Suzanne G. Rogers's Blog, page 40

New Victorian Christmas Story – A Gift for Lara

I’d like to announce the release of my Victorian Christmas short story, A Gift for Lara.

Blurb:

Can the spirit of Christmas mend two broken hearts?

Lara Robinson wrote a love letter four years ago, but received no reply. Now the man to whom she gave her heart will visit Blythe Manor for Christmas. How can she enjoy the holidays knowing Miles Greystoke must despise her for revealing her feelings in such an unguarded fashion?

As an awkward youth, Miles fell in love with a kindred spirit…but his love was unrequited. Against his wishes, he’s now obliged to spend the holidays at Blythe Manor. Time has wrought changes in his physique, but his devotion to Lara Robinson has never wavered. He searches for the perfect present to show her how he feels, but nothing seems quite right…until he realizes the best sort of gift will embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

Excerpt:

“I have an idea,” Angelica said. “Papa has invited us to Blythe Manor for Christmas. I’ll write back and ask if the invitation could be extended to Miles.” She slid her husband a mischievous glance. “Mistletoe can be quite inspirational to a young man if he’s in good company.”

William lifted an eyebrow. “You’re not suggesting he should consider marriage to one of the twins, are you?”

“Why not? He got along particularly well with Lara at our wedding, as I recall.”

“That was four years ago. The lad has changed a great deal since then.”

“For the better, in many ways. Miles used to be shorter than either Lara or Fiona, and a great deal thicker ’round the middle. At any rate, perhaps he and Lara will reestablish their relationship.”

“I think it’s an excellent notion,” William said. “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t interfere. In this case, however, a little intervention is warranted.”

Available now as a Kindle download HERE.

Finding the Spirit of Christmas – Flash Fiction

Since it’s the holiday season, it’s time for a reprise of my romantic fantasy flash fiction story, Finding the Spirit of Christmas. Enjoy! ~ S.G. Rogers

Finding the Spirit of Christmas

As an increasingly heavy snow shower drifted down over the wintry country landscape, the dark outline of a rectangular-shaped portal formed.  A well-dressed man stepped through the blackness, promptly skidded on a patch of ice and landed in a deep snowdrift. The man pushed himself upright, dismayed to find the moist snow clinging to his face and expensive clothes.  He glanced back at the portal, but it had disappeared.

“What are you doing out in the middle of nowhere, dressed like that?” a voice rang out.

The man wiped crystals from his eyelashes so he could see.   A very pretty woman stood on a path nearby, bundled against the cold.

“Um…I’m looking for something,” he said.

“In the snow?”

“No, er, that was an accident.”  He shivered.

“Well…you’d better come inside before you freeze.”

The woman whistled just then and a fluffy tan dog came bounding over.  The woman and dog began to walk toward a stone cottage on top of a hill, without looking back.  The man turned up his coat collar, hunched his shoulders and followed.

A few moments later he was grateful to be inside, where a fragrant fire was crackling in the fireplace and the smell of baking gingerbread made his mouth water.  The room was decorated for the holidays, with a cheerful evergreen garland hanging from the mantle.  A fat Christmas tree, twinkling with lights, filled the corner next to the window, and the dining table was covered with a festive cherry red cloth.

“Why don’t you hang your wet things by the door?” the woman suggested.

The man found a hook for his coat, but when the woman went into the kitchen to check on the gingerbread, he used a spell to dry himself off.  Nevertheless, his feet were icy cold, so he removed his shoes and sat next to the fire.  The dog trotted over to curl up at his feet.  The woman came out of the kitchen.  She’d shed her outerwear and he finally got a good look at her.  She had snowy white skin with cheeks reddened by the cold, and her heart-shaped face was framed by waves of nutmeg colored curls.  He gulped.

“What’s your name, Detective?” she asked.

The man peered at her, startled.  “How did you—”

The woman laughed and pointed to the badge hanging from his belt.  “You’re a wizard detective.  I’ve heard of them before.”

“The name is Nick.”

“Okay, Nick, I’m Christine. The dog is called Joy.” She handed him a cup of cocoa and sat down on the raised hearth.  “So what are you looking for?”

“Ah…this is rather awkward, but the Spirit of Christmas has gone missing in my dimension. Our best wizards discovered a breach in the energy barrier…it’s kind of technical.  Anyway, I’m here to find it.” He sipped the cocoa, savoring the rich flavor.

Christine frowned.  “What does this Spirit look like?”

“It can take different shapes.”

“Wow.  I guess you have your work cut out for you.  Let me get you some gingerbread.”

“That would be great,” Nick said.  “This cocoa is really delicious, by the way.”

A few minutes later, Christine and Nick were sharing a slice of the fresh, warm cake.  Nick balanced his plate on his knee. “Mmm.  This brings back good memories.”

Christine put down her fork.  “Once you find the Spirit, what happens next?”

“I ask her to come home.”

“And what if she doesn’t want to go?  What if she’s tired of being neglected?” A sudden surge of emotion made Christine’s eyes sparkle.

Nick set his plate aside and pulled her to her feet. “Come home.”  He wrapped her in his arms. “Things haven’t been the same since you left.  I intend to love, honor and keep you in my heart forever, just like the day we were married.”

She looked into his handsome face.  “You had to work hard to find me.  I’m impressed.” A smile tugged at her lips.

“I went to every dimension on the map, but I never gave up.” Nick gave Christine a long, romantic kiss.  “Tell me you’ll come home? Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.”

Christine returned the kiss. “I’m afraid we’re snowed in tonight.”

“That’s too bad,” Nick said…but the twinkle in his eye said otherwise.  At the same time, Joy’s tail wagged.

 

Excerpt from Duke of a Gilded Age

Wesley and Stephen each grabbed a kerosene lamp off its hook and went in search of a lifeboat. A quick examination of the Apollo revealed all the longboats had been deployed. Stephen stared at Wesley, stricken.

“We’re dead men,” he said.

“Look, there has to be something buoyant we can use as a raft,” Wesley said, desperate. “Perhaps we can lash a few doors together and float until a ship passes by and picks us up.”

“The City of New York is long gone, Wesley. Just how long do you think we’d last in that water? For heaven’s sake, I nearly froze to death in the longboat as it was!”

“They’ll notice we’re missing and come back for us.”

“Surely everyone but the crew has turned in by now. By morning, the City of New York will be a hundred miles from here and we’ll have drowned.”

“Belle won’t have gone to bed,” Wesley said. “She’s waiting for us.”

“Quit being so damned…hopeful!” Stephen snapped. “We’re done for. Even if they wanted to look for us, we’ve no generator. Without lights, we may as well be invisible!”

“The Apollo might not sink after all,” Wesley said. “It seems like the waves have diminished.”

A huge wave broke over the side of the ship at that moment and sprayed both men with frigid sea foam. As he dried his face with his sleeve, a crooked grin crept across Stephen’s lips.

“You’re right, Wesley. The ocean has grown calm and the ship won’t sink. It’s also possible a dirigible airship flown by leprechauns will pass overhead and pluck us off the Apollo. Anything could happen.”

For some strange reason, Wesley grinned back. “That’s the spirit. You never know, perhaps an iceberg will happen by. We could jump on and ride it all the way to South America.”

“Could be. Or a pod of whales might offer to give us a lift to Greenland.” Wesley and Stephen dissolved into hysterical laughter.

“Let’s…let’s go find those cork jackets and put them on,” Wesley said finally.

Stephen looked at him, askance. “More optimism?”

“No.” Wesley swallowed hard. “It’s just that should anyone come searching for us, they’ll have a better chance of finding our bodies if they’re afloat. I’m thinking of my mother.”

Blurb:

When American-born Wesley Parker inherits a dukedom in 1890, he must learn to be an aristocrat. Assigned to the task is his attorney’s daughter, prim Belle Oakhurst. As they travel to England together on a luxurious ocean liner, their tempestuous relationship encounters more than rough seas. Although Wesley is increasingly attracted to Belle, she is already engaged. While Belle begins to regret her hasty promise to marry, she is bound by honor and duty to keep her pledge. Furthermore, a thoughtless fabrication on her part threatens to expose her as a liar. Neither Wesley nor Belle can foresee that their voyage across the Atlantic will be fraught with peril, and will cost more than one man his life.

 

E-book available at Amazon HERE. Add to your Goodreads to-read list HERE.

Cyber Monday at Musa Publishing

Click the banner to be taken to Musa Publishing’s website. If you like to read, you can stock up on reads from all genres, in all e-formats, half-off! While you’re there, you can also download FREE READS as part of their 13 days of Christmas promotion. Today you can download Christmas Crossroad by Viki Lyn, The Silence of Reza by IJ Sarfeh, and The Break In by Carrie Russell.

For your consideration, I’ve published three titles with Musa:

Epic Award Fantasy Finalist Tournament of Chance

The king’s trying to kill her. She’s trying to erase him. Who will succeed?

In the Kingdom of Destiny, King Chance decreed any female be she high or low born may earn a place at court by winning an archery competition known as the Tournament of Chance. Although no commoner has ever won before, this is Heather’s year.  To prevent her from winning the tournament, however, King Chance will stop at nothing.  The king does not yet realize Heather of the Jagged Peaks will be the spark that ignites a revolution — in time.

Now available in all e-formats from Musa Publishing HERE.$2.50 today only.

Asgard Adventures Series (Contemporary Norse Mythology)

The Druid

After she’s abandoned in Asgard, can Dani’s shieldmaiden skills earn her a ticket home?

Kidnapped from Earth and abandoned in Asgard of Norse mythology, Dani Avery must fight to return home.  When she stumbles upon a band of outlaws, Prince Rein agrees to take her to the Rainbow Bridge personally. Although Dani is attracted to the handsome elf, his only interest seems to be in separating her from the magical sword and shield at her side. In Asgard City, rules, regulations and bureaucrats stymie Dani’s quest.  Increasingly frustrated and desperate, she seeks help among powerful immortals. Unfortunately, Dani becomes ensnared in a devious trap that may leave her stranded and alone in Asgard forever. $1.50 today only HERE.

The Accidental Immortal

When the Cup of Immortality is stolen in Asgard, anger and suspicion is leveled at Dani Avery. Ordered from Asgard by Odin and –even worse– discovering Prince Rein has been betrothed to Leanna of the Faeries, Dani sets out to find the Cup and save Rein from an unwanted marriage.

Dani, Rein, and Emrys begin their desperate search for the real thief and the missing Cup.  Unfortunately, the sultry and self-centered Leanna insists on tagging along, and causes them to run afoul of a ruthless crime boss who will stop at nothing to gain their silence…including kidnapping.

As the clock ticks away, Dani has to make a choice between continuing the search for the Cup or trying to find her missing friends. Will Dani unwittingly sacrifice Rein’s life in her attempt to save their relationship?  Or must she deliberately sacrifice their relationship in order to save his life? $1.50 today only HERE.

Happy reading! ~ S.G. Rogers

Black Friday Freebee – Edwardian Romance Jessamine’s Folly

Start your engines…it’s Black Friday and time to go shopping! I have a Friday Special for you, too, and you don’t even have to leave your house. Walk your fingers over to Amazon and you can download my newest historical romance, Jessamine’s Folly for FREE. It’s a one day Friday Freebee (12:01 a.m. to 12.59 p.m., PST). If you enjoy Jessamine’s Folly, please don’t forget to leave a review. ~ S.G. Rogers

 

Happy Thanksgiving

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“The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth” (1914) By Jennie A. Brownscombe

To all my friends in the States who observe Thanksgiving, have a lovely holiday. Any excuse to eat pumpkin pie is a good one, in my opinion. ~ S.G. Rogers

Edwardian Era Paradox

Portrait of Edward VII (1841-1910)

Queen Victoria, whose long reign spanned 1837 – 1901, was known for her strict code of moral conduct. She herself, however was certainly no prude when it came to her marital relationship with her husband, Albert. By all accounts, the two had an affectionate and passionate relationship between the sheets. As a result, their union produced nine children. Nevertheless, the Victorian era is seen as one of straight-laced propriety, endless rules of etiquette, and an emphasis on purity and virtue. Certainly the queen’s offspring, raised in such an atmosphere, could be expected to be as well-behaved as the von Trapp family brood…or as wholesome as the Brady Bunch.

Not so fast.

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales

Victoria and Albert’s eldest son, Edward (nicknamed ‘Bertie’) was a naughty lad…once he grew out of short pants. As a young man, he took pleasure in the company of accommodating women, both before and during his marriage to long-suffering Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Edward’s string of mistresses was legendary, but no illegitimate offspring were ever acknowledged by him. In one incident, a flagrant affair with actress Nellie Clifden brought Edward’s papa on the run. Albert was already ill when he undertook the journey, but two weeks afterward, he died. Victoria blamed her son for her beloved’s demise, writing about Edward to her eldest daughter, “I never can, or shall, look at him without a shudder.”

All scandalous behavior aside, ‘Bertie’ had the reputation for being a clotheshorse, charming, well-mannered, skilled in the art of diplomacy–and fond of a good meal. Perhaps he was not as straight-laced as his mother would have wished…but neither was he dull.

The popular television series Downton Abbey is set in the post-Edwardian era, but that program inspired me to delve a little deeper into the age as a backdrop to my latest release, Jessamine’s Folly. In the story, young Jessamine finds herself obliged to earn her own living, even though she was brought up as a privileged member of the gentry class. As a newly-hired companion to an earl’s sister, she’s not exactly a servant, but she’s not Society either. Jessamine tries to adapt to her new role, but pitfalls abound. Can she navigate her way through, or will she end up working in East End as just another casualty of sudden poverty?

~ S.G. Rogers

Blurb: 

After her estate is entailed away, Jessamine Foster has no choice but to live with relatives who detest her. When her aunt gives her an ultimatum to leave, Jessamine accepts a position as companion to Lord Kirkendale’s sister—even though she’s been warned her predecessors can’t seem to resist the earl’s exceptional good looks. Can Jessamine manage to hold onto her job without losing her heart?

To honor a promise made to his dying father, Lord Kirkendale agrees to an arranged marriage to a woman he cannot love. Although he is resigned to a life without sentiment, the arrival of his sister’s new companion awakens a slumbering passion. Can he find a way to secure his own happiness without sacrificing his family’s honor, or will his broken promise result in the ruination of the person he loves most?

Available at Amazon HERE, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday!

To add to your to-read list on Goodreads, go HERE

Guest Author Juli D. Revezzo Talks Paranormal Christmas!

Today I welcome author Juli D. Revezzo as she shares the inspiration behind her latest paranormal holiday release, Murder Upon a Midnight Clear. Enjoy! ~ S.G. Rogers

There are various points in the year where it’s said the veil between the worlds is thinnest. Halloween (AKA Samhain) is probably the most famous one. Others are May day, what about Christmas? Christmas is the day tradition says Jesus Christ transmogrified from pure spirit to human flesh and blood. What of other spirits? If they aren’t able to take on human flesh, as we know they’re not, why could they not roam free in their ghostly bodies?

Many writers of the past have tackled that idea. Some classic, some modern. In classic authors, you know the one I’m speaking of: Charles Dickens and his “A Christmas Carol”. Therein three spirits visit the living Ebenezer Scrooge to give him a warning.

Also, modern fantasy author Charles de Lint in his story “Pal o’ Mine” has a character who believes that “at midnight, animals sang to Jesus.”

So Christmas is a time of Joy, could it also be a time for all manner of paranormal stuff to happen? This idea played in my head and worked its way into my new story, a paranormal romantic suspense entitled Murder upon a Midnight Clear. Herein Detective Helene Collias has the power to see ghosts, hear them and understand them. If she can solve the mystery of their murders is the quandary she ultimately faces, however. Especially this Christmas when she’s called in to investigate the murder of her old flame’s sister.

What are these ghosts telling Helene about this Murder upon a Midnight Clear? Love is one answer…the rest, the solution to the mystery, would take a little longer to explain. Besides, I think I’ll let you discover it yourself.  While I go back to gearing up for a visit from hopefully nothing but spirits of good Christmas cheer, I hope you’ll check out Murder upon a Midnight Clear.

Blurb:

‘Tis the season … for death.

Murder reminds Detective Helen Collias of Holly PD that crime doesn’t respect holidays. And the last victim she ever expected to find in her case files is the sister of her old flame, Sean Grant. Ordinarily, Helene’s psychic gifts give her an edge but this time, that gift has short-circuited. Could her lingering attraction to Sean be blurring her abilities, or is something more sinister at work?

Excerpt:

Midnight.

The small casket appeared on the bed beside her. The child lay inside, his eyes closed, peaceful, yet Helene’s heart hammered in her throat. He turned his head. Blood poured from his mouth and bruises bloomed fresh on his skin. The casket stood on end; the boy’s body fell out, flopped to the edge of a riverbank, and rolled to her side. Helene shivered. Her skin chaffed against the dank, muddy grass on which they lay. He opened his eyes. “Help me, Auntie Helene.”

Blood continued to drain from the boy’s ruined body, so much it finally pooled on her floor. Helene pushed out of her bed and crossed to her dresser. The blood writhed and wiggled after her. Helene tried to get away but the red muck sloshed over her bare feet.

The child reached short, fat arms out to her. “Tell him to leave me alone, Auntie Helene.”

She sat up, heaving and gasping for air. Sweat slicked her skin. She blinked at the dark room, her empty bed, and clean floor. Her head ached and she rubbed at her temples, shuddering. “Jesus, Hara, get out of there!”

All these years and you still have the damned nightmares. Why?

Hadn’t she done all she could to appease his ghost? Everything but specialize in crimes against children.

If you’d like to read more the book is available for Kindle at Amazon.

For more on me and further glimpses into my work, please see my blog HERE. I’m also on Facebook, G+, Pinterest, and Twitter

Thank you, Suzanne, for hosting me.  And to you, and my readers, I hope you all have a lovely holiday!

New Edwardian Romance – Jessamine’s Folly

I was so fond of Downton Abbey‘s first season, I was inspired to write an Edwardian-era romance. Jessamine’s Folly is set in 1905 England, and was influenced by such works as Great Expectations, Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre. Maybe there’s a little Oliver Twist thrown in there, too. Although romance is the main story line, events are complicated by scandal, blackmail, intrigue, and jealousy…

Blurb:

After her estate is entailed away, Jessamine Foster has no choice but to live with relatives who detest her. When her aunt gives her an ultimatum, Jessamine accepts a position as companion to Lord Kirkendale’s sister—even though she’s been warned her predecessors can’t seem to resist the earl’s exceptional good looks. Can Jessamine manage to hold onto her job without losing her heart?

To honor a promise made to his dying father, Lord Kirkendale agrees to an arranged marriage to a woman he cannot love. Although he is resigned to a life without sentiment, the arrival of his sister’s new companion awakens a slumbering passion. Can he find a way to secure his own happiness without sacrificing his family’s honor, or will his broken promise result in the disgrace of the person he loves most?

(Jessamine’s Folly, an early Edwardian-era novella. Coming Thanksgiving!)

Excerpt:

The occasional crack of thunder, steady thrum of rain against the library windows, and the cozy fire lent the room the perfect atmosphere for Edgar Allen Poe. Jessamine applied to the words all the passion and drama the story deserved, and her audience of two rewarded her by paying rapt attention. The Tell-Tale Heart was not overly long, but when she paused just after the old man in the story was murdered, sounds of protest ensued.

“Oh no, Miss Foster, you cannot stop there,” Lady Amelie exclaimed. “I can’t bear it!”

“Nor I,” Lord Kirkendale added.

Jessamine stifled a smile. “Patience! I’m only halfway through.”

After taking a sip of water, she resumed the story, which ended with the narrator’s confession. Amelie gasped and sat back. “Was the heart truly beating then? Did the officers know all along?”

“No, the narrator was completely mad,” Jessamine replied.

“I think he wanted to be discovered,” Kirkendale said. “He wanted someone to know how clever he’d been.”

“He was stupid! All he needed to do was to shut up and he would have gotten away with his crime,” Amelie said.

“It’s not always easy to hide your feelings, milady,” Jessamine said. “Oftentimes the body betrays what the mind is thinking.”

Recognition suddenly dawned on Amelie’s face. “Oh, I think I understand. It’s when a man and a woman like each other romantically, but they can’t say so. They become flushed when they’re in the same room, and their hands tremble, and they avoid looking at one another or sometimes they stare when they think nobody’s looking.”

Kirkendale peered at his sister. “How do you know all that?”

“I’ve seen it for myself recently.”

To Jessamine’s dismay, the book in her hand slipped to the floor, landing on the rug with a loud thump. “How clumsy,” she murmured.

She and Kirkendale both reached for the book. When their fingers accidentally touched, she drew her hand back as if burned. “I’m so sorry.”

“Forgive me,” he said at the same time.

Happy Halloween and Horror Flash Fiction

Happy Halloween to one and all! I have a short work of flash fiction to share with you, which was originally published in an online magazine (now defunct) called Flashshot.  Flash fiction is an art form in which the greatest possible impact is gleaned from the fewest possible words (generally 1,000 words or less). Flashshot specialized in stories of 100 words or less. Since it’s All Hallow’s Eve, I’m going to share my horror story, Black Holes (98 words). Enjoy!

~ S.G. Rogers

Black Holes

The competition at this year’s statewide science fair was fierce, but I was determined to win. My entry was an awesome model of an earthquake-proof building on rollers. It had won first place at my school. Ultimately, I got edged out at finals by a freak of nature who mounted a presentation about the role of wormhole physics in developing a quantum theory of gravity. About ten seconds after he received the blue ribbon, the kid literally imploded and shriveled up into a fist-sized geodesic ball. It was then that I realized some people just can’t handle success.