Sheila Seabrook's Blog, page 4

Romance Is Better Than Chocolate

Forget the chocolate eggs this Easter! From April 14th to April 17th, stuff your e-reader with 75+ #free and #99cent #romances. Then enter the rafflecopter for a chance to win a further 60 e-books. Just go to http://traceyalvarez.com/eastersale/ to have yourself some Easter weekend fun!

From my house to yours, happy Easter!

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Fall in Love with Romance Rafflecopter

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Welcome to the Fall in Love with Romance Giveaway Contest!

Our prizes are: 

1 – Black and White Diamond Heart Necklace from Kay Jewelers
2 – $50 (winners choice) Gift Card
3 – $25 Visa or Mastercard Gift Card
4 – Nicolas Sparks Movie Night (2 DVDs, Popcorn and Candy)

5 – Ghost Movie Night (1 DVD, Popcorn and Candy) 

To be eligible to win any of these prizes you must enter by using the Rafflecopter link below. Please note: to be eligible to win, you must leave a comment on the author’s page.

To earn extra bonus entries, comment on the “pinned FB posts” you’ll find with the above giveaway image on each author page. ALL entries will be confirmed, so please show these authors lots and lots of love!!!

Direct Rafflecopter Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/080aaeb419/?

A Year In Review

As 2016 comes to a close, I’m looking back over the year at all I did (and even a few things I should have done, but didn’t). This year:

I wrote and published book three in the Caught Between series: Caught Between a Rock and a Hunka Man.
I wrote and published Love Under Construction, book 4 in the 12 book Thurston Hotel series. There were 11 authors involved in this project and I had so much fun.
I completed the first draft of A Time to be Tender, book 3 in the Rocky Mountain series, and am currently in the revision stage (which for me is usually the longest stage in writing a book).
I took several online courses, including Obsessed with the totally obsessive Melissa Cassera, and B-School with the heart-centered Marie Forleo.
I sent out 12 monthly newsletters (a first ever for me!).
I received my RITA scores and while I didn’t final, I was thrilled and encouraged by the 8.5 out of 10 score.
I redesigned my website…sort of, or maybe that was last year. It’s always a work-in-progress, so it’s on my list of accomplishments every single year.
I finally added a free offer to my newsletter. Have you signed up yet? If not, do so and you can download a free copy of The Valentine Grinch.
I redesigned the Caught Between series covers and they’re perfect for these fun, sassy books.
I redesigned the cover for book 2 of the Rocky Mountain series (I love the Terms of Surrender cover so much better!), then designed the cover for book 3 in the series and held a contest to give the book a name.
I designed the website for smscreates.com.
I read…of course. Lots of romance, women’s fiction, and even some thrillers. And then there were the self-improvement books, and all those books on writing, social media, and marketing.
I journaled, gardened, decluttered, and even got down and dirty with some dust bunnies. I haven’t had to shovel yet (knock on wood).

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And I had fun. Now I’m ready to tackle another year.

How about you? What were a few of your accomplishments? Did you have any hard earned lessons or great achievements that you want to share in the comments? Do you plan out your year in advance? Or do you wing it? You know I love to hear from you so please talk to me in the comments!

Before you head to the comments section, I want to wish you a wonderful new year. May 2017 bring you much love and happiness!

 

 

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…

As I write this post, my favorite guy has a vacuum in his hands and is sprucing up the house for the holidays. I’ve been busy baking (check out my Facebook page for some delicious holiday squares) and in just three more days, the turkey will be in the oven. Yummmm…

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I’m super excited for the upcoming year. In early 2017, not only am I writing, but I’m diving into cover design, ebook and print formatting, and more. For a long time now, I’ve been handling the techie end of my writing career, so I’ve decided to indulge in my love of all things techie. Coming soon…smscreates.com.

In the comments, tell me about your favorite family holiday squares, and do you make them from scratch or buy them from the grocery store?

From my house to yours, I wish you a safe and warm holiday season.

 

 

A Thurston Christmas

Welcome to book twelve of the Thurston Hotel romance series. I’ve enjoyed reading the books written by the other authors in the series, and getting to know the town of Harmony and its characters a whole lot more, but now it’s time to say goodbye. A Thurston Christmas by Brenda Sinclair is the final book in the series. However, I’ve heard some rumblings about another group series, so no doubt the plotting and planning by our fearless group leader has already begun.

Quickie Q&A with Brenda Sinclair:

Chocolate, kraft caramels, or ice cream? Chocolate.

Coffee, tea, or wine? Wine.

Star Trek, Fifty Shades of Grey, or We’re the Millers? Fifty Shades of Grey.

Sweats, blue jeans, or a skirt? Blue jeans.

Sleeping, massage, or a beach vacation? Massage.

[image error]About the book:

After months of preparations, Riley Hamilton is finally marrying Brock Anderson one week before Christmas. With only three weeks to go, the wedding planner, Wendy Thurston, is still going crazy with demands from the bride’s mother, Riley is second guessing the choice for a wedding dress, and everyone’s favorite senior, Mrs. Arbuckle, has taken ill. And, the wedding planner is showing as much interest in the best man as in dealing with last minute details.

Thirteen years Wendy’s senior, Reg Anderson had no trouble convincing himself that the teenager he met years ago was too young for him. Now, seeing the gorgeous forty-year-old woman she has become, the old argument is losing steam. Especially when he’s spending time with the over-stressed wedding planner at the gym or at dinner. But, has he waited too long to reveal his feelings for her?

As the citizens of Harmony prepare for the marriage of the mayor’s daughter during the busiest time of year, new problems keep showing up. How much more can go wrong?

You can find out more about A THURSTON CHRISTMAS at the Thurston Hotel website.

And that’s a wrap, folks. I hope you enjoyed meeting all of the Thurston Hotel authors and their characters. May you have many hours of reading enjoyment!

Now please tell me in the comments…do you have some books on your Christmas wishlist? Please share. I’m always looking for more books to read!

To a Tea

Welcome to book eleven of the Thurston Hotel romance series.

[image error]About the book:

Chastity Howell has always loved Logan Wright. But at age seventeen, she made a mistake that almost destroyed both of their lives. Angry and disappointed, Logan ended their relationship. Unable to cope with the consequences, Chastity started drinking. Now, her heart won’t accept that their young love has perished in the aftermath of the disaster.

A man of convictions, Firefighter Logan Wright desires a good woman to start a family with. Once upon a time, a long time ago, he thought Chastity Howell was that woman. But with her troubled past, she doesn’t fit his image of the perfect wife.

Watching her interact with Harmony’s less fortunate, he wonders if maybe he’s mistaken. But with pain and hurt between them, can they forgive the past to build a new future together?

You can find out more about TO A TEA at the Thurston Hotel website.

Come back next Thursday to find out about book 12 in the series. Until then, happy reading!

An Angel’s Secret

Welcome to book ten of the Thurston Hotel romance series.

[image error]About the book:

Between Tessa Peters’ full time position as a maid at the Thurston Hotel, her weekend moonlighting, and training her dog, Otis, she doesn’t have time for a relationship. Besides, relationships don’t last anyway. So why can’t she say no to Luke, the handsome new guy who wants to help her train Otis?

Luke Dixon has a past he’d rather forget. His new posting in Harmony seems the perfect opportunity for a new life. Beautiful Tessa seems as sweet and wholesome as an angel, the exact opposite of what he’s left behind.

First impressions can be deceiving. By the time Tessa realizes Luke’s career could be a problem, she’s already falling hard. What will he think if he ever discovers her secret? The only solution is to deal with it fast — so that he never does!

You can find out more about AN ANGEL’S SECRET at the Thurston Hotel website.

Come back next Thursday to find out about book 11 in the series. Until then, happy reading!

Mrs. Arbuckle & The Thurston Heirloom

Welcome to book nine of the Thurston Hotel romance series.

One of the fun things about a series written with other authors is the comradeship that grows as we get to know each other better. I met author Suzanne Stengl many, many moons ago through CaRWA, the Romance Writers of America Calgary AB chapter.

Suzanne and I initially worked together in 2012 on the Bandit Creek series, and now again on the Thurston Hotel series. And that brings me to Mrs. Arbuckle—or as she’s known by the people of Harmony—Mrs. A.

During the developmental stage of the series, Suzanne came up the idea of writing a scene for each author’s book that leads in to the plot in her book, The Thurston Heirloom. In Love Under Construction, Mrs. Arbuckle was on the search for a PI to find her good friend’s long estranged daughter.

Quickie Q&A with Suzanne Stengl:

Chocolate, kraft caramels, or ice cream? Chocolate (dark).

Coffee, tea, or wine? Latte with a shot of caramel.

Star Trek, Fifty Shades of Grey, or We’re the Millers? I will boldly go with Star Trek!

Sweats, blue jeans, or a skirt? Blue jeans.

Sleeping, massage, or a beach vacation? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[image error]About the book:

It was time to move on. Time to start over.

Mariah Patrick, Jill-of-all-trades and recently dumped by her fiancé, has decided to leave town. She wasn’t marriage material. Better to learn that now, than later. With her debts finally paid, she has enough money for a Greyhound ticket south, and a peanut butter sandwich.

The funny thing is, once she arrives in Harmony, the town looks so welcoming—and familiar. Almost as if she’s been here before.

Teague Farraday, businessman, owner of Mountain Jewel Sports, and mountain guide—mostly, mountain guide—watched as the young woman stepped down from the bus. She had reddish brown hair, and lots of it. Creamy white skin, and tired eyes. And he—

He had a feeling he knew her, from somewhere. Somehow. But even if he didn’t, he was going to meet her now.

You can find out more about THE THURSTON HEIRLOOM at the Thurston Hotel website.

Come back next Thursday to find out about book 10 in the series. Until then, happy reading!

Loneliness & Betting on Courage

I have a confession to make. Earlier this week, I watched an episode of Marie TV which was all about the loneliness of working from home. Go. Watch the video. I’ll wait for you to return.

Loneliness is a real issue. I’ve always worked in an office, surrounded by people. Even during the years when I had my own office space, I rarely closed the door because I loved the sounds of phones ringing, people chatting, keyboards clicking, and printers whirring. So when I left my day job to write full time, I went from a busy, noisy office environment to total silence, where the only sounds were the voices in my head.

At first it was really cool. I no longer had to maneuver icy roads or winter storms to get to my office. I could role out of bed, grab a coffee, and wander down the hallway to work in my PJs. But as time went on, the silence around me grew heavy and depressing.

Years before, I had done one of those employer-employee tests that reveal personality. When mine showed that I was a social animal, I was quite surprised. I’ve always thought of myself as an introvert, quite satisfied with my own company…until that’s all I had ALL DAY LONG!

Do you struggle with the loneliness affliction? Here’s a few ideas that worked for me:

1. Once or twice a week, take your work to the local library or coffeeshop and let your silence be filled by the sounds of other people working and/or chatting.

2. Join a weekly class and meet new people.

3. Go for a long walk, headphones blasting your favorite upbeat music.

4. And my ultimate favorite…once a month, book a date with a friend (writer or other) and get out of the house for lunch or coffee.

In the comments below, please share whether or not you battle loneliness, and if so, what are some of the things you do to alleviate it.

Now, on to book eight of the Thurston Hotel series, BETTING ON COURAGE:

[image error]About the book:

On the run from her stalker ex-boyfriend, Charity Wong finds herself in Harmony. She takes a job waitressing at the 100-year-old Thurston hotel and rents a room from an older man–a man one of her co-workers warns her about. She’s not sure what to expect from him and the last thing she expects is to fall in love.

All David Evans wanted was someone to run errands and help him stay cocooned from the world. But with his new boarder, he’s experiencing more joy in his life than he has in years. Can he possibly fall in love when he can’t even manage to go out on a date?

And, when he learns Charity is in danger, can he overcome his fears and save her?

You can find out more about BETTING ON COURAGE at the Thurston Hotel website.

Come back next Thursday to find out about book 9 in the series. Until then, happy reading!

Secret Babies, Surprised Daddies, and The Starlight Garden

[image error]Do you love secret baby and surprise daddy stories? How about entering giveaways? Then check out the Secret Baby, Surprise Daddy giveaway page. You can pick your next read from twenty-five FREE and $.99 BARGAIN BOOKS, which includes book two in my Caught Between series…Caught Between an Oops and a Hard Body! And while you’re there, sign up for a chance to win a fabulous prize:

– A KINDLE Paperwhite

– or one of six Amazon Gift cards ($50, 2- $20, and 3- $10 Gift cards)

The special event MULTI-PRIZE GIVEAWAY runs on Friday, Nov. 11th only, so make sure to check it out.

Today also marks the release of book seven of the Thurston Hotel romance series.

[image error]About the author:

Maeve Buchanan spent much of her childhood reading and dreaming up stories, and often illustrated the stories she imagined. She’s thrilled to release her first published novel and is hard at work on her next book.

About the book:

Born and bred in the mountain town of Harmony, Alberta, psychic and New Age bookstore owner Nora Fitzgerald is resigned to being single.

That’s until handsome newcomer Jim Barnes arrives in town with his young daughter. Nora’s deepest desires are reawakened and the possibility of love finally seems to be within her reach.

But even the power of intuition can’t reveal that her attraction to Jim will lead her into grave danger.

You can find out more about THE STARLIGHT GARDEN at the Thurston Hotel website.

Come back next Thursday to find out about book 8 in the series. Until then, happy reading!