Linda Nightingale's Blog, page 4
December 27, 2021
Their New Year’s Beginning by Michelle Major
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michelle Major will be awarding a $20 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.
At the stroke of midnight, a stranger’s kiss changes everything…
Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother’s New Year’s wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he’s stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she’s also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline’s side—for good…
Read an Excerpt
I do need you. So much. Emmaline’s heart pounded with all the things she wanted to say to him. But those things would just make her look like a bigger fool. She’d already let her heart stay in the lead for far too long.
“I’m a soon-to-be single mother living in a small town in Texas.” She pointed a finger at him. “You’re a big-city bachelor who likes your freedom and your uncomplicated life. I’m a box of complications, Brian.”
“The past month has seemed simple enough to me,” he murmured. “Why does that have to change?”
Because I’m in love with you, she wanted to scream. But she didn’t. It was bad enough that she felt as though she was dying on the inside. She couldn’t bring herself to invite outright rejection from him. If he wanted more, he’d tell her.
“We’ve had fun,” she said, which was only a tiny bit of the truth between them. “I’ll keep up the research on the sculpture and let you know if I find anything.”
“That’s it?” He blew out a long breath.
“Is there something more?” she asked, hoping beyond hope that he’d give her some sign that her fears weren’t founded. All she needed was one tiny reason to launch herself into his arms and ask him to stay.
Their gazes held, and she could almost feel the current of electricity running between them. Emmaline wanted to believe that Brian would tell her something more. That he would give her what she needed to hear, the admission of love she was too afraid to say to him.
About the Author:
: USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers, and a menagerie of spoiled furbabies. Connect with her at http://www.michellemajor.com.Goodreads
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Buy links:
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November 25, 2021
Polish Dragon P.I. by Steve Zimcosky
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Steve Zimcosky 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.
A bible mysteriously disappears from a Russian businessman’s home and it is said to have a secret hidden inside that would cause embarrassment to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Polish Dragon P. I. is called in, along with his new partner, to help find the bible. The problem is the bible is not supposed to exist and there is a secret organization, sworn to protect the church, also looking for the bible. They will stop at nothing to locate it and destroy it.
Read an Excerpt
“I found out that before Father Zelenko was in charge of the church, there was another priest there who was excommunicated from the church.”
“Really? How did you find that out?”
“I managed to talk to some of the older parishioners, who told me they were surprised when he was given the boot, so to speak.”
“Did you find out why he was excommunicated?”
“Yes, it appears he began to question some of the things going on with the church and some outside group called…”
“The International Bureau of Archangels.” Tom blurted into the phone.
“How did you know that?”
“I have had two calls from some mystery person who wanted me to check out Father Zelenko and who just last night left me a message to check out this group.”
“Well, I’m not having much luck finding anything about the Bureau, but most of the local churches and any others I’ve contacted claim to not know anything about this group. They say they never heard of them.”
About the Author: Steve Zimcosky is a multi-award winning and international selling author. He is the creator of the Polish Dragon P. I. series and was born in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland, Ohio where many of his stories take place. He has wanted to be an author since elementary school while reading books like White Fang and Call of the Wild by Jack London. He spends his retirement time writing short stories on a variety of subjects he hopes his readers will enjoy. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, James Clavell, Thomas B. Dewey and Vivien Chien.
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads
Amazon
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November 21, 2021
The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder by Marla White
Being Grateful for Everything, Especially the Crappy Stuff
It’s Thanksgiving and everyone is thinking of things to be grateful for – food, friends, and the freedom to stuff ourselves silly and then watch football. (Did you like that alliteration? Wasn’t even trying!)
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great to be appreciative of all the good things in life, large and small. I also think for writers it’s important to be grateful for those times we’ve faced challenges, because how else do we create interesting, complex characters if we haven’t experienced both good and bad things in our lives?
Those mean girls in high school who made fun of your hair? Thank them for helping you understand that behind every bully is a scared person who isn’t necessarily evil, maybe even redeemable. The antagonist in your next book will be vivid because of it.
The friends who abandoned you in your time of need or grief? Knowing for sure that everyone is flawed and struggles with what to do in awkward situations can provide fuel for your next novel.
The dog next door who howls all night long? Pretty sure Arthur Conan Doyle must have had a neighbor like that as inspiration for “The Hound of the Baskervilles”.
An old boss of mine would say that life is like a quilt – without the dark patches to contrast with the light it would be pretty boring. The same is true of any book or character – without the lows there would be no highs. Or as Edgar Allan Poe put it, “Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.” Granted, that might not have worked out so well for him, but you get the idea.
Most people have heard the quote from German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche – “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” I’d alter it a little – that which does not kill us, will give us richer, deeper, more interesting characters to write about.”
Challenges are one thing, but if you are feeling a little too in touch with your inner-Poe, talk to someone. According to the website everyday HEALTH writers have depression or manic-depression more often than non-writers, so be aware of the difference between sadness and depression and get the help you need.
~*~
Blurb:
After injuring herself on the job as a Los Angeles cop, Mel O’Rourke leaves the force battered both physically and mentally. Looking for a fresh start, she moves to a quiet mountain town and opens the Babbling Brook Inn. Excited for her new life, Mel decides to participate in the town’s holiday cookie contest, but her newfound joy goes up in smoke when one of her guests turns up dead in her lobby.
Mel is tempted to attribute the death to natural causes but when another guest dies, her cop instincts kick in. The local Sheriff tells her to stand down, but Mel can’t let it go. With everything on the line, she has to push through her fears to catch the killer before more bodies drop, perhaps even her own.
Excerpt :
“Keep him in our freezer?”
It took Mel over twenty minutes to get through to the sheriff’s department. After telling the dispatcher what happened, that was the best advice he had to offer. No one was available to come out for a non-emergency until late tomorrow morning at the earliest. She thanked the dispatcher and returned to the Great Room to mentally measure the body. It surprised her when Jackson, apparently over his squeamishness, tagged along behind her.
The Babbling Brook only served breakfast, and when they replaced all the old appliances with gleaming new ones, thanks to her brother Liam being a contractor, Vinnie had insisted they’d be serving fresh food and wouldn’t need the big chest freezer that used to be in the laundry room. Instead, they bought a smaller upright one for the kitchen. Unless someone held the door to this smaller unit closed until Mr. Hubbard froze into an upright human popsicle, it wouldn’t do.
She scrubbed her hand across her eyes and heaved a sigh. “I don’t suppose we could just put him outside? Surely it’s cold enough?”
As she feared, Jackson shook his head. “Unless you’ve got a way to keep him in a high place, bears, coyotes or even dogs might get to him. What about a garage or tool shed?”
She gnawed at her thumbnail. “Nope, not yet anyway. Liam was going to get around to it this summer.”
“Liam?” Jackson’s attempt to act casual sounded strained. “Is he your husband?”
“Ewww, no. He’s my pain in the ass younger brother.”
For the moment, Mel pushed aside how oddly relieved Jackson appeared with her answer. There’s a dead guy under a sheet in her Great Room, and her marital status was what he’s worried about?
“I’ve got room in the freezer at my café, Ms. O’Rourke,” Jackson offered.
“You’d do that?”
He smiled, his dimples working their charm. “It’s a small town. Neighbors help each other out.”
“Yeah but keep a DB in with your food?” She shuddered. “That can’t be good for your ‘A’ rating.”
Mel was only partly joking. A thing like that would cause a stir for the health department in LA.
“Hey, if it’s good enough for a luxury cruise ship, it’s good enough for The Hungry Puppy.” He hurried to explain. “This one time on the Queen Mary they had to…never mind. I’m kidding, I have a spare chest freezer on my service porch. My dad likes to go hunting, and on the off chance that he actually shoots anything, we keep an extra one for storage. I have to turn it on, but in this weather I’m sure your Mr. Hubbard will be fine until it gets running.”
She put her hand out, surprised at how rough his hands were when he took it in reply. “Please, if you’re going to store dead bodies for me, call me Mel.”
“Jackson Thibodeaux. When I’m not blocking your drive, I run The Hungry Puppy Café.”
Social media info Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~
~*~
Buy links
Bio:
Marla White started her illustrious career as a storyteller at the age of four by drawing on the TV screen to help Winky Dink get out of mortal danger, earning her a firm spanking. Deterred by the negative feedback, she studied to be a park ranger instead until she realized it was really a TV show about park rangers she liked, not the actual outdoors. She enjoys a career in television as well as teaching story workshops at UCLA Extension.
Appropriately, she found out on April Fool’s Day she’d sold her first book, “The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder” to Wild Rose Press.
Kindle Countdown Deal
Love Chocolate?
It’s a 99¢ Kindle Countdown deal for my sweet holiday contemporary romance,A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish.
(U.S. Residents only.)
He’s been all over the world. She’s a home-town girl. Can a holiday wish bridge the gap?
In Cora Carpenter’s small California hometown, Christmas is tailor-made for couples. Unfortunately, Cora is a party of one, thanks to a con man who stole her heart, then bilked her out of thousands of dollars.
What’s on her Christmas wish list this year? Nothing whimsical. She’ll take a new vacuum cleaner, thanks—and no dating for the foreseeable future. But when she meets a stranger with a broken-down car, his warm smile and perilously blue eyes almost make her want to tweak that list. If only she could get over the pain and humiliation of her past.
A double whammy of betrayal and a broken heart sent anchorman Patrick Gervez thousands of miles…
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November 15, 2021
Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley
Women are givers. Many give so much to their families and careers and after years of doing so they no longer have an identity outside of mother, wife, and their profession. Friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. How does one reclaim who they really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere?
About five years ago I went through this identity crisis as my oldest child was approaching his senior year in high school. With his imminent departure for college, and soon to follow suit, my youngest daughter, I realized life as I knew it was about to change forever. At the time the thought was almost terrifying. For the next year, I resisted this inevitable outcome as I desperately created and clung to every mom-ment I could. Who was I going to be without my dominant role and label – MOM?
One day I had an epiphany. I was listening with envy to a friend about her upcoming trip to Italy and thought… one day…. and realized I could start a “get-to” list. This list would include all the things I would get-to do once I became an empty nester. Although still not looking forward to “the end” of life as I knew it, now I had a spark of excitement as well.
I am grateful to have had a few strong friendships in my life at that time, but I realized those relationships had been somewhat neglected. I needed these women now more than ever and committed to intentionally connecting on a regular basis. As these connections were fortified over the next few years, this companionship and sense of belonging eased the sting of my chicks launching their adult lives and helped me launch the next chapter of mine.
My first book Lady and the Tribe was inspired by these events and written in honor of my “besties” who I call Tribe. I wanted to share my journey and help women connect on a deeper more meaningful level with other women. I believe connection is the key to joy and becoming whole.
The book is about the woman and her inner circle of friendships. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, counselors, and always in our corner. They are the branches of our individual “Tree of Life” lifting and supporting us so we can flourish. Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life… with no strings attached. Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. The book shares how to find, nurture and deepen friendships creating a Tribe culture. We can become whole again through connection.
All my love,
Brenda Billings Ridgley
GENRE: Non-fiction, Self-help
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.
In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.
Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.
We can become whole again through the power of connection.
When three or more gather, we are Tribe.
Excerpt
Loneliness Can Be Lethal
Why is loneliness so lethal? As human beings, one of our greatest needs is to be seen, acknowledged, and cared for. We want to belong and be a part of something larger than ourselves. More so than men, women need to maintain close connections. Relationships increase serotonin and oxytocin, the bonding hormone. In times of stress, women don’t just experience the drive toward fight or flight—they also release oxytocin. This hormone surge can compel women to “tend and befriend.”
Research is clear. Close friendships are necessary for optimal health and well-being. A longitudinal study of aging found that strong social networks lengthen survival among older people. Dr. Amir Leving suggests that social connections are the most powerful way for us to regulate our emotional distress and that proximity to someone you are securely attached to is the most effective way to calm yourself.
An article in the New York Times reported that close relationships create positive mental and physical reactions in our body, mind, and heart. We are less likely to experience high levels of loneliness when we feel supported by intimate and close relationships. Strong relationships with close friends or family benefit us greatly and fulfil our social needs.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship. Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe. Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe. A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry. She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers.
To connect with Brenda, visit her website at http://www.BrendaRidgley.com.
Invite Brenda to speak at your next event: mailto:brenda@brendaridgley.com.
Order: Lady and the Tribe – https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Tribe-Empowering-Friendship-Circles/dp/1737289709
Subscribe:
YouTube: @BrendaRidgley
Podcast: @TheConnectionConnoisseur – https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341/
Blog: https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog
Follow:
Instagram: @BrendaRidgley — https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley/
Facebook: @BrendaRidgleyConnections – https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections
Twitter: @BrendaRidgley
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Brenda Billings Ridgley will be awarding a Cape Diablo wrap bracelet and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
November 11, 2021
Enough to Make the Angels Weep by Ernesto Patino
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ernesto Patino will be awarding a $30 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.
Hired to investigate the murder of an 84-year-old widow, P.I. Joe Coopersmith hits one dead end after another in his search for leads. With few clues and no suspects, he nearly gives up, until he uncovers a connection to a bizarre plot to kill the descendants of Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Known as San Patricios, they belonged to the St. Patrick’s Battalion, an elite Mexican unit composed mostly of Irish immigrants. When a well-preserved diary of an Irish soldier turns up, Coopersmith knows he’s on the right track. He digs deeper into the plot, soon learning the identity of the man behind it and his warped motive for the cold-blooded murder of the elderly widow.
Read an Excerpt
Excerpt from the diary of Kevin O’Leary.
September 13, 1847
I am writing this from the home of Father Bernardo, who is not only my protector but my only source of information about what is happening throughout the city. This morning the last of the condemned San Patricios were hanged within view of Chapultepec Castle. Father Bernardo witnessed the event, which he described as barbaric beyond belief. With nooses around their necks, they waited over 3 hours before they were hanged. May they rest in peace and may Mary, our Mother, watch over them for eternity.
As I deserted after the battle of Monterrey, I know the Americans will show me no mercy. But I thank God that David McElroy and John Brooke were spared the noose because of their youth. They were with me when we slipped away from the Americans as they celebrated their victory.
About the Author:Ernesto Patino has been a musician, soldier, schoolteacher, FBI agent and private investigator. He is a multi-genre author whose books range from Mysteries and Thrillers to Romance and Children’s books. His published works include In the Shadow of a Stranger, Web of Secrets, The Last of the Good Guys and One Last Dance. He lives in Southern Arizona with his wife Pamela with whom he shares a passion for ethnic cuisines, classical music and foreign films.
Website: http://www.ernestopatino.com
Amazon Author Page: http://wwww.amazon.com/author/ernestopatino
Amazon Buy link: http://amazon.com/dp/B09FJ4Q136
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October 24, 2021
INSPIRATION by Randy Overbeck
In 2019, the Wild Rose Press launched the Haunted Shores Mysteries with my story about Darrell, the teacher and coach who sees ghosts and the ghost of a huge black student haunting a high school. BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE was so well received by readers and reviewers that it became a #1 Amazon best seller! (Insert pic of BLOOD Bestseller)
Then, last year, the publisher released CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY in the middle of the pandemic, a story featuring the specter of a bride murdered on her wedding night, who stalks Darrell, still bleeding in her white wedding dress. This second entry has won three national awards and, by now, the series has amassed more than a dozen 5-Star reviews from national and international reviewers. Then, this fall CRIMSON joined BLOOD in the best seller category, hitting #2 on Amazon.
As I pondered the third installment, I realized I wanted to keep all the critical elements of the series—cold case murder, ghost, romance and resort—but I also wanted to give my readers something different. On a break from my brainstorming, I was thumbing through family pictures and came upon a photo of my grandkids playing on a playground. (Insert photo of kids playing) Staring at the images of the smiling faces, it hit me. What if the mystery was about the death of two kids? Two kids whose ghosts haunt Darrell to find justice for them?
The rest, as they say, is history. Our last trip—pre-pandemic—was to the Florida Gulf coast to find a suitable location for my narrative and I found a great one. (Insert pic of manatee) Thus, SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER was born. Well, that and hundreds of hours of writing, revising, re-writing, editing, re-writing…well, you get the picture. I’m pretty happy with the end product and I hope readers are too.
“A ghost story with a twist, Scarlet at Crystal River is a bestseller in the making. Brilliant descriptive narration sucks the reader in and doesn’t let go until the end of the story. Paranormal and mystery readers will love Scarlet at Crystal River. If you’re looking for a spine-tingling mystery, pick up Scarlet at Crystal River. Highly recommend!” 5+ Stars—N N Light Bookheaven
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bio
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for four decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller, Leave No Child Behind (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, Blood on the Chesapeake, Crimson at Cape May and Scarlet at Crystal River have earned five star reviews and garnered national awards including “Thriller of the Year–ReadersFavorite.com, “Gold Award”—Literary Titan, “Mystery of the Year”—ReadersView.com and “Crowned Heart of Excellence”—InD’Tale Magazine. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.
[image error]Social Media Handles
https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck
https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-KOC0LH2GQRSAjwxOFr5rg
Tik Tok @authorrandyo
Specs
Release by Wild Rose Press—September 13, 2021Paranormal mystery364 pp.MildBlurb
All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.
When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.
Tagline
Darrell and Erin thought they were heading to Florida for a carefree honeymoon, but the ghosts of two immigrants children haunt them, pleading for help.
Trailer
Review Blurbs
“Scarlet at Crystal River is an eerie paranormal mystery I couldn’t stop reading. Randy Overbeck is a masterful writer of the paranormal, drawing the reader in before instilling shivers down the spine. 5+ stars.” –N. N. Light’s Book Heaven
“A rollercoaster of a mystery, hurtling up and down hills and sharp corners until the very end, when the reader is left slightly breathless, waiting for their hearts to beat back to a normal rhythm. ★★★★★—ReadersView
“Scarlet at Crystal River is a suspenseful paranormal novel with compelling characters and an enigmatic mystery that drives the story to a riveting conclusion. Overbeck is a master at building tension–-this is easily a one-sitting read.” ★★★★★—Literary Titan
“This is another masterpiece from Randy Overbeck. His excellent writing style has left me speechless for one more time. He writes in a way that makes you feel what the characters feel and you have no choice but to partake in the journey with them.” ★★★★★—Ioanna’s Reviews, Greece
Purchase Links
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57841458-scarlet-at-crystal-river?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=RTpsYLU6mO&rank=3https://www.bookbub.com/books/scarlet-at-crystal-river-by-randy-overbeck
Link to Trailer
October 23, 2021
The Three Widows of Wylder by Julie Howard
Three women. Three terrible secrets.
Blurb:
Three women on the run.
After the death of her husband, Clara flees a hanging judge and seeks refuge with her brother in Wylder, Wyoming.
With secrets of her own and good reasons to flee, spoiled and vain Mary Rose joins Clara on the trek to Wyoming. Surely a suitable man exists somewhere.
Emma is a mystery. A crack shot and expert horsewoman, her harrowing past seeps out in a steady drip. She’s on the run from something, but what?
After the three women descend on Wylder, a budding romance leads to exposure of their pasts. As disaster looms, will any of them escape?
Excerpt:
Emma stood, legs apart, one hand on the pistol at her hip. The covered wagon was the type used years ago by pioneers, before trains tamed the prairie, and they still lumbered across areas where tracks hadn’t been laid. Two women sat side-by-side, too focused on their argument to yet notice the camp they entered. Their one horse, overmatched by the heavy wagon, was damp with sweat, its mouth flecked with froth.
“We should have stayed on the main road.” The peevish one appeared much younger, curly gold hair topped by a large straw hat. She wore a light-yellow dress with lace at her wrists and throat, a perfectly inadequate outfit for travel. “Someone could have provided directions.”
The older woman had finely-drawn features, a few strands of gray threaded through her dark, uncovered hair. Dressed in sensible blue calico, she gripped the reins too tight and the poor horse gave a pathetic shake of its head. “The whole point was to avoid people,” she sniped.
Emma strode forward and seized the reins. “For God’s sake, you’re killing him.”
The two women gaped as though at an apparition. The horse, released from harsh hands, lowered its head and halted. Its sides heaved as flies drank at its sweaty flanks.
“Whomever let you two fools handle a horse should be whipped.” Tempted to dispatch the women to hell for their cruelty, Emma rested her hand on the pistol’s handle.
They two travelers spoke in tandem. “Who are you?” and “How dare you call me a fool.”
As Emma crooned into in the horse’s ear, her expert fingers undid the buckles at its shoulders and haunches. By the time the older of the two women climbed to the ground, the horse was unhitched and Emma led it to the creek.
“That’s our horse,” cried the one in yellow. “Clara, what is that insane girl doing? She’s stealing him.”
Emma halted, shoulders stiff. She turned and pointed the pistol at the one with lace at her throat. “I’m no horse thief.” She cocked the hammer. “Apologize.”
About the author:
Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime mystery series and Spirited Quest paranormal mystery series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and editor of the Potato Soup Journal. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.
Website: http://juliemhoward.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Howard/e/B07D6CS4NQ/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-howard?list=author_books
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JulieMHoward
Follow her on Instagram: @authorjuliehoward
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Widows-Wylder-West-ebook/
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-three-widows-of-wylder/id1585169665
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-three-widows-of-wylder-julie-howard/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-three-widows-of-wylder-the-wylder-west-by-julie-howard
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58903448-the-three-widows-of-wylder
October 7, 2021
The Company of Stonemasons by Graham Williams
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Graham Williams will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The summer of 1545 and there’s murder in the Cathedral of Chichester. An honest family of stonemasons heads to the city to repair the building only to find the massive spire is in danger of collapse and they’re walking into a plot to steal taxes from King Henry VIII.
Stonemason’s teenage sons, Edward and the artistic prodigy, Adam hear stories of the Chichester diamond, buried somewhere in the cathedral and start their own search, not knowing the powerful evil that surrounds them.
A true thriller, filled with danger and humour, stonemasons working at terrifying heights and amongst all the friars and priests, who can they really trust?
Read a sample from the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Company-Stonemasons-Chichester-Diamond-Book-ebook/dp/B08SFWBRZN
About the Author:
Being retired, I have the time now to write and tell stories. I am registered as blind, and I am profoundly dyslexic, and I rely on the wonders of technology to bring out my stories, and to live. I spend many hours walking around London, as this is where I find most of my inspiration from. The places; sounds and smells of the city, I have a love for. To know one’s history is to know one’s self. I hope you enjoy them.Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Graham-Williams/e/B088397H17
Website: https://grahamwbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Graham-Williams-Books-101571254541311
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Company-Stonemasons-Chichester-Diamond-Book-ebook/dp/B08SFWBRZN/ref=sr_1_5
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October 2, 2021
Mr. Piano Man – My WIP
I’m hard at work on a Morgan novella that I intent to publish and make permanently free on Amazon–and if I can learn how–on other platforms as well.
Self-publishing presents several challenges, one of which is a cover. Though I’ll probably get my son to tweak it, I created this cover for Mr. Piano Man. The only thing it doesn’t do is hint that it is a vampire book, though that’s not the focus of this one. It’s more of a case of that’s just who Morgan is. It’s a story I’ve wanted to write for a long time–a story told in a frame, which means that it start at the end and then the main part of the story is a flashback, then returning to the present for the final wrapup.
I might get my son to add a misty moon for vampire effect. Maybe not. What do you think?Here’s another cover I did for a novella I also plan to self-publish.
This one is about a young witch and the familiar she has inherited from her ancestors for generations. My editor said is was poignant and sad. In the end, she rejected the collection, so I’ve decided on self-pubbing. Each of three novellas will have a bonus short, and the 4th in the series will be another short.
