Rachel Lyndhurst's Blog, page 7
April 27, 2012
Something for the weekend with Barbara Wallace!
Multipublished author Barbara Wallace has a treat for you here today! Over to you Barbara!
If you’ve read Weekend Agreement (and if you haven’t, why not? Go buy it! Get going!) then you know a lot of the activity takes place on the island of Nantucket just off the coast of Massachusetts. One of the things I love about living in the New England is the fact you can get to the ocean in just a few hours. Nantucket, the haven of the rich, famous, and established, is only one destination, although admittedly, this former fishing island is gorgeous.
Of all Cape Cod islands, Nantucket is the wealthiest. In fact, at one time, the island had the highest median real estate value in Massachusetts! However, while the average summer home on the island does look more like a mansion than a cottage, people needn’t feel bad for the residents of its sister islands, Martha’s Vineyard (former home of the Kennedy family and current presidential vacation spot), Cuttyhunk or Naushon (the private island home of Senator John F. Kerry). They too have been blessed with their share of mansions and wealthy summer visitors.
To me though – and to my hero Daniel Moretti – Nantucket’s true wealth isn’t its wealthy residents. No, Nantucketis a jewel because of the beautiful shores. True, New England beaches and islands lack spectacular surf of the Australian coastline. Nevertheless, they have a rough-hewn beauty unlike anyplace else in the United States. Modern pedigree aside, Nantucket was born from hard work and labor. Walking the beaches you can feel its heritage, its history.
You can see it in the weatherworn shingles of Main Street’s antique homes. Smell it in the aroma of fresh fish on the pier. Sense it in the gray early morning fog. The people on Nantucketmight live the easy life, but the island itself battles wind, rain and snow year after year. And Nature isn’t always friendly or nice.
That’s the Nantucket Daniel Moretti loves and respects. Because like the island, he too battled demons that weren’t always friendly or nice. It’s also that Nantucket that leads Charlotte Doherty, my heroine, to fall in love. How can you not fall for something strong and resilient?
For more about Daniel, Charlotte and their visit to Nantucket, check out Weekend Agreement on amazon.com, amazon.co.uk ,booksonboard.com or Barnes and Noble .
Here's the blurb:
Cynical billionaire Daniel Moretti works hard, plays harder, and has one ironclad rule. Never trust a woman. Bad news for historian Charlotte Doherty who shows up at exactly the wrong time. Like every other woman in Daniel’s life, Charlotte wants something from him–the deed to her family farm. Daniel agrees, but only if he gets something in return: Charlotte’s company for the weekend!
The property is Charlotte’s only link to the mother she never knew. Desperate to keep her history alive, she’ll accept Daniel’s indecent proposal, but not without a few terms of her own. Namely, a propriety clause. No flirting. No kissing. No sex.
Daniel has no intention of honoring her conditions, but after one weekend with Charlotte leaves him hungering for more, he can’t help wondering if she could be the exception to his unbreakable rule…
To find out more about Barbara she can be found at http://barbarawallace.com/
If you’ve read Weekend Agreement (and if you haven’t, why not? Go buy it! Get going!) then you know a lot of the activity takes place on the island of Nantucket just off the coast of Massachusetts. One of the things I love about living in the New England is the fact you can get to the ocean in just a few hours. Nantucket, the haven of the rich, famous, and established, is only one destination, although admittedly, this former fishing island is gorgeous.
Of all Cape Cod islands, Nantucket is the wealthiest. In fact, at one time, the island had the highest median real estate value in Massachusetts! However, while the average summer home on the island does look more like a mansion than a cottage, people needn’t feel bad for the residents of its sister islands, Martha’s Vineyard (former home of the Kennedy family and current presidential vacation spot), Cuttyhunk or Naushon (the private island home of Senator John F. Kerry). They too have been blessed with their share of mansions and wealthy summer visitors.
To me though – and to my hero Daniel Moretti – Nantucket’s true wealth isn’t its wealthy residents. No, Nantucketis a jewel because of the beautiful shores. True, New England beaches and islands lack spectacular surf of the Australian coastline. Nevertheless, they have a rough-hewn beauty unlike anyplace else in the United States. Modern pedigree aside, Nantucket was born from hard work and labor. Walking the beaches you can feel its heritage, its history.
You can see it in the weatherworn shingles of Main Street’s antique homes. Smell it in the aroma of fresh fish on the pier. Sense it in the gray early morning fog. The people on Nantucketmight live the easy life, but the island itself battles wind, rain and snow year after year. And Nature isn’t always friendly or nice.
That’s the Nantucket Daniel Moretti loves and respects. Because like the island, he too battled demons that weren’t always friendly or nice. It’s also that Nantucket that leads Charlotte Doherty, my heroine, to fall in love. How can you not fall for something strong and resilient?
For more about Daniel, Charlotte and their visit to Nantucket, check out Weekend Agreement on amazon.com, amazon.co.uk ,booksonboard.com or Barnes and Noble .Here's the blurb:
Cynical billionaire Daniel Moretti works hard, plays harder, and has one ironclad rule. Never trust a woman. Bad news for historian Charlotte Doherty who shows up at exactly the wrong time. Like every other woman in Daniel’s life, Charlotte wants something from him–the deed to her family farm. Daniel agrees, but only if he gets something in return: Charlotte’s company for the weekend!
The property is Charlotte’s only link to the mother she never knew. Desperate to keep her history alive, she’ll accept Daniel’s indecent proposal, but not without a few terms of her own. Namely, a propriety clause. No flirting. No kissing. No sex.
Daniel has no intention of honoring her conditions, but after one weekend with Charlotte leaves him hungering for more, he can’t help wondering if she could be the exception to his unbreakable rule…
To find out more about Barbara she can be found at http://barbarawallace.com/
April 25, 2012
Indulgence author Cindi Myers has something for a rainy day!
Yep, it's still chucking it down with rain here in the UK, so I'm skipping off for coffee with the Minxes of Romance today (I would love to see you there!) and fellow Indulgence author Cindi Myers is here to tell you a bit about her brand new super scrummy release Always A Bridesmaid!
Love can be a volcano…
After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy new landlord, she throws up every guard in her arsenal to protect herself from heartbreak. Problem is, her cache is sadly lacking.
When Mike Brubaker’s wife left him, he focused all his energy on raising his nine-year-old son and providing a stable home. Relationships are a complication he can’t afford–until Stephanie walks into his life. She’s intelligent, irresistible, and driven, and he can’t take his mind off her, no matter how hard he tries.
Will interfering friends, an over-protective dad, and past mistakes keep them apart, or will they fight for the happiness that each deserves?
You can read Chapter One for free here.
Find out more about me at my website: www.CindiMyers.com
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorcindimyers
I'm also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CMyersTex
Always A Bridesmaid is available NOW at Barnes and Noble , Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com
Hmmm, I can feel a bit of an Amazon spend up coming on now, Cindi. Thanks for stopping by!
Love can be a volcano…
After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy new landlord, she throws up every guard in her arsenal to protect herself from heartbreak. Problem is, her cache is sadly lacking.
When Mike Brubaker’s wife left him, he focused all his energy on raising his nine-year-old son and providing a stable home. Relationships are a complication he can’t afford–until Stephanie walks into his life. She’s intelligent, irresistible, and driven, and he can’t take his mind off her, no matter how hard he tries.
Will interfering friends, an over-protective dad, and past mistakes keep them apart, or will they fight for the happiness that each deserves?
You can read Chapter One for free here.
Find out more about me at my website: www.CindiMyers.com
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorcindimyers
I'm also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CMyersTex
Always A Bridesmaid is available NOW at Barnes and Noble , Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com
Hmmm, I can feel a bit of an Amazon spend up coming on now, Cindi. Thanks for stopping by!
Indulgence author Cindi Myers has something for a rainy day!
Yep, it's still chucking it down with rain here in the UK, so I'm skipping off for coffee with the Minxes of Romance today (I would love to see you there!) and fellow Indulgence author Cindi Myers is here to tell you a bit about her brand new super scrummy release Always A Bridesmaid!
Love can be a volcano…
After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy new landlord, she throws up every guard in her arsenal to protect herself from heartbreak. Problem is, her cache is sadly lacking.
When Mike Brubaker’s wife left him, he focused all his energy on raising his nine-year-old son and providing a stable home. Relationships are a complication he can’t afford–until Stephanie walks into his life. She’s intelligent, irresistible, and driven, and he can’t take his mind off her, no matter how hard he tries.
Will interfering friends, an over-protective dad, and past mistakes keep them apart, or will they fight for the happiness that each deserves?
You can read Chapter One for free here.
Find out more about me at my website: www.CindiMyers.com
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorcindimyers
I'm also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CMyersTex
Always A Bridesmaid is available NOW at Barnes and Noble , Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com
Hmmm, I can feel a bit of an Amazon spend up coming on now, Cindi. Thanks for stopping by!
Love can be a volcano…
After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy new landlord, she throws up every guard in her arsenal to protect herself from heartbreak. Problem is, her cache is sadly lacking.
When Mike Brubaker’s wife left him, he focused all his energy on raising his nine-year-old son and providing a stable home. Relationships are a complication he can’t afford–until Stephanie walks into his life. She’s intelligent, irresistible, and driven, and he can’t take his mind off her, no matter how hard he tries.
Will interfering friends, an over-protective dad, and past mistakes keep them apart, or will they fight for the happiness that each deserves?
You can read Chapter One for free here.
Find out more about me at my website: www.CindiMyers.com
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorcindimyers
I'm also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CMyersTex
Always A Bridesmaid is available NOW at Barnes and Noble , Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com
Hmmm, I can feel a bit of an Amazon spend up coming on now, Cindi. Thanks for stopping by!
April 23, 2012
DIVINELY RUINED from Diane Alberts COVER REVEAL!
It feels like it's been raining forever here in the UK. It's dark and it's cold and it's not too pretty considering it's supposed to be spring. But I've got something for you here that's very pretty indeed!
DIVINELY RUINED, from Entangled Publishing and the author who brought you ON ONE CONDITION, is hitting the virtual shelves on Thursday, April 26th, but you can get a sneak peek at the cover and blurb right here right now!
Blurb:
She finally meets a decent man--after she's oath-bound never to touch men again!
Rebecca's life sucked before she became an angel. Crappy apartment, awful jobs,abusiveb oyfriends--it was no wonder she jumped at the chance to escape it all and become a real live angel. The problem is Rebecca's not very angelic,and she'll have to do more to earn her wings than end her love affair with the word f--er,frick.
Especially when she's assigned to save single father Tony Weis, whose less-than-pure thoughts wreak hell on a telepathic angel's nerves. It's all Rebecca can do tokeep her hands off him...but when she loses her memory injuring herself to saveTony's daughter, now it's Tony's turn to be her angel and care for her.But will Tony's devotion tempt her from her angelic path, even if it means being human again?
To learn more about the author and her other projects, go to: www.dianealberts.com
DIVINELY RUINED, from Entangled Publishing and the author who brought you ON ONE CONDITION, is hitting the virtual shelves on Thursday, April 26th, but you can get a sneak peek at the cover and blurb right here right now!
Blurb:
She finally meets a decent man--after she's oath-bound never to touch men again!
Rebecca's life sucked before she became an angel. Crappy apartment, awful jobs,abusiveb oyfriends--it was no wonder she jumped at the chance to escape it all and become a real live angel. The problem is Rebecca's not very angelic,and she'll have to do more to earn her wings than end her love affair with the word f--er,frick.
Especially when she's assigned to save single father Tony Weis, whose less-than-pure thoughts wreak hell on a telepathic angel's nerves. It's all Rebecca can do tokeep her hands off him...but when she loses her memory injuring herself to saveTony's daughter, now it's Tony's turn to be her angel and care for her.But will Tony's devotion tempt her from her angelic path, even if it means being human again?
To learn more about the author and her other projects, go to: www.dianealberts.com
April 16, 2012
Discipline, routine ... gah! Biscuits ...
The kids are back at school, the house is empty and I've just uploaded the contents of my camera and found this:
I'd forgotten I'd taken it. The last couple of months have been a bit of a blur to be honest, but there it is. A best seller. So I'd like to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who bought Kidnapped by the Greek Billionaire and all the lovely folks behind the scenes who helped make it happen. It really did happen didn't it ...?
I'd better write a few more.
So no more faffing. Discipline, routine and a plaster on the index finger I carved up yesterday is required.
Have a great week!
I am gone ... ;0)
I'd forgotten I'd taken it. The last couple of months have been a bit of a blur to be honest, but there it is. A best seller. So I'd like to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who bought Kidnapped by the Greek Billionaire and all the lovely folks behind the scenes who helped make it happen. It really did happen didn't it ...?
I'd better write a few more.
So no more faffing. Discipline, routine and a plaster on the index finger I carved up yesterday is required.
Have a great week!
I am gone ... ;0)
April 10, 2012
Nina Croft picks a winner!
Nina has selected a winner (with a little help from her lovely husband) to receive a free ebook copy of Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire. And the winner is ... bas1chs! So, if you'd like to contact Nina via her website contact, she'll be delighted to send it on to you. Congratulations!
I'm in the thick of Easter school holidays at the moment and when the sun's come out it's been glorious.
And when it's been tipping down with rain, we've done some retail. The Exec has treated me to Microsoft Office 2010.Yep that's right, kicking and screaming, I am *that* close to Word 2010. Doc.x ... I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to actually install it though, not with an almost finished manuscript and a deadline ... Gulp.Tell me not to worry someone? Please?
I'm in the thick of Easter school holidays at the moment and when the sun's come out it's been glorious.
And when it's been tipping down with rain, we've done some retail. The Exec has treated me to Microsoft Office 2010.Yep that's right, kicking and screaming, I am *that* close to Word 2010. Doc.x ... I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to actually install it though, not with an almost finished manuscript and a deadline ... Gulp.Tell me not to worry someone? Please?
April 5, 2012
Something for the Easter weekend with Nina Croft and a giveaway!
The Easter weekend is almost upon us here in the UK and I need to make some hot cross buns,pronto, or face the domestic sack. So lovely fellow Indulgence author Nina Croft has kindly offered to come and and entertain you all with a post about settings and to offer up an Easter freebie. Over to you, Nina!
How important is your Setting?
Huge thanks to Rachel for including my latest release, Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire on her blog today.
I recently wrote a post about how important setting is to a book, and it got me thinking about the importance of setting to a writer. So today, I thought I'd write a little about my own personal setting.
Some people seem to be able to write anywhere, and I'm jealous, because I'm not one of them. Sadly, I'm very easily distracted, and I need a quiet place to write with few things to lead me astray.
Which is good, because these days, I live on an almond farm in the mountains of southern Spain. It's about as remote as you can get and still be in Europe. We have no mains electricity, no near neighbors, mules still plough the steep vineyards, and the closest decent shop is an hour away (and now, if only I could learn how to turn off the internet and switch off my kindle, I would be sooo productive).
But the other thing an author needs is inspiration. I've had a love affair with the Mediterranean all my life, (and Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire takes place partly on an island in the Mediterranean, just off the coast of Italy). So now, I'm living a lifelong dream, as my farm looks down on the Mediterranean Sea far below us to the south. It's a view I look at often when I'm in need of inspiration.
So no distractions and a little inspiration when required. Those are my needs as far as setting goes, and I'm pretty sure I've found the perfect place for me.
So how important do you think setting is for a writer or a reader? And have you found your own perfect setting? Leave a comment below and be in with a chance to win a free ebook copy of Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire.
I'll draw a winner at random at the end of Monday. Good luck!
Thanks, Nina! Well, I know what I'll be doing this weekend, there's a certain Italian billionaire that requires my attention - LOVE that cover! You can find Nina at her website , Facebook and twitter . And if you're not lucky enough to win a copy of Nina's yummy Italian (or you simply can't wait until Monday!), you can buy it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble .
Have a wonderful Easter everyone!
March 30, 2012
Something for the sunny weekend!
It's been a fabulous sunny week here in the south of England, but if it's not been so good where you are, don't worry, the lovely Annie Seaton has agreed to come and spread some joy while I get interviewed over at Manga Maniac Cafe later today.
Over to you, Annie!
As the autumn chill begins to creep in down here in Australia, I begin to anticipate our annual winter holiday.
Even though we live by the beach, it is wonderful to head north when the cooler weather arrives in July (The first photo I have included is taken a little way from my house and is where I sometimes sit and write—you can see my laptop in the foreground!).
When I am not writing at that little bay, I sit in my writing chair and gaze at the tranquil Pacific Ocean and the stories flow. On the very rare occasion when they are a bit reluctant to be told, I go for a walk on the beach and the muse comes back with a vengeance!
Water is my element and feeds my creative process and so far, each one of my books has boats and islands as the central focus. My sequel to Holiday Affair is set on an Italian island and I really think a visit may be necessary to walk on that beach! After all, I do have to give you, my dear readers, an accurate representation of the setting! Look forward to Italian Affair.
Every July for the past ten years or so, my husband and I have chartered a bareboat sailing catamaran with two or three other couples, and sailed around the seventy-four islands of the Whitsundays. If you need your batteries recharged and want to take the opportunity of experiencing Mother Nature at her best...this is the trip to take.
Seven days and nights of lazy life basking in the winter tropical sun. Deserted islands, fantastic snorkelling, great food and wine, and of course the opportunity to laze on the deck and read a book with the sails snapping above.
Each of the descriptive Whitsunday scenes in Holiday Affair was based on a real place and my visit to them. At Butterfly Bay, I stood entranced among thousands of black butterflies.
Each evening, the five crew members and the skipper (my husband) would all vie for the best sunset photo of the day and many of these actual photos can be seen on my face book photo gallery! (annieseaton26)
We would wander along the beaches at the islands where there were resorts and listen to the many different languages of the back packers as they enjoyed the Whitsunday experience.
Of course, romance is always in the air and the romance of Nick and Lissy was inspired as I watched tanned backpackers stroll hand in hand along the beach.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the Whitsunday Islands with my readers. I would love to give away a copy of
Holiday Affair.
Nick and Lissy meet on a romantic cruise in the Whitsunday Islands. Do you know where the Whitsunday Islands are located?
Drop me a line using the contact form on my website (http://annieseatonromance.com) and the winner will be drawn on the 8th April and will receive a free e-copy of Holiday Affair which is available on Amazon
Thanks for sharing a little bit of your wonderful world, Annie. I absolutely love Holiday Affair and I was going to ask you about those butterflies, but now I know!
Over to you, Annie!
As the autumn chill begins to creep in down here in Australia, I begin to anticipate our annual winter holiday.
Even though we live by the beach, it is wonderful to head north when the cooler weather arrives in July (The first photo I have included is taken a little way from my house and is where I sometimes sit and write—you can see my laptop in the foreground!).
When I am not writing at that little bay, I sit in my writing chair and gaze at the tranquil Pacific Ocean and the stories flow. On the very rare occasion when they are a bit reluctant to be told, I go for a walk on the beach and the muse comes back with a vengeance!
Water is my element and feeds my creative process and so far, each one of my books has boats and islands as the central focus. My sequel to Holiday Affair is set on an Italian island and I really think a visit may be necessary to walk on that beach! After all, I do have to give you, my dear readers, an accurate representation of the setting! Look forward to Italian Affair.
Every July for the past ten years or so, my husband and I have chartered a bareboat sailing catamaran with two or three other couples, and sailed around the seventy-four islands of the Whitsundays. If you need your batteries recharged and want to take the opportunity of experiencing Mother Nature at her best...this is the trip to take.
Seven days and nights of lazy life basking in the winter tropical sun. Deserted islands, fantastic snorkelling, great food and wine, and of course the opportunity to laze on the deck and read a book with the sails snapping above.
Each of the descriptive Whitsunday scenes in Holiday Affair was based on a real place and my visit to them. At Butterfly Bay, I stood entranced among thousands of black butterflies.
Each evening, the five crew members and the skipper (my husband) would all vie for the best sunset photo of the day and many of these actual photos can be seen on my face book photo gallery! (annieseaton26)
We would wander along the beaches at the islands where there were resorts and listen to the many different languages of the back packers as they enjoyed the Whitsunday experience.
Of course, romance is always in the air and the romance of Nick and Lissy was inspired as I watched tanned backpackers stroll hand in hand along the beach.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the Whitsunday Islands with my readers. I would love to give away a copy of
Holiday Affair.
Nick and Lissy meet on a romantic cruise in the Whitsunday Islands. Do you know where the Whitsunday Islands are located?
Drop me a line using the contact form on my website (http://annieseatonromance.com) and the winner will be drawn on the 8th April and will receive a free e-copy of Holiday Affair which is available on Amazon
Thanks for sharing a little bit of your wonderful world, Annie. I absolutely love Holiday Affair and I was going to ask you about those butterflies, but now I know!
March 23, 2012
Spring fever!
I've just clocked the thermometer at 22 degrees here on the sunny Hampshire Riviera - hotter than Melbourne, Australia, so one of my Twitter friends tells me. Phewee!!
And look:
The wild violets are springing up all over the drive;spring is here!!!
The weather's set to stay fine over the weekend if the BBC weather team are to be trusted, so it's going to be a good one. It's kicked off even better for me after reading this fab review of Kidnapped by the Greek Billionaire by Desere at Romancing the Book :
This was one of the most enjoyable and delicious Greek books I have read in a long time. I loved the way the author incorporated history and art into the book. Not to mention that there was not one scene that I found too overwritten or in the least boring. I also loved that Andreas's character was the strong, dominating and ruthless kind of hero who falls to his knees at the hands of a very interesting female character.
The passion between the two main characters was so stunningly written and gorgeously blended with the rich history of Greece, better than I have ever seen done in any book featuring a Greek hero.
I also truly liked how the author spiced up the book with some very memorable characters like the luscious Liz and her Australian beau. That I really hope Rachel blesses us with Liz's story.
Now why didn't I think about that? Hmmm, got me thinking now though!
And then Desere awarded it top marks with a 'Rose that Rules All. Magnificent!!! I LOVED it and forever will! ' rating.
Roses in springtime ... just perfect. :0)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xxxx
And look:
The wild violets are springing up all over the drive;spring is here!!!
The weather's set to stay fine over the weekend if the BBC weather team are to be trusted, so it's going to be a good one. It's kicked off even better for me after reading this fab review of Kidnapped by the Greek Billionaire by Desere at Romancing the Book :
This was one of the most enjoyable and delicious Greek books I have read in a long time. I loved the way the author incorporated history and art into the book. Not to mention that there was not one scene that I found too overwritten or in the least boring. I also loved that Andreas's character was the strong, dominating and ruthless kind of hero who falls to his knees at the hands of a very interesting female character.
The passion between the two main characters was so stunningly written and gorgeously blended with the rich history of Greece, better than I have ever seen done in any book featuring a Greek hero.
I also truly liked how the author spiced up the book with some very memorable characters like the luscious Liz and her Australian beau. That I really hope Rachel blesses us with Liz's story.
Now why didn't I think about that? Hmmm, got me thinking now though!
And then Desere awarded it top marks with a 'Rose that Rules All. Magnificent!!! I LOVED it and forever will! ' rating.
Roses in springtime ... just perfect. :0)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xxxx
March 14, 2012
Unscheduled midweek post of utter excitement!
If you're an aspiring author or a published one who is beginning to believe the rumours about romance and publishing being on their last legs, you need to read THIS. Never, ever give up ...
(and yes, I AM doing a happy dance myself. I may even buy myself some silk knickers at this rate.)
(and yes, I AM doing a happy dance myself. I may even buy myself some silk knickers at this rate.)
