S.C. Mitchell's Blog, page 10

Give me a little sugar.

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Welcome to the romance Writers Weekly blog hop, where every week a great group of romance writers answer questions and accept challenges. Diverse in what we write, we are unified in the quest to bring you, the romance reader, a very happy ever after.

You can join us daily on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceWritersWeekly/

Whether you’re joining me from J. J. Devine’s blog post or starting your blog hop here, welcome.

Today’s topic comes from the wonderful J. J. – What is your favorite holiday cookie recipe?

Now I’m sure the idea behind this topic is to give you all some great cookie recipes you can bake, but I’m not much of a baker or cookie maker.

However, I do consider myself a top-notch cookie eater, and when it comes to Christmas cookies, I don’t hold back, and I pretty much love them all. (Thus the continuing New Years resolution to lose weight.)

But my all-time favorite, the one i only allow myself during the Christmas season, is the plain old Iced Sugar Cookie. (

Anyway, I have these tempting me right now:

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I’m thinking breakfast…

Okay, while I add another couple of pounds to my middle section, head on over to Leslie Hachtel’s blog and check out her cookies as the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop continues at: https://lesliehachtelwriter.wordpress.com/

Also check out Leslie’s wonderful novel Once Upon A Tablecloth:

Release Day: Z-Bot

It’s out! Xi Force #1: Z-Bot.

Look out Avengers. Move over Justice League. Here comes Xi Force, Earth’s sexiest superheroes.

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Blurb:

Chris Johnson never really started living until he died. Orphaned, fostered, and drifting through life, the twenty-seven year old programmer had no family, little money, and few friends. But he also had no enemies. So, who the hell killed him? After an experimental process brings him back from the dead as a zombiebot, he gets the chance to find out.

Heather Logan’s latest process uses nanobots to reanimate a corpse. Half robot, half something raised from the dead, Chris is her first successful resuscitation. Questions abound. What is it? Is it truly alive, a machine, or some kind of zombie-hybrid?

But someone wants to steal Heather’s secret process and put her out of the picture permanently. Chris, with his new superpowers, is the only thing standing between Heather and an assassin’s bullet. Is he enough of a hero to save her?

Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077F4NHDX

 

 

Check out the Health Nut Café

My friend and fellow Soul Mate author Rhonda Frankhouser has a new release coming up, and it looks to be a lot of fun:

Health Nut Café
By Rhonda Frankhouser

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BOOK BLURB…

Imagine recognizing someone you’ve never seen before…

Becka Clemmons’ one true passion is running the Health Nut Café. Awakened every morning by the same nightmare, Becka sees the world through tainted eyes. She’s never believed in fairytale romances until Jonathan Parker walks through the café door one cool, foggy morning. She struggles to understand why this familiar stranger makes her crave things she’s never craved. Solving the mystery of Jonathan is the first thing that has ever taken her focus away from her cafe.

 

Imagine missing someone you’ve never met…

Jonathan Parker is the idealistic son of old money who knows exactly what he wants. Day after day, he searches to find the missing connection that eludes him, until the morning he lays eyes on Becka. He knows his search is over but the struggle to make her believe has just begun. From that moment, he works to prove to Becka that they belong together.

 

Will Becka let herself believe? Will Jonathan’s family ruin their chance at love?

 

Rhonda Frankhouser

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LINKS

Webpage: rhondafrankhouserbooks.com

Facebook page: Rhonda Frankhouser Books

Twitter page: @RJFrankhouser

BIO –

Rhonda Frankhouser has been an author with SoulMate Publishing since November of 2016. Her debut novel, Return to Ruby’s Ranch, earned and InD’Tale Magazine RONE Finalist award, and Uncaged Magazine Raven Finalist, and a Books and Benches Reviewer’s Top Pick, Seal of Distinction. Her second release, Health Nut Café, is due out in Fall of 2017. Rhonda lives with her own knight in shining armor in central California, with her two pug puppies, Geddy and Ruby, and their beautiful Labrador, Dutch.

The book just went up for pre-order at: https://www.amazon.com/Health-Caf%C3%A9-Shadowing-Souls-Book-ebook/dp/B077X3WTGP/

 

EXCERPT

I cupped the cool, clear water in my hands, letting it filter through the tiny crevices between my fingers. I watched a brilliant colored spider make her way across her water-jeweled web toward an unlucky fly. Above me, the sun shone across the mist, creating a rainbow that rippled in three directions. Lying now on a rock at the edge of the pool, I closed my eyes and dreamt of a time when my life would make more sense.

I must have fallen asleep because I jolted awake when I heard a voice from the landing just above where I lay.

“Becka,” the call echoed off the water and walls. At first I thought I was dreaming, so I lay still and let it come. The familiar voice became clearer when my name was called again, this time from a point closer than the last.

“Becka, are you all right?” The deep baritone whisper was so sensual it made me smile. I didn’t open my eyes until I felt a hand caress my shoulder. Even then, I couldn’t believe I was awake.

“Are you all right?” Jonathan removed his pack and sat next to me on the rock, touching my cheek with the palm of his hand.

I gathered everything inside my heart and soul and tried to move away, feeling caged by the intimate way he leaned over me. The concern in his eyes held me down until he saw that I was okay.

“Thank goodness.” He didn’t move away. “I thought you’d passed out again.”

“What the hell?” I sat up straight and scooted back. My voice was controlled, though my question was demanding. “Did you follow me here?”

“I followed you and Annie from the resort, yes. It was your mother’s idea for me to come to Hawaii. She told me where to find you.”

“Why would she do that?” I stood up and took a step away.

“She thought I should come here and talk to you.” He watched me as I slowly put distance between us.

I remembered my mother’s coy smile when she gave me the airline tickets, and I knew in that instant that he was telling the truth. My mother’s meddling frustrated me. “That figures.”

I gazed over his slightly squared, handsome face. Not handsome in the pretty sense, more the serious, rugged sense. His wavy hair was tucked behind his ears, the mist brightening the lighter strands. The eyebrows of a slightly darker shade were manly, but not too bushy. His skin was bronzed with a fresh tropical tan, and those kissable lips were shadowed by a day-old beard. A satisfied smile broke when he noticed my perusal, but I didn’t stop staring until I caught those eyes, the color of the deepest part of the ocean.

“How old are you?” I asked, finding no noticeable wrinkles. The oddness of the question at that particular moment surprised us both.

“Twenty-nine.” He slowly stood up and moved toward me.

“Oh.” I watched him carefully.

“Does age matter to you, Becka?” He raised his hand.

“Matter for what?”

“Does it matter how old I am if you want me and I want you?” He took another small step, closing the distance. “Besides, your mother already told me you’ve only got me by a few years. I like older women.” He winked and flashed that disarming smile again.

Whoa. I swear Silvy. I held up my hand as I took another step back away from him. He watched this with curiosity, not really seeming to take my retreat as a negative response.

Stepping into the cool water up to my knees, I could think of nothing but escape. Even water was better than the lethal energy vibrating around Jonathan. “Do you always blurt out what you’re thinking?”

“You don’t like to answer questions, do you, Becka?” He moved his pack farther up on the rock, slipped off his hiking boots and socks, and followed me out into the pool, wading closer with every step.

“Your questions have no answers, Mr. Parker.” I watched his taut body press against his T-shirt and cargo shorts. “I have a question of my own, if you don’t mind,” I said, forcing my eyes from his body. “Why are you here? Why did Silvy think we should talk?”

“Because your mother thinks we belong together, and you’re just denying it.” Once again without pretense.

“Oh.” My breath caught. “So the two of you decided ambush would be the best way to convince me of this?” My stomach clenched.

“She just wanted you to stop running for one second and listen to what I have to say. She thought Hawaii would be the perfect place for us to have some time alone together without any distractions.”

“Why wouldn’t she let me in on this grand plan of hers?” I wanted to see how he would explain it though I knew this was how Silvy works.

“Because she figured you wouldn’t approve. She told me that you’re not a believer, that you’d be tough to convince.”

“A believer in what?” I knew exactly what he was referring to, but I wanted to hear him say it. I couldn’t believe Silvy had created another disciple so quickly.

“Doesn’t matter. We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I’d like an answer to the question I just asked you.” He stood directly in front of me.

“I don’t remember the question,” I lied, looking away, unable to move when he tilted my chin up with the touch of his finger. My knees threatened to give out from beneath me as he searched my eyes.

“I know you feel it, too. I can see it.” He whispered the words just seconds before sweeping his lips across my forehead. “It almost hurts, the way it feels.” He spread light kisses over my face, first around my eyes, then along my cheekbones, finally capturing my lips gently, tasting them with the tip of his warm tongue.

At that moment, I was frozen in a fantasy dream, being taken by Prince Charming in a tropical paradise. I could do nothing but respond to his wishes. The taste of him was salt and spearmint, his scent an intoxicating manly smell of soap and sweat. I realized I’d closed my eyes, but I wanted to see. I wanted to be sure this was really happening to me, Becka Clemmons, celibacy’s woman-of-the-year.

When I finally found the courage to open my eyes, I saw him then, for the first time without fear in my heart. This gentle man, whom I knew nothing about, had me completely enraptured. I decided to let it happen, to try and satisfy this desperate feeling inside so it would leave me in peace.

I drew my hands up over his strong shoulders, feeling the hardness of his body against mine. I ran my fingers through his hair as though I’d done it a thousand times before. My breasts now melted against him, hard and demanding.

My mouth opened and I willingly participated in our first real kiss. The kiss sent shocks of excitement through every limb of my body, landing a current squarely at the pit of my stomach, where an incredible ache began to grow. I was prepared to drag him on that rock and ravage him. I’d never had desire affect me the way it did with this man. It made no sense to me, but clarity wasn’t important at that moment.

“Becka.” He pulled away suddenly, leaving me desperate to have him back in my arms, desperate to have him. “Can you feel it? This is not the first time we’ve been together. It feels too natural and real.” His hands held my face between them, his eyes nearly wet with pain.

“Please don’t make this more than it is. It’s just desire, nothing more.” Tears ran down my cheeks for no reason I could grasp. I felt the fear coming back to me, replacing the need with its fury. “I…. I can’t, Jonathan. I don’t understand this.” I took his hands from me, biting back regret as I did so – my stomach sick with emotion.

From above I heard Annie calling, the voice of rescue just in time. I backed away slowly, leaving him there once again, alone to face our connection without me, too afraid to face it with him. It was just too much for me.

 

Cover Reveal – Z-Bot

Set for release December 6th, I’m proud to reveal the cover of my next book, the first in a new series about sexy superheroes.

Move over Avengers. Get out of the way Justice League. Here come’s Xi Force.

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Z-Bot
Xi-Force #1

Blurb:

Chris Johnson never really started living until he died. Orphaned, fostered, and drifting through life, the twenty-seven year old programmer had no family, little money, and few friends. But he also had no enemies. So, who the hell killed him? After an experimental process brings him back from the dead as a zombiebot, he gets the chance to find out.

Heather Logan’s latest process uses nanobots to reanimate a corpse. Half robot, half something raised from the dead, Chris is her first successful resuscitation. Questions abound. What is it? Is it truly alive, a machine, or some kind of zombie-hybrid?

But someone wants to steal Heather’s secret process and put her out of the picture permanently. Chris, with his new superpowers, is the only thing standing between Heather and an assassin’s bullet. Is he enough of a hero to save her?

 

Adopt a Werewolf #FREE

It’s Halloween season and time once again for our annual Adopt a Werewolf campaign. They’re furry, they’re sexy, and you know you want one.

I’ve got hundreds (maybe thousands) of these fluffy, cuddly, homicidal creatures packed up and ready to go. Quite frankly, the howling and snarling is starting to get on my nerves. And now is the best time to adopt your very own werewolf.

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The wonderful people at Amazon.com had graciously consented to send them out #FREE to your Kindle or Kindle device. You simply have to stop by their site and click one button to have one winging it’s way.

That’s right, There’s no such thing as Werewolves is once again #FREE now through Halloween.

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Get your before they’re all gone at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAE45A

Wednesday Special Spotlight The Soul Mate Tree book ten

Can you believe we’re already at book 10? And because I’m in edits and on a deadline, I’m going to send you to someone who does a much better job of presenting Soul Song than I would:

C.D. Hersh

Wednesday Special Spotlight

Shares

Soul Song

by

Mikea Howard

THE LEGEND OF THE SOUL MATE TREE:

I am old, I am ancient, my purpose is clear
To give those who are needy a treasure so dear.
They who come to my roots, touch my bark, stroke my leaves
Find the soul of their lives if they but believe.
When I call and you listen, your prize will be great
If your heart remains open and you don’t hesitate.
Do you yearn? Be you lonely? Is your time yet at hand?
Reach for me and I’ll give to you. I’m yours to command.
For your trust, for your faith, keep my secrets untold
And I’ll gift you forever, to have and to hold.

An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds. To some, it’s nothing more than a dream. To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations.

For…

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A Summer Fling

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Welcome to the romance Writers Weekly blog hop, where every week a great group of romance writers answer questions and accept challenges. Diverse in what we write, we are unified in the quest to bring you, the romance reader, a very happy ever after.

You can join us daily on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceWritersWeekly/

Whether you’re joining me from Dani Jace’s blog post or starting your blog hop here, welcome.

Today’s topic comes from the wonderful Jenna Da Sie – Write a poem about summer ending.

I’ve never considered myself much of a poet, but this week’s topic inspired me to give it a try:

 

A summer fling

 

Long days, hot nights

A beach-side stroll in the pale moonlight

Stardust paints your perfect lips

Dare to take a skinny dip?

 

Feet sink in hot white sand

Your warm skin, my questing hand

You lay with me under the moon

Making love until we swoon

 

Your hand in mine, felt so secure

A relationship to build and nurture

Could it stay forever true?

Could there be a me and you?

 

The sun sets earlier each day

Not as much time to while away

As nights grow cold so does your heart

You ask me why we chose to start

 

That fight we had the other day

Was that what drove you far away?

I miss your touch, your smell, your taste

Was it truly all a waste?

 

You say it was a summer fling

Not true, not love, not anything

You only want to be my friend

Why did the summer have to end?

 

So, what do you think? Let me know in the comments down below.

Then check out what A.S. Fenichel wrote as the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop continues at:  http://asfenichel.com/blog

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Sweet Sacrifice by L. D. Rose

The next installment of the amazing Soul Mate Tree series is out:

Sweet Sacrifice
by
L.D. Rose

THE LEGEND OF THE SOUL MATE TREE:

I am old, I am ancient, my purpose is clear

To give those who are needy a treasure so dear.

They who come to my roots, touch my bark, stroke my leaves

Find the soul of their lives if they but believe.

When I call and you listen, your prize will be great

If your heart remains open and you don’t hesitate.

Do you yearn? Be you lonely? Is your time yet at hand?

Reach for me and I’ll give to you. I’m yours to command.

For your trust, for your faith, keep my secrets untold

And I’ll gift you forever, to have and to hold.

An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds. To some, it’s nothing more than a dream. To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations.

For those in critical need of their own happy ending, a gift.

Former Navy SEAL Sebastian “Bash” Lockard died in Afghanistan after leaping on a grenade to save his comrades. Little did he know his act of heroism would grant him a ticket into Heaven’s elite army as one of the few and powerful Archangels. Struggling with his new existence, Bash still retains his human memories, leaving behind a wife he loves with all of his heart. Although he’s forbidden to see her, he can’t resist her lure, or the mortal desires he harbors for her.

As a young widow and nurse, Irene Lockard still mourns her husband two years after his untimely death. His absence is everywhere, and when her best friend weds, she hits an emotional rock bottom. As if summoned from the skies above, Sebastian appears before her, and they share an unforgettable night. But when he once again vanishes, she wonders if she’s truly gone mad with grief.

The only way Sebastian can remain with Irene is if he makes the ultimate sacrifice. But will she overcome her fear of losing him again to another war?

Links:   Sweet Sacrifice

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KJTJT8/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074KJTJT8/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B074KJTJT8/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/d/B074KJTJT8/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35912787-sweet-sacrifice

Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/writerldrose/sweet-sacrifice/

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/12150626565/playlist/4nG0R3mLB36hP2osulBBJp

 

Book Trailer for The Soul Mate Tree Series:

Bio:

      L.D. Rose is a neurotic physician by day, crazed writer by night, and all around wannabe superhero. She writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but she’s been known to delve into horror, sci-fi, and medical suspense on occasion. L.D. Rose is a PAN member of the RWA, FF&P, NEC-RWA and CoLoNY. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her studly hubby, her hyperactive boxer, and her two devious cats.

Sign up for her newsletter for the latest on the Senary, sneak peeks, giveaways, and other fun stuff: http://eepurl.com/bKvuXD. You’ll receive a free horror short story with sign-up!

You can also join her reader group on FB for more shenanigans.

Romance Writers Weekly – If I had a million dollars.

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Welcome to the romance Writers Weekly blog hop, where every week a great group of romance writers answer questions and accept challenges. Diverse in what we write, we are unified in the quest to bring you, the romance reader, a very happy ever after.

You can join us daily on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceWritersWeekly/

Whether you’re joining me from CL Marcolini’s blog post or starting your blog hop here, welcome.

Today’s topic comes from the wonderful Leslie Hachtel – If someone handed you a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Well, after seeing the topic my mind instantly jumped here:

And then I had to Google Dijon ketchup. (Yup, there’s a recipe.)

This is just the way my mind works these days.

So, where were we?

Oh yeah, $1,000,000.

Seriously, I have spent many millions of dollars (in my head) to purchase lost of really stupid and useless stuff.

I’ve always wanted my own castle. Then I’d have to fill it with swords and armor and tapestries and . . . well, you get the picture.

Life-sized action figures. I’d need all the Avengers (even Hawkeye). Yeah I Googled life-size Hawkeye Action Figure – couldn’t find one. But, if I had $1,000,000…

Any way, I would buy a lot of dumb stuff, that my wife would probably make me send back.

So, I would probably just give it to my kids. They’re gonna get it anyway.

What would you do with $1,000,000. Let me know in the comments down below, then click on to find out what A.S. Fenichel is going to buy with her windfall: http://asfenichel.com/blog

Also check out her amazing Forever Brides Series:

 

 

Once Upon A Lady

It’s live today – the eighth book in the amazing Soul Mate Tree series:

THE LEGEND OF THE SOUL MATE TREE:

I am old, I am ancient, my purpose is clear

To give those who are needy a treasure so dear.

They who come to my roots, touch my bark, stroke my leaves

Find the soul of their lives if they but believe.

When I call and you listen, your prize will be great

If your heart remains open and you don’t hesitate.

Do you yearn? Be you lonely? Is your time yet at hand?

Reach for me and I’ll give to you. I’m yours to command.

For your trust, for your faith, keep my secrets untold

And I’ll gift you forever, to have and to hold.

An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds. To some, it’s nothing more than a dream. To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations.

For those in critical need of their own happy ending, a gift.

Respectable Lady Katherine Baxton, striving to meet the requirements of her station, has become the ultimate dutiful daughter. And now, the Duke of Blackthorn’s betrothed. Far from a love match, Kate is nevertheless determined to do as expected and marry.

That all changes the night she panics at her impending future and runs, stumbling upon a private grove, a mysterious tree. . . and a half-naked man.

The youngest son of a viscount widely thought to have purchased his title, Jackson Cooper demonstrates his disdain for the aristocracy by affording himself every luxury available—drinking, wenching, and gambling—while eschewing anything representing the ton. Jackson has little care for his reputation and no desire to marry. His escape from London is all but complete.

Until fate—in the form of a beautiful, mysterious lady—interrupts his plans, enticing him with the very thing he never wanted.

Excerpt:

Kate felt his approach before she saw him. Which wasn’t all that surprising since her body had remained mindful of his presence. Fighting the impulse proved fruitless.

When his tall frame blocked the sun and cast her in shadow, she knew besides giving him a direct cut, she had no escape. If only she hadn’t ventured from her sister’s side. At the time, abandoning Helena had been her singular option since their slow stroll through the gathering had traveled too close to the very man standing beside her. She’d been delaying the inevitable.

Kate was now alone, as she tried to keep her attention on the lawn activities before her, hoping no one would witness what was about to happen.

“Aren’t sprites confined to the trees?” His deep voice washed over her.

She didn’t turn to acknowledge him. “How nice to see you properly dressed for once.”

His chuckle warmed her. “Are you following me?”

An unladylike snort refused to be repressed. “Hardly. You are rather difficult to overlook, being the only unknown face here.”

“That’s not true. You’ve seen my face . . . as well as other, more interesting parts.”

Kate wished she’d listened to her sister and worn a bonnet. Anything to mask the heat flaring in her cheeks.

Thankfully he remained at her side and hadn’t a clear view of her face. “We have not been introduced. I can’t be seen speaking to you.”

“Then let us go where we can’t be seen.”

Her heart raced at his boldness. Why was this man so tempting? She was spoken for, though still unofficially. Proper ladies didn’t follow strange men to private locations, regardless of their marital status. “Absolutely not.”

“Even if I have something of yours?”

Blast! Her ring. Given her luck lately, she would have lost it in the grove of all places. Her aunt would toss in her grave knowing Kate had misplaced her gift.

“A true gentleman would return it.”

His deep laugh caused her pulse to flutter. “I’m no gentleman. Or haven’t you heard?”

Buy Link  Once Upon a Lady

Once Upon a Lady Book Trailer:

Book Trailer for The Soul Mate Tree Series:

Bio:

Addie Jo Ryleigh writes historical regency romances that feature rakish heroes and strong feisty heroines.

Addie Jo has lived in the same cold-winter-hot-summer area of Minnesota her entire life. Sharing in the raising of her three extremely rambunctious boys is her very understanding husband who endured being dubbed “The Duke” by his co-workers. Keeping Addie Jo company while she writes (besides her wonderfully loud children) is her yorkipoo, Bella, who is never far from Addie Jo’s side. And recently the newest addition to their family, a black lab named Max.

Addie Jo has always had a love and passion for romance books and became engrossed in historical romance (particularly Regency) soon after graduating from Lurlene McDaniel’s young adult books. Currently, Addie Jo reads any genre that has a great emotional story that keeps her reading into the early hours of the morning.

Addie Jo has a bachelor degree in accounting and is a financial coordinator when not playing chauffeur for her hockey-playing boys, cuddled up with a good book, or writing her next story.

Find Addie Jo at:

Website   Amazon    Facebook    Twitter    Goodreads    Instagram    Pinterest

The Soul Mate Tree books:

Book One: Realm of the Dragon, by CiCi Cordelia

Book Two: Can’t Stop the Music, by C.D. Hersh

Book Three: Between Venus and Mars, by S.C. Mitchell

Book Four: The Trail to Love , by Tina Susedik

Book Five: Make Me a Match , by Mackenzie Lucas

Book Six: A Promise Remembered , by Erin Riley

Book Seven: Never Give Up On Love , by Maggie Mundy