Peggy Jaeger's Blog, page 57
June 4, 2023
June 3, 2023
An end of an era…
It’s 11 weeks today since my mom’s passing.
I don’t cry every day anymore, but still find myself, at times, getting weepy for what seems like no reason. Watching t.v., making dinner. Nothing tangible to put the sadness on to. Just…grief.
Life has moved on.
Case in point, I closed on my parent’s house recently.
Miraculously, it sold. I say miraculously, because, in all honesty, I never thought it would.
Shows you how wrong I can be about stuff.
My parents lived in 2 trailers/mobile homes during the past 20+ years. The first one was destroyed during Hurricane Irene. They were left homeless.
I didn’t know this. It occurred during the time frame my mother and I weren’t in communication. When we reconnected she told me about how they watched the water from the nearby creek rush under their front door. In no time at all they were standing in a foot of it. No time to pack anything. They were evacuated by the local fire department and could only bring the clothes on their backs. Luckily, my mother had the foresight to grab all their personal papers.
For three days they were put up in a local motel, wearing the same clothes, depending on the kindness of the Red Cross for food, and then allowed to go back to their home once the water receded.
Not much survived the flood. Some clothing, their mattress. The rest was destroyed by water damage.
As luck would have it, FEMA gave them money and they found another trailer, where they lived for the last 16 years of their lives, until circumstances made it impossible for them to do so anymore.
I’m ashamed to say this but the thought of them living in what was a glorified ( and not really all that nice) trailer made me a little…well…embarrassed. And I hear in my head how horrible, elitist, and prejudicial that sounds. There’s absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about living in a mobile home.
Nothing.
But…it was just another facet of their lifestyle that made me realize how poor they really were. I think that’s the thing that shames me most of all. Their relative poverty. For all my life and all their adult lives and marriage, they could never get ahead financially. They lived paycheck to paycheck and sometimes not even that long. They didn’t live an extravagant life, either. No cars, no vacations. The cheapest food. It was simply the cost of living out-cost their take-home pay.
“New” clothes were purchased at the Salvation Army. My mother took to wearing shoes that were a size too small for her simply because they “looked nice” and were only a quarter. All she could afford.
When I was clearing and cleaning out their house so they could move into the nursing home I saw their bed, unmade, for the first time. There was a huge depression in the center so that no matter what side you were on, you rolled to it. My mother said they’d brought the bed with them from Brooklyn, bought when they were newly married.
They hadn’t lived in Brooklyn since 1968. That meant their mattress was over 55 years old.
Think about that for a moment and then think about your own, comfortable, probably NOT 55-year-old mattress.
And then think about the fact that mattress survived a flood.
She suffered through, and survived, so much in her life. I wish I had been more understanding, more compassionate about all her mental and emotional issues.
I wish I had been a better person; a more empathetic, understanding daughter.
A better human.
11 weeks. Still so raw.
June 1, 2023
#firstlinefriday 6.2.2023 CHANCE (Last Man Standing) #sweetromance #fakedating
Today’s first line comes from last year’s sweet romance CHANCE, book 12 in the Last Man Standing series.
Intrigued? Here’s the book jacket blurb:
Chance Miller, divorce lawyer extraordinaire, knows the whole happily ever after dream is an urban myth. He deals with miserable and wedded warring couples every day and swears staying single keeps him sane and happy. His friends and family consider him the last single man standing and fear he’ll never find someone and settle down. But Chance relishes his carefree status and unencumbered lifestyle and has no plans to change anything.
If only his relatives would stop trying to set him up with their version of the perfect woman.
Fredrika Poole already experienced her one great love, and the widow can’t read any future romance in her tea leaves. She’s content to bake, run her business, and care for her daughter.
When Chance meets Freddie and discovers her marriage thoughts run on the same road his do, he realizes she’s the answer to his prayer for keeping the relatives at bay. But the pixie barista has a way of making Chance question everything he’s always thought about love, marriage, and wedded bliss.
Will his last man standing status go unchallenged? Or will Freddie be the one woman he wants…but can never have?
I’m proud and excited and humbled to announce that CHANCE is a 2022 Sweet Romance Novella Finalist in the HEART AWARDS, too!
Order of the Dragon Knights Series Anniversary Celebration and Sale by Mary Morgan #timetravel #PNR #historicalfantasy
One of the nicest people I know and one of the BEST writers out there, MARY MORGAN, is celebrating her 10th anniversary with The Wild Rose Press and I am honored to feature her today! Her award-winning books are fan favorites across all genres and her Dragon Knights are men who you can’t help falling in love with!! Happy Anniversary, Mary. And here’s to a few more decades of these fabulous books!
Hello Peggy! I’m delighted to be on your lovely blog to celebrate my 10-year anniversary with The Wild Rose Press! What an epic adventure since I signed my first contract for Dragon Knight’s Sword (Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 1).
A Curse or Prophecy?
Across the sea their destiny awaits.
A love will meet through time and space.
To right a wrong within this place.
Beneath the gate to test their fate.
I wove this theme throughout the series, though the wording varied a wee bit with each Dragon Knight.
Let me start from the beginning with a land that called out to me…
My love affair with Scotland and Ireland began decades ago. I blame it on my own bloodline—a yearning to return to the land of my ancestors. The land called out to me within the stories of Irish mythology and Scottish history. I’d close my eyes and imagine I was there.
When I finally took my first trip to Scotland twenty-three years ago, the birth of a series—the Dragon Knights—was born. While sitting on a boulder in the Highlands, I became mesmerized by the surrounding magic, and the mists of the land. However, on the second half of my trip I visited Ireland. As I wandered the soft rolling hills in various shades of green, the land spoke to my soul and urged me to place the Dragon Knights here, too. Though it would take several years before I decided to incorporate both countries (Scotland and Ireland) into the stories. A perfect solution to a problem I had been debating on for the Dragon Knights.
Obviously, there must be a castle in any medieval story, right? It doesn’t matter whether it’s real or one we’ve created either. I’ve always been drawn to Urquhart Castle and envisioned this as the home for my knights. It’s ancient, mystical, and where the Loch Ness Monster dwells within the loch. This site first appeared in historical records in the 6th century. Yet in researching the ownership of the castle, I eventually chose a time when there was a “gray” area of possession—the early 13th century. When I visited the ruins in 2017, I spent over four hours running my hands over the rough edges of stone, dirt, and the ground. I had returned home to where the stories began—where a battle had been fought and each knight sent on a quest for redemption.
For a few brief moments during my time roaming the ancient ruins, I could hear the whispers of the Dragon Knights arguing, laughing, and questioning who’s next for an adventure. The knights are definitely not finished. In truth, they’re demanding more tales to be written.
Do the Dragon Knights still believe the passage was a curse? You’ll have to read the stories to find the answer.
Order of the Dragon Knights ~
They were an ancient order, descended from the great Tuatha Dé Danann, the Sidhe, or in simpler terms: the Fae. Half-human and half-fae, each knight blessed with mystical powers. Given to them were holy relics from the Fae and guardianship over their Dragons.
They were known as the Dragon Knights.
However, some believed the Order had too much power and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night. The brothers of the Clan MacKay—Dragon Knights, fought a battle. Blood spilled onto holy ground, bringing forth the wrath of the Fae. Their relics were taken, and the Order was banished—each name stricken from the hallowed halls of the Fae.
The Clan MacKay is no longer.
The Dragon Knights have scattered across the land.
Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption, and the women they love.
Available at AMAZON
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7QR2T3 )
Book Trailer for Dragon Knights: https://youtu.be/iEruV9P6PtU
About the Author:
Multi award-winning romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books.
Connect with Mary here ~
Website/Blog: https://www.marymorganauthor.com/
Amazon Author: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI
May 30, 2023
May 28, 2023
#mugmonday 5.29.2023
Yes, I am!
A book-treat for fans of Judith Sterling #99centsale #Kindleunlimited #medievalromance #PNRfantasy
One of my favorite writers ( and writing friend!) Judith Sterling has a special announcement and I’m pleased to bring it to all of you.
Flight of the Raven and The Cauldron Stirred (the first book in each series) are on sale for 99 cents. All the books are FREE in Kindle Unlimited.
THE NOVELS OF RAVENWOOD ~ Spicy medieval romance
FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN
When a Saxon lady denies her Norman bridegroom’s right to the marriage bed, sparks fly. He’s bent on founding a dynasty. Her life depends on her refusal. Together, they face a centuries-old curse and learn the alchemy of love.
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
SOUL OF THE WOLF
A Norman lady shows a Saxon sorcerer there’s no greater magic than love. They must face their demons together to bring light to a troubled land.
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
SHADOW OF THE SWAN
Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
GUARDIANS OF ERIN ~ YA paranormal fantasy
THE CAULDRON STIRRED
Ashling Donoghue’s move to Ireland rocks her perception of reality and plunges her into a mystery that brings legend to life.
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
THE STONE AWAKENED
As the Stone of Destiny awakens, so does the conflict within.
May 25, 2023
#firstlinefriday A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: DYLAN #comingsoon #romanticsuspense #STEM
Okay, this one is making me all happy on the inside! A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: DYLAN is set to release into the book-reading world on September 18, 2023! I am sososo thrilled. Here’s the very first look at the cover:
And here’s the book jacket blurb:
Cyber-security specialist Dylan Keane is working undercover to suss out a corporate thief. When he zeroes in on Harper Vale, he thinks he’s found his mole.
Harper has a reputation as a coding savant and an introvert. Dylan’s interest is flattering, but after she’s implicated in the theft of the company’s protected software, she doubts everything he’s told her.
When a series of potentially deadly accidents occur involving Harper, Dylan wonders if she is being set up to take the fall. One thing is certain: the more time they spend together, the more Dylan realizes he’s the one who’s falling—for Harper.
And now here’s the FIRST LINE:
Chapter 1
Wednesday, noon
Dylan Keane knew if he hadn’t been forced to walk the straight and narrow by his parents, he would have had a lucrative career as a con man instead of a private investigator.
No preorder links yet because we’re so far out for publication, but I am sosos excited to have a set date for release.
If you haven’t read the two previous PRIDE OF BROTHERS books, Rick and Aiden, now it your chance to get caught up!
Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.
Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.
Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.
Lexi Buckley wants answers about her younger sister’s death. The police have labeled it a suicide, but Lexi doesn’t believe it. Stymied in her investigation, she doesn’t know where to turn next. After a chance encounter with a private investigator, she thinks her prayers have been answered.
Aiden Keane has never been an answer to a prayer before, but he agrees to help Lexi. A quirky combo of brains and beauty, the pixie blonde makes him feel things no professional ever should for a client.
When their investigation puts Lexi’s life in jeopardy, her safety becomes his number one priority. The hard part is not falling for her.
Look how great these covers look all together!!!
and here’s one more little teaser….there’s 1 more book-brother left to write. Only 2 people on the planet know the name of this brother, me and a very special lady. Hee hee. More on that to come….
May 24, 2023
Getting Witchy with it Facebook takeover! #PNR #GWWI2023 #attendingauthor
I’m so stoked because this Saturday, May 27th, starting at 6pm EST, I’ll be taking over the Getting Witch With It Reader FB page for an hour! Please join me because I don’t want to be lonely, LOL. I’ll be having giveaways, talking about my PNR books- those that are out and those that are releasing soon – and we’ll be playing some witchy-themed games.
GWWI is a two day author/reader extravaganza set for Saturday Sept. 16 2023 and Sunday Sept 17. I’ll be at the Saturday signing. More about that during the FB takeover.
If you’re interested in attending the actual event, here’s the registration and details. GWWI2023
Here’s the complete list of attending authors for both days: ( it’s some list!!!)
A cool #Vella interview about the Jane Austen Murders #shortreads #kindlevella
I was honored last night to be interviewed by podcaster and writer Anton Crucis about my Kindle Vella story THE JANE AUSTEN MURDERS.
You can view the entire interview here : Youtube
P.S. it’s about 15 minutes, so not too long!!
And I really have to stop talking with my hands!
Check out my other Vella stories, here: VELLA
