D.V. Stone's Blog, page 6
May 13, 2024
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Lori Pollard-Johnson
Happy Monday! I'm writing this post from the Rustic Barn Campground in Corinth NY. It's a small quiet campground in the Adirondacks in Upstate. Pete and I worked the weekend at Cedarbrook Christian Girls Camp nearby getting them ready for the season. While DH worked outside lifting and toting, hammering and chopping, I was the camp cook for all the volunteers, forty of them. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Phew, it was tiring but also rewarding. Enough about moi, lets get to today's recent release. 
Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage (A Flippin' Good Mystery Book 1)
by
Lori Pollard-Johnson
Cozy Craft & Hobby Mysteries
Cozy Animal Mystery
Amateur Sleuths
May 8, 2024
Thirty-four, newly divorced and parenting two little girls, Jan Weatherly is determined to make it on her own doing what she knows best: do-it-yourself home flipping. With her BFF Pam Bacchus by her side, she purchases their first fixer-upper—a cute Craftsman cottage with quick profit potential in rainy Rainier, Washington. With the first swing of her claw hammer, however, Jan pries back faux cedar paneling and reveals a nude, snow-haired corpse floating in a makeshift aquarium. If that didn’t fully sour their dreams in a plume of formaldehyde-tinged air, Sergeant Daniels arrives and bans the women from the crime scene. Will they continue sleuthing, despite Daniels’s warnings, or simply wait for their dreams of financial independence to fall apart?
From the author.
As a writer with a 1000-words-a-day habit, I’m often asked how I get started. What they mean, of course, is how do I settle down and focus in for some meaningful keyboard pounding? The answer is simple: thick socks.
Thick socks?
Yes, thick socks.
Think of it this way (read to the cadence of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”:
If you give a writer thick socks,
She won’t feel the crumbs under her feet.
If she doesn’t feel the crumbs under her feet,
She won’t stop to sweep the floor.
If she doesn’t stop to sweep the floor,
She won’t empty the dustpan into the garbage.
If she doesn’t empty the dustpan into the garbage,
She won’t remember to take out the trash.
If she doesn’t remember to take out the trash,
She won’t see there’s a mouse in the garage eating cookies.
If she doesn’t see the mouse in the garage eating cookies,
She can walk straight to her desk and begin writing.
Humor aside, you get my drift. Prioritize yourself and your writing, and you’ll suddenly discover everything else truly can wait.
Get your copy.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW9C7W7P/thewildrosepr-20
https://wildrosepress.com/product/corpse-in-the-craftsman-cottage/
About the author.
Lori Pollard-Johnson is a retired educator and current wife, mama and grandma. She writes from her homes in Washington and Arizona, and has been published in fiction, nonfiction and poetry, in publications as diverse as Vegetarian Journal, Seattle, Black Belt, Bridal Connections and The Binnacle, in addition to five novels. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her grandbabies, braiding rugs, perfecting her shavasana, swimming, hiking, practicing her releves, renovating fixer-uppers, reading, or watching javelinas dance through her backyard.
Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage (A Flippin' Good Mystery Book 1)by
Lori Pollard-Johnson
Cozy Craft & Hobby Mysteries
Cozy Animal Mystery
Amateur Sleuths
May 8, 2024
Thirty-four, newly divorced and parenting two little girls, Jan Weatherly is determined to make it on her own doing what she knows best: do-it-yourself home flipping. With her BFF Pam Bacchus by her side, she purchases their first fixer-upper—a cute Craftsman cottage with quick profit potential in rainy Rainier, Washington. With the first swing of her claw hammer, however, Jan pries back faux cedar paneling and reveals a nude, snow-haired corpse floating in a makeshift aquarium. If that didn’t fully sour their dreams in a plume of formaldehyde-tinged air, Sergeant Daniels arrives and bans the women from the crime scene. Will they continue sleuthing, despite Daniels’s warnings, or simply wait for their dreams of financial independence to fall apart?
From the author.
As a writer with a 1000-words-a-day habit, I’m often asked how I get started. What they mean, of course, is how do I settle down and focus in for some meaningful keyboard pounding? The answer is simple: thick socks.
Thick socks?
Yes, thick socks.
Think of it this way (read to the cadence of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”:
If you give a writer thick socks,
She won’t feel the crumbs under her feet.
If she doesn’t feel the crumbs under her feet,
She won’t stop to sweep the floor.
If she doesn’t stop to sweep the floor,
She won’t empty the dustpan into the garbage.
If she doesn’t empty the dustpan into the garbage,
She won’t remember to take out the trash.
If she doesn’t remember to take out the trash,
She won’t see there’s a mouse in the garage eating cookies.
If she doesn’t see the mouse in the garage eating cookies,
She can walk straight to her desk and begin writing.
Humor aside, you get my drift. Prioritize yourself and your writing, and you’ll suddenly discover everything else truly can wait.
Get your copy.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW9C7W7P/thewildrosepr-20
https://wildrosepress.com/product/corpse-in-the-craftsman-cottage/
About the author.Lori Pollard-Johnson is a retired educator and current wife, mama and grandma. She writes from her homes in Washington and Arizona, and has been published in fiction, nonfiction and poetry, in publications as diverse as Vegetarian Journal, Seattle, Black Belt, Bridal Connections and The Binnacle, in addition to five novels. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her grandbabies, braiding rugs, perfecting her shavasana, swimming, hiking, practicing her releves, renovating fixer-uppers, reading, or watching javelinas dance through her backyard.
May 7, 2024
Around the Fire Goes Underground! Then over the top! There's a new book coming too!
We won't talk about how many years ago I went splunking several times. In Hunterdon County, there were wild caves. One had a tunnel called The Corkscrew. You had to twist going up. Usually with one person in front to pull the other behind to push, at least if you were the middle people. Being underground doesn't bother me. One of my favorite places these days is Sterling Mine. Here are two pictures of it. If you live anywhere near this place is worth the trip. It's a museum and educational center. Here's the link https://www.sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/They do tours year-round on the weekends.
So what does this have to do with me? Well, keep reading.
Coming soon will be the THIRD Agent Sam Carter Mystery.
Tunnel deep into the third installment of the Agent Sam Carter series and be enveloped in a tale of spectral intrigue.Coming September 4th, 2024
Pre order now!
www.amazon.com/Mystery-Starling-Mine-Agent-Carter-ebook/dp/B0D38B4G6G
When an amateur ghost hunter is confronted with the apparition of a legendary ghost, Agent Carter’s job is to unravel the mystery of its sudden appearance. The stakes are high as the exposure of the paranormal world looms over them.
Inconsistencies arise, leaving Sam to ponder who or what is behind these supernatural events. Together with the team from G.A.S.P., they venture into the shadowy depths of a New Jersey mine, seeking answers to a haunting that may be more than mere folklore.
The team’s resolve is tested, and secrets challenge their understanding of the paranormal.
Join them as they navigate the unknown, where every turn could lead to startling revelations or dangerous encounters in the dark. Recently we were in Virginia and went from underground at the Grand Canyons in Grottoes, VA. Oh. My. I could have spent way more than the hour and a half tour. Some things I wanted to just stare at and take in the images. Then the next day to the top of the world, at least in Virginia as we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway in Shenendoah National Park. Again, stunning. Next up is Saratoga Springs. Pete and I are celebrating our 30th Anniversary at camp. I can't think of a better way to do it or anyone to do it with.
May 6, 2024
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Mystery author, Lawrence E. Rothstein.
Venetian Bindby
Lawrence E. Rothstein
Mystery
Release May 15,2024
PG-13 some violence
How does a brilliant detective with his intrepid assistant solve a crime in Venice and save his reputation when he hates the victim and empathizes with the killer?
About
In Venetian Bind, Detective Marko Korb and his associate Kelan Su, a Chinese-American woman, must hunt down a murderer and prevent a devastating terrorist attack in the romantic city of Venice.
Korb, a fat, egotistical, brilliant detective, and Su, a former Chicago police officer, attorney, and martial arts expert, arrive in Venice to investigate the murder of Stefan Pakulić, a former Serbian paramilitary leader and accused war criminal. The daughter of a Bosnian expat who had rescued Korb from Pakulić’s clutches during the Bosnian war is a suspect in the killing. Korb is torn between finding the murderer and his sympathy for the killer – the Venetian bind.
The investigation leads to Pakulić’s connection with Italian neo-fascists planning a terrorist action in Venice. It takes Korb’s genius and the intrepid sleuthing of Su to find the murderer, forestall the terrorist action, and protect the daughter of Korb’s rescuer.
Grab your copy today.
www.amazon.com/Venetian-Bind-Lawrence-Rothstein-ebook/dp/B0CX5T3CP5
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/venetian-bind-lawrence-rothstein/1144981330
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209521954-venetian-bind Inspiration and writing process
As an academic, I had written many published scholarly pieces including a book and book chapters. I love to read mysteries, particularly those with recurring characters. I have been working on mystery fiction since 2012. I started writing mystery/legal scenarios as hypothetical cases for law courses I taught. I get my ideas from the news, particularly legal news, and other detective stories. With regard to Venetian Bind, my visits to Venice enthralled me with its atmosphere.
When I write, my recurring characters come first and then the case plots that those characters would find interesting and for which my detectives would be sought after by clients. I always have some ideas of where the case is going and what procedures would be followed from my legal experience, but my detectives seem to inspire scenes and activities that show off their particular virtues and personalities as the investigations proceed.
Some of Korb’s favorite dishes clockwise from left: sausage with lentils in balsamic sauce, tuna salami and aioli, torta rustica.
About the author.Lawrence E. Rothstein is a retired lawyer and university professor who has publications in constitutional law, privacy law and labor law. He was born and raised in Chicago and now resides with his wife and family in beautiful southern Rhode Island. He has lived and traveled widely in Europe. An avid reader of detective fiction, Rothstein has always wanted to write detective novels.
For more information.
www.rothsteinsmysteries.com
Facebook: Rothsteinsmysteries
May 1, 2024
Around the Fire with Animal Rescuer, Gayle Irwin.
Wahoo! It's May 1st. My month is full of happenings. First off this coming weekend, May 3-4, I'll be at one of my favorite author/reader events. A Day of Wine, Romance, and more
The largest book signing event of its kind in New Jersey! Two days of book-lover goodness! Over 60 local authors representing a wide range of genres will be on hand for this unique event. Grab a glass of Brook Hollow's excellent wine and take a stroll. Meet the actual authors and peruse their books. Whether you're looking for your next book boyfriend, a heart-racing thriller, or something for your child or grandchild, you'll find it here!
Fiction & Non-Fiction titles.
Bring a picnic and spend the day with the authors.
Learn more at: www.adayofwineromanceandmore.com
I don't want to take time from today's guest with all my things but you can find out everything by following me on Social Media or sign up for my newsletter.
No my guest today is no stranger to the fire. Gayle is here to talk about passion and not only the kissy kind. Read on to find out.
Blending Life Passions With Romance Writing
Gayle M. Irwin
Dogs. Cats. Horses. Sheep, both wild and domestic. Elk. Swans. Northern Lights. National Parks. Puppy Mills. Stray Animals. Adopted Animals. All of these and more, more nature, more animals, are incorporated into my sweet, contemporary romance books in a series I call Yellowstone Country. Why? Because I’m passionate about rescue animals, nature, and America’s national parks.
I lived near Yellowstone National Park for nearly 12 years. Travels through America’s first-designated national park brought not only beautiful and unique scenery, but also observations of numerous wildlife species, including bison, elk, wolves, eagles, swans, bears, and many others. This special place plays a special role in my stories, from driving and hiking adventures to wildlife and bird observations.
The seven-book series brings humans and animals together and showcases special bonds between loved ones, lovers, friends, and four-footed creatures. Subtle pet rescue and adoption notes are woven into the stories’ tapestry. For example, an education about puppy mills, the disturbing endless breeding of dogs, is knitted into the first novel, Rescue Road. My own dog, Jeremiah, is a puppy mill survivor, and he is the mascot for many of the books through the dog-character of “Jax.” Finding owners of lost dogs is a component of two Christmas books, Paws-ing for Love and In the Shadow of Mount Moran, and providing new, loving homes for rescued animals is knitted into several of the seven books, including Finding Love at Compassion Ranch and the series’ prequel, Rhiann’s Rescue.
The first week of May is celebrated as Be Kind to Animals Week. In honor of this special week and April’s recognition of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, I’ve put all seven stories, from the prequel (Rhiann’s Rescue) to Book #7 (In the Shadow of Mount Moran) into an e-book box set. The collection is on sale through (U.S.) Mother’s Day for $7.99 (a $2.00 discount). The set is available on several online e-book platforms, including Amazon, AppleBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords. Here is the link: https://books2read.com/u/bPLVX7
Several of the love stories in this series bring people together around a firepit or campfire – great places for conversation and romance!
My passion for rescue animals, nature, and national parks stems from childhood, when my parents and I lived on a small farm in Iowa. We camped, we hiked, we visited parks and forests, and we welcomed pets, wildlife, and livestock on our small acreage. I grew up appreciating conservation and companion animals. Now, nearly 60 years later, I continue to swim in the pond of delight for creation and creatures, and I knit those aspects into my sweet romance books.
What are you passionate about? As an author, do you blend your interests into your stories? As a reader, what do you enjoy most about romance books?
The Pet Rescue Romance Series - Yellowstone Country Book Bundle
Weaving Human and Animal Hearts Together:
Sweet and clean love stories with heart, for both people and pets!
Rhiann Kelly dreams of starting and operating a pet rescue sanctuary. A freelance writer and volunteer rescue transporter, the story of the 35-year-old woman begins with care-giving for her grandmother, writing stories for magazines, and serving as a transporter for various rescues. Her journey continues after the passing of her beloved Grams as she starts living her dream after buying a Montana ranch for back taxes and the challenges she faces, personally and professionally. The next book in the series, a holiday-themed work, explores the relationship between Rhiann and her love, Levi, and with her community of Colter, Montana. Rhiann and Levi's story continues in "My Montana Love" as the two face yet additional crises, which may end their relationship. Rhiann's sister, Erin, has her own story as she volunteers at a Wyoming animal sanctuary and meets up with a man she knew in high school. In that book, readers meet Erin's daughter, Brittany, and her story is shared in the next book, "Paws-itively Love," as one romantic relationship ends and a new one begins to bloom, only to have it cut short -- or does it? The final book in series relates the story of one of Rhiann's rescue friends, Rachel, after her divorce takes her on a holiday to a beautiful Wyoming valley at Christmas and she and the resort's tour guide find a lost husky; this story brings all the series' characters together at New Years, celebrating and planning new dreams and goals.
A collection of seven novels and novellas set in Montana and Wyoming, featuring recipes, a free story, and pet rescue resources.
Universal Link to Yellowstone Country E-book Box Set, on sale through Sunday, May 12, 2024:
https://books2read.com/u/bPLVX7
About Gayle M. Irwin/Author Bio:
Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning Wyoming author and freelance writer who has been recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc. and the Wyoming Press Association She is a contributing writer to eight Chicken Soup for the Soul books and freelances articles to regional magazines and newspapers, including WREN (Wyoming Rural Electric News), the Casper Star Tribune, and the Douglas Budget. Gayle authors the Pet Rescue Romance – Yellowstone Country series, a collection of sweet, contemporary romance books set near Yellowstone National Park, plus stand-alone stories in the same genre. All weave pet rescue and adoption into the love story. An avid supporter of that cause, Gayle volunteers for various regional organizations and donates a portion of her book sales to such groups. Learn more about the author and her stories at her website: https://gaylemirwin.com/
Follow Gayle.
https://www.facebook.com/gayle.irwin.12
https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin
https://www.instagram.com/wycabinlady/
www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin
https://gaylemirwin.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/gayleirwin
The largest book signing event of its kind in New Jersey! Two days of book-lover goodness! Over 60 local authors representing a wide range of genres will be on hand for this unique event. Grab a glass of Brook Hollow's excellent wine and take a stroll. Meet the actual authors and peruse their books. Whether you're looking for your next book boyfriend, a heart-racing thriller, or something for your child or grandchild, you'll find it here!
Fiction & Non-Fiction titles.
Bring a picnic and spend the day with the authors.
Learn more at: www.adayofwineromanceandmore.com
I don't want to take time from today's guest with all my things but you can find out everything by following me on Social Media or sign up for my newsletter.
No my guest today is no stranger to the fire. Gayle is here to talk about passion and not only the kissy kind. Read on to find out.
Blending Life Passions With Romance WritingGayle M. Irwin
Dogs. Cats. Horses. Sheep, both wild and domestic. Elk. Swans. Northern Lights. National Parks. Puppy Mills. Stray Animals. Adopted Animals. All of these and more, more nature, more animals, are incorporated into my sweet, contemporary romance books in a series I call Yellowstone Country. Why? Because I’m passionate about rescue animals, nature, and America’s national parks.
I lived near Yellowstone National Park for nearly 12 years. Travels through America’s first-designated national park brought not only beautiful and unique scenery, but also observations of numerous wildlife species, including bison, elk, wolves, eagles, swans, bears, and many others. This special place plays a special role in my stories, from driving and hiking adventures to wildlife and bird observations.
The seven-book series brings humans and animals together and showcases special bonds between loved ones, lovers, friends, and four-footed creatures. Subtle pet rescue and adoption notes are woven into the stories’ tapestry. For example, an education about puppy mills, the disturbing endless breeding of dogs, is knitted into the first novel, Rescue Road. My own dog, Jeremiah, is a puppy mill survivor, and he is the mascot for many of the books through the dog-character of “Jax.” Finding owners of lost dogs is a component of two Christmas books, Paws-ing for Love and In the Shadow of Mount Moran, and providing new, loving homes for rescued animals is knitted into several of the seven books, including Finding Love at Compassion Ranch and the series’ prequel, Rhiann’s Rescue.
The first week of May is celebrated as Be Kind to Animals Week. In honor of this special week and April’s recognition of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, I’ve put all seven stories, from the prequel (Rhiann’s Rescue) to Book #7 (In the Shadow of Mount Moran) into an e-book box set. The collection is on sale through (U.S.) Mother’s Day for $7.99 (a $2.00 discount). The set is available on several online e-book platforms, including Amazon, AppleBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords. Here is the link: https://books2read.com/u/bPLVX7
Several of the love stories in this series bring people together around a firepit or campfire – great places for conversation and romance!
My passion for rescue animals, nature, and national parks stems from childhood, when my parents and I lived on a small farm in Iowa. We camped, we hiked, we visited parks and forests, and we welcomed pets, wildlife, and livestock on our small acreage. I grew up appreciating conservation and companion animals. Now, nearly 60 years later, I continue to swim in the pond of delight for creation and creatures, and I knit those aspects into my sweet romance books.
What are you passionate about? As an author, do you blend your interests into your stories? As a reader, what do you enjoy most about romance books?
The Pet Rescue Romance Series - Yellowstone Country Book BundleWeaving Human and Animal Hearts Together:
Sweet and clean love stories with heart, for both people and pets!
Rhiann Kelly dreams of starting and operating a pet rescue sanctuary. A freelance writer and volunteer rescue transporter, the story of the 35-year-old woman begins with care-giving for her grandmother, writing stories for magazines, and serving as a transporter for various rescues. Her journey continues after the passing of her beloved Grams as she starts living her dream after buying a Montana ranch for back taxes and the challenges she faces, personally and professionally. The next book in the series, a holiday-themed work, explores the relationship between Rhiann and her love, Levi, and with her community of Colter, Montana. Rhiann and Levi's story continues in "My Montana Love" as the two face yet additional crises, which may end their relationship. Rhiann's sister, Erin, has her own story as she volunteers at a Wyoming animal sanctuary and meets up with a man she knew in high school. In that book, readers meet Erin's daughter, Brittany, and her story is shared in the next book, "Paws-itively Love," as one romantic relationship ends and a new one begins to bloom, only to have it cut short -- or does it? The final book in series relates the story of one of Rhiann's rescue friends, Rachel, after her divorce takes her on a holiday to a beautiful Wyoming valley at Christmas and she and the resort's tour guide find a lost husky; this story brings all the series' characters together at New Years, celebrating and planning new dreams and goals.
A collection of seven novels and novellas set in Montana and Wyoming, featuring recipes, a free story, and pet rescue resources.
Universal Link to Yellowstone Country E-book Box Set, on sale through Sunday, May 12, 2024:
https://books2read.com/u/bPLVX7
About Gayle M. Irwin/Author Bio:Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning Wyoming author and freelance writer who has been recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc. and the Wyoming Press Association She is a contributing writer to eight Chicken Soup for the Soul books and freelances articles to regional magazines and newspapers, including WREN (Wyoming Rural Electric News), the Casper Star Tribune, and the Douglas Budget. Gayle authors the Pet Rescue Romance – Yellowstone Country series, a collection of sweet, contemporary romance books set near Yellowstone National Park, plus stand-alone stories in the same genre. All weave pet rescue and adoption into the love story. An avid supporter of that cause, Gayle volunteers for various regional organizations and donates a portion of her book sales to such groups. Learn more about the author and her stories at her website: https://gaylemirwin.com/
Follow Gayle.
https://www.facebook.com/gayle.irwin.12
https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin
https://www.instagram.com/wycabinlady/
www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin
https://gaylemirwin.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/gayleirwin
April 29, 2024
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Barbara Robinson.
It's the end of April and spring has finally sprung. I'm here in the beautiful Shenendoah Valley camping, or rather, glamping. The temperature is in the 80s and Hali went for a swim in the lake and wasn't overly fond of the silt. She much preferred the stream. I'm hoping to visit one of the caverns nearby. Being around the campfire is one of lifes pleasures. I also have the pleasure of bringing you one of the Jelly Bean and Spring Things books. Last year Sophia's Magic Beans was one of the titles included in this exclusive Wild Rose Press line. Make sure you keep scrolling down to Barbara's touching inspiration for the story. 
A Cure For Spring Fever
by
Barbara Robinson
Part of Jelly Beans and Spring Things series
Released April 22, 2024
Paranormal Romance
Heat Level R
For centuries, Gamekeepers have used their magical abilities to create a buffer between the creatures who dwell in the enchanted forest and the sleepy coastal town that sits in its shadow. When Gamekeeper Stan Ross’s magic begins to fail, he must find out what went wrong, then fix it before the two worlds collide. His hit or miss magic has already led to a few close calls so he journeys to the Sacred Isle searching for answers and advice. Finding a cure proves elusive—until Stan encounters a kitchen witch who captivates him body and soul. Lynnette Peters is healing from her own wounds, however, and it isn’t clear whether she’s ready to open herself to the possibility—or the peril—of love.
Get your copy here.
A Cure For Spring Fever by Barbara Robinson | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Amazon.com: A Cure for Spring Fever (Jelly Beans and Spring Things) eBook : Robinson, Barbara : Kindle Store
A Cure for Spring Fever on Apple Books
A Cure for Spring Fever eBook by Barbara Robinson - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States
All buy links are listed on the TWRP website as well: A Cure for Spring Fever – The Wild Rose Press Inc
Inspirational Note from Barbara.
I wrote this book as a way of dealing with challenges in my own life and career. I had sustained a mild traumatic brain injury at work, and when I returned to the high-pressure world of being an executive it was apparent that there were some lasting functional issues. I wanted to write a story about someone who was struggling with performance issues at work, but I also wanted to believe they could find a resolution. Stan was able to find a new equilibrium, and everything worked out for him in the end. I think that writing this story helped give me confidence that my own story would work out positively, and it has. I medically retired from my corporate job, and now I am enjoying the freedom and creativity that come with writing. I still have some issues with short-term memory and complex attention, but I feel very blessed to have found a second career that is flexible enough to showcase my strengths and accommodate my challenges.
* There is only one sexually explicit scene, and it is limited to half a page. That said, the 'R' rating is there to let people know there is adult content, regardless of its duration or frequency.
About the Author.
Barbara Robinson is an author of contemporary and historical romance set against a backdrop of magical realism. She is known for world building that features rich and immersive detail supported by meticulous research and careful observation. She finds inspiration in myths, folktales, and academic writing on a variety of subjects. Diagnosed with autism and giftedness, she also enjoys exploring themes of neurodiversity in her writing.
Barbara has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College and a Master of Arts from Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College (Toronto, Canada), and was awarded a Letter of Distinction.
Barbara is a lover of nature who works out plot lines and character sketches while nurturing her garden, walking in the woods, or sitting by the shoreline watching waves. She lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, nestled between the province’s ancient mountains and rugged coastlines. These vistas shape her story settings, while providing the perfect backdrop for life with her husband, her hounds and her dragon (Pogona Vitticeps).
BJR Books (barbararobinsonauthor.ca)
Facebook
Barbara Robinson (@bjrbooks) • Instagram photos and videos
Barbara Robinson (Author of A Cure for Spring Fever) | Goodreads
Amazon Author
A Cure For Spring Fever
by
Barbara Robinson
Part of Jelly Beans and Spring Things series
Released April 22, 2024
Paranormal Romance
Heat Level R
For centuries, Gamekeepers have used their magical abilities to create a buffer between the creatures who dwell in the enchanted forest and the sleepy coastal town that sits in its shadow. When Gamekeeper Stan Ross’s magic begins to fail, he must find out what went wrong, then fix it before the two worlds collide. His hit or miss magic has already led to a few close calls so he journeys to the Sacred Isle searching for answers and advice. Finding a cure proves elusive—until Stan encounters a kitchen witch who captivates him body and soul. Lynnette Peters is healing from her own wounds, however, and it isn’t clear whether she’s ready to open herself to the possibility—or the peril—of love.
Get your copy here.
A Cure For Spring Fever by Barbara Robinson | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Amazon.com: A Cure for Spring Fever (Jelly Beans and Spring Things) eBook : Robinson, Barbara : Kindle Store
A Cure for Spring Fever on Apple Books
A Cure for Spring Fever eBook by Barbara Robinson - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States
All buy links are listed on the TWRP website as well: A Cure for Spring Fever – The Wild Rose Press Inc
Inspirational Note from Barbara.
I wrote this book as a way of dealing with challenges in my own life and career. I had sustained a mild traumatic brain injury at work, and when I returned to the high-pressure world of being an executive it was apparent that there were some lasting functional issues. I wanted to write a story about someone who was struggling with performance issues at work, but I also wanted to believe they could find a resolution. Stan was able to find a new equilibrium, and everything worked out for him in the end. I think that writing this story helped give me confidence that my own story would work out positively, and it has. I medically retired from my corporate job, and now I am enjoying the freedom and creativity that come with writing. I still have some issues with short-term memory and complex attention, but I feel very blessed to have found a second career that is flexible enough to showcase my strengths and accommodate my challenges.
* There is only one sexually explicit scene, and it is limited to half a page. That said, the 'R' rating is there to let people know there is adult content, regardless of its duration or frequency.
About the Author.Barbara Robinson is an author of contemporary and historical romance set against a backdrop of magical realism. She is known for world building that features rich and immersive detail supported by meticulous research and careful observation. She finds inspiration in myths, folktales, and academic writing on a variety of subjects. Diagnosed with autism and giftedness, she also enjoys exploring themes of neurodiversity in her writing.
Barbara has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College and a Master of Arts from Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College (Toronto, Canada), and was awarded a Letter of Distinction.
Barbara is a lover of nature who works out plot lines and character sketches while nurturing her garden, walking in the woods, or sitting by the shoreline watching waves. She lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, nestled between the province’s ancient mountains and rugged coastlines. These vistas shape her story settings, while providing the perfect backdrop for life with her husband, her hounds and her dragon (Pogona Vitticeps).
BJR Books (barbararobinsonauthor.ca)
Barbara Robinson (@bjrbooks) • Instagram photos and videos
Barbara Robinson (Author of A Cure for Spring Fever) | Goodreads
Amazon Author
April 15, 2024
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Nan Reinhardt.
Make You Mine Book 1 in the Walkers of River’s Edge series.
by
Nan Reinhardt
April 16, 2024
Workplace Romance
When his family’s company is on the line, business and pleasure definitely don’t mix, but maybe they should…
About the story.
Madeline Ross left the city and a career glass ceiling behind, hoping to build a new life as the crew supervisor for Walker Construction in River’s Edge. She’s qualified and experienced, but new CEO Jackson Walker hires someone else. Even as she searches for a different job and builds a life in River’s Edge, the sexy memory of Jack teases.
After a rough year, Jackson Walker’s family business is still struggling. He needs a new construction crew supervisor, and Maddie Ross is perfect, except for the first time in his life, player Jack is suddenly smitten with the curvaceous redhead. He wants her in his bed more than on his payroll.
When his second-rate new hire is a disastrous mistake, Jack humbles himself on Maddie’s doorstep with an offer she can’t refuse. Maddie could be the key to saving his company as long as he hides his heart. But does he have to?
Grab your copy.
https://tulepublishing.com/books/make... (links to all outlets are here)
A chat Around the Fire with USA Today bestselling Author, Nan Reinhardt. Welcome to the fire Nan. Since its always 5 O'Clock somewhere I'll pour us a glass of vino. While you introduce youself. Remember in vino veritas. Who are you other than your bio?Honestly, I’m pretty much my bio. Writing and editing are my passions, but so are my family and friends. I’m a grandma, a mom, a wife, a sister, a friend.
What do you do when you have free time away from the words? Do you have any hobbies?
I am an avid reader as well as a freelance copy editor and development editor. I love to swim, boat, and spend time with my family. I go on writing retreats with my bestie.
Who is your network or support system? Anyone special who contributes to your career?
I have so many author friends—my bestie is author Liz Flaherty. I have my crit partners and my family who are incredibly supportive. I have lake pals and a group of women I call the Lovelies who build me up when I think I can’t take another writing step. I’m very lucky to have a lot of support.
I love Liz. She recently visited my fire. You mentioned a lake. I live at one in New Jersey. Tell us what your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
We just moved to our neighborhood about five years ago and I love the big old trees and the houses, which are all older and different from each other. I walk every day with my neighbor.
My preference is for older establishe neighborhoods. I'm not a fan of the cooke cutter houses. Surround me with trees and nature and I'm happy. You mentioned writing and editing. Let's talk craft. Does writing energize or exhaust you?
I think it depends on where I am in the process. Beginnings and endings energize me, but middles sometimes exhaust me.
The middle slump. I get that. If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Actually, I’d do my day job, which is being a freelance editor—I love, love working on other people’s books. I get to read so many great stories and it’s very satisfying helping authors make the work the very best it can be.
One of the frequent questions I get is how long, on average, does it take you to write a book? What about you?
Usually three-to-four months, sometimes a little longer.
What are the best websites, podcasts, or programs for writers to subscribe to?
I highly recommend any of Lani Diane Rich’s blogs, podcasts, books or podcasts. She is an amazing teacher. Also The One Stop for Writers website is incredibly helpful.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
It’s always going to be hard work. It will always be worth it, but it’s hard work no matter how books you’ve written. And don’t expect every book to be better than the last one…that doesn’t always happen. But mostly, have fun and if stops being fun, try to figure out why.
It is hard work! Hundreds of hours go into getting a book from idea until the reader has it in their hands. Can we peek into the real Nan? Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I think the very first time I saw my husband holding our grandson—the look in his eyes was just so full of love. I get weepy every time I remember that day.
Aww. I remember that with my mom. I walked past the bedroom and she was looking at my son and rocking. She said to him that his grandfather would be proud. I'll never forget it. If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?
A brownie with French vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Any chance you’ve got one of those?
I'm out of sauce but there's a DQ only minutes away from here. Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
Definitely unlimited first-class tickets to anywhere in the world. I can buy my food at little groceries and in restaurants…but travel…ahhh!
And now for the official Bio.
Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, small-town romantic fiction for Tule Publishing. Her day job is working as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, however, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten and is still writing, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled, woman in her prime. Nan lives in the Midwest with her husband of 50 years, where they split their time between a house in the city and a cottage on a lake. Talk to Nan at: nan@nanreinhardt.com.
https://linktr.ee/nan_reinhardt
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nan-reinhardt
http://www.nanreinhardt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authornanreinhardt
https://instagram.com/NanReinhardt
https://x.com/NanReinhardt
April 11, 2024
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Karen Hulene Bartell.
Fox Taleby
Karen Hulene Bartell
Werewolf & Shifter Romance
Paranormal Romance
Release April 8, 2024
What separates perception from deception―illusion from reality?
Fox Tale is a paranormal romance set in Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan. It’s about a woman who’s terrified of heights. When Chase saves Ava from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.
She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.
She’s torn between him and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?
Get your copy today.
Universal link https://books2read.com/u/br9VJM
Amazon: https://shorturl.at/uwGPX
B&N Nook https://shorturl.at/nuMOZ
Goodreads https://shorturl.at/jozDY
Author Insights on writing Paranormal Romance.
“Es” into writing Paranormal Romance
Ease into writing Paranormal Romance with these ten Es: Establish, Elude, Evoke, Evince, Encounter, Engage, Entertain, Evaluate, Elicit, and Ease.
Establish rapport for the protagonist early on. Let the reader relate.
Elude with scents, sounds, or senses. Let the protagonist walk into a room and get a whiff of her mother’s perfume or a puff of his uncle’s cigar. Are those stairs or floorboards creaking? That chill down the protagonist’s spine feels like someone is walking over their grave.
Evoke memories. Remembering deceased relatives or friends or reading the diaries of ancestors that have passed may help the lingering spirit to be recognized, forgiven, or to find closure.
Forgotten memories or lost journals can help, not only the spirit, but the protagonist, as well, when they learn the truth or understand the role they play in the family story.
Evince the paranormal through evidence. Scents, sounds, or senses set the atmosphere, but eventually, more than hints of a paranormal being are necessary to make the story believable.
For instance, in Kissing Kin, a rocking chair apparently moved of its own volition. But then, they discovered that forced air through vents had “pushed” it. Still later, they learned the history of the rocker, and the protagonist relived the past in a dream. Finally, the protagonist saw the entity’s ghostly figure rocking in the chair.
Or in Fox Tale, I gradually interspersed a mirror’s natural warps with supernatural distortions.
As we left the restaurant, we walked past a convex antique mirror. Still buzzed, I giggled at our distorted, disproportional reflections. His ears looked pointed, like an elf’s. No, like a fox’s. Startled, I gulped.
“What?”
“I…I thought I saw…” Fingers shaking, I pointed at the mirror.
“What?” He glimpsed the mirror.
His reflection was normal.
“Nothing.” Relieved, I giggled and shook my head. “Just that convex mirror playing tricks on my eyes.” Or too much wine…
Encounter the entity. Tease the reader with occurrences that seem paranormal but can be explained through physics or logic. Then, after “disproving” anything supernatural, have the entity manifest itself in a way that’s plausible yet proves it’s unearthly.
Engage the entity. Interact with it. Communicate with it to learn their purpose for the visitation.
Entertain the entity’s request, as well as entertain the reader. Have your protagonist consider how they can—or if they should—help the entity reach its goal or right its wrong.
Keep in mind, your writing’s primary purpose is to entertain the reader throughout the story’s exposition, climax, and denouement.
Evaluate the entity’s motive. Why did the ghost / cryptid contact your protagonist? This is where the entity and / or protagonist deepens their rapport with the reader.
Elicit their help. The entity entreats the protagonist for help. Possibly the entity offers to help the protagonist (because they’re related / had been coworkers or friends).
Ease their plight. After much consideration, have the protagonist agree to assist the entity—but show why. Is it mutually beneficial? Does the protagonist feel an obligation of some sort? Is the protagonist sympathetic? Why?
Hopefully, you’ll ease into writing Paranormal Romance with the ten Es: Establish, Elude, Evoke, Evince, Encounter, Engage, Entertain, Evaluate, Elicit, and Ease.
Happy drafting!
About the Author.Author of the Trans-Pecos, Sacred Emblem, Sacred Journey, and Sacred Messenger series, as well as Kissing Kin, Fox Tale, Wild Rose Pass, The Keys: Voice of the Turtle and more, Karen is a best-selling author, motivational keynote speaker, IT technical editor, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life. She writes multicultural, offbeat love stories steeped in the supernatural. Born to rolling-stone parents who moved annually, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her mews—three rescued cats and a rescued *Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.
Follow the Author.
www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHuleneBartell
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/karenbartell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuleneKaren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tag...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Email: info@KarenHuleneBartell.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/karenhu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhulene...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhule...
AUTHORSdb: https://authorsdb.com/community/17847...
April 10, 2024
Around the Fire In-depth interview with Kris Bock.
Hi, everyone. Before we get to today’s guest, just a bit of news from me. Today, I’m highlighted on N. N. Lights Book Heaven. https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/book-promos. If you want a bit of my crazy musings, check them out. While you’re there, you may notice a book you’re not familiar with. A Christmas Storm has a cover. But I’m only revealing part of it. If you want to see the whole enchilada, then sign up for my Monthly Newsletter, which will go out on May 1st for a First Look. Around the Fire Monthly Newsletter, sign-up will also get a Mortar & Pestle bonus for all the books in the series. Now, enough about me. You may be familiar with my guest. Kris Bock is a fellow Wild Rose Press author, and she’s shared my fire before.
Welcome back, Kris. Let me pour you some iced tea while you tell us what the best way to market your books is.
If anyone figures it out, please let me know. I haven’t found it yet.
Yup. That’s what I thought. There’s no magic wand or stone to slay that giant. We’ll move on to something more concrete. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? For example, I’ve visited sites and museums to get a feel for several book scenes.
The amount of research depends on the type of book. I did a lot more research when I was writing historical fiction for middle-grade readers! For my cat café romance novels, I don’t typically have to do too much research – though there are always things to explore, like the main characters’ jobs. For Pride and Prejudice at the Cat Café, I studied the original Pride and Prejudice to look for elements I could adapt.
Historical fiction is so labor-intensive. What did you edit out of this book?
The original novel had a lot of characters, so I got rid of some. I also made Lydia, the youngest Bennett sister, into a cat. In Pride and Prejudice, Lydia runs off with a scoundrel, and the problem is solved by getting them to marry. That doesn’t exactly work today!
Meow! Eh, who’d want to marry a scoundrel anyway? If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Edit or teach writing (which I also do now). I don’t really have any other skills.
Hmm, I didn’t know you did that. Let’s get personal. What’s the worst household chore?
I really dislike housecleaning in general, but mopping the floor is the worst. Fortunately, we have carpet in many rooms and my husband mops the kitchen!
I’m the opposite. I pulled up all the rugs and now have only throw rugs. Do you play board games? What games do you like?
I am not much of a gamer, because I don’t like competition, but I will play some cooperative games. I’ve played Pandemic a couple of times and one called Grim, where you’re soldiers in World War I.
Okay, opposites again. I’m very competitive. Ever seen The Big Bang Theory, where they go on the scavenger hunt? I resemble Bernadette. What subjects should be taught in school but not?
I must admit, I don’t even know all the subjects that are or aren’t taught in schools these days. But I think schools should teach a lot of life skills, everything from understanding finances to mental health topics.
Those are good ones. Mine are Home Eco and Shop, but both sexes need to take them. What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?
I lived in Alaska in high school. We weren’t in an area that got a lot of Northern lights, but I saw them a couple of times. Glaciers calving (pieces breaking off into the water) is also impressive!
Wow. The lights are on my bucket list. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I occasionally browse through book reviews, mainly to see if there are any good quotes I can pull to share on social media. I try to only read the positive ones, but fortunately I haven’t had many highly critical reviews.
Kris, thanks for popping in and sharing my fire. Before you leave will you give us information about your latest release and were to find out more?
Pride and Prejudice at The Cat Café: a Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
by
Kris Bock
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a fortune should donate to a cat rescue.
About the story.
Overworked PhD student Liz takes a brief break at the local cat café with her friend Jade, who wants to start a special needs cat rescue. Jade pitches her idea to Carl, who is in charge of corporate giving for a rich local family, and sparks fly between the two.
Meanwhile, snark flies between Liz and Carl's best friend. William seems stuffy and rude, and worst of all, he doesn’t like cats. William is intrigued by Liz even though every one of their interactions seems to go awry, in part due to his terrible cat allergy.
For the sake of their friends and the animals, the two figure out how to get along – until Liz learns some horrible facts about William. But is she trusting the right person? Then the feisty kitten Lydia disappears – perhaps stolen – and they have to overcome their differences in order to rescue her.
The Furrever Friends Cat Café helps people find furry forever friends – and just might lead to romantic love too. This Pride and Prejudice modern adaptation features fresh twists to delight both fans and new readers.
Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series on Amazon US or Amazon UK or see the series with links to all retailers.
What others are saying.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is fun and I had several laugh-out-loud moments – really out loud! It also passed the ‘I'm awake in the middle of the night so I'll read test’ because then I stayed up for 4 - 5 hours reading and didn't actually sleep.” – reader review
A peek inside.
On Sunday morning, Liz closed her computer and rubbed her throbbing forehead. Jade had been singing for the last hour. It was like living with freaking Cinderella, the Disney version where she had all the animal friends and was unfailingly cheerful when she should have been enraged by her mistreatment.
But Liz would not go into a rant in her own mind. What was the point of arguing with someone who agreed with you?
Anyway, apparently Jade had a reason for singing. Carl had liked her business proposal. Carl understood that while the local cat rescue was on sound footing, it didn’t have the resources to handle special needs cats. Carl loved cats. Carl, Carl, Carl.
Liz had to smile, seeing her friend so giddy. She just hoped Carl was the sincere and not merely showing enthusiasm because he wanted to impress Jade long enough to get her into bed. If he was playing games, Liz would have to destroy him, and she didn’t have time for that. But he’d seemed nice enough.
Once she’d shaken off her annoyance at the cat-hater and the squealing girl desperately trying to attract him, Liz had watched Jade and Carl with great interest. The chemistry between them had been off the charts. Liz might have envied Jade for that too.
Not that she envied her best friend for anything. She wanted wonderful things for Jade, and Liz didn’t have time for a relationship anyway, or know anyone interesting, so …
Wait, what had she been thinking about?
Jade hit a particularly high note.
Oh, right. Good chemistry.
Liz chuckled and headed to the kitchen to refill her coffee. She was pretty sure she’d already taken the last cup, but if she was lucky, Jade would have started a second pot. She found Jade scrubbing the counters as she sang. Liz scowled at the coffee maker, or more specifically the empty space where the glass pot should be. The dishwasher was running; apparently Jade had decided to wash the coffee pot as part of her enthusiastic cleaning binge. Freaking Cinderella.
About the Author
Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Learn more at KrisBock.com. Get a free 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café” and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.
Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. The series starts with Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium. Sign up for their romantic comedy newsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find the books on Amazon US or All E-book retailers.
Welcome back, Kris. Let me pour you some iced tea while you tell us what the best way to market your books is.If anyone figures it out, please let me know. I haven’t found it yet.
Yup. That’s what I thought. There’s no magic wand or stone to slay that giant. We’ll move on to something more concrete. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? For example, I’ve visited sites and museums to get a feel for several book scenes.
The amount of research depends on the type of book. I did a lot more research when I was writing historical fiction for middle-grade readers! For my cat café romance novels, I don’t typically have to do too much research – though there are always things to explore, like the main characters’ jobs. For Pride and Prejudice at the Cat Café, I studied the original Pride and Prejudice to look for elements I could adapt.
Historical fiction is so labor-intensive. What did you edit out of this book?
The original novel had a lot of characters, so I got rid of some. I also made Lydia, the youngest Bennett sister, into a cat. In Pride and Prejudice, Lydia runs off with a scoundrel, and the problem is solved by getting them to marry. That doesn’t exactly work today!
Meow! Eh, who’d want to marry a scoundrel anyway? If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Edit or teach writing (which I also do now). I don’t really have any other skills.
Hmm, I didn’t know you did that. Let’s get personal. What’s the worst household chore?
I really dislike housecleaning in general, but mopping the floor is the worst. Fortunately, we have carpet in many rooms and my husband mops the kitchen!
I’m the opposite. I pulled up all the rugs and now have only throw rugs. Do you play board games? What games do you like?
I am not much of a gamer, because I don’t like competition, but I will play some cooperative games. I’ve played Pandemic a couple of times and one called Grim, where you’re soldiers in World War I.
Okay, opposites again. I’m very competitive. Ever seen The Big Bang Theory, where they go on the scavenger hunt? I resemble Bernadette. What subjects should be taught in school but not?
I must admit, I don’t even know all the subjects that are or aren’t taught in schools these days. But I think schools should teach a lot of life skills, everything from understanding finances to mental health topics.
Those are good ones. Mine are Home Eco and Shop, but both sexes need to take them. What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?
I lived in Alaska in high school. We weren’t in an area that got a lot of Northern lights, but I saw them a couple of times. Glaciers calving (pieces breaking off into the water) is also impressive!
Wow. The lights are on my bucket list. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I occasionally browse through book reviews, mainly to see if there are any good quotes I can pull to share on social media. I try to only read the positive ones, but fortunately I haven’t had many highly critical reviews.
Kris, thanks for popping in and sharing my fire. Before you leave will you give us information about your latest release and were to find out more?
Pride and Prejudice at The Cat Café: a Furrever Friends Sweet Romanceby
Kris Bock
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a fortune should donate to a cat rescue.
About the story.
Overworked PhD student Liz takes a brief break at the local cat café with her friend Jade, who wants to start a special needs cat rescue. Jade pitches her idea to Carl, who is in charge of corporate giving for a rich local family, and sparks fly between the two.
Meanwhile, snark flies between Liz and Carl's best friend. William seems stuffy and rude, and worst of all, he doesn’t like cats. William is intrigued by Liz even though every one of their interactions seems to go awry, in part due to his terrible cat allergy.
For the sake of their friends and the animals, the two figure out how to get along – until Liz learns some horrible facts about William. But is she trusting the right person? Then the feisty kitten Lydia disappears – perhaps stolen – and they have to overcome their differences in order to rescue her.
The Furrever Friends Cat Café helps people find furry forever friends – and just might lead to romantic love too. This Pride and Prejudice modern adaptation features fresh twists to delight both fans and new readers.
Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series on Amazon US or Amazon UK or see the series with links to all retailers.
What others are saying.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is fun and I had several laugh-out-loud moments – really out loud! It also passed the ‘I'm awake in the middle of the night so I'll read test’ because then I stayed up for 4 - 5 hours reading and didn't actually sleep.” – reader review
A peek inside.
On Sunday morning, Liz closed her computer and rubbed her throbbing forehead. Jade had been singing for the last hour. It was like living with freaking Cinderella, the Disney version where she had all the animal friends and was unfailingly cheerful when she should have been enraged by her mistreatment.
But Liz would not go into a rant in her own mind. What was the point of arguing with someone who agreed with you?
Anyway, apparently Jade had a reason for singing. Carl had liked her business proposal. Carl understood that while the local cat rescue was on sound footing, it didn’t have the resources to handle special needs cats. Carl loved cats. Carl, Carl, Carl.
Liz had to smile, seeing her friend so giddy. She just hoped Carl was the sincere and not merely showing enthusiasm because he wanted to impress Jade long enough to get her into bed. If he was playing games, Liz would have to destroy him, and she didn’t have time for that. But he’d seemed nice enough.
Once she’d shaken off her annoyance at the cat-hater and the squealing girl desperately trying to attract him, Liz had watched Jade and Carl with great interest. The chemistry between them had been off the charts. Liz might have envied Jade for that too.
Not that she envied her best friend for anything. She wanted wonderful things for Jade, and Liz didn’t have time for a relationship anyway, or know anyone interesting, so …
Wait, what had she been thinking about?
Jade hit a particularly high note.
Oh, right. Good chemistry.
Liz chuckled and headed to the kitchen to refill her coffee. She was pretty sure she’d already taken the last cup, but if she was lucky, Jade would have started a second pot. She found Jade scrubbing the counters as she sang. Liz scowled at the coffee maker, or more specifically the empty space where the glass pot should be. The dishwasher was running; apparently Jade had decided to wash the coffee pot as part of her enthusiastic cleaning binge. Freaking Cinderella.
About the Author
Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, and suspense. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams and find love amidst the chaos? In the Accidental Detective humorous mystery series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Learn more at KrisBock.com. Get a free 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café” and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.
Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. The series starts with Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium. Sign up for their romantic comedy newsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find the books on Amazon US or All E-book retailers.
April 2, 2024
Around the Fire Book & Author Blog with Liz Flaherty.
Today's blog is a little different. That's a good thing. Liz has opened up about her writing life. She touched my heart because often we don't let others know our struggles. How often are you asked "how are things going?" and you answer "things are good." Well sometimes they aren't. But I love Liz's insight with "however". Hugs, Liz, and congratulations! 
About Nourishment
It’s been a slow couple of years for me as a writer. There’ve been rejections, poor sales, so very few reviews. When I signed up for this day here around the fire, it was almost under false pretenses, because I had nothing new to offer. I hoped I would by now, and I do have things…well, kind of…but no new releases, no multi-book contracts, no certainty at which way I’m going to go as I approach more of the constant forks in the publishing road.
However…
Oh, isn’t it great that there’s almost always a however?
Several months back, my friend Nan Reinhardt (who listens to me complain with great regularity) told me about an anthology that was looking for submissions. The theme was “nourish,” and surely I, the essay queen, would have something that might work. So I found one, did a little nipping and tucking on it, and submitted it to Gal’s Guide Library.
There were 87 entries, with 33 being chosen for the book, and I was one of the 33. I’m here to tell you, I needed that! Last week, a reception was held at the library to announce the awards in a juried competition among the pieces in the anthology. I was honored and very, very pleased to receive the Silver Medal for “The Rickrack Chronicles.”
I was very interested in the theme. Nourishment is so important in our lives. Beyond food, we need for our hearts and souls to be fed. We need our funny bones to be enriched and our beauty-finders to be satisfied. I haven’t read any of the other entries in the book, but I hope the contents do that for its readers.
For me, a writer having a not-so-good time of it, it’s already done..
It’s hard to include an excerpt from an essay that in its entirety is about the length of a normal one, so I’ll just share a passage instead. That sounds shorter, doesn’t it?
From “The Rickrack Chronicles,” by Liz Flaherty
When I was in the seventh grade, home economics was a required course—remember that? It was half cooking and half sewing and it only took me a couple of weeks to figure out I wasn’t meant to be either a chef or a seamstress. The food I cooked in class was raw in the middle and charred on the outside and the skirt I sewed was … God, it was awful. It had so many gathers in the back and so few in the front that the entire garment looked bustled. Not a good look for anyone, much less a rather lumpy 12-year-old.
The Gal’s Guide Anthology: Nourish will be released April 13. It will be available from Amazon then and can be pre-ordered now at https://tinyurl.com/5bt9f37e. Thanks for coming by the fire. Want a marshmallow?
Does that marshmallow come with graham crackers and a chocolate bar? Thank you for sharing your story, Liz. We all need that nurishment.
About the author.
Liz Flaherty has spent the past several years enjoying not working a day job, making terrible crafts, and writing stories in which the people aren’t young, brilliant, or even beautiful. She’s decided (and has to re-decide most every day) that the definition of success is having a good time. Along with her husband of lo, these many years, kids, grands, friends, and the occasional cat, she’s doing just that.
Find her on Facebook or her blog, Window Over the Sink. A girl just can’t have too many friends! https://linktr.ee/lizflaherty
About NourishmentIt’s been a slow couple of years for me as a writer. There’ve been rejections, poor sales, so very few reviews. When I signed up for this day here around the fire, it was almost under false pretenses, because I had nothing new to offer. I hoped I would by now, and I do have things…well, kind of…but no new releases, no multi-book contracts, no certainty at which way I’m going to go as I approach more of the constant forks in the publishing road.
However…
Oh, isn’t it great that there’s almost always a however?
Several months back, my friend Nan Reinhardt (who listens to me complain with great regularity) told me about an anthology that was looking for submissions. The theme was “nourish,” and surely I, the essay queen, would have something that might work. So I found one, did a little nipping and tucking on it, and submitted it to Gal’s Guide Library.
There were 87 entries, with 33 being chosen for the book, and I was one of the 33. I’m here to tell you, I needed that! Last week, a reception was held at the library to announce the awards in a juried competition among the pieces in the anthology. I was honored and very, very pleased to receive the Silver Medal for “The Rickrack Chronicles.”
I was very interested in the theme. Nourishment is so important in our lives. Beyond food, we need for our hearts and souls to be fed. We need our funny bones to be enriched and our beauty-finders to be satisfied. I haven’t read any of the other entries in the book, but I hope the contents do that for its readers.
For me, a writer having a not-so-good time of it, it’s already done..
It’s hard to include an excerpt from an essay that in its entirety is about the length of a normal one, so I’ll just share a passage instead. That sounds shorter, doesn’t it?
From “The Rickrack Chronicles,” by Liz Flaherty
When I was in the seventh grade, home economics was a required course—remember that? It was half cooking and half sewing and it only took me a couple of weeks to figure out I wasn’t meant to be either a chef or a seamstress. The food I cooked in class was raw in the middle and charred on the outside and the skirt I sewed was … God, it was awful. It had so many gathers in the back and so few in the front that the entire garment looked bustled. Not a good look for anyone, much less a rather lumpy 12-year-old.
The Gal’s Guide Anthology: Nourish will be released April 13. It will be available from Amazon then and can be pre-ordered now at https://tinyurl.com/5bt9f37e. Thanks for coming by the fire. Want a marshmallow?
Does that marshmallow come with graham crackers and a chocolate bar? Thank you for sharing your story, Liz. We all need that nurishment.
About the author.Liz Flaherty has spent the past several years enjoying not working a day job, making terrible crafts, and writing stories in which the people aren’t young, brilliant, or even beautiful. She’s decided (and has to re-decide most every day) that the definition of success is having a good time. Along with her husband of lo, these many years, kids, grands, friends, and the occasional cat, she’s doing just that.
Find her on Facebook or her blog, Window Over the Sink. A girl just can’t have too many friends! https://linktr.ee/lizflaherty
March 31, 2024
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Pamela Kyel.
Charm City Crab Puffby
Pamela Kyel
Release Date: April 1, 2024
Mystery/Romance
Heat level: PG
No one puts lemons in Laci's sweet tea.
About the story.
Special Agent Laci Duvall, AFOSI, expects her life to be like her favorite beverage. Sweet and strong. So, what happens when someone throws a lemon in her sweet tea? She finds who did it and gets even. But fate drops a twisted tea bag when lead investigator and Charm City Heartthrob, Baltimore City Police Detective Antonio Desio walks into the room. He’s the one Laci abandoned to marry the dead man before them, and he bypasses tea for fine Italian wine. This case has the markings of a guzzling sweet tea straight-from-the-pitcher kind of day, and Laci and Desio learn they have to work together to solve it. She’ll deal with her feelings for Desio later.
Get your copy today.
https://linktr.ee/pamelakyel
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSZG2YTP
Goodreads: Charm City Crab Puff (A Charm City Mystery Book 1)
Books a Million: Charm City Crab Puff: Pamela Kyel: 9781509253340
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/charm-city-crab-puff-pamela-kyel/1144762079
About the Author.I am Baltimore (pronounced “Bawlmer”), Maryland, born and raised. Life has taken me from Maryland to Montana to Italy and points in between, courtesy of the US Air Force. Being a military spouse, I have had a front-row seat to the workings of the military, and I use that in my Charm City series. I am a member of Sisters in Crime National and Wisconsin chapter.
https://pamelakyel.com/
