Robyn Echols's Blog, page 16

Cover Reveal: THE FOURTEENTH QUILT

 

It is finally happening! 

I am publishing my contemporary Christmas novel, The Fourteenth Quilt based on some event that actually happened in 2012.

Here is the cover.

And the tag line or subtitle is:

A Christmas tale of young love and three old quilters just doing the best that they can.

Details on how to purchase the book are coming soon.

Wednesday Wonders: A LADY BY ANY OTHER NAME

Join us on today's Wednesday Wonders and learn more about the Regency romance, A Lady By Any Other Name written by Jennifer Kitchens.

About the Book:



A Woman in Hiding

Nicole Farrington's life had never been easy, but it had always been bearable. At least it had been until now. Faced with a horrible marriage her step-brother has contracted for her, she will do anything to get away. She’ll run…run to anyone who might be able to help her. But running blindly down an unknown path may take her to an unexpected destination.

A Man Seeking Answers

Julian Huntington, Earl of Foxley, wants nothing more than to have his carefree life back. Now he is left with a title, a child, and a future that he never expected would be his. He refuses to believe his brother's death was an accident, no matter what people say. Someone killed him and Julian plans to find out who and why. Maybe then he can go on with his life…his brother’s life. But will the answers he seeks be enough, or will he find love to be a worthier goal?

Book Excerpt:


   “I have come to offer you my congratulations.”   “Congratulations?” she asked, perplexed, “For what?”    “I have just arranged a marriage for you with Sir Josiah Pemberton.  You are a very lucky lady,” he said, sipping his drink.    “What?”  She was on her feet before she realized what she was doing, her whole body shaking with fury.  She knew she shouldn’t yell at Roland, as it never ended well.  But she rarely acted with caution when she lost her temper.     “Isn’t it enough that I act as a servant in my own home?  I have never given you cause for complaint about taking over the work of servants.  But I will not be made to marry a man old enough to be my grandfather!  How could you do that?  You had no right!”    “No right?  I am your guardian, after all,” he replied with a smile still lurking on his lips.  “You should be grateful I’ve let you stay here for so long.  Did you really think I’d keep you around and underfoot forever?  Did you expect a Season?  The ton doesn’t even know you exist.”  He sneered at her as if she had no right to even be in the same room as him.  There was a certain familiar glint in his eyes that warned her to try to calm herself down so as not to enrage him.  “Besides, I owe Pemberton money and this will do nicely.”      “You plan on using me as payment for your debts?”  Her mouth hung open in disbelief.    “No, you flitwit.  But your oh-so-generous dowry will do so satisfactorily.  He’ll figure out something to do with you, I’m sure.  It’s not my problem to figure out.  In two days’ time you’ll be a pain in Pemberton’s neck, and my debt will be paid.”  He took a long drink of his brandy and smiled at her with satisfaction.      “How did you lose so much?” She voiced the first thought that came to her mind.  He had always been gambling away his money, but she never thought that he would let things go far enough to actually run out.  How could he do something so despicable as to sell his own sister to that old lecher, no matter how much he hated her.  How dare he use her like this!     “My affairs are none of your concern!” he snapped.  Flicking a speck of dust from his sleeve, he continued.  “Oh don’t look so surprised.  Why my father ever arranged for your outrageous dowry, I’ll never understand.  It should have been my money – why shouldn’t I use it?  Getting rid of you is simply a nice bonus, you know.”    Her anger boiled over then.  “I won’t marry Pemberton, Roland.  I won’t.  I may act as a servant here to you and your friends.  I may put up with their leering and your tirades.  I earn my keep and much more without complaint. But I refuse to be bartered off like a piece of furniture!”  She was nearly screaming now, something she never did.  She expected him to retaliate and braced herself for the blow, but instead he laughed.    “You don’t have a choice.  The negotiations are complete.  You will marry and that is that.”     “I won’t agree.  I won’t say yes.”      “Oh, yes you will,” he growled, “You will if you know what’s good for you.  But I’m sure I could come up with much more…entertaining ways of using you to get the money.  If you’d prefer.”      He wouldn’t.  Surely not.  Seeing the evil glint in his eyes, Nicole realized she was grasping at false hope.  He would.  Her anger melted into panic.  She knew she couldn’t marry that, that…she couldn’t even think of a word bad enough.   A cheat, and a drunkard, Pemberton had already buried three wives.  Nicole refused to be a fourth.  But how would she avoid it?  The alternative was no better.      “But…no.  Roland, please, no.  Don’t do this,” she pled.  She didn’t expect it to do much good though, and it didn’t.     Roland looked up at her with disgust.  “Enough.  You will marry as you’re told.  He’ll be here this evening.  Now get out of my sight!”  His face turned hard and she knew the time had come to leave before he unleashed his temper fully.   
About the Author:


Jennifer Kitchens is a life-long lover of romance novels.  She started reading Regency romances as a teenager and hasn't stopped since.  She is the founder and sole reviewer for Clean Romance Reviews.  When she isn't writing and reading, she is raising her young children and dating her husband.

 Author Links:
 Website  |  Facebook  |   Amazon Author Page
 Purchase Links:   

 

Wednesday Wonders: THE THRONE OF DAVID

This week's Wednesday Wonders features the novel, THE THRONE OF DAVID, by Ann Farnsworth.
 

 
About the Book:

When a secret letter is delivered 32 years after it is written, it throws the ascendancy of the British throne into question and sets in motion an alliance that will do anything to suppress the truth. The search for the rightful heir uncovers the existence of a sacred stone destined to reveal the true king. Follow the clues through ancient history and discover the truth about the Throne of David! 

This high-stakes thriller has an mind-blowing ending you have to read to believe!





  About the Author:

Ann Farnsworth spent a lifetime studying ancient and modern history, and discovered a fascination with the plots used to construct a best-selling novel, a love of precise vocabulary and a true devotion to memorable characters. All of these interests came together and enabled her to write ‘The Throne of David’ when the youngest of her 10 children turned 9.

From Ann Farnsworth:

I have always been a voracious reader and sometime writer even while raising a large family of 10 children.  In fact, reading allowed me to escape for a few minutes (or longer) during the day while staying connected to the needs of our family.

Our youngest is now ten and the stories that have been stewing inside my head as I washed dishes, cooked dinner and helped with homework these last 25 years are bubbling up and out of my fingertips. My favorite books to read are Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice, the scriptures, any of the Harry Potter books and of course, Good Night Moon.

It is said that about 80% of us feel we have a book we’d like to write. If I can do it, anyone can. 
That is the truth!

Author Links:

Website & Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads
Website:  What Is Death?

Purchase Links:

Amazon  |  Other Purchasing Options

Wednesday Wonders: THE WATCHERS ~ HIDDEN FIRE

This week's Wednesday Wonders features The Watchers ~ Hidden Fire by Deirdra Eden.

About the Book:

     Auriella’s new life as a royal protector is in shambles. The new king ignores her warnings of a Shadow Legion invasion and he is determined to marry her off. Ghosts from her past, the discovery of other Watchers, and a handsome Scottish warrior throw her off guard and weaken her emotional defenses. Caught in a web of secrecy and betrayal, Auriella struggles to control and protect the devastating power of Starfire. A terrible truth and a fateful choice will lead her to her destiny as the fabled Lady of Neviah, or could shroud the entire world in eternal darkness.
     Filled with action, romance, drama, and comedy, Hidden Fire is an addicting read that you won’t want to put down.
     The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural. The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Traditional Apocrypha, the Pearl of Great Price and the Kabbalah. The Watchers are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad.
      Although the mythology is based on these texts, Deirdra Eden's The Watcher's Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl's discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions.

  Excerpt:


     My feet sank into the river. The shock of icy waves stung my skin. My long skirt soaked up the frigid water like a wick. I hurled myself into the rapids and plunged below the waves. The torrent battered me as I desperately clawed against the current to reach a breath of air. My head emerged from the river and I gasped. The remaining wolves raced along the bank.     Bolts of lightning struck the earth. Wind whirled around me. The river rapids grew faster and whipped me through the maze of sharp rocks.It seemed that even the river warred against me. The currents hurled me into a cluster of boulders. I clung to the jagged rocks protruding out of the water and flexed my toes, trying to keep the current from ripping the hastily tied boots off my feet.     The river rushed passed me in icy waves. I took in quick breaths when the water momentarily broke from slamming against my face.Mists of darkness swirled around the wolves pacing on the bank. “How long do you think you can hold on?” a wolf taunted.     I coughed and sucked in more of the river. I had to pull myself out of the water and make it to the far bank. My injured shoulder and arm burned with agony. I could do this. I had to. I clawed at the rock until my fingers burned. Hot sparks from my fingernails showered off the stone each time I slid back. I tried to ignore the pain and focus on the bank. It was just over a meter away. I reached out with my leg, pointing my toes to try to balance myself onto the shore. I could almost reach it.     I prepared to fight my way through the river to the other side. I pulled back for more momentum and heard something snap. A large tree branch rolled toward me. Like a massive enemy hand, it ripped me from the rock and held me under the river.     Below the surface, I held my breath and struggled with the web of wood, breaking the limbs, trying to escape the grasp. My cold hands trembled, my lungs burned. I felt my engagement ring slip from my finger. I fumble in the water, trying to catch the ring Lucas had given me. I saw it glint as the current carried it away.     I couldn’t do this anymore. My powers were null under the waves; I was injured, I had no strength left, and now I had lost my engagement ring. Panic took over.     The water rushed around me. I snapped a few branches out of frustration, but couldn’t free myself. My lungs ached as I surrendered my last breath to the flood.
About the Author:

Deirdra Eden has spent the last decade captivating audiences of all ages with her novels and fairy tales. Her specialty is paranormal theology that delves into documented historical phenomenon and natural disasters of biblical proportions that entices indulgence of a fine line between fact and fantasy.

Deirdra enjoys jousting in arenas, sword fighting and archery, planning invasions, horseback riding through open meadows, swimming in the ocean, hiking up mountains, camping in cool shady woods, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures with her family.
Author Links:
Amazon Author Page  |  Website  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads
Purchase Links:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble
Bonus Excerpt:
 

     My eyes sprang open, and blue flames shot from my hands into the sky. Air rushed in and out of my lungs like a whirlwind. The trees blew sideways as I exhaled.     Lightning flashed overhead. The ground rumbled at my feet. Earth essences flooded through me, mixing with the wind and fire. Energy shattered across the treetops and raced over every leaf and branch like lightning bolts.     “Keep control of the energy!” Azrael shouted above the sound of the electric wind.    I had the power of fire, wind, earth, water, life, spirit, and even death racing through me. It was like trying to wield seven long whips that sparked when they clashed together. I had to unite them and gain control. I wrangled the seven elemental streams of energy together. The elements blew out of my hands in white waves. The leaves on the trees erupted in a celestial firestorm. Starfire illuminated my skin and ran through my body like the blood in my veins.     Chaos surrounded me, then everything went still and silent as if time itself stopped.   Gentle ethereal light curved and swirled around my body like a slow whirlpool. A gown of shimmering pearl silk cloaked the contours of my body.     The heavenly cloth sparkled at my slightest movement. Pink, blue, green, and gold aurora waves added to the creation pallet floating around me. I touched the energy orb surrounding me like a cocoon. It rippled in soft waves and let out a gentle soprano melody.     “The energy is moving too fast,” Korban shouted. I could hear his words, but it was as if he was in a dream far away.     “She’s consuming all the energy of Earth.” Orion’s urgent voice grew faint. “She’s becoming a weapon, Azrael. You have to stop her, or she will never be able to touch another mortal again.”     The sound of ocean mist brushed past my ear like a whisper. Perfect round drops of water stood suspended in the air, reflecting the light of many stars and worlds. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Nothing on Earth could compare with the divine celestial colors and lights. I reached out and touched a droplet. A delicate indigo and gold flower blossomed from the tiny element. The creation process became so clear. I immediately understood how to form life with a single touch.     I reached out and touched another sphere of water. The inhabitants of an unknown culture several galaxies away flashed through my mind. In a split second, I saw every life form on the planet and felt I knew each one individually.     Azrael sounded closer when he said, “Her energy ‘tis too great. I can’t reach her.”     “You can, Azrael, and you must,” Orion shouted. “Korban is dying.”I pulled my hand back. What had I done? I didn’t know how to step out of the creation cocoon spiraling around me. “Azrael?” I whispered. My body tensed and the light whipped violently. I took in deep breaths, searching for Azrael in the tempest of energy.     A hand shot through the waves of heat and grasped mine. Azrael stepped into the cocoon. His silver eyes reflected down on me like twin mirrors. He held my glowing hand to his lips, kissing each fingertip.I was shocked at how different, but beautiful, my hand looked pressed to his lips. Shimmering iridescent light wrapped around our bodies.    “‘Tis your true form. What you look like without your human body,” Azrael answered.     “Did I destroy my human body?” I asked.     Azrael shook his head. “No, but you need to come back now or you will not be able to stay here on Earth. We need you, and the longer you are in this form, the more your mortal body dies.”

Wednesday Wonders: GOLD NUGGETS

Denali, formerly Mt. McKinleyThis week's Wednesday Wonders features Lynn Lovegreen's New Adult novel set in 1916 Alaska, Gold Nuggets.

About the Novel: 

In the shadow of Denali, she has a home, and he finds adventure. 
Charlotte Cooper wants to stay near her parents' home in Alaska. But her dreams of being a writer call her away to college or work, and she has to choose her own path in life. 

Henry Reeves is a wealthy New Yorker seeking a summer adventure when he travels to Kantishna near the proposed Mt. McKinley National Park. He discovers two passions, one for Charlotte, and the other for keeping Alaska wildlife from being wiped out like the buffalo. 
Charlotte and Henry find an attraction they can’t deny, but can they build a new life together between the wilderness and high society?  
Book Excerpt: 


     Henry swatted at the mosquitoes again. Charlotte was glad she had a net over her hat. She heard the louder buzz of a bee as she looked for the next bend in the river.
     “Oww!”
     Stinky wiped the white stubble around his mouth like he was trying not to laugh. “Bees doan like it when you swat ’em.”
     Henry inspected his right wrist. “I think I’m allergic to bees.”
     “You think you’re allergic?” She hoped he wasn’t.
     “Last time I had a bee sting, it got all swollen.”
     If that was all, that wouldn’t be too bad. “Well, we’ll see if it happens again.”
     “And I had a little trouble breathing. Not very much.”
     She took another breath.
     “The last time, I was hunting, too. My father and I were deer hunting in the Adirondacks. We spend a lot of time hunting and fishing. I practically grew up outdoors.”
     That was probably true by New York standards, but he still seemed like a cheechako to her. A greenhorn.
      He scratched at his wrist.
     “Don’t scratch it. That’ll make it worse,” she said. It was already pink.
     They passed by a creek tumbling down the hills to the east and turned another bend in the river. When she looked at Henry’s wrist again, there was a pink lump. Henry scratched it again as he looked up at an eagle circling overhead.
     “Is that an eagle?”
     “Yes, a golden eagle. Stop scratching at it. Here, put this over it.” She untied the bandanna from around her neck and tied it over the sting. As she touched his skin, she felt an electric thrill that she hadn’t expected.
     “Thank you, Sharon.”
     “Charlotte. My name is Charlotte.”
     His face was red again when she looked up. “I’m sorry, Charlotte. I keep putting my foot in my mouth. Thank you again, Charlotte.”
     He couldn’t even get her name right. Maybe he was just bad at names. Some people were. But she hadn’t felt anything like the sensation when she’d touched his hand. Was it because he was so attractive? Or just part of his vibrant energy?
     “You’re welcome.” She was starting to get concerned about his bee sting. It was swelling quite a bit. At least his breathing seemed all right. He was irritating, but she didn’t want him to get sick.
     One more turn to the right, and then they were home. They navigated the last stretch and brought the boat in to the loading dock. Charlotte glanced at the bandanna on Henry’s wrist as Daddy and Stinky unloaded the supplies.
     “I think we’d better show your bee sting to Mama. She can put something on it for you.” She grabbed his left hand and pulled him toward the house, ignoring the vibration that went through her at touching him.
     “Thank you, that’s very kind.”
About the Lynn Lovegreen:

Lynn Lovegreen grew up in Alaska, and still lives there. She taught English for 20 years before retiring to make more time for writing. She enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family, and hitting targets with a cowboy action shooting club. Her young adult historical romances are set in the Alaska Gold Rush, a great time for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Pinterest. Her novels Fools Gold, Quicksilver to Gold, Golden Days, Gold Nuggets, and novella Worth Her Weight in Gold are available through Prism Book Group or your favorite book vendor.
Purchase Links:Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Prism 

Author Links"

Website  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon Author Page

Bonus Excerpt from GOLD NUGGETS:
Henry was pleased that his horse, a mare named Mabel, responded quickly to slight pulls on the reins or nudges from his knees. She was a good companion and a pleasure to ride. 

“Good horse here, thank you. This looks like a well-traveled trail. Are there a lot of people who utilize it?”

“Nope, mostly bears use it. Keep your eyes peeled.”

Wednesday Wonders: THE CAREGIVER'S JOURNEY

 Today's Wednesday Wonders features Todd F. Cope, RN, and his book,  The Caregiver’s Journey: Compassionate and Informed Care For A Loved One.

















About the book
Are you a caregiver for an aging loved one? If not, you probably know someone who is. It is estimated that more the 65 million Americans find themselves as caregivers who spend, on average, 20 hours a week providing care. This is in addition to personal and professional responsibilities. Most caregivers end up facing these new experiences with little preparation. Though most caregivers desire some kind of guidance, their time constraints make it difficult to obtain.

The Caregiver’s Journey: Compassionate and Informed Care For A Loved One is the source of that much needed guidance. It provides help and offers hope to inexperienced and/or overwhelmed caregivers in a compact, yet inclusive format. Many of the basic aspects of caregiving come naturally, but there are always unexpected facets of care as well as challenges that new caregivers will face. By identifying these issues and offering practical ways of dealing with them, The Caregiver’s Journey prepares caregivers for what to expect as well as offering explanations for things they may have already experienced.

No other book addresses the joys and challenges of caregiving in such a concise, yet fittingly detailed manner. Even with the broad range of topics covered, The Caregiver’s Journey can be read by even the most frazzled caregiver in about an hour and a half. Whether just getting started, or well into the caregiving journey, this book will change lives.



Q & A

Q: What prompted you to write the book?A: I spent twelve years as Director of Nursing at a large assisted living facility and the most common question from family members of our residents was, “Where can get more information about how to do this?” I realized that most books on the subject were too long and too detailed, so I compiled all of the advice I’d been giving for many years into an information packed, concise resource for caregivers.
Q: Were any human interest stories involved in your research?A: All of my research involved more than 25 years of personal experience. I honestly feel that everything I learned and continue to learn, is the result of one great human interest story. That’s the nature of caring for the elderly.
Q: How has writing this book touched you?A: Putting my years of experience into words helped me to realize what a joy it is to be a caregiver. After so long, things tend to become routine, but reflecting on my experiences as I wrote,Q: What is the book’s intended audience?A: Simply put, the book is for anyone with aging parents or loved ones. Every one of us, if we are not already caregivers, is likely to become one at some point in our lives.
Q: What are your future plans for writing?A: I have to be honest and say, I’m not sure. Though this is my 5th book, it is my first non-fiction. I never intended to write anything but fiction, so that is what my list of ideas focuses on. But now, who knows?

About the Author
Todd F. Cope grew up in a family of thirteen children. As the youngest, he quickly learned that service was the best way to get along with others. After graduating from high school, Todd traveled to Western Australia to work as a missionary. It was there that he met a missionary from New Zealand who would later become his wife.
Todd and Denise were married in New Zealand, where they lived for two years before returning to the United States so he could continue his education. Together they raised four children and are now experiencing the joys of being grandparents.
 It was his desire to help others that led Todd to pursue a career in nursing. As a Registered Nurse for more than 25 years, he has had the opportunity of working in a variety of settings, but the majority of his career has involved caring for the elderly. In his spare time, Todd enjoys running, gardening and spending time with his family.
Todd's love for writing dates back to the fourth grade when he won a poetry writing contest. He continued to be honored for his essays, poetry and prose throughout his school career. Todd has published many articles on a variety of subjects in several forums including the Ensign and New Era magazines. Prior to writing The Caregiver’s Journey, he authored four published novels, most notably The Shift, a self-published work that inspired the CBS Television movie The Last Dance, starring Maureen O'Hara.
 Website  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  
Purchase Links:
Amazon Kindle  |  Barnes & Noble  |  books & things  |  Amazon  

Wednesday Wonders: THE DANCE OF THE FIREFLY

Today's Wednesday Wonders features Kathy Bosman and her contemporary romance novel, The Dance of the Firefly.

About the Book:


Mix together a beautiful ballerina and ballet teacher, a sexy single dad, and a precocious-yet-sweet daughter, and emotions run high. Add racial and cultural differences, work contracts coming to an end, and hurts and memories from the past and sparks fly.


Rowena loves to dance but has ended up teaching ballet instead. When she helps out Cameron’s difficult daughter, a bond develops between the two dancers. Cameron makes Rowena uncomfortable because he stirs up new, unwanted feelings which make no sense when he intends to leave Zambia soon when his contract ends.


Cameron can’t resist sanguine live-wire Rowena who makes his daughter smile for the first time in years. But can he risk his heart again when memories of his late wife come back to haunt him? And Rowena has a lot more at stake in giving her all.

Click HERE for the book trailer


Book Excerpt:     She’d expected him to disappear. Instead, she jumped as a shadow appeared in front of her. The man stood a foot from her. Close up, his presence seemed to permeate her.    For a brief moment, her gnawing sorrow vanished, and attraction surged in like a current of potent goodness. His features were clear-cut yet contrasting: bronzed skin against almost ginger hair. It could pass for golden brown. Speckles of day-old matching beard. Light brown eyes like the earth near Lake Kariba. Sturdy posture, straight and purposeful. Broad shoulders. Strength she could rely on at this time.   She pushed the crazy thoughts away. His expression had changed to almost lost. Patience settled upon her, sweet and refreshing after days of pure irritation at everything that moved.    “Maybe you could help Jamey.”    “I’m sorry?”    He raked his fingers through his hair. There was anxiety there. Suffering. She took her leg down to give him her full attention.    “What could I do?”    “You could give her extra lessons.”    “I’m full up already, Mr. Hosking. I don’t have time….”    “Jamey loves to dance. Her late mother was a ballet dancer. It’s her only connection with her.”    Late mother! Rowena’s lungs drained of air. Oh, how she could identify with her pain. Although her mother’s death was recent, only six days ago, and she wasn’t a child, she suddenly wanted to hug Jamey and fill her heart with love to take away the lonely hopelessness. How could she have been so impatient with the child? No wonder she was so restless. The recital had become more important than the children. Creating a good image for her studio to increase the size of her classes had taken precedence over putting something into the ones she had.    He peered into her frozen face. “I’ll pay you double the price of a normal lesson. Please.”    She nodded. “I will. Of course.”    He instinctively grabbed her hand. “You won’t regret it. Jamey’s a very bright child, and she’s crazy about you.”    Her insides shuddered, and her toes curled at the simple contact. His hand was warm, and he squeezed a little too hard, but suddenly she wished he would keep it there. But he didn’t.    “Really?”    He laughed. “Yes. She says you’re so beautiful, like her mommy. You do look a bit like her.” His eyes became dreamy and distant, as though a lifetime of memories passed through his mind.    A pang shot through her. Imagine a man like him loving her with the intensity he directed toward his late wife? What a selfish thought. He was still grieving. 
About the Author: 
Kathy loves reading and writing even more. She homeschools her three kids, so in between unsuccessfully explaining the difference between subject and predicate or how to divide fractions, she enters an imaginary world of troubled and passionate characters whose stories take over the page. Kathy lives in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, where the summers are hot, the winters cool, and bugs thrive. Her first published novel, Wedding Gown Girl, came out in 2012 with Astraea Press. She belongs to the Romance Writers of South Africa Group (ROSA) which has been her greatest support and inspiration the last few years.
Buy Links:

Google Play:  Online Links for Kathy:
Website and blog:     Facebook author page:    Twitter:

 Goodreads:    Pinterest:    Amazon:    YouTube:
 


 

 

Wednesday Wonders: BRING DOWN THE RAIN

Today's Wednesday Wonders features J. Lloyd Morgan's coming of age novel, Bring Down the Rain.


About the Novel:


Starting at a new high school is hard, especially as a senior. At age 17, Derek moves with his family from North Carolina to Utah. Derek learns about the unwritten laws of dating in Utah, and that his mom and dad have a history at his new school—a history that threatens his future.
Set in 1986, Bring Down the Rain is a story of loss, grief, redemption, hope, and making life altering choices.
Novel Excerpt: 
It was still early, not quite seven-thirty. Usually I’d only call Tiffany to ask her out on a date, but I really felt the need to talk to someone. I went to the phone in the kitchen. It was yellow, to match the kitchen décor, I supposed, and Mom had put an extra-long cord on it so she could talk while working in the kitchen. I picked up the receiver and dialed Tiffany’s number. Her father answered it on the second ring. “Hello, Mr. Malinowski. This is Derek Christmas. Is Tiffany home?” “Why hello, Derek,” he said. “As a matter of fact, she is.”“May I speak with her?”“Of course.”I heard him muffle the speaker on his end while he called for her. A moment later, Tiffany picked up and said, “Got it upstairs, Daddy. You can hang up now.”“Are you sure?” He asked over the phone. “I’d love to hear what kids your age talk about now. I need to get down with the lingo.”“Daddy!”“All right, all right. I’ll hang up.”I didn’t say a word, and neither did Tiffany. We both waited to hear the click of the other phone being hung up. It didn’t come. I’d gotten to know her Dad pretty well the night I had dinner at her house, so I decided to have a little fun with him.“I’m glad he finally hung up, Tiff. We need to nail down a few more details for our trip to Vegas over the Christmas break.” We’d never discussed such a thing, and it wasn’t something we’d really do, but Tiffany picked up on the joke.“I’m glad you called. Our fake IDs will be ready by then. I can’t wait to try my hand at blackjack. I’ve heard it’s not hard. I’ve got my college savings we can use to get started. I’m sure we could double or triple it while we’re there. My parents will be so surprised when I come home with all that money!”“You know, while we’re there,” I said, “I’ve heard there are some cool places to get hitched. They even have wedding dresses you can rent by the hour. Do you think—” “Okay, okay! I give up!” Tiffany’s dad said over the phone. “Serves me right for trying to eavesdrop on you two.”There was an audible click this time, but before I could say anything, I heard Tiffany call out, “Mom! Is Dad really off the phone?”I didn’t hear the reply, but I gathered it was a yes because Tiffany said, “He’s such a goof, my dad. Sorry about that.”I laughed. “That’s cool. It was kind of fun to make him squirm like that.”“Oh, so you mean the wedding’s off?”“Uh, well, uh…”“You’re even more fun to tease than my dad,” she said.

About the Author:
J. Lloyd Morgan is a bestselling author and an award-winning television director. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Communications and a minor in English. In 2014, Morgan earned his Master’s degree in Creative Writing. Morgan has lived all over the United States, but now resides in North Carolina with his wife and four daughters where he teaches college English classes. Aside from writing, Morgan is an avid reader. He’s also a huge fan of baseball and enjoys listening to progressive rock.
He is the author of the novels The Hidden Sun, The Waxing Moon, The Zealous Star, The Mirror of the Soul, Wall of Faith and Bring Down the Rain. His published short stories include “Howler King,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “With Bells On,” and award-winning “The Doughnut.”

 Author Links:
Website   |  Amazon Author Page
Purchase at Amazon  

Wednesday Wonders: JESSE'S NIGHTMARE

Today's Wednesday Wonders features P. A. Estelle and her western historical novel, Jesse's Nightmare.

About the novel:


Ginny and Jesse are expecting their first baby. It's almost April and even the snow that continues to fall doesn't dampen their moods - until something starts ripping apart the livestock.

But when Jesse comes home during a blizzard and finds his wife and daughter missing, his happiness turns to a fear that he hasn't felt in a long time!

Excerpt from Jesse's Nightmare:

She was making supper when Jesse came in. “You’re home early.” She didn’t look his way.

“Yea.” He put his hat on a peg and hung his jacket, watching her the entire time. Ginny was always there with a smile and a kiss when he came home. “Everything okay?” She didn’t answer, just nodded. “Ginny?”

When she looked up, her brown eyes were dark pools of unshed tears. She ran into his arms, sobbing.

“What in tarnation is wrong?” He held her as she cried. Finally he set her away from him so he could look into her face. “Is Sarah okay?” 

“Yes. This is silly.” She wiped her eyes and sat down at the table. For the first time Jesse saw the gun laying there. She met his eyes. 
“What happened?”

  About P. A. Estelle: 
My name is Penny Estelle and I was an elementary school secretary for 21 years. I heard every excuse and story in the book when kids would be sent to the principal. I promised myself when I retired I would write stories about kids and that is just what I did.

I am retired with my wonderful husband and we live on a fifty-four acre ranch in Arizona on solar and wind. I am the "greenest" person and I know, even if I don't want to be!

I am so excited to have stories out for kids and adults. Hike up Devil's Mountain, A Float Down the Canal, and five stories in The Wickware Sagas - Billy Cooper's Awesome Nighmare, Ride of a Lifetime, Flash to the Past, Bumped Back in Time, and soon to be released, Riches to Rags! All for the tween in your life.
I have a newsletter that goes out for new releases or sales.  If you would like to be notified please sign up @ http://eepurl.com/388Xr

AUTHOR LINKS:
WEBSITE  *  BLOG  *  FACEBOOK  *   TWITTER  *  PINTEREST  *  GOODREADS
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
PURCHASE LINK:  AMAZON 
Posted by Robyn Echolsat 8:23 PM

What Is Robyn Echols Doing Now?

I have enjoyed featuring guest authors on my blog each Wednesday. However, anyone scrolling back through the blog posts may have noticed that there aren't too many posts about me and my writing as Robyn Echols. So, what have I been doing?

I have been busy setting up a group blog, SWEET AMERICANA SWEETHEARTS to feature authors who write historical romance novels and novellas set in the North American continent between the 1820s and 1920s (or thereabouts). I'm one of the authors using my pen name, Zina Abbott, which I use for my historical novels.


Since it is a group blog, I don't write all the posts. The blog has several contributing authors who take over the blog one day a month and write their own post. In addition, the blog features blog tour/new releases posts on Tuesdays and guest posts on a few days a month. However, as the administrator who is still in the process of recruiting contributing authors and getting them set up, it is keeping me busy.

 Here are my author links for Robyn Echols:


Website    |  REB Blog    |  Facebook    |  Pinterest   |  Goodreads    | Twitter   |   Amazon Author Page

Here are my author links for Zina Abbott:

Website   |  Blog  |  Facebook   |  Pinterest   |  Goodreads   | Zina Abbott Amazon Author Page   |  
Sweet Americana Sweethearts Blog