Robin M. Helm's Blog: A Bird's Eye View, page 4
February 15, 2018
Half-Priced Chocolates and FREE Reads
Do not be downhearted concerning the passing of Single Awareness Day, gentle readers, for Laura Hile and I still have goodies for you!
The first book in Laura's very lovely Mercy's Embrace series, So Rough a Course, is still FREE today, and the other two books in the series are $1.99 each. If you have yet to download this wonderful series of hope for thirty-something single women everywhere, run to Amazon and do it now!
The first book in my Regency/Modern Time Swap romance, Accidentally Yours, Yours by Design, Book 1 will be FREE through tomorrow, and the rest of the series is priced at 99 cents each.
What could be better than Darcy? Well, two Darcys, of course!
So, my dears, treat yourself to half-priced chocolate while you read our gifts to you .
The first book in Laura's very lovely Mercy's Embrace series, So Rough a Course, is still FREE today, and the other two books in the series are $1.99 each. If you have yet to download this wonderful series of hope for thirty-something single women everywhere, run to Amazon and do it now!
The first book in my Regency/Modern Time Swap romance, Accidentally Yours, Yours by Design, Book 1 will be FREE through tomorrow, and the rest of the series is priced at 99 cents each.
What could be better than Darcy? Well, two Darcys, of course!
So, my dears, treat yourself to half-priced chocolate while you read our gifts to you .
February 12, 2018
Helm and Hile books for FREE!
This week, two eBooks are FREE for the first time ever.Robin Helm's Accidentally Yours -- the first of her Yours By Design trilogy.
And Laura Hile's So Rough a Course -- the first in her Mercy's Embrace three-part novel.
The first books for the first time. *grin*
But wait, there's more!
The other two books in each series are on sale. Hooray!
We are part of a massive Valentine's FREE promotion at Clean Indie Reads. Come discover some really good reads by indie authors in a variety of Romance categories.
And ... if you can believe it, there is even more!Chautona is offering two sets of So Lively a Chase and The Lady Must Decide, Book 2 and 3, in a giveaway on her blog.
And she is sharing a letter Admiral McGillvary sent her. You won't want to miss that.
February 8, 2018
It's National Read in a Bathtub Day!
We have your CLEAN reads.
Yes, friends, that's a thing. February 9th is National Read in a Bathtub Day. Isn't that a perfect day for a clean read? Get it? Clean read?
In honor of this auspicious occasion, and because we're just nice like that, Laura Hile and I have surprises for you. Such deals!
Laura is offering Marrying Well for Fun and Profit, her hilarious tome of Sir Walter Elliot's relationship advice for the Upwardly Mobile Miss, for FREE. Yes, I just said that! You can have Sir Walter for nothing! (Just don't tell Sir Walter. Let him think he's popular and people love him because he's wonderful. He wouldn't like being FREE.)
I, too, have an humble gesture of good will in honor of the day. Understanding Elizabeth is on sale for 99 cents. Fabulous! Simply fabulous!
So soak your tired bones in some bubble bath and enjoy a couple of good books. In fact, you can find our books, along with more than fifty other CLEAN READS here. All books are priced at 99 cents or are FREE!
Yes, friends, that's a thing. February 9th is National Read in a Bathtub Day. Isn't that a perfect day for a clean read? Get it? Clean read?In honor of this auspicious occasion, and because we're just nice like that, Laura Hile and I have surprises for you. Such deals!
Laura is offering Marrying Well for Fun and Profit, her hilarious tome of Sir Walter Elliot's relationship advice for the Upwardly Mobile Miss, for FREE. Yes, I just said that! You can have Sir Walter for nothing! (Just don't tell Sir Walter. Let him think he's popular and people love him because he's wonderful. He wouldn't like being FREE.)
I, too, have an humble gesture of good will in honor of the day. Understanding Elizabeth is on sale for 99 cents. Fabulous! Simply fabulous!
So soak your tired bones in some bubble bath and enjoy a couple of good books. In fact, you can find our books, along with more than fifty other CLEAN READS here. All books are priced at 99 cents or are FREE!
January 25, 2018
Understanding Elizabeth Is FREE Today and Tomorrow
My latest novel,
Understanding Elizabeth
, is on Book Bub today!
I have never been good at keeping my feelings to myself, so I'm going to FREELY admit that I'm VERY excited about being on Book Bub. I tried years ago to promote my books with them, but I wasn't accepted. For me, this is a milestone.
The giveaway is for Amazon Kindle only, but if you don't own a Kindle, that's not a problem. I downloaded the Kindle app for FREE to my phone. Now I have several thousand books at my disposal wherever I am.
Stuck standing in line? I whip out my phone, go to the app, and read. Waiting at the doctor's office? I actually like it. Stuck in traffic? It doesn't bother me.
And - because I love you all so much, and I'm just that kind of person (Ha!) - I've lowered the prices of ALL of my books to $1.99 for the two day sale. Even A Very Austen Christmas is $1.99 for two days!
So, hurry over to Amazon and download some enjoyment for those times you're sitting somewhere bored to death. You won't regret it.
Here's a little secret: If you already have the book, you can "gift" it to a friend for FREE!
I have never been good at keeping my feelings to myself, so I'm going to FREELY admit that I'm VERY excited about being on Book Bub. I tried years ago to promote my books with them, but I wasn't accepted. For me, this is a milestone.
The giveaway is for Amazon Kindle only, but if you don't own a Kindle, that's not a problem. I downloaded the Kindle app for FREE to my phone. Now I have several thousand books at my disposal wherever I am.
Stuck standing in line? I whip out my phone, go to the app, and read. Waiting at the doctor's office? I actually like it. Stuck in traffic? It doesn't bother me.
And - because I love you all so much, and I'm just that kind of person (Ha!) - I've lowered the prices of ALL of my books to $1.99 for the two day sale. Even A Very Austen Christmas is $1.99 for two days!
So, hurry over to Amazon and download some enjoyment for those times you're sitting somewhere bored to death. You won't regret it.
Here's a little secret: If you already have the book, you can "gift" it to a friend for FREE!
January 19, 2018
More to Love
Excerpt from my new WIP
Elizabeth sat alone, smiling as she watched the couples dancing gracefully around the floor. Occasionally, she nibbled at the cooky she held, taking comfort in the richness of the sweet almond confection. As she was a great favourite of Longbourn’s cook, Mrs. Bailey, who had learned the recipes for several types of cookies while a young woman in America, Elizabeth was never without several of the tasty morsels in her reticule. Mrs. Bailey kept her well-supplied.
Knowing her mother would disapprove of her eating while she waited for an invitation to dance, Elizabeth practiced her usual ruse. She hid the jumble in her embroidered handkerchief, careful to let no one see it. In any case, she was rarely asked to dance, cooky or not, as there were always more ladies than gentlemen at Meryton’s Assemblies. This night had been no exception. She had danced only one set.
Her sister Jane’s amiable partner for an earlier dance, Mr. Bingley, stood fairly close to Elizabeth, chatting with a handsome, austere man. Mr. Bingley’s voice carried over the music and gaiety, impossible to ignore.
“Darcy! Why are you standing here with your arms folded when there are so many uncommonly pretty girls lacking dance partners? You should not keep yourself apart from the company in such a stupid manner when lovely young women are seated and gentlemen are scarce. ’Tis rudeness itself. I must have you dance.”
“I certainly shall not,” answered the gentleman, drawing himself up to his full, intimidating height, looking down his nose at his friend. “You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the room, and your sisters are engaged at present.”
Bingley’s voice softened. “She is an angel, is she not? The most beautiful creature I ever beheld.” He sighed. “However, there are plenty of suitable young ladies who are available.”
Elizabeth smiled upon hearing his praise of her sister. His pleasant manner and good sense caused him to rise several notches in her estimation.
The young man continued, “Look! There is her sister, and she has a very pretty face, too. I daresay she is most agreeable. You must ask her to dance. Allow me to ask my partner to introduce you.”
She felt the weight of the gentleman’s disapproving stare and glanced away.
“She is tolerable, I suppose, but there is rather too much of her to tempt me. Return to Miss Bennet and bask in her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”
Elizabeth’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she crushed the cooky hidden in her handkerchief. While she had never been obsessed with her looks in the way her younger sisters were, she always took pride in her appearance. Her father had often complimented her beautiful skin and her lustrous, thick hair, while her mother made sure her bonnets and dresses were stylish.
Even so, she grudgingly acknowledged to herself that she had been avoiding mirrors for at least two years now, and lately, her gowns had become uncomfortably snug.
True or not, his comments wounded her deeply. Though she was well-known for her intelligence and quick wit, she yearned to be told she was altogether lovely. She had many friends, but she feared that being bright and cheerful with a pretty face described a governess or a lady’s companion, and she did not aspire to those vocations.
Secretly, Elizabeth wished to be the wife of a gentleman who adored her, as well as a mother to children she would love, regardless of their outward features. She prided herself on valuing the characters of her friends and relatives rather than their physical attributes.
Too be judged so harshly by a person she had never met was disconcerting. Her view of the world and her place in it was shaken.
In the moment the haughty gentleman had declared her to be “too much,” she had become, to herself, “not enough.” Not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not tempting enough.
Mr. Bingley, sweet man, would not agree with his friend. “How can you say that, Darcy? She has a perfect complexion, beautiful eyes, and dainty hands which are lovely. Her entire face is alight when she smiles, and I have also observed how graceful she is when she walks. Surely you have noticed that.”
Darcy snorted. “I have. Who could miss it? She approaches the refreshment table every half hour, and she is sorely mistaken if she thinks her handkerchief hides what she is constantly eating. Bingley, I am not in humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men, especially when that slighting is so obviously justified in this case by the lady’s lack of discipline.”
His companion rather testily replied, “I would not be as fastidious as you for a kingdom. You are determined to be disagreeable, so I will leave you to it. Furthermore, I shall dare your disapproval and ask her myself.”
Elizabeth hardly ever allowed herself to dislike people she had never met, but she was willing to make an exception for tall, dark, brooding Mr. Darcy. Upon further reflection, she was somewhat surprised to realize she truly despised him, despite his unusual beauty and aristocratic profile, which was most unusual for her. She had never met the gentleman, yet she could hardly stand the sight of him. Odd, for she was generally accepting of everyone.
Seeing Mr. Bingley approaching her, she stuffed the handkerchief into her reticule and placed it under her chair. Her determined attempt at a pleasant countenance was successful.
A moment later, Mr. Bingley appeared before her, bowed, and extended his hand with a smile and a request.
Elizabeth stood and placed her hand in his, determined not to disgrace herself. She held her head high and fixed a smile upon her face, allowing her brilliant, green eyes to sparkle with mischief as he escorted her past Mr. Darcy onto the dance floor.
As she and Mr. Bingley moved through the steps, she glimpsed Mr. Darcy watching them several times, an inscrutable expression on his striking face.
Assuming that he looked at her only to find fault, her active mind formed a scheme, and she could hardly wait to set it in motion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What do you think? Have you ever been judged harshly concerning your physical appearance? I have, so I have years of material to access in this story. My sister Gayle gave me this idea, and she will have much to contribute.
You can read future posts at Beyond Austen, where you can read works in progress by some of your favorite Austenesque authors. Leave a comment for the authors. Sometimes our readers influence our stories.
The lady is pleasantly plump, not hugely overweight. I'm seeing this body size as my Elizabeth in More to Love. The actress in the picture is Toni Collette who played the part of Harriet Smith in the 1996 version of Emma.
Thomas Beaudoin is my model for Darcy. My husband cannot object. He always wants to watch Hallmark movies, and Mr. Beaudoin starred in a new one - Love on the Slopes. I'd love to have his face on a cover.
Elizabeth sat alone, smiling as she watched the couples dancing gracefully around the floor. Occasionally, she nibbled at the cooky she held, taking comfort in the richness of the sweet almond confection. As she was a great favourite of Longbourn’s cook, Mrs. Bailey, who had learned the recipes for several types of cookies while a young woman in America, Elizabeth was never without several of the tasty morsels in her reticule. Mrs. Bailey kept her well-supplied.
Knowing her mother would disapprove of her eating while she waited for an invitation to dance, Elizabeth practiced her usual ruse. She hid the jumble in her embroidered handkerchief, careful to let no one see it. In any case, she was rarely asked to dance, cooky or not, as there were always more ladies than gentlemen at Meryton’s Assemblies. This night had been no exception. She had danced only one set.
Her sister Jane’s amiable partner for an earlier dance, Mr. Bingley, stood fairly close to Elizabeth, chatting with a handsome, austere man. Mr. Bingley’s voice carried over the music and gaiety, impossible to ignore.
“Darcy! Why are you standing here with your arms folded when there are so many uncommonly pretty girls lacking dance partners? You should not keep yourself apart from the company in such a stupid manner when lovely young women are seated and gentlemen are scarce. ’Tis rudeness itself. I must have you dance.”
“I certainly shall not,” answered the gentleman, drawing himself up to his full, intimidating height, looking down his nose at his friend. “You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the room, and your sisters are engaged at present.”
Bingley’s voice softened. “She is an angel, is she not? The most beautiful creature I ever beheld.” He sighed. “However, there are plenty of suitable young ladies who are available.”
Elizabeth smiled upon hearing his praise of her sister. His pleasant manner and good sense caused him to rise several notches in her estimation.
The young man continued, “Look! There is her sister, and she has a very pretty face, too. I daresay she is most agreeable. You must ask her to dance. Allow me to ask my partner to introduce you.”
She felt the weight of the gentleman’s disapproving stare and glanced away.
“She is tolerable, I suppose, but there is rather too much of her to tempt me. Return to Miss Bennet and bask in her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”
Elizabeth’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she crushed the cooky hidden in her handkerchief. While she had never been obsessed with her looks in the way her younger sisters were, she always took pride in her appearance. Her father had often complimented her beautiful skin and her lustrous, thick hair, while her mother made sure her bonnets and dresses were stylish.
Even so, she grudgingly acknowledged to herself that she had been avoiding mirrors for at least two years now, and lately, her gowns had become uncomfortably snug.
True or not, his comments wounded her deeply. Though she was well-known for her intelligence and quick wit, she yearned to be told she was altogether lovely. She had many friends, but she feared that being bright and cheerful with a pretty face described a governess or a lady’s companion, and she did not aspire to those vocations.
Secretly, Elizabeth wished to be the wife of a gentleman who adored her, as well as a mother to children she would love, regardless of their outward features. She prided herself on valuing the characters of her friends and relatives rather than their physical attributes.
Too be judged so harshly by a person she had never met was disconcerting. Her view of the world and her place in it was shaken.
In the moment the haughty gentleman had declared her to be “too much,” she had become, to herself, “not enough.” Not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not tempting enough.
Mr. Bingley, sweet man, would not agree with his friend. “How can you say that, Darcy? She has a perfect complexion, beautiful eyes, and dainty hands which are lovely. Her entire face is alight when she smiles, and I have also observed how graceful she is when she walks. Surely you have noticed that.”
Darcy snorted. “I have. Who could miss it? She approaches the refreshment table every half hour, and she is sorely mistaken if she thinks her handkerchief hides what she is constantly eating. Bingley, I am not in humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men, especially when that slighting is so obviously justified in this case by the lady’s lack of discipline.”
His companion rather testily replied, “I would not be as fastidious as you for a kingdom. You are determined to be disagreeable, so I will leave you to it. Furthermore, I shall dare your disapproval and ask her myself.”
Elizabeth hardly ever allowed herself to dislike people she had never met, but she was willing to make an exception for tall, dark, brooding Mr. Darcy. Upon further reflection, she was somewhat surprised to realize she truly despised him, despite his unusual beauty and aristocratic profile, which was most unusual for her. She had never met the gentleman, yet she could hardly stand the sight of him. Odd, for she was generally accepting of everyone.
Seeing Mr. Bingley approaching her, she stuffed the handkerchief into her reticule and placed it under her chair. Her determined attempt at a pleasant countenance was successful.
A moment later, Mr. Bingley appeared before her, bowed, and extended his hand with a smile and a request.
Elizabeth stood and placed her hand in his, determined not to disgrace herself. She held her head high and fixed a smile upon her face, allowing her brilliant, green eyes to sparkle with mischief as he escorted her past Mr. Darcy onto the dance floor.
As she and Mr. Bingley moved through the steps, she glimpsed Mr. Darcy watching them several times, an inscrutable expression on his striking face.
Assuming that he looked at her only to find fault, her active mind formed a scheme, and she could hardly wait to set it in motion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What do you think? Have you ever been judged harshly concerning your physical appearance? I have, so I have years of material to access in this story. My sister Gayle gave me this idea, and she will have much to contribute.
You can read future posts at Beyond Austen, where you can read works in progress by some of your favorite Austenesque authors. Leave a comment for the authors. Sometimes our readers influence our stories.
The lady is pleasantly plump, not hugely overweight. I'm seeing this body size as my Elizabeth in More to Love. The actress in the picture is Toni Collette who played the part of Harriet Smith in the 1996 version of Emma. Thomas Beaudoin is my model for Darcy. My husband cannot object. He always wants to watch Hallmark movies, and Mr. Beaudoin starred in a new one - Love on the Slopes. I'd love to have his face on a cover.
January 4, 2018
FREE Understanding Elizabeth
Hi, friends. I'm giving you a heads-up that Understanding Elizabeth will be FREE for 3 days: January 5, 6, and 7.
Thank you so much for making this past year the best in my writing career!
Understanding Elizabeth FREE here!
Thank you so much for making this past year the best in my writing career!
Understanding Elizabeth FREE here!
December 30, 2017
A Very Austen Christmas New Year's Sale!
A Very Austen Christmas is on a 99 cent special through New Year's day. To be sure the price change was in effect in time, we changed the price last night.
Guess what, my dears? It's already changed! Our mistake is your gain.
A Very Austen Christmas is exclusively on Amazon.
Happy New Year!
Guess what, my dears? It's already changed! Our mistake is your gain.
A Very Austen Christmas is exclusively on Amazon.
Happy New Year!
December 11, 2017
Your Vote Matters
We're so excited! And we just can't hide it. (Happy Dance!) I think I like it!
A Very Austen Christmas is on Cover Wars this week.
Please vote early, and vote often! (Did I just say that? Why, yes, I did!)
If you like our cover, we would REALLY appreciate your vote. Once a day. Every day.
A Very Austen Christmas is on Cover Wars this week.
Please vote early, and vote often! (Did I just say that? Why, yes, I did!)
If you like our cover, we would REALLY appreciate your vote. Once a day. Every day.
December 4, 2017
Attack of the Nekkid Guy, Part 2
I received quite a shock last night, and I still ain't over it.
I'd just returned home from helping to lead a Children's Choir Christmas program followed by orchestra practice for our cantata at church.
My mind was filled with lovely, happy thoughts about Hallmark movies and puppies.
I stretched out on the couch in front of the TV, booted up my laptop, went to Amazon, and there it was! I covered up my eyes, but it was just too late.
I'd already been incensed - flashed right in front of my husband and everybody! That man on my screen wasn't wearing nothin' but a smile!
Don't look, Ethel!
After fighting off one 99 cent nekkid guy about three weeks ago for best seller status, I saw a 99 cent nekkid SANTA had knocked A Very Austen Christmas down to second place.
And he's headless! He's a nekkid torso Santa! That's just too scary for me.
I'm gonna board up my chimney, lock my doors, and stay out of the malls. I don't think nobody needs to see a nekkid, headless, torso Santa.
I'd just returned home from helping to lead a Children's Choir Christmas program followed by orchestra practice for our cantata at church.
My mind was filled with lovely, happy thoughts about Hallmark movies and puppies.
I stretched out on the couch in front of the TV, booted up my laptop, went to Amazon, and there it was! I covered up my eyes, but it was just too late.
I'd already been incensed - flashed right in front of my husband and everybody! That man on my screen wasn't wearing nothin' but a smile!
Don't look, Ethel!
After fighting off one 99 cent nekkid guy about three weeks ago for best seller status, I saw a 99 cent nekkid SANTA had knocked A Very Austen Christmas down to second place.
And he's headless! He's a nekkid torso Santa! That's just too scary for me.
I'm gonna board up my chimney, lock my doors, and stay out of the malls. I don't think nobody needs to see a nekkid, headless, torso Santa.
December 2, 2017
Giveaways!
A Very Austen Christmas...
There are several giveaways still active for A Very Austen Christmas and even more coming in December.
Serena at Savvy Verse & Wit posted a lovely book review with an excerpt from Laura's story. The giveaway will end December 5.
Nissa, Of Pens and Pages, presented the backstory of my original character, Thomas, along with a wonderful review. Her giveaway ends December 9.
On Laura Hartness's blog, The Calico Critic, you'll find an excerpt from my story, as well as a giveaway ending December 9.
Giveaways at Claudine's JustJane1813, author Chautona Havig's lovely blog, Ceri's Babblings of a Bookworm, and Janet's More Agreeably Engaged have already ended; however, there are author biographies, story blurbs, author interviews, story excerpts, and great reviews at those sites.
Upcoming giveaways, reviews, and other fun events are scheduled throughout December at Meredith's Austenesque Reviews, Elisabeth's Poolside Musings, Candy's So Little Time, Anna's Diary of an Eccentric, and Rita's From Pemberley to Milton.
In other exciting news, Laura Hile is releasing the second edition of her Mercy's Embrace books. Her book one, So Rough a Course, cover reveal will be at JustJane 1813 today! Be sure to stop by and cheer her on.
You're going to LOVE the new covers. I've seen them, and they are truly beautiful. I would love to post her new cover myself, but you'll just have to wait until tomorrow. (Insert evil laugh.)
More to come, too! Watch for upcoming reviews, blog posts, and giveaways of So Rough A Course at Savvy Verse & Wit, Of Pens and Pages, and The Calico Critic.
Another bit of good news - Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, and I have all lowered the prices of our other books throughout December. Merry Christmas!
There are several giveaways still active for A Very Austen Christmas and even more coming in December.
Serena at Savvy Verse & Wit posted a lovely book review with an excerpt from Laura's story. The giveaway will end December 5.
Nissa, Of Pens and Pages, presented the backstory of my original character, Thomas, along with a wonderful review. Her giveaway ends December 9.
On Laura Hartness's blog, The Calico Critic, you'll find an excerpt from my story, as well as a giveaway ending December 9.
Giveaways at Claudine's JustJane1813, author Chautona Havig's lovely blog, Ceri's Babblings of a Bookworm, and Janet's More Agreeably Engaged have already ended; however, there are author biographies, story blurbs, author interviews, story excerpts, and great reviews at those sites.
Upcoming giveaways, reviews, and other fun events are scheduled throughout December at Meredith's Austenesque Reviews, Elisabeth's Poolside Musings, Candy's So Little Time, Anna's Diary of an Eccentric, and Rita's From Pemberley to Milton.
In other exciting news, Laura Hile is releasing the second edition of her Mercy's Embrace books. Her book one, So Rough a Course, cover reveal will be at JustJane 1813 today! Be sure to stop by and cheer her on.
You're going to LOVE the new covers. I've seen them, and they are truly beautiful. I would love to post her new cover myself, but you'll just have to wait until tomorrow. (Insert evil laugh.)
More to come, too! Watch for upcoming reviews, blog posts, and giveaways of So Rough A Course at Savvy Verse & Wit, Of Pens and Pages, and The Calico Critic.
Another bit of good news - Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, and I have all lowered the prices of our other books throughout December. Merry Christmas!
