Mollie Mathews's Blog, page 7
September 12, 2024
The Heart Behind Love in Montana: How My Grandfather’s Pranks and Love Shaped My Writing
Hello my joys,
One of my readers asked recently, “Do you ever run out of ideas?” And I wanted to share with you where the seeds for a new idea in my Montana love story came from. I hope you enjoy this little insight into my writing process, writing inspiration, creative process, and family history.
The Heart Behind Love in Montana: How My Grandfather’s Pranks and Love Shaped My WritingI was reflecting on my grandfather, whose last name was Fairweather which means a happy bright person of good disposition, and he really was a great practical joker and a loving granddad. I used to affectionately nickname him The Goon and call Reg Goondad as he was so much of a prankster.
My grandfather, Reg, had a great, great sense of humour. Perhaps it was the Scottish in him. Some of my most favourite Scotsmen have very wild and rugged senses of humour. I’m thinking of people like Billy Connolly as I write.
Anyway, I have fond memories of my grandfather, Reg, and my grandmother Molly. I used to take the bus or the train to visit my grandparents with my older cousins during holidays—a five hour trip away. I wanted to incorporate some my happy memories in my love story, Love in Montana. I’ve named Jack’s grandfather Reg!
My Reg would love playing tricks and encouraging people not to take things so seriously. Like the time my grandmother entered a competition to bake a sponge. My grandfather got up in the night and put a layer of wire in the cake so that when the judges went to cut it to assess whether it was moist, the knife struck the metal—to their horror and my grandmother’s shame.
I’m not sure whether she laughed about that little trick at all.
I also remember my grandfather convincing me to feed rocks and stones bread and milk, telling me that they were living things… which in many cultures is a truth. Because I hung on to every word he said, I believed in what he called ‘holy rocks’. I might have been around eight or nine. My grandfather encouraged me to take these rocks, filled with holes, for walks through the rural town where they lived, like it was a dog.
He told me my rocks were magic and living things, and I believed him. And there I was, walking my rocks up and down the main street of this small country town. Probably everyone was laughing, but I don’t remember. I loved my rocks. I would tuck them into bed, read them stories, and kiss them to sleep. And in the morning, the food I would put out, the bread, water, and other treats, would be gone! So I was absolutely convinced it was true.
Later, it was my grandfather who taught me how to drive and how to ride a motorbike. He didn’t have much time for the notion that women couldn’t do things men could.
In my late 50s I learned more of his personal life. He grew up the son of a rich landowner. But his mother died when he was young. And when the young servant girl, Molly, came to do chores at the house and live in, Reg fell in love with her. And as their romance blossomed he demanded that she sit at the table with Reg and his father for meals—not in the servants’ quarters. And his father, my great-grandfather, who I never met, disinherited him when he married Molly. But marry Molly he did.
He encouraged her painting and creativity and used to make frames for her to display her paintings.
He was a very good wood worker and built his own house. And he grew his own vegetables. And I loved all that. I grow my vegetables now. And when I find the pure delight of an organic, non-sprayed cabbage, for example, as I did yesterday, it’s just the pure joy of remembering my grandfather.
A love of gardening was something he passed down to his daughter, my mother, Joy, and to me. Not to any other members of my family that I am aware of.
I remember my grandfather making me an easel. And I still have many of the things that he made. A huge chest that used to go at the foot of the bed. And I still have a jewellery box he made me. And I remember wanting to be a woodworker and a furniture maker like he was. I studied furniture design when I was completing a two-year course in interior design. I loved it and I still have a special piece I made which sits inside the entrance to our home.
But I developed an allergy toward dust.
And then there was that failed engagement! I didn’t finish my course. I went back to work.
honoring my grandfather in my story, Love in Montana.But now, as I’m a year away from 60, I’m back into my creativity, back into my joy. And I wanted to honour my grandfather in my story, Love in Montana.
I’ve drafted a scene where everyone thinks they’re playing a trick on Reg But they’re not, as you will read. The trick is on them. Because Reg knows exactly what they’re up to. And he’s going to milk it for all he can get. If you sign up for my newsletter you’ll be the first to know when the story is released. Sign up here:
http://eepurl.com/ghM501
I hope you enjoy this little preview into Love in Montana and a few musings about the people in my life who inspire me and insight into my writing process. I always like to put historical events into my stories. Things that have actually happened. Whether in my family, or people I know, or society. At the moment, we need more joy. We need to stop taking ourselves so seriously. We need more love and and playfulness.
That is, for me, my passion and purpose instilled in me from my family.
About Love In Montana
**About the book**:
Lizzie, a former lawyer with a tarnished reputation, is looking for a fresh start away from the courtroom. Jack, a hardened rancher with a tragic past, has buried his emotions deep within. When circumstances force them into a fake engagement, the lines between pretense and reality begin to blur. Can Lizzie and Jack find a way to trust each other, or will their secrets and lies tear them apart?
**Perfect for fans of:**
– Small-town romance
– Fake engagement and second chance tropes
– Redemption and heartwarming stories set in the countryside
**Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates and book content!**
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#LoveInMontana #RomanceNovel #FakeEngagement #MontanaRomance #MollieMathews #DisgracedLawyer #SmallTownLove #RomanceBooks #BookTrailer #LoveStory #MontanaLove #ComingSoon #Bookish #PreOrderNow #NewBookRelease
Watch the trailer now for a sneak peek into a love story that will capture your heart.
A few of the things I have that my grandfather Reg made me:
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August 11, 2024
Be Love: Find Your Heart in Montana
Hi my loves
It is a beautiful day here in the Bay of Islands. We’ve just let go of another two rescue butterflies. As I was sitting watching them fly away, I started to pen a scene from my upcoming romance, Love in Montana. My intention word today was “Be Love,” and I thought about the theme of “Be Love” for this chapter. In this live video, I share what I’ve written.
I hope you enjoy this little excerpt from my upcoming romance, Love In Montana. In this video, you’ll learn more about my writing process, see how, like many authors, I love to handwrite on a yellow legal pad and see and hear me narrate this new scene.
Love In Montana shares the story of Jack and Lizzie, two heartbroken people who no longer believe in love.
This isn’t just another love story-it’s a tale of resilience, trust, and the power of second chances. Jack and Lizzie’s journey, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana, will captivate you from the first page to the last.
COMING SOON!
Enjoy the prequel Her Billionaire Cowboy Fake Fiancé
It was a huge thrill and honor for my short story, Her Billionaire Cowboy Fake Fiancé to be selected and published in Liaisons Magazine The Best Stories of the 2024 Chapter Short Story Contest.
Enjoy Her Billionaire Cowboy Fake Fiancé (audio and ebook)IBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO and OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES:
https://books2read.com/u/38vYw7
To enjoy your copy from Amazon:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D6LBR533
I welcome your comments and I hope that you enjoyed this excerpt. I loved reading it for you.
Thanks for watching! Have a great week full of fun moments and happy days,
love, Mollie
LOVE IN MONTANA is part of Mollie Mathews’ TRUE LOVE series starring Maverick Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too. All of Mollie’s series are linked. If you find a character you love, they could be in another novel.
TO ENJOY OTHER BOOKS IN THE TRUE LOVE SERIES
Love In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
GET MY AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER “TWIST OF FATE” FOR FREE
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August 10, 2024
Why Nora Roberts Inspires Me
As an avid reader and a passionate writer, there are certain authors whose words resonate deeply within me, and for me, that author is undoubtedly Nora Roberts. Her work has not only entertained me but has also inspired my own creative journey in countless ways.
characters feel like friendsFrom the moment I picked up one of her novels, I was captivated by her ability to weave complex characters with rich, emotional narratives. Nora has an incredible knack for creating strong, multifaceted women who confront their fears, overcome obstacles, and embrace love in all its forms. These characters feel like friends, and their journeys mirror the struggles and triumphs we all face in our lives. It’s this relatability that draws me back to her books time and time again.
similar ancestryWe both share similar ancestry. Nora Roberts, born Eleanor Marie Robertson, has a rich ancestry that traces back to Irish and Scottish roots. Her family history reflects a blend of cultures, which often influences her storytelling. Roberts has spoken about her Irish heritage and how it has inspired various elements in her novels, including themes of family, love, and a deep sense of place. Her background contributes to the strong, independent characters she creates, often drawing from her own experiences and the history of her ancestors. Nora’s ancestry plays a significant role in shaping her writing and the worlds she builds in her books.
unwavering dedication to her craftWhat truly inspires me about Nora Roberts is her unwavering dedication to her craft. With over 200 published novels, she demonstrates what it means to be a prolific writer. Her work ethic is something I admire immensely. It reminds me that persistence and passion are key ingredients in achieving success. Nora has shown that writing is not just a talent but also a discipline that requires commitment and hard work. This motivates me to put pen to paper, even on days when inspiration feels fleeting.
infuses her stories with themes of empowerment and resilienceMoreover, I appreciate how Nora infuses her stories with themes of empowerment and resilience. In her novels, love is not just a plot device; it’s a transformative force that enables her characters to find their true selves. This representation of love—be it romantic, familial, or platonic—encourages me to celebrate the relationships in my own life and to recognize their power in shaping who I am.
blending genresNora Roberts also has a unique ability to blend genres, seamlessly transitioning from romance to suspense, mystery, and even fantasy. This versatility inspires me to explore different styles in my own writing. It has taught me that breaking out of my comfort zone can lead to the most rewarding creative experiences.
sharing her heartFinally, I find inspiration in Nora’s willingness to share her journey with her readers. Her candidness about her successes, failures, and the realities of being a writer provides a sense of community. It reassures me that I’m not alone in this often tumultuous path of creativity. Her story reminds me that every writer has their own unique journey, and it’s okay to embrace the highs and lows along the way.
Roberts is not just a favorite author who shares my sun sign of Libra; she is a beacon of inspiration for me. Her incredible storytelling, dedication to her craft, and the empowering messages woven through her narratives remind me why I fell in love with writing in the first place. I aspire to embody her passion, resilience, and creativity in my own work.
Here are a few fun facts, quotes and inspirations about Nora Roberts that I have saved in my Inspirational File:Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.
I need to write to be happy.
I don’t think you can write – at least not well – if you don’t love stories, love the written word.
It’s her work ethic that really defines Roberts. She’s prodigious. A publishing sensation. By her own estimate, it takes her around 45 days to write a novel. And then she starts the next one.
“Sometimes the house has to be shovelled out so I sometimes have a day before I start the next one,” she says. “But not usually longer than that.”
“Whatever I’m doing, I get very guilty if I don’t put a good day’s work in. I’m not one for making excuses. I had this Catholic upbringing. I was taught to finish what you start.” She writes pretty much all day, every day.
Most importantly, she writes what she likes to read. And what’s so bad about a happy ending, she asks? “Romance gets disparaged for the happy endings. But all genres have expectations and all genres require narrative resolution. But it’s disparaged because it’s happy. And if it was important, it would be tragic. Which is bullshit. Look at Much Ado About Nothing – everybody is happy.”
What does she find helps keep her going when she’s writing? “Alcoholic beverages.”
Does she tweet? “I’d rather stab myself in the eye with a flaming stick.”
What does she think of the recent news story claiming that romantic fiction gives women unrealistic expectations? “Because women aren’t supposed to have expectations, right? We’re pretty smart. I think we know the difference between reality and fiction. I don’t think that people read Agatha Christie and then think: I know, I’ll go and murder someone.”
There is, she says, “more than a streak of misogyny in the way romance is viewed. All some people see is the big R and dismiss it. But I’ve made my career on my own terms and that doesn’t necessarily suit the likes of the New York Times book review.
“They don’t see that as legitimate. But it’s just so insulting towards millions of people. Why would you apologise for what you read for pleasure? Just think of the illiteracy rate. Every book read for pleasure should be celebrated. And novels that celebrate love, commitment, relationships, making relationships work, why isn’t that something to be respected?”
She was never ambitious and had no desire to have a career, nor any inkling that she would one day be a writer. “Although there was obviously something trying to get out,” she says. “Before I started writing, you name the craft, I did it. I made my own bread. I made my own jam. I needlepointed. I crocheted. I sewed all my boys’ clothes. I sewed my own clothes. I was looking for something. And it was writing. It fed something in me.”
Creating feisty heroines was something that came naturally to her. “I was, like, I don’t want to be the secretary, I want to be the boss. I didn’t want to write the kind of story where the man treats the woman like shit for the entire book and in the last chapter he tells her, ‘I treated you like shit because I love you’. That won’t do for me. Or for a lot of other writers. I started to write the kind of stories that I wanted to read. It was very instinctive. You just wanted the heroines to be a bit feisty.”
“I had the blood and fire rule when my boys were young,” she says. “You know, unless it’s blood or fire, don’t bother me.”Most importantly, she writes what she likes to read. And what’s so bad about a happy ending, she asks? “Romance gets disparaged for the happy endings. But all genres have expectations and all genres require narrative resolution. But it’s disparaged because it’s happy. And if it was important, it would be tragic. Which is bullshit. Look at Much Ado About Nothing – everybody is happy.”
Here are a few of my other writing inspirations:
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
Danielle Steel and the joy of working on many projects at the same time
#NoraRoberts #Inspiration #WritingCommunity #WomenInLiterature #Empowerment #BookLovers #CreativeJourney #MollieMathewsStyle
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August 3, 2024
Romance books 0.99 and free!
If you love feel-good, sensual contemporary romances set in beautiful love-infused settings, then you’ll love Maggie and Mauro’s story!
3rd PRIZE RWNZ EXCELLENCE IN ROMANCE AWARD
$0.99 for a limited time
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7Q9LDCP
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B7Q9LDCP
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7Q9LDCP
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B7Q9LDCP
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES: https://books2read.com/u/bPgV0Y
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/love-in-venice
a warmly romantic story
“Love In Venice is a warmly romantic story. I loved that their hearts seemed to speak to each other almost from their first meeting. I love that we get to see how their lives unfold and their beautiful love for each other. The story has a wonderful flow and beautiful and vivid descriptions. I could envision myself in Venice – seeing the canal, the cobblestoned streets, the architecture and more. There are family, friends, and lots of heart-to-heart moments between Maggie and Mauro. There is sadness and tears, euphoria, romance and love. There is also art brought in – music and painting that touched their souls and mine. There is a happily ever after that was portrayed better than I hoped. The epilogue adds an additional layer to the story and briefly brings in characters we’ve met in other books. Ms Mathews is an author whose books I enjoy. She always transports me to someplace new with a cast of characters I grow to love. Give her books a try if you haven’t already!”
~ JoAnne W.
LOVE IN VENICE is book one in my TRUE LOVE STORIES series starring Maverick Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll enjoy reading the other books, too.
TRUE LOVE STORIES
Love In Venice (Mauro and Maggie)
Love in Mexico (Oliver and Ruby)
Love in Montana (Lizzie and Jack)
Love in Sicily (Kate and Gianni)
Is a wedding on the card for Lizzie and Jack?
Get ready to immerse yourself in the unique world of Love In Montana. This isn’t just another love story-it’s a tale of resilience, trust, and the power of second chances. Jack and Lizzie’s journey, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana, will captivate you from the first page to the last.
I hope you enjoy the FREE AUDIO EXCERPT on my Author Tube:
https://youtu.be/gbsBPoVQQDk
https://youtu.be/gbsBPoVQQDk
COMING SOON!
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the prequel.
FREE FOR KINDLE UNLIMITED READERS
To enjoy your copy from Amazon:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D1JDG2PG
Universal Link: https://mybook.to/LoveInMontanaPrequel
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July 22, 2024
New romance audiobooks
★★★★★ “A storyline that is not only poignant but chock full of beautiful life messages that warm one’s heart.”
Hooray, Book 3 In the Sheikhs Untamed Brides series is now in audio! A mesmerizing tale of love, passion, and destiny, set against the backdrop of opulent Arabian palaces and the thrilling world of luxury automobiles. Escape into a world where love knows no boundaries and where two souls, seemingly worlds apart, find solace and strength in each other.
Below are some of the audio links. It’s also available on Spotify (FREE for Premium members)
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/bought-by-the-sheikh-4
https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Mollie_Mathews_Bought_By_The_Sheikh?id=AQAAAEAySnkKWM
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781991053206
https://www.storytel.com/se/sv/books/bought-by-the-sheikh-an-enemies-to-lovers-forced-proximity-romance-8995953
Amazon; Kobo: iBooks; Barnes and Noble
AVAILABLE IN AUDIO, EBOOK AND PAPERBACK FROM ALL WONDERFUL ONLINE BOOKSTORES
AMAZON (ebook and paperback)
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/BoughtByTheSheikh
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES:
https://books2read.com/u/mKXvo5
KOBO:
https://www.kobo.com//en/ebook/bought-by-the-sheikh-1
I hope you love Listening to Grace’s and Fazza’s love story. Please feel free to forward this to any of your friends and family who love sensual, feel-good love stories
Sheikhs Untamed Brides Box Set Books 1-3
★★★★★ A Bundle of Book Love
“A great bundle of love, romance, and truly heartfelt emotions that bring tears, smiles, and laughter. Exciting characters with exceptional dreams.”
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/sheikhs-untamed-brides-box-set-books-1-3
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781991053398
Ebook exclusive to Amazon. FREE for KU members>>
Montana Hearts Sweet Short Stories 2 Book-Bundle Box Set: Her Billionaire Cowboy Fake Fiancé, For The Love of Chocolate
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “These phenomenal short stories will pull you in and keep you wanting more!”
Buy the eBook through the links below…
AMAZON:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D938RVJT
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D938RVJT
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D938RVJT
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D938RVJT
FREE FOR KINDLE UNLIMITED READERS
Until next time, happy reading
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June 21, 2024
For the Love of Flowers
A blooming idea!
It’s been a lifelong love affair…, and the funny thing is that I’m just now entering my 60s. I realize that flowers have been my constant obsession.
I paint them, photograph them, and write books about them. I have filled my home with them. I put them in the bath, love the essential oils and fragrances, and make my own bath salts from them.
So I’m thinking it’s time I wrote a book with a heroine as a florist, a woman who finds love and beauty in the petals and leaves and whose life is as vibrant as the flowers she tends to.
[image error][image error]The working title For The Love of Flowers, fits perfectly with my newly emerging series, set in Big Sky Montana:
For The Love of Chocolate ( Susie and Raffaello’s love story). Prequel out now
For The Love of Lipstick (Poppy and Etham’s love story). Coming soon
and now For The Love of Flowers
All these stories had their seed of an idea from my first cowboy, small-town rural, late-in-life romance, Love in Montana. I’m working toward the final edits of the full-length book. The prequel was released earlier this year.
My readers often ask me, ‘Where do you get your inspiration from?’ The urge to write comes from many sources, but mostly, it’s just an intuitive nudge to my heart. Like today: ‘Why haven’t you written a book about a florist? That’s what you should write about.’ It’s these little conversations from Spirit that inspire me the most.
Intuitive guidance struck as I was looking out at the landscape painted grey with rain, my gaze drifting along the water-logged skies, and I saw the old world, heritage pink camellias, and ancient hibiscus floating in the birdbath outside my writing room, and I braved the rain, and barefooted stood in the garden, and photographed them because flowers always look more beautiful after the rain,
[image error]In my opinion, anyway. And I love that these blooms flower in winter. Such cheerful souls
[image error][image error]Do you agree? What are your favorite winter flowers?
FOR THE LOVE OF LIPSTICK: COVER REVEALI hope you love this cover as much as I do. I am having so much fun writing this love story and researching the art of creating the perfect lipstick.
This book was inspired by my desire to create the perfect shade of lipstick. My perennial favorite, a Lancôme color called Persian Rose, had been discontinued, and I wondered if I could recreate it.
I went down the rabbit hole of research, finding many delightful treasures and scandalous secrets along the way. Who knew lipstick could be so thrilling?
If you read and enjoyed Bought By The Sheikh, you’ll have met my fledging lipstick designer Poppy Pac. I’ve always enjoyed hearing about people who, trying to survive a traumatic event, turn a hobby into a profitable career.
FOR THE LOVE OF CHOCOLATEAmazon l iBooks l Barnes & Noble l other
Loss, Hope, and Healing…It’s never too late for love
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This enjoyable book will pull you in and keep you wanting more!”
Fans of Sarah Morgan, Caitlin Crews and Danielle Steel will love this HEA romance!
Chocolate wars brew when 44-year-old, fledgling Montana-based chocolate maker Susie Sweet receives a cease-and-desist from Italian confectionary baron Raffaello Ferrero.
If you love later in life, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, romance, you’ll enjoy Susie and Raffaello’s bitter-sweet journey to love.
Trademark infringement? What the hell? 44-year-old Susie Sweet clutched the lawyer’s letter in her hands. Her stomach clenched and spasmed simultaneously. What trademark? What infringement? And why was For The Love of Chocolate, the small business she ran from her tiny kitchen in Montana, being attacked from Rome with lawfare on Valentine’s Day?
While other women were being adored, cherished, and spoiled by their loved ones with roses and chocolates—hopefully, her chocolates, she mused—Suzy Sweet, a 45-year-old divorcee and mother to an aggressive, entitled, toxic son, was being threatened by an Italian confectionary baron.
Why was her life a constant battle, with assault after assault on her kind, good-natured heart? Things had finally started going well. And now this. On Valentine’s Day! Who the hell was Raffaello Ferrero, and why was he picking a fight?
When her husband had left her for a glamourous redhead with ginormous boobs, her son blamed her. After his escalating aggressive behavior toward her and out-of-control drinking, she made the heartbreaking decision to break contact with him.
She thought life would get easier.
Thanks to the life coach she had contracted in New York, she had traded her unsatisfying, unpaid, and unappreciated life of servitude as a housewife and mother. For the first time in her life, she was doing something for herself—for fun, joy, and her love of chocolate.
“That’s it! That’s the name!” her life coach had told Susie when she told her how much she loved chocolate. And that was where her brand, For The Love of Chocolate was born. It had started as a tiny venture in her kitchen, and after six months, things had suddenly taken off, buoyed by her very popular coconut-dusted truffles.
But now lawyers, commanded by a chocolate baron with deep pockets, were coming for her. Her heart raced. as she reread the letter, tracing her fingers along the words to ensure she didn’t misread a thing.
‘Cease-and-desist’ the heading threatened. ‘You have violated the Ferrero trademark protecting the appearance of the Raffaello sweets.’
The appearance of their sweets? Was this some kind of joke? She had created her coconut-covered chocolate truffle with her own hands, innovating and adapting her great-grandmother’s favorite.
What did they mean by ‘protecting the appearance?’ How could you protect the appearance of a round chocolate ball dusted in coconut? It wasn’t a handbag, a can of Coca-Cola, or a priceless Ferrari.
The slur on her character insulted and infuriated her. They were claiming that she had done something dishonest. They were threatening further action if she did not stop making chocolates.
This Raffaello Ferrero, whoever he was, was a bully, Susie decided. A bully of the nastiest degree. Heartless and cold. He had to be. The timing of his threatening letter confirmed how mean-spirited he was. Raffaello Ferrero was not a true lover of chocolate and sweets. No self-respecting chocolate lover would send a woman a threatening letter on Valentine’s Day! Halloween or Guy Fawkes Day, maybe. But not on International Lovers Day.
Raffaello Ferrero clearly intended to set fire to her dreams and send her fledgling chocolate start-up into a meltdown. She had no doubt that he intended to bury her dreams with financially punitive and catastrophic consequences if she did not do as he wished.
“The bastard!“ she thundered as all the trials and traumas she had endured over the past year erupted in an explosion of righteous anger. “Does he think he can bully me? Well, he’s going to learn a hard lesson quickly. I will not be abused! Not again”, she vowed, rising from her kitchen table.
“I will not be pushed around. Nor will I hide. I will go to meet this Raffaello and tell him to his face what he can do with his threatening letter.”
Raffaello will regret the day he underestimated me, she mused, summoning the dark horse her life coach had taught her to ride. No more people pleasing. Her passion for bringing joy to others and loathing of injustice would be her superpower.
But would it be enough?
The rich and powerful armed themselves with expensive lawyers determined to undermine the facts, with no regard for the freedom of chocolate lovers to create the sweet success they craved.
How best to proceed? ‘Keep a good heart,’ came the words from songstress Joni Mitchell. ‘That’s the most important thing in life. It’s not how much money you make or what you can acquire. The art of it is to keep a good heart.’
I hope you enjoy this sweet book trailer I created
PRAISE FOR THIS STORY prequel by a favorite author“For the Love of Chocolate is a short and sweet prequel that left me wanting more. We just scratch the surface of where this story is going, but I liked the characters and the settings. The story ended with a hint of what’s to come, but I definitely wanted more. I look forward to reading the full story.
~ JoAnne
very enjoyable“I really enjoyed this prequel. It will instantly hook you, and you’ll be anxiously awaiting the full story. I love Susie. She is so inspiring as she goes for what she wants. I enjoyed how Raffaello wanted to confront what he wanted answers for personally. I can’t wait to see what will happen next.”
~ Loreli
Buy this book through the links below…IBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO and OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES:
https://books2read.com/u/38vYw7
To enjoy your copy from Amazon:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D6LBR533
Universal Link:
ENJOY OTHER BOOKS BY MOLLIELove In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
(Jack and Lizzie) (Sequel)
Fall in love with these contemporary heroes and heroines trying to mend their hearts, overcome their fears and find true love—read the other standalone books my Mollie to discover the friends and family who tumble into a once-in-a-lifetime-happily-ever-after affair of the heart themselves. 5-star reviews
The post For the Love of Flowers appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
June 8, 2024
New Release! For the Love of Chocolate (Prequel)
Loss, Hope, and Healing…It’s never too late for love
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This enjoyable book will pull you in and keep you wanting more!”
Fans of Sarah Morgan, Caitlin Crews and Danielle Steel will love this HEA romance!
Chocolate wars brew when 44-year-old, fledgling Montana-based chocolate maker Susie Sweet receives a cease-and-desist from Italian confectionary baron Raffaello Ferrero.
If you love later in life, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, romance, you’ll enjoy Susie and Raffaello’s bitter-sweet journey to love.
Trademark infringement? What the hell? 44-year-old Susie Sweet clutched the lawyer’s letter in her hands. Her stomach clenched and spasmed simultaneously. What trademark? What infringement? And why was For The Love of Chocolate, the small business she ran from her tiny kitchen in Montana, being attacked from Rome with lawfare on Valentine’s Day?
While other women were being adored, cherished, and spoiled by their loved ones with roses and chocolates—hopefully, her chocolates, she mused—Suzy Sweet, a 45-year-old divorcee and mother to an aggressive, entitled, toxic son, was being threatened by an Italian confectionary baron.
Why was her life a constant battle, with assault after assault on her kind, good-natured heart? Things had finally started going well. And now this. On Valentine’s Day! Who the hell was Raffaello Ferrero, and why was he picking a fight?
When her husband had left her for a glamourous redhead with ginormous boobs, her son blamed her. After his escalating aggressive behavior toward her and out-of-control drinking, she made the heartbreaking decision to break contact with him.
She thought life would get easier.
Thanks to the life coach she had contracted in New York, she had traded her unsatisfying, unpaid, and unappreciated life of servitude as a housewife and mother. For the first time in her life, she was doing something for herself—for fun, joy, and her love of chocolate.
“That’s it! That’s the name!” her life coach had told Susie when she told her how much she loved chocolate. And that was where her brand, For The Love of Chocolate was born. It had started as a tiny venture in her kitchen, and after six months, things had suddenly taken off, buoyed by her very popular coconut-dusted truffles.
But now lawyers, commanded by a chocolate baron with deep pockets, were coming for her. Her heart raced. as she reread the letter, tracing her fingers along the words to ensure she didn’t misread a thing.
‘Cease-and-desist’ the heading threatened. ‘You have violated the Ferrero trademark protecting the appearance of the Raffaello sweets.’
The appearance of their sweets? Was this some kind of joke? She had created her coconut-covered chocolate truffle with her own hands, innovating and adapting her great-grandmother’s favorite.
What did they mean by ‘protecting the appearance?’ How could you protect the appearance of a round chocolate ball dusted in coconut? It wasn’t a handbag, a can of Coca-Cola, or a priceless Ferrari.
The slur on her character insulted and infuriated her. They were claiming that she had done something dishonest. They were threatening further action if she did not stop making chocolates.
This Raffaello Ferrero, whoever he was, was a bully, Susie decided. A bully of the nastiest degree. Heartless and cold. He had to be. The timing of his threatening letter confirmed how mean-spirited he was. Raffaello Ferrero was not a true lover of chocolate and sweets. No self-respecting chocolate lover would send a woman a threatening letter on Valentine’s Day! Halloween or Guy Fawkes Day, maybe. But not on International Lovers Day.
Raffaello Ferrero clearly intended to set fire to her dreams and send her fledgling chocolate start-up into a meltdown. She had no doubt that he intended to bury her dreams with financially punitive and catastrophic consequences if she did not do as he wished.
“The bastard!“ she thundered as all the trials and traumas she had endured over the past year erupted in an explosion of righteous anger. “Does he think he can bully me? Well, he’s going to learn a hard lesson quickly. I will not be abused! Not again”, she vowed, rising from her kitchen table.
“I will not be pushed around. Nor will I hide. I will go to meet this Raffaello and tell him to his face what he can do with his threatening letter.”
Raffaello will regret the day he underestimated me, she mused, summoning the dark horse her life coach had taught her to ride. No more people pleasing. Her passion for bringing joy to others and loathing of injustice would be her superpower.
But would it be enough?
The rich and powerful armed themselves with expensive lawyers determined to undermine the facts, with no regard for the freedom of chocolate lovers to create the sweet success they craved.
How best to proceed? ‘Keep a good heart,’ came the words from songstress Joni Mitchell. ‘That’s the most important thing in life. It’s not how much money you make or what you can acquire. The art of it is to keep a good heart.’
I hope you enjoy this sweet book trailer I created
PRAISE FOR OTHER STORIES BY MOLLIE MATHEWScompellingly page-turning“Wow, just wow, I can’t articulate enough how compellingly page-turning this remarkable story was. If I could give it more than 5 stars this would be it! This author has the gift & the power to make you experience her remarkable craft on a whole other level. I’m not one to tell the story, the blurb & other reviewers will cover that but I will concede that this magical, mystical, hauntingly beautiful story will stay with me for the longest time. Highly recommended.”
~ Terry
grabbed me from the first page“This book grabbed me from the first page. Both lead characters were portrayed fully as real people not just by how they looked as in many books. There being a child involved added to my enjoyment!”
~ Melba
determined to carve a career for herself“The tone for this book is set in the opening chapters as the young Sheikh is faced with ongoing difficulties in the kingdom created by his atrocious father. He is fighting an ongoing battle to prevent himself from being sucked into the past and to rather create a new and prosperous future for his people. Tariq’s previous rejection of Melanie and the results have soured her against romantic love and made her determined to carve a career for herself.”
~ Margaret
fiery, passionate and conflicting“I really like the premise of the book, I always like the royal romance with impediments to happiness and this book has it in spades. I like the strong figure of the Sheikh and the strong heroine who has built a professional career. Immediately I can see lots of problems that seem insurmountable at first: their past stormy relationship, the baby secret, her desire to have her own career, his desire for an heir, his demand to raise the child, his vow to swear off women. I also like that, right off the bat, we learn about his plan to build a reserve for animals and to right the many wrongs from his father’s legacy. These are all good foundations for a fiery, passionate and conflicting relationship.”
~ Elaine
fantastic premise that has a substantial conflict“Fantastic premise that has a substantial conflict behind it. I like Melanie a lot. A strong female heroine is what I want to read. I think that is particularly important with such a powerful man, and here in this instance, someone who can wield such power. I love love love the beginning. This is one tough guy but the book opens with him protecting a baby giraffe. Fantastic opening.”
~ Leanne
Buy this book through the links below…IBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO and OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES:
https://books2read.com/u/38vYw7
To enjoy your copy from Amazon:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D6LBR533
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D6LBR533
ENJOY OTHER BOOKS BY MOLLIELove In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
Love in Montana (Jack and Lizzie) (Pre-order, releases June 20)
Fall in love with these contemporary heroes and heroines trying to mend their hearts, overcome their fears and find true love—read the other standalone books my Mollie to discover the friends and family who tumble into a once-in-a-lifetime-happily-ever-after affair of the heart themselves. 5-star reviews
The post New Release! For the Love of Chocolate (Prequel) appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
June 2, 2024
Danielle Steel and the joy of working on many projects at the same time
Dear friends,
Hasn’t it been a beastly time? All this bad news, with fighting and hatred toward people and and worrying about war can drive us insane. I can relate to Danielle Steele who says she works on many projects at the same time to stay happy.
You can read one of many articles where she shares how she manages to be so prolific, “Danielle Steel On Raising 9 Kids, Writing 174 Books, “Authoritarian” Ex-Husbands, here>>.
“I write a lot of books.”I especially loved her comments, “I write a lot of books. Sometimes I have an interview and it’s about a book I wrote ten months ago and I think, ‘Oh my god! What’s the story?’”
She is so prolific she is always jumping into the next book even while finishing her previous book. But she does confess being prolific does bring with it the extra work—and the need to sacrifice sleep. But writing and uplifting others via her stories makes her happy.
“It’s a vicious cycle. On the one hand, I work too much now. By the end of the day, I’m always writing. I stay up very late at night. Until three, sometimes four. I sleep about four hours a night, on average. But if I don’t work, then I’m sad. So I work more. I don’t have anything else in my life. It keeps me happy and busy. I’m not bored. I’m not depressed. It’s not such a great thing to work all the time. It’s profitable, but still. The one thing I don’t do well is sitting around relaxing.”
“The one thing I don’t do well is sitting around relaxing.”So rather than lose heart about all my loose threads my focus is on completing shorter books and staying busy. I don’t do sitting around and relaxing well either. And sometimes, because I have so many books on the go I wake in the night to write some more. Unlike Danielle, I do have a partner, and I love to spend time with him. So joining my nocturnal friends, the flightless Kiwis, I often wake up around 3am and spend an hour or two writing. I love the sacred silence.
Currently, in between writing this blog, I’m editing Love in Montana. I love taking a break and then coming back to the story. I know if I smile and feel happy as I reread the story that you will love it too. I’m excited about this book and can’t wait to share it with you. It will be the next installment in my True Love Series.
I’ve just released Bought By The Sheikh, another of my Sheikh’s untamed brides, and one of my favorites
Get your hands on this sensual and feel-good love story today! Amazon; Kobo: iBooks; Barnes and Noble
I’ve begun a new draft of a new love story inspired by Sheikh’s and Danielle Steele (scroll to the end to read.)
FUN, SHORT, SMALL-TOWN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
One of my shorter books is my novella “Love Me As I Am“.
This story was sparked by a true event—the tragic murder of a mother and one of her daughters in a small town near where I live. I wondered how would her death affect the children she left behind. How would it affect their lives? What if something good could come from this tragedy?
So I began to write a love story. For love is the only antidote to hate. Forgiveness, the only path to healing. And purpose the gift that can come from tragedy.
As with all of my books, some of the characters and events in the story were also inspired by true events in my own life. Including, when my paternal grandmother was channelled by a psychic. She asked my disbelieving and sceptical self, “Your grandmother says you don’t believe she is here. But she is holding out a flower, and she wants to know, she is present. She is asking, “Do you remember the jasmine flowers growing over the house?”
I didn’t.
But when I drove home I called into Araby Lodge, where my grandmother used to live and where until her death, she bred and trained her beloved horses. At the time my father lived in her house. I asked him, “What is that vine growing over the house?”
I didn’t want to tell him anything about what the psychic had said because I was still skeptical and I didn’t want to influence the answer. My father said, “Oh, that old jasmine vine? That’s been there forever.”
My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. It was at that point that I began to believe in spiritual and psychic phenomena, and in time, many years later, to awaken my own gifts.
I named the story, Love Me As I Am, for isn’t that the deepest love of all. To love and be loved unconditionally—weirdness, flaws, fears, insecurities, our beautiful uniqueness…and so much more. These introductory novellas are currently published under the series: PASSION DOWN UNDER SASSY SHORT STORIES:
Book One: TWIST OF FATE
viewBook.at/TwistofFate
Book Two: LOVE ME FOREVER
viewBook.at/LoveMeForever
Book Three: FOREVER AND ALWAYS
Book 5: The Lightkeeper’s Lover
Book 6: Finding A Husband
To enjoy your copy from Amazon, click here>> And of course, there are my standalone full length love stories, like my award-winning romance, Love in Venice from the True Love Series and Claimed By the Shiekh, book one in Sheikhs Untamed Bride’s series To enjoy your copy from Amazon: getbook.at/ClaimedByTheSheikh In life and love, it’s never too late for a second chance. . . This is not one of those times. Fiercely independent contemporary artist Lucy Ford was absolutely content with her life—until the day Anwar na Hassir strolled into her gallery and back into her life. She had dreamed of being a mother and would soon have a son. Being a single mum wasn’t the happy ending she had visualised, but at least she had someone to love. Someone of her own. Someone she could keep forever. As long as the child’s father never found out. Anwar could not, would not, must not ever know the truth. Not if she was to keep her child. Anwar was as formidable as Lucy was freewheeling. Luring Lucy to his desert Kingdom, somewhere between the magic of the desert and the stroll along the ocean, she lets him steal her heart. Only to discover love, once given, can never be returned. A sensuous tale of modern love, career-crossed relationships, the heady magic of instant attraction, loss, and the unwavering faith that sustains them—even in the darkest hour. If you love second chance romance set against a sensuous backdrop of the sensuous desert, art and innovative architecture, you’ll love Stolen by The Sheikh. • Enemies to lovers • Secret babies • Opposites attract • Wrong sides of the track To enjoy your copy from Amazon: US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR8LGF73 CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CR8LGF73 UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR8LGF73 AU:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CR8LGF73 Universal link: https://mybook.to/StolenByTheSheikh Yes, I still feel more joy as I work on multiple projects. I am nearing the completion of LOVE IN MONTANA and can’t wait to share it with you. This is a fun story! I adore all my stories and really want to do them justice so that you love them too. You can enjoy the prequel now To enjoy your copy from Amazon: US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1JDG2PG CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D1JDG2PG UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1JDG2PG AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D1JDG2PG Universal Link: https://mybook.to/LoveInMontanaPrequel LOVE IN MONTANA is part of Mollie Mathews’ TRUE LOVE series starring Maverick Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too. All of Mollie’s series are linked. If you find a character you love, they could be in another novel. Love In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award) Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver) Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate) Love in Montana (Jack and Lizzie) (Pre-order, releases June 20) ENJOY! P.S. Would you enjoy a fun and frisky 30 minute read? Download TWIST OF FATE for free here—https://dl.bookfunnel.com/k12p1ul2rn. It’s a short story set in my former hometown, Wellington. New Zealand. 5-star reviews! If you love it, or any of my stories, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads? Thank you! “Work! Work! Work! That’s all you ever do. All work and no play makes Danielle a boring wife.” “I love my work, Simon. Work is my leisure. Work is play, and you know why? Danielle Bowden threw at her husband. “Because I made it that way. What was that famous saying? When you do what you love?” She ran her long, manicured nails through the rivulets of strawberry blonde hair that touched her waist. Oh, yes, she remembered, “When you do what you love, you never work again.” “But that’s all you ever do! Night and day, you’re always at your computer, writing those bloody romances.” “Those bloody romances pay our bills. Besides, if I don’t work, I feel sad. So I work more. Writing makes me happy. Why do you have to resent that? When I’m busy, I’m not bored. I’m not depressed. I know it’s not such a great thing to work all the time. But it’s profitable and it’s good for me.” “It’s not good for our marriage. You shouldn’t be up late every night working. You should be in bed with me. Working until three or four in the morning. It’s crazy!” “I told you when we met, Simon, the one thing I don’t do well is sitting around relaxing. It makes me so angry when people judge me and tell me, ‘Don’t work so much. Don’t stay up all night working 22-hour days.'” “It’s insane! Why can’t you love leisure?” “Well, if I’m insane, what does that make all those people resting so much they’re dying of boredom? What does that makes all those people with their work-life balance so perfect they’re sleeping their way through their most productive and joyful years? If I’m insane, they’re just plain crazy. Work is my joy. It’s play. Every day I get to play make-believe. I love it.” “And me?” “What about you?” “Do you love me?” “Are you asking, demanding, ordering that I stop playing?” “’Just work less. Pay more attention to me. If you worked less, you could… “ “Could what?” “I don’t know. Watch TV.” “TV!” she said incredulously. ”But I love to read. I love to write.” “And I love to watch TV.” “So you’ll only be happy when I do what you love?” “You’re twisting my words.” “God! You sound like my husbands. Yes, you heard that right. Husbands. Plural. I’ve had five. All of them resented my work. All of them said they’d love me more if I became someone I’m not.” “You should have been a lawyer,” Simon said. “God, how many times have I heard that?” “You’re not a very good wife.” “Not that again.” The first time Danielle was told that was the role she should aspire to, she reflected, was by a misguided vocational counselor. Danielle had just turned 16 and was finally about to be released from the Convent school her father had banished her to 10 years earlier following her mother’s death. ‘The best (read-only) role a young girl should aspire to,’ the guidance counselor had advised, ‘is to become a dutiful wife.’ She had been set up for failure, Danielle thought, thrusting her shoulders back as she rose to leave the man she had spent the last two years trying to please. “I will not be that woman,” she said coolly, thrusting her expertly manicured toes, painted a calm shade of turquoise blue, into her flaming red shoes. She was mad. Mad and sad. Why am I never enough? “Leisure makes people lazy,“ she tossed over her shoulder as she strode to the door of her Parisian apartment. Convent school had instilled a strong work ethic at least. But she hadn’t bought into the fear that idleness was the devil’s work. Now, she wasn’t so sure. For years, Simon had fed off her royalties while he sat around tinkering with inventions that went nowhere, watching reality TV for inspiration. And now he had the gall to blame her for their failed marriage. She paused, summoning her strength, as she turned and took a long, lingering glance at the man she knew was destined to be husband number six. “I was a writer when you met me. I was a writer when you married me,” she paused and sucked in a strong, sturdy breath. “I am a writer.I will always be a writer. What I will not be is the woman you want me to be. The leisure-rich woman swanning around, devoid of inner peace, garroted by constraint as you yank my chains, overloaded with cares about your needs and wants, worrying if I will ever be good enough to satisfy your demands.“ He can have the apartment, she cursed as she slammed the door. She didn’t want the memories of heartbreak. What now, she wondered? I failed at marriage again. Or marriage failed me. Whoever is to blame, it’s a mistake I’ll never repeat. That leaves what? she wondered. A fresh start in a new city? As she walked through the Parisian streets, a mix of emotions swirled within her. The decision to leave her husband and her life in Paris was not an easy one, but she knew it was necessary for her own happiness and growth. With each step, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of freedom, liberation, and excitement for what lay ahead. At that moment, she reflected on her namesake, Danielle Steel. Her incredible journey of reinvention, including failed marriage after failed marriage, inspired her heart. She thought about how Steel had transformed her life time after time, overcoming obstacles and finding success in unexpected ways. The thought of creating a new chapter in her life ignited a fire within her. With determination and a newfound sense of purpose, she vowed to follow in Danielle Steel’s footsteps. She would reinvent herself, explore new passions, and chase her dreams fearlessly. The world would become her playground, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities waiting to be discovered. As she walked, she couldn’t help but smile. The world was a blank page, and she was ready to write a new life story. With each step, she left behind the old and embraced the new, knowing that her decision to leave was the first step toward a brighter future. The city of love had witnessed her transformation, and she was ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, just like Danielle Steel had done time and time again. And so, with a heart full of hope and determination, she continued walking through the Parisian streets, her gaze fixed on the horizon, ready to embrace the unknown and create a life that was truly her own. Where to begin, she wondered as she entered the grand lobby of the Ritz, her heart pounding with excitement and uncertainty. Give me a sign, she tempted the fates. The grandeur of the hotel momentarily overwhelmed her. Then inspiration struck. She couldn’t help but imagine the stories that unfolded within its walls. This was the same hotel where Princess Diana had spent her last days, adding a layer of mystique to the atmosphere. As Danielle looked around, taking in the opulent surroundings, her mind wandered to her own life. She was embarking on a major transformation, leaving behind a comfortable yet unfulfilling existence. Now, she stood at the precipice of a new chapter, unsure of what lay ahead. Lost in her thoughts, Danielle didn’t notice the tall, dark figure striding across her path until it was too late. The impact of their collision sent her stumbling backward, but strong arms caught her just in time. “I’m sorry,” she said shakily as she glanced up at the man whose path she’d crossed. Magnetic green eyes met hers, igniting a blaze of heat within her belly. “No, it was my fault. I apologize for the collision,” the man said in a deep, alluring voice. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, instantly captivating Danielle’s attention. She couldn’t help but notice the air of mystery that surrounded him. Who was he? What brought him to this hotel? As if reading her thoughts, the man offered a charming smile. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sheikh Omar Al-Fayed. And you, my dear, seem to be in need of a new adventure.” Danielle’s curiosity peaked. The sheikh’s words hinted at a deeper understanding of her current state of mind. She looked into his eyes, trying to decipher the secrets they held. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The sheikh’s smile widened, revealing a glimpse of his enigmatic nature. “Do you believe in fate?” “Destiny,” she whispered dangerously. “I believe in destiny.” “Then the stars are aligned,” he said enigmatically. “I have a proposition for you. An opportunity to embark on a journey that will change your life forever. Are you ready to take that leap of faith?” Danielle’s heart raced with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. Something about the sheikh’s presence ignited a sense of adventure within her—the same sense of adventure she injected into her romance novels. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “Yes,” she said, her voice steady. “I’m ready to start a new story.” And with those words, Danielle stepped further into the unknown, ready to embrace the mystery and intrigue that lay ahead with the rich and handsome sheikh by her side. Little did she know that this encounter would be the beginning of a thrilling and life-altering chapter in her life. Check out the following written and narrated by me.I love reading and narrating my own stories. I hope my New Zealand accent is understandable! US https://www.audible.com/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874YCXVL UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874X8TGX AU https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874Y3V2T KOBO https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/flight-of-passion-4 Sex With Strangers Audible USA https://www.audible.com/pd/Sex-with-Strangers-Audiobook/B08BTKHJ61 UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sex-with-Strangers-Audiobook/B08BTSSB6L Australia https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Sex-with-Strangers-Audiobook/B08BTKDD8R Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/sex-with-strangers-14 Love Me Forever USA https://www.audible.com/pd/Love-Me-Forever-Audiobook/B081QRGJV8 UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Love-Me-Forever-Audiobook/B081QQVRV4 Australia https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Love-Me-Forever-Audiobook/B081QQW4N8 Twist of Fate USA https://www.audible.com/pd/Twist-of-Fate-Audiobook/B07YL93YYV UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Twist-of-Fate-Audiobook/B07YLBN32S Australia https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Twist-of-Fate-Audiobook/B07YL9ZTLJ The Lightkeepers Lover USA https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Lightkeepers-Lover-Audiobook/B07Z9PX3NY UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Lightkeepers-Lover-Audiobook/B07Z9Q1Q89 Australia https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Lightkeepers-Lover-Audiobook/B07Z9QRWBV Forever and Always USA https://www.audible.com/pd/Forever-and-Always-Audiobook/B0868GTBNC UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Forever-and-Always-Audiobook/B0868H5XKV Australia https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Forever-and-Always-Audiobook/B0868GM443 Love Me As I Am Kobo https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/love-me-as-i-am-5 AUDIBLE US https://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Am-Passion-Stories/dp/B08MT8JJWR UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Love-Me-as-I-Am-Audiobook/B08MTKB9VF AU https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Love-Me-as-I-Am-Audiobook/B08MT8HL83 Finding A Husband Kobo US: https://www.audible.com/pd/B08H5TTP1S UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Finding-a-Husband-Audiobook/B08H5ZPLW6 AU: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Finding-a-Husband-Audiobook/B08H5WTY6M?qid=1599866634 Claimed by the Sheikh Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/claimed-by-the-sheikh-9 AUDIOBOOK KOBO https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/claimed-by-the-sheikh-9 AUDIBLE US https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08ZB1KSM3 UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Claimed-by-the-Sheikh-Audiobook/B08Z9L7D9G AU https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Claimed-by-the-Sheikh-Audiobook/B08ZB8H17F The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride AUDIOBOOK AUDIBLE US https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Italian-Billionaires-Christmas-Bride-Audiobook/B08QW1TWYP UK https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Italian-Billionaires-Christmas-Bride-Audiobook/B08QW1ZW7L AU https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Italian-Billionaires-Christmas-Bride-Audiobook/B08QW3NL2Y KOBO https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/italian-billionaire-s-christmas-bride-the In less than 15 minutes you could be listening your way to love! Audio versions of these books and the following are also available from all online bookstores and also libraries (Audible is experiencing long delays in publishing): You may also like: How Trauma Can Fuel Your Life Purpose How extraordinary love can change our lives To enjoy more posts and books like this please follow this blog and BookBub Here are some other ways to stay in touch: Chat with me on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/molliemathewsnz Be inspired on Pinterest – https://nz.pinterest.com/molliemathews and Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/molliemathewsauthor Watch me on Youtube – MolliemathewsYouTube The post Danielle Steel and the joy of working on many projects at the same time appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
Full Length contemporary romance series books
Stolen by The Sheikh 
INCLUDES 3 BONUS CHAPTERS
Claimed By The Sheikh
LOVE IN MONTANABuy this prequel through the links below…FREE FOR KINDLE UNLIMITED READERS
DRAFT EXCERPT INSPIRED BY SHEIKHS AND DANIELLE STEELE
Flight of Passion
https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/finding-a-husband-3
AUDIBLE
DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST?
May 27, 2024
Free chapter from Flight of Passion
What happens when you come face-to-face with the person you always loved but can never have? Read to find out!
I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from Flight of Passion—it’s just for you
NINE
Oliver wasn’t sure what prompted him. He wasn’t foolish enough to dance with danger. He hadn’t intended to take things this far. Normally his emotions were tightly controlled. But as he gazed into Ruby’s face instinct took over. He touched his tongue to his lips, narrowed his eyes, moved toward her, one thing in mind.
Her eyes widened and her soft, sensuous lips parted, staring at his mouth uncertainly. A soft salmon blush settled upon her cheeks. Ruby’s body moved toward him involuntarily. Desirous, yearning, needy.
“I must go,” she said thickly, as though forcing herself to fight the physical magnetism he was exerting.
He leaned toward her. “You can’t help what you feel,” Oliver murmured in his low, seductive voice. “You want to taste me as much as I want to taste you.”
His face came closer, his eyes commanding hers with relentless purpose.
“Oliver…I…I can’t,” she stammered, pushing him gently as he approached.
His eyes narrowed sensuously as his gaze lingered on her throat, on her heaving breasts, on her trembling body, filled with passion—and with promise.
Ruby shrunk back, hard against the wall. He lifted an arm, placing his palm firmly on the wall near her ear.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, bringing his lips to within centimeters of hers.
He could feel the electrical charge that unified and ignited their bodies. He could hear the quickening gasps of breath.
He inhaled her familiar scent, savoring memories of the steamy sex they’d once enjoyed. Eight years later he could still smell her sweet musky essence after that night of lovemaking. He could still hear her moans of pleasure. He could still feel her body tense as ecstasy sent ripples through her body.
He wanted to turn back the hands of destiny, to reclaim the time lost to them. One minute he was leaning toward her, and the next he was lost in a tropical utopian dream. Soft, sensual, vibrant, surrounded by fragrant breezes and the feel of the warm earth beneath his bare feet.
Ruby let out a breathy sigh just before his lips touched hers. So softly, so gently, he wasn’t sure if it was real. He felt her body stiffen, then tremble as she folded into him.
He moaned as Ruby’s slender arms draped around his neck. His mouth sought hers with a slow deliberation that eased the throb of need deep within him. Gently he took her top lip in his mouth and softly sucked it, slowly savoring her taste. He opened his mouth to drink more of her intoxicating elixir. She opened for him, tasting of honey and paradise.
With a touch like a butterfly, he kissed her eyelids, then softly brushed her cheeks with his lips. He held her neck gently in his hands, caressed the tips of her earlobes with his lips, blew soft kisses in her ear.
Ruby’s whole being vibrated in wild response to his. He sensed she was utterly helpless to stop him doing anything he wanted with her.
His hands slid under her silky dress, stroking the smooth skin of her back. He pressed her closer until he felt the pounding beat of her heart against his chest.
The sounds of the music rising, rhythmic humming and people chattering as they partied below could barely be heard over the roar of longing in his heart.
They remained close as though frozen in a moment. He closed his eyes and marveled at how wonderful it was to be with her again. Her kisses quenched his thirst, watered the dry, barren, parched wasteland of his life.
Her sensual touch provided a welcome tonic for the boring monotony of soulless encounters.
He felt the flutter of the cool air on his face, streaming through the vents, heard the faint sound of a musician, acoustic guitar in hand, strumming songs of love. And lost himself in mindless enchantment. Then, he felt a shove to his chest.
“Stealing a kiss may not be immoral in your mind, but you and I both know you don’t give a damn about who you hurt, or whose life you ruin,” she said, projecting the guilt and anger she felt at her own weakness onto him, as she opened the door and fled.
“You can’t lie to yourself, not for long,” he said, his voice a dark prophecy, chasing after her as she fled.
“Forget it. Forget me. Forget us,” she cried.
END OF EXCERPT
To grab your copy from Amazon, click here>>https://mybook.to/FlightOfPassion
To grab your copy from iBooks, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores, click here>>https://www.books2read.com/u/bpp0LJ
To grab your copy from kobo, click here>>https://www.kobo.com/ebook/flight-of-passion-3
AUDIOBOOK
AUDIBLE>>
US
https://www.audible.com/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874YCXVL
UK
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874X8TGX
AU
https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874Y3V2T
KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/flight-of-passion-4
Love and Murder Amongst The Butterflies
The post Free chapter from Flight of Passion appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
May 26, 2024
Rescuing Butterflies
Some people rescue dogs, others cats, and my hero in Claimed by The Sheikh rescues endangered animals. My partner and I are rescuing endangered Monarch butterflies. This wee beauty looks ready to be born today. We have been keeping her and 20 other caterpillars in a special sanctuary inside the house, away from the predators who have been killing them off.
Here in NZ monarch butterflies are considered natives even though they originated in North America. They introduced themselves –in the early 1800’s, possibly earlier, they flew/blew here…it’s a long way to fly! 
Butterflies star in one of my favourite romances. “Flight of Passion” is a rapturous tale of beauty, obsession, and unconditional love’s transformational power.
One of my readers wrote to me:
“I grew up with Monarch Butterflies all around me. Now, they are endangered. I plant Milkweed every year for them, even though here in Alberta, we don’t see them—just in case. I would love to see your caterpillars and the Monarch sanctuary you have built.”
Not long after I began writing this post, my butterfly hatched and was quickly followed by another.
We set up a butterfly castle in the kitchen, and rescued caterpillars which were being attacked by wasps and other predators and housed this in the sanctuary of our home. If you look carefully you can see some caterpillars and more chrysalis’.
the coolest book cover ever…
Planning the cover is one of my favourite parts of writing a book, and it’s especially exciting when I get to work with a great designer who can turn my words into visual magic.
If you’ve read my other books – The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage or The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride, you’ll have read the excerpts from Flight of Passion, or perhaps you’ve already purchased Flight of Passion (also re-released as Love In Mexico) You’ll know it’s a rapturous tale of beauty, obsession and the transformational power of unconditional love. (If you haven’t read the excerpt I’be included a sneak peek below)
One of my good friends, Anna Campbell—a queen of Regency romance recommended a US based designer Hang Le. I haven’t worked with her before, but have always loved Anna’s sumptuous covers.
I sent Hang Le a link to the Facebook page I created – I often create a page for each book to collate my thoughts and inspire me – and to also share my research.
So here are the two (draft) covers Hang Le has designed. I asked my loyal feeders which one they’d choose.
ABOUT THIS BOOK Past love and passionate obsessions. What will you do when love flies back into your life?
Flight of Passion is a rapturous tale of beauty, obsession, and unconditional love’s transformational power.
Billionaire art-collector Oliver Hart is used to getting what he wants. Single, thirty-five, and a committed bachelor, he plays by his own rules. On a quest to find a rare butterfly that can save his sister’s life, he’s unwillingly distracted by former flame Ruby Diaz — a woman who callously abandoned him eight years earlier. When he decides he wants to reclaim the beauty as his own — in his mind, it’s as good as done.
But Ruby’s not his for the taking. Promised to the son of a wealthy landowner, she refuses to succumb to his charms. On a quest to save her family’s land, Ruby knows she must put duty first and silence the passionate stirrings of her heart. But Oliver doesn’t make things easy for her. He’s not taking no for an answer.
Risking everything to help the woman he loves gain her freedom, Oliver entangles himself in an emotional net that alters his life forever. As he sacrifices his own selfish pursuit to help Ruby, he realizes that you may be able to own something, but you can never own someone – especially the woman you love.
Reader reviews
“tantalizes your senses“
This is a well-written book that tantalizes your senses. Will Oliver be able to convince Ruby that she loves him enough to disobey her family? Can they find each other when all seems lost? An excellent book that I highly recommend. It will have you laughing with joy and crying with sadness.”
~ Marie Fraser
“a beautifully scripted story“
Mollie Mathews has written a beautifully scripted story of two people wildly attracted to each other but too constrained by family expectations to allow themselves to commit. When they meet again after eight years can they move beyond old patterns of behavior or are they doomed to always want, but never have?”
~ Jane Whitmeyer
“a touching and heart-warming book“
This book is a carefully crafted, truly original story. Mollie’s wonderfully descriptive narrative paints a picture in which it is easy to lose oneself—I really felt like I had been to Mexico by the time I had finished. Her butterfly theme echoes throughout the book both literally and figuratively. The main characters, Oliver and Ruby, are each conflicted in their own ways. Despite facing challenges, both ultimately find the strength to work through their difficulties to emerge better people and, most importantly, triumph over adversity together. A touching and heart-warming book, well worth a read.”
~ Cathy Rioran
Buy this book through the links below…
To grab your copy from Amazon: https://mybook.to/FlightOfPassion
To grab your copy from iBooks, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores: https://www.books2read.com/u/bpp0LJ
To grab your copy from Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/flight-of-passion-3
AUDIBLE
UShttps://www.audible.com/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874YCXVL
UKhttps://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874X8TGX
AUhttps://www.audible.com.au/pd/Flight-of-Passion-Audiobook/B0874Y3V2T
KOBOhttps://www.kobo.com/nz/en/audiobook/flight-of-passion-4
The audio version of this book is also available from all online bookstores and also librariesLet’s stay in touch!
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The post Rescuing Butterflies appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
