D.V. Stone's Blog, page 37

Take A Peek Into The Window Of Author Jan Scarbrough

Who- I’m Jan Scarbrough, a romance writer from Louisville, Kentucky. I never settled on what I loved to write, so I have contemporary romances, Western contemporary romances, one medieval, and a couple paranormal Gothic romances. I’ve been a high school English teacher and a technical writer. I’m currently retired and appreciate, in this time of the pandemic, that I don’t have to get up in the morning and drive downtown to work or boot up a laptop and work from home.

Interests- Outside of writing, I enjoy a weekly horseback riding lesson. It’s Kentucky, after all! A lesson is an easy way to get a “horse fix” without actually owning a horse. Over the years, I’ve owned three American Saddlebreds, the breed I love to ride. I also volunteer with a not-for-profit organization called Alley Cat Advocates, a group formed to provide a means of spaying and neutering unowned cats. Trap-Neuter-Return is the most effective way to stabilize and reduce the unowned cat population. This humane method identifies an unowned cat or colony, humanely traps the cat(s), spays or neuters them, and returns them to their environment. I enjoy working with the volunteers and helping the caretakers who really love the stray, “community” cats they feed.

Network- I am a member of Novelist, Inc., a professional network for career novelists. My most immediate network is a group of 23 multi-published authors who have formed a blog and visit with readers in a Facebook group. This summer several of us created a short story set called Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End. It’s on Kindle Unlimited, but only 99 cents if you don’t belong. We came up with a FREE Cocktails on Last Chance Beach. That was fun making my cocktail, getting my husband to photograph it, and then drinking it!

Desk- I’ve taken over one of the kid’s unused bedrooms to create my writing room. It’s full of bookcases, books, and file cabinets. Periodically, I go through my notes and research and purge. I have a big box of to-be-shred paper. My computer desk sometimes is crowded. My cat Folly likes to share my writing space. I have a MacBook Air. We’re an all Apple family.

Outrageous- As noted, I love horses. When I retired, I decided to buy into a syndicate to own a thoroughbred racehorse. My guy is named Fire Marshall Bill. I own 1.5 per cent of him! He’s won one race, come in second once and third once. He’s three years old but didn’t make the Kentucky Derby. I have a friend who bought into another syndicate. Her horse, Authentic, actually WON the Kentucky Derby.

Window- When I look out the window, I see my suburban neighborhood and the ranch house across the street. A church is nearby and often church bells ring and school children walk home. I also enjoy feeding wild birds and planting flowers for pollinators. When I look out to my back yard, I see my bird feeders and flowers, a bit faded because of the autumn weather.
One of Jan's editorial staff is Folly, the cat, on her computer. My new 4 book series, available at all ebook stores, is called Ghost Mountain Ranch. Hank, the first book in the series is free, but you must read the second book, Darby, to find out if Hank gets his romantic happily-ever-after ending.

The Ghost Mountain Ranch
The secrets of the past still haunt the living…

HANK:
On Christmas Eve, Hank accepts the job of ranch foreman over the mountains in the Gallatin Canyon, Montana. But something dark is happening at the Ghost Mountain Ranch, where the past is reaching out in dangerous ways to haunt the living.
https://books2read.com/u/49PaEM


DARBY:
Thirty years ago, Darby Heston fled her family’s Montana dude ranch. Now she must return to help her father. Would the boyfriend she’d abandoned still be there? Hank Slade has never stopped loving Darby, but is he willing to risk his heart again? Secrets tore them apart once. Given a second chance at love, will more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?
https://books2read.com/Darby

Bio

Jan Scarbrough writes heartwarming contemporary romances about home and family, single moms and children, and if the plot allows, about another passion—horses. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town, Southern charm to her books and the excitement of a Bluegrass horse race or a competitive horse show. Her newest contemporary western romance series is the Ghost Mountain Ranch. Jan leaves her contemporary voice behind with two paranormal gothic romances, Timeless and Tangled Memories. Her historical romance, My Lord Raven, is a medieval story of honor and betrayal. A member of Novelist, Inc., Jan self-publishes her books with her husband’s help.

WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER | BOOKBUB
Amazon Author Page
Facebook

Take A Peek Through The Window Of Author Marilyn Barr.

#wsite-video-container-550967236204833787{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/81573318-373... } #video-iframe-550967236204833787{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... } #wsite-video-container-550967236204833787, #video-iframe-550967236204833787{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-550967236204833787{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } Who – I’m Marilyn Barr, paranormal romance author, homeschool mom, energetic healer, and daydreamer. My degrees are in molecular biology, chemical engineering, and physics (master’s level) with an emphasis on particle dynamics, so I’m an uber-nerd. My house has several large whiteboards in each room like the guys on the Big Bang Theory. After college, I became a microbiologist and studied the aerosol properties of microbes, vaccines, and therapeutic substances. I just love droplets and dust. They dance their own beat. My job was to design inhalers and devices to engineer the droplets to deposit in certain areas of the respiratory system. The job got too taxing on my body, so I became a high school science teacher – then I learned the real meaning of tired!
Interests – I have a passion for wellness and health. As an autoimmune warrior, I have tried everything to keep my ulcerative colitis in remission. I keep an open mind and try every fad diet, miracle cure, exercise regiment, and spiritual practice. Yes, I sleep with a bag of rocks (crystals) in my pillowcase. Each rabbit hole teaches me more about the ultimate system - the human body and spirit. Recently I was certified as a level two Reiki Practitioner and started Shamanic Journeying classes.  With my background in particle physics, it makes sense to me that our bodies live in a sea of energetic waves and ions. However, the idea of mind over matter did not hit me with true force until I met my spirit guides. I quote some of my spirit guides in my upcoming book “Dance to a Wylder Beat”. In the book, Nartan (Arapaho for Dance) has rejected his destiny as a Shaman for the safer life as a leather tanner and settler in 1878 Wyoming. When he tries to complete his idyllic homestead with a mail-order bride, his spirit guides intervene and lead him back to his spiritual path.
Network – The Kentuckiana Romance Writers (KRW) and members of Leah’s Writing Lab are my biggest supporters. From advice on marketing to reading my drafts repeatedly, these ladies have been with me every step of my writing journey. On November 21st, 2020 I will be presenting virtually for KRW on Writing Characters with Differences and you are welcome to join us. We will be navigating the minefield of appropriate language when a character has a disability, such as Alison’s SPD in my debut novel “Bear with Me” or Aurora’s injury in “Round of Applause”. As someone with a sensory processing disorder and a son on the autism spectrum, I wish to see more neurodiversity in romance. Inclusion and acceptance are the main themes in my Strawberry Shifters series. This can’t happen if writers are too afraid of backlash to cast these characters not as sidekicks or victims, but as heroes in their own right.
 Desk – My desk is buried under homeschool projects. My ten-year-old has never been to school so his classroom is my office. He’s a mini-philosopher and poet, so the room is covered with books, notebooks of scribble, printed verse, and empty coffee cups. He would steal sips of my coffee until I started giving him his own mug. To avoid adding to the chaos, I write in my kitchen. I belly-up to the kitchen counter and sit lotus-style on a stool writing from 5 am to 9 am when my Future-Socrates rolls out of bed. 
Outrageous Tidbit – Well, so far, I don’t send my child to school and talk to spirits. Are you weirded out yet? When my son was three-years-old and very sick (deemed too sick for school), his doctor suggested using a DNA tracing website to see if any genetic diseases run in my family. I was adopted at birth and had zero family history. My son adamantly refused to spit in the tube after I opened it, so I took the test in his place. A month later I got an email asking if I wanted to link my results with my mother’s results. It took me a week to stop freaking out enough to answer. In the meantime, my biological mother emailed me with a request to talk. At age 35, I met my biological mother in person. Yes, she is as weird as me and we are besties. Someday I will write our story as part of the Strawberry Shifters series when one of the residents finds their adopted child.
Window – Outside my window is one of the wild forests of Kentucky. I moved here five years ago without ever stepping foot in the state, just like my own voice's character, Alison in “Bear with Me”. Our little piece of suburbia is surrounded by horse farms and it is common to see horses running along the fence at the back of our property. This time of year, you can hear the music of birds migrating through our area from small hummingbirds to large owls. The feeders outside my kitchen window are often visited by bats, squirrels, chipmunks, frogs, moles, raccoons, skunks, and sometimes the intended birds. I feel like a fairytale princess when I step out onto our balcony because I’m instantly surrounded by woodland creatures. None of them will do dishes though. I checked.  Blue eyes, dimples, and silky brown hair; Grant Luther has all of Alison's weaknesses. When he asks for one last chance to save their marriage, she agrees to relocate their family to isolated Strawberry, Kentucky in pursuit of his career dreams. Grant views Alison's sensory issues as limitations and protects her from outside threats. When he finds his new job includes changing him into a shifter in a war against the soul-sucking Sluagh he vows to keep the changes a secret. What he doesn't know is Alison has been hiding a magical secret of her own. One that makes her a target of the Sluagh. 
Will Alison emerge from Grant's shadow to protect her family? And can Grant learn that being different can be a strength not a weakness?
 Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
iTunes
KOBO
​​Coming Soon!!!  
​Release Date: 12/7/2020
​How much do you owe the guy who rescues you from the slaugh fortress?
Aurora Turner embarks on a post-graduate adventure to find her forever family only to be captured by the Sluagh, soul-sucking Fae exiles. While she is grateful to be rescued by the Strawberry shifters, her Prince Not-So-Charming is a little hasty when he starts picking out their wedding china.

Destiny gives James Martin a second chance at love. Aurora may prove to be more of a hazard to herself than the Sluagh ever were. He has the daunting task of keeping her away from sharp objects, and from ogling his best friend, Nate.
​
Nate Wagner is shocked when Aurora passes the prophesized shifter smell test identifying her as his mate. The beta male competes against the mature courtship skills of James with his own modern twist. However, will his devotion to James keep her out of his arms or will they create their perfect family—one they never dreamed of?

​Author Bio: Marilyn Barr currently resides in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband, son, and rescue cats. When engaging with the real world, she is collecting characters, empty coffee cups, and unused homeschool curricula.She has a diverse background containing experiences as a child prodigy turned medical school reject, biodefense microbiologist, high school science teacher, homeschool mother of a savant, and advocate for the autistic community.
She would love to hear from readers via her website: www.marilynbarr.com.
Social Media Links:
website 
Twitter 
Facebook
Instagram
Amazon author profile
Goodreads
BookBub

Today's Peek Is Inspiration With An Edge Author, Pamela S Thibodeaux

Who- Hi, my name is Pamela S Thibodeaux and I write Inspirational “with an edge” romance and women’s fiction as well as creative non-fiction. I am a mother, grandmother and a licensed insurance agent. 
Interests- I LOVE to travel! In the last five years I’ve travelled all over the United States visiting National parks and other places of interest. One of my most favorite places I’ve visited was Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is run. 
Network– I’m the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writer’s Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Previous affiliations include ACFW and RWA.
Desk– Oh my….my desk is always a bit messy but luckily using a laptop allows me to work at any number of places.
Outdoors – although my work keeps me inside, I love the outdoors. Hiking in the mountains or hills, walks along the beach, horseback riding, badminton and cornhole. I’d rather cut grass than clean house if it gets me outside LOL!
Window– Since Hurricane Laura swept through our area August 27th, about the only thing you see outside any window in SW Louisiana is a heartbreaking mess. But we will survive and come back #LouisianaStrong 
Since the blog tour for My Heart Weeps is complete, today I’ll give you a peek into my upcoming release, Tempered Truth, the last installment in my Tempered Series which is in the final editing stage and will be release later this year.

Blurb: Fate declared them neighbors. Scandal insisted they were brothers. The fact that they looked enough alike to be twins only added fuel to the rumors flying about their parentage. 
For fifty-plus years Craig Harris and Scott Hensley have enjoyed a bond nothing can sever. 
Not the insinuations that they share the same father. 
Not the years of strife and grief and heartache.
Not even death.
Will the truth set them free or will it destroy the friendship that has lasted a lifetime?

Excerpt: September 18, 2001
Scott Hensley sat in the den of his Louisiana home, his heart heavy, overwhelmed with the same sense of shock and grief that rocked the nation. Upstairs, his wife, Katrina, nursed his infant daughter while his sons did homework in their rooms. All normal activities in a world that was far from normal.
One week ago, on a beautiful fall morning much like this one, terrorists waged an attack on America the likes of which he’d never expected to see in his lifetime. Scott sat in frozen horror as the events were reenacted on the television. He hated seeing the terror and panic over and over yet found it hard to tear himself away. Since that day, his wife had been in tears, his sons subdued and afraid, their innocence stripped away by an unknown evil. Only his three-month-old daughter remained innocent.
His adopted daughter Lexie, due to make him a grandfather by year’s end, called daily just to hear their voices and to reassure herself–and his friends of a lifetime, the family she had married into–of their wellbeing.
Scott’s mind wandered back to another act of terrorism nearly twenty years ago that had deeply affected his life. He’d been on a three-month mission in South America. During his second month there, his family flew down to visit him—his mother and father always so proud, and Melissa, his wife. The memories surfaced as though it happened yesterday…
The airplane rising boldly against a brilliant summer sky…the sound of an explosion…the sight of that ball of fire and black smoke billowing out of the plane as it spiraled toward the earth to crash into a crumbled heap of burning metal and flesh.
Scott felt the same sense of loss and helpless anger now as he had then. That their deaths were still considered a senseless and unsolved act of terrorism only added to the grief he’d carried in his heart for so long. That grief surfaced now, with his country and its freedom under attack.

Find out more about the other books in Pam’s Tempered series on her website or Amazon Author Page. If you’re an audio book lover, Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams and Tempered Fire (books 1, 2 & 3) of the series are available now on Audible. Book 4, Tempered Joy, is in production and will be available in time for Christmas!
Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story!

Links:
Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/psthibnewsletter

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux
https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor​

Take A Peek Through The Author Jean Grant's Window

Who am I? I’m a daydream believer, but not a homecoming queen (The Monkees, anyone?). Okay, cheesy fun aside, I write romance and women’s fiction novels that center on heartache, healing, and hope. I also dabble in non-fiction work on the side, my scientific background and outdoorsy passions coming through in articles about travel, national parks/nature, and families.
Interests. I spin a lot of plates right now whilst in the thick of the parenting years. For fun, I love to get outside, no matter the season or weather. I love hiking, traveling, exploring, gardening (flowers, fruits, and veggies), reading, and baking (and eating—is that a hobby?). I long to travel again out of the “safe” zones of New England, but I did get to enjoy some R&R in one of my closer favorites, the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Network. I am a member of a few in-person (or currently, Zoom) writers’ groups, #5amwritersclub (when I can – I do join our Zooms monthly), Paranormal Romance Guild member/author, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association. I connect with other authors at The Wild Rose Press for weekly chats and we follow and support each other online, via email, and with promotion. I love meeting new authors and connecting. We can be each other’s greatest cheerleader.
Desk. It used to be tucked into my kids’ playroom, me writing around the daily energy (and creative messes and cacophony) of two young kids. Recently, I lugged my old consignment store desk upstairs into a corner of my bedroom. Now I have new carpet tickling my toes and a bit more quietude. Still have a view outside. It’s a bit quieter here now. I keep it neat, usually speckled with no less than four or five Post-it’s, pens, lip balm, daily calendar, stack of notes, and a few writing books at my side or feet.
Outrageous talent or tidbit. Hmm, well, not sure on talents unless multi-tasking counts. I love to talk to and tend my flower gardens. I’m a bit obsessed, but their beauty brings me such joy. I love sharks and went to school for Marine Science before switching to Microbiology/Immunology, to only step away from that career path young to raise kids and write novels. I can make some really cute fondant cakes, too. Outrageous? I won $10k on a scratch lotto ticket when I was in college. Spent it on books and tuition. 
Window. Ah, the sights of autumn in New England. No matter where I am in my house, I’m propped up with my laptop or desktop to guarantee a view outside. Nature is my muse and autumn shares the top spot with summer as far as resplendent scenery. A tree across the street has already lost half its leaves. My pear, birch, oak, and red maples have only begun to drop their color onto the palette of autumn. The colors are a splash of life! (as we make way for our looong winters) Green things just make me happy. Grass, hills, mountains, trees, lakes, nature trails, flowers and vegetable gardens. Ah…oh and there is usually a steaming cup of coffee beside me to enjoy the view, too. A Hundred Lies
​1322, Scotland
Rosalie Threston's fortune-telling lies have caught up with her. Uprooted yet again, she's on the run from a ruthless English noblewoman. She flees to Scotland and seeks refuge in the arms of a laird's son who happens to be a real Seer.
A bloody past and inevitable future plague Domhnall Montgomerie. He avoids physical contact with others to ease the painful visions. When an accidental touch reveals only delight, he wonders if Rose is the key to silencing the Sight.
Mystical awakening unravels with each kiss. But can Domhnall embrace his gift in time to save her life, even if it means exposing her lies?
If you're interested in purchasing Jean's books here are the links
Amazon  Barnes and Noble  iBooks  Bookbub  Goodreads Kobo Google
Bio:
Jean’s background is in science and she draws from her interests in history, nature, and her family for inspiration. She writes historical and contemporary romances and women's fiction. She also writes articles for family-oriented travel magazines. When she's not writing or chasing after children, she enjoys tending to her flower gardens, hiking, and doing just about anything in the outdoors.
And if you want to find out more about her
Website   Twitter   Facebook  Goodreads  Bookbub  Instagram Amazon Author Page  
Here's a few more pictures Jean shared with us outside her window. I'm kinda jealous.

A Peek Through Hannah Rowan's Window

Who – I’m Hannah Rowan, a life-long “Jersey girl” and romance author. I wrote for a local newspaper for many years, and some of the stories I covered gave me ideas for some of my books. I’ve written for women’s magazines, True Confessions, and humor magazines. Why do I write romance?  Who doesn’t love a happy ending? With the world in its current chaotic state, I find it comforting to know things will all work out in the end. I enjoy creating the journey that gets my people to a happy ending.
Interests – In my “day job” I work at an assisted living facility doing activities with residents. Working with the elderly has given me a new perspective on life. I love that my residents tend to say whatever is on their minds. Otherwise, I love to swim, do water aerobics, and kayak.  My husband and I have been hiking our way through the many state and county parks in our area, and I love to travel. My goal is to visit all 50 states. I have 10 more to go! And of course, I love to read.
Network—I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, and RWA/NYC. I participate in a variety of groups online, especially Romance Gems, a group of former Precious Gems authors and our friends, some of whom have put together the Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End box set.
Desk – Oh, must you ask? The second bedroom in our condo has become the office and I’m surrounded by various filing cabinets, file carts, bookshelves, papers, papers, and more papers. I try to corral the papers by creating folders for each topic but then there are the little scraps I’ve ripped out of newspapers or magazines or scrawled in a note I can’t read later. Some people with messy desks claim to be able to find everything in spite of appearances, and I can too…eventually.
Outrageous? I’ve been told by some people that I have an inappropriate sense of humor. And at other times, gallows humor. Well, when everything’s falling apart and you can’t do anything about it, you might as well laugh, I say.
Window – The desk where I write doesn’t have a good window situation. Our little balcony is outside the windows next to me, but all I see are treetops in the summer and bare branches in the winter. In my living room, though, I have a nice big wall of windows that offer a lot of light for my plants, and really brighten the room. Can't Buy Me Love
By Hannah Rowan

After a long hiatus, I’m delighted to return to writing by participating in the Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End box set with 13 other Romance Gems authors. My Story, Can’t Buy Me Love, brings lottery winner Moira Campbell and wealthy ex-playboy turned handyman Noah Ramsey to Last Chance Beach. She won the big lottery but discovers it’s not what she’d dreamed it would be, while he’s had things handed to him all his life and has decided he wants to be somewhere where people want him for himself instead of what his money and status can bring. Both are disguising their identities, but can they learn to trust each other with the truth?
Can’t Buy Me Love - Excerpt
One minute he was standing in the newly remodeled kitchen. The next he was nearly knocked off his feet, enveloped in a happy, squealing female body as she threw her arms around him, and improbably jumped up and down at the same time.
“Thank you so much,” she said. “You put in a good word for me, didn’t you?”
“I might have.”
She fit so nicely in his arms. He hugged her tighter, savoring the mix of feminine curves and finely toned muscles. He drew in the now-familiar scent of suntan lotion and some sort of citrusy shampoo, and finally gave in to what he’d been fantasizing about since his first glimpse of her stretching outside her car.
With her arms still looped around his shoulders, she leaned back, grinning up at him. “This is just the best news,” she said.
As he watched, her grin slowly faded. He felt the moment she grew aware of his body pressing into hers. Her eyes widened, blinked, and she licked her bottom lip. And that was that.
He threaded his fingers through her hair, drew her head closer, leaned in to taste those lips himself. She hesitated just for a moment, but then her arms tightened around him and she gave herself over to the kiss.
Seconds, minutes, long undetermined stretches of time passed while he lost himself in the sensation of soft lips, silky hair, seductive scent. His body responded with an insistence he hadn’t felt in ages, with a wonder he hadn’t felt maybe even since his first few romantic encounters as a young man. She made no move to pull away, and her soft sighs had his head spinning.
Finally, they pulled apart, but continued to look into each other’s eyes. Both breathing hard. Was she as affected by the intensity of that kiss as he was? He certainly hoped so.

Freebie: The companion to the box set is a free recipe book, Cocktails At Last Chance Beach, that contains recipes that our heroes and heroines may have enjoyed during their time at the beach, or which readers can sample while enjoying the stories.
Find Hannah Online:
AMAZON | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB

​

Peek Through The Window Laura Strickland's

A little self promotion before we get to today's special guest. Rock House Grill is in the Rocky Mountain Cover  contest. Here's the link https://forms.gle/pjorup1h9WnfWaXC8 The cover artist, Tina Lynn Stout, did an amazing job. Also don't forget to sign up for my Newsletter.    https://mailchi.mp/23c28f1b6477/dvsto...
Now without further yapping from me, let's ​

A Peek Through The Window of Suspense Novelist B. Davis Kroon

Who Friends know me as Barbara Davis Kroon but I write suspense novels as B. Davis Kroon. I began ‘published’ writing while I was a student at Willamette University where I wrote the book and lyrics for a full-length musical comedy called The Lady’s Game. After college, my writing attention turned from theatre to poetry. Over the years I wrote and published poetry in various literary magazines and was selected to be part of Cloud Bank’s publication, Millennial Spring, Eight New Oregon Poets. My suspense/thriller Trap Play (The Ben Leit Series) was published by Wild Rose Press in March 2020; I’m currently working on book two for the series.
Interests – My husband would say my all-time interest is politics, and I confess I’m something of a political junky. But there is also, Dogs. For years I lived with West Highland White Terriers. But four of the last five dogs have been Cairn Terriers (think Toto, Wizard of Oz). There’s also reading (nonfiction and suspense). And thanks to coronavirus, my interest in gardening has resurrected so when I can’t stand the computer, I hit the garden to weed, weed, weed.
Network—I’m a member of Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association, Willamette Writers, Oregon Writer’s Colony. I’ve been part of the Fat Friday writer’s group for the past nine years. We meet Fridays for critiques—currently by Zoom.
Desk—Short stacks: the last chapter with notations; the step-sheet that keeps me on track and reminds me what’s next; a rolodex because I’ll never lose my contacts again to a hacker (fool me once yada-yada); water bottle; all the usual office stuff I learned to depend on when I worked in law; and a mousepad photo of my husband and me with all of Barcelona in the background.
Outrageous—I spent time being a professional actor.
Window—Looks out on the front yard and cul-de-sac leading to our house. I can glance past the computer screen and out to a bird bath and a pair of tubular bird feeders that foil the local squirrels. Trap Play

After one concussion too many, Ben Leit is done as the NFL’s golden boy quarterback. Then his father, who was about to expose a bombshell sports scandal, is murdered.
Mimi Fitzroy, CIO for Rex Sports International, panics as she discovers thousands of stolen emails that prove Rex is breaking federal laws—big time. Worst of all, for certain, somebody is using Rex to stalk the recently murdered Frank Leit.
As Ben and Mimi work together to find a killer, they also find a connection they weren’t expecting and didn’t want. They are headed for an explosive showdown in Seattle…and not everyone will walk away.
BUY: Amazon also available at Nook, KOBO, and other fine retailers
Read Reviews

​https://www.bdaviskroon.com/
​facebook.com/bdaviskroon
twitter.com/@daviskroon1

A Peek Through Andrea Downing's Window

Who:  Award-winning author of western historical and contemporary romances and women’s fiction.  I divide my time between Wyoming and Long Island, New York, now, but lived for forty years in the U.K.  I’m published by The Wild Rose Press and have also had several novellas self-pubbed and in anthologies.

Interests:  Travel and reading!  I love going west, discovering new places, and have also traveled throughout Europe, Latin America, and lived in Nigeria for a spell.  It’s true that travel broadens the mind.  And I can’t go anywhere without a book; if I’m waiting in a doctor’s office, on a plane, or anywhere else with spare time, there must be a book for me to read.

Network:  I’m a member of Women Writing the West and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, plus a ton of groups on Facebook. For my social media links, please see below—and get in touch!  Oh, and I’m published by The Wild Rose Press.

Desk:  I am lucky enough to have an office just off my bedroom, very private, so my desk is pretty messy.  Above it are three bookshelves with some handy reference books and fiction I’ve enjoyed, and behind me is a sofa (never used) and two more bookcases.  But the desk is always in a state of chaos, surprise surprise.  It has my desktop computer, plus all the modems etc. for the house and a ton of papers.

Outrageous:  I’m not sure I do anything that can be called outrageous. You’ll have to ask my daughter…

Window: My home is on two acres of woodland so every window looks out on to trees, pine mostly here in East Hampton.  When I’m in Wyoming I can see the Tetons, which is very inspirational!

And speaking of Wyoming, my latest book is an historical western romance that takes place predominantly in Wyoming.  It’s called Shot Through the Heart. Here’s the blurb:


​Shot Through The Heart - Andrea Downing
Gunslinger Shiloh Coltrane has returned home to work the family's Wyoming ranch, only to find there's still violence ahead. His sister and nephew have been murdered, and the killers are at large.
Dr. Sydney Cantrell has come west to start her medical practice, aiming to treat the people of a small town. As she tries to help and heal, she finds disapproval and cruelty the payment in kind.
When the two meet, it's an attraction of opposites. As Shiloh seeks revenge, Sydney seeks to do what's right. Each wants a new life, but will trouble or love find them first?

And here’s an excerpt:

“Dr. Cantrell’s pretty stern. You better be ill,” he said.
“What?” Shiloh felt his brows meet as he peered inside the storeroom. “Holy cow,” he mumbled. “Holy cow.”
His vision from the saloon. Brown-gold hair with lights of red, a color he couldn’t remember ever having seen before, and blue eyes like a Wyoming sky, almost violet. Her skin was pale, pure and unblemished, like satin he imagined. He was tongue-tied.
Dr. Cantrell had her arms crossed against her chest as if she were protecting herself, but she breathed out a weary sigh. She studied his face.
 “I’m Sydney Cantrell,” she murmured at last. “Looks like you’re lucky not to have lost your eye.”
“My eye?” He started to bring his hand up but noticed he was dripping blood from a cut.
“You better sit down. If you can.”
He looked around and there was one wooden chair that looked as if it had been brought in from someone’s dining room, the shopkeeper’s most like, and a sturdy long table, which may have served as a dining table once. Her doctor’s bag sat in a corner, open with several medicines and whatnot sticking out. He started to lower himself onto the chair but let out a yelp that would have awakened the dead.
“Here.” She took his arm and guided him to the table. “Let me see.”
Embarrassed in a way he’d never thought possible, he stood to consider whether to make a dash for the door and deal with things himself.
“Look,” he said. “I think I better go. I thought…”
“You thought I was a male doctor. Everyone does.”
“Until they see you.”
“Hang your hat on the back of that chair and let me get to work.”
She crouched behind him, unable to stop the thought her patient’s physique was a prime example of why a female shouldn’t be a doctor, according to her last professor. Oh, yes—we wouldn’t be able to treat men without thinking of marriage. Ha! She shook her head to banish the thought, now supplanted by admiration for the curve of his buttocks, and stood up. Put on her professional tone. Looked into eyes the color of a storm-brewing sky, and felt a rush of desire to run her hands through the shaggy blond hair. 
Never. Never ever.
She breathed out, pulled herself back to the moment. 
“You’re covered in glass.”
“What else is new?”
“Are you in pain?”
“Some. It can wait. Not enough to concern me.”
“You’re going to have to take off your pants and lie on your stomach so I can examine you.”
He didn’t take his eyes off her as he said, “Well then you’re going to have to help. My hands…” He held out his hands, palms up, for her to see.
She realized he was right but resented her own huff of annoyance as he lifted his arms away from his sides. She reached for the buckle on his gun belt first, her irritation with his smirk making her proceed faster than she might have, with less care.
He grimaced.
“Did that hurt?”
“’Course it dang well hurt. I’ve got glass—”
“I can see you’re covered in glass, Mr.?” It suddenly struck her she’d been so stunned by her patient, she hadn’t even got his name.
“Coltrane. Shiloh Coltrane.”

You can purchase Shot Through the Heart at all good booksellers, including:
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Shot-Through-Heart-Andrea-Downing-ebook/dp/B08DHV8VQ5/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shot-through-the-heart-andrea-downing/1137387142?ean=9781509232345
iBooks on app
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54751926-shot-through-the-heart
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/shot-through-the-heart-by-andrea-downing

And you can find me at:
Website https://andreadowning.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/AndiDowning
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/writerAndreaDowning/
Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/andidowning/andreas-roundup/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andidowning/?hl=en
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446229.Andrea_Downing
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-downing
Amazon Author Page:  :  http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Cover Reveal: ​Mistletoe, Mobsters, and Mozzarella by Peggy Jaeger

Peggy Jaeger is at it again! Instead of a gender reveal, help me celebrate her cover reveal. Congratulations!  ​Mistletoe, Mobsters, and Mozzarella
Pre Order today amzn.to/2Y9Yj8f
  
Finding a body in the freezer of the family deli isn’t the way Madonna San Valentino planned to start her day.

Adding insult to injury, the investigating detective is the one guy she’s never been able to forget. After seven minutes of heaven in the back seat of his car when they were teenagers, Tony Roma skipped town without so much as a thanks for the memory.
Just when Madonna thinks the present situation can’t get any worse, Tony is ordered to go undercover at the deli to ferret out a killer. Forced to work together, she vows to keep their relationship cool and professional. But with the sexy, longing looks he tosses her at every turn, Madonna’s resolve is weakening.
With Christmas drawing closer and Tony’s investigation taking an unexpected turn, Madonna is at her wit’s end. Can she really be falling for him again? And will he wind up leaving her broken hearted and alone like the last time? If you're interested in learning more about Peggy here are some links
Website: http://peggyjaeger.com/
Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-jaeger
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDR8RRIlssIyS0FYZWeGqsg/videos?view_as=subscriber
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggyjaeger_author/
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-jaeger-296ab878/
 Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0
Authors database: https://authorsdb.com/community/15814-peggy-jaeger
Triberr: https://triberr.com/tribe/strong-women--loving-men
 
 

A Peek Through Elizabeth John's Window

​Who: Hi Everyone! I’m Elizabeth John and excited to be here today! I pen tender romances and cozy, romantic suspense books. By day, I’m an elementary school teacher. This year, I’m teaching second grade, but I’ve taught all grades kindergarten through third. Since finding time to create my stories is always a challenge, I write at sunrise before I get ready for work. My publishing credits include numerous articles in newspapers and magazines and short stories.
Forever Keep Your Secret is my third book with Soul Mate Publishing and the second book in The Becker Sisters Bridal Series. The series revolves around the lives of three sisters who inherited the family bridal shop and each sister has her own book. In Forever Hold Your Piece, the first book in the series, Lily Becker runs a successful family bridal shop until the day her ex-fiancé turns up dead. When Private investigator Jake Ward tracks the same guy to the small coastal town, he goes undercover and leases the vacant bait and tackle shop next door. In book two, Forever Keep Your Secret, four years after Rose must give her baby up for adoption, she discovers her son’s an orphan, she’s falling in love with his uncle, and the three of them are targets of a killer. You’ll meet the youngest sister, Chrissy, in the third book, Forever Bury Your Heart, which is the working title.
Let’s see, what else can I tell you about myself? I have two grown children, am an empty-nester (mostly), and have two rescue dogs and one rescue grand cat.
Interests: I buy more books than I can read and have piles all over my house. They are my treasures! I read different genres, but mostly romance, mystery and suspense. Admittedly, I watch too much TV, which includes binge-watching shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime, Bravo reality shows, true crime episodes on a variety of channels, and I’m a sucker for all the Hallmark Mystery Movies.
I practice yoga and try to walk with my dogs as much as possible. I’m a huge animal lover and big proponent of rescue shelters. When I retire in a few years, I plan on devoting time to these wonderful places.
Let’s see, what else? I grew up with gardeners on both sides of my family, so I have lots of flowers and tend a vegetable garden. Oh, and I recently started knitting again. Before I had children, I crocheted and knitted baby sweaters and hats, scarfs, and blankets. During the pandemic, to keep my hands from opening the refrigerator at night while I binge-watch TV, I started to knit again.
Network: I belong to a number of writers groups, including New Jersey Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America, Liberty States Fiction Writers, and Sisters in Crime. I’m also on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I love to hear from readers, authors, and anyone who enjoys books! Please reach out to me on social media or contact me through my website www.elizabethjohn.com.
Desk: Right now, I am without an office and a real desk. Long story, so here’s the short version. I made a spare bedroom into an office, and a family member loved the space so much, he took it over. Now, my daughter, who moved back temporarily, also uses the room. So my writing area changes daily. I use the kitchen table, the dining room table, and as a last resort, my grandmother’s old secretary desk that’s shoved into a corner of the family room. None are ideal, but soon, I shall reclaim my beautiful office!
Outrageous Talent: I’ve developed an affinity for my family’s ancestry. Sometimes I get lost in research and forget the time. Family history is so interesting to me. I’ve developed a passion for compiling our tree and have corresponded with long-lost relatives and some I had never met!
Window: I enjoy looking out my kitchen window when I write. My soon-to-be-claimed-back office has the same view. Birds flock to the bird bath and the pool’s blue water calls to me. I’ve included a picture of my dogs Max and Bailey relaxing by the pool.
Thanks so much to D.V. Stone for hosting me today! I’m always happy to hear from readers and I’ve included contact and buy links. Please reach out to me! I’d love to hear from you! The Becker Sisters Bridal Series:
Book 2: 
A fatal car accident threatens to expose Rose Becker’s secret. Four years earlier, she promised her dying mother that she would keep her unplanned pregnancy and her son’s adoption a secret, even from her sisters. When her son’s adoptive parents perish in the car crash, Rose agonizes over her child’s future and yearns to get involved in his life. Fear consumes her when she learns he might be in danger.

Mark Winters believes the hit-and-run collision that caused the deaths of his brother and sister-in-law was no mistake. The police investigation turns up no witnesses and no suspects. When his nephew’s biological mother shows up demanding answers, he is confused about her motives. Does she really want what’s best for the child she gave up?

As they spend time together, searching for the truth about the accident, Rose develops feelings for him, and Mark finds himself falling in love with the beautiful bridal shop owner. But someone wants them to stop asking questions and attempts to kill them. When they become targets, they must not only protect Rose’s son, but each other.
https://bit.ly/ForeverKeepYourSecret
Book 1:
Forever Hold Your Piece
Judging Joey:
http://amzn.com/B00V596R2A
Ways to connect with me:
Website: www.ElizabethJohn.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/elizabethjohnauthor
Twitter: @elizabethjohn34
Instagram: elizabethjohnauthor

​