Robyn Echols's Blog, page 18

SUMMER HEARTS BLOG TOUR: Dreaming In California

Hello! Today we are going to focus on the first book in the compilation. Check it out!
Dreaming in California:
In the summer of 1967, Hollywood actress, Lucinda Baker, appears to have it all-- fame, money, and an all too doting fiancé. Dark traits begin to emerge from the man she's pledged to marry, and he threatens her. Lucinda must now lean on her best friend, celebrity photographer, George Creston to escape the clutches of the dangerous relationship. Together they are forced to summon courage, and trust each other in desperate circumstances. Will they find love in the process or lose everything they hold dear, including their lives.


Now about the fabulous lady behind this book!
Debby Lee Author Bio:
SNIPPET:
“Look, I’ve tried to be nice about this, but I’m out of time. I’m in a bind and I can’t afford to get on my father’s bad side. He breathes down my neck as it is. He says if we don’t get married, he’s cutting me out of the will without a cent. You best believe we’re getting married, even if I have to drag you down the aisle to do it. Trust me, I’m not bluffing. Father has friends who’d marry us, even without you being fully coherent, so don’t test me . . .” 

Lucinda’s stomach dropped. She trembled. This was a side to Anzario she hadn’t seen before, or had she merely chosen not to see it?<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS Mincho"; mso-font-alt:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:modern; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 134217746 0 131231 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; 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mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style>  <br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 125%;">Book Buy Links:</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /><a href="http://amzn.com/B00XFTTN4M" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Amazon</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">  |  <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summe..." target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>  |  <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo..." target="_blank">Kobo</a>  |   <a href="https://www.scribd.com/book/265145965..." target="_blank">Scribd</a>  |  <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summe... class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZylYjNtndrs..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZylYjNtndrs..." width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't forget to get your name into our GIVEAWAY!!!</b></span></span><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="8fd84eb62" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_f58vm4hm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="http://robynechols.blogspot.com//widg... <span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Tour Schedule:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>(You can check out posts that have been made during this tour here:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/98306... </a>)</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Don't forget! Each author in this tour will be featured once during the tour, and on her special day there will be all kinds of fun facts to check out about her and her book!</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 125%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>June 6th: </b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Featuring: <i>Dreaming in California</i> by Debbie Lee</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u><a href="http://jbiggarblog.wordpress.com/&quo... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u><a href="http://www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com/... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u><a href="http://rebeccalamoreaux-anauthorinpro... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u><a href="http://robynechols.blogspot.com/&quot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>June 7th: </b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Featuring: <i>A Summer of Stars</i> by Lisa Watson</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.rustysreading.com/"&g... style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_10456798... </a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/elainesabooka... style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_10456798... </a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lynneatthelibrarybookrevie... style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_10456798... </a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_10456798... </a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_10456798... </a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://bloggingfortheloveofauthors.bl... style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_10456798... </a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u>r<a href="http://obynechols.blogspot.com/"... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>June 8th: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Featuring: <i>Drowning Sandy</i> by Sarah Daley</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.taraquan.com/">&lt... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://authorbrookewilliams.com/blog&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://zerinablossom.blogspot.com/&qu... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://officialiheartbooks.blogspot.c... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://robynechols.blogspot.com/&quot... /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><u><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://w</span>ww.dgdriver.com/... </u></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>June 9th: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Featuring: <i>Summer Holiday</i> by Carol Malone</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lynnspangler.blogspot.com/... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/&quot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.awritergrace.com/"&gt... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://author.bethbarany.com/"&g... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://robynechols.blogspot.com/&quot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>June 10th: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Featuring: <i>Shark Boss</i> by Kathy Bosman</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://aprilvineauthor.blogspot.com/?... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flirtyandfeistyromance.blo... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://robynechols.blogspot.com/&quot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>June 11th: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Featuring: <i>The Best Place to Meet a Man</i> by Robyn Echols</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://christyscozycorners.com/"... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://lynnromanceenthusiast.blogspot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://robynechols.blogspot.com/&quot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>June 12th: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Featuring the entire compilation</b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/GoBabyBookPage... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.c... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.camichcketts.com/"&gt... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com/"... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://semishort.blogspot.com/"&... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://carolmalone.net/"><... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/&quot... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 125%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... /><u><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial;"><u><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"&gt... </span></u></div>

Wednesday Wonders: THE HEIR

Dan Bradfield is the boy Sarah adores, but is he really what he seems? Today's Wednesday Wonders features science fiction romance guest author Lynne Stringer and her novel, The Heir.


Book description:
 
Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. The only good thing about school is the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father's multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah's best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who is there for Sarah, but she can't shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn't know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes? Sarah is desperate to uncover the truth, but it could take her to another galaxy, and change everything she believes about who she is. Will it bring Dan and Sarah closer together or tear them apart? The Heir is the first book in the Verindon Trilogy.

 Click here for Book Trailer
Excerpt from The Heir:
 
   It was well into the night by the time I went to bed, but my eyelids had begun drooping long before Dan could convince me to go.
    “Come on, Sarah,” he said, dragging me towards the stairs. “We can pick this up in the morning.”
    I was happy to go to bed by that time. I knew what would happen as soon as my head hit the pillow.
    But as I was lying in my bed, waiting to fall asleep, I noticed a sound.
    Drip … drip … drip …
   I frowned. Had I left the faucet running in the bathroom? I jumped up and turned on the light. No. It was off. The sound wasn’t coming from there. Had I imagined it?
    Drip … drip … drip …
    I turned on the light in my room. Was there a faucet somewhere else? Or maybe it was some pipe in the wall?
Then I saw it and my jaw dropped.
    On the bedside table, where I had tossed it, was my father’s
computer device. And the table underneath it was melting!
I hurried over to check that my mind wasn’t playing tricks on
me. No, it wasn’t. Directly underneath the device the table was
oozing brown goo and dripping it all over the floor.
    I snatched up the device. Was it hot? Surely it couldn’t be hot
enough to melt wood! Was that even possible?
    But no, it wasn’t hot, not that hot, anyway, although its readouts
were still flickering dramatically.
    I frowned and looked at the floor. Much to my astonishment,
the brown ooze had disappeared, even though there had been a
puddle a moment ago. Had it dribbled away somewhere? I couldn’t
see any sign of it.
    I reached down and touched the bottom of the table. It felt dry
and smooth. No mark at all.
    I jumped out of my skin as I heard a knock on my door. Still trying
to explain the brown ooze to myself, I went over and opened it.
    Dan was there. “Hey. Just making sure that you’re okay.”
    “I’m fine,” I said, trying to come back to reality.
    His eyes flickered down to the box in my hand for a moment.
“Okay. Goodnight, then.”
    I shut the door and turned back to my room. Could grief bring
on hallucinations? I had no idea. I had been under a lot of stress.
Maybe that’s what it was.
    I put the device back on the beside table and watched closely to
see if anything started to melt under it. Nope. It looked fine now.
And when I turned the light off I could hear nothing.
    Definitely imagination. I sighed and went to sleep.
    In the morning the first thing I did was check the bedside table
to make sure that there was no problem with it. As expected, it
looked completely normal, but there was something different in
the room from when I had gone to sleep.
    My father’s little device had disappeared.
    I searched all around, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I checked
all the nooks and crannies I could find – behind the bed, in the
bathroom – everywhere I thought it might fit. I even checked my
bag again just to make sure I hadn’t put it back in there. There was
no sign of it. It was gone.

Author bio:
 
Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. She lives in Australia with her husband and young son.


Author Links:

Book Website  |  Author Website  

Goodreads  |  Amazon Author Page  | Pinterest  |  Shelfari  |  Booklikes

Purchase Links:

Amazon  |  Non-Amazon Readers  |  Wombat Books

          (Autographed copies available from Wombat Books)

Wednesday Wonders: DEATH IS ALWAYS A RESIDENT

Today's Wednesday Wonders features guest author Lorraine Jeffery and her cozy mystery, Death Is Always a Resident.

Book Description:

Jan Myers has dedicated her career to helping the elderly. But after one of the elderly residents under her care mysteriously dies, Jan's career, her daughter, and everything she loves is suddenly in jeopardy. The police become involved and a law suit if filed. It's up to Jan to piece together the clues and find out what happened before it's too late!


Excerpt:

“I could hear breathing on the line and then a man said real low, ‘Did you get my little present?’ He sounded so scary.”
 
“I said, ‘What present?’ And he didn’t say anything for a minute. Then he laughed and said, ‘This is Heather, isn’t it?’ I was too scared to answer but he knew who I was.”
 
Jan caught her breath and pulled Heather to her, hugging her tight . . .
 
“Did he say anything else?” Jan asked her daughter.
 
Heather looked at the floor. “He said, ‘Your mother kills old people.’ ”





Author Bio:


Lorraine Jeffery earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her MLIS in library science, and  managed public libraries in Texas, Ohio and Utah for over twenty years. She has won poetry prizes in state and national contests and has published over fifty poems in various publications, including Clockhouse, Kindred, Calliope, Ibbetson Street,and Rockhurst Review. She has published short stories in War Cry, The Standard and Segullah. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family, Mature Years, and Utah’s Senior Review, as well as other publications.  She is the mother of ten children (eight adopted) and currently lives with her husband in Orem, Utah.
Q & A with Lorraine:
Q. What inspired you to write this book?
A. My maternal grandmother was interested in health care, but she raised her family during the Great Depression and had little time to pursue her dream. When she was in her fifties, she went to school and earned her LPN and then mortgaged the family home and bought a small health care facility for the elderly. She loved her work, and I grew up working in the facility and hearing about the challenges an joys of running it.
I enjoy mysteries, and so naturally, my protagonist is the manager of a health care facility. She finds her own strength and independence while saving both her career and the health care facility.
Q. How do you deal with writer's block?
A. My challenge is not writer's block. My challenge is to make time in my busy schedule to do what I enjoy so much.
Q. What are you currently working on?
A. I am a first and foremost, a poet, so I am always writing poetry. I also write essays and short stories. I am thinking about writing another novel, but haven't settled on the story line yet.
Q. Do you schedule your writing time?
A. I found that regulating time works better for me than settling goals (i.e. to finish this or publish that). I write about eighteen hours a week, some weeks more and some weeks less depending on my other responsibilities.
Author Links:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon Author Page
Purchase Links:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  books & things

SUMMER HEARTS: The Best Place to Meet a Man

Courtesy of City of Monterey, CA
What better place to be in the summer than at the beach? That is the common theme running through Summer Hearts , a six story sampler of sweet romances.

For some land-locked folks, the beach might mean the edge of a lake or river--everything from a small mountain lake or stream up to the shores along one of the Great Lakes. You will find these as some of our story settings. For those of us near the coast--either Atlantic, Gulf or Pacific, the beach means one of the oceans. You can read about several kinds of beaches, including one set along the African coast, in Summer Hearts . Whether you enjoy contemporary, historical, fantasy or paranormal--or all of the above--there is bound to be several stories in this collection you will enjoy.

Google map of Seaside, CAMy story, a romantic comedy titled The Best Place to Meet a Man , is set along the Pacific coast of California in Seaside, which is just north of Monterey. Yes, that is Monterey of Monterey Bay fame. Since much of the Seaside beachfront in the area is sand dunes, I have my heroine, Meredith, taking her two young nephews to one of the Monterey beaches.

Meredith is like me in that she loves to read. Like me, she also loves to be by the ocean to watch the waves and listen to the calming rhythm as they splash (or crash) against the shore. Ahhh, the negative ions! She particularly loves to combine both favorite activities by reading at the beach.

That is what Meredith plans to do one Saturday afternoon--spend the day at the beach with her nose buried in her latest romantic suspense novel. That was the plan until her sister needed her to babysit her two nephews, Xander, age two, and Calend, age four months. Not to be deterred, Meredith decides to take her nephews to the beach and read her book when they both fall asleep for their afternoon naps. After all, she is a fourth-grade teacher used to lesson planning and classroom organization. So, with careful preparation, what could go wrong?

The story starts with a prologue about Jeff written in third person. However, the rest of the story is told in first person by Meredith showing off her zany personality which reflects the suspicion of strangers and reluctance to give out personal information drilled into her and her sister by their parents. Here is the story description:


Jeff goes to the beach to run and clear his head. Meredith goes to the beach intent on burying her nose in her book. In this contemporary romantic comedy, these two collide when Meredith’s two young nephews come up with other plans.
And here is an excerpt:

     I can’t begin to tell you how tired I get of people trying to tell me where I should go to meet a man. Oh, I know they mean well. But for crying out loud, if I really wanted to meet men with the hope and expectation one would fall down at my feet and beg me to go out on a date with him, don’t you think I would have figured it out by now? I already know where to look for the kind of man in which I would be interested.
     And, yes, I’m well aware the beach is not the place. The buffed-out body builders are mostly interested in themselves. And, who knows what kind of pervert I could run across if I showed any kind of interest in some man casually strolling along the edge of the water.
     Just because I’m twenty-six and it has been two years since I had a serious boyfriend—okay, okay, two and a half years—it doesn’t mean I’m a total lost cause or don’t know how to play the girl-meets-boy game.
     So, when I tell you I don’t go to the beach to meet guys or to get a suntan—pale is beautiful and cancer-free, I’ve always said—believe it. I go to the beach to read.
     Correction.
     Read in peace. I just wish my family—correction, my sister and brother-in-law—would quit trying to tell me, “Now, Meredith, you need to spend less time at the beach with your nose stuck in a book and more time socializing at places where you can meet really nice men.” 
 Please be sure to order your digital copy while it is still at its introductory discount price of $1.99. The cost goes up to its regular price on June 1st. The purchase links are below, plus you can order it from Amazon by clicking HERE.
Also, be sure to check out my Pinterest board for The Best Place to Meet a Man . I have pictures and links on there for two tutorials on how to make baby carrier covers/canopies plus some other links to websites with ideas on how to make taking babies and toddlers to the beach a successful experience. I think Meredith did okay with her sojourn to the beach with Xander and Calend, but maybe she should have read some of this information before she went. Click HERE to get to the Pinterest board. 
Also, please "Like" my Robyn Echols Books Facebook page by clicking HERE.

Watch for our blog tour due to run from June 6th through June 12th in order to learn more about the other stories in Summer Hearts as well as to find out how you can win prizes for participating. You can see the latest blog tour list on my website.
I hope Summer Hearts proves to be your favorite beach read this summer.


Website  |  Summer Hearts on Pinterest   |  Facebook  |  Amazon Author Page

Purchase links:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble Nook 

Wednesday Wonders: THE TULIP RESISTANCE

Today's Wednesday Wonder features guest author Lynne Allen and her novel, The Tulip Resistance.



About the book:

Pulled into a war she doesn’t understand, Marieka Cordoven is just a Dutch girl who wouldn’t dare resist the Germans. But helping a wounded German soldier—a defector—changes her mind about everything. This tense historical drama delves into the intricacies of the Dutch resistance, its grit to defy orders, and its plan to do what’s right.
 

Q & A with Lynne Allen:

1. What was your inspiration for this book?

Two answers. First, I am in the Utah League of Writers group in Logan, Utah. I was writing children's and middle grade books. One of the men in the group sort of made fun that my stories were not intellectual enough for the genre. So, I thought I would step it up with a novel for YA. But, what to write it on? I like WW2 stories. Not the bad stuff but the good things like the stories of the heroes and the honor and integrity of so many people who put their lives in jeopardy for the sake of others. Second, I once watched a biography where Audrey Hepburn was in the resistance in WW2 when she was fourteen years old. I looked up her story and decided to write a story of my own based on a fourteen year-old girl in Holland who ran notes for the resistance.

2. Was there a lot of research involved?

Yes. I had to look up things from the invasion of Holland to windmills to planting in Holland to stories of the resistance and the history of the war. I enjoyed the research immensely! It was a wonderful learning experience for me. I am still learning.

3. How did writing or researching for this book touch you?

I loved all of it. I loved the writing. I loved to see what happened next as I wrote. The words just came out of my pen, surprising even me. I loved the research. The internet can take you anywhere in the world and oft times I found I was in another time and place with my research. It touched my life. It opened new worlds of learning for me and offered an excitement that I had never known.

4.  What are your writing goals?

At this time I am working on the sequel to this story. When I started The Tulip Resistance I didn't have any intentions of writing a sequel. When I finished the first book, it ended well, but so up in the air. What happened to this group of people? Where did they go? Were they able to help the war effort further or did they sit it out in retirement somewhere? I started to wonder all these things and decided to write a sequel about what happened afterwards.

5. What is your writing history or credentials?

I have no education in writing. Over many years I have written humorous poems for family and friends. For my grandkids four years ago, I wrote a Christmas story Sugar Plum Fairy's Little Sister. I also wrote The Courtship of the Ice Queen, Frogo and Turnip, The Haunted House on Little Egg Harbor River, The Stone of Iscar, How Jack Frost Lost His Frost and Hafen and the Dragon Prince. I'm just a great story-teller. The putting it in writing has been the hard part.

I love my writing. I love my stories. They are fun, creative and unique!



About the author:

Lynne Allen grew up in Othello, Washington. She met her husband at Ricks College and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. She now lives in Cache Valley, Utah, and has six children. After 25 years of designing cakes professionally, she is now retired and works in the temple. Lynne loves art, drawing, tole painting, oil painting, pastels, sewing quilts, clothes, gardening, and learning anything and everything she can.

Author Links:

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  

Facebook page for The Tulip Resistance

Purchase Links:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  books & things

Wednesday Wonders: PERSONA NON GRATA

Today's Wednesday Wonder features Personal Non Grata by author Stephen J. Stirling. Regarding the photo to the left, the author states:  "Before we get into deep-thinking here, I want to answer the frequently asked question – “What are your qualifications to write on the affairs of Crimea?”  Well, in addition to my own personal study, I have sources on the ground in Eastern Europe that keep me well informed on current international events.  This snapshot of me conversing with three of my most intimate Russian contacts should quell any grumbling on that account."
The author (Stephen J. Stirling) with Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, and Vladimir Putin (standing) at a recent meeting on Red Square in Moscow.
Book description or blurb:


A teacher/adventurer trying to help a former student is thrown unwittingly into the world of high-stakes diplomacy and international espionage.  With nothing but his wits, and willingness to follow “the Spirit”, Paladin Smith is determined to rescue an old friend.  And in the process he will change the world.
A Quest for Paladin Smith Excerpt from Persona Non Grata — Chapter One

(An unpleasant visitor from the past, Congressman Philip Chase, surprises Paladin in his classroom with news about a former student, Victoria Grant.  Guiding Paladin through a folder of classified material, the congressman explains Victoria’s peril as a diplomatic aid in war-threatened Crimea.)
Turning over the photo, Paladin found himself staring at the portrait of a king in full regalia, perfectly posed for a public relations shot. As he studied the face of the king, he saw the same kind of self-importance he recognized in Chase. But Chase at least knew how to conceal it. This man made no pretensions at false humility and obviously saw no need to. Paladin looked up at Chase.“Pyotr Vasiliyevich, prince of Crimea. Styles himself ‘Peter the Great.’ ” The congressman laughed to himself. “In committee we refer to him as ‘Peter the Mediocre.’”“Hmm,” noted Paladin, more amused by the man than the joke. “He’s got a crown, a scepter, and everything.” Still there was an intensity about the prince that was not to be taken lightly. This was a tyrant in waiting. He was no joking matter at all. Paladin wondered if the congressman recognized it.“Well, his position is merely titular in a constitutional monarchy,” clarified Chase. “He really has no political power.”Paladin shook his head. “Maybe not. But he wants it.”“Very observant, Smith. Now take a look at the next photo.”The next photograph was a picture of the prince, in formal wear, at some kind of a royal function, eating dinner. Beside him on his right, looking radiant, sat Victoria Grant.“Your niece always had a knack for making friends,” observed Paladin.“The prince is actually quite taken with her.”“And why shouldn’t he be? She looks like a princess.” Paladin dropped the photo. “So, what more can you ask for—success, romance, dreams come true. It’s all like a modern fairy tale.”“You know as well as I do, Paladin, that Victoria is in over her head here.”“Who’s to say that?” argued Paladin, fighting his natural instincts. “The truth is it’s none of my business any more than it is yours. She’s an adult now, Chase. Anyway, I still don’t see what any of this has to do with me.”“Listen, Smith,” Chase confided. “Crimea is a dangerous place right now. The civil unrest is all over the news. But our sources are picking up other chatter—political conflict, government instability, military dissatisfaction. It’s a very unstable part of the world. I’ve been trying to persuade Victoria to return home. But she won’t listen to reason.”“She always had a mind of her own. Besides, why should she come home? Life is good.”The congressman slammed his hand down on the desk. “I’m telling you life is about to come tumbling down like a house of cards in Crimea. But the only one she’ll listen to is Ambassador Ian Keller. She practically worships him. He’s smooth—almost hypnotic. Frankly, the man is lecherous—pure filth. But he covers his tracks. Victoria can’t see it.“As for Prince Peter—his ambition is frightening, unpredictable. But Victoria doesn’t recognize that danger either. All she can see is the charm and power of royalty. I’m afraid of what a young woman in love might do.”Paladin considered for a moment and then turned the photograph over again to study the face of the girl. He smiled. “You know the trouble with you, Chase? You never had any confidence in Victoria. But I do. She’s not stupid. I really don’t think this is the kind of ‘Prince Charming’ she’d fall for. And even if she did have a crush on him, I wouldn’t worry.” He looked at the congressman. “She’ll get over it by the senior prom.”Chase was suddenly livid. “Are you listening to me, Smith? I want Victoria out of Crimea.”“So order her home!” Paladin shouted back. “Revoke her passport! Send the Marines!”“I’ve got no authority or legal justification to do any of those things.”“So go get her yourself.”“She has no respect for me,” Chase managed to choke out.“Well, neither do I,” answered Paladin. He stood from his seat. As far as he was concerned, this ridiculous interview was over.“But I think she respects you.” Chase was quiet now, almost pleading. “I think she would come back if you asked her to.”Paladin paused, confused. “So—what? You want me to write her a letter?”The congressman stood to face him. He swallowed. “I want you to go to Crimea and bring her home.”Paladin froze and looked at him askew. “Are you out of your mind?”
 ###
Author bio:
Stephen J. Stirling was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in the Southeast LA semi-ghetto of Huntington Park.  Graduating from high school in 1970, he received a scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 17.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism in 1976, and then spent the next few years wandering America in search of adventure.  Interspersed through his college career and days on the road, he served a mission in Chile and taught for 8 years as an early morning seminary teacher.
Settling briefly in Chicago, he entered the profession of advertising, a field in which he ultimately held many positions with companies from the Mid West to the Pacific Coast.  He eventually planted roots in Orange County, California, where he established Stirling Communications and spent 15 years as a freelance copywriter, scriptwriter, and video producer. 
In 1994 he was hired by the Church Educational System and relocated with his family to Gilbert, Arizona, where he has fulfilled a lifelong dream of teaching released-time seminary for the past 20 years.
He and his wife, Diane, were married in 1981 and are the parents of five children – Jennifer, Lindsey, Brooke, Marina, and Vladimir.  Brother Stirling is the author of several books, including The Ultimate Catalogue and Shedding Light on the Dark Side.
Q & A with the author:

·       What prompted you to write your book?
Years ago, on the venture of one of my first ventures into the unknown, I watched the movie, Lawrence of Arabia.  Since that evening I have been intrigued by the irresistible reality – oft repeated in the timeline of history – that one ordinary man can change the world.  That is the story of Paladin Smith in Persona Non Grata. I believe that each of us has that kind of potential for impact on our universe.  The value of a soul and the difference we can each make – that is the message of the book.
·       Tell us about the title of your novel?
Persona Non Gratais a diplomatic term.  It is Latin and means “an unacceptable or unwanted person.” Technically, the status of persona non grata withdraws from an individual any diplomatic or legal protection abroad. When our protagonist, Paladin Smith, defies the scheming leadership of Crimea as well as his own corrupt embassy, he is officially declared persona non grata – along with the warning, “You are on your own.”  “I’m never on my own,” is his reply.  
·       Do people you know show up in your book?
I’m afraid so.  But the only character in the book who seems recognizable is me. I’ve been frequently accused of patterning Paladin Smith after myself.  But that’s ridiculous because Paladin is taller.
·       What sets your novel apart?
Persona Non Grata is a unique fusion of political intrigue and divine intervention – the blending of action adventure with modern-day miracles.  Paladin Smith, the everyman main character, fills the role of a religious and morally-straight hero, without the hackneyed Hollywood stereotype of pious fanaticism. Persona Non Grata is an entertaining read about a man placed in an international crisis, who meets the challenge with courage and muscle – as well as faith and prayer.
·      What projects are you working on for the future?
Actually, Persona Non Grata is the first book in a five part series. (It’s a delightful progression of adventures.)  Two sequels have already been written, and each one gets better than the last.
·       How long did it take to write this book?
Persona Non Grata came together in an amazing four months.  Perhaps that is because I’ve been thinking about the concept for so long.  Even so, the final story was like nothing I‘d conceived before.  And it turned out impressively well-structured and well-expressed.  The book is a miracle.  Now the sequels have taken a little longer, but that is another ongoing story.
·      H ow would you describe your book in one sentence?
Persona Non Grata is a blend of political intrigue, international action, and miraculous power set in a world of danger where it is possible for one man to stand up for something – and change history.
Author Links:

Website/Blog  |  Facebook  

Purchase Links:  

Deseret Books  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Amazon

Look for SUMMER HEARTS Cover Reveal

 
I'm so EXCITED!!!! It's coming on May 20th. But before we can release the fabulous compilation we've created, we have to reveal the cover! We will do this May 12th! 

Then we will have a book bog tour June 6th-12th! We'd love to have our blogger friends come and help us share our beautiful cover!
First, let me fill you in on what this awesome compilation is all about! 


 Every summer has a love story
Summer Hearts: 6 Summer Tales of Sweet Romance

Here is a synopsis of the books included:

Dreaming in California:
In the summer of 1967, Hollywood actress, Lucinda Baker, appears to have it all-- fame, money, and an all too doting fiancé. Dark traits begin to emerge from the man she's pledged to marry, and he threatens her. Lucinda must now lean on her best friend, celebrity photographer, George Creston to escape the clutches of the dangerous relationship. Together they are forced to summon courage, and trust each other in desperate circumstances. Will they find love in the process or lose everything they hold dear, including their lives.

A Summer of Stars:
When McKinley Graham gets a warning from her doctor to slow down, or else, it’s the push she needs to change up her hectic lifestyle. Deciding to rent a cottage for the summer, McKinley is looking forward to the hiatus from her demanding job, and getting her life back on track. Zane Davidson’s wake-up call wasn’t as nice. A bitter divorce prompts his sudden return to the cozy beach town of Shady Glen.
When they meet, there’s an instant connection that quickly develops in to a mutual attraction. Together, McKinley and Zane find that the one thing that’s been missing in their lives is each other, but a startling event soon causes trouble for the happy couple. Will adversity bring them closer together, or tear them apart?

Drowning Sandy:
The water is calling...
and Sandy can no longer resist the urge to unleash her mermaid form. But a simple swim in Lake Ontario ends when she discovers the truth of her own banishment. When long time crush, Alardo, seems to shift in a direction she never dreamed possible, Sandy must make a choice — mermaid or human? Once she chooses, she can never go back.

Summer Holiday:
In the summer of 1905, Lizzy Gordon’s father dismisses her desires to be a doctor, demanding she become a teacher—a profession which does not allow women to marry.
Teacher Brent Pierce is dedicated to expanding young minds, but circumstances are forcing him to take over the family farm.
Before the summer is over Lizzy and Brent will be forced to make hard decisions. Can they find the courage to each stand up for themselves and still be together?

Shark Boss:
When Tara takes up a job at the local aquarium, her colleagues warn her about their harsh boss, Mr. Carter Jones. She soon discovers how impatient he can be, but she also can’t deny her fascination and attraction to him. Carter can’t stop watching Tara as she works but holds back from her because of his secrets. If she knew what he was, she would never want him. Could the reason for Carter’s moods be related to something more troubling than what’s on the surface? Tara soon discovers Carter’s secret, and it only bonds them closer. But the curse starts to take over Carter’s life, and he won’t give his heart to a beautiful woman when he can only cause her pain.

The Best Place to Meet a Man:


Jeff goes to the beach to run and clear his head. Meredith goes to the beach intent on burying her nose in her book. In this contemporary romantic comedy, these two collide when Meredith’s two young nephews come up with other plans.


Ready to come help us out?
Here are the sign-up links:
Cover Reveal Sign-up form: http://goo.gl/forms/sxoXXFBslp

Book Tour Sign-up form: http://goo.gl/forms/bzpSEd6eLl



And here are the links to the events we have set up!

Cover Reveal Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/472890626192076/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Book Tour Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/647124252084505/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

We all really appreciate your help! If you are not in a position to sign-up and assist with our events, or are  unavailable to attend our events on Facebook, please feel free to share this blog post and help us spread the word!

Wednesday Wonder: HOPE AFTER SUICIDE

Today's Wednesday Wonder features Hope after Suicide: One Woman’s Journey from Darkness to Light , a book written by Wendy Parmley who experienced the death of her mother by suicide. This book shares her story, her insights and what she is doing to help prevent suicide and help others cope with the devastating loss resulting from suicide.
  

About the Book:



We all have a story—hidden secrets buried in dark and rocky earth. Our task is to unearth—to release the pain and discover the good, discover the healing, discover the love. Uncovering the darkness makes space for the light.  
After her mother took her own life, Wendy Parmley learned firsthand the heartache, despair, and loneliness that accompanies losing a loved one to suicide. At one point she even contemplated taking her own life as well. In this uplifting true narrative, you too can discover how to:

Forgive yourself and othersOpen your heartSeek help when you need itDraw closer to the divine
Embrace the light and learn how to heal your soul and overcome loss as you read this touching and tender account of a woman opening her heart years after her mother’s suicide. 
 Q&A from Wendy Parmley:


Why did you write the book? I was unable to return to work following  a bicycle accident and traumatic brain injuryI knew what my new work would be – sharing the story of my mom’s suicide death and my own healing journeyGod spoke to my heart and told me to write – How did your congregation support you through your mom’s death? Outpouring of love from adults in the way of casseroles, babysitting, etc. Police chief and wife cleaned housePastor’s wife took us to their homeYouth leader loved me But no one talked about how she died – she died of a heart attack is the story we told What were some of the difficult things you had to face as a twelve year old whose mom ended her life? Returning to school – I didn’t know anyone whose mom had died, let alone died by suicideTrying to be normal and yet I felt so differentThe bathroom, the ghosts in my dreams, the haunted houseHiding the truth – I wore a glass mask and pretended everything was OK Wondering where mom was – heaven or hell? How did you cope with the loss - ? I wrote music and poetry and wrote in my journalI cried alone in the bathroom where no one could seeI covered my heart with rocks – a wall that no one could penetrateI tried to be perfect so that if mom was in heaven, I could make it there some dayWork (school, home, work) became my drug - workaholic How did your mom’s suicide change you? It toughened me. I was “in charge” of my siblings, I was my dad’s right arm, I could do anything because I had lived through this I became angry – not at mom, but at everyone else. Over the years, I got pretty good at suppressing that anger, but it would come out every now and then when I didn’t want it to. (PTSD)It shattered my heart and I felt broken – so I protected my heart with rocks and dirt What were the keys to your eventual healing? A willingness to look at the pain that was underneath the layers of angerA therapist who utilized a variety of techniques – EMDR, talk therapy, exposure therapy – but more importantly, believed in God and helped me see his hand in my lifeMusic, writing, mountains, friends – heaven’s blessingsMy mom – my guardian angel who led me on a journey to discover the truth about her and about her death – I interviewed family and friends and the Chief of Police and felt her presence giving me courageA Savior who I came to know in a personal way  What do you hope to accomplish by the telling of your story? I hope to encourage others to seek help for mental illness, to not be afraid to ask a depressed friend if they are thinking of ending their life, to tear down the stigma of the word “Suicide” – talking about suicide saves lives. I hope to give voice to those who have experienced suicide loss and give courage to others to unashamedly share their stories – it is in the sharing of our stories that we can begin our own healing journeys.I hope to unashamedly share my belief in God and in my Savior who can make all things right.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK, 1-800-273-8255 

About the Author:

Wendy Parmley suffered a disabling bicycle accident in September 2011. Unable to return to her 20 year nursing career because of the continued effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Wendy began the slow and painful penning of her angel mother’s story and Wendy’s healing journey following her mom’s suicide death. Twelve-year-old Wendy’s mom took her life when just 31 years old, leaving behind her husband of thirteen years and their five young children.

Author of Hope after Suicide: One Woman’s Journey from Darkness to Light, and suicide survivor of 39 years, Wendy has long advocated for suicide prevention. She participates on various professional and community based groups dedicated to that end, including Hope4Utah and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).Wendy also recognizes the need to unashamedly support those who must continue to live in the painful aftermath of a loved one’s suicide and passionately lends her voice to that cause. Wendy was a favorite speaker at the recent Salt Lake City National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) annual conference and at the Chainbreaker Foundation. Speaking to both large groups and small gatherings, Wendy’s riveting and heart-felt story leaves the audience filled with an abundance of love, understanding, and hope as she shares her own journey from heartbreak to hope and, finally, to healing.
Hope after Suicide has been endorsed by Hope4Utah’s executive director, Dr. Gregory Hudnall. It is also listed on AFSP’s list of resources and has received a positive review from the American Association of Suicidology. Wendy has been invited to represent her work as a panelist at the 2015 Virginia Festival of the Book.
Prior to her bike accident, Wendy worked in nursing leadership for 14 years, earning her nursing degree from Utah Valley University in 1991. Wendy graduated with her MBA from Brigham Young University in 2007 and was honored to be the convocation speaker. Wendy and her husband, Mark, have three sons and daughters-in-law, one daughter, and two beautiful grandchildren who fill their life with sunshine.

May is National Mental Health Awareness month so this is a perfect opportunity to spread awareness and HOPE. 

Hope after Suicide has been endorsed by Hope4Utah’s executive director, Dr. Gregory Hudnall. It has also been listed on AFSP’s list of resources and received a positive review from the American Association of Suicidology. Parmley was invited to represent her work as a panelist at the 2015 Virginia Festival of the Book.
Wendy Parmley's Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

Purchase Links for Hope after Suicide: One Woman's Journey from Darkness to Light 
Amazon   |  Barnes & Noble   |  books & things  
 

Wednesday Wonders: QUICKSILVER TO GOLD

Author Lynn Lovegreen at Nome Beach, AlaskaToday's Wednesday Wonder features Quicksilver to Gold by Alaskan guest author, Lynn Lovegreen with a give-away offer at the end of the post.



Thieves took their claims…Now she wants to steal his heart.  Gold mining is in Jeannie Kelly’s blood. But it’s a dangerous time to be an honest miner in Nome, Alaska—claim jumpers have invaded the territory. Jeannie has set her sights on Clint Tilghman, the strong, quiet man next door to her family’s claim. Clint fights his feelings for the impulsive lady miner, fearing he’ll lose his independence. Jeannie tries to change her tomboyish ways to attract Clint and gain respect from others, but there’s a lot to learn amidst gunplay and bar fights. Jeannie must woo Clint and beat the claim jumpers before summer’s end. Questions & Answers with Lynn about Quicksilver to Gold: Why did you choose Quicksilver to Gold to be featured today?
Of course I have a soft spot in my heart for all my books. But out of all the Gold Rush books we’ve printed so far, Quicksilver to Gold is my favorite because of the historical events in the plot. I had so much fun recreating the claim jumping controversy of Nome, and working in historical details like Wyatt Earp’s Dexter Saloon.
So Wyatt Earp really went to Alaska?Yes, he and his wife Josie went to several places in Alaska and owned part of the Dexter. Even without the O.K. Corral in their background, he and Josie were quite remarkable, so they became secondary characters in this novel.
Did you have to embellish to turn them into characters in your book?I used the research that I did about them, but I had to make up their dialogueand such. I kept the personalities and their relationship as close to reality as possible. 
Nome Alaska area hillsDo you enjoy research? Yes, very much. And I like going to the places I write about. The photos are from my trip to Nome, to give you a feel for the geography out there. 
What’s next on your list?My last Gold Rush book, Gold Nuggets , will be released this summer. It is set in 1916 in the Kantishna and Denali country, and is about the creation of Denali National Park. Keep your eye out for more details on that book as we get closer! ;-)

 Author's Bio: Lynn Lovegreen grew up in Alaska, and still lives there. She taught for twenty years before retiring to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and hitting targets with a cowboy action shooting club. Her young adult/new 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.

Win Quicksilver to Gold today! Leave a comment (before April 30 Alaska time) on this blog in order to be entered in a drawing for an ebook copy of the novel! :-)

Author Links: 
Website & Blog           Facebook          Pinterest          Goodreads
Nome Beach, Alaska E-newsletter sign-up           Amazon Author Page 
Purchase Links (In order):

prequel novella Worth Her Weight in Gold
  Fools Gold     
Quicksilver to Gold
Golden Days
 

Wednesday Wonders: THE LADY AND THE MINSTREL

"The Kiss" by Francesco HayezToday's Wednesday Wonder features a medieval romance,  The Lady and the Minstrel, by Joyce DiPastina.



A forbidden love and a past they can’t leave behind . . . 

In King John's England, Robert Marcel chafes against the law that holds him bound as a villein on his lord’s manor. He tries to make a daring escape and is nearly caught by his cruel master, but a young girl helps him slip away.

Years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel. Invited to play at a banquet for the notorious Earl of Saxton, he is stunned to come face to face with the girl he’s never forgotten—now Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, betrothed to the earl. Her status as a noblewoman puts her completely out of Robert’s reach, but he knows they are meant to be together. He vows to make her his wife no matter what the cost.

Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Her tender feelings for him quickly turn into much more when they are brought back into each other’s lives. She longs to be free to marry Robert, the man she loves, but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear. 
They are tested at every turn by those bent on driving them apart and destroying what they have found together. Can their love truly conquer all?
Author Bio: Joyce DiPastena dreamed of green medieval forests while growing up in the dusty copper mining town of Kearny, Arizona. She filled her medieval hunger by reading the books of Thomas B. Costain (where she fell in love with King Henry II of England), and later by attending the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages. The university was also where she completed her first full-length novel…set, of course, in medieval England. Later, her fascination with Henry II led her to expand her research horizons to the far reaches of his “Angevin Empire” in France, which became the setting of her first published novel, Loyalty’s Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist). Joyce is a multi-published, multi-award winning author who specializes in sweet medieval romances heavily spiced with mystery and adventure. She lives with her two cats, Clio and Glinka Rimsky-Korsokov, in Mesa, Arizona.
Excerpt:
“Why are you here? What do you want?” She wished to chill him again with her dignity, but the questions instead came out barely more than a whisper.
“To see you. To talk with you. To—” His voice snagged as the truth swept the impassive mask from his face. “Oh, heaven forgive me, to kiss you!”
His hand reached out again, then hesitated, hovering just below her chin. Instead of rebuffing him, she felt herself sway towards him ever so slightly. His fingertips, calloused from his lute’s strings, brushed against her cheekbone. Then her cheek cradled gently in his palm and the midnight eyes, no longer veiled, gazed into hers with a longing that took away her breath.
“I have thought of nothing but you since you gazed at me in the village today.” His voice shook slightly as the words spilled out in a rush. “Then when you smiled at me in the hall, I knew I was lost. I cannot hope to court you. I am only a poor minstrel, and you are betrothed to the Earl of Saxton. But one kiss—just one!—I would cherish to the end of my days. Just one, if you will grant it—and then I will be gone.”
Gone? Let him go now, when she had only just found him? Heaven could not be so cruel as to ask her to send him away so soon! If it took a kiss to bind him—
He must have taken her silence as assent, for he pulled her against his chest. He held her firmly, yet so gently that the embrace brought no pain to her back. Marguerite had never been in a man’s arms before. Her heart raced so hard a pleasurable little buzz of dizziness hummed through her mind and body. He did not look like a man who often hesitated to take what he wanted and yet when he bent his head towards hers, he checked himself just short of her lips. It was that instant of uncertainty in him, briefer than a heartbeat, that nudged her leap of faith in his honor and lifted her willing mouth and drifted shut her eyes.
And then she felt his mouth on hers, gentle, warm, strong, yet somehow cautious, as if weighing something in her, as if waiting ...  for what? Outrage on her part? Resistance? Oh, heavens! If Marguerite had felt dizzy before, her senses now swam in earnest, and she wound her arms around his neck and let her body melt against him and kissed him back as if all her future hung on this one moment.
Purchase Links:
Amazon          Barnes & Noble          iBooks            Kobo         Smashwords
Author Links: 
Website          Author Blog         Medieval Research with Joyce

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