Ariella Moon's Blog, page 13
October 19, 2017
A New Release from Sherry Ewing and the Bluestocking Belles
One of my favorite medieval romance authors, Sherry Ewing, returns to the spotlight with "The Piper's Lady" in NEVER TOO LATE: A Bluestocking Belles Collection.
Heat Rating: PG
Blurb:True love binds them. Deceit divides them. Will they choose love? Coira Easton spent her youth traveling with her grandfather. Now well past the age men prefer when they choose a wife, she has resigned herself to remain a maiden. But everything changes once she arrives at Berwyck Castle. She cannot resist a dashing knight who runs to her rescue, but would he give her a second look?
Garrick of Clan MacLaren can hold his own with the trained Knights of Berwyck, but as the clan’s piper they would rather he play his instruments to entertain them—or lead them into battle—than to fight with a sword upon the lists. Only when he sees a lady across the training field and his heart sings for the first time does he begin to wish to be something he is not.Will a simple misunderstanding between them threaten what they have found in one another or will they at last let love into their hearts?
Excerpt:
“You saved me,” she whispered in a shaky tone. “You are truly a gallant knight to rescue me. Your liege lord must value you as one of his warriors.”Warrior? Him? He opened his mouth to correct her assumption but could not find the words. He knew she would think less of him if she but knew he was only the clan’s piper.“Are ye harmed?” he murmured, still holding the pleasing womanly curves of the lady who had not yet moved from atop him. Her brow rose, and Garrick inwardly cursed knowing there was no way to hide his Scottish accent.“Nay, but only because of your ability to move so quickly. Thank you, Sir…” She left her sentence linger in the air between them.“Garrick,” he answered, giving her his name, “of Clan MacLaren.”“My thanks, Sir Garrick,” she replied with a kind smile.They seemed to come to the realization the lists had become eerily silent with the exception of one person running in their direction.“Get your hands off her!” a voice bellowed.Before either of them could move, the woman was ripped from his arms, and Garrick saw her enveloped in the fierce embrace of Morgan. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and Garrick could not help the feeling of jealousy assaulting his emotions and tugging at his heartstrings.“Coira! By St. Michael’s Wings you gave me such a fright, woman,” Morgan scolded in concern. Setting her down upon her feet, he proceeded to clasp both her cheeks afore placing kisses on each.
Buy Links: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK
Help Sherry Ewing and the Bluestocking Belles spread the word:Tweets:
True love binds them. Deceit divides them. Will they choose love? The Pipers Lady @Sherry_Ewing #NeverTooLate $0.99 http://amzn.to/2fqMwPA
True love binds them. Deceit divides them. Will they choose love? The Pipers Lady by @Sherry_Ewing @BellesInBlue #NeverTooLate
It’s Never Too Late to find love @BellesInBlue #LoveDelayed @Sherry_Ewing
Never Too Late #LoveDelayed #Older Heroine @BellesInBlue @Sherry Ewing Character Bio: Garrick of Clan MacLaren
Garrick of Clan MacLaren has played his instruments to entertain the inhabitants of Berwyck Castle since he was a wee lad. Unknown to the knights who serve the Devil's Dragon, master of the castle, and who heckle him upon the lists, he has spent late hours secretly practicing with sword in hand to one day prove his worth.
Character Bio: Lady Coira Easton
Lady Coira Easton has spent many a year traveling with her grandfather ’til the time of his passing. Now, well past marriageable age, she finds herself the ward of her powerful cousin, the Devil's Dragon. He will determine her future husband, and will look no lower than a knight. Considering Coira's age, a nunnery might be her only option.
Bio:
Social Media Links:
Website & Books: www.SherryEwing.comBluestocking Belles: http://bluestockingbelles.net/Hearts Through Time: http://heartsthroughtime.comAmazon: http://amzn.to/1TrWtoyBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-ewingFacebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SherryEwingAuthorGoodreads: http://www.Goodreads.com/author/show/8382315.Sherry_EwingInstagram: https://instagram.com/sherry.ewingPin... http://www.Pinterest.com/SherryLEwingTwitter: https://www.Twitter.com/Sherry_Ewing
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October 16, 2017
A Few Words on Conjuring Magic
When it comes to writing paranormal romances, being a shaman comes in handy. Visit "Conjuring Real Life Magic for Halloween Romance Saga" at Writerspace.
Speaking of Halloween Romances...
The new version of
Spell Fire, Book 3, The Teen Wytche Saga
Is now with editor Nia Shay!
The first two books in the series are available in paperback and digital format.
Happy reading!
October 13, 2017
Happy Friday the 13th!
Fantasy Fiction Friday!
Hallows/Halloween is nearly upon us, and this looks like a great weekend for reading paranormal books. Fantasy Fiction writers are welcome to add their book cover, tagline, and one link to their clean (G or PG rated only, please) fantasy book in the comment section. Then please share!
I'll start things off with SPELL CHECK, Book 1, The Teen Wytche Saga.
Two girls, one boy, and a spell book...what could possibly go wrong?
Amazon
October 11, 2017
Things to Consider Before You Sign With a Small Press
Small Presses have their advantages and disadvantages. Before you sign a contract with a small press, take a long look at their website, list of authors, royalty policy, and the all important contract fine print.
1. Do they offer you a greater royalty on books purchased through their website? If so, check out their website. Is it professional? Ask the publisher how many visits the site gets per month and how many books they sell off it per month.
2. Ask about the average earn out for their authors.
3. How long have they been in business?
4. If they publish mostly romance, are they a member of the Romance Writers of America?
Discover more important facts to consider in my article, "Small Press Red Flags".
Copyright 2017 by Ariella Moon
October 9, 2017
Cindy Lynn Speer Interview and Amazon/Barnes and Noble Gift Card Giveaway!
Cindy Lynn Speer writes about four of my favorite things: Romance, Magic, Mystery, and Chocolate! She is here for a fun interview and will be to giving away a $50.00 Amazon/Barnes and Noble Gift Card to a randomly chosen winner. Meet Cindy Lynn Speer!
The Chocolatier's Wife &
The Chocolatier's Ghost
by Cindy Lynn Speer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Fantasy Mystery
The Chocolatier's Wife: ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY.... AND CHOCOLATE
A truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.
When Tasmin's bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn't have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William's own family, who all resent her kind - the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose - and he is intent on ruining William's family at all cost.
The Chocolatier's Ghost: Married to her soul mate, the chocolatier William, Tasmin should not have to worry about anything at all. But when her happily ever after is interrupted by the disappearance of the town’s wise woman, she rushes in to investigate. Faced with dangers, dead bodies, and more mysterious disappearances, Tasmin and William must act fast to save their town and themselves – especially when Tasmin starts to be haunted by a most unwelcome ghost from her past…literally.
The Chocolatier’s Ghost is an enchanting sequel to Cindy Lynn Speer’s bestselling romantic mystery, The Chocolatier’s Wife.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Chocolatier’s Wife
Time was, in the kingdom of Berengeny, that no one picked their spouses. No one courted—not officially, at any rate—and no one married in a moment’s foolish passion. It was the charge of the town Wise Woman, who would fill her spell bowl with clear, pure water; a little salt; and the essence of roses, and rosemary, and sage. Next, she would prick the finger of the newborn child and let his or her blood drip into the potion. If a face showed in the waters, then it was known that the best possible mate (they never said true love, for that was the stuff of foolish fancy) had been born, and the Wise Woman could then tell where the future spouse lived, and arrangements were made.
For the parents of William of the House of Almsley, this process would turn out to be less than pleasant.
The first year that the baby William’s finger was pricked and nothing showed, the Wise Woman said, “Fear not, a wife is often younger than the husband.”
The second, third, and even fifth year she said much the same.
But you see, since the spell was meant to choose the best match—not the true love—of the heart the blood in the bowl belonged to, this did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with.
On his seventh birthday, it seemed everyone had quite forgotten all about visiting the Wise Woman until William, who knew this of long habit to be a major part of his day--along with cake, a new toy, and a new set of clothes--tugged on his mother’s skirt and asked when they were going. She stared at him a long moment, tea cup in hand, before sighing and calling for the carriage. She didn’t even bother to change into formal clothes this time, and the Wise Woman seemed surprised to see them at all. “Well, we might as well try while you’re here,” she said, her voice obviously doubtful.
William obediently held out the ring finger on his left hand and watched as the blood dripped into the bowl. “She has dark brown eyes,” William observed, “and some hair already.” He shrugged, and looked at the two women. “I suppose she’ll do. I’m just glad ‘tis over, and that I can go on with my life.”
“For you, perhaps,” his mother said, thinking of what she would now have to accomplish.
“Do not fret, mother, I shall write a letter to the little girl. Not that she can read it, anyway.” He petted his mother’s arm. He was a sweet boy, but he was always charging forward, never worrying about feelings.
The Wise Woman rolled out an elegantly painted silk map of the kingdom and all its regions, his mother smoothed the fabric across the table, and then the Wise Woman dipped a brass weight into the bowl. Henriette, William’s mother, placed her hands on William’s shoulders as the Wise Woman held the weight, suspended, over the map.
Henriette held her breath, waiting to see where it would land. Andrew, her younger son, had his intended living just down the street, which was quite convenient. At least they knew what they were getting into immediately.
The plumb-bob made huge circles around the map, spinning and spinning as the Wise Woman recited the words over and over. It stopped, stiffly pointing toward the North.
“Tarnia? Not possible, nor even probable. You must try again!”
For once, William’s mother wasn’t being stubbornly demanding. Tarnia, a place of cruel and wild magic, was the last place from whence one would wish a bride. They did not have Wise Women there, for anyone could perform spells. The Hags of the North ate their dead and sent the harsh winter wind to ravage the crops of the people of the South. Five hundred years ago, the North and the South had fought a bitter war over a cause no one could quite remember, only that it had been a brutal thing, and that many had died, and it led to the South losing most of its magic. Though the war was long over and the two supposedly united again, memory lingered. “I have cast it twice.” The Wise Woman chewed her lower lip, but therewas naught else she could do.
“Not Tarnia, please?” Henriette, usually a rather fierce and cold woman, begged.
“I am afraid so.” The Wise Woman began cleaning up; her shoulders set a little lower. “I am sorry.”
William, staring out the window at the children playing outside, couldn’t care less. What did it matter where anyone was from? She was a baby, and babies didn’t cause that much trouble.
“Only you, William,” his mother said, shaking her head. “Why can you not do anything normal?”
This was to be the tenor of most of their conversations throughout their lives.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Cindy Lynn Speer has been writing since she was 13. She has Blue Moon and Unbalanced published by Zumaya. Her other works, including The Chocolatier’s Wife (recently out in an illustrated hardcover to celebrate its 10th anniversary) and the Chocolatier’s Ghost, as well as the short story anthology Wishes and Sorrows. When she is not writing she is either practicing historical swordsmanship, sewing, or pretending she can garden. She also loves road trips and seeing nature. Her secret side hobby is to write really boring bios about herself. You can find out more about her at www.cindylynnspeer.com, or look for her on Facebook (Cindy Lynn Speer) and Twitter (cindylynnspeer).
https://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Lynn-Speer/e/B001JOVNP2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY!
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Enter To Win!
The Chocolatier's Wife &
The Chocolatier's Ghost
by Cindy Lynn Speer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Fantasy Mystery
The Chocolatier's Wife: ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY.... AND CHOCOLATE
A truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.
When Tasmin's bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn't have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William's own family, who all resent her kind - the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose - and he is intent on ruining William's family at all cost.
The Chocolatier's Ghost: Married to her soul mate, the chocolatier William, Tasmin should not have to worry about anything at all. But when her happily ever after is interrupted by the disappearance of the town’s wise woman, she rushes in to investigate. Faced with dangers, dead bodies, and more mysterious disappearances, Tasmin and William must act fast to save their town and themselves – especially when Tasmin starts to be haunted by a most unwelcome ghost from her past…literally.
The Chocolatier’s Ghost is an enchanting sequel to Cindy Lynn Speer’s bestselling romantic mystery, The Chocolatier’s Wife.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Chocolatier’s Wife
Time was, in the kingdom of Berengeny, that no one picked their spouses. No one courted—not officially, at any rate—and no one married in a moment’s foolish passion. It was the charge of the town Wise Woman, who would fill her spell bowl with clear, pure water; a little salt; and the essence of roses, and rosemary, and sage. Next, she would prick the finger of the newborn child and let his or her blood drip into the potion. If a face showed in the waters, then it was known that the best possible mate (they never said true love, for that was the stuff of foolish fancy) had been born, and the Wise Woman could then tell where the future spouse lived, and arrangements were made.
For the parents of William of the House of Almsley, this process would turn out to be less than pleasant.
The first year that the baby William’s finger was pricked and nothing showed, the Wise Woman said, “Fear not, a wife is often younger than the husband.”
The second, third, and even fifth year she said much the same.
But you see, since the spell was meant to choose the best match—not the true love—of the heart the blood in the bowl belonged to, this did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with.
On his seventh birthday, it seemed everyone had quite forgotten all about visiting the Wise Woman until William, who knew this of long habit to be a major part of his day--along with cake, a new toy, and a new set of clothes--tugged on his mother’s skirt and asked when they were going. She stared at him a long moment, tea cup in hand, before sighing and calling for the carriage. She didn’t even bother to change into formal clothes this time, and the Wise Woman seemed surprised to see them at all. “Well, we might as well try while you’re here,” she said, her voice obviously doubtful.
William obediently held out the ring finger on his left hand and watched as the blood dripped into the bowl. “She has dark brown eyes,” William observed, “and some hair already.” He shrugged, and looked at the two women. “I suppose she’ll do. I’m just glad ‘tis over, and that I can go on with my life.”
“For you, perhaps,” his mother said, thinking of what she would now have to accomplish.
“Do not fret, mother, I shall write a letter to the little girl. Not that she can read it, anyway.” He petted his mother’s arm. He was a sweet boy, but he was always charging forward, never worrying about feelings.
The Wise Woman rolled out an elegantly painted silk map of the kingdom and all its regions, his mother smoothed the fabric across the table, and then the Wise Woman dipped a brass weight into the bowl. Henriette, William’s mother, placed her hands on William’s shoulders as the Wise Woman held the weight, suspended, over the map.
Henriette held her breath, waiting to see where it would land. Andrew, her younger son, had his intended living just down the street, which was quite convenient. At least they knew what they were getting into immediately.
The plumb-bob made huge circles around the map, spinning and spinning as the Wise Woman recited the words over and over. It stopped, stiffly pointing toward the North.
“Tarnia? Not possible, nor even probable. You must try again!”
For once, William’s mother wasn’t being stubbornly demanding. Tarnia, a place of cruel and wild magic, was the last place from whence one would wish a bride. They did not have Wise Women there, for anyone could perform spells. The Hags of the North ate their dead and sent the harsh winter wind to ravage the crops of the people of the South. Five hundred years ago, the North and the South had fought a bitter war over a cause no one could quite remember, only that it had been a brutal thing, and that many had died, and it led to the South losing most of its magic. Though the war was long over and the two supposedly united again, memory lingered. “I have cast it twice.” The Wise Woman chewed her lower lip, but therewas naught else she could do.
“Not Tarnia, please?” Henriette, usually a rather fierce and cold woman, begged.
“I am afraid so.” The Wise Woman began cleaning up; her shoulders set a little lower. “I am sorry.”
William, staring out the window at the children playing outside, couldn’t care less. What did it matter where anyone was from? She was a baby, and babies didn’t cause that much trouble.
“Only you, William,” his mother said, shaking her head. “Why can you not do anything normal?”
This was to be the tenor of most of their conversations throughout their lives.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Cindy Lynn Speer has been writing since she was 13. She has Blue Moon and Unbalanced published by Zumaya. Her other works, including The Chocolatier’s Wife (recently out in an illustrated hardcover to celebrate its 10th anniversary) and the Chocolatier’s Ghost, as well as the short story anthology Wishes and Sorrows. When she is not writing she is either practicing historical swordsmanship, sewing, or pretending she can garden. She also loves road trips and seeing nature. Her secret side hobby is to write really boring bios about herself. You can find out more about her at www.cindylynnspeer.com, or look for her on Facebook (Cindy Lynn Speer) and Twitter (cindylynnspeer).
https://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Lynn-Speer/e/B001JOVNP2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY!
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Enter To Win!
October 8, 2017
A Magical Interview: Ariella Moon and Brandi Willis Schreiber
This may be my favorite author interview ever!
Brandi Willis Schreiber is a rising romance writer whom I met in Orlando while we were promoting SECOND CHANCES: A Romance Writers of America Collection. I will let her tell you about our meeting, and the friendship that followed in her terrific interview, Spell Casting and Magical Infusion: An Interview with Author Ariella Moon.
Book Giveaway!In honor of Halloween and all things magical, Brandi will award one kindle copy of my Halloween Young Adult romance, SPELL CHECK. To enter the drawing, simply follow the above link and leave a comment. For a double entry, sign up for her wonderful newsletter, too.
Brandi Willis Schreiber is a rising romance writer whom I met in Orlando while we were promoting SECOND CHANCES: A Romance Writers of America Collection. I will let her tell you about our meeting, and the friendship that followed in her terrific interview, Spell Casting and Magical Infusion: An Interview with Author Ariella Moon.
Book Giveaway!In honor of Halloween and all things magical, Brandi will award one kindle copy of my Halloween Young Adult romance, SPELL CHECK. To enter the drawing, simply follow the above link and leave a comment. For a double entry, sign up for her wonderful newsletter, too.
October 6, 2017
Magical Books for October
Are you looking for a great Halloween or magic-themed book to read this weekend? Then sample the books excerpted by Authors of Main Street, including Spell Check, Book #1, The Teen Wytche Saga.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
“Spell Check is a great story for the young adult or the young at heart. I enjoyed the vicarious experience of falling in love, dealing with secrets, and working out best friend issues.” ~ Long and Short Reviews
Halloween looms, and so does the anniversary of Evie’s father’s death. She needs to pull herself together or she’ll lose her position as Yearbook Photo Editor. Even worse, Evie will lose Jordan, her secret crush, if she can’t stop her friend Parvani from casting a love spell on him. Despite a falling out, Evie never forgot Jordan. Now they are lab partners, and the chemistry between them definitely sparks.
The clock is ticking. Can Evie get her mojo back in time to check this spell?
October 4, 2017
The Amber Elixir eBook Release!
An Arthurian tale of magic, shape-shifters, and the quest to win back a forbidden love.
THE AMBER ELIXIR is now available as an ebook!
Already available in print, THE AMBER ELIXIR ebook is now available on Amazon Kobo Barnes and Noble
Viviane, the new Lady of the Lake and High Priestess of Avalon, accepts a challenge from Merlin unaware her bold actions will have tragic consequences. Two of her priestesses are turned to stone. A forbidden love deserts her. Now alone, she has six young handmaidens to train and protect.
When Morgan le Fay demands assistance with a spell that could change the balance of power in the Two Realms, Viviane refuses her. But what if Morgan’s secret knowledge could restore the stone priestesses? Would an alliance with the sorceress prompt Viviane’s love to return? Or will the gamble cost her all she holds dear?
Enter to win the first Two Realms book, THE BELTANE ESCAPE, here.
Follow Ariella Moon on Amazon.
October 1, 2017
September's Contest winner!
Congratulations to Lori Shames, September's Contest Winner!Lori won a digital copy of SPELL CHECK, and a SECOND CHANCES tote bag.To enter October's Giveaway click here.
One lucky participant will win an eBook copy of THE BELTANE ESCAPE , in celebration of the October 3 release of THE AMBER ELIXIR , A Two Realms Novella.
Happy reading!
September 23, 2017
Ariella Moon Book Signing
See you all at B-Fest! I will be talking about creative writing and signing books starting at 5:00 PM. #BFestBuzz
SEP23
InterestedB-Fest- Teen Book FestivalToday 1 PM · Barnes & Noble (Palm Desert, CA) · Palm Desert, CAYou like Barnes & Noble (Palm Desert, CA)
SEP23InterestedB-Fest- Teen Book FestivalToday 1 PM · Barnes & Noble (Palm Desert, CA) · Palm Desert, CAYou like Barnes & Noble (Palm Desert, CA)
