C.H. Admirand's Blog, page 19

My Love of Cars and A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE!

After going back and forth a few times, Sourcebooks finally decided on Apple Grove, Ohio as the name of the town where my new Small Town USA series will be set. I try not to get too attached to titles because they are forever changing. :)











Although the cover has a classic 50s car on the cover, my heroine, Megan Mulcahy, drives her grandfather's 1950 black Ford F1 Pickup...here's what it looks like...only with Mulcahy's in gold letters on the side.



The hero, Dan Eagan, loves classic and antique cars...and is thrilled to see the Ford F1 in the driveway, but like a kid in a candy store when he finds out that parked in the Mulcahy's barn is a 1929 Model A Pickup just waiting to be restored and driven, he can't wait to see it! 



A sign that I haven't been keeping up with the times is that the definition of "classic car" is forever changing as the years go by because to be considered a classic, the car must be at least 20 years to 40 years old. Antiques are 45 years and older. Who knew? Obviously not me because I still call cars classics that were classics when I was a teenager! LOL!

When I was 19, my Dad took me down to Edward's Ford in Pompton Lakes to look at cars. The only person he'd buy a car from was Larry Setterfield--hometown football hero from Pompton Lakes High School--when all was said and done, my Dad co-signed on my first car a 1977 Ford Pinto Hatchback...silver with a red interior...boy did I think I was cool driving to work in that car. And yeah my darling hubby (boyfriend at the time) installed a brand new cassette player in the glove box of that car, so no one would see it to steal it. I still have the tape I copied from a friend's album that I played to near death...Jackson Browne's For Everyman...gotta love the way he sings Redneck Friend! It still plays, but the sound quality isn't as good as it was back then. LOL!


Before I got married 2 years later, I paid off that car and repaid my Dad for the  down payment. Cars, like music have always played an important role in my life. 



My car-crazy guys are trying to find the make and model of the car on my new cover, but the closest we can come is a 1957 Chrysler 300 




1957 Plymouth Fury





or 1957 DeSoto Adventurer




But none of the taillights are right...but judging by the wheelbase, it's a photo-shopped image, so it's hard to pin down. But is sure is pretty. :)

So here's to a life-time love of cars, music, and my family...I'd truly be lost without them!

Should I Repaint My Office?

 

OK...so at our house it's no secret that I have a fabulous office that I can no longer write in... 

It started out with a hemmed-in feeling, probably because I store promo for upcoming events in my office, but it gradually became impossible for me to write in there. 







I have lovely Pre-Raphaelite art, tiny ceramic faeries, a desk-top waterfall, etc., but it's no use. I simply cannot write in there.


 Maybe it was that last bookshelf that I moved into my office to get the stacks of research books up off the floor...You'd think it would be the perfect place to work, it has my old desktop and a space for my laptop...but alas...whenever I sit down to work...nothing happens!








 

Last fall we re-did the kitchen, painting the cabinets a lovely soft shade of sage green, the walls a buttery yellow, adding a copper backsplash, and then laying the wood floor. 

We're weekend warriors at our house, always have been, always will be. There's just something about doing things yourself, that gives you a sense of satisfaction.





The kitchen has always been at the heart of who I am...I love to bake...cooking's OK...but given the choice, I'd bake. :) 
Yep, I'm a certified, card-carrying carboholic! I got up early on St. Patrick's Day to bake. 
I have this fabulous Irish Soda Bread recipe....




...and after experimenting, two Whiskey Cake recipes. :)  This is a pic of the Traditional Whiskey Cake...



And here is a pic of the experiment...marrying two family favorites...my great-grandmother, Margaret Mary Flaherty's Butter Cake and the Traditional Irish Whiskey Cake.

Both were so good...they were gone!
Soooo...now I'm off to work on Book 2 in my new Small Town USA series for Sourcebooks. At the moment, they are trying to find the perfect name for the town...it started out as Purity, Ohio...and at the moment is Apple Grove, Ohio... so the title will be changing.
BUT isn't the temporary cover lovely?


Well...it's already after Noon here, so I'd better get back to my wip!
Happy Reading, Slainte' C.H. Admirand

Giving Away an ARC of JESSE today!

Stop by the Casa Babes blog today and leave your comment. Which cover do you like better? The first one where he's wearing a Stetson...   or the final cover with the close-up of Jesse wearing a shirt? 

I'm giving away a signed ARC tonight, so be sure to leave your comment and your email address so I can get in touch with one lucky winner chosen at random. 
Here's the link http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/

Spring is in the air and in my NEW Blog Header!

OK...so the picture for my new blog header is actually from late May/early June, but I needed to see green growing things and flowers...lots of flowers!
I took this picture one morning while drinking tea and doing my reading for the day. It's such a soothing spot on the patio. 
It's hard to believe, but I really don't remember what year we put it in...we were supposed to go away for vacation, but our oldest son came down with a stomach bug, so we decided to do yard work and let him recuperate in the lawn chair watching us (and telling his younger sister and brother what to do!)
My hubby created the design for the layout of the bluestones on his computer and then HE started telling everyone what to do! LOL.  
Now years later, these are the lovely plants that surround it: Bee Balm, Purple Coneflowers, Native Raspberries, Butterfly Bushes, and Violets surrounding a pretty lantern. I love the way the early morning sun touches the tops of the flowers.

In the background is the playhouse my hubby built for our kids when they were small. I can't wait for grandbaby Jack to start exploring our yard. 

So many precious memories here...and many more to come! 
My positive thought for the day while Caitlin Mulchay and Jack Gannon...aka Doc Gannon...nudge me to get back to work on their story...One Day in Apple Grove...book 2 in my Small Town USA series!

Every day is a gift...embrace what is precious is your life! 

Virtual Tour for DYLAN kicked off today!

 It's the second day of the new year and already I'm running behind and on empty (for those of you who are Jackson Browne fans you'll understand.)





The lovely Mia Marlowe http://www.miamarlowe.com hosted a multi-author blog today at Sourcebooks with a huge giveaway, my time slot was the 10 am slot, but instead of being parked in front of my laptop ready to respond...I was on my way to PA to visit my mom at the nursing home, my sister called to say our mom took a turn for the worse...but the good news is that she is now stable and improving! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to comment on my blog and leave kind words, thoughts and prayers for my mom. :)

Soooo....when I got home tonight I was able to respond to comments and pick the winner for today's guest blog giveaway at the Casablanca Authors Blog...and the winner is: Maria D.! Congratulations!!
Tomorrow is another chance to comment and enter to win a signed copy of DYLAN. So stop by and visit me for DYLAN's launch party at the Casablanca Authors Blog http://www.casablancaauthors.blogspot.com 





Slainte'
C.H. Admirand

2011: The Year of Amazing Highs...and Devastating Lows…

It has been a roller coaster ride of a year and while therewere some amazing highs—there were some devastating lows—so all in all, I'm notsorry to see 2011 end. 
2011 was a year of change—both good and bad, but I'm choosingto focus on the good. It was an amazing year of "firsts" for me, for which I amso grateful.
There are so many people who were a part of making these"firsts" happen for me. I know I am leaving a few of you out, but only because mybrain's still recovering from a double deadline last week. Anyway, here are just a few of the wonderful people in my lifethat I'd like to thank:
Thank You: to the amazing Sourcebooks team:Publisher, Dominique Raccah; Editor, Deb Werksman; Editorial Assistant, SusieBenton; Administrative Assistant, Cat Clyne; and Publicist Danielle Jackson. 






I'm delighted that DYLAN is releasing January 2nd and will be giving away signed copies of him during my Virtual Blog Tour. There will be plenty of chances to win, check out the dates:




  Date Blog 1/2/12 Mia Marlowe's blog http://www.miamarlowe.com/blog /  1/3/12 Casablanca Author's blog http://www.casablancaauthors.blogspot.com 1/5/12 SOS Aloha http://www.sosaloha.blogspot.com/ 1/6/12 Romantic Crush Junkies http://www.romanticcrushjunkies.com 1/10/12 Laura's Reviews http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/ 1/11/12 Thoughts in Progress http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/ 1/11/12 The Romance Studio http://www.theromancestudio.blogspot.com 1/15/12 Fresh Fiction http://www.freshfiction.com/ 1/16/12 Night Owl Reviews http://nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com/ 1/18/12 Coffee Time Romance http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeTh... 1/20/12 Sia McKye's Thoughts Over Coffee http://siamckye.blogspot.com/ 1/20/12 Emily @ AAD12 Blog (Authors After Dark Blog) 1/24/12 My Book Addiction and More http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/ 1/25/12 Love Romance Passion http://www.loveromancepassion.com/
 TYLER, the first book in my hot cowboy series for Sourcebookswas not only my tenth published novel, but my first mass market paperback—oneof the goals I set for myself when I started writing over a decade ago. 


 TYLERwould not have been published without the insight and encouragement of myfabulous editor, Deb Werksman.




Thank You: to my fabulous agent, Eric Ruben. Withhis guidance, professionalism, and expertise, I have sold another three bookdeal to Sourcebooks. This time, it will be a trilogy set in Purity, Ohio—SmallTown USA. The first book, A WEDDING IN PURITY, will release in November 2012.
Thank You: to Anne Elizabeth for being mysounding board for so much more than plotlines and character development!


Thank You: to mypublicist, Judy Spagnola for her friendship, encouragement, and expertise.

   Thank You: to Lori Foster and Lora Leigh forincluding me in the group of authors participating in their Reader Events.These ladies are not only very talented prolific authors, they are amazinglywarm-hearted women. I was delighted to have been a part of their events.   










  ThankYou: to JoCarolJones for always thinking of me – you and Johnny and wonderful people! Dave andI can't wait to see you in Chicago!
 













Thank You: to Kim Rocha and the Book ObsessedChicks Book Club for embracing me and inviting me to attend one of theirmeetings—I had the BEST time and loved getting to know all of you.
Thank You: to Natalie and Kim for reading myrough drafts at the last minute and giving me feedback in time to make changesand meet my deadlines!

 Thank You: to Tara Nina for kicking my butt backto Jazzercise and so much more!




 
ThankYou: to myfamily…for believing in me and giving me the time and space I needed while I workedtoward meeting my December deadlines. 
 
Where would I be without all of you? Myguys: Hubby Dave and son's Phil and Josh, our daughter Jessi, son-in-law Tom,and gorgeous grandbaby Jack.     
We had to say goodbye to our faithful friend Ginger after 12years, but were able to rescue another dog in need of a good home—Josie wasborn in a shelter and spent the first ten months of her life in a cage. 



After a week of loving attention—and a lot of coaxing—she'scoming out of her shell. She's so sweet with me, but showing signs ofaggression with the men in our house. We are trying to work through thissituation, but each day she grows more comfortable in her home and lesstrusting of my guys. 
I've put out a call to help to a local trainer; the shelterwhere we rescued Josie, and posted the question on Facebook, hopefully someonewill be able to help. I don't want to have to surrender her, but cannot allowthis problem to escalate our precious grandbaby visits often and Jack is only 11 weeks old.
It's obvious now that when the shelter volunteer said weneeded to let the men take a more active role in Josie's transition, there wasjust a tidbit of information that they neglected to tell us…specifically herfear of men…but then again, they didn't tell us about her skin condition orworms until after we'd adopted her.
I'm hoping that Josie will turn around and learn to trust myguys…they are so loveable and miss Ginger so much.  
Even though 2012 is off to a rocky start on our homefront...I am hopeful that things will improve.
So for the coming year, my wish for you is that you open your arms and your heart embracinglife to its fullest—the rewards are priceless.

Slainte' C.H. Admirand

TYLER @ Amazon Big Deal Days 12/17-12/23/11!

I'm so excited to have TYLER chosen as part of Amazon's Big Deal Days! The timing is perfect. Bring home a tall, dark, sexy cowboy...TYLER...for Christmas. Here's the link http://tinyurl.com/7vuj4ev 
 
Then start the New Year off right with his brother DYLAN  http://tinyurl.com/85csko7
available January 2, 2012.


Slainte'
C.H. Admirand

Four and a Half Stars from RT for DYLAN!

OK, so pinch me again and I just might believe it. I received the news yesterday that I'd received 4 1/2 stars from RT Book Reviews for DYLAN, the second book in my hot western contemporary trilogy for Sourcebooks. DYLAN is the middle Garahan brother's story which releases January 2nd, 2012.
Here's the review from RT: DYLAN (ISBN9781402258077)
by C.H. Admirand Genre: Contemporary Romance,General Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: HOTRT Rating : 4.5/ 5 Stars
REVIEW: Admirand does an excellent job of setting the scene with her amazing flair for scenery and description.Readers will be able to empathize with the female character and her hesitancy to move forward. The sex scenes are amazing and written with such great detail thatreaders will be left panting.
"Cowboy Dylan Garahan loves two things: his family and his life on the ranch. His life is complete until he meets a brunette with green eyes, eyes that change color depending on her mood. Ronnie Delvecchio is a city girl who has made her home in Texas. Still hurting from the betrayal of her first marriage, she is reluctant to give love another try — even if it comes in the form of a muscular cowboy who doesn't take no for an answer" Reviewed By: B. Nakia Garner
Here are some early reviews for DYLAN:
Detra Fitch from The Huntress gave it 4 Stars and said... "This tale has a terrific cast of quirky secondary characters. Combine them withthe author's wacky sense of humor and you are in for one crazy ride. This author has found her niche in the ModernContemporary Romance genre. Admirand has a sassy writing style that is simplyirresistible!"
Terri from Night Owl Review gave it 4.25 and said... "Ihave to recommend this book as it has a multi-dimensional plot and kept myinterest. I loved the characters and the situations. The story progressed atthe perfect pace and the ending was inspired. I finished this book ready forthe next as I've already fallen in love with younger brother, Jesse."
Lototy from Coffee Time Romance gave it 4 cups and said... "FirstTyler and now Dylan, I do not know how much more a girl can take, but I amready to find out.  Dylan is your typical middle child, with attitude tospare, but he has so met his match with Ronnie. Their verbal sparring islike so much foreplay, and it gets you in the mood to only want more. IfJesse is anything like his older brothers we are in for another treat, and Icannot wait to see the woman willing to take him on."
Kimberly of Book Obsessed Chicks Book Club gave it 4 stars (brilliant) and said... "I really enjoyed reading Dylan. TheGarahan boys totally had me with Tyler and this story onlyenhanced my love for the handsome cowboys. Ronnie DelVecchio is completely mykind of chick! She doesn't let anyone get over on her. She can hot-wire a car,she can cook and boy does she have sass. I love how C.H. has begun explainingJessie's troubles here. That has only make me want Jessie's storyNOW. Dylan is a poignant romance about two modern day people with deep roots totheir perspective heritages."
Here's the blurb from the cover copy: Sexy rancher Dylan is temporarily covering his brother's shift at the Lucky Star ladies club when he meets Ronnie DelVecchio, a darkhaired beauty with snapping green eyes. Sparks and tempers fly and Dylan can't resist the urge to see what it would be like to kiss her senseless.
Want to read more? Here's an excerpt:      Dylan Garahan narrowed his gaze trying to focus in the glare of the spotlight, searching the crowd for her face. It was time for the big move in his actâ€"the show-stopper. Where was she?      Jolene would kill him if he messed this up, but he'd made it through the last two nights and would make it through tonight. The redheaded owner of the club should have no complaints about the middle Garahan brother not keeping his word or holding up his end of the bargain. Damn the woman and her tests!       Controlling the urge to turn on his heel and walk off the stage, he dug deep and found the grit to stick it out. Hell, if Tyler could handle this job, so could he. Garahans went down fighting!      Oblivious to the adoring gazes of the women around him, he moved toward center stage, bent, and picked up the coiled rope. He looked up as a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead walked into the bar right on schedule but there was something different about the brunette. Maybe it was the blindfold. He struggled not to laugh, but he couldn't keep from smiling, wondering why the cloak-and-dagger bit.      Looping the lasso in his hands, he started the slow circular motion. Getting the rhythm going until it was smooth and sweet, he raised it above his head and locked gazes with the blonde. When she nodded, he let the lasso fly, as the blonde whipped the blindfold off the brunette.      The woman's stunned expression as the rope slipped around her upper body didn't stop him from tugging on the rope and reeling her in. The patrons of the Lucky Star hooted and hollered, encouraging him to pull faster, but he didn't want the little lady to trip and fall on her pretty face.      Glad that the focus of the crowd wasn't totally on him, he gently pulled her toward him. The brunette's gypsy-dark skin, full red lips, and almond-shaped eyes captivated him. The promise of pain-filled death in her dark green eyes, as she struggled against the bonds that held her, had his lips twitching, fighting not to smile.       She dug in her heels, but he used his strength to subdue her. Undeterred, he yanked on the rope. When her eyes widened in shock, he used her surprise to his advantage and reeled her in the last few feet. When they were a few inches apart, he tipped his hat, smiled, and rumbled, "Happy birthday, darlin'."      Her eyes narrowed, and her nostrils flared; Dylan recognized the signs of a fractious filly about to raise a ruckus. Not a problem, he was ready. Wrapping his free hand around her, he hauled her in close, pinning her to him before she could let loose and kick him.      The crowd roared its approval.      "Let me go," she demanded, her sweet breath tickling the hollow of his throat.      Enjoying himself for the first time since he'd hit the stage, he chuckled and bent his head closer to her full red lips. "Why?" His gaze locked with hers. "So you can have more room to do more damage?"      "I don't like being manhandled."       Her vehement protest didn't deter him; he had a job to do and an act to finish. "Well now, darlin'," he drawled, "that's not what your friends said."      Her eyes sparkled with temper, and her willowy body trembled with anger. Dylan's body stood up and said hell yeah! It'd been a long time since he'd had a woman tempt him. The sultry brunette in his arms looked like she wanted to tear a few strips off of his hide… right before she killed him.       Damn, but that turned him on.       Perverse. That's what his grandpa would say. He grinned and would swear he heard her grinding her teeth in frustration.       "Let me go." She struggled against him, but he'd trapped her slender curves against him so not a breath of air was between them. "I'm not one of those desperately lonely women, or buckle bunnies coming in here looking for some eye candy."      Lord, he really loved the husky sound of her voice. Even angry, it sounded sexy. He fought against the instant attraction he'd felt and shrugged. "I'm not the one whose friends blindfolded me."      She closed her eyes and stopped struggling. Dylan could feel the anger leaving her by degrees.      "They're just trying to help."      "With a face like an angel and a body made for lovin', why would you need any?"      Tears gathered in her eyes. "None of your business."      Well, hell. His one weakness cut him off at the knees. A woman's tears. "I'm about to make it my business."      The music ended and house lights went on, his cue to release his captive and take a bow. Cursing his job and his redheaded boss, he brushed her tears away. Moved by the split second of vulnerability, before she covered it with the toss of her long, dark, wavy mane, he hungered for a long, slow tasting kiss.       He wasn't sure if he wanted to reassure her that whoever had put the sadness in her eyes wasn't worth her time, and that he would be, or if he had been too long without a woman and was letting certain parts of his anatomy take his mind hostage.      Dylan slid his hands around to the small of her back and watched her eyes turn an even deeper green, the color of the tumbled sea glass he'd found as a kid, on a beach down on the Gulf Coast. When the go-to-hell expression on her face morphed into shocked surprise, he dipped his head low so their mouths were lined up.      He could feel her heart begin to pound, but from the dazed expression in her eyes it wasn't from fear; it was something darker and a hell of a lot more fun. He brushed his lips across hers and felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. She tasted like sin, and he was ready to burn.      Need tied his guts into knots, but he'd be damned if he'd be letting go of this little filly before he'd taken his fill. He gentled her with soft, tentative kisses until she relaxed in his arms. When she moaned low in her throat, the knots inside him pulled tighter a heartbeat before she melted in his arms.      "Darlin', you're killing me."      Her eyes met his, and he knew she was going to kiss him back. He didn't ask; he simply plundered.               Surrounded by the dark, sensuous taste of her, he couldn't get enough. Splaying his hands to the small of her back, he molded her to him, drinking from her lips like a dying man, three days without water. Hungry for more, he slid the tip of his tongue along the seam of her lips, coaxing her to let him fully taste her dark, sweet flavor. When she parted her lips, he devoured her. Two years of frustrated need, anger, and desire swirled inside of him and struggled to let loose.      "Happy birthday, Ronnie!"       He snapped to attention and loosened his hold, though it nearly tore him apart. He was not done. He wanted more, ached for more, needed more from this woman. 
If you missed TYLER, the first book in the series, you can read an excerpt on my website http://www.chadmirand.com.
Slainte'C.H. Admirand

Lora Leigh's RAW 2012

I'm still trying to recover from the fabulous 6 days I spent in Maryland! This was my first ever RAW (Reader's Appreciation Weekend) hosted by the fabulous Lora Leigh and frankly I was scared spitless! I wasn't sure quite what to expect, most of the events I've attended over the years have been writer's conferences and the RT Convention. Here's a pic from Thursday night before the bonfire: CH, Nikki Duncan, Jacquelyn Frank and Lora Leigh!


Being able to meet readers face-to-face and spent more than five seconds chatting was pure pleasure and gave me an insight into what readers enjoy, what genres they are reading, etc. The odd looks I received when I asked what readers wanted to read when it wasn't what I wrote made me smile...I have lots of author friends that do write in different genres, and I was delighted to make recommendations. :) Just spreading the love! Here's a pic taken over my shoulder at Monica Burns and Nikki Duncan (the next table over) during the autograph/meet the author sessions. The second pic has the lovely Amanda McIntyre in the foreground. What a rush the autograph/meet sessions were, I gave away all of my posters.

[image error]

I had the best time meeting readers! Anique in the center with the hat has an amazing voice. She sang twice and I swear I had chills!
Here's a pic of Anna the winner of the raffle I donated!

It was sooo easy to talk about anyone else but me. I seriously have to work on that skill, and I'm hoping it is something I can cultivate, because I surely do not possess that particular skill right now. Since my roommate, Stephanie Julian, just received 4 1/2 stars from RT...it was my pleasure to tell anyone and everyone...wait until Steph gets my bill...LOL! Although I've been published since 1999, I still work behind the scenes volunteering, and more than once this weekend JoCarol reminded me to "go be an author." YIKES! Old habits die hard.
OK...highlights for me this past weekend...aside from meeting some wonderful readers and authors and connecting on a deeper level:
- Meeting Lora Leigh - aside from being so down to Earth, she has that lovely Southern accent that just wraps around you like a big old hug. She made me feel so welcome. Thanks, Lora Leigh!!! Here's a pic of Lora Leigh and me during the Halloween Costume Party.


- Lora Leigh sponsors a dirt track driver, Transton Stoner, and he was there with his race car...and all of the authors names were on it! It was truly a HUGE moment for me. I've been a fan of racing since I was a kid and they called it stock car racing...which you could watch on Wide World of Sports...OK...if you have to ask what that was...I'm showing my age! LOL. The only downside was that Transton and I do NOT agree on who is going to win The Chase but we do agree on who should NOT win. LOL!

[image error]

Here's a pic of Transton, his girlfriend Aimee, and me during the Halloween Costume Party



- Seeing JoCarol and Johnny Jones and their fabulous crew: Patty, Sharon, Pat, Peggy, Cindy, Brandy...I know I'm forgetting someone, so please don't think it's personal...I'm on deadline and my brain's fried! Here's a pic of Pat and Sharon. Followed by one of Sahara Kelly, Peggy and Pat...but where in the world is JoCarol?!?



- Chatting with Jaquelyn Frank and Natalie Phillips - it took me two days to get up the nerve to chat with Jacquelyn, she's amazing!

- Chatting with Lori Foster, she's such a classy lady, and a fabulous author!

[image error]
- Spending time with Kim and Denise from Book Obsessed Chicks Book Club from Long Island :) I'll be heading their way on November 12th...with Cream Scones and the fixins!

- Dancing with Amanda McIntyre who was dressed as a zombie (her makeup was amazing...think Billy Bones from Hocus Pocus) and I'm channeling Renn Faire/Steampunk in a leather bustier created by my sister...long story...yeah let's not go there. :)
- Sipping a Bombay Sapphire and Tonic with Sahara Kelly and chatting...she has an amazing voice and a lovely lilting Southampton accent.
- Dancing with Nikki Duncan to Redneck Woman and She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy! Thank goodness the DJ finally played those requests.

- Getting Juanita to dance
- Getting Pam to dance
- Dancing with Angela and her sister Sharelle (my flash wasn't working but it's still a good pic...A special thanks to Denise for figuring out that I'd inadvertently turned off the flash on my camera...let's not go there.)


- Dancing with Artie...Sharon didn't mind because he always saves the last dance for his lovely wife of 49 years. :)
- OK...I'm seeing a pattern here...the dancing. I really do love to dance, but the older I get, the less I'm into the popular music. Darn...I'm really AM getting old! LOL! Come on Dave Herman...play us some rock and roll! (OK...if you never listened to WNEW in the am you will be totally lost! LOL!)
A HUGE thank you to JoCarol Jones and Danielle Jackson our fab publicist at Sourcebooks for overnighting copies of TYLER when they discovered a glitch and realized there weren't any copies of TYLER there! It was the one moment when I started to think maybe I should be home writing (remember the deadline thing?), but then I realized that I really wanted to stay and meet readers whether they would be able to get their hands on a copy of TYLER or not.

I'd brought brochures, rack cards, goodie bags, posters, etc. to hand out, I had readers and authors to meet...so while waiting for word from JoCarol, I put my big girl panties on, smiled and remembered our family motto - Aut Vincam, Aut Periam: I will either conquer or perish. A special thanks to Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon for bolstering my flagging courage before the family motto kicked in and I found my big girl panties in the bottom of my suitcase!


I have to say Lora Leigh's RAW was a fabulous event. I would love to attend next year. The readers vote and let Lora Leigh know who they want to invite...how cool is that? Here are two lovely members of Lora Leigh's Book Club...Sabrina in the first pic and Monique in the second.






A HUGE thank you to Lora Leigh and everyone involved for their generosity and fabulous planning. RAW was AMAZING!


Slainte'C.H. Admirand

A SCOT'S HONOR IN PRINT!!

I'm delighted to announce that the third book in my Medieval Trilogy...A SCOT'S HONOR...is available in print as of today! 
Somebody pinch me because what started out as an e-book trilogy is now in print for those of you, like me, that don't own an e-reader yet. 
I'm hoping Santa thinks I'm a really good girl this year because an e-reader is at the top of my Christmas list...along with a half bath and dishwasher...but that's another story! LOL.
Since all of this just happened, the links aren't even up on my website yet. My poor webmaster is probably wondering what happened because I realized earlier today that I didn't have blurbs and excerpts up for books that will be available soon and now this fabulous news from DCL Publications! 
Here are the links to Barnes & Noble and Amazon:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-scots-honor-c-h-admirand/1030799468
http://www.amazon.com/Scots-Honor-C-H-Admirand/dp/0983807817/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317127282&sr=1-2
For those of you who have read the first two books, this is Winslow MacInness's story. He wanted his own book from the moment I typed his name on the page of THE LORD OF MEREWOOD KEEP! 
DCL Publications has created new covers for the print versions of the trilogy:

   

But I still love the e-book covers...what do you think?
   
I was lucky enough to attend the cover shoot for A SCOT'S HONOR for the e-book cover. The kilt model Billy Freda, aka Beautiful Bill, is wearing was one I created for our youngest son when he was working at the Renn Faire in NY. 
It was such a great experience, driving into the city with my daughter, author friend Tara Nina and publisher, Pam Seres to meet Billy for the shoot.

This was the final still shot that I picked - I think Billy agreed that it was a beautiful shot of him. :)

We were guests on Caliente con Dr. Charley in the afternoon... that's where this pic is from. Billy Freda, Tara Nina, CH and darling daughter Jess - taken in 2007!
So much has happened since then, but Pam and DCL have always been there for me. I'm sending out a special thank you to Pam, Pat, Jean, Jan, Annie, Billy and everyone at DCL who have been so supportive over the years. I wouldn't have this fabulous trilogy without you believing in me, Pam.
Here's the blurb:       Scot's mercenary, Winslow MacInness, rescues a Norman beauty, but how can he help her find her way home if she cannot speak?
        While waiting for her to recover, MacInness discovers a woman he can love, one who can replace the woman he can never have, his overlord's wife. But marriage to Genvieve isn't part of his plan until he discovers her life is still in danger and the only way to protect her is to marry her. But will he survive the attempts on his life? Is Genvieve de Chauret behind those attempts?
Here's an excerpt:
       "Hang on lass," MacInness urged. "'Tis just through the wood."      Shards of pain splintered throughout his bruised and battered body and his grip slackened. Ruthlessly pushing the pain aside, he focused on the woman in his arms and tightened his hold.     Ebony tresses lay plastered against her ghastly pale face. His throat closed. Was he too late? "Almost there," he rasped.      Refusing to give in to his body's clamoring need to stop and rest, Winslow MacInness clenched his jaw and his resolve. If he stopped now, he'd drop from sheer exhaustion. He'd not give the bastards the satisfaction of dying, not now when sanctuary lay just across the open field.      Merewood Keep.     He'd been gone for months, he thought crossing toward the Saxon holding. Though he wished he'd stayed on in the Highlands, fate had brought him home and had him rescuing the woman he carried.     Would she make it? Duncan hadn't. He must be losing his mind as well as his life's blood if he was thinking about his dead horse.     MacInness's mind drifted and he wasn't paying attention. He slipped on the wet grass, going down hard on one knee. The jagged edge of a rock tore into his flesh. Pain. Thank God he felt something other than the numbness creeping slowly up his shins.     "Hold!" a voice commanded through the mist.     Ignoring it, he placed one quivering leg in front of the other. If he stopped now, he'd never make it. He glanced down; she was still unconscious.     Too long.    The gash on his forehead began to throb in earnest, accompanied by the warm trickle of his own blood sliding down the side of his face.     The first arrow surprised him. He braced for the second one. The tip of the second arrow sliced through the bottom edge of his plaid before plunging into the soft earth between his feet. The feathered knock brushed against the very top of his thigh and his manly pride.     "Bollocks," he swore.     The lads are gettin' better. He shifted his handhold freeing his right hand, prepared to give the signal Garrick had taught him when he swore allegiance and became vassal to the Lord of Merewood Keep.                Raising his fist in the air, he waited a heartbeat then touched it to his heart.     The third arrow sailed wildly over his head. A voice called out, "MacInness?"     "Aye."   "We thought you dead." Garrick's shout was echoed by the grating of wood against stone as the gate opened.    "I canna imagine that I'm far from it," he replied. His vision grayed as the blood oozing from a dozen places reached a crucial level. Darkness danced at the edge of his sight.     His legs wobbled, forcing him to his knees. The impact jarred the deep wound in his thigh. Razor sharp pain lanced through him as the healing wound re-opened. He gasped for breath.

I couldn't get the video to upload, so here the link to see this great video created by ScrapFairy Designs for the e-book release: http://www.chadmirand.com/scotshonor.php
Thank you!!!Slainte'C.H. Admirand