Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 80
December 21, 2015
This is a release tour for Forever Christmas ~ The Second Season series
Forever Christmas - The Second Season
GENRE: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Forever Christmas, where the spirit of the holidays never fades.
Forever Christmas tree farm has grown in popularity, activities, and sales steadily for the first year. Juliet and her friends have hired a few new employees, but are still in need of more help.
Juliet learns of a women’s shelter and their cutting program to place their women in an intern situation. This program is called, Life Bridge and it provides their women the opportunity to learn new skills while safely housed and totally separated from their past. The owners of the tree farm contact the shelter and four interns are assigned to the farm.
Visit Forever Christmas and follow Ivy, Noelle, Miranda, and Sadie as they discover their futures can surpass what they once believed possible.
Book One ~ Christmas Ivy
Ivy’s always been a part of Christmas; can this Ivy put down roots in Forever Christmas, where the spirit of the holidays never fades?
Ivy Harper is a survivor. Deprived of college by a selfish mother and stuck in a dead-end job that can’t pay the bills, it’s the last straw when she finds herself a crime victim, too. Hoping for a new start, she flees to the big city, only to end up homeless. Her one chance is an intern program that offers a new life on a farm outside a small town. But can a farm job provide Ivy’s artistic soul the security and fulfillment she needs?
Mason Weatherly is exhausted. A leading surgeon, ER doc, and specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Weatherly is in constant demand. Unfortunately his seventeen-hour days and long weeks mean he has no relationship or personal life. Frazzled and desperate for a break, Mason decides to visit his brother, Colton, before Colton settles down. Mason needs to discover for himself how a small town and a tree farm managed to tame his career-driven brother.
Joanne was born and raised in Sherburne, New York, a quaint village surrounded by dairy farms and rolling hills. From the moment she could read she wanted to explore the world. During her college years she slowly crept across the country, stopping along the way in Oklahoma, California, and finally Washington State, which she now proudly calls home. She lives with her husband and Dobermans, in their home located on the Olympic Peninsula with a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains.
Joanne writes romantic suspense, paranormal, and contemporary romance. She loves to submerge herself in the world of her characters, to live and breathe their lives and marvel at their decisions and predicaments. She enjoys a wide variety of books including paranormal, suspense, thriller, and of course romance.
Joanne is a member of Romance Writers of America, and past President of Peninsula Romance Writers, which was Debbie Macomber’s home chapter.
Book Two ~ Christmas Treasure
A small town where everyone knows everyone's business prepares for the holiday season. It's not just Noelle's secret that places Annie and Noelle in harm's way but a secret from within her own treasured town. Will the town pull together for the holidays despite what secrets linger?
Annie Dixon devised a plan with her friends the year before to buy the local tree farm. Her plan to entice Ryder Harris to stay in Glenville also worked. They just announced their 'I do's'. But with the busy holiday seasons ahead, Annie and her friends are swamped. They need help. The Life Bridge program is their answer. They will take on four women from a shelter in the city as interns and lodge them at the farm.
Annie takes Noelle Matheson under her wing at the flower shop. Noelle has a hidden talent for flower arrangements but also a hidden secret that Annie wants to uncover. A sudden romance buds between Noelle and Annie's childhood friend, Ashton Norris. Annie hopes Noelle's secret won't leave Ashton broken-hearted again.
“Flowers for all Seasons, this is Annie, how may I help you?”
She laughed with Ryder’s comment. “Your lips on mine would be a great start.”
“As soon as you get back home, I promise they will be.”
He told her he had one more stop for Colton and then would be on his way back but wanted to give her an update of his visit to the diner Noelle had worked at.
“Did you find out anything?” Annie’s curiosity built up. She hoped she was wrong that Noelle had a deep dark secret. Especially now that she’d hooked up with Ashton; she didn’t want him to get hurt again. His fiancée did a number on him a couple of years ago. He hadn’t dated since. It had been the talk of the town until last year’s incident at the resort when Ryder arrested the resort’s manager for money laundering, along with his head of security.
“The owner of the diner, Marg Peterson, was very helpful. But I wasn’t the only one at the diner looking for Noelle today.”
“Who else was looking for her?” Annie pulled out the stool and took a seat. This only proved her instincts were right about Noelle. Something wasn’t right.
Angela Ford originates from Nova Scotia…Canada’s Ocean Playground!
Her love of the ocean and sunsets are always in her heart and give her inspiration. Her love for words keeps her turning the page. She is never without a book, whether she’s reading or writing. Now residing in Ontario, Angela works in Finance – numbers by day – words by night. Her dedication to volunteer and involvement with cyber safety seminars gave her an Award of Distinction and sparked the idea for her first book Closure – suspense with a dash of romance that hit the best- selling Action/Adventure and Women’s Fiction. Angela continued this FBI suspense with Forbidden and will deliver the final of the series in 2015. She also writes contemporary romance, sometimes sweet…sometimes spicy and sometimes with a dash of suspense. Unforgettable Kiss delivers a spicy romance with a dash of suspense. Blind Tasting of The Love List series and The Christmas Wreath of the Forever Christmas series are sweet reads. 2015 kicked off with a new Romantic Suspense Surrender.
Between two jobs, being a mom with a home always filled with young adults and rather interesting stories; she is lucky to have one very patient and understanding man. But it is the furry family members who rule the house – a Puggle (Pug/Beagle), a new Chug puppy (Pug/Chihuahua) and two loveable cats. Every possible quiet moment she finds, she treasures and just writes about the moments to come. Angela is an avid reader of romance, a member of the RWA, KOD (Kiss of Death – Suspense Chapter) and Mississauga Writers Group. You can follow her at BTGN www.bookstogonow.com or visit her website/blog Romantic Escapes at http://www.angelafordauthor.com to connect with her on her social network sites. She loves to hear from her readers – they keep her smiling!
Book Three ~ Just Before Christmas
Ex-marine and ex-cop Joel Stinson has left his days of carrying a gun behind. Being hired to work security at a ski lodge seems easy enough and gives him a chance to put some old demons to rest as he awaits the coming of Christmas. When he meets a secretive beauty with a past working at the lodge, his cop instincts warn him to steer clear, but his heart is engaged by her shy smile. Can he risk sharing his past with her or will he be hitting the ski slopes this holiday season alone?
Miranda Davis is tired of running and hiding and being afraid. Taking part in The Life Bridge program gives her a chance for a fresh start, and she vows to protect herself at all costs, especially since the police’s failure to do so left her scarred in more ways than one. But spending time with ex-cop Joel Stinson begins to put her at ease, and her fears for her safety and of the police, begin to vanish. Has she found safety-and maybe the chance to love-at last or will danger come calling, putting her on the run once more?
Karen Hall makes her home in East Tennessee with Buddy and Febe, aka THEWONDERDOGS! When not writing romance, she works as a therapist, sings in her church choir and tries to keep the flower gardens tamed-a battle she too often loses.
Book Four ~ Sadie's Santa
Sadie Wilden needs a fresh start, so when the women’s shelter administrator invites her to participate in a new program designed to safely house battered women and teach them a new job skill, she’s all in. If everything goes right, she’ll meet the social services requirements on time and be reunited with her baby—that is, if the police locate and arrest her ex.
Sadie won’t put her daughter in harm’s way, no matter how much she misses her. She just has to lay low and do a good job at her new intern position.
When Gus Sadler, an investigative reporter from Seattle, shows up at her workplace, Sadie’s leery of his intentions—after all, it was the media that leaked information that put her baby in harm’s way.
Gus is drawn to Sadie right away, but he’ll have to work double time to earn her trust. Can he set aside his inclination to investigate her background or will he jeopardize his chances by digging into her past?
Gus was quiet—too darned quiet. Sadie wondered if she’d done something wrong but she couldn’t think of anything. She really liked Gus, even if he was a reporter.
He pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine. “You know I don’t even know your last name.”
“Wilden. Sadie Angelica Wilden.” There. She’d told him. Now to tell him the rest. She opened her mouth to speak, but when she felt Gus’ hand cup her chin, she leaned into him for the kind of kiss she’d waited for all night.
Jackie Marilla writes contemporary romance from the Hawaiian Islands and beyond. She and her husband live on a macadamia nut farm on the island of Hawai'i where they feed a clowder of cats and a flock of hodgepodge chickens. In a past life, she was an elementary school teacher.
December 18, 2015
Christmas Bonanza Giveaway
Christmas is nearly upon us!
I love Christmas but it does change through the decades - as kids it was completely magical, with secrets and whispers, where hopes and dreams were attainable. I will never forget that excitement and feelings so wonder.
Teenagehood though, changed thoughts into boys and what to wear at that Christmas disco.
Work years - hum, phew, time off!
Magic returns somewhat when Father Christmas begins delivering to your own kids! What fun getting up at 5 in the morning. Huh?
Life can become jaded and cruel and often harsh, yet, there is something magical about the lights of Christmas. For despite what may hit us, this can be a great time of year to gather family and have a little fun - if knackering and expensive.
Now though, it's all calmed down. Kids have grown, my life has changed - wow, has it (for the better) and Christmas has become peaceful, with my heart filling with the joy of seeing my beautiful and wonderful adult children, and sharing joy with my husband and (still) with my parents who are now in their 80s.
My joy too comes from writing and though I have 20 titles on offer, two of them have a Christmas theme and another short story is within a collection.
Here are the plugs!
Knowing Jack is a mystery adventure novel that is set in the Lake District, England, at Christmas.
I remember visiting the Lake District as a child (and adult), it is filled with mystery and beauty but can be a scary place too.
Above: some real pictures of the Lake District in winter.
KNOWING JACK
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Knowing Jack is an audiobook too - narrated by Joel Froomkin as he does a fantastic job - you'll love it.
***
CHRISTMAS PAST is a science fiction short story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Also available as an audiobook, narrated by Don Warrick
***
There is a Christmas 'short' in my collection of contemporary short stories & poems called FIGMENTS.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
This collection is also available as an audiobook, narrated by Don Warrick.
***
EXPRESSIONS
Another collection of short stories, narrated by Alan Weyman (nothing about Christmas but good anyway)!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
***
THREE INTO ONE narrated by Phil Mayes
Science fiction short story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Audiobooks
UK - http://goo.gl/Un3ExL
USA - http://goo.gl/MjNtaJ
What about rafflecopter...?
Available:
5 promo codes, audiobook, Knowing Jack (UK, USA)
5 mobi files, Knowing Jack
5 promo codes, audiobook, Christmas Past (UK, USA)
5 mobi files, Christmas Past
5 promo codes, audiobook, Figments (UK, USA)
5 mobi files, Figments
5 promo codes, audiobook, Three Into One (UK, USA)
5 mobi files, Three Into One
5 promo codes, audiobook, Expressions (UK, USA)
5 mobi files, Expressions
https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabe...
Enter for a chance to win!
If you'd like to review them, then that is your option. :)
***
Thanks for reading this post.
This is a promo tour for The Starlight Chronicles by Lisa Orchard
The Starlight Chronicles
GENRE: Young Adult / Coming of Age
EDITOR: EsKape Press
COVER DESGINER: For the Muse Designs
Lark Singer is seventeen years old and already on the way to a brilliant music career. But as she and her band, Starlight, gear up for a competition, life seems to be throwing her a few curve balls. The mysteries of her past seem to be unraveling, and she’s no longer certain she wants to know those answers or how knowing about her past will affect her difficult relationship with her mother. And when her best friend, Bean, changes things between them, all her plans for a musical future are placed in jeopardy. How can she balance her complicated personal life to keep her musical goals on track?
Book One ~ Gideon Lee
Original Release Date: Oct 19, 2014
Lark Singer’s relationship with her mother is prickly to say the least. As she enters a musical competition that could launch her career, Lark also searches for answers her mother would rather keep hidden. Throw into the mix the fact her best friend Bean has been acting strangely, and Lark finds herself launched into uncharted territory. Will her quest for answers sabotage her musical aspirations?
Chapter One
I want to be like Gideon Lee. My lips move as I read the title of my essay. They twitch as I stifle a snicker. Looking around the room, I make sure no one has seen my facial tic. My eyes light upon the Presidents’ pictures lined up on the wall. They face me, each with a unique expression, and I wonder what they were thinking while they posed. They are above the clock so my gaze naturally falls on it. It’s almost time for lunch.
I settle back in my seat and my lips twitch again. A feeling of defiant exhilaration washes over me like a tidal wave.
Montgomery’s going to freak when he reads this.
Despite my best efforts, a giggle escapes and the boy in front of me turns around and gives me the evil eye. I return the glare. He is slumped over, and sweat beads on his upper lip. I think this is odd — it’s rather chilly in the room — but dismiss it before I turn back to my essay.
I bet old man Montgomery doesn’t even know who Gideon Lee is. This thought sends another giggle to the surface, but I quickly squash it by biting my lip.
I picture him searching Gideon Lee’s name on the Internet. I see his expression changing from confusion to disgust. I imagine him taking off his black, thick-rimmed glasses and shaking his head. I hear him mutter, “Lark Singer, what are you doing?” He rubs his face. I can actually hear the rough sandpapery sound as his hand finds his day old stubble. He sighs and puts his glasses back on. “What am I going to do with you?”
I remember when Mr. Montgomery first told us about the assignment. We were supposed to write an essay on someone we admire, someone who has contributed to society in some way. I know when he says this he wants us to write about an a historical figure. After all this is history class, but I raised my hand anyway.
“Lark,” he called out as he stood at his lectern.
“Do they have to be dead?”
He cocked his head as he studied me with his piercing blue eyes. Then he ran his hand over his military style crew cut, and I watched as his salt and pepper hair flattened then popped back into place as if each hair was standing at attention. I could tell he wasn’t sure where this was going. “Well… I guess not.” That’s when he froze, as if he realized he had just opened a door for me and he wasn’t going to like what was on the other side. He shifted his weight, and looked down at the floor before he backpedaled. “But they have to have made a positive contribution to society. It can’t be about a mobster or anything like that.” Pursing his lips, he stared at me, fiddling with those glasses. “This is one half of your semester grade, Lark. I wouldn’t pull any funny stuff.”
“Oh, I won’t. Scout’s honor,” I answered sweetly, placing my hand over my heart and giving him the scout salute, while inside I planned my rebellion.
I have him. I’m going to write about Gideon Lee, and there’s nothing he can do about it.
Book Two ~ Lark Singer
Original Release Date: Dec 6, 2014
Lark Singer is seventeen years old and already on the way to a brilliant music career. As she and her band, Starlight, gear-up for an upcoming, life-changing band competition, though, life seems to be throwing her a few curve balls. The mysteries of her past seem to be unraveling, and she’s no longer certain she wants to know those answers, or how knowing about her past will affect her difficult relationship with her mother. And when her best friend, Bean, changes things between them, all her plans for a musical future are placed in jeopardy. How can she balance her unraveling personal life to keep her musical goals on track?
Chapter One
THE GUYS ARE impatiently waiting for me. Bean’s foot jiggles so fast; it appears as if a current of electricity runs through him. We have to be down at Pearl’s by seven.
We’re all geeked about playing on stage, I can tell. Performing at Pearl’s gives us the face time we need for when it’s really going to count. The real event — the competition — is only a few weeks away. I pick up my pace, we have three hours to jam and grab some food before we go on stage.
“Come on, Chickie,” he says, gesturing with his sticks as he settles into position behind his drums.
Rushing forward, I plug in my amp. As I crank out a few chords to warm up, that old energy buzzes through my veins. After a couple of licks, I’m ready and my nimble fingers tingle. I’m wired. I love playing in front of a live audience. “Which one are we jamming on?” I look over at Bean and wait for his answer.
His brow creases as he tries to decide. “This one here.” He holds up the lead sheet and waves it impatiently in the air.
I squint to see it. It’s the one we titled “Secrets.” Pointing to the lead sheet sitting on Stevie’s stand, I get into position. I had taken a few minutes and titled Stevie’s lead sheets for him the other day.
He nods. “Thanks.”
Bean slams his sticks together and counts out. “One… two… three.”
We’re off, filling the garage with musical energy. My body’s rigid, as if every muscle’s flexed and ready for action. Screaming chords fill the air, as my nimble fingers crank on my Gibson. I feel like I’m a live electrical wire, popping and snapping with unrestrained energy.
When we’re done with that song, no one speaks. Instead, Bean holds up another lead sheet and then we’re off again. Tonight’s performance is going to be epic. I can tell just by how we’re coming together. I grin in spite of my intense concentration; my confidence is growing by leaps and bounds. We are so ready for this competition that I can feel it all the way down to my bones.
After the second song, I hold up my hand and say, “Our sound smokes. But don’t you think we should play some of the music we’re going to be performing tonight?”
Bean snorts. “Yeah. Probably.”
We take a few minutes and discuss some of the songs we want to play. We usually crank out tunes that were big hits in the seventies and eighties, a lot of Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Rolling Stones. They’re more mellow than what we’ve been playing, but they’re still good melodies and the crowd at Pearl’s digs that classical sound. Playing this type of music broadens our musicianship, but there’s nothing like cranking out our own songs. After choosing a few of the harder tunes we immediately start jamming.
We’ve chosen “Hotel California” by the Eagles. It’s a dark tune about moving to California and I love the melody. My guitar howls out the chords and I feel that quiver inside as I sing the lyrics. After cranking out three more Eagles’ songs, we change it up for a few Fleetwood Mac and Rolling Stones’ songs. They’re great dance tunes and we know we’ll get people out on the floor with these.
After the last melody, we take a break. The garage seems to hum with the absence of our music. As if it was vibrating at a rapid rate and is slowly winding down because the music stopped. We all take swigs from the water bottles Bean brought out earlier and then sit in the folding chairs by the wall.
“What time is it?” Stevie asks, screwing the cap back on his water bottle.
“Time to get going,” Bean answers after a quick glance at his watch. “My brother should be here any minute to help me get my drum set down to Pearl’s.”
“Cool. I guess I’ll ride down with Francine.” I grimace as I say this and Bean exchanges a look with Stevie.
“I’ve got my parents’ Toyota for the night. You could ride with me,” Stevie offers with grin and a shrug.
“Awesome.” I smile at him as my heart swells with gratitude for my band mates. The truce between Francine and me has been extended, mainly because I’ve been
avoiding her and there hasn’t been an opportunity to wage another war. So I welcome any opportunity to keep the avoidance plan going.
A horn sounds off in front of the house. Moving to the garage door opener, I press the button. The Brown Turd sits in the driveway, rumbling and vibrating.
“There’s my ride,” Bean says. “Can I get some help?”
No one talks as we all gather around Bean’s drum set and help him disassemble it. It takes us about fifteen minutes to get everything in the car, but when we’re done, Bean’s satisfied with our work. He gives me a wink and says, “I’ll see you down there, Chickie.” Shifting his focus to Stevie, he says, “Later, dude.” They exchange a quick knuckle bump, and then Bean jumps in the car.
As they pull out of the driveway, Stevie gives me a nudge. “Come on. Let’s get going.”
I follow him back to the garage, where we grab our equipment and stow it in the backseat of his parents’ green sedan. Then we hustle inside and grab our coats. On my way out the door, I glance at my watch and realize we’ll just have enough time to eat before we play. Since we don’t charge for our performance, the owner of Pearl’s gives us our meal on the house. We’re okay with that because we need the face time and the food at Pearl’s is epically awesome.
After we climb into the car, Stevie starts it and pulls away from the curb. “What’re you going to get?” he asks after adjusting his mirror.
I tilt my head and think about it before I answer. “Probably a wet burrito.” I smile and face him. “How about you?”
“That does sound pretty good. I’ll probably get one of those too.”
We share a giddy laugh and then zoom down the road. I love Friday nights at Pearl’s, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff. The owner of the bar, whose actual name is Marge, always welcomes us with a smile. Her grandmother, the original owner, was Pearl.
Marge is a rotund woman with big boobs and an even bigger heart. When I was a young girl, I’d been afraid of her. Afraid that I’d get lost in that big pillowy chest and suffocate.
I snicker every time I think about that now and chalk it up to irrational fears of childhood.
As we pull into the parking lot behind the bar, I turn to Stevie and say. “Hey, did Bean tell you we have a name for the band?”
Stevie shakes his head as he puts the car in park and shuts it off. “Nope. What is it?”
“Starlight.”
Stevie grins and fiddles with his glasses. He repeats the name a couple of times, then turns to me, and says, “I like it.”
I let out a squeal of delight. “I do too.”
Stevie laughs because I’m not the type of girl that squeals. I’m much more levelheaded, but I can’t help it. We have our songs picked out and we have a name for the band. And the fact that we’re getting face time tonight is just frosting on the cake.
“Where’s Bean?” I ask, scanning the parking lot for the Brown Turd.
Stevie frowns. “I don’t know. He should be here by now.”
“Well let’s get the equipment into the bar. Maybe by the time we’re done, he’ll be here.”
“Okay.”
Climbing out of the car, I scrutinize the area again and still no Bean. Disappointed, I sigh and grab my Gibson and my amp, then carry them inside. Stevie’s right behind me with his gear in tow.
We trudge through the back door and find ourselves in a dimly lit hall. It’s narrow and smells of slimy grease and stale cigarettes. I figure this is where Marge’s staff comes when they want to have a smoke.
Traveling down the narrow corridor, we pass a bathroom on the right and the kitchen on the left. Coming from the kitchen is the sound of meat frying on a hot grill, the clatter of dishes, and the barking of orders as the staff hustle around trying to get through the dinner rush.
Inhaling a big whiff, I catch the scent of chipotle and cayenne pepper. Must be a Mexican dish is the special tonight, and my stomach rumbles in anticipation. We skirt
the main dining room and enter the bar area. At seven, Marge opens the divider between the two rooms and we’ll start cranking out the tunes.
There’s a small stage at the back and we head in that direction. I flick on the light. It flickers before the room lights up. Booths with cracked upholstery line the walls, and there are tables sporting red plastic tablecloths with candles in the center of them. Surrounding the tables like troops taking a bunker, are chairs with the same type of upholstery as the booths.
Stevie bangs into a table with his Fender and curses under his breath. I make it up on the stage and place my equipment on the left. Stevie likes the right side and Bean sits center stage, about five feet behind Stevie and me. There’s a small platform for him that sits about ten inches higher than the stage. This way Bean isn’t lost behind his drums. Stooping, I arrange my stand and amp so they’re out of the way, but accessible. Stevie does the same thing, and we’re quiet as we work.
After I get everything situated, I glance toward the door and frown. Still no Bean. My stomach flutters. If we don’t have a drummer, we can’t play. I catch Stevie’s eye. “I’m getting nervous.”
Stevie gives me a smile and says, “Chill. He’ll be here. You know Bean, he’s always running late.”
Just as Stevie finishes speaking, Bean rushes in the door. He’s carrying one of his snare drums and his brother’s following behind him carrying his cymbals. I’m so glad to see him that my heart swells in my chest. The overwhelming urge to run up and hug him is so strong, that I have to clench my hands to stop myself. I play it cool and say, “Hey. We were wondering where you were.”
He gives me a wide grin and says, “We had to make a quick stop.” He’s pumped — I can tell by his energetic motions and bright, shiny eyes. “I’ll be right back with the rest of my drums.” He winks at me and then turns to Stevie. “Would you care to help, kind sir?”
Bean and Stevie share a laugh at Bean’s silliness, then leave to carry in the rest of the drums. Brian waves to me
and bounds. We are so ready for this competition that I can feel it all the way down to my bones.
After the second song, I hold up my hand and say, “Our sound smokes. But don’t you think we should play some of the music we’re going to be performing tonight?”
Bean snorts. “Yeah. Probably.”
We take a few minutes and discuss some of the songs we want to play. We usually crank out tunes that were big hits in the seventies and eighties, a lot of Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Rolling Stones. They’re more mellow than what we’ve been playing, but they’re still good melodies and the crowd at Pearl’s digs that classical sound. Playing this type of music broadens our musicianship, but there’s nothing like cranking out our own songs. After choosing a few of the harder tunes we immediately start jamming.
We’ve chosen “Hotel California” by the Eagles. It’s a dark tune about moving to California and I love the melody. My guitar howls out the chords and I feel that quiver inside as I sing the lyrics. After cranking out three more Eagles’ songs, we change it up for a few Fleetwood Mac and Rolling Stones’ songs. They’re great dance tunes and we know we’ll get people out on the floor with these.
After the last melody, we take a break. The garage seems to hum with the absence of our music. As if it was vibrating at a rapid rate and is slowly winding down because the music stopped. We all take swigs from the water bottles Bean brought out earlier and then sit in the folding chairs by the wall.
“What time is it?” Stevie asks, screwing the cap back on his water bottle.
“Time to get going,” Bean answers after a quick glance at his watch. “My brother should be here any minute to help me get my drum set down to Pearl’s.”
“Cool. I guess I’ll ride down with Francine.” I grimace as I say this and Bean exchanges a look with Stevie.
“I’ve got my parents’ Toyota for the night. You could ride with me,” Stevie offers with grin and a shrug.
“Awesome.” I smile at him as my heart swells with gratitude for my band mates. The truce between Francine and me has been extended, mainly because I’ve been avoiding her and there hasn’t been an opportunity to wage another war. So I welcome any opportunity to keep the avoidance plan going.
Book Three ~ Starlight
Original Release Date: Feb 17, 2015
Everything is on track for Seventeen-year-old Lark Singer and her band Starlight. They have a great shot at winning the competition that can launch their musical career. But when Lark discovers they will be competing against her old nemesis Duane McIntyre things really heat up. How far will Lark go to win, and what will it cost her in the end?
Chapter One
“AWESOME JAM session!” announces Bean as he twirls his sticks in the air.
“We are so ready!” I exclaim. The competition is just a week away, but I’ve never been so ready for anything in my life. We have the smoking hot tunes. Four of them, and they’re full of positive energy. And we have the smoking hot name. Starlight. I love the way it rolls off my tongue when I say it.
For a brief second, I think about who we’re up against for the competition and Duh-Wayne’s face floats into my consciousness. I shake my head to wash the image away. Nothing is going to ruin this chance for me, not even Duh-Wayne.
The competition. It’s my one chance to get out of this town, to have the musical career of my dreams. The winner gets a paid-in-full opportunity to audition for American Singer and the winner of that gets a recording contract. I can almost feel the contract in my hand.
Turning my attention back to the task at hand, I unplug my guitar. As I put my Gibson back into its case, Bean moves from his perch behind his drum set and squats next to me. “Hey, I’ve got to give Stevie a ride home, but after that would you like to go for a cruise?”
“Yeah.” I give him a smile. “I would.”
“Bean. Come on, I’ve got to get home,” Stevie says in a tone that’s not quite impatient.
I stand. “Just let me put this away,” I say, patting my guitar case. I hustle inside and run my guitar up to my room.
When I return to the garage, I hit the button and then sneak under the door as it makes its descent. Stevie’s standing just outside the passenger door, waiting for me to climb into the car next to Bean before he gets in. He’s thoughtful that way.
I climb in and give Bean a nudge and a grin. He grins back and his eyes have that special twinkle that’s just for me.
Stevie scrambles in and closes the door. “Let’s go.”
Bean backs out of the driveway and heads down the road. The Brown Turd rumbles and backfires as he steps on the gas. I’m surprised Mr. Szasbo hasn’t made an appearance, but then I remember his cat. Ever since I saved his kitten, I haven’t heard a complaint from him. Maybe he has warmed toward me.
It takes us fifteen minutes to reach Stevie’s house. A brick ranch with a long front porch and attached two-stall garage. The house doesn’t seem to match my friend. I expected him to live in some bungalow by the sea. Instead, he’s in small town suburbia and it dawns on me that I don’t even know what his parents do for a living.
“I’ll catch you guys tomorrow,” Stevie says with a wave, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Yeah. Tomorrow,” I say with a quick smile. I can’t wait for him to leave so I can be alone with Bean.
“Later, Dude,” Bean yells before rolling up his window. I snuggle up to him as he steps on the gas and heads toward downtown. “So where do you want to go?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Let’s go someplace where we can talk.”
He winks at me and says, “I know just the place.”
“Where?”
“You’ll see.” He gives me a mischievous smile that sends my heart racing. I love it when he looks at me like that.
We make small talk while he drives to our destination. I’m shocked when we pull into a cemetery. “What are we doing here?”
“You said you wanted to go someplace to talk.” He snickers. “We definitely won’t get interrupted here.”
“No kidding,” I say as I stare out the window. The grave markers go by and I can’t help but think about the people lying beneath the ground. I wonder what kind of lives they had. As I think about these things, I realize there’s a lot of history in this cemetery.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Bean asks as he grabs my hand. The familiarity of the rough calluses on
my skin warms my heart. He stops the car and turns the engine off.
“My mom admitted it.”
“Admitted what?” Bean shifts in his seat and slouches against the driver’s door.
I shift and turn toward him. Before I speak, I rub my fingers along the scar above my right eyebrow. It’s my bastard stamp. I got it the day Duh-Wayne called me a bastard and then laughed when I didn’t know what one was. As I recall the horrific fight we had, a shudder runs through me as I tell him. “She admitted that Jared Miller is my father.”
“What?” Bean sits up straight and bumps his head against the window. Rubbing it he says, “When did all this happen?”
“Last night.” I brush a curl away from my face.
Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. She was hooked on books by the fifth grade and even wrote a few of her own. She knew she wanted to be a writer even then. Her first published works are the “Super Spies Series.” These stories revolve around a group of friends who form their own detective squad and the cases they solve. “The Starlight Chronicles,” is the next series that Lisa created with musical misfit, Lark Singer as her main character.
Lisa resides in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the next book in the Starlight Chronicles Series along with a few new ideas that may turn into stand-alone novels. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.
This is a release tour for Fate's Encore by JJ & TA Ellis
FATE'S ENCORE
AUTHORS: JJ & TA Ellis
GENRE: Romance – Baby Boomer/Mature Couple
EDITOR: GimmeLots Publications
Cover Designer: JJ Ellis
CONTENT WARNING: Strong Sexual Content, Reproductive Triggers, War and Combat Triggers, Death Triggers.
Jackson and Francesca, Cole and Evelyn: two baby boomer couples who have overcome their own personal hell to forge vibrant, lasting marriages
When Francesca and Cole pass away within six months of each other, Jackson and Evelyn continue the pen pal relationship the two women started some 52 years prior.
And with each bit of correspondence they find their hearts healing. Together, can they create a new and lasting bond?
MARCH 2013
Evelyn’s day was a busy one and now she was ready to sit down, kick her feet up, and call Fran and Jack. If the last time they talked a week ago was any indication, their weekly phone conversations would soon end. After six rings, the phone was finally picked up.
“Hello,” Fran breathed.
“Hey sweetie. I just wanted to let you know I love you.”
“Love you too,” she managed to get out before pausing, trying to catch her breath. “Evie, Jack’s in the bathroom so I have to make this quick.”
“Okay sweetie.” What could Fran need to hide from her husband?
“I need you to watch over Jack for me when I’m gone. Help him with his grief.”
“Of course. You don’t even need to ask.”
“You just went through it, so I figured…”
“I know, sweetie.”
“You’re the only one I can ask. You’re so much like your twin, and Ethan is one of the few people my dear husband trusts.”
“He’ll be just fine. We’ll make sure of it!”
“Promise me,” Fran choked out through tears.
“I promise!”
“Thank you. I love you, Evie. Here’s Jack.”
She could hear her friend’s labored breathing. “Love you too, Fran.”
A moment later, Jack came on the line. “Hey Evelyn.”
“Hi Jack. She’s not doing well, is she?”
“No. It’s close,” he murmured.
“How are you doing?” She heard a sigh and some deep breathing before he answered.
“I’m fine. Right now I’m just trying to be strong for her.”
“You’re a good man, Jack.”
“No,” he insisted. “I’m just a man who loves his wife. I hate this but she’ll be going into the hospital Monday. We can’t do it here anymore.”
“I’m sorry.” Evelyn felt like someone had just reached out and torn her heart right from her chest for the second time in just under six months.
Jack cleared his throat loudly. “Enough about me. How did the grand re-opening of Movie and a Pizza Place go? I bet you’re relieved that renovations are complete.”
“Everything is perfect. Cole would be so proud of his business. But I think I’m about ready to retire.”
“Retire? You’re too young to retire.”
Evelyn laughed. “You sure know how to flatter a girl. But I’m just tired. I want to have some fun.”
“I don’t blame you there!” He suddenly heard Evelyn screech and her sons laughing in the background.
“Boy, you do that again and I’ll scratch your eyes out.”
Jack laughed at the goings on at his friend’s house. It made him miss his oldest son Ethan, who was away in the Navy.
“I’m sorry Jack. My boys are acting like ten-year-old children.”
“That’s okay,” he chuckled. “There for a minute I thought there was a wild kitty cat loose at your house.”
“Yeah, sorry about that screech”
“No worries here. It’s good to hear you happy again.”
“I’m getting there, Jack. I truly am. Could you give Fran a hug and a kiss for me?”
“I will. I’ll talk to you soon.”
The line went silent and Evelyn put the phone away. With her friend going into the hospital she knew there would be no more weekly phone calls. Fran had been her pen pal for over fifty years and it was now time to write the final letter.
JJ Ellis
JJ Ellis is first and foremost a mom to five kids, four girls and one boy, ranging in age from 4-20. After that, she is a physically limited wife, blogger and now an author. She holds a degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas but never thought she would chose writing as a career, especially at the age of 42. She once wanted to be a publicist in the entertainment industry, but never a writer. Then one day when she was in her mid thirties she was going through what can only be described as an early 'midlife crisis' and ideas just started to come to her and she felt compelled to write them down. She finished her first book relatively quickly, but life got in the way and it took her eight years to revisit it and then publish her first novel. She can honestly say that now she is finally right where she wants to be.
JJ has been married to her college sweetheart (and romance novel hero) for twenty-one years and they reside in Casper, WY with their kids and one crazy mutt named Kreuger. She enjoys reading, writing, blogging, computing, and graphic design. She will try anything that will allow her creativity to be released.
TA Ellis
TA Ellis is married to best selling romance Author JJ Ellis and is the father to five kids, four girls and one boy, ranging in age from 4-20. He holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has flirted with the idea of writing for years. He however did not expect to be writing romance as Sci-fi/horror/fantasy are more to his liking. But as a sounding board for his wife, he realized he had some good ideas and the team of JJ & TA Ellis was born.
TA lives in Casper, WY with his wife and kids and one crazy mutt named Kreuger. He enjoys reading, video games and grilling. He is excited to embark on this romance journey...after all, he's been happily married for twenty-one years.
This is a one day mini blitz for It's A Marshmallow World by Diane Rinella
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness? -- It's A Marshamallow World is the standalone prequel to Scary Modsters ... and Creepy Freaks.
December 11, 2015
This is a promo tour for The Power of Numerology by Stefanina
The Power of Numerology:
A Guidebook to Discover the Unknown You
AUTHOR: Stefanina
GENRE: New Age/Self-Help Numerology
Publishing Date: October 12, 2015
Simply defined, Numerology is using the birth date and complete name of an individual to unlock the art and control of their lives... and things unknown, such as characteristics and life events. Its roots date back thousands of years, and are found in most cultures throughout history.
Unfortunately, many people dismiss it as a pseudo-science, even though it has been taught and studied by some of the most respected mathematicians throughout time.
Stefanina wrote “The Power of Numerology: A Guidebook to Discover the Unknown You” because it is most likely the least understood of the metaphysical sciences. With a passion born of revival, she wants the world to embrace its resurgence in popularity – and tap into its power.
Whether it is a science, an art, or simply a discipline where letters and numbers are converted and become essentially one and the same... the author brings it to life for people who want to understand and recognize concepts such as Life Paths and Master Numbers, and the manifestation of human potential – with a new perspective.
She calls it a 101, a primer, if you will, to bring the first flush of understanding into the fascinating and empowering world of Numerology.
Tell the readers a little about you. I am a mom, a business women, a 16 year breast cancer survivor, an intuitive numerologist and a spiritualist.
What inspired you to get into Numerology? I was directed by divinity to search for answers on why if there is 1 God there are so many religions, I went to every church to learn and I was lead to the metaphysical world and spirituality.
What is Numerology? Numerology is the science of numbers. Numbers as everything in our world is energy and that energy has a meaning and the meaning of numbers reveals who you are. Pythagoras a Greek Mathematician/holy man said it was through divine intervention that he received the information to reveal the meanings of the numbers.
Is there anything you found particularly challenging when writing this book? My editor and publisher. My content and all I have learned was easy to put on paper. I didn’t understand the process and I didn’t like the details of putting the book together.
What kind of answers can Numerology give me? Who you are. Your hearts desire, your personality, you attitude, you character, your talents, your weakness and what cycle you are in, in the current year so you know if its time to move forward, or reorganize, rest, and be patient.
Is Numerology based solely on my date of birth? No your birth name as well as your current name.
Can Numerology determine romantic compatibility? Absolutely I advise all my clients to get a compatibility reading before committing to the relationship. Fore warned is fore armed. If there are challenges numerology has remedies.
How important is numerology in your life? Can you give us an example of numerology from your day to day living? If the day is in a down cycle and you try to force an issue it will not manifest in the manner you intended. By the same token if you are in an up cycle and you lay back and don’t pay attention to the opportunities before you, you can kinda say you missed the boat.
What should people keep in mind once they start to explore numerology? The information will reveal the unknown you, it can validate what you already know or it can totally surprise you.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. My God. Every time I tried to put my numerology in the background of my life, things for me would fall apart. This is my gift. I must honor it and share with those who are ready to hear. This is the gift God left us when we lose our way, when we are at a crossroads, or something is nudging us and we just can’t figure it out. Numerology will reveal the answers.
What projects are you working on at the present? Speaking engagements, women retreats, metaphysical events, getting on TV
I grew up knowing I was unique… I began investigating religions, belief systems, and people’s habits about God.
I went to every church in sight to satisfy my continual wondering, “If there is one God, why are there so many churches that teach different things? How do you know which is the right one?
Once I received my answer, I knew the way to God was through spirit centered thinking, feeling and action-not man made religion. I was blessed, as Spirit put before me metaphysical books I studied, and then shared the wisdom in my business at the time, and later with my clients – just for entertainment. The messages were well received and before I knew it my clients were coming to me and asking questions to help them make decisions in their own lives. Mostly decisions about timing… and numerology is all about timing!
Something that began with my own curiosity became my passion to teach and share with others. I paid attention to my own numbers and found the direction in my life, which is leading me to a destination… my heart’s desire; my purpose in this life.
This is a promo tour for An Impossible Rescue by Annamaria Bazzi
AN IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE
Author: Annamaria Bazzi
Cover designer: Ada Frost
Editor: Laura Garland and Kate Richards
Genre: sweet romance/contemporary
Published: November 16, 2015
Christmas is no joy for Julia whose husband, a high-risk investor, comes around only to ask for money. When a handsome stranger and his cute Pomeranian puppy move in next-door, Julia feels guilty for their mutual attraction.
Michael's not the rescuing type, but when he spies Julia's husband haranguing her for holiday cash, anger flares and he is determined to rescue Julia from another miserable Christmas.
Why hasn’t he signed the divorce papers? Money, that’s why. The no good lowlife always wants money from me.
Just three months after the wedding, she’d realized he’d married her for her wealth. Thank God her father was still alive and owned the business her mother had created and turned into a multimillion-dollar company. Dad had supported Mother and had taken care of all the accounting for the business.
Rising, Julia sauntered to the kitchen. She glanced around the open architecture, which had made her fall in love with the house to begin with. Dad always wanted to see her happy, so he’d bought her the five thousand square foot home as a wedding present, with just one catch—the house would remain in his name.
“Why would you do such a thing?” Her voice rose.
“Calm down. You’re a woman in love and don’t see what I see. One day, you’ll thank me.”
Those words kept coming back, and she praised God for her father’s wisdom. Every time Damien ran dry, he came back and asked her for money then disappeared for weeks at a time, sometimes months. Another conversation came to the forefront, and she leaned on the island, playing it through her mind.
“Why are you doing this? We love each other.”
“Your business is not profitable yet, but one day it will be,” her dad said. “You’re too much like your mother, God rest her soul, and your business will bring in millions. I don’t want him to walk away with the sweat of your brow.”
She waved the papers she held at him. “This is a prenuptial agreement, are you serious?”
“I’m dead serious. Mark my words, the day will come when you’ll thank me.”
Julia sighed. “Thank you, Daddy,” she whispered. “Mom, you married a wise man. Not like me, who married a complete jerk.”
She opened the refrigerator and took out the bottle of white wine she’d opened a few nights ago, pouring some in a Waterford wineglass. After corking the bottle and placing it back in the fridge, she curled up on the sofa. Staring into the shadows of evening, she beat herself for having been so blind with respect to Damien. “Love is blind” turned out to be so true. Damn! Could I have been more stupid?
Disgusted with herself to the point she couldn’t enjoy the book, she placed the paperback back on the bookshelf and went up to the master suite to enjoy a hot bath. Julia lit all the aromatic candles and filled the tub. While the water poured into it, she ran downstairs to pick up the wineglass she’d forgotten in the gathering room.
Almost asleep in the jetted tub and with steam filling the large room, it took a while before she heard her cell buzzing. Who could possibly be calling at this hour? She tightened her lips,and scrunched her brow. She stood and wrapped her body in a plush white towel. This was supposed to be her time to relax. Anger and anxiety rushed through her.
“Hello?” she said with a bit more force than she wanted.
“Hey, babe, I’ll be home for Christmas.”
“Damien, where are you?”
“I’m in the middle of an investment deal in Qatar.”
Had she heard right? “Where?”
“Qatar, baby. You know, the Middle East.”
Not in the mood to hear about his new gamble in whatever kind of business venture he’d embroiled himself in, she hung up and shut off her iPhone, returning to the tub of lukewarm water. Letting some of it out, she refilled the tub with steaming water then sank down to her chin and closed her eyes. If anyone needed her, they could just show up at the house.
When her bath cooled again, she slipped into her robe, tied it at her waist, and stretched out on the bed.
Cold crept into her bones, and she shivered. Darkness surrounded her. How long had she slept? Sitting up, she grabbed her cell phone and turned it back on. Goodness, it was 8:15 p.m.Pangs of hunger burned her stomach, but she didn’t feel like cooking at such a late hour. She dialed for delivery.
“Hello, I’d like to order veal Parmesan….”
With the order on the way, she slipped into silky pajamas, French braided her milk-chocolate brown hair, and went downstairs to wait for the food to arrive.
The gourmet kitchen surrounding her had been a joy to create with the help of Marcello DiStoia, a wonderful designer of kitchens and baths. A place where she’d dreamed of cooking with her newlywed husband. He did help for the first few months of marriage, but then all his failed ventures took him to different corners of the earth as he looked to gamble in varied “business opportunities” as he called them. Apparently, now he was in Qatar, of all places. She rolled her eyes and closed her hands in tight fists. A few deep breaths and she let it all go, reminding herself Damien was not worth a single thought.
A sigh of relief escaped her when the doorbell rang announcing the arrival of the food.
“Thank you.” She took the package from the older man, giving him a twenty-dollar tip.
“Have a good evening.”
Before closing the door, she stuck her head out to admire a few flurries. Only the beginning of October, it seemed too early for snow. In Virginia, it almost never snowed until after Christmas. Back at the counter, she laid out one place setting and sat on one of the high chairs. As she shoved the first bite in her mouth, the cell rang. Huffing, she reached for it to see who called.
“Hello, Dad. What’s up?”
“You were supposed to call to let me know if you want to go out Saturday night to grab some dinner and a movie with your old dad.”
“Oh my God!” She raised her hand to her chest. “So sorry, I forgot all about calling. Yes, I want to go out with you on Saturday. What movie did you want to see?”
“I thought we could just see whatever is playing at the Bird Theater, since you enjoy eating at Can Can.”
“Sounds perfect! I love going to Can Can.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven thirty.” The higher pitch in his voice let her know how happy and excited he felt about the date.
The phone disconnected.Ever since a little girl, she’d loved her special moments alone with her father. He’d involved himself raising his only child and sharing the duties of a soccer mom. Julia had loved that about her father, and she’d grown close to him, developing a unique and open relationship.
After clearing the counter and throwing the boxes away, Julia went back to her room to brush her teeth and slip between the covers. Exhaustion took over, and when she rested her head on the pillow she fell asleep.
Amazon US ~ Goodreads
Although born in the United States, Annamaria Bazzi spent a great deal of her childhood in Sicily, Italy, in a town called Sciacca. Italian was the language spoken at home. Therefore, she had no problems when she found herself growing up in a strange country. Upon returning to the States, she promised herself she would speak without an accent. She attended Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Computers with a minor in Spanish.
Annamaria spent twenty years programming systems for large corporations, creating innovative solution, and addressing customer problems. During those years, she raised four daughters and one husband. Annamaria lives in Richmond Virginia with her small family where she now dedicates a good part of her day writing.
December 8, 2015
This is a promo tour for Sheltered Love
SHELTERED LOVE SERIES
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
When love involves shelter animals, these four stories will warm your heart.
Book One ~ Unleashed Love by Jackie Marilla
Glenda Weber is tired of roaming around her big empty house alone. Her volunteer work at the local animal shelter in Cedar Grove, Iowa is satisfying, but she’d give anything to have a companion and a few pets. Too bad her loyalty to her deceased husband prohibits bringing pets into the house and her insecurities about finding new love complicates matters.
When Glenda meets Loman Cejka at the animal shelter and he invites her for supper two times in one week, she starts to gain confidence that she can build a relationship and maybe even fall in love.
Glenda and Loman agree their grown children need to be comfortable with their relationship, so when all four children are home for the town’s 4th of July Celebration, Glenda and Loman make plans to introduce everyone.
Loman is sure his grown kids will love Glenda. She’s friendly and smart and loves animals, including Bert, the family parrot. When his daughter hatches a plan to reunite her divorced parents, Loman has to make a difficult choice—alienate his daughter or give up on his relationship with Glenda.
Loman rolled up his sleeves and joined Glenda at the cleaning station. She mouthed a thank you then pointed to the rubber gloves meant for the process. She wrapped the first little female in a towel and asked Loman to hold her while she cleaned its ears. The pup’s yelping brought on a mournful serenade from the litter.
“You’re gonna feel so much better when this pretty lady gets you all cleaned up,” Loman told the pup in his arms.
Glenda stopped cleaning and looked at him with a broad smile. When was the last time anyone called me pretty lady?
Jackie Marilla writes contemporary romance from the Hawaiian Islands and beyond. She and her husband live on a macadamia nut farm on the island of Hawai'i where they feed a clowder of cats and a flock of hodgepodge chickens. In a past life, she was an elementary school teacher.
Book Two ~ Love is Always Paws-able by Joanne Jaytanie
Second chances at life, love, and a forever home don’t come every day.
Faith Daniels leaves a successful Silicon Valley career to follow her life’s dream: in Cedar Grove she builds a foster home for unwanted and abused dogs. She knows dogs have the ability to love even after being abandoned. Abandoned by her fiancé and friends, Faith wishes she could learn to love and trust again.
Tanner Keen leaves behind the stress of his multi-million dollar advertising firm to save his life. He needs peace and quiet. So when a friend asks him to help a small town animal shelter, the opportunity seems perfect.
But all is not peaceful at the shelter in Cedar Grove. Can Faith and Tanner discover the deceit in others and still find trust in each other?
Love’s always paws-able.
Joanne was born and raised in Sherburne, New York, a quaint village surrounded by dairy farms and rolling hills. From the moment she could read she wanted to explore the world. During her college years she slowly crept across the country, stopping along the way in Oklahoma, California, and finally Washington State, which she now proudly calls home. She lives with her husband and Dobermans, in their home located on the Olympic Peninsula with a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains.
Joanne writes romantic suspense, paranormal, and contemporary romance. She loves to submerge herself in the world of her characters, to live and breathe their lives and marvel at their decisions and predicaments. She enjoys a wide variety of books including paranormal, suspense, thriller, and of course romance.
Joanne is a member of Romance Writers of America, and past President of Peninsula Romance Writers, which was Debbie Macomber’s home chapter.
Book Three ~ Love Again
by Angela Ford
Madi Wilson’s life was perfect. Or so she thought. Until her husband of thirty-five years left her. Alone in a big house with no one to love, she decides to volunteer at the local no-kill animal shelter. The shelter and a Puggle in need of love and a home begin to fill that void.
Dr. Noah Felton accepts an offer and moves to Cedar Grove after his wife of thirty years left him. A colleague introduces him to the local shelter, and Madi.
Noah and Madi get to know each other while working on a project for the shelter. They discover it is never wrong to love again. You just have to love the wrong person first.
“Are you feeling okay tonight Noah? You seem a little flushed.”
Madi touched his arm gently. The concern in her eyes calmed him.
“I’m fine, just a little nervous.” He admitted through a hearty chuckle.
“About what”
Noah took Madi’s hand in his. His thumb rubbed along the palm of her hand.
“To ask you out”
He said it. Not the way he’d planned. He wondered how pathetic he sounded.
“Out, like a date?”
He smirked and then nodded like a young bashful boy. Madi made him feel young; young at heart. “If it’s too soon or you feel rushed, no worries; I don’t want to scare you away. I enjoy spending time with you. I’d like to take you out on a proper date, that is, if you’ll have this old bugger?”
“That is so sweet. It feels like we’ve been together always. I enjoy our time together. You are a true gentleman. I like the old fashioned way. And you are not an old bugger.”
“Is that a yes?”
Noah anticipated her answer.
“Yes, I’d love an old-fashioned date.”
Angela Ford originates from Nova Scotia…Canada’s Ocean Playground!
Her love of the ocean and sunsets are always in her heart and give her inspiration. Her love for words keeps her turning the page. She is never without a book, whether she’s reading or writing. Now residing in Ontario, Angela works in Finance – numbers by day – words by night. Her dedication to volunteer and involvement with cyber safety seminars gave her an Award of Distinction and sparked the idea for her first book Closure – suspense with a dash of romance that hit the best- selling Action/Adventure and Women’s Fiction. Angela continued this FBI suspense with Forbidden and will deliver the final of the series in 2015. She also writes contemporary romance, sometimes sweet…sometimes spicy and sometimes with a dash of suspense. Unforgettable Kiss delivers a spicy romance with a dash of suspense. Blind Tasting of The Love List series and The Christmas Wreath of the Forever Christmas series are sweet reads. 2015 kicked off with a new Romantic Suspense Surrender.
Between two jobs, being a mom with a home always filled with young adults and rather interesting stories; she is lucky to have one very patient and understanding man. But it is the furry family members who rule the house – a Puggle (Pug/Beagle), a new Chug puppy (Pug/Chihuahua) and two loveable cats. Every possible quiet moment she finds, she treasures and just writes about the moments to come. Angela is an avid reader of romance, a member of the RWA, KOD (Kiss of Death – Suspense Chapter) and Mississauga Writers Group. You can follow her at BTGN www.bookstogonow.com or visit her website/blog Romantic Escapes at http://www.angelafordauthor.com to connect with her on her social network sites. She loves to hear from her readers – they keep her smiling!
Book Four ~ Champagne and Catnip by Amanda Ward
Dr Dan Livingstone has had a not so secret crush on Yorkshire lass Caryn Fielding since she started working at the shelter. Taking his courage in both hands, he asks her out on a date. To his delight she agrees.
As a retired midwife, Caryn has had to deal with heartbreak on a grand scale. Shutting herself off from the rest of the world bar her volunteer work at the shelter, Caryn finds a measure of comfort as she cares for the cats and kittens there. Could dating Dan lead to disaster?
As their relationship deepens, Caryn’s secrets and anxieties are revealed. Falling in love is never without its ups and downs, but together love really can conquer all. No matter how old you are.
‘Well that’s odd,” Dan murmured, more to himself. He walked over to Caryn, crouched down and tapped her on the shoulder. She shot to her feet, dislodging a couple of fur balls, but Dan caught them before they landed.
“What the hell do you think you are doing creeping up on people like that?” she accused, all but snatching the kittens back from him. “Did that nasty man give you a fright?” Caryn crooned, nuzzling them.
“I called your name several times, but you didn’t answer me. I’m sorry if I frightened you,” he apologized, holding his hand out.
“I’m―”
“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Caryn interjected, raising an eyebrow.
Dan winced at the pun.
“I gather you’ve heard that a few times?” she guessed shaking his hand.
At the tingle he felt from her touch, he wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it. Reluctantly, Dan let go. “More than a few.”
“So Dr Livingstone―”
“Dan.”
“Okay Dan. Is there a problem? I don’t think any of the cats are ill.” Caryn tilted her head back and looked up at him. Her eyes blinked a few times through her owl-like glasses, her gaze never leaving his face.
“Not at all. I was asked to give these fur balls a once-over.”
“Of course. I’m no expert on cats, but I would hazard a guess that based on their eyes still shut, they can’t be more than a week old.”
“Mom nursing them OK?” Dan took one of the mewling kittens, and began his checks.
“Yes, from what I’ve observed she’s feeding all five of them without complications.”
“That’s good.” Dan gave the family the once-over, placing them back on the blanket. Immediately the kittens snuffled off in search of food.
Dan washed his hands again. “So” he began, at a loss for what to say, when in fact he really wanted to ask her out for a coffee―or dinner.
“A needle pulling thread?” Caryn countered. Her gaze was still fixed firmly on his face, as if searching for something.
“You aren’t from the States are you?” Dan wondered at her accent.
Caryn shook her head. “No sorry. I’m a Yorkshire lass, but I married an American and have lived here for twenty years now.”
“Oh right,” Dan replied, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his chinos. So she was married. His glance slid to her hands searching for signs of a wedding ring. No ring on her left hand. There was a thin diamond hoop on her right hand though.
“Before you leave, may I give you a piece of advice?”
“Sure.”
“Remind the teenager you are with not to make assumptions. Just because I prefer to volunteer with the cats does not make me ‘the crazy cat lady.’ ”
Amanda is originally from Bexleyheath, Kent in England. Born in 1971 she lives in Bedfordshire with her husband Matt, three children and two rather mad moggies.
A proud member of the Romance Novelist's Association, she is an author with Books To Go Now Publishing and Hot Ink Press. Amanda writes romance novels featuring the hero and heroine in their forties and fifties and more often with a quirky twist added to the tale.
A fountain of useless knowledge about the Royal Families of Europe and history in General, Amanda's bookshelves are packed to the brim with romances, historical biographies and Amish/inspirational fiction.
As a self confessed fan of Doris Day, Amanda can often be found in the quietness of an afternoon on the sofa watching one of her many dvds with a pot of tea and digestive biscuits.
Amanda also has more than a slight fondness for The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, The Waltons and The Marvel Universe, as well as a huge fan of Dr Who!
December 7, 2015
This is a promo tour for Hello Dahling! by Kim Young
THE HELLO DAHLING! SERIES
Author - Kim Young
Name of editor - Derek Murphy, Book Butchers
Name of cover designer - Derek Murphy, Creativindie
Official genre of book - Non-fiction Comedy involving adult subject matter
HELLO, DAHLING! I'VE GOT YOUR NUTS IN MY PURSE
BOOK 1
Original Release Date: August 27, 2014
A hilarious look at today's dating world seen through the eyes of this single, sassy woman and her BFFs.
When mature divorced women get together at Happy Hour, the topic usually falls into one of three categories men, dating and/or sex.
This dating satire features stories, illustrations, quotes, snarky editorial comments and short essays.
By the end of this book, and at least one bottle of wine, you will have laughed, learned something and most importantly realized that you have to love yourself - because that, my friends is the secret ingredient in this complicated world of dating, sex and relationships in which we live.
"Maybe we should go back to 'In the Beginning' but I promise no sermonizing. Sam tells me, 'It's all about the brain. Men have different values, priorities and stimulations.' Yeah right, thank goodness we only share a rib. You're probably thinking with the wrong heard, Sam. Being a homemaker didn't stimulate my brain and I was terrible at meal planning... I wasn't too good with a budget either ."
HELLO DAHLING! IT'S NOT A BOOTY CALL
BOOK 2
Original Release Date: October 16, 2015
A delightfully funny read with a touch of sarcasm about dating, relationships and sex in the 21st Century.
"I'm ready! I'm ready to do it right. I'm ready to try a real relationship. No more feeling unworthy of love; settling for a guy I know is not emotionally available. I've made the decision. I checked the stars. I told God, 'Show me, I'm ready.' But this weekend the joke was on me - my heart is saying yes, but my head is saying no, no, no.
Kim Young has a B.A. in Journalism from Texas Tech. She is the author of four books, she writes for various publications, is the Executive Editor for NHOME Texas Magazine and is a Realtor (broker/manager) for a large brokerage firm in San Antonio, Texas. She has four children who cringe when they find themselves the subject in one of her dating books.
December 5, 2015
This is a release tour for Unwrapping Noel by Jennifer Theriot
UNWRAPPING NOEL
AUTHOR: Jennifer Theriot
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness? Will she learn to trust again?
Noel Calabrese, PR
Public Relations or Pathetic Relationship?
Gaww! I absolutely hate this day—December eighth, Catholic holy day, feast of The Immaculate Conception, and my sister, Holly’s, birthday. Did I fulfill my holy obligation today and go to mass? No, I did not. I’m a faltering excuse for a Catholic. Did I call Holly this morning and wish her happy birthday? Did I send her a card? No, to both of those. My parents are probably cursing me from their graves for the way I’ve turned out, not to mention the deity above.
It’s freezing cold. Drizzling rain and the bad weather make for a horrible commute home on the freeway. The approaching holidays make it even worse, so I shake my head and spew out a few, choice, cuss words. I flip my middle finger at the plethora of stupid drivers who believe it is their right to drive like idiots.
Tapping impatiently on my steering wheel, I look at the mall parking lot and wonder how people actually find joy in buying shit, just to be giving it away. Half the time, what you give gets returned anyway. I sound jaded, but it’s the truth. Think about it. You spend countless hours wandering around the stores, buy a gift you think someone will like, for the sake of giving, spend time wrapping it, and then the day after Christmas, everyone is clamoring to get to the mall to return their presents. A futile waste of time. Stores are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The whole world is after the almighty dollar instead of focusing on the reason for the season. Growing up, my sister and I were lucky to get a doll from Santa. These days, I think people just buy gifts to be buying them. The whole meaning of Christmas is pissed away by greed and material things. Isn’t Christmas supposed to be about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ? It’s His birthday after all. Why do we need gifts? I swear, this gets worse every year, and I keep telling myself that I’m not buying any more presents for anyone. I’ll just give them a card that explains the true meaning of the season and be done with it.
The red brake lights of cars, and the annoying sounds of horns honking, coupled with the blaring of an ambulance trying to meander its way through the congested traffic, have me wanting to scream. I pull into the right lane, letting the ambulance pass, and make the sign of the cross, hoping the person in the ambulance is safe.
On the other hand, I’m angry, and I’m tired. I’m stressed out, and I just want to get home, peel off my clothes, grab a glass of wine, and unwind. Pounding my fists on the steering wheel does nothing to expedite the process, so I talk myself into taking a deep breath, turn on some classical music, and deal with the anxiety.
Traffic opens up, and I push my foot on the pedal—bumping me ten miles over the speed limit to get to my safe haven. Finally, I pull onto my street, stop my car in front of the mailbox, and reach in to grab the day’s stack. I see Dave’s Mercedes parked in the driveway, but the damn front lights to the house aren’t on. So typical! It’s dark, and the floodlight on the driveway must be out as well. I get out of my car, grab the shitload of work files out of the back seat, and proceed to slip on the wet, slick driveway, falling forward.
USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Theriot hails from the Great State of Texas. She is a career woman, working as CFO of a Texas based real estate investment firm by day and does her writing at nights and on weekends. In her limited spare time, Jennifer enjoys being outdoors; preferably somewhere on a beach curled up with a good book. Spending time with family and friends, listening to music, watching a baseball game and enjoying a good bottle of wine are usually on her to-do lists. She’s mom to three grown children and ‘MiMi’ to three (soon to be four) grandkids – all of whom she adores!
