Melissa Bowersock's Blog, page 20
May 4, 2014
Happy Anniversary: Romance in the Air!
I have to brag just the tiniest little bit. This month marks my 43rd wedding anniversary with my husband, best friend and true companion, Bud. That's the kind of milestone not a lot of people ever get to, and it amazes me that we have, not because I didn't think we would but just because the years seem to roll away so quickly. Heck, I'm not OLD enough to be married 43 years! Oh, yeah, maybe I am. Okay.
But so to celebrate, I'm giving presents to YOU. In the spirit of romance, I'm putting all my romance books on sale for just 99 cents through May 11, 2014. Okay, some of you are saying, "Romance? Uh, no." But really, all these books have a strong story, strong characters and a lot of twists and turns. Try one; you might like it. Then another, and another ...
So without further ado, here they are:
HISTORICAL (Western) ROMANCE:
Superstition Gold
Married and widowed within a 24-hour period, beautiful Leigh Banning watches as her storybook New Orleans life crumbles away piece by piece. In a heartbroken attempt to start over, she travels to the wilds of frontier Arizona in an effort to understand the father she never knew and is rewarded with gold from the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. The gold comes with a price tag, however—the murder of innocent people. Leigh’s quest for justice leads her to a remote Apache camp in the company of a proud Pima Indian and a handsome cavalry officer. Torn between the fiery kisses of the Major and the respectful love of the Pima, Leigh joins forces with the Apaches to battle gold-hungry killers and in the process discovers her true self and her one true love.
The Rare Breed
The daughter of a white woman and an Indian brave, Catherine Boudry had spent the first thirteen years of her life among the Cheyenne. Restored at last to her mother’s wealthy parents, Cathy blossomed into womanhood surrounded by all the “civilized” comforts of the white man’s world. But at the age of twenty, the lure of her Indian heritage drew her back to the western plains. It was a journey that would awaken her to the joy and agony of passion in the arms of two very different men—Jory, the virile young trapper, and Barred Owl, the Cheyenne brave to whom she had been pledged in marriage long ago. Sensual.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Lightning Strikes
Jessie Evans is a free-lance journalist, emphasis on the "free," with no plans to tie herself down. While researching a story in Flagstaff about Indian influences in Arizona, however, she encounters Lucas Shay, a smoldering paradox who is part Indian, part architect and all man. Whether igniting her temper with his arrogance or challenging her beliefs with his laser-like insight, Jessie can't deny that Lucas sets fire to her soul as well. Sizzling!
Remember Me
Elly Cole wakes up bruised and battered in a hospital-and has no idea who she is or how she got there. Her brooding giant of a husband informs her that she had been fleeing with her lover who was killed in the car accident that left her injured, that she is pregnant with that lover's child and that she has nowhere else to go but home-with him. Struggling against the threat of her husband's dangerous rage and jealousy, Elly strives to regain her memory and reconstruct the life she left behind, wondering how she could ever have loved this man who hates her.
PARANORMAL ROMANCE:
Burning Through
When Jennifer and Robert Stinson buy a beautifully restored Victorian house, the last thing they expect is to share their home with a ghost―especially one with a penchant for setting fires. Unfortunately the ghostly arson only creates more tension in their already strained marriage. Jen launches her own investigation into the history of her house and discovers a surprising ally in a sympathetic fire captain. But can she unravel the mystery of the fires before they consume her home, her marriage … and her life?
Stone’s Ghost
Matthew Stone doesn't believe in ghosts … until he meets one. He owns a successful business in Lake Havasu, Arizona, home to the famed London Bridge that was brought over stone by stone and rebuilt over the Colorado River. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, a doting mother, and more money than he needs, but no time for stories about the ghosts who were transplanted from England with the famed bridge. When a chance encounter with a female ghost leads to unexpected friendship, Matt and the ghost are forced to rely on each other as they confront the pasts that haunt them.
AND FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, MAD SATIRE:
The Pits of Passion by Amber Flame
(Satire)
Sealed to the man in an arranged marriage, Elizabeth rides the surging tide of shock and denial, lust and love, as she is swept from the manicured gardens of England to the savage shores of Africa and the wilds of the New World, never quite sure which Captain Elliott is the man she loves. Warning! This satiric romp is NOT your mother's romance novel! X-rated and sizzling!
But so to celebrate, I'm giving presents to YOU. In the spirit of romance, I'm putting all my romance books on sale for just 99 cents through May 11, 2014. Okay, some of you are saying, "Romance? Uh, no." But really, all these books have a strong story, strong characters and a lot of twists and turns. Try one; you might like it. Then another, and another ...
So without further ado, here they are:
HISTORICAL (Western) ROMANCE:
Superstition Gold Married and widowed within a 24-hour period, beautiful Leigh Banning watches as her storybook New Orleans life crumbles away piece by piece. In a heartbroken attempt to start over, she travels to the wilds of frontier Arizona in an effort to understand the father she never knew and is rewarded with gold from the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. The gold comes with a price tag, however—the murder of innocent people. Leigh’s quest for justice leads her to a remote Apache camp in the company of a proud Pima Indian and a handsome cavalry officer. Torn between the fiery kisses of the Major and the respectful love of the Pima, Leigh joins forces with the Apaches to battle gold-hungry killers and in the process discovers her true self and her one true love.
The Rare Breed
The daughter of a white woman and an Indian brave, Catherine Boudry had spent the first thirteen years of her life among the Cheyenne. Restored at last to her mother’s wealthy parents, Cathy blossomed into womanhood surrounded by all the “civilized” comforts of the white man’s world. But at the age of twenty, the lure of her Indian heritage drew her back to the western plains. It was a journey that would awaken her to the joy and agony of passion in the arms of two very different men—Jory, the virile young trapper, and Barred Owl, the Cheyenne brave to whom she had been pledged in marriage long ago. Sensual.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Lightning Strikes
Jessie Evans is a free-lance journalist, emphasis on the "free," with no plans to tie herself down. While researching a story in Flagstaff about Indian influences in Arizona, however, she encounters Lucas Shay, a smoldering paradox who is part Indian, part architect and all man. Whether igniting her temper with his arrogance or challenging her beliefs with his laser-like insight, Jessie can't deny that Lucas sets fire to her soul as well. Sizzling!
Remember Me
Elly Cole wakes up bruised and battered in a hospital-and has no idea who she is or how she got there. Her brooding giant of a husband informs her that she had been fleeing with her lover who was killed in the car accident that left her injured, that she is pregnant with that lover's child and that she has nowhere else to go but home-with him. Struggling against the threat of her husband's dangerous rage and jealousy, Elly strives to regain her memory and reconstruct the life she left behind, wondering how she could ever have loved this man who hates her.
PARANORMAL ROMANCE:
Burning Through
When Jennifer and Robert Stinson buy a beautifully restored Victorian house, the last thing they expect is to share their home with a ghost―especially one with a penchant for setting fires. Unfortunately the ghostly arson only creates more tension in their already strained marriage. Jen launches her own investigation into the history of her house and discovers a surprising ally in a sympathetic fire captain. But can she unravel the mystery of the fires before they consume her home, her marriage … and her life?
Stone’s Ghost
Matthew Stone doesn't believe in ghosts … until he meets one. He owns a successful business in Lake Havasu, Arizona, home to the famed London Bridge that was brought over stone by stone and rebuilt over the Colorado River. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, a doting mother, and more money than he needs, but no time for stories about the ghosts who were transplanted from England with the famed bridge. When a chance encounter with a female ghost leads to unexpected friendship, Matt and the ghost are forced to rely on each other as they confront the pasts that haunt them.
AND FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, MAD SATIRE:
The Pits of Passion by Amber Flame
(Satire)Sealed to the man in an arranged marriage, Elizabeth rides the surging tide of shock and denial, lust and love, as she is swept from the manicured gardens of England to the savage shores of Africa and the wilds of the New World, never quite sure which Captain Elliott is the man she loves. Warning! This satiric romp is NOT your mother's romance novel! X-rated and sizzling!
April 17, 2014
Time for My Close-up!
We authors love to talk about our books. But you knew that, right? These days, it's not terribly difficult to find a blog that offers guest posts or does author interviews, both great ways to put ourselves and our books out there for the reading public to see. A little tougher, but still do-able, is the radio or podcast interview. And tougher yet, but certainly attainable, is the TV spot.
I was fortunate enough to meet the host of a local TV show at a book fair a while back. She and I talked about the books we had each written and hit it off right away, and before she wandered on through the rest of the book fair, she gave me her card and said to call her when I wanted to appear on her show.
When? How about now?
I contacted her when I had a new book out. We agreed on a good date for my spot, I filled out their info sheet and we were locked in.
Yikes!
Why is it that we really, really want something and then when we get it, we're terrified?
I'm no stranger to public speaking. I've done a lot of appearances at book fairs, libraries, book signings, podcasts. All well and good. But this is TV. My face. Up there. Holy cow. Most of us writers are so much more comfortable hiding behind our books. Suddenly my wardrobe became a major worry point. I was told not to wear white. What color, then? What style? I'm most comfortable in jeans and t-shirts. Probably needed something dressier than that. I had to buy new make-up. I hadn't worn mascara in years. And my hair--what do I do about my hair? All those parts of myself that I'm happy with 99% of the time suddenly seemed not good enough. Well, they would just have to be, because I didn't have time to get a facelift or a body sculpt.
As with all these types of things, I was hugely nervous leading up to it. I don't know how anyone can not be. But I also knew that as soon as I got settled in, as soon as the host and I began chatting, I'd be fine. And I was.
It was great fun. My host was lively and enthusiastic and we had a nice chat. As soon as she asked her first question, I forgot all about the cameras and it was just the two of us having a conversation. We could have just as easily been sitting in a small cafe as in a TV studio.
And the best part? She wants me to come back in May to talk about another book.
Now about that facelift ....
I was fortunate enough to meet the host of a local TV show at a book fair a while back. She and I talked about the books we had each written and hit it off right away, and before she wandered on through the rest of the book fair, she gave me her card and said to call her when I wanted to appear on her show.
When? How about now?
I contacted her when I had a new book out. We agreed on a good date for my spot, I filled out their info sheet and we were locked in.
Yikes!
Why is it that we really, really want something and then when we get it, we're terrified?
I'm no stranger to public speaking. I've done a lot of appearances at book fairs, libraries, book signings, podcasts. All well and good. But this is TV. My face. Up there. Holy cow. Most of us writers are so much more comfortable hiding behind our books. Suddenly my wardrobe became a major worry point. I was told not to wear white. What color, then? What style? I'm most comfortable in jeans and t-shirts. Probably needed something dressier than that. I had to buy new make-up. I hadn't worn mascara in years. And my hair--what do I do about my hair? All those parts of myself that I'm happy with 99% of the time suddenly seemed not good enough. Well, they would just have to be, because I didn't have time to get a facelift or a body sculpt.
As with all these types of things, I was hugely nervous leading up to it. I don't know how anyone can not be. But I also knew that as soon as I got settled in, as soon as the host and I began chatting, I'd be fine. And I was.
It was great fun. My host was lively and enthusiastic and we had a nice chat. As soon as she asked her first question, I forgot all about the cameras and it was just the two of us having a conversation. We could have just as easily been sitting in a small cafe as in a TV studio.
And the best part? She wants me to come back in May to talk about another book.
Now about that facelift ....
April 9, 2014
The Writing Process Blog Hop
So my buddy Lorraine Reguly tagged me on this blog hop; must be an Easter thing. Apparently it's been going around the web very actively (several writer friends have already done their bit). Here's my entry to the questions:
The Writing Process Blog Hop
What are you working on?I've just finished my latest book (lucky #13) and I'm waiting on beta-readers and my cover designer before I make my final tweaks. In the meantime, I am always and forever doing promo work, blogging, helping the ever-growing community of new writers, contemplating the next project (or 2 or 3), reading both classics and the latest from friends and acquaintances and investigating new ways to get the word out. Other than that, not a darn thing. How does your work differ from others of its genre?Tough question, since I don't do just one genre. I've got romance, fantasy, action, spiritual, satire, paranormal and biography. The one thing that I would say I emphasize in all my writing is growth; the characters don't just overcome the odds, they find out more about themselves, discover they are more than they thought they were. Sometimes that means getting what they want, but sometimes it doesn't. You just never know.
Why do you write what you do?
I write because I can't not write. I write whatever story takes hold of my brain and refuses to let go. Some characters would like to have their stories written, but aren't terribly insistent about it. Others simply will not be put off until I start getting the words down on paper. When they're consuming my every waking thought and showing up in my dreams, it's time to hunker down and start writing.How does your writing process work?When I first get an idea, I jot down maybe 5 bullet points: the opening premise, the conflict, the complications and the resolution. (Ok, that's 4.) But this is all very broad, very loose, and very open to development. I start to "draw" my characters, listing their physical attributes, their age, their relationships, any distinct personality traits. Once I have a feel for them, I can start writing. I update the list of plot points as I go, often times re-ordering them in the chronological order so as to build tension. Then it's just write, write, write. Very often the flow of the story will guide me one way or another, or a character will start to pull the story in a new direction and I will usually go with that. I actually claim very little control over my books. When they start writing themselves, that's when I know the muses are engaged. That's when the process changes from mechanical to magical, and I love that.
Now I'm supposed to tag 4 other writers and have them continue this blog hop, but I seem to be tail-end Charlie here and the only one who hasn't already blogged about it. If anyone wants to continue this, please feel free.
link
The Writing Process Blog Hop
What are you working on?I've just finished my latest book (lucky #13) and I'm waiting on beta-readers and my cover designer before I make my final tweaks. In the meantime, I am always and forever doing promo work, blogging, helping the ever-growing community of new writers, contemplating the next project (or 2 or 3), reading both classics and the latest from friends and acquaintances and investigating new ways to get the word out. Other than that, not a darn thing. How does your work differ from others of its genre?Tough question, since I don't do just one genre. I've got romance, fantasy, action, spiritual, satire, paranormal and biography. The one thing that I would say I emphasize in all my writing is growth; the characters don't just overcome the odds, they find out more about themselves, discover they are more than they thought they were. Sometimes that means getting what they want, but sometimes it doesn't. You just never know.
Why do you write what you do?
I write because I can't not write. I write whatever story takes hold of my brain and refuses to let go. Some characters would like to have their stories written, but aren't terribly insistent about it. Others simply will not be put off until I start getting the words down on paper. When they're consuming my every waking thought and showing up in my dreams, it's time to hunker down and start writing.How does your writing process work?When I first get an idea, I jot down maybe 5 bullet points: the opening premise, the conflict, the complications and the resolution. (Ok, that's 4.) But this is all very broad, very loose, and very open to development. I start to "draw" my characters, listing their physical attributes, their age, their relationships, any distinct personality traits. Once I have a feel for them, I can start writing. I update the list of plot points as I go, often times re-ordering them in the chronological order so as to build tension. Then it's just write, write, write. Very often the flow of the story will guide me one way or another, or a character will start to pull the story in a new direction and I will usually go with that. I actually claim very little control over my books. When they start writing themselves, that's when I know the muses are engaged. That's when the process changes from mechanical to magical, and I love that.
Now I'm supposed to tag 4 other writers and have them continue this blog hop, but I seem to be tail-end Charlie here and the only one who hasn't already blogged about it. If anyone wants to continue this, please feel free.
link
April 1, 2014
The Stage We're In
The wisdom, folly and meaning of independent publishing has certainly been argued to death over the last few years. As we speak, the fire rages on, sometimes with more vocal support, sometimes with more vehement abuse. There are days when it seems like the independent platform surges ahead in use, conviction and results; other days it seems to have to fight tooth and nail against outmoded opinion to prove itself yet again.
So where, exactly, are we?
Let's use for our measuring stick a quote frequently attributed to Gandhi (but never proven):
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
The ignoring part is rather hard to place on a timeline, since it implies no action, no response--nothing. Suffice to say that Traditional Publishing (TP) ignored any other publishing source for decades because the only competition was vanity publishing and everyone knew that anyone who paid thousands to have their childlike memoir published, then filled their garage with boxes of books which they could never foist on enough people was a completely different animal and no competition at all.
In 1999 when iUniverse was founded, its business-to-consumer print-on-demand publishing stripped the old vanity press model of most of its scaminess and created a new model of publishing that was accessible and affordable. No longer did Uncle Harry have to hock his 1957 Chevy to bankroll the gripping history of his shot glass collection. When Barnes & Noble invested in the company and began selling iUniverse books both online and in stores, another milestone was achieved. Not only could Uncle Harry keep his 57 Chevy, he could park it in the garage that was previously used to house boxes of books.
All the while, muffled sniggers and chortles could be heard emanating from Traditional Publishing. Self-publishing? What a joke!
Then in 2000, BookSurge was launched, a small company created by writers for self-publishing while retaining rights to content and sales profits. For the first time, a company existed for the express purpose of supporting independent writers rather than fleecing them. In 2005, Amazon bought BookSurge and in 2009 the company name was changed to CreateSpace.
Amazon bought ...? Wait, you mean the 900 pound gorilla is getting into self-publishing? But, no, wait-- That's not ... that's not ... fair! Waugh!!
Suddenly the laughter stopped.
For Traditional Publishing, this was the gauntlet thrown down and the fight was on. It seemed that everyone ever connected to TP, from editors to agents to authors, had a blog post or an article about how inadequate self-publishing was, how awful the books were, how deluded the authors were, how scammed the readers were by this drivel that people tossed up on Amazon just because they could! There was no quality control, there was no vetting process, there was no GATEKEEPER, for God's sake!
Amid all of TP's diatribe, however, independent authors just kept on doing what they were doing: writing great books, designing great covers, creating great platforms and selling books.
Yes, selling books.
But how many? Five? Ten? Okay, maybe fifty or a hundred. But not enough to threaten traditional publishing.
Enter Hugh Howey's data release in February 2014 showing that not only were indie books selling, they were selling very well, thank you very much. While the data release has spawned huge arguments about what it all means and where it's all going, Howey had this to say: The ... eye-popper here is that indie authors are outselling the Big Five. That’s the entire Big Five. Combined.
Eight days later, Mark Coker, founder of the indie publishing platform Smashwords, weighed in on the meaning of Howey's data release with his own interpretation and with a stunning prediction: The indie author insurrection has become a revolution that will strip publishers of power they once took for granted.
Make no mistake, the fight is still on, but guess what?
We're winning.
link
So where, exactly, are we?
Let's use for our measuring stick a quote frequently attributed to Gandhi (but never proven):
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
The ignoring part is rather hard to place on a timeline, since it implies no action, no response--nothing. Suffice to say that Traditional Publishing (TP) ignored any other publishing source for decades because the only competition was vanity publishing and everyone knew that anyone who paid thousands to have their childlike memoir published, then filled their garage with boxes of books which they could never foist on enough people was a completely different animal and no competition at all.
In 1999 when iUniverse was founded, its business-to-consumer print-on-demand publishing stripped the old vanity press model of most of its scaminess and created a new model of publishing that was accessible and affordable. No longer did Uncle Harry have to hock his 1957 Chevy to bankroll the gripping history of his shot glass collection. When Barnes & Noble invested in the company and began selling iUniverse books both online and in stores, another milestone was achieved. Not only could Uncle Harry keep his 57 Chevy, he could park it in the garage that was previously used to house boxes of books.
All the while, muffled sniggers and chortles could be heard emanating from Traditional Publishing. Self-publishing? What a joke!
Then in 2000, BookSurge was launched, a small company created by writers for self-publishing while retaining rights to content and sales profits. For the first time, a company existed for the express purpose of supporting independent writers rather than fleecing them. In 2005, Amazon bought BookSurge and in 2009 the company name was changed to CreateSpace.
Amazon bought ...? Wait, you mean the 900 pound gorilla is getting into self-publishing? But, no, wait-- That's not ... that's not ... fair! Waugh!!
Suddenly the laughter stopped.
For Traditional Publishing, this was the gauntlet thrown down and the fight was on. It seemed that everyone ever connected to TP, from editors to agents to authors, had a blog post or an article about how inadequate self-publishing was, how awful the books were, how deluded the authors were, how scammed the readers were by this drivel that people tossed up on Amazon just because they could! There was no quality control, there was no vetting process, there was no GATEKEEPER, for God's sake!
Amid all of TP's diatribe, however, independent authors just kept on doing what they were doing: writing great books, designing great covers, creating great platforms and selling books.
Yes, selling books.
But how many? Five? Ten? Okay, maybe fifty or a hundred. But not enough to threaten traditional publishing.
Enter Hugh Howey's data release in February 2014 showing that not only were indie books selling, they were selling very well, thank you very much. While the data release has spawned huge arguments about what it all means and where it's all going, Howey had this to say: The ... eye-popper here is that indie authors are outselling the Big Five. That’s the entire Big Five. Combined.
Eight days later, Mark Coker, founder of the indie publishing platform Smashwords, weighed in on the meaning of Howey's data release with his own interpretation and with a stunning prediction: The indie author insurrection has become a revolution that will strip publishers of power they once took for granted.
Make no mistake, the fight is still on, but guess what?
We're winning.
link
March 22, 2014
Add One More to the Talley
It's hard for even me to believe, but I've just finished my 13th book, the 3rd one in less than a year. I have never been this productive before. I'm not at all sure what to attribute this to, but whatever it is, I'm liking it.
My latest book is another foray into past lives and reincarnation, and it's called Fleischerhaus.
I won't go into too much detail on it here; still in the editing phase. My number one beta-reader (my husband) has already given me a thumbs up on it. Yes, I know, family opinion doesn't always count as completely objective, but I know he's really hooked when he's looking for any excuse to read, even for five minutes.
Stay tuned for more info as I go through the editing and work out the cover design.
My latest book is another foray into past lives and reincarnation, and it's called Fleischerhaus.
I won't go into too much detail on it here; still in the editing phase. My number one beta-reader (my husband) has already given me a thumbs up on it. Yes, I know, family opinion doesn't always count as completely objective, but I know he's really hooked when he's looking for any excuse to read, even for five minutes.
Stay tuned for more info as I go through the editing and work out the cover design.
March 14, 2014
And the Winners Are ...
Congratulations to all who left a comment on my blog about the free audio book of my non-fiction, Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan. You are all winners!
Adan
Barbara
Zane
Andrew
I will do my best to contact you and give you the code for the free book, but if I fail that, please e-mail me at mjb (at) newmoonrising (dot) net. It would make me very happy if you had the book for the weekend. I am hoping you'll all enjoy it
Thanks so much for entering!
Adan
Barbara
Zane
Andrew
I will do my best to contact you and give you the code for the free book, but if I fail that, please e-mail me at mjb (at) newmoonrising (dot) net. It would make me very happy if you had the book for the weekend. I am hoping you'll all enjoy it
Thanks so much for entering!
March 6, 2014
FREE Audio Book!
Time to run another special! To get the word out that my non-fiction book, Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan is now an audio book, I'm offering 5 free books to my wonderful readers and followers. Just enter a comment below and on March 14th, I'll chose 5 random winners.
Whether you've read the print or e-book or not, I think you'll enjoy hearing this story told in the expressive voice of Adrianne Price. Hearing the words gives it a completely different feel than reading them; it brings them to life and makes them real. It makes this true story a living story, as if it were happening right now and not 60 years ago. I know of no greater way to honor our American heroes than to make sure their stories live on. And I have to admit that when I listen to the audio, it makes me cry.
Leave your comment below and good luck! You won't regret it!
Whether you've read the print or e-book or not, I think you'll enjoy hearing this story told in the expressive voice of Adrianne Price. Hearing the words gives it a completely different feel than reading them; it brings them to life and makes them real. It makes this true story a living story, as if it were happening right now and not 60 years ago. I know of no greater way to honor our American heroes than to make sure their stories live on. And I have to admit that when I listen to the audio, it makes me cry.
Leave your comment below and good luck! You won't regret it!
February 27, 2014
Reviews for Burning Through
I've been extremely gratified to see the reviews that are coming in for my new book, Burning Through. I want to publicly thank everyone who's read the book and responded with a review; as you may or may not know, reviews are the lifeblood of an author. Your honest appraisal and heartfelt comments mean more to me and new readers than you will ever know. Just a few sentences make all the difference in the world. Thanks for taking the time, both to read and to review. Readers rock!
This book crosses many genres as it twists and turns through the workings of love, romance, suspense and what we view as right and wrong in this sometimes patriarchal society. Great for anyone liking mystery, romance and empowering reading, there is an underlying feel-good flow to it. A read you won't want to put down until it ends and then the feeling like a good friend just left the room. --BG
When I finished this book last night I was somewhat sorry to see it end. This is a common occurrence for me with Melissa's books because she has the ability to create well developed characters the reader wants to hear more about. I enjoyed Burning Through very much and looked forward to settling in and reading a few more chapters each day. Another keeper!!! --LG
My husband and I have read a number of Melissa's books, we are in awe how concise and vivid she can describe the characters or surroundings. Her latest book did not disappoint, it was a quick, easy and enjoyable read. We look forward to her next book. --DS
This story has a little of everything: drama, mystery, suspense, and humor - especially in how the ghosts came by their names. I can't reveal the details, you'll have to read the book to find out for yourself! A quick read - I usually only read before I drift off to sleep at night. I found I was looking forward to bedtime so I could enjoy more of the story. You can't go wrong with this book! --MC
The story opens with Jen and her jerk of a husband moving into an old home in a small town. An old woman appears in the house just as a fire starts on the stove. Does the ghost want them to leave? Perhaps not. Jen is curious and works to get to the bottom of the mysterious fires that occur with increasing frequency. The fire captain has more than one fire to deal with – the house fires and the physical one burning for an unhappily married Jen.
I liked Jen a lot, and wished that there was a way for the story to continue. Maybe she could be a ghost hunter? In any case, I strongly recommend this book. You will enjoy it immensely. –-LL
This book crosses many genres as it twists and turns through the workings of love, romance, suspense and what we view as right and wrong in this sometimes patriarchal society. Great for anyone liking mystery, romance and empowering reading, there is an underlying feel-good flow to it. A read you won't want to put down until it ends and then the feeling like a good friend just left the room. --BG
When I finished this book last night I was somewhat sorry to see it end. This is a common occurrence for me with Melissa's books because she has the ability to create well developed characters the reader wants to hear more about. I enjoyed Burning Through very much and looked forward to settling in and reading a few more chapters each day. Another keeper!!! --LG
My husband and I have read a number of Melissa's books, we are in awe how concise and vivid she can describe the characters or surroundings. Her latest book did not disappoint, it was a quick, easy and enjoyable read. We look forward to her next book. --DS
This story has a little of everything: drama, mystery, suspense, and humor - especially in how the ghosts came by their names. I can't reveal the details, you'll have to read the book to find out for yourself! A quick read - I usually only read before I drift off to sleep at night. I found I was looking forward to bedtime so I could enjoy more of the story. You can't go wrong with this book! --MC
The story opens with Jen and her jerk of a husband moving into an old home in a small town. An old woman appears in the house just as a fire starts on the stove. Does the ghost want them to leave? Perhaps not. Jen is curious and works to get to the bottom of the mysterious fires that occur with increasing frequency. The fire captain has more than one fire to deal with – the house fires and the physical one burning for an unhappily married Jen.
I liked Jen a lot, and wished that there was a way for the story to continue. Maybe she could be a ghost hunter? In any case, I strongly recommend this book. You will enjoy it immensely. –-LL
February 13, 2014
Nothing Says Valentine's Day Like ... Ghosts?
Happy Valentine's Day! A day for love, chocolate, flowers, hearts and ... ghosts?
Stay with me.
In honor of Valentine's Day and to announce the release of my latest book, I am offering both of my paranormal stories for just 99 cents today through the weekend. No, these are not your typical scary ghost stories. Both of these books are gentle, although suspenseful, stories of love and friendship, of growth and soul-searching and deciding what is really important in life.
NEW!
Burning Through
When Jennifer and Robert Stinson buy a beautifully restored Victorian house, the last thing they expect is to share their home with a ghost―especially one with a penchant for setting fires. Unfortunately the ghostly arson only creates more tension in their already strained marriage. Jen launches her own investigation into the history of her house and discovers a surprising ally in a sympathetic fire captain. But can she unravel the mystery of the fires before they consume her home, her marriage … and her life?
Stone's Ghost
Matthew Stone doesn't believe in ghosts … until he meets one. He owns a successful business in Lake Havasu, Arizona, home to the famed London Bridgethat was brought over stone by stone and rebuilt over the Colorado River. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, a doting mother, and more money than he needs, but no time for stories about the ghosts who were transplanted from Englandwith the famed bridge. When he forms an unlikely friendship with a female ghost, they are both forced to confront the pasts that haunt them.
And, just to make the holiday weekend really fun, I've decided to make ALL of my romance novels just 99 cents.
Remember Me contemporary romance
Superstition Gold historical romance
The Rare Breed historical romance
Lightning Strikes contemporary romance
If you haven't sampled these books before, now is the time. I think you'll like them. I certainly do! They're on sale through Sunday, February 16th, so don't wait! Get yours today!
Stay with me.
In honor of Valentine's Day and to announce the release of my latest book, I am offering both of my paranormal stories for just 99 cents today through the weekend. No, these are not your typical scary ghost stories. Both of these books are gentle, although suspenseful, stories of love and friendship, of growth and soul-searching and deciding what is really important in life.
NEW!
Burning Through
When Jennifer and Robert Stinson buy a beautifully restored Victorian house, the last thing they expect is to share their home with a ghost―especially one with a penchant for setting fires. Unfortunately the ghostly arson only creates more tension in their already strained marriage. Jen launches her own investigation into the history of her house and discovers a surprising ally in a sympathetic fire captain. But can she unravel the mystery of the fires before they consume her home, her marriage … and her life?
Stone's Ghost
Matthew Stone doesn't believe in ghosts … until he meets one. He owns a successful business in Lake Havasu, Arizona, home to the famed London Bridgethat was brought over stone by stone and rebuilt over the Colorado River. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, a doting mother, and more money than he needs, but no time for stories about the ghosts who were transplanted from Englandwith the famed bridge. When he forms an unlikely friendship with a female ghost, they are both forced to confront the pasts that haunt them.
And, just to make the holiday weekend really fun, I've decided to make ALL of my romance novels just 99 cents.
Remember Me contemporary romance
Superstition Gold historical romance
The Rare Breed historical romance
Lightning Strikes contemporary romance
If you haven't sampled these books before, now is the time. I think you'll like them. I certainly do! They're on sale through Sunday, February 16th, so don't wait! Get yours today!
February 4, 2014
COMING SOON!
I am pleased to announce that my latest book, Burning Through, is almost ready for release. I had to put it on the back burner during my move and relocation to a small town in central Arizona, but with that behind me, I've been able to get back to the book and tie up the last details.
Here's the description of the story:
When Jennifer and Robert Stinson buy a beautifully restored Victorian house, the last thing they expect is to share their home with a ghost―especially one with a penchant for setting fires. Unfortunately the ghostly arson only creates more tension in their already strained marriage. Jen launches her own investigation into the history of her house and discovers a surprising ally in a sympathetic fire captain. But can she unravel the mystery of the fires before they consume her home, her marriage … and her life?
My cover artist at Covers By Design worked her magic and created a wonderfully mysterious cover image for the book. We both found it challenging to depict a ghost story so it didn't look like a horror story, but putting our heads together, we succeeded. The last thing I wanted to do was have a cover that implied one thing while my book was something else.
So when will it be out? Soon! I'm awaiting the proof copy so I can make sure it's all perfect, and then I'll release it. Stay tuned!
Here's the description of the story:
When Jennifer and Robert Stinson buy a beautifully restored Victorian house, the last thing they expect is to share their home with a ghost―especially one with a penchant for setting fires. Unfortunately the ghostly arson only creates more tension in their already strained marriage. Jen launches her own investigation into the history of her house and discovers a surprising ally in a sympathetic fire captain. But can she unravel the mystery of the fires before they consume her home, her marriage … and her life?
My cover artist at Covers By Design worked her magic and created a wonderfully mysterious cover image for the book. We both found it challenging to depict a ghost story so it didn't look like a horror story, but putting our heads together, we succeeded. The last thing I wanted to do was have a cover that implied one thing while my book was something else.
So when will it be out? Soon! I'm awaiting the proof copy so I can make sure it's all perfect, and then I'll release it. Stay tuned!
