Linda Nightingale's Blog, page 27

Money or Men by David Burnett

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. David Burnett will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Love or loot?

Erin must choose between the money of which she has long dreamed and the man who she has loved. Eight years ago, she chose “loot” when Chris, her former husband, competed for her hand against the god of money. Now, with a promotion within reach, she is poised to take her place among the elite of Wall Street. She will soon be working twenty-four-seven to reorganize a failing company, and she has been ordered to find someone to care for her children.

She has few options, and she reluctantly concludes she must beg Chris for help. She has not talked with Chris, written, texted, friended, private messaged, or tweeted Chris since leaving him, but if he will not keep their children for the summer, she will lose her promotion, and her dream of wealth will vanish.

Opposites had attracted when they had fallen in love. Erin remembers a Chris who was laid-back, satisfied, and, worst of all, unambitious. He seems not to have changed. He lives on a small island with no home mail delivery. He had been an author, but Erin can find nothing he has published since their split.

But Chris’s photo is the one personal item on Erin’s desk, and she still dreams of him when she sleeps. She fears if she asks Chris to care for their children for the summer, she will be drawn back into his world. She will choose Chris over money, “love over loot,” lose her drive to succeed and everything for which she has worked. Her promotion will be denied – and lightning will not strike a second time. How can she send their children to live with him without becoming entangled herself?

Read an Excerpt

Mr. Jamison did not look up, but he raised his right hand, motioning for her to approach. Erin halted as she reached his desk and waited, shifting her weight gently from one foot to the other. A minute passed. Deciding that grasping her notebook against her body made her appear to be as nervous as she felt, she dropped her hand to her side, stood straight, and raised her head, hoping to project the air of confidence she wished she possessed.

With a quick “Good-bye,” Mr. Jamison finally finished his call. He turned a page in the report and sighed.

“Ms. Stephens, you’ll be moving to an office in my suite.”

Yes, she almost said aloud, almost shouted actually. She wanted to spring into the air, pump her fist, and scream so loudly she would be heard on the street twenty-five floors below. But instead she simply nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

“We’ll be reorganizing the seafood company this summer. I’ll need you to be available when needed.”

“Yes, sir.”

“There are two guest rooms in the suite. One will be assigned to you. You should leave some clothes in the closet since you will find yourself spending the night from time to time.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You left last night’s meeting at six o’clock. It did not end until eight.”

His voice was matter-of-fact, and Erin was not sure if he had stated a fact or issued a reprimand.

“Yes, sir. I have two children. I needed to get home and—”

“You have two children?” He looked up in surprise.

“Yes. Yes, sir,” she stammered. No one had asked about children, not since she had begun work for Aqua as a customer relations advisor more than a decade ago, back when she lived in Atlanta, before her divorce, and then the question had dealt with health insurance. Were children a problem?

“Do you have a husband?”

“I’ve been divorced for—”

“Didn’t know that either,” he said, shaking his head, obviously talking to himself. “Didn’t do my homework.”

He looked into her eyes.

“Always do your homework,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir.”

Erin thought she could hear the wheels in Mr. Jamison’s mind turning as he considered her fate.

“The children…Get rid of them.”

About the Author:

We recently moved to our new home near Charleston, South Carolina. Four of my books are set in Charleston, and I’ve always enjoyed the Carolina beaches. I now have the opportunity to walk on the beach almost every day and to photography the ocean, the sea birds, and the marshes that I love.

I love photography, and I have photographed subjects as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, and a Native American powwow. My wife and I have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During trips to Scotland, we visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen, and Kismul Castle on Barra, the home of my McNeil ancestors.

I went to school for much longer than I want to admit, and I have degrees in psychology and education. In an “earlier life” I was director of research for our state’s education department.

Website: http://davidburnett.yolasite.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavdBurnett

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DavidBurnett.Author

Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/davidburnett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6579272.David_Burnett

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Men-David-Burnett-ebook/dp/B07N58KL52/

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The Virgin Club by Kayley Wood

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kayley Wood will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Challenge: Lose my virginity before my 24th birthday. Time Left: 23 days.

Appletinis, a semi-meltdown, and a ‘Lose My Virginity Challenge’ post. That’s all it took for my little blog to go viral.

I’m going to be fine. I’m anonymous. I can just delete the post and pretend it never happened. No big deal, right?

Wrong!

My co-worker crush, Logan—gorgeous, yummy and out of my league—found out about my secret deadline-driven cherry popping quest.

Humiliated would be an understatement.

Fortunately, my besties come to the rescue with a brilliant plan that involves my trending blog. If all went smoothly, I’d not only win over the untouchable Logan but also live my dream of becoming a full-time writer.

The plan isn’t just brilliant, it’s perfect… until my new boss, Alexander Freeman comes into the picture with his Brooks Brothers suit and Tom Ford briefcase.

So what if the Stiff is hot? I will not ruin my one chance with Logan or my dream career.

But I’m in more trouble than I originally thought.

Turns out Alex has a few intentions of his own and a huge secret I’m totally unprepared for.

Read an Excerpt

Group Text

To: Jada, Lauren

From: Emma

E: Logan knows I’m the author of The Virgin Club which means he knows about my stupid Virgin Challenge!!!

E: He was working at Freeman Foxx when I broke my nose. I told him it was me and I totally forgot I wrote a post about it.

L: OMG

J: Wow!

E: Yeah, been through that stage already. What the hell do I do now??? How can I go into work tomorrow and face him? That’s it. I’m quitting my job. Hey Lauren, if I lose my apartment can I take your spare room?

L: Of course you can.

J: You’re not quitting your job or moving out! Take a deep breath and let’s take this one step at a time.

E: Ok. I’m semi-calm now. So what’s the first step?

J: Are you sure he knows it’s you?

E: Yes, he sent me a message. It was definitely him and he obviously found the blog because my dumb Virgin Challenge post is trending.

L: Was his message flirty?

E: Yes, like he was teasing me with it.

J: Is he still with that obnoxious girl who needed a smack upside the head?

E: No. They broke up a few weeks ago.

J: Well this is interesting news

Soon…Sinners’ Opera

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Saints and Sinners

Pink Fuzzy Slippers Authors

“The only difference between saints and sinners is that every saint has a past while every sinner has a future. ”― Oscar Wilde



“Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.”

^^^^^^

Speaking of Saints and Sinners, I’m in the rewrites stage of the book of my heart, COMING SOON from The Wild Rose Press.  Sinners’ Opera is Morgan and Isabeau’s story.  One reviewer said of Sinners’ Opera:

“Morgan and Isabeau are characters that could be placed in the same category as some of the most famous couples in romance history – Romeo and his Juliet, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy – and their romance plays out like one of Beethoven’s famous love letters.” = Cocktails and Books

Again on the subject of saints and sinners, here is a quote from Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampyre Rhapsody, also starring Morgan:  ”

“No one was likely to nominate me for…

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Evil Embers (Vale Investigation, book 2) by Cristelle Comby

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GENRE: Urban Fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

After narrowly preventing the destruction of Cold City, PI Bellamy Vale needs a rest. Or rather, he needs a plain and simple vanilla case—no monsters or otherworldly creatures involved!

When foreign businessman Eli Smith shows up at his doorstep with a thick wallet and a request to find his missing sister, Vale doesn’t think twice before agreeing.

If he’d known body-hopping demons and smoke monsters came attached to this job, however, he might have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

I started feeling eyes on me about two blocks up. I was hoping it was just one guy…and that it was the kind of guy I could win a fight against without losing all my teeth.

I turned off Maltese Street and into a familiar alley. The rusted-out dumpster was where it usually was, tall enough for me to hide behind in a crouch. I wished I had my knife with me. My gun might have been nice too, but too much noise would have put me back in Morgan’s crosshairs. I was going to have to wing it.[image error]

Another set of footsteps came into the alley. They slowed down as they got closer. I heard labored breathing on top of the steps, like the guy was running a mile to get me. In a voice so low it barely echoed off the walls, he muttered, “Where is he?”

That’s all I needed to hear. The moment the intruder got past the dumpster, I gave him a hip tackle that should have sent him into the opposite wall. But somehow, he managed to flip me around in mid-air and I was the one that hit the wall with a thud. I was still shaking my head clear when I saw a fist aimed right at my nose. I jerked my head to the side, making the attacker’s hand slam into the brick with a meaty slap. My right fist jabbed into his belly and side, working his body like a jackhammer.

I bucked my hips and used my left hand to help flip him over. But once again, he kept the flip going and I wound up on the bottom before I could blink. This time the fist struck, and my head went blank a couple of times as the blows hit home. I wrapped my hands around his arm as the third punch landed and applied pressure to the elbow. The strangled cry from my attacker’s mouth sounded familiar.

“Smith?” I asked in confusion, relaxing the pressure.

“Mr. Vale,” the shadowy figure said back, confirming my guess.

I released his arm, and we both got back on our feet, a bit unsteadily. Something about his gait told me he was a lot less steady than I was right then.

“I…I must apologize,” he said. “I was quite certain you were a robber of some sort.”

“A robber that doesn’t use a gun or a knife?” I asked. “In this city?”

He sighed. “Yes…upon reflection, that theory does seem rather foolish.”

I took the time to check myself over for any severe damage. Aside from new aches and pains, nothing was pressing. “What were you doing following me in the first place?”

“I was most interested to see if you had managed any progress on the leads we found.”

“So, instead of waiting at my place for me to come back, you stalk me across town to make sure I’m on the job?” I admit I was more than a little offended. Sure, I can be a bit devious when it comes to getting the money I need, but I’m enough of a professional to stick with a job until I either figure out that it’s not worth pursuing or I get paid.

It made me want to punch my client all over again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

[image error]Cristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva, where she still resides.

She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.

She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.

Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.

Website :

http://www.cristelle-comby.com

Twitter:  @Cristelle

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Cristelle-Comby/e/B00EAWEODS

Goodreads :

https://www.goodreads.com/CristelleComby

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Evil-Embers-Vale-Investigation-Book-ebook/dp/B07MD2Z7ZV/ref=sr_1_1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

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Trail-Blazer by Michelle Diener

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michelle Diener will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

He’s on a mission . . .

She’s running for her life . . .

And if they get off-planet alive, she’ll have to trust he won’t reveal her darkest secret.

Tally Riva is not what she seems, and even she’s not happy about it. Infected, invaded, she’s not quite sure how to describe it, but on a disastrous mission to a ghost ship, something burrowed its way into her body. Into her mind.

When her commander decides the best cure for what he thinks is Tally’s trauma is to send her on the famous Veltos Trail, Tally goes without revealing what’s really behind her mental anguish. Anything to be seen as normal again, anything to ignore what she’s afraid is happening to her.

But Veltos isn’t the safe place it seems. The chosen military personnel lucky enough to be offered the chance to walk the Trail are supposed to be the only people on Veltos. But Ben Guthrie, a captain in Arkhoran Special Forces, knows they’re not. He and his team have been on Veltos for a month already, tracking suspicious enemy activity, and he’s gone undercover on the Trail in search of a satellite his superiors are sure has been shot down.

When Ben’s worst fears become reality, and they find themselves hunted by a cunning enemy through the thick forests of Veltos, Tally and Ben fight together to survive. And Tally has to decide if accepting the changes inside her will save them both, or be her doom.

TRAILBLAZER is part of the Verdant String series but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Other books in the series include Interference & Insurgency (Two Novellas of the Verdant String), and Breakaway and Breakeven.

Read an Excerpt

Ben stood outside to watch the military runner come in.

The flare of the engine was visible because dusk had already fallen and the sky was the indigo blue that shouldn’t be unique to Veltos, but somehow was. There was just something special about the color here.

“Nervous?” Irwin stepped out to join him and looked up, following the runner as it fell toward them.

Ben glanced at him, wondering if the guide actively worked to be this annoying, or whether it was just a gift.

“Should I be?” He kept his tone mild.

Irwin glanced at him, shrugged. “Most people are a little nervous to meet their fellow Trail walkers. It’s a two week journey, and there’s no getting away from anyone who’s difficult.”

And certainly no getting away from them if they were the guide.

Ben crossed his arms and watched the runner touch down lightly on the hoverpad a thou away. It was close enough that he could hear the hum of the engine and the silence when it cut off.

“So you never said which warship dropped you off.” Irwin had turned to watch the runner, too.

“No, I didn’t.” Ben kept his answer short.

Irwin gave a snort. “Super secret, huh?”

Ben said nothing.

“Do you Arkhorans actively try to irritate the living shit out of the rest of us, or is it just how you’re made?”

Irwin’s comment was so similar to what Ben had thought about the guide, he couldn’t help the laugh that burst from him.

“Let’s leave it at ‘super secret’.”

About the Author:

Michelle Diener writes historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction. Having worked in publishing and IT, she’s now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters and wondering which part of the world she can travel to next.

Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and children. When she’s not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her at her website, or online at Twitter and Facebook.

Website: https://www.michellediener.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/michellediener

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michelle.diener.author

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/michelle_diener/

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Trailblazer-Verdant-String-Michelle-Diener-ebook/dp/B07P6PJ51H

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RESCUING MARA’S FATHER by D. M. Burton

RESCUING MARA’S FATHER

A Middle Grade Science Fiction Adventure

By D.M. Burton

Approx. 75,000 words

ISBN:  978-0-9990452-4-4 (ebook)

ISBN-13: 978-0-9990452-5-1 (print)

Young Teen Girls and Hormones

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Linda. My grandchildren, ages 9 and (almost) 12, know I write novels. They also know they have to wait until they’re grown up before they can read them. That’s disappointing for them. So, an idea for a book they could read came out of the blue. Since I (and my older grandchildren) enjoy science fiction, I set the book at an outpost on the frontier of space, the Outer Rim. Because I want to differentiate my children’s book from my adult fiction, I wrote RESCUING MARA’S FATHER, A Middle Grade Science Fiction Adventure as D.M. Burton.

After an argument with her father, a young girl runs away. While she’s gone, he’s captured by Security forces and whisked off their planet. Since he’s her only parent, she forgets about the argument and sets off to find him.

For most young teen girls, arguing with their parents is common. Girls’ emotions are running rampant. Even when they’ve been pretty even keeled up to that point, hormones can change them into “Drama Queens.” They don’t understand their parent(s). (And vice versa.) Adolescence is a time of turmoil, of wanting to be treated as an adult while still a child. I tapped into what I remember from my own adolescence and my daughter’s. Now, I watch her going through that time with her daughter. I tapped into that for this story. Rescuing Mara’s Father is an adventure story. Yet, I hope my young readers will recognize that they aren’t alone. That other kids go through the same thing.

Blurb:

[image error]Her father is gone! Taken by the Queen of Compara’s agents. Mara has to rescue him before the Queen tortures and kills him.

Instead of the kind, loving father she’s always known, he’s become demanding, critical, with impossible expectations—not just as Father but also as the only teacher in their frontier outpost. Mara would rather scoop zircan poop than listen to another boring lecture about governments on Central Planets. Give her a starship engine to take apart or, better yet, fly, and she’s happy. Now, he’s gone.

Never mind, they’ve had a rocky road lately.

Never mind, Father promised she could go off planet to Tech Institute next month when she turns fifteen, where she’ll learn to fly starships.

Never mind, she ran away because she’s furious with him because he reneged on that promise. Father is her only parent. She has to save him.

Along with her best friend, eleven-year-old Jako, and his brother 15-year-old Lukus, Mara sets off to find her father. Her mentor, old spaceport mechanic, seems to know why the Queen captured Father. In fact, he seems to know her father well. But, does he tell her everything? Of course not. He dribbles out info like a mush-eating baby. Worse, he indicates he’ll be leaving them soon. And Lukus can’t wait to get off our planet. Mara’s afraid they will all leave, and she’ll be on her own. Despite her fears, Mara has to rescue her father.

Excerpt:

“There you go again.” I ignore Father’s startled look. “Why does everything have to be so hard? You used to make learning fun.”

“You were a child then. You are almost an adult. You must try harder.”

“I do try. It’s boring. Why can’t you teach interesting stuff like Basco does? He doesn’t lecture me. He doesn’t tell me I’m not good enough.”

A pained look crosses Father’s face. “That is different. When you work with him at spaceport, you work with your hands. I am trying to teach you to think, to analyze, to make—”

“What difference does it make now? I’m going to the Tech in three tendays.”

He takes a deep breath. “I know you have been looking forward to going—”

No. He wouldn’t. “Don’t you tell me I can’t go.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean it.” I fist my hands on my hips. “You are not going to tell me I can’t go. You can’t. I’ll be fifteen in three tendays. I’m going.” We’ve had a lot of arguments, but I’ve never defied him before.

“You may be old enough to enroll in the Institute. You still need parental approval.” He lets that sink in.

I’m stunned speechless. Not for long. “You wouldn’t. You wouldn’t punish me like that.”

“Mara, you must obey me on this. You must stay here. You will pay attention in class. You will apply yourself.”

“Like Perfect Lukus? Maybe you wish he was your son instead of a stupid girl like me.”

His eyes widen. “Mara.”

My eyes burn. I’m going to cry, like a stupid girl. “I can’t believe you would forbid me to go to Tech just because I’m not a perfect student in your stupid class. You don’t love me. I’m probably not even your real kid.”

My words hang between us. My chest heaves. I clench my teeth, so I don’t start bawling. I can’t believe he won’t let me go to Tech. Worse, I can’t believe I blurted out the horrible thought that has been festering in the darkest corner of my mind for several tendays.

I wait for him to tell me I’m wrong. That he does love me. That I am his child.

Father slumps into the chair I abandoned. I’ve never seen such a look on his face. Like he’s been kicked in the stomach by a hican. For a sec, before he sat, I thought I saw something else in his eyes. Guilt? Couldn’t have been. He doesn’t care enough to feel guilty about forbidding me go to Tech.

I’m ashamed of my outburst, ashamed that I revealed my worst fear—the fear that he isn’t my real father. We’ve argued before, but I always kept my fear a secret. Now, he knows. I can’t bear to look at him, to see reproach in his eyes. I race into my bedroom and slam the door. I force myself not to throw myself on my bed and cry.

Instead, I lean against the door and try to control the anger I just spewed in the kitchen, anger still rising up inside me. Anger at myself for letting my temper get the best of me. Anger at Father for not letting me go to Tech. Anger at him for not denying my accusation, for not taking me in his arms and saying, “Of course, I love you. Of course, you are my child.”

Anger at him for not coming after me.

If he did come, he would probably tell me again how I don’t try, how I don’t measure up. I’m not sticking around for another lecture. I grab my jacket. My trousers are heavy, but the shirt won’t be enough in the chilly evening. I search under my bed for my emergency pack—the one Father insists I keep ready at all times, ever since the riots. I grab it and slip out the window. Automatically, I close it behind me so critters can’t get in. I don’t have a plan. I just know I don’t want to see Father for a while.

RESCUING MARA’S FATHER, A Science Fiction Adventure will be released on March 30th. It is available for pre-order at the following online vendors:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV3BFCY?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PV3BFCY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_SiULCbKV7276R

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rescuing-mara-s-father

B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130993225;jsessionid=E3FD32FF2D76B7752FBD524BE80380A3.prodny_store01-atgap08?ean=2940161393468

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/929324

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

 

[image error]About the Author:

The first time D.M. Burton saw Star Wars IV: A New Hope, she was hooked on science fiction and space travel. The Star Trek movies made her want to travel to other planets. Alas, she is still Earth-bound. D.M. and her husband live in Michigan, close to their two children and five grandchildren.

Join D.M. Burton’s readers’ group on Facebook.

She writes adult fiction as Diane Burton, where combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides writing science fiction romance, she writes romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Connect with Diane Burton online.

Blog:  http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/dmburton72

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor

Goodreads: Diane Burton Author

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/

Sign up for Diane’s new release alert: http://eepurl.com/bdHtYf

 

Royal Wedding Gowns

There is a particular intrigue to the monarchies that have survived until today, be it the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, or Monaco.  The Royals are historic and romantic.  Like famous movie stars, they are always in the public eye.  People are eager to learn what Harry’s and Megan’s everyday life is like.

It is no wonder that the royal gown is a hot topic of discussion and the most likely to be remembered. For a few moments, let’s enter the world of the nobility.

In 1840, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom wore a white wedding gown in her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe, Coburg and Gotha. The plain satin gown was made from fabric woven in Spitafields near London and trimmed with a deep flounce and handmade lace from Devon. William Dyce, head of the then Government School of Design (later the Royal College of Art) designed and mounted the lace on the white satin dress made by Mary Bettans.  The tradition of the white wedding gown is attributed Queen Victoria.

More recently, Kate Middleton wed Prince William of the United Kingdom, and her memorable gown has been complimented and copied many times. Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen designed this beautiful dress in ivory satin gazar, organza and silk tulle. English and French Chantilly Lace applique and hand-embroidered flowers embellished the gown. In a tribute to the United Kingdom, the gown featured the country’s floral emblems: the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. The finishing touches were an ivory tulle veil and the Cartier halo tiara on loan to the bride by Queen Elizabeth II.

Martha Louise of Norway wore a very romantic gown inspired by the lily flower and gothic arches of Nidaros Cathedral where she and Ari were wed. The couple’s initials, A and M, were woven into the design of the dress.  Wenche Lyche fashioned the gown of off-white duchesse with a Swarovski crystal-embellished coat and a brooch of cultured pearls, diamonds and gold. She wore a silk chiffon veil with her great-grandmother Queen Maud’s pearl and diamond tiara. Their nuptials were in 2002.

In July of 1981, Lady Diana Spencer wed Charles, Prince of Wales. The dress set wedding fashion trends after the wedding. This Victorian-inspired gown, designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, epitomised the decade’s love of extravagance with its big shoulders and enormous train (that barely fit into the glass coach in which she was to arrive). The woven silk taffeta was hand embroidered, its bodice filled with lace, and decorated with sequins and 10,000 pearls. The lace was antique handmade Carrickmacross lace that had belonged to Queen Mary.

On April 18, 1956, the beautiful actress Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier III of Monaco. Her tulle gown was the work of MGM Studios designer Helen Rose. Ms. Rose also fashioned the pale pink dress worn for the civil ceremony. The religious service was the second of two ceremonies. Princess Grace’s gown is one of the most elegant and best-remembered gowns of all time. Rose point lace adorned the bodice, veil, train insert and prayer book the bride carried down the aisle.  Valenciennes lace was used for the skirt support and ruffled petticoat, and taffeta for the skirt.  In a quite unique design, the bodice was attached to an underbodice, a ruffled skirt support (forming the unique bell shape of the skirt) and a slip. Then came the skirt, which itself included three attached petticoats underneath the faille exterior: one for foundation, one ruffled for volume, and the top petticoat for smoothing. A separate pleated taffeta cummerbund joined the top and skirt. Lastly, a lace train insert was added in to the back.

Princess Elizabeth’s (Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom) wedding to Philip Mountbatten took place at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. Norman Hartnell, Court Designer, designed her gown of soft white satin with a high neckline, tailored bodice, and short train. Crystals and 10,000 seed pearls, imported from the US, adorned one of the most unforgettable wedding dresses of all time. The train, symbolic of rebirth and growth after the war, was claimed to have been inspired by Botticelli’s 1482 painting of Primavera, especially the elaborate embroidery treatments of scattered flowers on the opulent satin dress and the tulle veil. The 40s were austere times. Following the war, Princess Elizabeth had to use clothing ration coupons to buy her dress.

The wedding dress worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding to Prince Harry on 19 May 2018 was designed by the British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller, artistic director of the fashion house Givenchy. The material was silk.

I could go on and on. The above examples are only a few of the graceful, gorgeous, and iconic gowns of the Royalty.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Linda

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Where Sleeping Lies Lie by M. Naidoo

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M. Naidoo will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

“Two men… two worlds… one desperate promise…”

If Anna had only known how the simple push of a button would turn her life upside down, she would never have pressed ‘Play.’

Just 22 seconds into the recording she’s hit by the realization that, if the voice in the thick German accent is right, she has been living with an unthinkable lie for the past thirty years.

There is only one way to find out: Follow the instruction left by a dead person and head back to Germany, to a life Anna has next to no conscious memory of.

To her surprise, she finds an unexpected ally in Peter, an old childhood friend whose law degree and language skills prove to be more than useful. Besides, he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and the uncanny ability to push Anna’s buttons without the slightest effort. At every turn, their search for answers is littered with more lies and revelations.

Anna must ultimately decide whether even the noblest of ends, truly justify the means and whether some secrets should better stay buried.

“Mystery, history, and a twist at every turn. Brilliant characters and prolific storytelling… irresistible!”

Read an Excerpt

“God, I can’t even imagine.” The weight of what Martha had lived through had made Anna feel queasy. She needed water.

“No, you can’t.”

She hadn’t noticed how Peter was leaning forward, rubbing the back of his head, or how his voice had taken on a frigid undertone.

“Losing a child? I mean how do you get up in the morning?” Anna picked up her glass from the table.

“You don’t—not for a long time.” Anna froze. As she turned to look at Peter, his eyes, blank and dark, were fixed onto the candleholder in the center of the coffee table. She let herself fall back onto the sofa under the weight of the realization.

“When?” As if it would make a difference how much time had gone by.

“Nine years ago, in August.” He turned his head to look at her. Anna didn’t know what to say. What could she say?

“Her name was Sophie, the happiest, smartest, funniest, most loving three-year-old you will ever meet. One minute she’s running and laughing, the next she’s hooked up to machines with doctors telling you she won’t ever wake up again.” The pain she had felt in his voice had turned to bitterness.

“I’m so-”

“Sorry for my loss?” He finished her sentence. “That’s what they all said, doctors, nurses, family, friends… everyone.”

“What else were they going to say?”

“Nothing. Because there wasn’t anything, anyone could say that would have brought her back. Words were just a waste of time.”

“What about her mom?” Anna couldn’t help but ask.

“Gone.” He paused. “Without Sophie… we couldn’t pick up the pieces.”

About the Author:M.Naidoo lives in Northern California with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. Born and raised in Germany, she was able to draw on a wealth of memories and passed down stories for Where Sleeping Lies Lie.

When she is not in front of her computer, pounding out story lines and characters, she enjoys reading, movies, spending time with her family, and long walks on the beach – her proverbial ‘happy place’. M’s love for the shore line and ocean shine through in the vivid descriptions of the coast in her debut novel The Pelican.

“Juggling my life as a writer and a full-time ‘real’ job has its challenges. I don’t get to spend half as much time as I’d like doing what I love, and there are never enough hours in the day. Still, I feel extremely lucky to be following my passion, and I am enjoying every minute of it. Getting here has been one heck of a ride!”

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For information about the author, her blog, upcoming releases, and more visit http://www.mnaidoo.com.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NL34N26

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Child of Mine by Jana Richards

I love small town romances. There’s something irresistible about a love story set in a town of quirky characters, unique businesses and even interesting pets.

Into that amazing, quirky little town we drop our hero and heroine. Sometimes they’re both natives of the town.  Perhaps they’ve lived there all their lives and have harbored secret feelings for each other for years. Or maybe one of them has recently returned home, either permanently or for what they believe will be a short stay.

In my new release, CHILD OF MINE, Lauren Walsh returns to her hometown of Masonville, North Dakota to bury her husband. She wanted to come home, but she never imagined this would be the reason. Her brother-in-law Cole had left for a few years to go to school to become a veterinarian and couldn’t wait to come home. For Lauren and Cole, Masonville means home and family and it’s where they want to be. Even if it means living a lie.

As great as small towns are, they can have a dark side. There’s no anonymity in a small town. Everyone knows your business. So, when there’s any kind of scandal, everyone knows. And everyone has an opinion about it.

That’s what Lauren and Cole are facing. Lauren has to decide if Cole means more to her than the good opinion of her hometown. Because she’s got a big secret: her dead husband isn’t the father of the child she’s carrying. Cole is. And she’s afraid if people find out, her reputation in Masonville will be ruined.

Which will she choose; the man who’s been her friend forever or the good opinion of her small town?

CHILD OF MINE – Book 1, The Masonville Series

Is Lauren’s love for Cole stronger than her fear of scandal in her hometown?

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Blurb:

Lauren didn’t intend to sleep with her brother-in-law Cole on the day of her husband’s funeral. But now that she is pregnant, she’s not sorry. Cole’s given her a baby, a long-wished-for miracle. He’s been her friend forever, though she never told him or anyone else how unhappy her marriage to his cheating brother was. And she’s afraid to tell the small town that considered her husband a hero that the baby isn’t his.

Cole’s been in love with Lauren since he was sixteen. It kills him that everyone believes the baby is his dead brother’s. All he wants is to claim the baby, and Lauren, as his own. Though she marries him, will Lauren’s heart ever be his?

Lauren must tell the truth or risk losing Cole. Is her newly-discovered love for him greater than her fear of scandal in her hometown?

Excerpt:  

Cole wrapped her in his arms. He held her securely, whispering reassurances. “It’s all right, Lauren. Don’t cry. It’s going to be okay, sweetheart.”

She clung to him, her face buried against his neck. How wonderful to be held, to be touched. It had been so long—

What was she doing? This was Cole, her friend. She pulled away from him. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.”[image error]

She turned away and tried to wipe the tears from her face. After she got her tears under control, she made herself smile at him. “Do you remember the homecoming dance? The time I tripped in my new high heels and sprained my ankle?”

“Of course I do. You couldn’t walk, so I carried you from the school gym to Billy’s car, and he drove you home. I remember you were a lot heavier than you looked.”

She swatted his shoulder, hiccupping laughter mixing with her tears. “Very funny. I was trying to make a point.”

He wiped the tears from her cheek with the pad of his thumb, his dark eyes full of tenderness. “So what was your point?”

“You’re a good friend. You’ve always been there every time I’ve needed you, and here you are again. Thank you.” He stared into her eyes, but said nothing. She couldn’t look away. He continued to stroke her cheek with his thumb, the tiny caress acting like a balm to her battered heart. She placed her hand on his cheek.

“Cole.”

They reached for each other in mutual need. He pulled her against his chest, his mouth descending on hers in a hungry, urgent kiss. She sighed against his mouth, and he brought her closer. He wants me. It had been so long since someone had wanted her. Only her.

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6519-child-of-mine.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.de: https://www.amazon.de/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/child-of-mine-jana-richards/1130197427?ean=2940161413616

Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/child-of-mine/id1449022684?mt=11

Kobo (Canada): https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/child-of-mine-16

Kobo (US): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/child-of-mine-16

Author bio:

[image error]When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with an elderly Pug/Terrier named cross Lou. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

  Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Amazon UK Author Page:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG

Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile:  https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards