Cerise DeLand's Blog, page 31

Cerise went to #Paris and stayed in #Montmarte, visited #SacreCoeur

A drizzle fell and the wind whipped through our layers of clothes as my husband and I decided to take a walk from our Montmarte apartment the first day we were in Paris.

Up a very, very, very steep hill, we struggled but breathless, reached the top to this marvelous view of the cathedral.

Built by the Parisians in gratitude to God for saving them from a German occupation after the Franco-Prussian war, this church is magnificent in its bold artistry.  Atop the butte that overlooks Paris, Sacre Coeur is truly an astonishing structure visible from most points in Paris.

Commanding Montmarte, the area of Paris known for the artists who lived there and many who still do, the church is a huge tourist attraction.
The view of Paris is just as breathtaking as the church itself.
Here is the view from the steps of Sacre Coeur on a very rainy day!After this visit, we walked around the centre of Montmarte, delighted in the vast number of artists working and displaying their paintings, drawings and sculpture in the main square. We stopped for a bit to admire The Agile Rabbit, a cafe frequented by many artists who once lived in this part of the city.  Dodging raindrops, we walked down the hill to a good glass of champagne and dinner!
The Agile Rabbit and I! (My bag is filled with goodies I purchased in the artists' square as giveaways for readers!)

Only a few more days to read LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS #99 cents! #Regency

   
 Only a few more days left for you to read an acclaimed Regency, LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS for only 99 cents! Usually $2.99, she is now available for this tiny price.
     When a lovely baroness in need of income takes on the task of finding a suitable match for the man she once adored, she learns that loving totally is a terribly risky business!
     She and her American suitor do appear in my Regency Romp series in subsequent novels and they are an entertaining and delightful couple!
     The second in the series is RENDEZVOUS WITH A DUKE, still only $2.99. And you find that Justin Belmont does aid our Duke of Kendal in a special search!
     Third in the series is the forthcoming MASQUERADE WITH A MARQUESS, starring Victor Cameron and a special childhood friend who search for something very special and find love in the bargain!  Out soon!
     Then June 18, I join with 5 very special friends of mine, all authors of great acclaim in Regency romance. Sabrina York, Dominique Eastwick, Suzi Love, Suzanna Medeiros and Lynne Connelly join hands to give you THE INCOMPARABLES, 6 Heroes of Waterloo and the 6 Ladies They Adore, a box set of Regencies for 99 cents! Cover and links to come soon!
     In the meantime, enjoy LADY VARNEY for 99 cents!
Buy Links for LADY VARNEY:
Amazon    ARe :   NOOK:      KOBO:   
Buy Links for 
Rendezvous:
Amazon     ARe     BarnesandNoble     KOBO

Cerise went to #Paris and to #Chartres, France to marvel at the jewel of Gothic architecture!

West facade of Cathedral of ChartresNo trip to France would be complete without an hour's train ride to the small town south of Paris, Chartres. Here, within a few steps of the train station, sits the lovely town with its center jewel, the famous Cathedral of Chartres.

The church is the fourth or fifth entity to exist on this site. The edifice we see currently was begun after a fire in 1194 and completed in 1250. The church seems modest, almost unassuming, as you look at the west facade which is the most well known. But once you go inside, a world of joys open up for you. From the stained glass windows to the high altar, the fine artistic expressions delight you at every turn.

Known for its two mis-matched spires and famous Rose Window in the front, the church has numerous windows with different themes and color patterns. While I was not able to take a picture worthy of the Rose Window from the inside, I am certain you can find many online. As you know from reading this series, I do adore gargoyles and Chartres has its own collection of beasts. But here, too, on one wall, you can find an angel who holds a sundial.  I thought her appropriately employed and took a picture of her here for your enjoyment!
Angel with Sundial!
Rose Window
from outsideMost fascinating to me were the exquisite sculptures inside the cathedral on the roods encompassing the nave.  These sculptures depict the life of Jesus in poignant detail. As I walked around to view each one (and attempted to take pictures worthy of their artistry), I was in awe of the detail. I hope that to appreciate them more fully you will download them and attempt to enlarge them. They are worthy of your time and effort.

But if these do not satisfy you, do put the cathedral on your list of places to visit when next you go to Paris.

Sculpture over the front main entrance or royal entrance.
Showing panels of sculpture around altar with depictions from Bible



South facade of Cathedral of Chartres

LADY VARNEY's RISQUE BUSINESS #99cents #Regency A Matchmaker meets her match!

     When a lovely baroness in need of income takes on the task of finding a suitable match for the man she once adored, she learns that loving totally is a terribly risky business!
     LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE  BUSINESS is #1 in my Regency Romps series, usually $2.99 and currently on sale for 99 Cents everywhere.
     She has met with great success in the past, hitting a few Best Seller lists, and #20 on Amazon's Regency list.
     I do hope you will give her a try.
     She and her American suitor do appear in my Regency Romp series in subsequent novels and they are an entertaining and delightful couple!
     The second in the series is RENDEZVOUS WITH A DUKE, still only $2.99. And you find that Justin Belmont does aid our Duke of Kendal in a special search!
     Third in the series is the forthcoming MASQUERADE WITH A MARQUESS, starring Victor Cameron and a special childhood friend who search for something very special and find love in the bargain!  Out soon!
     Then June 18, I join with 5 very special friends of mine, all authors of great acclaim in Regency romance. Sabrina York, Dominique Eastwick, Suzi Love, Suzanna Medeiros and Lynne Connelly join hands to give you THE INCOMPARABLES, 6 Heroes of Waterloo and the 6 Ladies They Adore, a box set of Regencies for 99 cents! Cover and links to come soon!
     In the meantime, enjoy LADY VARNEY for 99 cents!
Amazon    ARe :   NOOK:     KOBO:  

Ella Jade gives us a sexy #baseball #hero who is SLIDING INTO SECOND! Read except! Enter drawing!

If you're into hot, dirty-talkin', sexy baseball heroes I may have just the thing to quench that thirst...


Have you met my players? 
Available now for a limited time release price of .99 cents...
Sliding Into Second

Jilted once before, now it's her turn to level the playing field.
Hotshot sports reporter Sage Millan has been busy making a name for herself in the male dominated world of baseball. She's just landed her dream job, and her first assignment is covering the newly crowned World Series champions, The Kingston Crushers. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. The only problem…her ex-boyfriend, and the only man she's ever loved, is the team's second baseman. Things ended badly between them, and she's not sure she can put those demons to rest.
Professional baseball player Nicolas Cordova is having the time of his life. His team has just won the World Series, and with the victory comes more fame, women, and exposure than he ever could have imagined. But things are about to change for the sexy, charismatic athlete. He never expected his ex-girlfriend to walk back into his life, much less the locker room.
These days Sage is smarter, more mature, and doesn't plan on being played a second time. Her appearance stirs old memories for Nic. She's the one he let get away in the name of his career. He vows he can be the man she needs this time around. Will that be enough to mend her broken heart?
Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content
Excerpt...
“I’ll admit I’ve had many women in the past, and I can’t apologize for living. But as the years went by, my feelings for you were always someplace deep in my heart. I know that’s why I can’t settle down. Why I can’t find the peace I’ve been searching for. It doesn’t exist without you.”“How can you say things like that? You don’t even know the woman I’ve become. I’m not that girl who relied on you, the one who would’ve followed you anywhere. I’m not her anymore, Nic. I can’t ever be her again.”“Maybe I’m not asking for her.” He leaned closer to her face. “Maybe I want to know the woman you are today. I want another shot at this.”“No,” she whispered.“If you remember anything about me, I have a hard time with that word.” He tipped her chin, focusing on her lips. “I am going to kiss you. Right here and right now.”Her knees buckled as a cool tremor swept through her. She wanted to say no. It was the only logical word to mutter, but her heart didn’t want her to say it. Her body wasn’t on board with turning him down either. The warmth that built in her stomach had moved lower, and now all she could think about was his lips on hers.“It doesn’t sound like you’re asking,” she breathed out.“I’m not.”Before she could say anything else, his mouth was on hers, eager, but slow and soft. His stubble grazed along her chin as he tilted his head and deepened their bond. The sound throughout the crowded lobby seemed to fade into the background, and soon, all she could hear was her heart pumping loud between her ears. Why did he have to be such a freakin’ good kisser?After the incredibly long connection, he pulled away, but not before stopping to kiss the bottom corner of her mouth like he used to.“I’ve waited a long time to do that,” he said. “It was worth every lonely minute.”“I... Nic...” She’d always had the gift of words. It was what she did for a living, but in that moment, all of her thoughts were jumbled and senseless.“It’s okay.” He grinned as he stroked her cheek. “Let’s get something to eat and maybe figure this out. Whatever this is.”“No.” She ran her hands along his strong chest, resting them on his shoulders.“Don’t over analyze this, baby.” He glanced down at her hands on his body. “Let’s just go with it.”“That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” She took a breath and continued before she lost her nerve. “Take me upstairs to your room. I know how we can figure this out.”“What are you asking?” He placed his hand on the small of her back, drawing her closer to him. “You need to be real clear.”“I want to go upstairs with you.”“That’s not why I kissed you.”“Isn’t it?” She smirked. “We’re adults now, Nicky. Let’s settle this like adults.”“I’m not looking to settle anything. That usually means it’s over, and we’re nowhere near over.” He motioned for Joe. “I’ll take care of the bar tab and then we’ll get dinner.”“No.” She draped her arms around his neck, intoxicated by the idea of being so close to him again. He may be older now, and may have lost those boyish looks, but the man he had become suited him and drove her wild with need.“What did I tell you about that word?”“I can guarantee I won’t be using it once we’re in your bedroom.” She ran her tongue along her top lip. “I’m going to the ladies room. When I come out, if you’re not by the elevators waiting for me, I’ll know that kiss was nothing more than the heat of the moment and we can go on with our lives.”“Sage?”“Shh.” She pressed her lips to his. “Now who’s over analyzing?” She reached for her purse and coat hanging on the back of the stool. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.” I hope.
Beachwalk Press
This is book 2 in the Kingston Heat Series but both books stand alone and can be read in either order.
Book One... Stealing His Heart available now.
WARNING... Pax will steal your heart




Will the bad-boy pitcher strike out when it comes to love?
Shy music teacher Sophia Ballis has sworn off men. After a bad experience with a college jock she decided it was better to be alone than to get burned again. She focused on her education and now her new job at a local private school.
Professional baseball pitcher Paxton Hughes is a player both on and off the field. He's signed to the Kingston Crushers to bring home the coveted championship title. Nothing can get in his way. Serious relationships don't mix with a life on the road and he never loses focus on the game. One-night stands are his specialty for a reason.
While out jogging one spring morning, the two collide, setting their course in motion. Pax is immediately drawn to the unassuming beauty. Sophia is aware of his reputation and decides one night of meaningless sex with the attractive Texas charmer is just what she needs to get over her self-imposed dry spell. Pax has more than a one-night stand on his mind, but will his bad-boy persona and demanding schedule ruin any chances of a happily ever after?
Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content

REVIEWS: 
"Ella Jade always comes through with sexy little romps that are always entertaining" Manic Readers 
"I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It has everything I LOVE in a sexy steamy hot book." My Daily Romance 
"Very fun read." Musings From An Addicted Reader 
"This is a story that you won't regret getting into." Adri at Sassy Moms Say Read Romance 

Amazon/Beachwalk Press


Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy creating sexy, domineering men and the strong women who know how to challenge them in and out of the bedroom.  She hopes you'll get lost in her words.
She loves connecting with readers. You can find her here…

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Cerise went to #Paris, visited #Compiegne where #WWI #Armistice was signed

On our recent trip to Paris, we visited the town north of the capital city, Compiegne.

Traveling by train, we passed the stop for Chantilly. (Do page down and read the post for that marvelous experience seeing a grand chateau.)

But we journeyed on to Compiegne. In this small and charming town sits the Imperial Palace. Built as a hunting lodge, the palace was once the favorite of Louis XIII, his son Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte and finally his nephew, Emperor Napoleon III.
With beautiful artifacts from all reigns, the palace is a delight and I will write about it  and show you pictures in future.

But today, I wish to show you pictures of the forest of Compiegne where military leaders signed the Armistice to end the Great War.

Here in a clearing where the trains came to bring leaders to the area is a small building which houses the replica of the car in which the treaty was signed. Also in this building are other memorabilia, including an incomparable set of photographs reproduced nowhere else.
In the courtyard stand numerous plaques honoring famous battles of Le Grande Guerre.  Here to the left you see the main monument "To the Heroic Soldiers of France, Defenders of the Country and the Glorious Liberation of Alsace and Lorraine."
Depot housing replica of train car.
A second view of train depot.
Train car replica. Original car burnt in fire.
Statue of last French Commander
in Chief during the war, General Foch.
Hotel de Ville, Compiegne!
The three burgers atop the Hotel de Ville in the central square of Compiegne.
One of the memorial benches in the clearing, this one
to those who fought in Chemin Des Dames.

THE STANHOPE CHALLENGE 15 weeks in Top 8! Grateful for #Regency #novel success!

BUY LINKS:
ALLROMANCE ebooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thestanhopechallengeregencyquartet4regencyromances-1666892-166.htm
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCJR1MY/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/THE-STANHOPE-CHALLENGE?store=allproducts&keyword=THE+STANHOPE+CHALLENGE
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-stanhope-challenge


   Today marks the 15th week that THE STANHOPE CHALLENGE has ranked in Top 8 in Amazon Regency best seller list. I am so grateful to all of you who have bought this quartet about four brothers who try to avoid marriage, love and the family curse!

   Overwhelmed and rather giddy, too, I celebrate every day...and sometimes EVERY HOUR when I check in to see how well you have received this set of stories!

   As you read this, I prepare to go to WILD WICKED WEEKEND (www.wildwickedweekend.com ) with my hostess pals. Yes, I am MC and make the trains run on time!

   I am also madly excited about a new event with 5 fabulous REGENCY authors as we prepare a box set of Regency romances, starring heroes of WATERLOO Battle and the women they adore! Look for that box set for 99 cents on the 200th Anniversary of the battle, June 18th. With an international group of sterling authors, this set will tickle your fancy.

   In the meantime, please do continue to enjoy my other Regencies in my Regency Romp series. First was LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS, and second RENDEZVOUS WITH A DUKE. Soon the third will debut, MASQUERADE WITH A MARQUESS.
 
   Happy Reading and many many thanks from this grateful author!
Add caption  
LADY VARNEY’S RISQUE BUSINESS, Regency Romp #1 Amazon   ARe : NOOK:   KOBO:  
                                       RENDEZVOUS WITH A DUKE, Regency Romp #2 Amazon     ARe     BarnesandNoble     KOBO

17 Workshops any Author needs! EPICON in San Antonio March 13-14! $224.00 to Register

EPICon-2015March 12 - 14, 2015Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TexasCall (800) 345-9285 and use discount code 031115EPIC or book online and use discount code EPICON

SIGN UP NOW! www.epicorg.com

EPICON: the con every #author needs to attend! $224.00 in San Antonio March 13!

You have Writers Block, Rejection Blues, Pitiful Plotting and Cliched Characters.
You need a dose of Epicon.
Fast!
Register and call us in April! We know you'll be happy!

EPICon-2015March 12 - 14, 2015Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TexasCall (800) 345-9285 and use discount code 031115EPIC or book online and use discount code EPICON Download the conference brochure. Questions: epicon@epicorg.com
DOWNLOAD THE AGENDA BROCHURE:
https://www.epicorg.com/images/stories/Downloads/EPICon%202015%20Brochure%20and%20Schedule.pdf

Cerise went to #Paris #France and visited the king's chapel, #Saint Chappelle

Metro stop across from Justice
near Saint ChappelleA delightful 80 degree sun-filled afternoon in October, my husband and I hopped the Metro, emerging here (at this stop) from our apartment in Montmarte to tour Saint Chappelle!

Across the street, hundreds of other tourists and Frenchmen decided it was a great day to see Saint Chappelle and stood in a very long line. Hoping it moved quickly, we joined the throng.  Within the hour, we were inside this church built by and for a king.

Next to the Palais de Justice in the Cite, this lovely cathedral was built by Louis IX for himself and his family. With a private corridor, that led from his private residence to the upper chamber (see picture below), he was able to sit, yes, above the crowd to pray.

The main entrance to
Sint Chappell showing
Mary and Child.


An extremely devout man, Louis spared no expense on this gorgeous chapel. The delicacy of the decor on the pillars in the main hall (or main floor) astonished me. This lower level was the place of worship for all in the royal household. Still here below, we have a statue of Louis.
Gold filigree on the pillars in the lower chapel.






Louis IX in the lower chapel.
Climbing the winding narrow stairs to the royal chapel, we entered a truly brilliant church illuminated by the kaleidoscope of colored stained glass.  Unique among France's medieval churches, this one is ornate to the finest detail. I attempt here to show you a few examples. And yet, do know that ongoing renovations here meant that canvas obscured a few of the windows. And the light we might have enjoyed was cut.

Still on your own trip, which I hope will be soon, do take in this gorgeous example of Regnant Medieval architecture. Inspiring, this church must have also been terribly expensive to build. Marvelous that it still stands for us to admire!

The king's chapel with main altar. The king would enter from his private corridor to the left of the gold cupola
and sit there to hear the priest say mass.
Detail of one side window.
Detail of pillar carvings which are representations of heroes from the Bible.

Another view. Note the wealth of gold leaf and finite detail of the painting. Yes, the exterior! More gargoyles! Friendly little fellows!