Shelly Alexander's Blog, page 3

The Pulse Of Red River

Every town, no matter the size, has THE place where everything exciting happens. Red River – population 475 – is no different.

The pulse of this picturesque little town that’s nestled into the mountains of northern New Mexico is Main Street. No matter what time of day or night, Main Street has something to offer.

In the early morning, visit The Way Coffee! for a cup of joe, or stop at the Old Tymers Cafe for breakfast. When the afternoon sun takes the nip out of the air, take the kids to the Black Mountain Playhouse, stop in at the vacation-friendly public library, shop at the Main Street Mercantile, and catch one of the many activities taking place throughout the year in Brandenburg Park. And after dusk when the moon climbs high in the clear New Mexico sky, catch some line dancing at the Red River Community House, listen to live music at the Motherlode Saloon, and enjoy a glass of wine and a juicy steak at the infamous Texas Reds Steakhouse.

And guess what? All of these things are within walking distance! So put on comfortable shoes, and take a stroll down Main Street where there’s always something going on.

On page 58 of It’s In His Heart, Ella starts to make friends with the townsfolk at the local watering hole, Cotton Eyed Joe’s. If you’ve visited Red River, what were your favorite locations? What activities did you enjoy the most?

If you haven’t been to Red River, then get busy and plan a trip! We’re waiting for you to join in the fun.

Photos Courtesy of Mountain Mist Photography

 

Dreamweaver Book Bundle Giveaway!

(1) Winner wins this awesome book bundle:

 

 

 

It’s In His Heart by Shelly Alexander (digital copy)

This is Your Afterlife by Vanessa Barneveld (digital copy)

You Really Got Me by Erika Kelly (print copy)

Channel 20 Something by Amy Patrick (digital or print copy)

Slow and Steady Rush by Laura Trentham (digital copy)

A Haunting Desire by Julie Mulhern (digital copy)

Letting Go by Jessica Ruddick (digital copy)

Click here to enter the giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7996b6c5208/?

The Soul Of Red River

If the heart of Red River is its people, the soul of Red River is its charm and beauty.

Nestled in the Sangre di Cristo mountains, this quaint mining town boasts soaring peaks, a scenic landscape that changes with each season, high altitudes and crisp mountain air. Established in the late 1800s, its old west roots are still apparent when you stroll down Main Street or catch Michael Martin Murphy performing at the Lazy H Chuckwagon Dinner and Show.

There’s no better place to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Whether its your first visit to Red River or your fiftieth, Red River’s quiet, friendly atmosphere feels like home.

On page 21 of It’s In His Heart, Ella’s just arrived in Red River.  She only plans to stay for the summer, but it already feels like home. Have you vacationed in Red River yet? If so, tell me about it. If not, do you have a favorite vacation spot that feels like home away from home?

 

Photos Courtesy of Ron Weathers – Mountain Mist Photography

 

Been To The Mountain Top?

Wheeler Peak, in it’s snow-capped glory, is the highest point in all of New Mexico and is located just outside of Red River. It’s not unusual for Wheeler Peak to get snow during every month of the year.

If you’re game for an adventure, hike to the top using one of two trails that offer magnificent views of the Red River Valley. The southern Rockies are a sight to behold any time of year.

On page 30 of  It’s In His Heart, I used some ‘creative liberty’ and had Wheeler Peak loom over the town of Red River. While this isn’t geographically correct, Wheeler Peak can best be seen from only a few locations in Red River. Can anyone name at least one of those locations?

Photograph courtesy of Mountain Mist Photography.

The River Wild

There are countless activities to enjoy no matter which season you visit Red River. One of my favorites is rafting. People of all ages can enjoy a ride down the Rio Grande or the Rio Chama with an experienced rafting guide.

The Alexander Family Braving The Rapids

But don’t think you can sit back the whole time and sip a cold soft drink while the guide does all the work. After a lesson on how to steer the raft with your paddle, you’ll all pile in and have to do your share when padding downstream and maneuvering the many rapids along the way.

It’s relaxing, fun, and exilherating all at the same time. Just be sure to wear a swimsuit because you’re likely to get wet!

On page 120 of It’s In His Heart, Ella and Coop participate in a river race to raise money for the local library. What interesting things have you done in the name of charity?

Summer Fun In Red River

Enjoy warm days and cool nights all summer in the Red River Valley. Red River has long been the summer playground for Texans and Okies that want to escape the harsh climates of their home states. Whether you’re a vacationer or a local resident, Red River offers a full calendar of summer fun for all ages.

Red River Fun

June is chalked full of fun with the annual Classic Car Show, River & Brews Blues Fest, and the Fine Art & Wine Festival where you can enjoy live music,  delicious food, and the friendliest atmosphere in the Southwest.

On page 87 of It’s In His Heart, Coop and Ella share a sultry two-step at a fictional summer charity event. Do you attend a fun annual event?

Photograph Courtesy of Mountain Mist Photography

Kindle Love Stories-First Blush for It’s In His Heart

 

Listen to Coop’s sexy offer to Ella. Will she accept? Listen and find out on Kindle Love Stories – First Blush

 

First Blush – Kindle Love Stories

Want to hear a hot story read by a hot guy? Check out a little glimpse of my debut novel, It’s In His Heart, and enter to win one of 20 free copies!

http://apub-blog.amazon.com/post/TxL59ERESGRSD7/First-Blush-It-s-in-His-Heart-by-Shelly-Alexander

Cover Reveal ~ Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley

 

Viking Warrior Rising

by Asa Maria Bradley

Release Date: 11/03/15

Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca

 

Immortal Vikings are among us.

Leif Skarsganger and his elite band of immortal warriors have been charged to protect humanity from the evil Norse god Loki.

Under attack from Loki’s minions, Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif’s warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn’t find her fast, he’s going to lose himself to permanent battle fury.

But Naya doesn’t want to be found…and he’ll do anything to find her. Because they’re both running out of time.

 

“Asa Maria Bradley creates a swoon-worthy hero who sizzles across the pages in this tale full of passion, blood, and destiny! Sexy, stubborn, and smart lovers clash in a tension-filled race to outwit science and control fate. Bradley is a new force to be reckoned with in the paranormal genre! Move over Highlanders…the Vikings are coming!”

– Rebecca Zanetti, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Dark Protector series

 

“Strong world-building, and a hero that will make you want a Viking of your very own!”

– Paige Tyler, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the X-Ops and SWAT series

 

“An intensely thrilling and unique romance that whisks the reader into the intricate, smart, and sexy world of these wickedly hot Viking warriors.”

– Sara Humphreys, award-winning author of Vampires Never Cry Wolf

 

Add to Goodreads List or pre-order from: Barnes & Noble or Amazon

 

About the Author

Asa Maria Bradley grew up in Sweden surrounded by archaeology and history steeped in Norse mythology, which inspired the immortal Vikings and Valkyries in her paranormal romances. She also writes romantic suspense and currently resides on a lake deep in the pine forests of the Pacific Northwest with a British husband and a rescue dog of indeterminate breed. Asa graduated from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers MFA program at Eastern Washington University with an MFA in creative writing and also holds a Master of Science in Medical Physics from University of Colorado. She’s a 2014 Golden Heart finalist and represented by Sarah E Younger at the Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

Cover Reveal ~ Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn

 

Forget Tomorrow

by Pintip Dunn

Release Date: 11/03/15

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Imagine a world where your destiny has already been decided…by your future self.

It’s Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she’s eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they’re meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.

Or in Callie’s case, a criminal.

In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes the hellish prison.

But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all—Callie, herself.

 

Add to Goodreads

 

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble

About the Author

When my first-grade teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I replied, “An author.” Although I have pursued other interests over the years, this dream has never wavered.

I graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B. in English Literature and Language. I received my J.D. at Yale Law School, where I was an editor of the YALE LAW JOURNAL. I published an article in the YALE LAW JOURNAL, entitled, “How Judges Overrule: Speech Act Theory and the Doctrine of Stare Decisis,” and received the Barry S. Kaplan Prize for best paper in Law and Literature.

I am represented by literary agent Beth Miller of Writers House. I’m a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist and a 2014 double-finalist. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers, YARWA, and The Golden Network.

I live with my husband and children in Maryland.

 

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

 

Cover Reveal Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours