Jan Romes's Blog, page 14
December 17, 2014
The Mystery of the Claddagh Rings by Kallie Lane - Twelve Brides of Christmas series
Kallie Lane
It's a joy to welcome Kallie Lane to my blog as part of the Twelve Brides of Christmas series blog hop! She comes to us with her book, The Mystery of the Claddagh Rings.
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Blurb:
Worried about her family, Fiona returns home to find her mother in danger when the Claddagh rings resurface along with the hit men searching for them. Approached by an FBI agent who offers to protect her in exchange for the rings, she must decide - trust a mysterious stranger who is not all he seems. Or go it alone and lose everything...maybe even her life.
Under pressure to retrieve the rings, Agent O'Shea is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means putting Fiona in the crossfire. He never imagines her strength and spirit will touch his heart, leaving him with a choice -- give in to his desire for her or ignore the danger she's in to clear his father's name.
As they join forces to beat the odds, will he be able to keep her safe...or will he surrender to the legacy of the Claddagh rings and let her go?
A few words from Kallie...
I loved writing this short story. Fiona's celebrity mother attracts danger like a moth to a flame. Her former indiscretion has far reaching consequences, plunging Fiona headfirst into danger...and straight into the arms of Special Agent Ryan O'Shea. Fiona's loyalty is divided between her mother and Ryan. Ryan's allegiance wavers between Fiona and the case he must solve. The Claddagh rings hold the secret to millions intended to fund a terrorist organization -- a treasure the old guard IRA is willing to kill to possess. Now it's up to Ryan to protect Fiona while keeping his eye on the prize.
A digital copy of this book will be given away on December 24th. Please leave a comment on this site along with your email address for a chance to win!
Book links:
Amazon -- http://amzn.to/1w1gDLF
B&N -- http://bit.ly/1yMq5Cj
Chapters/Indigo -- http://bit.ly/1u2XUMn
The Wild Rose Press -- http://bit.ly/1zjr7bn
About the author:
Kallie Lane writes suspenseful romantic fiction with a touch of humor to lighten the dark moments. She understands the rough edges of alpha males and loves to write about them, helping them find the women who complete them in every way that matters. She excels at hard hitting action and complex relationships that end with heroine and hero building a life together.
Kallie loves to write stores with realistic characters, intricate plots, and happy endings. With her Shadow Soldier series, she has had the pleasure of meeting many military men who fit the bill. And while she loves doing extensive research, many of the locations and perils in her stories stem from personal experience. The isolated cottage in Dark Abandon is her own, her boating disasters serving as inspiration for her heroine's. Her recent release, Reckless Abandon, takes place at a rodeo where she spent much of her time. She was thrilled when the novel was rated Best Book by Long and Short Reviews.
Kallie lives in Canada, was born and raised there, and loves winter in the cool blue North. Ever the optimist, she claims a hot toddy by the fire can work wonders after dragging oneself through snowdrifts and -45C degree temperatures. The perfect setting for hatching romantic suspense novels.
To learn more about Kallie, visit her website at http://www.kallielane.com/ or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KallieLaneAuthor or Twitter at https://twitter.com/KallieLane.
December 15, 2014
Till the World is Safe for Dreams by Fleeta Cunningham - Twelve Brides of Christmas series
Today as part of the Twelve Brides of Christmas series blog hop, I welcome Fleeta Cunningham!
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From Fleeta...
Thank you so much for hosting me today for the "12 Brides of Christmas" Author Spotlight! My book T ill the World is Safe for Dreams is the third stanza of the Twelve Days of Christmas which includes three French hens -- and a World War II bride. It's a sweet story set in the turbulent days of 1942.
For a chance to win a FREE e-copy of Till the World is Safe for Dreams comment below with your memory of a Christmas when things just didn't work out the way you planned. I will be choosing one random comment by 6:00 p.m. Central Time tomorrow, so leave a comment! Thanks again for stopping by, and please leave your comments.
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Here's a little bit about the story including an excerpt and some buy links:
Blurb:
A lot of dreams were put on hold when bombs hit Pearl Harbor, including Kay and Jeremy's wedding plans. Now he's half a world away, injured, and Kay is hiding her worry about his wounds from her meddlesome grandmother and aunts who disregard the realities of war and are determined to plan a fairytale wedding. Kay is carrying on, spending her days in a war plant, forging bonds with other women who worry and wait. Then she hears -- Jeremy's injuries are serious, life threatening. Will he come back? If he does, will he be the same? Will the world ever be safe for dreams?
Excerpt:
Kay thought of Jeremy, halfway around the world, hurt -- who knew how badly -- and knew if he were sent home, it would be for something serious. Of course, she wanted him home. Yes, she'd been certain of becoming his wife for two and a half years. And once, an age ago, in a different life, she'd dreamed of coming down the aisle of the family church shimmering in white silk, trailing orange blossoms and tulle. But everybody was making sacrifices, putting personal plans on hold, until the world was again safe for dreams. She wouldn't ask for more than that -- that the world was at peace, and everyone's special person was home. Her wedding, and the future she and Jeremy had envisioned would wait. It had to. "Miss Mary Katherine Abbott?" "Yes, this is she. Who's calling, please?" "Peters, Nolan Peters. I met you at your grandmother's party." "I remember you." Kay's heart beat triple time, her throat tight, as she waited to hear the reason for the call. "Sorry to call so late. Your Jeremy is up against it. The leg has developed a nasty infection, and so far the medicine isn't doing the job. His fever is raging, and he's in a damnable amount of pain. The situation is critical. No way to say this to make it easier. There's a good chance the boy is going to lose that leg. It may come down to the leg or his life." The rest of his message came in a rush. "Better if you hear it from me instead of V-mail. The next forty-eight hours will tell the doctors what they're dealing with. And I'll make sure you know, as soon as there's news."
Buy links:
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/World-Dreams-Tw...
The Wild Rose Press - http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/mai...
QUESTION FOR FLEETA:
In Till the World is Safe for Dreams, you often mention rationing and the shortages the folks at home faced during World War II. How did families manage Christmas with so many staples of holiday cooking rationed?
During the warm, everyone faced hard times with ingenuity and 'make-do' determination. Women with small children were hard pressed to create a holiday meal for their families. And finding a way for Santa to bring presents to the children was no easy task. Newspaper columns, like the one Kay's mother writes in the story, offered special recipes, making use of every substitute, so some flavor of the holidays was maintained. Sugar was scarce and so was coffee. But honey and molasses were available so many cake and candy recipes used them to replace sugar. Most homes had a small "Victory Garden", often converted from a flowerbed to a vegetable patch, and home canning kept meals healthy and colorful. Though meat was rationed, chicken wasn't, and many a festive meal featured a baked hen as the main course. On Christmas Even, not many stockings were filled with candy, but an orange was a special treat. Many a little girl was thrilled to have a rag doll, created from the odds and ends from her mother's scrap bag. Fortunate was the boy who received a homemade set of bow and arrows constructed in Grandpa's garage.
If you really want to try living on the rations of 1942, here's a typical week's provisions for one adult (children would be apportioned half as much):
Weekly ration for 1 adult
Bacon and Ham 4 oz.
Meat to the value of 1 shilling and sixpence (around 1/2 lb minced beef)
Butter 2 oz.
Cheese 2 oz.
Margarine 4 oz.
Cooking fat 4 oz.
Milk 3 pints
Sugar 8 oz.
Preserves 1 lb. every 2 months
Tea 2 oz.
Eggs 1 fresh egg per week
Sweets/Candy 12 oz. every 4 weeks
You might want to try the cake Kay's aunt created for Christmas; here's the recipe.
Sugarless, Eggless Cake
3/4 c. molasses1/4 c. oil1 1/4 c. flour* 1 c. corn flour1 c. milk4 tsp. baking powder2 tsp. cinnamon1/4 tsp. cloves1 c. raisins*Grind corn flour meal until it is fine as flour
Beat molasses and oil. Add flours and milk, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and cloves, stirring just until smooth. Add raisins. Pour into loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.
Christmas didn't work out quite the way and her family expected. Maybe you had one that had an unexpected twist too. Tell us about it and you might win a copy of Till the World is Safe for Dreams . Look forward to hearing from you.
Fleeta's Bio:
A fifth generation Texan, Fleeta Cunningham has lived in a number of small Texas towns. Drawing on all of them, she created Santa Rita and its inhabitants. After a career as a law librarian for a major Texas law firm, writing a monthly column for a professional newsletter and other legal publications, she returned to her home in Central Texas to write full time. Along the way, she and her mother had a successful wedding design business, numbering celebrity weddings and 'unique' events in their twenty-five years of partnership. Fleeta has been writing in one form or another since the age of eight. When she isn't writing, she teaches creative writing classes, serves as a wedding coordinator for her church and keeps house for her feline roommates. Her other musings can be found at www.authorsbymoonlight.com or her website www.fleetacunningham.com. She loves to hear from readers. The Santa Rita series includes DON'T CALL ME DARLIN', BLACK RAIN RISING, ELOPEMENT FOR ONE, HALF PAST MOURNING, and CRY AGAINST THE WIND. The first book in her new series, Confronting Destiny, BAL MASQUE, was released earlier this year. Her story, "Help Wanted: WIFE" was named Book of the Month by Long and Short Reviews.
December 14, 2014
Late for the Wedding by Barbara Edwards - Twelve Brides of Christmas series
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Today I happily welcome Barbara Edwards to my blog as part of the Twelve Brides of Christmas blog hop! She comes to us with her contemporary romance, Late for the Wedding !
From Barbara...
During the last Nor'easter, we were cut off for six days by the snow. It gave me an idea for Late for the Wedding.
Blurb:
Heather Green will do anything to make her twin's wedding perfect. Despite an impending nor'easter, she sets out with the wedding dress, cake, favors and cake topper in her car. As the snow piles up, her car is wrecked and she barely misses injury in a major accident. Nicholas Burnes would rather be ensconced with his latest cuddle than drive a tow truck, but his brother needs his help. He reluctantly agrees to help Heather find a way to the wedding locale, but when the storm closes the roads, he ends up offering her shelter in his penthouse. Warm and rested at last, Nick and Heather explore their powerful attraction to each other, only to part when he delivers her, on time, to her sister's wedding. But weddings breed weddings...
Excerpt:
She strained to see past the broken windshield. Her throat hurt when she swallowed. Other vehicles lay tangled in a mess, not just the truck and her car. She prayed another car wouldn't hit her again and inhaled to calm her racing pulse. She finally got the seatbelt lock to release, forced her door open and stood. Her knees shook and she had to hang onto the sagging door for support. She stared around. Headlights glittered like monster eyes. Her vehicle was at the edge of a horrendous multi-car pile-up.
Sirens wailed like lost children. Blinding red and blue lights flashed everywhere as emergency personnel rushed by. Her hands shook as she dragged on her cashmere coat. Time squeezed and expanded like an accordion being played. A fireman asked if she was okay and ran on at her nod.
She brushed moisture from her face and realized she was crying. She pillowed her head on her arm, the roof supporting her as she wept.
"Hey, lady, you okay?" A gentle hand gripped her shoulder.
This time the questioner stopped to listen.
She looked up into scorching blue eyes so bright they could've been a propane flame. Her skin warmed and her pulse leaped as if it recognized the message in them. They promised heat and comfort and strength like the hand on her shoulder. He'd pulled his knit had down over his forehead and his lower face was covered with dark stubble that matched his thick black eyelashes. His hands were splotched with grease and he smelled like oil and fuel fumes. His quilted jacket was stained and patched, his boots wet and cracked, but he exuded strength and caring.
She swallowed. Her mouth was suddenly dry. Another fixer-upper, like her ex, she briefly thought, although with those gorgeous eyes he might be worth the trouble.
Barbara's bio:
I'm Barbara Edwards and a native New Englander. I'm a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Master's degree in Public Administration. I write poetry for myself and novels when I need to tell a longer tale. I'm fascinated by the past so naturally turned to writing historical romance. The dark paranormal stories evolve from nightmares. The romance comes from my belief in people's basic goodness and longing for love.
I lived in Florida for several years and am past president of the Central Florida Romance Writers and a member of Romance Writer's of America.
When I returned to Connecticut, I founded the Charter Oak Romance Writers, a Chapter of Romance Writers of America, along with several close friends.
My husband is a retired Police Sergeant. We share an interest in Civil War re-enacting and travel the Eastern states to participate in events. I love visiting museums, galleries and battle sites, gathering information for my stories.
I taught Romance Writing at Manchester Community College for three years.
I'm fond of gardening and growing antique roses with limited success.
Most of my exercise is when my Belgian Shepherd, Dixie, demands a walk.
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
Buy links for Late for the Wedding:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Late-Wedding-Tw...
The Wild Rose Press:
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/mai...
You can follow Barbara here:
Blog: http://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpre...
Website: http://barbaraedwards.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraEdwar...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Barb_ed
Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F6ZK1A
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
December 11, 2014
It's a joy to welcome, Sharon Saracino!
It's a joy to welcome back, Sharon Saracino. She visited when Undiscovered Angel (book #1 in her Earthbound series) was released back in August. Today she's here to celebrate the release of book #2 - Angel Unbound.
Sharon Saracino
All roads lead to happily ever after, some just have a few unexpected turns!
Sharon, I'm so excited for the second installment in your series. Book #1 - Undiscovered Angel was Katrina (Kat) Shepard and Kassian McCallister's story. They had a strong supporting cast of characters so logically two of those amazing people get their story in book #2. Can you share who they are?
This is Callista McAllister and Luca Fiorelli's story!
Can a ghost from his past be his promise of a future?
Would you treat us to the blurb and a small excerpt to whet our appetites for more?
Happy to share both. Thank you, Jan!
Blurb:
Earthbound angel Callista McAllister is finally free from over a century of captivity when everyone believed her dead. Now she struggles to adapt to a world that has moved on without her and a man she's never forgotten. Defensori Luca Fiorelli's icy detachment is legendary; a trait valued by his allies and feared by his enemies. But Luca's cold facade is a disguise he wears to hide his fear of trusting in love. She was once like a sister, but now that Calli is back, Luca realizes his feelings for her are anything but fraternal. Luca believes that love is simply a precursor to loss. Is Callista the woman who can change his mind?
Excerpt:
"You're up early," Luca observed, once Piero was on his way to the hospital and he finally stepped inside and closed the door. He helped himself to an espresso from the pot still simmering on the stovetop. It was already half empty. Callista had obviously been up for a while.
"You're up late," she snapped back sinking into her chair and pushing the box of baked goods toward him.
Luca shrugged, flipped open the box, and snagged a cornetto before dropping into the chair opposite her and stretching his legs out in front of him. He took a nip of the strong, fragrant coffee and sneaked a glance at Callista from under his lashes. The threat of tears had passed, but it was impossible to miss the dark purple smudges beneath her thickly fringed blue eyes and the dampness spiking her lashes. Since they'd come to Rome, he'd heard her cry out in her sleep more than once. He also frequently heard her walking the floors well into the morning hours. Maybe he'd been a little hard on her earlier, but she needed to start using her head.
"Nightmares?"
Her eyes darted to his face in surprise then narrowed.
"Trollop?"
"What?"
"I assume you're asking if nightmares are the reason I'm up so early. I'm merely asking if a trollop is the reason you're up so late."
You can continue reading Callista and Luca's story here --
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Unbound-Earthbound-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00PKXKESK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416521595&sr=8-2&keywords=sharon+saracino
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5968
About Sharon...
Sharon Saracino resides in the anthracite coal country of Pennsylvania with her long suffering husband, funny and talented son, and two insane dogs. When she is not reading, writing, or enjoying photography and genealogy, she brews limoncello, dreams of living in Italy and works as a Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse.
You can friend and follow Sharon here...
Website: http://www.SharonSaracino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter: @SharonSaracino
Sharon Saracino
All roads lead to happily ever after, some just have a few unexpected turns!
Sharon, I'm so excited for the second installment in your series. Book #1 - Undiscovered Angel was Katrina (Kat) Shepard and Kassian McCallister's story. They had a strong supporting cast of characters so logically two of those amazing people get their story in book #2. Can you share who they are?
This is Callista McAllister and Luca Fiorelli's story!
.jpg)
Can a ghost from his past be his promise of a future?
Would you treat us to the blurb and a small excerpt to whet our appetites for more?
Happy to share both. Thank you, Jan!
Blurb:
Earthbound angel Callista McAllister is finally free from over a century of captivity when everyone believed her dead. Now she struggles to adapt to a world that has moved on without her and a man she's never forgotten. Defensori Luca Fiorelli's icy detachment is legendary; a trait valued by his allies and feared by his enemies. But Luca's cold facade is a disguise he wears to hide his fear of trusting in love. She was once like a sister, but now that Calli is back, Luca realizes his feelings for her are anything but fraternal. Luca believes that love is simply a precursor to loss. Is Callista the woman who can change his mind?
Excerpt:
"You're up early," Luca observed, once Piero was on his way to the hospital and he finally stepped inside and closed the door. He helped himself to an espresso from the pot still simmering on the stovetop. It was already half empty. Callista had obviously been up for a while.
"You're up late," she snapped back sinking into her chair and pushing the box of baked goods toward him.
Luca shrugged, flipped open the box, and snagged a cornetto before dropping into the chair opposite her and stretching his legs out in front of him. He took a nip of the strong, fragrant coffee and sneaked a glance at Callista from under his lashes. The threat of tears had passed, but it was impossible to miss the dark purple smudges beneath her thickly fringed blue eyes and the dampness spiking her lashes. Since they'd come to Rome, he'd heard her cry out in her sleep more than once. He also frequently heard her walking the floors well into the morning hours. Maybe he'd been a little hard on her earlier, but she needed to start using her head.
"Nightmares?"
Her eyes darted to his face in surprise then narrowed.
"Trollop?"
"What?"
"I assume you're asking if nightmares are the reason I'm up so early. I'm merely asking if a trollop is the reason you're up so late."
You can continue reading Callista and Luca's story here --
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Unbound-Earthbound-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00PKXKESK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416521595&sr=8-2&keywords=sharon+saracino
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5968
About Sharon...
Sharon Saracino resides in the anthracite coal country of Pennsylvania with her long suffering husband, funny and talented son, and two insane dogs. When she is not reading, writing, or enjoying photography and genealogy, she brews limoncello, dreams of living in Italy and works as a Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse.
You can friend and follow Sharon here...
Website: http://www.SharonSaracino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter: @SharonSaracino
December 4, 2014
'Not a partridge in a pear tree kind of girl...'
Sometimes finding out who you are and what you need to make you happy entails stepping out of your comfort zone. For Cassie Newman, she had to take a giant step -- from Los Angeles, California (population: 10 million) to Woodstock, Vermont (population: around 3000).
Blurb:
Born to free-spirited, convention-shucking parents, Cassie Newman thirsts for normal. Leaving L.A. with a secret, she finds herself in Woodstock, Vermont - a town rich with Christmas tradition. She's not big on Christmas but Woodstock feels like the perfect fit. Landing a job with Stennett's Hardware, she tries to forget the world she knew, but Luke Stennett's small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.
Luke Stennett has his hands full with running the store and caring for his dad. He's attracted to Cassie but he doesn't have time for a relationship. Things are starting to go right but he harbors a secret of his own that has the potential to turn everything upside down.
Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to L.A.? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?
Opening scene: (snippet)
“I’m not a ‘partridge in a pear tree’ kind of girl. I don't do tinsel. Or twinkle lights. And eggnog makes me barf." Cassie Newman bit down on her bottom lip when her boss raised a dark, bushy eyebrow.
“Grinchin’, are we?” Luke Stennett stacked another box next to the counter.
“I’m not being grinchy. I just can’t wrap my head around eggnog.” Cassie shuddered for effect. “Who came up with that concoction anyway? Did someone at a party say, ‘Hey, why don’t we throw a few eggs in the rum and see what it tastes like?’”
“It also has cloves, vanilla, cinnamon… Never
mind. We’re more about wassail than eggnog anyway. So you’re safe.”
“Doesn't the traditional recipe for wassail include eggs?”
Luke gave her a who-are-you look, and Cassie
pressed her lips together to stifle a grin. She was
Cassandra Rosalyn Newman from L.A, according to her resume. The part about California was completely true.
Side note:
Cassie knows the meaning of Christmas but she doesn't get the excessive hoopla associated with the holiday. She also doesn't get why everyone in Woodstock wants a white Christmas. Will she get an epiphany?
Wishing you all a joyous CHRISTMAS filled with love and peace!
~ Jan
Blurb:
Born to free-spirited, convention-shucking parents, Cassie Newman thirsts for normal. Leaving L.A. with a secret, she finds herself in Woodstock, Vermont - a town rich with Christmas tradition. She's not big on Christmas but Woodstock feels like the perfect fit. Landing a job with Stennett's Hardware, she tries to forget the world she knew, but Luke Stennett's small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.
Luke Stennett has his hands full with running the store and caring for his dad. He's attracted to Cassie but he doesn't have time for a relationship. Things are starting to go right but he harbors a secret of his own that has the potential to turn everything upside down.
Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to L.A.? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?
Opening scene: (snippet)
“I’m not a ‘partridge in a pear tree’ kind of girl. I don't do tinsel. Or twinkle lights. And eggnog makes me barf." Cassie Newman bit down on her bottom lip when her boss raised a dark, bushy eyebrow.
“Grinchin’, are we?” Luke Stennett stacked another box next to the counter.
“I’m not being grinchy. I just can’t wrap my head around eggnog.” Cassie shuddered for effect. “Who came up with that concoction anyway? Did someone at a party say, ‘Hey, why don’t we throw a few eggs in the rum and see what it tastes like?’”
“It also has cloves, vanilla, cinnamon… Never
mind. We’re more about wassail than eggnog anyway. So you’re safe.”
“Doesn't the traditional recipe for wassail include eggs?”
Luke gave her a who-are-you look, and Cassie
pressed her lips together to stifle a grin. She was
Cassandra Rosalyn Newman from L.A, according to her resume. The part about California was completely true.
Side note:
Cassie knows the meaning of Christmas but she doesn't get the excessive hoopla associated with the holiday. She also doesn't get why everyone in Woodstock wants a white Christmas. Will she get an epiphany?
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Wishing you all a joyous CHRISTMAS filled with love and peace!
~ Jan
December 1, 2014
An interview with Cindy Davis!
It's my pleasure to welcome fellow author and friend, Cindy Davis, to my blog.
Cindy Davis
A little bit about Cindy:
Cindy comes to us from The Granite State - New Hampshire, where she puts her love for the written word in the form of mystery. When she's not spinning stories for us to read, she's ferociously editing those we write. She's definitely a multi-tasker as an author, freelance editor for The Wild Rose Press, and has her own editing side business known as The Fiction Doctor.
So settle in with a cup of coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, while I grill (I mean...ask) Cindy about her fascinating and busy life.
Cindy, a big part of your life revolves around writing and editing, so you obviously have loved books forever. Is there anyone or anything that influenced this amazing passion?
I have always been an avid reader. I think I cut my teeth on the Bobbsey Twins. I graduated to Nancy Drew and then Agatha Christie. At one point, I owned all her books.
Being a professional in the industry, do you completely outline your story beforehand or are you a chapter-by-chapter writer? If you outline, did that structure automatically fall into place or did it develop over time?
I like to outline. It's very rough and subject to change, but it gives me a layout for the clues and specific timelines in the story. My plots tend to be kind of complicated - two or three plots woven together - so it's easier for me to keep things straight. Because things are subject to change, I do though, only outline a few chapters ahead.
Your genre is mainly suspense and intrigue. Have you written in any other genre?
I think I've tried them all. My first paying job was as a contributor to a local magazine doing interviews and historical themes. Next job was a weekly column for a local newspaper, an Erma Bombeck style look at raising children. I co-authored a YA fantasy trilogy. I wrote a 5 book MR adventure series. And a very well accepted non-fiction compilation of hikes in southern New Hampshire. I think I finally found my niche in mystery/suspense though. Phew!
You've recently released, A Lethal Dose of Love. Can you tell us a little bit about the book?
Lethal Dose, as readers will learn in the dedication, had a very auspicious beginning. We were in our motorhome traveling toward lake Ontario in upstate New York. I spotted the Welcome to Sackets Harbor sign. In that flash - the single nanosecond, an idea came to me. In four days I had the entire outline completed. Special note: Lethal Dose of Love will be free from Dec. 5th to the 7th.
Would you like to share with us any books from your backlist? Or comment on any series you have?
I am quite proud of a brand new series -- Smith and Westen Mysteries. The object was to combine a truly mismatched couple in high-end insurance investigations, finding objects other investigators failed at. The result of the first book, On The Hook, I hope is humorous and fast-moving. Book 2, Just Smashing, has just received a contract. Book 3, Bank on It, is in the works.
Here's the blurb and a small excerpt from On the Hook...
Blurb:
A Picasso painting, worth a hundred million dollars, disappears en route from Chicago to New Hampshire. En route is to be taken literally because it happens while the truck is moving. The painting is there, then it's not. It's gone, but it can't be.
Kendra Jean Valentine, underwriting agent for the policy, is on the hook. She scrapes together enough to hire two women to work the case.
Westen Hughes owns a failing pet shop. With creditors phoning daily, she jumps at the chance to earn a bundle of easy money, even though the offer comes from high school nemeis KJ Valentine, who stole everything in high school: head cheerleader, homecoming queen and the star quarterback.
KJ pairs her with Westen's total opposite: Phoebe Smith, a snake-loving, underwear-hating, tuba player with more baggage than Logan Airport.
Ten percent of a hundred million is...well, it's a lot so Smith and Westen join forces on a rollercoaster ride to find one of the world's most valuable paintings.
Excerpt:
Kendra Jean Valentine's eyes were burning and her back was aching. Not to mention she was about to have a pee-gasm. Nine hours of staring at the rear end of a semi can do that to a person. Her entire reputation was wrapped up in the contents of that twenty-foot trailer. If anything happened to it she hated to think what her future would look like. Worst case: she'd end up in jail; lesser case, she'd have to pay back the insurance companies. No problem -- at her current salary, repaying a hundred million dollars would only take two or three centuries.
"What are you laughing at?" asked Theo, one of the guards helping with the transport.
"What?"
"You laughed. I wondered what was so funny."
"Nothing. I am so glad this trip is almost over." They'd stopped at an intersection less than a block from the Concord Art Museum.
"Just a minute more."
"Good thing. The curator's got to be freaking out. We're almost an hour behind schedule."
"You couldn't predict there'd be an accident on the highway."
Up ahead, the left blinker of the big truck came on, flashing red inside their car. As he'd done all day, Theo kept their car within twenty feet of the trailer as it turned into the driveway of the art museum and maneuvered down a graded lot and around the building. "Hey Phil," Theo called to a second guard dozing in the back seat. "Rise and shine."
For the first time since leaving Buffalo, KJ lost sight of the doors of the trailer as the truck swung forward, stopped, then eased back to the loading dock. She'd said she was glad the trip was over. He had no comprehension of how glad. This was the first thing she'd done entirely on her own -- that she'd dared to do. Pretty sad when you think about it -- taking thirty-eight years to grow some balls.
When the words all start to run together, it's time to take a break. What do you like to do to disconnect for a while?
I love gardening, anything physical that gets me away from the desk. I tend to work long hours. I spend a lot of time with my two daughters and granddaughters who live nearby. I love knitting and crocheting, though admittedly I've run out of drawer space for my sweaters. The good news -- I've lost 22 pounds and a few of the sweaters are way too big. They have found a new home so I have room for more...
If you could go any place in the world to recharge your batteries, where would it be?
One place is Italy -- Florence, Tuscany area. A friend and I are actually doing it in July! Can't wait. I'd also like to spend a week (or a lifetime) in a cottage overlooking a nice, warm ocean. That's the last thing on my bucket list.
Thank you so much for being my guest, Cindy! Wishing you tons of success with your career and I can't wait to hear about your travels to Italy. Keep writing, my friend!
You can connect and follow Cindy here:
Website: www.cdavisnh.com or www.fiction-doctor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.davis....
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/inbox/#messa...
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
Cindy Davis
A little bit about Cindy:
Cindy comes to us from The Granite State - New Hampshire, where she puts her love for the written word in the form of mystery. When she's not spinning stories for us to read, she's ferociously editing those we write. She's definitely a multi-tasker as an author, freelance editor for The Wild Rose Press, and has her own editing side business known as The Fiction Doctor.
So settle in with a cup of coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, while I grill (I mean...ask) Cindy about her fascinating and busy life.
Cindy, a big part of your life revolves around writing and editing, so you obviously have loved books forever. Is there anyone or anything that influenced this amazing passion?
I have always been an avid reader. I think I cut my teeth on the Bobbsey Twins. I graduated to Nancy Drew and then Agatha Christie. At one point, I owned all her books.
Being a professional in the industry, do you completely outline your story beforehand or are you a chapter-by-chapter writer? If you outline, did that structure automatically fall into place or did it develop over time?
I like to outline. It's very rough and subject to change, but it gives me a layout for the clues and specific timelines in the story. My plots tend to be kind of complicated - two or three plots woven together - so it's easier for me to keep things straight. Because things are subject to change, I do though, only outline a few chapters ahead.
Your genre is mainly suspense and intrigue. Have you written in any other genre?
I think I've tried them all. My first paying job was as a contributor to a local magazine doing interviews and historical themes. Next job was a weekly column for a local newspaper, an Erma Bombeck style look at raising children. I co-authored a YA fantasy trilogy. I wrote a 5 book MR adventure series. And a very well accepted non-fiction compilation of hikes in southern New Hampshire. I think I finally found my niche in mystery/suspense though. Phew!
You've recently released, A Lethal Dose of Love. Can you tell us a little bit about the book?
Lethal Dose, as readers will learn in the dedication, had a very auspicious beginning. We were in our motorhome traveling toward lake Ontario in upstate New York. I spotted the Welcome to Sackets Harbor sign. In that flash - the single nanosecond, an idea came to me. In four days I had the entire outline completed. Special note: Lethal Dose of Love will be free from Dec. 5th to the 7th.
Would you like to share with us any books from your backlist? Or comment on any series you have?
I am quite proud of a brand new series -- Smith and Westen Mysteries. The object was to combine a truly mismatched couple in high-end insurance investigations, finding objects other investigators failed at. The result of the first book, On The Hook, I hope is humorous and fast-moving. Book 2, Just Smashing, has just received a contract. Book 3, Bank on It, is in the works.
Here's the blurb and a small excerpt from On the Hook...
Blurb:
A Picasso painting, worth a hundred million dollars, disappears en route from Chicago to New Hampshire. En route is to be taken literally because it happens while the truck is moving. The painting is there, then it's not. It's gone, but it can't be.
Kendra Jean Valentine, underwriting agent for the policy, is on the hook. She scrapes together enough to hire two women to work the case.
Westen Hughes owns a failing pet shop. With creditors phoning daily, she jumps at the chance to earn a bundle of easy money, even though the offer comes from high school nemeis KJ Valentine, who stole everything in high school: head cheerleader, homecoming queen and the star quarterback.
KJ pairs her with Westen's total opposite: Phoebe Smith, a snake-loving, underwear-hating, tuba player with more baggage than Logan Airport.
Ten percent of a hundred million is...well, it's a lot so Smith and Westen join forces on a rollercoaster ride to find one of the world's most valuable paintings.
Excerpt:
Kendra Jean Valentine's eyes were burning and her back was aching. Not to mention she was about to have a pee-gasm. Nine hours of staring at the rear end of a semi can do that to a person. Her entire reputation was wrapped up in the contents of that twenty-foot trailer. If anything happened to it she hated to think what her future would look like. Worst case: she'd end up in jail; lesser case, she'd have to pay back the insurance companies. No problem -- at her current salary, repaying a hundred million dollars would only take two or three centuries.
"What are you laughing at?" asked Theo, one of the guards helping with the transport.
"What?"
"You laughed. I wondered what was so funny."
"Nothing. I am so glad this trip is almost over." They'd stopped at an intersection less than a block from the Concord Art Museum.
"Just a minute more."
"Good thing. The curator's got to be freaking out. We're almost an hour behind schedule."
"You couldn't predict there'd be an accident on the highway."
Up ahead, the left blinker of the big truck came on, flashing red inside their car. As he'd done all day, Theo kept their car within twenty feet of the trailer as it turned into the driveway of the art museum and maneuvered down a graded lot and around the building. "Hey Phil," Theo called to a second guard dozing in the back seat. "Rise and shine."
For the first time since leaving Buffalo, KJ lost sight of the doors of the trailer as the truck swung forward, stopped, then eased back to the loading dock. She'd said she was glad the trip was over. He had no comprehension of how glad. This was the first thing she'd done entirely on her own -- that she'd dared to do. Pretty sad when you think about it -- taking thirty-eight years to grow some balls.
When the words all start to run together, it's time to take a break. What do you like to do to disconnect for a while?
I love gardening, anything physical that gets me away from the desk. I tend to work long hours. I spend a lot of time with my two daughters and granddaughters who live nearby. I love knitting and crocheting, though admittedly I've run out of drawer space for my sweaters. The good news -- I've lost 22 pounds and a few of the sweaters are way too big. They have found a new home so I have room for more...
If you could go any place in the world to recharge your batteries, where would it be?
One place is Italy -- Florence, Tuscany area. A friend and I are actually doing it in July! Can't wait. I'd also like to spend a week (or a lifetime) in a cottage overlooking a nice, warm ocean. That's the last thing on my bucket list.
Thank you so much for being my guest, Cindy! Wishing you tons of success with your career and I can't wait to hear about your travels to Italy. Keep writing, my friend!
You can connect and follow Cindy here:
Website: www.cdavisnh.com or www.fiction-doctor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.davis....
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/inbox/#messa...
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
November 25, 2014
An interview with Sandy Appleyard!
I enjoy interviewing other authors as a way to get to know the person behind their books. I thought it would be fun to find out more about Sandy Appleyard from the Great White North -- Canada!
Welcome Sandy!
Sandy Appleyard
Here's Sandy's bio:
I'm a Canadian multi-genre author who writes both fiction and non-fiction. Writing non-fiction for me was inspired by the need to share personal life stories. Afterward, since I'd read so many fiction titles, I wanted to take a stab at it myself. I fell in love with it and the rest is history.
Can you tell us a little more about the stories you write?
My first two memoirs are based on my own life; about struggles I've encountered that I wanted to share in hopes to spread support and understanding. The most recent of my memoirs is a humorous diary of all the funny things my kids have said since they were born.
In romantic suspense, my main goal is to blend both personal knowledge and imagination to create interesting characters and situations. The characters you'll meet are murderers and serial killers, lovers, strangers, police officers, unloving mothers, cowards and unsung heroes.
How many books have you written?
So far there are eleven books completed but only six are published at this time.
Is there a general theme?
Yes; mystery, intrigue, passion and love...and happy endings.
Are you a full-time writer?
Very proudly so, yes.
Is there anyone who influenced you to become a writer? Perhaps a teacher, relative, friend, or favorite author?
There wasn't a particular person who inspired me to write, but a situation: too many thoughts stirring in my mind and no outlet.
What aspect of writing excites you the most?
New ideas and watching those ideas come to fruition. There isn't anything I dislike about writing; even editing births new ideas and skills.
If you could slip away for a few months to do nothing but write, where you would go?
Either California or Arkansas...your brow is lifting! Many of my stories take place in California and I've NEVER been there but always wanted to. One of my most touching stories (called 'She Only Speaks to Butterflies' - not yet published) takes place in a town within Arkansas, and I would love to visit to see if I wrote true to form.
Can you tell us about your latest release?
Don't Mess With Daddy's Girl is a romantic suspense, and the second in a series. The book is a stand-alone novel just like the others, so if you read one you won't have missed anything. This is a story about Jessica, who is the Chief of Police's daughter, and her stock-broker boyfriend Michael. They bicker over one of his stocks, Saigon, Jessica's plight being that he seems to care more about Saigon than her. Michael gets the chance to prove his love for Jessica when she is suddenly kidnapped at a family wedding. Shockingly, once the Chief of Police begins digging into clues, he learns that his daughter's kidnapper is linked to Michael.
Stealing verbatim from one of the reviews, "The story truly has all the makings of a made for TV crime drama." That is a poignant way to describe this book. I'm a huge fan of the TV shows, Criminal Minds and Murdoch Mysteries, and much of the twists in my work are inspired from the mechanics of these particular shows.
What are you currently working on?
On my desk right now is a very touching, dramatic story about a young actress who, in her youth, falls in love with an actor, and later seeks him out. But when he falls in love and marries her, he doesn't marry the real her; just a sanitized version. After she's involved in a near-fatal plane crash, he learns who she really is, as she remains comatose in the hospital. The book is to be called, Would You Still Love Me?
When you're not writing, what do you like to do?
My children are my life. Before I became a writer I was a stay-at-home mom, and in fact, my kids, as mentioned earlier, are what inspired me to write, No Thanks, Mommy, I Peed Yesterday. Both my girls have an incredible sense of humour and adventure...no idea where they got it from ;)
It's been a joy having you here, Sandy! Your books sound incredible. Best wishes with your writing and your career.
If you'd like to follow Sandy, you can find her here:
Website: www.sandyappleyard.com
Blog: www.sandyappleyard.com/posts/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandyappleyard
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wordscanexpress
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sandy-Appleyard...
LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/sandy-appl...
Welcome Sandy!
Sandy Appleyard
Here's Sandy's bio:
I'm a Canadian multi-genre author who writes both fiction and non-fiction. Writing non-fiction for me was inspired by the need to share personal life stories. Afterward, since I'd read so many fiction titles, I wanted to take a stab at it myself. I fell in love with it and the rest is history.
Can you tell us a little more about the stories you write?
My first two memoirs are based on my own life; about struggles I've encountered that I wanted to share in hopes to spread support and understanding. The most recent of my memoirs is a humorous diary of all the funny things my kids have said since they were born.
In romantic suspense, my main goal is to blend both personal knowledge and imagination to create interesting characters and situations. The characters you'll meet are murderers and serial killers, lovers, strangers, police officers, unloving mothers, cowards and unsung heroes.
How many books have you written?
So far there are eleven books completed but only six are published at this time.
Is there a general theme?
Yes; mystery, intrigue, passion and love...and happy endings.
Are you a full-time writer?
Very proudly so, yes.
Is there anyone who influenced you to become a writer? Perhaps a teacher, relative, friend, or favorite author?
There wasn't a particular person who inspired me to write, but a situation: too many thoughts stirring in my mind and no outlet.
What aspect of writing excites you the most?
New ideas and watching those ideas come to fruition. There isn't anything I dislike about writing; even editing births new ideas and skills.
If you could slip away for a few months to do nothing but write, where you would go?
Either California or Arkansas...your brow is lifting! Many of my stories take place in California and I've NEVER been there but always wanted to. One of my most touching stories (called 'She Only Speaks to Butterflies' - not yet published) takes place in a town within Arkansas, and I would love to visit to see if I wrote true to form.
Can you tell us about your latest release?
Don't Mess With Daddy's Girl is a romantic suspense, and the second in a series. The book is a stand-alone novel just like the others, so if you read one you won't have missed anything. This is a story about Jessica, who is the Chief of Police's daughter, and her stock-broker boyfriend Michael. They bicker over one of his stocks, Saigon, Jessica's plight being that he seems to care more about Saigon than her. Michael gets the chance to prove his love for Jessica when she is suddenly kidnapped at a family wedding. Shockingly, once the Chief of Police begins digging into clues, he learns that his daughter's kidnapper is linked to Michael.
Stealing verbatim from one of the reviews, "The story truly has all the makings of a made for TV crime drama." That is a poignant way to describe this book. I'm a huge fan of the TV shows, Criminal Minds and Murdoch Mysteries, and much of the twists in my work are inspired from the mechanics of these particular shows.
What are you currently working on?
On my desk right now is a very touching, dramatic story about a young actress who, in her youth, falls in love with an actor, and later seeks him out. But when he falls in love and marries her, he doesn't marry the real her; just a sanitized version. After she's involved in a near-fatal plane crash, he learns who she really is, as she remains comatose in the hospital. The book is to be called, Would You Still Love Me?
When you're not writing, what do you like to do?
My children are my life. Before I became a writer I was a stay-at-home mom, and in fact, my kids, as mentioned earlier, are what inspired me to write, No Thanks, Mommy, I Peed Yesterday. Both my girls have an incredible sense of humour and adventure...no idea where they got it from ;)
It's been a joy having you here, Sandy! Your books sound incredible. Best wishes with your writing and your career.
If you'd like to follow Sandy, you can find her here:
Website: www.sandyappleyard.com
Blog: www.sandyappleyard.com/posts/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandyappleyard
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wordscanexpress
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sandy-Appleyard...
LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/sandy-appl...
Lisette Brodey and Desert Star!
Welcome to my blog, Lisette! It's been a while since you've been here so catch us up to what's going on in your world!
Lisette Brodey
Hi, Jan,
Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog again. First, congratulations on your latest book, Taming Tori, in the Texas Boys Falling Fast series.
Aside from writing, I'm always busy at my writers' chateau. I've interviewed some fabulous authors of books in various genres, and a few of them have written some interesting guest blogs. I enjoy the in-depth conversations I have with both indie and mainstream authors about writing, research, publishing, promotion, creativity, and life in general.
You've just released book #2 in your Desert series. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
Desert Star is book 2 in my YA paranormal trilogy. Like book 1, Mystical High, it is set in Mystekal, a small town in the southern California desert. As in all of my books, there is more than just one story going on, though each enhances the other. For the sake of brevity, I can tell you that the main story is that of Larsen Davis, a 17-y/o senior who is not only being bullied at school for being gay, but also at home by his own mother, Raylene. When classmate River Dalworth witnesses the abuse and intervenes, the two seniors become good friends.
When Larsen meets River's mother, Arielle, and learns she is overseeing the renovation of the Desert Theater, he shares his dream for a career on stage. Soon, Arielle offers Larsen a job as her assistant, but his mother, Raylene, is dead set against the idea of her son doing what she considers "gay work." After Raylene gets a new boyfriend, Reggie, the bad situation at home worsens and Larsen has no choice but to leave.
Now working at the Desert Theater, Larsen feels the unearthly presence of someone in the long-abandoned theater. Meanwhile, as the theater nears completion, a talent show is scheduled for opening night. As it becomes more evident that the theater may have a ghost, it also comes to light that someone may be sabotaging the renovation and the show. Is the ghost real or just the handiwork of someone with a grudge?
Opening night at the Desert Theater sets the stage for a crime, never-imagined reunions, long-awaited explanations, and otherworldly miracles.
Excerpt:
River was just leaving school for the day when Gina caught up to him. "Hi there, River."
"Oh, hi, Gina."
"I was just wondering..."
"What? If I'm as good-looking close up as I am from a distance?"
Gina giggled. "Well, maybe."
Just as River was about to respond, Larsen appeared at his side. "Sorry to interrupt. I was wondering if I could speak to you for a minute. Before you head home."
Gina looked disappointed. "Guess I'll talk to you another time, River."
"Sure thing." River turned to Larsen as Gina walked away. "Let's go outside and hang a left. I think they spray for bullies there."
"Ha! I think they do. Thanks, Riv."
As soon as they walked around to the side of the school, Larsen leaned against the wall and exhaled. "Man, it's been a bad day."
"I'm really sorry about Jax and Antonio."
"They cornered me right after Ms. Carrow's class."
"Sucks, dude. Sorry I wasn't there."
"Listen, River. I wanted to thank you for standing up for me. People rarely do. I wasn't so sure Jax wasn't going to punch you out."
"I wasn't worried."
"I really appreciate what you did. I just don't want you to get caught up in my nightmare."
River shook his head. "No. It's everyone's nightmare when nobody stops bullies."
"I sure wish more people felt like you did. Wish they had your courage. I should be able to stop them without any help."
"Reinhardt's a big guy. Antonio is a body builder. We all need a little help now and then. Just try to go home and chillax."
Larsen looked down and kicked the dirt. "Home. That's a joke. I'm gonna tell you something, Riv, because I know I can trust you."
"You can. What's up?"
"Let's just say that being at school is better than being at home most of the time. And considering I've got two jerks bullying me, that doesn't say much, does it?"
River looked dumbfounded. "School is better than home? What's going on?"
"I've got a mother who's the biggest bully of them all."
"Your mom bullies you for being gay?"
"That's about right."
Mystical High - Book #1 in the Desert series
Are you working on book #3 in the series? Care to share a few tidbits?
Yes, I am. I'm notoriously closemouthed in talking about details of my novels that aren't finished or published, but I can tell you that book 3 will be the most romance-oriented book of the series.
With the publishing world recreating itself, as a seasoned author, do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
Well, Jan, there's a lot I could say on this topic, but I'll just keep it to three pieces of advice.
1. Write what you are passionate about, not what someone else tells you could be a "hot seller."
2. Take your time to write and rewrite. If you rush to self-publish or prematurely submit to an agent, you'll regret it. Very likely, you wouldn't take a half-cooked meal out of the oven before it was finished just because you were hungry so don't do the same with your book.
3. Have your book professionally edited. That said, anyone can call him or herself an editor and not have the skills to back it up. Be sure to read something that person has edited and have a small bit of your work edited so that you can see if it's a good match. Check out the person's credentials carefully. Simply having a friend or family member who is "good with English" isn't the same thing as having a qualified, experienced editor.
Thanks again for having me as your guest, Jan. It's been great!
It's always a joy to have you here, Lisette! Come back anytime.
Lisette's writing buddy, Bentley!
You can follow Lisette here...
Website: www.LisetteBrodey.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LisetteBrodey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrodeyAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisette-Brodey/...
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Lisette Brodey
Hi, Jan,
Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog again. First, congratulations on your latest book, Taming Tori, in the Texas Boys Falling Fast series.
Aside from writing, I'm always busy at my writers' chateau. I've interviewed some fabulous authors of books in various genres, and a few of them have written some interesting guest blogs. I enjoy the in-depth conversations I have with both indie and mainstream authors about writing, research, publishing, promotion, creativity, and life in general.
You've just released book #2 in your Desert series. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
Desert Star is book 2 in my YA paranormal trilogy. Like book 1, Mystical High, it is set in Mystekal, a small town in the southern California desert. As in all of my books, there is more than just one story going on, though each enhances the other. For the sake of brevity, I can tell you that the main story is that of Larsen Davis, a 17-y/o senior who is not only being bullied at school for being gay, but also at home by his own mother, Raylene. When classmate River Dalworth witnesses the abuse and intervenes, the two seniors become good friends.
When Larsen meets River's mother, Arielle, and learns she is overseeing the renovation of the Desert Theater, he shares his dream for a career on stage. Soon, Arielle offers Larsen a job as her assistant, but his mother, Raylene, is dead set against the idea of her son doing what she considers "gay work." After Raylene gets a new boyfriend, Reggie, the bad situation at home worsens and Larsen has no choice but to leave.
Now working at the Desert Theater, Larsen feels the unearthly presence of someone in the long-abandoned theater. Meanwhile, as the theater nears completion, a talent show is scheduled for opening night. As it becomes more evident that the theater may have a ghost, it also comes to light that someone may be sabotaging the renovation and the show. Is the ghost real or just the handiwork of someone with a grudge?
Opening night at the Desert Theater sets the stage for a crime, never-imagined reunions, long-awaited explanations, and otherworldly miracles.
Excerpt:
River was just leaving school for the day when Gina caught up to him. "Hi there, River."
"Oh, hi, Gina."
"I was just wondering..."
"What? If I'm as good-looking close up as I am from a distance?"
Gina giggled. "Well, maybe."
Just as River was about to respond, Larsen appeared at his side. "Sorry to interrupt. I was wondering if I could speak to you for a minute. Before you head home."
Gina looked disappointed. "Guess I'll talk to you another time, River."
"Sure thing." River turned to Larsen as Gina walked away. "Let's go outside and hang a left. I think they spray for bullies there."
"Ha! I think they do. Thanks, Riv."
As soon as they walked around to the side of the school, Larsen leaned against the wall and exhaled. "Man, it's been a bad day."
"I'm really sorry about Jax and Antonio."
"They cornered me right after Ms. Carrow's class."
"Sucks, dude. Sorry I wasn't there."
"Listen, River. I wanted to thank you for standing up for me. People rarely do. I wasn't so sure Jax wasn't going to punch you out."
"I wasn't worried."
"I really appreciate what you did. I just don't want you to get caught up in my nightmare."
River shook his head. "No. It's everyone's nightmare when nobody stops bullies."
"I sure wish more people felt like you did. Wish they had your courage. I should be able to stop them without any help."
"Reinhardt's a big guy. Antonio is a body builder. We all need a little help now and then. Just try to go home and chillax."
Larsen looked down and kicked the dirt. "Home. That's a joke. I'm gonna tell you something, Riv, because I know I can trust you."
"You can. What's up?"
"Let's just say that being at school is better than being at home most of the time. And considering I've got two jerks bullying me, that doesn't say much, does it?"
River looked dumbfounded. "School is better than home? What's going on?"
"I've got a mother who's the biggest bully of them all."
"Your mom bullies you for being gay?"
"That's about right."
Mystical High - Book #1 in the Desert series
Are you working on book #3 in the series? Care to share a few tidbits?
Yes, I am. I'm notoriously closemouthed in talking about details of my novels that aren't finished or published, but I can tell you that book 3 will be the most romance-oriented book of the series.
With the publishing world recreating itself, as a seasoned author, do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
Well, Jan, there's a lot I could say on this topic, but I'll just keep it to three pieces of advice.
1. Write what you are passionate about, not what someone else tells you could be a "hot seller."
2. Take your time to write and rewrite. If you rush to self-publish or prematurely submit to an agent, you'll regret it. Very likely, you wouldn't take a half-cooked meal out of the oven before it was finished just because you were hungry so don't do the same with your book.
3. Have your book professionally edited. That said, anyone can call him or herself an editor and not have the skills to back it up. Be sure to read something that person has edited and have a small bit of your work edited so that you can see if it's a good match. Check out the person's credentials carefully. Simply having a friend or family member who is "good with English" isn't the same thing as having a qualified, experienced editor.
Thanks again for having me as your guest, Jan. It's been great!
It's always a joy to have you here, Lisette! Come back anytime.
.jpg)
Lisette's writing buddy, Bentley!
You can follow Lisette here...
Website: www.LisetteBrodey.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LisetteBrodey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrodeyAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisette-Brodey/...
November 24, 2014
BIG ON CHRISTMAS!!
I'm so tickled and honored to be part of The Wild Rose Press's Twelve Brides of Christmas series!!
My part of the series is titled, BIG ON CHRISTMAS!!
Here's the blurb:
Born to free-spirited, convention-shucking parents, Cassie Newman thirsts for normal. Leaving L.A. with a secret, she finds herself in Woodstock, Vermont - a town rich with Christmas tradition. She's not big on Christmas but Woodstock feels like the perfect fit. Landing a job with Stennett's Hardware, she tries to forget the world she knew, but Luke Stennett's small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.
Luke Stennett has his hands full with running the store and caring for his dad. He's attracted to Cassie but he doesn't have time for a relationship. Things are starting to go right but he harbors a secret of his own that has the potential to turn everything upside down.
Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to L.A.? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Wild Rose Press
To celebrate, I'm giving away some prizes. Everyone is eligible to participate. All you have to do to be entered in the drawings is to leave a comment below. Winning names will be drawn on Wednesday morning (Nov. 26th) at 9:00 a.m. (EST)
Here are the prizes to be given away:
2 - $10 Amazon Gift cards
2 - Necklaces that I bought in Tennessee this summer especially for this drawing
1 - Sonomo Necklace
1 - Origami Necklace
* Every winner will also get a box of chai tea. Why? Because I'm silly that way and because my heroine in the story, Cassie Newman, drinks chai.
Good luck to all of you!
And...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
My part of the series is titled, BIG ON CHRISTMAS!!
Here's the blurb:
Born to free-spirited, convention-shucking parents, Cassie Newman thirsts for normal. Leaving L.A. with a secret, she finds herself in Woodstock, Vermont - a town rich with Christmas tradition. She's not big on Christmas but Woodstock feels like the perfect fit. Landing a job with Stennett's Hardware, she tries to forget the world she knew, but Luke Stennett's small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.
Luke Stennett has his hands full with running the store and caring for his dad. He's attracted to Cassie but he doesn't have time for a relationship. Things are starting to go right but he harbors a secret of his own that has the potential to turn everything upside down.
Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to L.A.? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Wild Rose Press
To celebrate, I'm giving away some prizes. Everyone is eligible to participate. All you have to do to be entered in the drawings is to leave a comment below. Winning names will be drawn on Wednesday morning (Nov. 26th) at 9:00 a.m. (EST)
Here are the prizes to be given away:
2 - $10 Amazon Gift cards
2 - Necklaces that I bought in Tennessee this summer especially for this drawing
1 - Sonomo Necklace
1 - Origami Necklace
* Every winner will also get a box of chai tea. Why? Because I'm silly that way and because my heroine in the story, Cassie Newman, drinks chai.
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Good luck to all of you!
And...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
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November 7, 2014
Sugar's Faith - Book #4 in the Sugar series - by Katie Mettner
When Sugar's Dance released three years ago today it was a story about faith, hope and love. Three years and three books later I ask the question in Sugar's Faith, "Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is....?". I used to think it was love, but after journeying with Sugar through these four books I know for sure the verse should read, "Hope, love and faith, but the greatest of these is hope and faith, for without them there can be no love." It doesn't have a great flow to it, so I'm pretty sure it won't catch on. You see, Sugar has taught me that without hope there is no love, and without faith there is neither hope nor love. After spending three years of my life with Sugar I can tell you without a doubt in my mind I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. Sugar will always be part of me and I hope after you've read her story, she will remain in your heart for years to come.
Excerpt from Sugar's Faith:
Oh, look, an antique store.” She pointed and I held the door for her. We stepped inside and I waved at the clerk behind the old wooden counter. “Donovan Walsh! Howya?” She called, coming around the counter. I had to look twice, but then recognized her. “Hello, Aileen. It’s been a long, long time. Howya? Are you still with Darcy?” I asked, giving her a short hug. She looked a bit sheepish, but nodded. “We’ve been married for almost fourteen years now and have two little ones.” “I guess it was meant to be then. Aileen, this is my wife, Tula.” I introduced them and Tula shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet one of Van’s friends from his childhood. You have a lovely shop here.” Tula said motioning around and Aileen glowed. “Thank you. It’s my pride and joy. Take your time and look around. Let me know if you have any questions.” She said, heading back to the counter to answer the ringing phone. Tula turned and raised a brow at me before pulling me behind a tall dresser. “I need a sweater.” “Are you cold?” I asked surprised.“Yeah, it got chilly in here when your eyes met hers. What’s the story?” She asked, hand on hip.I kissed her, just a short peck, and then looked around the tall set of drawers before answering. “That’s the girl who decided to go to the beach with the captain of the football team, rather than my grandmother’s funeral.” Her eyes got wide and she put her hand over her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry. Let’s go.” She said taking my hand, but I kept my feet planted. “No, we don’t have to leave. She has no consequence in my life, Tula. If anything, she did me a favor. If I had stayed with her, look what I would have missed out on.” I said, kissing her longer this time and convincing her tongue to play a little.Finally she broke away and snickered a little. “If you’re sure, because I would love to look around. I want to bring some things back for everyone. Something that would mean something to them, you know what I mean?” I nodded. “I understand. Lillie and I did the same thing when we came over, but we only picked up things for ourselves. We didn’t have anyone else to think about then. It’s probably a good thing we have our own plane this time.” I winked and she clapped her hands. “Oh I forgot. That’s right, we can buy whatever we want. Come on.” She grabbed my hand and we searched through all the nooks and crannies in the store. Tula stopped in front of a small basket and picked up a handkerchief. “What’s this, Van?” She asked, turning to me with it in her hand. “Oh, darling, it would be you that would find these.” I took it from her hand and held it in my open palm. “These are Irish handkerchiefs. Watch.” I laid it down on the table and pulled the ribbon, tying it in a bow and then putting my fist inside, turning it so she understood. “It’s a baby bonnet.” She sighed and I nodded, transforming it back to a handkerchief. “It’s a tradition to give a new mother a handkerchief like this when she’s expecting. The hat is used for the baby’s christening and then saved as a family heirloom. It’s a great tradition, luck o’ the Irish and all that.”She took the cloth from my hand and held it to her chest. “I think we need four.” She whispered, taking time to pick out more from the basket. “Four?” I asked. “We only need two, you and Lillie.”She turned and had a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. “One for Lillie and me, one for Julie because I know Brent will not be their only baby, and one for Ava. She could use a little luck o’ the Irish right now.” She said her chin quivering. When our godson Matthew was born to our friends Ava and Justin a few weeks ago he was missing his left foot. Tula felt an instant connection to him and hasn’t stopped worrying about him since. “He’s going to be okay, sweetheart. Ava and Justin are taking him to see the specialist, and you know they won’t do anything until they talk to you.” “I keep telling myself that, but he has a very special place in my heart. I know what he’s going to go through. I don’t want him, or Ava and Justin, to have to go through it, but I know it’s for the best.” She said, holding the handkerchief to her chest. I pulled her into a hug, certain that the pregnancy hormones were having a firm effect on her usual, we can overcome anything, kind of attitude. “He’s got two loving parents, and Trey and Grant who are wonderful caregivers. Best of all he has you, someone he can come to when he needs to talk to someone else who understands. If you ask me, he’s an incredibly lucky little boy.” I took the handkerchiefs from her and laid the one for Matthew on the top. “But, I think Ava would love to have this beautiful gift.” “Me too.” She finally said and I rubbed her back as she got herself back under control. “What was her name?” She asked pointing to the front desk. “Aileen.” I answered and she approached the desk, the handkerchiefs in her hands. “You have a beautiful shop, Aileen. I was wondering, do you have any lace? I need some to make crib bedding with.” She explained and Aileen’s eyes grew in size while my wife rubbed her tummy. I fought to keep a straight face, which wasn’t easy.“Congratulations.” She choked out, “But no, I don’t. Kyna might have some at her quilting shop, if you want to stop in.” Tula smiled brightly and laid the handkerchiefs on the counter. “Thank you, we’ll head there next. I’ll take these for now.” I stood there, rocking on my heels and grinning. God, don’t ever let her change. She is mine and she is wonderful, I prayed. She took the bag off the counter and waved to Aileen, joining me where I stood holding the door open. I slipped my arm around her waist, “You’re naughty.” I whispered in her ear. “And I love it.”
My Review:
When Katie Mettner writes a series, each book is easily a stand alone as well. She never leaves anything untied or unfinished. However, Katie leaves a trail of bread crumbs that hint there may be more to come. When I found out she was writing a fourth book in the series, I wondered what she could possibly put Tula "Sugar" and Donovan "Van" Walsh through, that she hadn't already done. Trust me, she puts her characters through a ton of stuff.
I eagerly began to read Sugar's Faith and was drawn into the love and chaos that is unique to Sugar and Van.
There are so many things I want to say about what happens in this story, but I fear I'll give too much away. Katie puts Van through the ringer with the pains of his past. In doing so, Sugar goes through the ringer too. There were times when their world was crashing down around them and I wondered if their love would survive. I wanted to take Van and give him a good shake; to tell him he's messing things up. The author has a knack for drawing raw emotion from her characters, and from her readers. I was on the brink of tears a few times. Of course, there are some fun scenes to break up the angst.
Katie effectively breathed life into Sugar who is an amputee, because she's literally walked in Sugar's shoes as an amputee herself. The issues and struggles come through crystal clear and Katie courageously shared another reality, other than physical and mental, that amputees have to deal with: devotees. You will have to read the book to understand what and who they are. I was shocked, to say the least.
Along with the chaos and trials of strength in this story, there is a lot of joy; especially when the story comes together completely at the end. I truly feel that Sugar's Faith is Katie Mettner's best book yet.
About The Author:
Katie Mettner grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and moved to the Northwoods where she now resides with her husband and three children. Katie writes spicy Christian romance and is the author of The Sugar series and The Northern Lights series. Her stories are a reflection of her love for family, intricately woven with life experience. When the gales of November blow early you can find her at the computer with a cup of joe working on her next adventure.
Find all of Katie's books on Amazon!
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