D.V. Stone's Blog, page 38

A Peek Through Gayle Irwin's Window

Who: Hi, everyone! My name is Gayle Irwin, and I am the author of inspirational pet books for children and adults (my small company is called Waggin’ Tales Inspirational Pet Stories). I write books, short stories (including seven Chicken Soup for the Soul stories) and pet and nature stories for Creation Illustrated Magazine and The Prairie Times, a monthly publication in Colorado). I also blog about pets and books on my website. I’ve written pet books for children that weave important life lessons into the story; Christian devotions for dog-lovers, and last year I started a clean, contemporary romance collection known as the Pet Rescue Romance Series. The second book in that series, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, released in May, and I’m currently finishing a holiday-themed book for release in November.
Interests: I’m passionate about pet rescue and adoption! I’ve worked for two different humane societies, and I continue to support such organizations. I volunteer, and I donate a percentage of book sales to various organizations. I help transport dogs into rescue as well as to their new homes; my first pet rescue romance novel, Rescue Road, talks about transporting as well as rescue and adoption. The second book, which I mentioned above, also weaves pet rescue and adoption into the story. I also enjoy traveling and nature photography; I am blessed to live in an area near thousands of acres of public lands, places that my husband and I explore with our dogs.
Network: I am a member of Wyoming Writers, Inc., Northern Colorado Writers, and Marketing for Romance Writers.
Desk: My office space is the sunroom of our home in Wyoming. The numerous windows bring in dazzling sunlight (which is wonderful in the morning, no matter what season of the year!), but often becomes too warm on summer afternoons; I then retreat to the livingroom couch and balance my laptop between my knees. My office desk sits next to a bookshelf filled with writing craft and marketing books. A lovely beige chair and footstool waits across the room; it was purchased as a reading chair but is usually occupied by my rescued Shih Tzu.
Outrageous: Nothing really, except last week I received a kiss on the cheek from an alpaca!
Window #1: From my home office window, I watch chickadees and house finches flit around two bird feeders near a shrub that contains orange berries. A squirrel hops from the bush onto the redwood gate that connects the front yard with the back; the bushy-tailed creature peers back at me through the window. Some people might find that annoying, but I smile. Nothing like being stared at by a squirrel that likes to raid the bird feeders – except being kissed by an alpaca!
Window #2: I’m blessed to have a mountain getaway. My husband and I own six acres of forested property a 20-minute drive from our home. On weekends between May and October, we spend time at this location, tucked amid ponderosa pine and aspen trees. Our one-bedroom cabin sits in the middle of the property, down a ½-mile dirt road. Tranquil and solitary, this area helps us relax and prompts my creativity. From the cabin’s picture window, I gaze upon mule deer grazing in nearby grassy spots, watch hummingbirds zip around the structure as they seek wildflower nectar, and observe various types of butterflies seeking the same. With no cell service, street noise, or nearby neighbors, few things distract me from creating chapters, short stories, or articles – except the landscape that surrounds us. For me, though, nature and creativity blend, and the muse spills forth. Finding Love at Compassion Ranch
By Gayle M. Irwin
BOOK BLURB:
Finding Love at Compassion Ranch 
A ranch like no other … Erin Christiansen is still adjusting to life as a widow. She seeks additional healing by volunteering at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. Upon arrival at the majestic and unique northwestern Wyoming ranch, she meets Mike, a man she knew in high school, whose compassion for animals and people might be the balm Erin needs. Retired veterinarian Mike Jacobs is no stranger to loss. Five years after the accidental death of his wife, he now serves as ranch manager of Compassion Ranch. He not only fixes fence and provides tours, but he applies his veterinary skills and his heart for animals to his work. Upon recognizing Erin from high school, he can barely believe his first love will spend a few weeks at the sanctuary. Can Erin and Mike span the years since they have seen each other or do they, like many of the rescued animals, have wounds that run too deep to trust and love again?
 
 Website: https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/
BUY LINKS:  
Amazon:
Print: https://bit.ly/2XhZbq3_CompassionRanchPrint
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2AM7sLk 
Barnes & Noble:
https://bit.ly/3gPw3zs 
Kobo:
https://bit.ly/3cjFofs_Kobo

A Peek Through the Window of Author Stephen B. King

Who I am Stephen King, no, not THE Stephen King, I am Australian and I write thrillers under the name Stephen B King (which is my real name BTW). I have eleven novels published, all set in my home state of Western Australia, mostly psychological thrillers, showcasing my morbid fascination with serial killers and why they do what they do. My sincere thanks to D.V. Stone for having me here to talk a little about me, my passion, and my latest release, which is called Winter at the Light. I’ve been writing all my life, it seems, starting with my schooldays where my English teacher loved my stories. I progressed to writing poetry and had thirteen published in various anthologies before learning guitar and putting those poems to music. Thus began my musical sojourn and the next few years were a blur of living my life like the famous cliché of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Of course, eventually I grew up and settled down, but I always yearned to write books until my wife bought me a laptop, and said stop talking about it, and do it, and so I did.
Interests Other than my wife and children, who have all grown up and flown the coup now, as mentioned above, my literary interests lie with serial killers. I think most people share my fascination. Why do some people become monsters, what sets them apart, were they created evil, or did they become that way? I have a series of novels exploring just that called The Deadly Glimpses. All that said, Winter at the Light, my latest book, is not about a serial killer, and the hunt to catch him, it is a romantic thriller set on a remote lighthouse in 1952, where twenty-year-old Molly learns on a lighthouse, there is nowhere to hide.
Network I like to network with other authors, and I offer free advice to people who want to write, but just don’t know how. I think everyone has a story to tell, especially the more elderly among us, and if they don’t write it down, those stories will be lost forever, so if I can help anyone…
Desk My desk is my dining table, not in an office. Writing is a particularly selfish pastime, and as much as I’d like to lock myself away in a room and bang away on a keyboard, I don’t think it would be good for my marriage. I work for a living, but write for a passion, so like most things in life it’s about balance. By having my computer on the dining table in the family/living area of our home, I can hold conversations with my better half, while she has our dog on her lap and watches TV. You know that old saying right? Happy wife, happy life.
Outrageous fact about me. Remember when I said that I thought everyone has a story to tell? Well some stories can’t be told, well, not straight away anyway. When I met the woman who was to become my first wife, she was trying to get away from her ex; a drug dealing biker, well known for violence. On our first date, he burst into her apartment and found me there, and made threats. Later that night, the police pulled his car over and lucky for me they did. Inside were four men, all armed and they were on their way to my home. The next year or more, we lived in hiding. There is a book in that period of my life, especially the eventual confrontation between us, but it can’t be told, not yet.
Window My favorite window is actually double sliding French doors. Through them, from the family room and breakfast bar area, you can see our rear garden, with swimming pool and majestic Gum trees behind it. The trees attract native birds, and in the evening, just before dark, they make a lot of noise to accompany the sun going down. We are blessed with wonderful weather in sunny Western Australia, and the pool gets a lot of use from mid-Spring through to mid-Autumn. Winter at the Light
Forbes Lighthouse is a dangerous place. Twenty-year-old Molly McLaren agrees to tend the light when her father breaks his leg, so she leaves behind the city and her nursing career. Molly dreads the thought of three months as the sole inhabitant on the tiny island, nineteen nautical miles off the rugged coastline of Augusta in Western Australia.

Molly discovers she enjoys the solitude, and when a massive storm arrives bringing a life raft, Molly risks her life to save the unconscious man inside. On waking, he says he has lost his memory but as Molly nurses him back to health she wonders if he has. When the storm finally clears, Molly has fallen for the man she's nicknamed John, but still has doubts about his honesty.

The real danger arrives with two men who are searching for her mystery man. They want to kill him and anyone else who can identify them, and Molly quickly learns; on a lighthouse, there is nowhere to hide.


Excerpt:
Molly reached the rocky shore, where waves as tall as she was crashed at its edge and shot up shards of white foam spray to be flung in her face by the wind. The life raft ducked and dived only a few yards away and was coming closer by the minute. She propped the medical bag between two large boulders, determined to keep it from being washed away in the angry surf, then wondered what she could do next.
The dinghy’s opening in the tent-like awning faced away from her, no doubt acting as a wind tunnel, which helped drive the boat ahead of it, but that meant she still had no idea if anyone was inside or not. She cupped her hands around her mouth. “Hello, is anyone there?” she screamed, trying to be heard above the howling wind, but she feared she wasn’t.
There was nothing, no sound or movement from within, but the boat was coming closer, and she had to decide what she would do when it hit the rocks at her feet. Try to grab it and pull it ashore, I suppose, then look inside the damn thing.
“C’mon little boat, you’ve made it this far, don’t fail me now,” Molly murmured.
The next moment the rounded bow hit a protruding rock, and the wind driving from the rear nearly tipped it end over end. Without a thought for herself, Molly took five steps into the icy cold waves and grabbed the ropes strung along the side. She tried to pull it into safety. “If anyone is in there, get out, I can’t hold this forever,” she screamed, as loudly as she had ever shouted in her life.
Buy link: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ie7gG2
Thank you for having me here and chatting about Winter at the Light. I hope everyone enjoys Molly’s story and I didn’t bore you too much.

Stephen B King

To Find out more about Stephen and his books and life:
Website: www.stephen-b-king.comook: @
stephenbkingauthoracebook: @stephenbkingauthor
twitter: @stephenBKing1
Facebook: @stephenbkingauthor
Email: stephenk8@me.com

Welcome to the Campfire with Today's Guest Wendy Kendall.

Today I’m welcoming Wendy Kendall  to the Around the Campfire. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, or wine? My go-to drink is chai tea, the more caffeine the better. A steaming mug, that spicy scent, oh yes that suits me to a T.

Tell us have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. 
It's been awhile since my last camping, which is why I'm so happy to be invited to your campfire today. I've enjoyed tent camping in the past, especially at the beach but also in the mountains. After moving to the Seattle area where rain even in the summer is common, we finally got tired of coming home soaked to the skin and bought a used camper. That was fun too. Nowadays my idea of roughing it is a cabin with no wifi.

Tell us about your latest project. What’s the title and genre? 
I write cozy mysteries and the first of my In Purse-Suit Mysteries series is Kat Out of the Bag. That's Kat with a K for Katherine Watson, international purse designer and amateur sleuth. 
And I’m so excited to break the news here - the prequel is available beginning September 2nd. Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash is the title and it’s part of The Wild Rose Press’ One Scoop Or Two series. In this prequel Katherine Watson makes a chilling discovery about a cold case involving a missing girl.

Congratulations! I'm a recent fan of the Cozy Mystery  and the One Scoop or Two series is amazing. Do you have a tagline?
From designer bags to body bags

How long did it take you from conception to publication?
Kat Out of the Bag took me a very exciting 5 years. I have a passion for mysteries, books, and purses so the writing and the research was all a lot of fun. I immersed myself in the writing community in the Pacific Northwest and have made so many wonderful friends. I’ve learned so much that has improved my writing.
As part of my research I interviewed local police, especially those with K-9 partners because Jason Holmes is a character who is a local cop in my series, with his four-pawed partner Hobbs. I also did a ride along with a K-9 patrol in the Seattle area and got to see them in action. What an exciting research assignment I gave myself there. I’ve used this experience in the book, and plan on continuing to include more throughout the series. I’m writing the sequel now.
Another highlight of my research was a visit to the Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. What a fabulous visit for someone like me who has a passion for purses, and for history. This wonderful place tells women’s history and uses women’s purses as accessories to tell the stories of the decades. So inspiring! The tales of extraordinary efforts and accomplishments by everyday women are so beautiful. And seeing all the purses is a delight. It’s created and run by Anita Davis, who is an incredible woman herself, and her fabulous staff.
I was thrilled when The Wild Rose Press decided in August 2019 they would publish Kat Out of the Bag. They’ve been fantastic to work with. My book has been available since April of this year.

I have to admit my purse is a phone case and my "bag" is a backpack. Are there any mentors, authors, or books, you would like to give a shout-out to? 
If you’re a cozy mystery fan, my absolute favorite author, queen of the genre in my eyes, is Laura Childs. She has several series, but my favorite is her Tea Shop mysteries.
For other book recommendations, I have a Recommended Reads column you can visit whenever your to-be-read pile gets low - https://myedmondsnews.com/category/columns/recommended-reads/
 
Tell us, what does literary success look like to you?
So many readers have contacted me and said how very much they’ve enjoyed reading Kat Out of the Bag. That warms my heart. I want to continue to increase the visibility of my books in order to entertain more readers as a best seller, to provide delightful characters and puzzling mysteries to all amateur sleuths.
As I looked at the prequel Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash, a thrill ran through me as I saw the page - Other books by Wendy Kendall. That’s literary success for me, telling more and more stories for readers to savor.

Life Hacks 
Store your handbags on a shelf & stuff them when not in use in order to maintain their shape. When you carry, let your purse-onality shine bright.
Love that.
Now the fun questions pick 5 or if you like more but no more than 7. If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?Clutching a Bag of Dreams starring Anne HathawayDo you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? I’m a very sentimental person, so I keep way too many things because of sentimental attachments. One in particular is a pretty little clutch purse that’s a beige material with a sparkly gold embroidery on a metal frame with a short chain.Can you tell us what makes it special to you?It’s special because it was given to me by my great uncle and great aunt when I visited them on a trip from Los Angeles to Devon, England. I was a teenager and Uncle Bun and Aunt Liz gave me this as a gift. That’s many years ago. I loved it. Despite the geographic distance, we were very close and wrote letters to each other every week for years. I dedicated my prequel Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash to them. That was a natural - like me they both loved sweets and the beach. Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author.My father used to read to me Rudyard Kipling Just So Stories, and I wanted to hear them over and over.
When I got older, the whole Anne of Green Gables series, and of course all the Nancy Drew books.If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?What a great question! I often think it would be so wonderful if everyone’s life had a soundtrack like in the movies, so when something scary is about to happen the music gets suspenseful, then playful when it’s happy times and so on. My one song when entering a room is an old one and, in my opinion the title is misspelled - By The Association the song Windy . . . . (I’d prefer it spelled Wendy) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ky_Y9Ez5AoIf you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?ChocolateWorst household chore?Is there a best household chore? Or even a tolerable one?Did you ever win something? What?When I was ten, I was called up on stage to assist a magician. He pulled a rabbit out of his hat and gave it to me as a prize to keep. My parents were very surprised!

Wendy, thanks for being part of the Campfire. Please tell us a bit about your books and where we can find more information.
Donna 

Kat Out of the Bag (excerpt)
by Wendy Kendall
    “There's an officer nearby. We'll alert him. Hold the line.”
    Katherine was worried by the operator's monotone. Did she understand the urgency? Katherine watched in disbelief as the shadow figure moved toward the shed attached to the waterwheel. Too late, she thought to get a picture after the person disappeared inside the shed.
    “Oh no,” Katherine muttered. She spoke into the phone, “Hurry, I think it's the killer, maybe looking for something left behind? Hello?” Had the operator hung up?
    “Yes, the officer is on the way. Please stay on the line.” The operator's voice now sounded bored.
    A sharp ray of light from inside the shed cut through the darkness. The light jumped around. Sweat collected on Katherine's upper lip as she imagined the killer looking through her things for something, maybe critical evidence. Fear gave way to irritation at the invations. Irritation gave way to anger. Someone had to stop that killer from removing whatever incriminating thing was so critical it had driven a return to the scene of the crime. Katherine wanted to scream. Where were the police? Maybe MJ was right about them. She pressed against the French doors. The light in the shed went out. Her breath caught in her throat. The silhouette walked out of the shed toward the alley leading to the maze that burrowed throughout Bayside and beyond.
    Katherine spoke gruffly and fast, “Hello. Where's your officer? The suspect is getting away.”
    “Ma'am, please stay calm and hang on the line. They're on the way.”
    Katherine unlocked the door to the yard and whispered to the 911 operator, “I'm in pursuit.”


My links:
Website - https://sites.google.com/site/wendywriteshere/
Kat Out of the Bag
BuyLink- https://www.amazon.com/Kat-Out-Bag-Purse-Suit-Mystery/dp/1509230718/ref=sr_1_2?crid=16TZOJIL09TC7&dchild=1&keywords=kat+out+of+the+bag+by+wendy+kendall&qid=1596829878&sprefix=kat+out+of%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-2
A Passion For Purses Blogspot -  https://apassionforpurses.blogspot.com/
Email - wendywrites@yahoo.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pg/WendyKendallMysteries/about/?ref=page_internal
Twitter - https://twitter.com/WendyWrites1
Instagram - wendyekendall​My links:
Website - https://sites.google.com/site/wendywriteshere/

A Peek Through the Window of Award Winning Author, Kathleen Lawless

Who:  I’m an award-winning author of historical and contemporary romances.  I tell people I live on an island in the Pacific, but it’s really the Pacific Northwest on the west coast of Canada.
Interests:  I love anything outdoors, from hikes to picnics to kayaking.  I live near the beach, where I walk almost every day.  I am passionate about visiting wineries and discovering new and exciting wines.  My sweetie and I are confirmed foodies and really like to travel so we’re looking forward to the time when it’s safe to travel again.  We’ve been cooking together a lot during the lockdown; a local chef does Zoom classes, and I’ve gotten back into baking bread.      
Network:  I’m a member of the Vancouver Island Romance Authors, VIRA, and a proud member of Romance Gems where I blog every month.  I also really appreciate my non-writing friends.  They keep me grounded.
Desk:  I try to be organized (a loosing battle) and my desk is always littered with scribbled-on pieces of paper.  On a really good day I put information on an index card so I can find it more easily.
Outrageous:  I love to skinny dip every chance I get, here and in the tropics. 
Window:  I have a really interesting yard with lots of greenery and blooming plants right outside my window.  And a hummingbird feeder.  I love to watch those little guys.  They flutter up to the window and let me know if the juice level is dipping too low.
As a self-confessed beach freak, I was delighted to be one of the authors of a new summer collection of romance stories that released yesterday, LAST CHANCE BEACH, SUMMER’S END.   My story, Blue Sky Summer contains a rescue scene that has been imbedded in my memory since I was a youngster and watched my mother save a boy from drowning. 

Here is an excerpt from my second chance romance: 
To Alisha, the town looked different with Mark by her side, as he entertained her with a running monologue of the town’s history that she expected was at least half made up.  The sun shone brightly in a sky so blue it almost hurt her eyes.  Seated next to Mark, her heart overflowed with contentment.  The whole island looked different.  Brighter.  Special. 
She shifted to study Mark’s profile as he drove.  She’d always managed on her own, but she’d managed better with Mark.  He’d been the first one to truly believe in her. 
Tentatively, she put a hand on Mark’s leg, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his board shorts and the pull of his quad muscle as he accelerated.  
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” she said in a small voice.
She saw his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed thickly.  No quick grin this time.  No denial of the fact that she hurt him.
“We were good together,” he said finally.    
She nodded, blinking away the unwelcome sheen of tears behind her sunglasses.
“Was that the problem?  You couldn’t handle good?”
“I knew you would never leave me to attend med school, even after you’d been accepted,” she said finally, feeling it was time for the truth.
He stomped on the brake and threw the Jeep into park so suddenly she was grateful for her seatbelt.  He turned to face her.  “That’s why you dumped me?”    
She nodded.
“So it was all a crock.  What you said about needing to concentrate on your career without the distraction of a boyfriend?”
“I thought, if you weren’t feeling responsible for me, or committed to me, you’d look after yourself first.  Chase your dream.”
“You never thought, maybe this was something we should have a conversation about?  Possibly even reach some sort of mutual agreement?”
She pleated the hem of her shorts between her fingers.  “I see that now.  I see a lot of things I didn’t see back then.”
Mark exhaled a long, pained sigh, put the Jeep back into drive and soon they left the town behind, following a narrow coastal roadway.  Alisha rested her head against the seatback.  She’d been sure she’d feel better after apologizing to Mark.  So why did she feel worse?
More about Kathleen
Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her alpha male heroes.  One of her heroes, Steele, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an Alpha male and her forever hero.  Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.
Not that she can ever stick to just one genre.  So many stories to tell—never enough time.
With close to 30 published novels to her credit, she enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional romance into historical romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction and stories for young adults.         
Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Group to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers.    http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

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Peek Through An Authors Window With Tasarla Romaney

Who –  Hey Hey, I’m Lyncee from the usually cold Northern Michigan but we are currently experiencing above normal temps expanding our summer from 2 weeks to almost a month! I’m so excited to be here and thank you DV Stone for having me. I write steamy suspense romance and as Tasarla Romaney I write young adult fantasy (which is what I’m sharing today).  I spend most days chasing my 8-year-old and our 9-week-old mastiff puppy up and down the Lake Michigan beach.   I also offer journal workshops called Writing a Better Tomorrow.
Interest – I basically have more hobbies than I have time for. My first passion is making junk journals followed closely by crocheting. My goal is to crochet one blanket a month for Linus Project. Of course, with most writers I’m avid reader. I read across the board, currently my daughter and I are doing a book swap. Every month, we pick a genre and buy each other a book in that genre by a new to us author. It has been a blast!
Narwhal – my favorite animal because they are just do cool! Did you know that it’s tusk (which is actually a tooth) can bend a foot before breaking?
Doughnuts – I’m obsessed with doughnuts. My journal/craft room is decorated with doughnut curtains, doughnut coffee mugs (I have 22 different ones), and doughnut notebooks. I plan the route on our trips by the location of highly rated doughnut shops. My favorite go-to doughnut is maple bacon. 
Oak – besides by favorite place in my yard, it is also my Celtic tree of life symbol. Us oaks are positive and upbeat people. We don’t see the glass as half full or half empty, we simply go fill it up

Peek Through Caroline Clemmons' Window

Who: Hello, I’m Caroline Clemmons, bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary romances. 
Interests: When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my husband and daughters, reading friends’ books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, delving into genealogy, and taking the occasional nap. 
Network: Join me and other readers at Caroline’s Cuties, a Facebook readers group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/277082053015947/ for special excerpts, exchanging ideas, contests, giveaways, recipes, and talking to like-minded people about books and other fun things. 
​Desk: I write in my cluttered office using a desktop PC surrounded by reference books and friends’ books. After my friend Jacquie Rogers told me about her computer monitor, I copied her and use a TV as a monitor—so much easier to read. I love reading on my Kindle, but I enjoy owning print books if I think I’ll be using them frequently. My computer station and desk are faux dark cherry—doesn’t that sound much nicer than fake?
Outrageous: I’m not a very outrageous person. One thing my husband (I call him Hero) thinks is outrageous is that I like to write between ten in the evening and three am. That seems to be my most productive time. I’m trying to train myself to write during normal working hours. We’ll see how that goes.
Window:  A window in the top half of door to the patio is at my back. When our home was robbed, the criminals kicked in that door. Since then, we’ve put up a fence, as suggested by the police. I face a pink wall but it’s not plain. Several lovely prints and memorabilia decorate the walls.  I collect nativity sets, religious symbols, angels, and a particular type of ceramic figures. Some of these are in a glass-front cabinet mounted on one wall.


So, I have a new release which I’d like to share. DESPERATE IN DELAWARE is part of the Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Series and is a sweet western historical romance. Only the first chapter is set in Delaware. The rest takes place in Palo Pinto County, Texas. Mina Faye Stapleton is desperate. She wants a husband and children but there are no eligible men where she lives. Instead, she lives with her sister and brother-in-law and their four children in her childhood home.  Here’s the blurb:
I will wait no longer! Since my parents’ death I’ve been living with my sister’s family. I help care for her home and her adorable children. But, when will I have my own husband and children? There is not even one eligible man near my age in our small town. I hear the snickers and hurtful remarks--old maid, spinster, on the shelf. My cousin sent me a newspaper clipping from a Yours Truly: The Lovelorn’s column. Imagine my surprise when the letter to the columnist read as if I had written it. I’ll do it—I’ll follow the Lovelorn’s advice and change my location. I’ll go to Texas to visit my cousin. I refuse to watch my life disappear until I’m left with only regrets!
The Universal Amazon Link is https://mybook.to/Mina 
Here’s an excerpt:
After a harrowing ride, they arrived at Palo Pinto. When the stage stopped, she waited until the other passengers stepped out before she climbed down. There was Cindy to greet her. The tall man with Cindy must be her husband, Bert Kennedy.
Cindy ran forward and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re here. I know you’re exhausted but I promise you’ll be glad you’ve come.”
Mina laughed with pleasure at seeing her cousin once more. “I hope so because I’ll never ride that stage again. Well, not for a while anyway.” She stood on tiptoe to accept Bert’s kiss to her cheek. 
“I’m happy to finally meet you.” He grinned at her. “We left the twins with our housekeeper so we’d better load your trunks and get home before she gives notice.” 
Bert called to a tall man standing nearby. “Austin, make yourself useful and give me a hand with this luggage.”
The man, who wasn’t bad looking, gave her a long scan from head to toe and back up then stared from the pile of luggage back to her. “You plan on opening a store or did you just bring everything you ever owned?”
She started to give him the sharp side of her tongue but Cindy interrupted.
“Miss Mina Faye Stapleton, this is our good friend, Austin Wright. Austin, Mina is my favorite cousin and she’s moving to Palo Pinto.”
Mina’s pique evaporated. She laughed and nudged Cindy. “Are you still stealing my line? I’m the one who only has one cousin while you have two.” 
She sobered and glared at the rude man. “How do you do, Mr. Wright?” 
“I do fine, Miss Stapleton. Good thing I’m here. Bert could have killed himself if he’d tried to load these trunks alone.”
As if the man hadn’t left Mina aghast with his latest rudeness, Cindy linked arms with Mina’s. “Let’s leave them to their job and walk to the house. It’s only a short way.”

Thanks for sharing the blog with me. Here’s my official biography: Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their two rescued indoor cats and dog as well as providing nourishment outdoors for squirrels, birds, and other critters. The sixty titles she’s created have made her a bestselling author and won awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. Her series include the Kincaids, McClintocks, Stone Mountain Texas, Bride Brigade, Texas Time Travel, Texas Caprock Tales, Pearson Grove, and Loving A Rancher as well as numerous single titles and contributions to multi-author sets and series.

To stay up-to-date with releases and contests, subscribe to my newsletter here and receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you? ​
Find me on my 
blog, 
website, 
Facebook, 
Twitter, Goodreads, 
Pinterest. 
Amazon Author Page 
BookBub. 

Let's Take a Peek Through Kim McMahill's Window

Who – Hi, my name is Kim McMahill.  I write adventure fiction, thrillers, and romantic suspense. My most recent endeavor is the Risky Research Series, a romantic suspense series centered around a deadly organization out to control the diet, nutrition, and pharmaceutical industries at all costs and the FBI agent who will stop at nothing to bring them to justice.
Interests - when not writing, I enjoy gardening, traveling and camping in my van with my husband, hiking, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with family.
Network –I am a member of Wyoming Writers, Inc. I also have a wonderful network of fellow writers that I met through my previous publisher. After that publisher was bought out by my current publisher, Pelican Book Group, we have stayed together and have continued to encourage each other, even those who moved on to new publishers or self-publishing ventures.
Desk -My workspace is always tidy and organized. I don’t want to waste time digging for something and risk losing focus. Within reach, I keep a small library of my favorite writer’s reference books and an English-Spanish dictionary. 
Outdoors – I’m not a huge winter fan because I hate being cooped up in the house and Wyoming can be cold. However, in the spring, summer, and fall I love being outside whether it’s to work in my garden, hike, camp, or just explore.
Window – Outside my second-story window I can see several mountains, including Heart Mountain, an iconic landmark framing Cody, Wyoming. I love this time of year when lawns are green, trees are full, and flowers decorate yards in the neighborhood. 


​ A Foundation of Fear
FBI Special Agent Devyn Nash is obsessed with taking down Coterie, a deadly group out to control the multi-billion-dollar diet product industry. The FBI’s plan to expose Coterie places Devyn’s best friend and her partner’s fiancé in the crosshairs of this ruthless organization. Can Devyn protect her friend and bring the coldblooded killers to justice before they strike again while distracted by injury, a sexist bully, and a long-distance relationship with a handsome Wyoming sheriff?
Lobbyist and Coterie assassin Sofia Wilks wants nothing more than to regain control of her life. Sofia knows Agent Nash is nipping at her heels, but the FBI agent isn’t the worst of her fears. She is drawn to a man who has the power to destroy her.
Links
Risky Research Series YouTube Trailer: https://youtu.be/clZIRJ1s-Fo
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Fear-Risky-Research-Book-ebook/dp/B07PVL4391/
Barnes and Noble Buy Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1131000069?ean=9781522398547
Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-foundation-of-fear/id1457767041
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-foundation-of-fear

Social Media Links
Blog: http://www.kimmcmahill.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimmcmahill   @kimmcmahill
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KimMcMahillAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmcmahill/
​

A Peek Through the Window-Judythe Morgan

But before we do, here's a quick reminder. My latest book, Rainbow Sprinkles releases today. Huzzah! If you're around this evening at 7-9 p.m. eastern, head over to the festivities at bit.ly/2A6l2sY_ReleaseParty I'd love to see you there. Now without further eruption here's today's guest.
Who - Hi, I’m Judythe Morgan. Yes, the spelling is correct. I know it looks like Judy-the, but it’s pronounced Judith. I’m not sure what my mother was thinking to give me such a unique spelling. Sometimes even Amazon searches can’t find me.   I’m a multi-genre author of award-winning fiction. I have two standalone titles, one four book series-Promises, and currently have two books out in the Fitzpatrick Family series. Book three is due out in the fall of 2020 and book four, followed by the final book five, in 2021.
​
​Interests - Gardening. Reading. Taking walks with my Old English Sheepdog Finnegan and Maltese Buster. Swimming. Working jigsaw puzzles. And, most important, writing the next story.
Network – I’m a member of ACFW, RWA, NWHRWA Chapter, and several FB writers’ groups.
Desk – After a hip injury made navigating the stairs to my office difficult, I moved my work area to the downstairs dining room. With all the social distancing/stay inside going on with the Coronavirus, we weren’t using the room much anyway. 
I love the new location! Except, it’s a little too close to the pantry treats, and all that tabletop space gives more room to spread out. My stacks of stuff have multiplied. But it’s okay I read a quote once that a messy desk is the sign of a creative mind.
Outrageous – This is not necessarily outrageous. It is a bit OCD or ODD, as my hubby says. Our dinnerware is the Blue Willow pattern. If you’re not familiar with the pattern, the design depicts an Oriental love story with a pair of birds above the couple. I always twist the plate until those birds are at the top before I begin to eat.
Window – My window view from the dining room is the same as it was from my upstairs office, only several feet lower. I now see the Satsuma orange trees over the top of my red Texas Star hibiscus blooms. And, since the window faces our driveway, I have a view of visitors without having to stand up. ​ In the furor of the 60's, when women were fighting for their rights and men the Viet Cong, a young Tennessee preacher’s daughter seeks personal liberation. Lily finds instead a love that changes her definition of freedom and liberation.

Green Beret Major Alex Cabot meets Lily Reed, a Department of Army civilian at Eighth Army Headquarters in South Korea. He's a high-potential career officer, who should resist the temptation of any woman, but he can’t ignore Lily. In an uncertain time, in a temporary safe zone, yielding to temptation changes both their lives forever.

Book 1 of the Promises Series Love in the Morning Calm introduces Lily Reed, Major Alex Cabot, and Captain David Sands. The Promises Series chronicles their lives from the 1960s through the decades that follow. Each book is a standalone story.
​
Book Buy Links:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/186U8IG
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-in-the-morning-calm-judythe-morgan/1129916270?ean=2940016714479 
Paperback:  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-In-The-Morning-Calm/dp/0989403629/
Barnes & Noble:    http://bit.ly/10MYQJC
Connect with Judythe:
Website https://judythemorgan.com/  
Blog https://judythewriter.com/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/Judythe2   
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JudytheMorgan/ 
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6450879.Judythe_Morgan 
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judythe-morgan
Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/author/judythemorgan

Sign up for my newsletter at https://judythemorgan.com/contact/

​

Would a regency lady let you Peek? Well Meredith Bond will.

​W ho: Hi! I’m Meredith Bond. I write Regency and Fantasy romance. I’m currently a self-published author (I started my career with Kensington Publishers publishing in their Zebra Regency line) with 28 works of fiction and nonfiction published. I’ve got three historical fantasy series which all take place in the same world—the world of the Vallen (a magical people who originally come from the Isle of Avalon): The Children of Avalon (medieval/post-Arthurian), the Falling series (currently two time-travel books: contemporary/medieval and another which will be published in an anthology on July 15th), and the Storm series (Regency-set fantasy). I’ve also got two Regency romance series: The Merry Men Series and my newest series, The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Series.
I’m also a book coach and formatter for indie-authors. I’ve been teaching writing online and in person for over ten years.
I nterests: I’m a knitter and reader of everything (mystery, literature, romance, historical literature, and fantasy mostly). And there’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than going for walks in the woods with my dog, Duchess.
N etwork: I’m a member of the RWA and am active in the Beau Monde Chapter, and the Washington Romance Writers Chapter. I’m also an active participant in two local writing meetups, the Brussels Writer’s Meetup, and I host the local Shut Up & Write meetup.
D esk: I usually work in one of three places. I’ve got an office with an extra-large monitor where I do my formatting work, I sit in my living room on my comfy sofa when I’m writing or editing someone else’s work, and I like to go out to local cafes to work both alone and with others (or, at least, I did before the pandemic started, and hopefully, I will do so again soon!).
O utrageous: I don’t think I do anything outrageous! I love to travel and have done a lot. I’ve traveled throughout Europe and to a lot of places in Asia (India, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, & China). I speak a couple of languages: English (naturally), Bengali (fluently—it’s my husband’s native language), some French, a touch of Spanish, and I’m currently learning Russian.
W indow: I currently live in Brussels, Belgium, on the 8th floor of my apartment building so when I look out my window I see a beautiful skyline of red tile roofs and church steeples. There are, also, unfortunately, a number of cranes currently filling my skyline because of buildings being constructed nearby. As I’m soon going to be moving back to the U.S. for a time until my husband and I can move to his next posting in Kyiv, Ukraine, I’m going to miss my very European view. On the other hand, I can’t wait to see what sort of view I’ll get in Kyiv! 

Thanks for allowing me to join you here! It’s been fun!!

A Trick of Mirrors
The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society
Book 4
(All books in the series can be read as a stand-alone.)

Can the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help sort out a love quadrangle?
 It’s not that the practical Beatrice Kendrick doesn’t trust her mirror twin, the vivacious and flirtatious Isabel. It’s just that the rebellious Bel has proven herself all too capable of welcoming the attentions of the wrong sort of man. So to keep Bel from getting into trouble, Bee secretly accompanies her when she makes her debut in Regency London. Can Bee shield her own heart while trying to protect her sister? And can Bel ensure that her quiet sister gets a taste of the joys of London society – and a chance at romance?

 When the broodingly romantic Edward Conway, nursing a broken heart, meets musically inclined Bel Kendrick, she stirs a passion in him he wasn’t sure he could ever feel again after the death of his Italian lover. The strappingly handsome Paul St. Vincent, too, meets the thoughtful and clever woman he thinks is Bel, and she seems to be just the sort of intellectually-minded woman he’s looking for. Only sometimes Edward senses that Bel doesn’t always remember what they’d discussed the last time they met. And at times she is entirely too giggly for Paul’s taste. 
Both men, however, have decided that Miss Kendrick is the right woman for him. What they don’t realize is that they’re both right. But it will take a little sleight of hand by the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society to untangle this trick of mirrors.
Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VSXGV5
Books2Read: books2read.com/u/4AzO5d

Changing up my own window today. I've made it plural.

What's happening?    Today is Monday June 29th. There's so much happening personally, professionally, creatively, and emotionally. Did I get enough ly words in for you haters of adverbs?  Well as I've said before, my house my rules and my only editor today is me. Personally, my dear husband is retiring. Tomorrow is his last day. This is a big life changing event for both of us. I don't retire until next year. Exactly eleven months, one day, and a couple of hours. Not that I'm counting. Oh yes I am. I even have a countdown timer in my phone. Every morning when my peepers open up, I grab the cell and swipe open the app. Tomorrow is also my dear son's birthday. He's my one and only child though a grown man with three of his own.  

In my work life, I'm still adjusting to almost three months of furlough or as I call it, Practice Retirement. Things are quite different than prior to March 18th. I now spend half of my day in the phone room making appointments for the medical office I work in. Anybody who knows me, knows telephones are the bane of my existence. I'm hearing impaired. Totally deaf in my left ear from a case of childhood mumps. So by the end of my hours there my poor right ear is throbbing. After that I head to a second office and I'm ensconced masked behind a glass wall. That hearing problem I have? Yep, can't read lips and speech is muffled from all the face coverings.  But adapt and overcome is my motto.

New  on the horizon for the next couple of weeks is a multitude of Blog visits and appearances before, during and after the release of Rainbow Sprinkles on July 8th.  I'm making lists and getting ready for a responsible, social distanced release day party. I missed being able to have one for Rock House Grill back in April, so I'm combining the two with a limited amount of people at my home and including 2HOOTS my 5th Wheel. I do host a blog called Welcome to the Campfire and thought putting it all together would be cool. Also we can be outside as well. Interested in joining us? We'll be live on Facebook from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Here's the link bit.ly/2A6l2sY_ReleaseParty There will be prizes and games and music and cake and I'm even going to make Salted Caramel Sundaes with Pink Whipped Cream and Rainbow Sprinkles. (remember I said "no editors were involved in this blog).

D emiurgic is a fancy word for creativity. I do have some rules and needed the D. D is also for Dragon. I'm fascinated by them. From Smaug, to Saphira to Toothless, if it had a dragon I'm in. Agent Sam Carter is returning and The Mystery of High Point Tower is nearing completion. This is a mid-grade paranormal that follows the antics of Agent Carter, Sheriff Holly, Uncle Martin and Dee. Also Jazz House is more than half-way through the first draft. Did you know second books are pretty tough to write?

O verwrought is my take on emotionally. At times I can be overwhelmed. COVID-19 is still a reality we have to deal with. My husbands father recently passed away. My own health issues. Even Pete's retirement and the life changes it will bring. Add to it a full-time job outside the house and writing, marketing and blogging. The world seems to be falling apart and I've distanced myself from the news. At times everything can be overwhelming. But this I know. With faith, friends and family, this too will pass. Will things ever be the same? Are they ever? Some things need to change. As a country and as a world. Remember weather you are an evolutionist or a creationist we all come from the fertile crescent and common ancestors. When I jokingly call someone cousin, actually it's true. We all bleed red. 

W here do we go from here dear? Well, for me in about 45 minutes I'll be heading to work. I'll deal with the issues I face. I'll chat with people. I'll help others. I'll write some more tonight. And tomorrow? Hopefully, tomorrow will come and I'll get up and open my eyes. I'll look at my retirement calendar. I'll have my coffee. Get dressed. I'll write. Maybe I'll laugh. Maybe I'll cry. I'll listen to good music. Maybe even dance. But mostly I'll be thankful for another day. I'll be thankful for the people in it. I'll be thankful for opportunities to live the life I've worked towards. 

S o, what about you? Let me know how you're doing. Do you need a prayer? Need a note of encouragement? How about an affirmation? Drop me a comment or a note to d.v.stone.wordsmith@gmail.com . I'd be happy to hear from you.

Here's my prayer for you today. Don't worry if you don't believe, I do. Don't be offended, I'm not. Take the verse in the spirit to which it is intended, my care for you.
​
To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.