (Kindle) Buy Link

Barnes and Noble (Nook) Buy Link

The Wild Rose Press Buy Link 

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December 22, 2014 · 6:41 am

A Chilling New Release from The Wild Rose Press – Destiny Calling by Maureen L. Bonatch

Destiny Calling – The Enchantlings, Volume 1 by Maureen L. Bonatch

Hope doesn’t know if the man she can touch is a dream come true, or a nightmare just beginning

destiny

Paranormal Romance from The Wild Rose Press

Cover Art by Debbie Taylor (DCA Graphics) 

About Destiny Calling:

Hope only wants to find out if her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with her touch makes her the devil’s spawn, or his exterminator. But when the woman who raised her is murdered by something not human, she loses the only family she knew and discovers one she might wish she hadn’t. 

Drawn back to the home town she vowed never to return to, her ability is seen as an asset to everyone but Hope, and she doesn’t know who to trust. Her family wants her to help them overcome an enemy oppressing the human population, while the man of her dreams is courting her for the Underworld. 

Time is running out, and Hope’s choice may be made for her, as she discovers she’s a pawn in a bigger game played by a merciless ruler who doesn’t lose.

 

Amazon Kindle   Amazon Paperback  The Wild Rose Press

 

Excerpt:

I strained to release my arm from Griffith’s vise-like grip while scanning the surrounding trees, trying to determine which was less of a threat, the beast of a man holding me or those who might be waiting for me in the woods.

“You will come inside, now.” Griffith spoke slowly and deliberately as if I were a small child.

I batted at the hand Griffith placed on my head. “I’m not a puppy, quit petting me.”

“I will protect you.” Griffith’s warm breath caressed my ear. “If for no other reason, to find out what I’m giving up and why she wants you so badly.”

I inhaled his masculine scent, like musky earth. It washed over my face, and the tension in my jaw released. I stopped struggling. “Are you the devil?” My tongue was thick and heavy so the words came out slurred.

“Not even close.” His words soothed and comforted, like having a weighted blanket cocoon me. Each movement was an effort. It wasn’t the same as the thing in the woods. This was more like the feeling after a long massage or bubble bath.

“It’s not safe.” Griffith wrapped his arms around me, and I rested against his broad chest.

“It’s not safe.” I nodded. My muscles relaxed and my eyelids grew heavy.

“It’s cold. We’re going inside.” Griffith kept his arm supporting me as he steered me toward the house.

“We’re going inside.” I parroted and walked up the steps, leaning heavily on him.

Out of the corner of my eye, something was cautiously moving at the edge of the woods. Branches snapped as whatever was observing us crept closer.

 

maureen

About the Author: 

Growing up with four siblings had Maureen familiar with escaping into a good book, or the recesses of her mind. She realized later in life everyone didn’t have characters telling stories in their heads, or weren’t envisioning magic and mayhem within the everyday. This, and long walks in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania spawned a love of writing. 

Since her desire to become a Solid Gold Dancer was thwarted when the show was discontinued, Maureen opted to pursue other paths. Attempting to conquer new endeavors proved fruitful with her first novella, while other attempts, such as challenging a fear of heights with parasailing, were unsuccessful. 

Therefore she’s chased other interests, though none-the-less-daring, but closer to the ground, such as belly-dancing, becoming a self-proclaimed tequila connoisseur, fulfilling her role as biker babe to her alpha hubby and surviving motherhood to twins (so far). 

Penning stories boasting laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world. 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbonatch

Blog: http://www.maureenbonatch.com/blog/

Website: http://www.maureenbonatch.com

Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/1AV4L

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maureenbonatch/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3103486.Maureen_L_Bonatch

 

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December 21, 2014 · 10:35 am

Demon Lore by Karilyn Bentley – PLUS a Fun Fact & Favorite Line

Book One in an exciting new series from The Wild Rose Press…

Karilyn Bentley with Demon Lore, an urban fantasy novel

Will Gin discover who wants her dead before she becomes the next victim in the ongoing battle?

Fun Fact:

I wrote this book a couple of years ago for a contest my RWA chapter held to meet an agent. The agent didn’t want it, but my publisher did. The original first chapter has been eliminated, a complete rewrite, and it reads a lot better. However, I do like that scene and am trying to decide if I want to place it in another book in the series.

A favorite line or two:

Blue sky peeks through gaps in the leaves as I suck down air into shocked-still lungs. Did I slip on a stone or did Mr. You-Don’t-Need-A-Caffeine-Hit just sweep my feet out from under me?

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Click here to Buy:

Amazon

The Wild Rose Press
Find Karilyn here:

Website: http://www.karilynbentley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarilynBentleyAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karilynbentley1
Blog: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karilynbentley

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