Ariella Moon's Blog, page 27

A Question of Boundaries: A Realm Hopping Paranormal Romance

I love alternate history novels, don't you?I'm adding to my To Be Read list Sandy Bruney's paranormal fantasy romance, A Question of Boundaries
   Caroline trusts Nathan with her life…but can she trust him with her heart?
By 1895, the United States is in the 80th year of the isolation imposed by King Thomas I and upheld by his successors. But, some are chafing under the shortages and restrictions, and when inventor Dr. Featherstone declares he has found a way to override all borders, there are those who applaud the discovery and those who fear it.When Dr. Featherstone fails to return home for an important scientific gathering, his daughter Caroline enlists the help of the Member of Parliament from Charlotte, Nathan Llewellen. As the two search for the kidnappers, Caroline is plunged into a world where travel to other realities is possible in the blink of an eye, and people can assume the forms.




ExcerptNot wasting time in thought, Caroline gathered her skirts in her fists and ran. There was an alley not five feet from her and she slipped between the two buildings and scurried down it, ignoring the filth underfoot. She heard angry cries behind her and ducked into a side alley between two of the buildings. These, she could see now, were in a state of disrepair that suggested they had been abandoned years ago. Windows were broken and left gaping, doors hung aslant from their hinges. She paused a moment to catch her breath before continuing down the smaller alley, in reality a path not wide enough for two people to  pass each other. The dank smell made her gag and she covered her nose with one hand, the other still holding her hem out of the mud. She held back a scream as a rat ran over her shoe and into a hole in the crumbling brickwork.The pathway ended without warning and she was in a side street. There were no street lights and the shadows cast by the buildings shifted and eddied as though the bricks and stones were alive. There were no people, either, for this was a section of the city not many visited unless they were hiding from someone or something. She wondered if she was meant to be a prisoner in one of the derelict buildings. No one would think to look for her there.Hearing voices again, she knew she had not escaped. She cast a frantic glance around her and saw an opening: another alley. Not quite sanctuary, but close enough. She ran as fast as her shaking legs would carry her, coming to a halt by an iron gate. She attempted to open it, but the rough metal gouged her fingers, drawing blood. Whirling, she looked back. It would be a matter of seconds before her pursuers guessed where she had gone. She was trapped unless the alley was so dark they could not see her and would go on by.A hand closed around her mouth as someone grasped her arm. “Hush. Be still.”For a moment her mind reeled in denial. How had they come up behind her so quickly? Then she caught a tantalizing, familiar scent: a faint masculine odor mixed with the clean smell of pine-scented soap. Nathan.Seeing she recognized him, Nathan removed his hand. He didn’t have to tell her to be quiet. The light at the end of the alleyway was blocked by the silhouettes of two men.She raised her brows in inquiry. Had they been seen? Her unspoken question was answered as the men began to walk forward.“Got to be in here. Nowhere else she could go,” she heard in the broad accent of the man who had first tried to kidnap her in the lobby of the Capitol building. She held up four fingers to tell Nathan how many were searching for them. Leaning his head down so his lips touched her ear, he whispered, “Caroline, do you trust me?”She nodded, not daring answer aloud. Their pursuers were halfway to them and would spot them in seconds.Nathan took her hand in his. “Hold tight,” he said.And then everything disappeared.


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Sandy Bruney is a writer living in North Carolina with her husband and a rescue calico cat. She is the author of several works of women’s fiction, but broke away from that genre with the paranormal romance, A Question of Boundaries “because it was so much fun to write.” She has also written a non-fiction book recounting her journey with cancer, and co-wrote a psychological thriller with a former newspaper co-worker.
A Question of Boundaries will be followed by A Question of Loyalty in 2015, also from Astrea Press. Find out more about her books at Amazon’s Author Page.

Contacts:www.sandrazbruney.com
http://sandybruney.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Z-Bruney/144258408921090

Angel or Ghost? A Contemporary Christmas Romance by Mya O'Malley

Mya O'Malley returns with a heartwarming Christmas novella. Welcome Mya!
Blurb
            Sometimes love only comes once in a lifetime. For some lucky people, it is possible to love again.  Melody and Jack had shared an unforgettable love story that abruptly came to an end. Melody, left picking up the pieces, finds herself alone years later, with no hope or desire to date again.  With the holiday season approaching, Melody finds it particularly difficult to get Jack out of her thoughts. Jack isn’t sure if he’s an angel or a ghost, but his mind is set on one thing only, finding a new love for Melody by Christmas Eve at midnight.  Easier said than done, with many obstacles to tackle, Jack underestimates how difficult the task is. With conflicting emotions, Jack takes it upon himself to find a man for a woman he still loves. With the clock ticking as the holidays approach, this charming story of finding love the second time around will have you laughing and crying, but ultimately, it will have you believing in true love.


             Excerpt from If You Believe- Mya O’Malley
He stood, watching her, feeling every ounce of her pain, her anguish. He was probably the only one who understood what it was like to lose the person you loved, the person who was everything in the world to you.

If only he could just touch her, reach out to her, make her feel happy again. But that was just selfish on his part, wasn’t it? It wouldn’t be fair to Melody. Anybody could see that even three years later, she was still struggling. Hadn’t he always told her that if something happened to him, he would want her to fall in love again? It saddened him to think that if she continued down this cold and lonely path, she would be alone forever.

Melody had wanted it all, a home filled with children, a loving marriage. Thinking back to how happy they had once been, it broke his heart to see her this way, and it was always saddest to see her like this around the holidays, which were quickly approaching.

Jack’s mind was whirling with ideas, if only...He wished that he could talk to her just one more time, but alas, that was against the rules. If only there was some way, if only he could help her see the light. The corners of Jack’s mouth crept up as his mind took hold of an impossible thought. Would he be able to pull this off? If he did, could he ever be the same again? …

The electricity was undeniable. It was something that he should have considered, knowing how powerful their attraction and love had been in life. The look on Melody’s face was shock, confusion and curiosity all rolled into one. He would have to remember not to touch her again, it was simply too much of a risk to take. He knew that if his cover was revealed, the rules stated that he could never make contact with her again.

“What was...did you feel?” Poor Melody peered at him with those gorgeous light brown eyes of hers. There was something different about her eyes now; once they had been filled with spark and mischief, but now they were sadder, as if the light had somehow gone out. The same eyes that had looked at him with varying degrees of emotions for all those precious years they had shared together. The same eyes that held him spellbound right now. Jack didn’t know what to expect; he had no way of knowing how hard it would be to not reach out and touch this woman who was his wife, the love of his life. She evoked so much emotion in him that he had to turn his head before she saw the tears that sprang from his eyes. He had known this would be hard, but Melody took his breath away. Melody was always beautiful, but now she also appeared slightly sad and fragile. Looking down at her so many times before, he knew of her sadness, of course, but standing right here beside her, Jack could practically feel her strong emotions within his own heart.

Since he had gone to great lengths to disguise his true identity, Jack would have to do better than this. There was no way that she could recognize him by his appearance. He was once tall,standing six foot three inches tall, maintaining a trim physique with messy light brown hair. He now stood barely five foot seven with wavy dark hair and a stocky build. The only thing about his appearance that Jack wasn’t able to change was his eyes. Nobody could change their eyes, because it was a fact that eyes were the windows to the soul.

Melody stood before him, her mouth gaping open as if she were caught in a spell. Think of something, quick, he told himself.

“Melody. I heard great things about your store. You see, I’m new to this area and I was just walking around and I figured I’d come check out your store.”

Melody appeared as if she had composed herself slightly. Clearing her throat, she finally spoke. 
“Where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking.”

He really should have been more prepared, how could he have forgotten how inquisitive Melody was?

“Um, I’m from down south, Florida.”

“Whereabouts? I have a friend from the Orlando area.” He should have also remembered her old college roommate from Orlando. Was Miami far enough away to field off further questions?

“Miami.”

“Miami? What brings you all the way up north to the New York area?”

Wow, she should have been a lawyer instead of owning a business. “My job. I work in the city now and live here in the suburbs.”

“What do you do for work?”

Thinking quickly on his feet, Jack steered away from his real occupation in life, working for an insurance company.

“I work for a pharmaceutical company. I’m in sales.” That ought to do it. He was reminded of a time when Melody had quizzed him nonstop when they had first met, he had felt like hewas interviewing for a job. They had laughed many times together over that memory.

“Oh. Well, who is it that recommended you to my store?” Her eyes peered cautiously through her striking auburn hair. The long hair that was always slightly out of place, always in her eyes. Wishing that he could reach out and touch her beautiful hair just once more, he reeled himself back in.“Just some guy at a diner recently. He raved about the selection of books and the coffee. Hmm, if I recall, he also said that you have the best cheesecake in town.” That should do it. Melody loved to bake and could go on and on about her desserts.

And that she did, thank goodness for the distraction of a good cheesecake. When Melody had stopped gushing about how she prepared her cheesecake, she caught herself and chuckled.

“You must think I’m something, rambling on like this. I’m sorry, I just realized that I didn’t catch your name.”

My name, my name. Something unusual perhaps, but fitting for a friend. “Oliver.” Where did that come from?

“Oliver. Well, Oliver, I don’t usually do this because we are closed, but would you like to try some of the cheesecake? We happen to have some left over.”

“Oliver” could tell that he had gotten on Melody’s good side. She wasn’t a particularly outgoing person. As a matter of fact, she was usually pretty shy, but he was delighted to see that he had made an impression on her. Or perhaps it was just good business sense. Either way, Oliver had succeeded in completing the first step of his mission: meeting Melody.                                                                      ****Melody couldn’t recall the last time that she had felt so comfortable with a total stranger. It wasn’t like she was even physically attracted to him, Oliver wasn’t her type at all. He wasthe complete opposite of Jack in every way. Well, in every way except for those captivating blue eyes. It was uncanny how much Oliver’s eyes reminded Melody of Jack’s eyes. It wasn’t just the color or the shape, but it was the intensity of his gaze. That was probably why Melody had felt so comfortable with him from the start.

“I know that you’re going to think this is forward, but would you mind showing me around town sometime?”

Melody sucked in a breath and inwardly panicked.

“My girlfriend is coming up in a few weeks and I wanted to show her around a bit.” He finished.Melody’s shoulders visibly dropped as she let out a sigh. “Sure, yes, Oliver, I think that would be fine.”

Two finished slices of chocolate cheesecake and decaf coffees later, Melody realized this was the best evening she’d had in, well, just about three years.

Buy LinksAmazon Barnes and Noble
About Mya Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters.  The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby.  Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy.   She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students. Also by Mya O'Malley            Mya currently has two new releases: At First Sight, a contemporary romance about dating in the modern world, published by Astraea Press, and Where There is Love, a contemporary romance in which a woman struggles with past obstacles, ultimately faced with whether or not she will open her heart to love. Where There is Love is published with Solstice Publishing. Mya is excited to say that Astraea Press will be releasing her contemporary holiday paranormal romance titled If You Believe on November 18, 2014. Due to be released late January is The Calm After the Storm,published by TouchPoint Press. This novel is a contemporary romance taking place in the setting of Hurricane Sandy. The story revolves around the idea of a utility worker from Georgia falling in love with a woman in New York.             Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child.   Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on.  She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters.   Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica.   Mya is currently working on her sixth novel.  

$50.00 Book Blast Giveaway for Spell For Sophia!

To celebrate Spell For Sophia, Book 4, the Teen Wytche Saga,
I am a Reader is giving away a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash prize.To enter, visithttp://www.iamareader.com/2014/11/50-book-blast-giveaway-spell-sophia-ariella-moon.html
A Young Adult, time travel, paranormal romance
by Ariella Moon
Happy reading!

Accepted: A debut New Adult Sweet Romance

Young/New Adult author Coleen Lahr is in the spotlight today with her debut contemporary romance novel, Accepted. 

Blurb
Ashley Smith spent her life being shipped from one family member to the next. When Ashley’s estranged father dies, she finally has the money to go to college and the chance to find a place where she belongs.
Within days, Ashley has found the one thing she’s always longed for – a family. She may have even found love. There’s only one problem. Ashley likes Colin…a lot, but so does Randi, and everyone likes Randi. Randi’s approval is the single easiest way to belong. Falling in love with Randi’s crush is the single easiest way to find oneself on the outside for the next three years.

When Ashley arrived at college, she never dreamed she’d find this kind of happiness. Will she allow herself to hold on to this happiness, and Colin, or will her fear of losing her friends, the only friends she’s ever known, dictate her actions?

Excerpt
As I sat next to Colin in Organic Chemistry, I wondered if having classes together was actually a good thing.            Unlike my first professor, the Organic Chemistry professor comprehensively explained the syllabus, including course requirements, objectives, policies and assignments. All things I was sure were going to be important in the grand scheme of the course.            And I didn’t hear a word she said.            Once again, I was completely distracted by the man sitting next to me.            We were in another massive classroom dominated by stadium seating. We would, over the course of the semester, split our time between this room and the chemistry lab. There were no spaces between the seats, just a thin metal arm rest jutting out from the spot where the seat backs met each other.Every time Colin moved — to grab his notebook, to turn off his cell phone, to turn the pages of the syllabus we were reviewing — his body brushed some part of mine. By the time we were on the third page of the syllabus, he had brushed me three times with his arm and once with his leg.And I was frozen.Every time he touched me, albeit accidentally, my stomach dropped, and my cheeks flamed. My entire face was on fire within the first twenty minutes of class, and I couldn’t concentrate on anything but the boy to my left. I was afraid to move even a quarter of an inch for fear that I would inadvertently shift myself too far away for his unintentional brushes.To make matters worse, my mind, which never wanders in class, began to drift away and I, the girl who rarely loses focus on a task, drifted with it.As I sat frozen in my seat, waiting for the next time Colin brushed against me, I wondered what it would be like if his brushes weren’t accidental — if he was touching me on purpose…leaning his leg against mine casually as he relaxed in his seat, running his fingers down my arms, holding my hand in his, entwining our fingers together…And as I imagined this, I felt myself smiling, my fantasy becoming so detailed that I could actually feel his warm hand, his long fingers, wrapping around my wrist. I could hear him saying my name again and again, the concern in his voice growing each time he repeated it…Wait…what?“Ashley?  Ashley?”Oh no. I looked over at him. His face was filled with concern. I cringed.“Sorry.” I smiled sheepishly. “I’m just…” I closed my eyes and rubbed my face, which was on fire, in my hands. “…You know, taking it all in. E-everything’s a little o-overwhelming,” I stuttered. I hoped that being overwhelmed was a good excuse for acting like a lunatic.He smiled. “Don’t worry, Ash. I’ll help you.” And as he stood, he put his hand under my elbow to help me up.Thank goodness next class is in the lab.
Buy LinksAmazon:  http://amzn.to/13CDeEB
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/accepted-coleen-lahr/1120679923?ean=2940150383920

Bio
Coleen writes young adult novels, loves running, rock music, the shore, daisies and bread.

When Coleen's not plotting or writing her next book, she can be found making sandwiches in her family's restaurant, running (but mostly walking) Disney marathons, reading any book she can get her hands on and playing with her adorable kid. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, daughter, two dogs and lizard. 
Connect with Coleen
www.coleenlahr.comfacebook.com/coleenlahr

New Young Adult Heroine Has Something in Common with Former Street Dog

Fiction and reality collided last week.
Avalon is a former Indio street dog. The people who found her cleaned her up and spent three weeks unsuccessfully searching for her owners. When I adopted her, Avalon had a tremendous fear of strangers, dogs, and streets without crossroads that offered no escape. Clearly, being attacked was her greatest fear. Daily walks were tortuous, but after a year, my dog Gracie and I were able to coax Avalon on walks up to two miles from home. Avalon in happier times.
What does Avalon have in common with Sophia, the gutsy, betrayed, kidnapped teen protagonist in Spell For Sophia? Four days ago, I would have said nothing. But then a near tragedy struck.
The sun lingered on the top of the mountains like a Christmas tree star. The desert had cooled to a comfortable seventy-nine degrees, and for once, no wind blew sand and toxins. Coyotes had been menacing the neighborhood for months, driven down from the mountains a year ago after a wildfire. I searched our cross street and seeing no coyotes, headed east. Miss Gracie, a tiny Chihuahua/Papillon/Poodle mix that resembles Yoda or a gray mop depending on the length of her hair, trotted to keep up with Avalon, a Havenese mix, and me.
We soon entered a nearby neighborhood of decent homes, so close to the airport; jet fuel often lingered in the air. We passed the house with the mesh fence where a medium-sized dog barked at us, as it does every time we pass. We turned the corner and continued our loop. We had almost ambled to the end of the block when the mesh fence dog burst from behind a parked SUV, crossed the street and stopped a couple of feet from us. One look and I knew the dog had hunted us down and planned to attack.
Gracie post-surgery, her wounds covered by a tee shirt.You know those police dramas where they send a cadet through an obstacle course and she faces pop-up people and has seconds to decide whether or not to shoot? That’s how it felt, when a young girl ran up crying and screaming, “Help me! That’s my dog! Catch him!”
I had maintained eye contact with the beast until the crying child popped up. The second I broke eye contact with the canine, it lunged. My dogs circled behind me tethered and vulnerable. I had once served on a jury in a pit bull attack case. My take-away had been: if an animal attacks your dogs, release your dogs if it is safe (i.e. don’t do it if your dog is in danger of running into a busy street). I frantically disentangled my hands from the leashes and poop bag. The attack dog clamped down on Gracie’s shoulder, rendering her powerless to fight back or escape. Gracie screamed and yelped. Avalon, as soon as I released her leash, bolted for safety.
Gracie needed emergency surgery. The bite went to the bone and tore several muscles and tissue. Her pain and injuries are serious and obvious. Avalon appeared unscathed. But like Gracie, she stopped eating. That’s when I realized Avalon had witnessed her worst fear. The tagline for Spell For Sophia Sometimes the worst scars are the ones you cannot see, floated into my thoughts.
As Spell For Sophia hits online bookstores, I hope readers embrace Sophia. The poor girl has been through a lot. And I am grateful to my neighbors, friends, family, and fans that have sent healing thoughts, prayers, and Reiki to Gracie and Avalon.

Namaste~Ariella
© 2014 by Ariella Moon

Queen ~ Bestselling Author Heather Gray's New Regency Romance

Bestselling author Heather Gray returns with Queen, the third novel in her Regency Refuge series.


QUEEN(Regency Refuge #3)

You can't hide from the past.
Queen's world was shattered, and she was banished to a foreign land. Years pass before she dares to return, but what she finds is of little comfort. Greed and dishonesty have festered and grown in her absence. Embittered and cynical, Queen trusts few people.
Owen pursues a clandestine investigation and finds himself working side-by-side with a veritable ghost, an agent few have seen, a master of disguise known simply as Queen.  He craves her trust…but then uncovers a secret from his family's past that could destroy her.
Queen once sought refuge in America and now seeks it in disguise. Owen has always found his refuge in God, but will his faith be strong enough for the challenges ahead? Can he convince Queen to stop hiding, or is he doomed to become her most hated enemy?

Excerpt :Three days had passed since the beginning of his employment with Lady Rutherford. Owen stared at the ledgers spread out across the considerable breadth of the walnut desk and blinked slowly. By jove, I think I'm on to something here. At the sound of approaching feet, he closed the ledger and picked up some of the late viscount's correspondence.
     The housemaid shuffled in then. "I'm here to stoke the fire, Mr. Lobbing."     "Go ahead. By the by, can you tell me your name? I keep forgetting to ask."      She bobbed her head and gave a half-curtsy. "Isadore."     "I'm pleased to meet you, Isadore."     "But we've met before, Mr. Lobbing."     He chuckled. "Of course, but we've not been introduced until this moment."     She gave him an odd look and went about her business with the fireplace. He'd not seen her the last couple of days, and according to Chambers, she'd been punished for some infraction and assigned scullery duties. The butler hadn't been forthcoming about the infraction, so Owen had been left wondering.     "It's good to see you out and about again, Isadore. The footman did a passable job with my fire, but he's not nearly as efficient as you."     She glanced at him with wide eyes before she dropped her gaze back to her task. Once she was done with the fire, she took a step toward the door, but her foot caught on the edge of a rug. Time slowed. Isadore lurched to her right then overcorrected and stumbled wildly to her left until her feet became tangled up in the legs of a globe stand. The globe teetered, its position precarious, and Owen jumped to rescue it. Neither of their jobs would be secure if something happened to the globe, and he had a feeling Isadore didn't have many employment choices.     Isadore, in fighting to get her feet free, finally sent the globe stand toppling onto its side. The globe tumbled out, striking the floor before Owen could get a hand on it. He helped Isadore to her feet and found his eyes drawn to her blue ones in the most peculiar way. Owen turned his back to her and set the globe's stand to rights again. Then he reached for the globe, but Isadore must not have been quite steady on her feet yet, for her foot slipped past him and kicked the the spherical object before she regained her footing.     "I'm so sorry, Mr. Lobbing. Do you think it's damaged? I can't get in trouble again, I jus' can't."     Owen glanced from Isadore to the globe. It had made a sound when rolling that last little bit. "I'm sure it's fine. You'd best be on your way."     He picked up the globe and examined it. Much to Owen's relief, the sphere remained unbroken. Isadore did not need more trouble with her employer. Waiting until the maid was out the door, he shook the globe. A definite clank met his ears. Owen ran his fingers across the globe's entire surface. A compartment had to be hidden within. Sure enough, over the western part of the colonies along one of the seams, a slight irregularity could be felt along the surface, nothing more than a small bump. Firm pressure from his fingers, and he heard a satisfying click. The globe came apart in his hands.

Author Bio :Heather Gray authors the Ladies of Larkspur inspirational western romance series, including Mail Order Man, Just Dessert, and Redemption.  She also writes the Regency Refuge series: His Saving Grace, Jackal, and Queen - plus contemporary titles Ten Million Reasonsand Nowhere for Christmas.  Aside from a long-standing love affair with coffee, Heather’s greatest joys are her relationships with her Savior and family.  Heather loves to laugh, and this theme is prevalent in her writing where, through the highs and lows of life, her characters find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywriting, http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite, and http://www.heathergraywriting.com.  She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theinspiredinkpot.

Buy Links :Amazon US –  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P8ACR1C/Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00P8ACR1C/Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen-heather-gray/1120679916KoboSmashwordsiTunes
Where to Find Me :My Website – http://www.heathergraywriting.comFacebook – http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywritingGoogle+ – https://plus.google.com/+Heathergraywritingnow Twitter – http://twitter.com/LaughDreamWritePinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/LaughDreamWrite

November's Moon Magic

November’s Full Moon 2014
Photo by Cheryl Reynolds, Courtesy of Worth A Dam
Wikimedia, creative commonsMourning Moon, Beaver Moon, Full Frost Moon
November’s Taurus full moon appears on Thursday the sixth at 5:23 pm Eastern Standard Time. Expect to feel the force of Venus, Goddess of Love, ruler of Taurus, as she illuminates your hidden feelings concerning love and sensuality. Because Taurus’s motto is “I HAVE,” you may also find yourself focused on money matters. Since Taurus governs the throat, it is also a time to pursue questions you may have about money or a relationship. Ask yourself, “What is the truth I am not speaking? What questions have I been afraid to ask?”
Full moons are a time of expansion and completion, a time to perform magic for what you would like to increase. But remember to invest your time in the mundane tasks that support magic. For example, some Native Americans called the November moon the Beaver Moon because it marked the time when beaver traps needed to be set in order to have furs for winter. Magic performed through chants, dance, or spells were backed by actively tending to practical matters. If you are uncertain what tasks or steps you need to take to achieve love and/or abundance, consider performing the following ritual.



Full Moon Illumination Ritual
·      Begin by creating a quiet sacred space. Place any crystals you wish to charge in a safe place where moonlight will bathe them during the night.·      Light a white candle. If you’d like, light incense.·      Have a pen and paper in hand.·      Close your eyes and clear your mind. If the day’s problems intrude upon your meditation, cast them off as they enter your mind. Have a mental fleet of balloons ready. When an intrusive thought appears, mentally place it in a basket connected to a balloon and launch it. Envision the balloon carrying the problem away. ·      With your mind clear, slow your breath.·      Tilt back your head, exposing your throat.·      Ask your guides, What steps should I take to attract _______________ into my life?·      Lower your chin. Write down every thought that comes to you. Don’t judge, edit, or reject. Just write the words.·      When the messages stop, thank your guides for the information.
·      Read your list. How many items had you thought of before, but had resisted implementing? Perhaps now is the time to finally act.

A Christmas Regency Romance from Lindsay Downs

As I count down the week until Spell For Sophia debuts, let me introduce you to Lindsay Downs, whose Christmas Regency romance also launches on November 11 from Astraea Press. Don't you love the cover? I do!

 A Bluestocking’s ChristmasBlurb-Lady Brittany Sexton loves her newest book on Africa but she quickly learns keeping it in her possession is difficult. For her, the problem lies with Lord Samuel Palmer, who believes ladies should not read inappropriate tomes. Part of Lord Palmer’s fascination is the cryptic messages found in the margins. What quickly develops between Lady Brittany and Lord Palmer is even more confusing.As Christmas draws nearer and with the book still in her possession, Lord Palmer follows her to her parents country estate.  It’s there they, along with some friends, slowly make sense of the notes.During all of this, Lady Brittany learns a fact about Lord Palmer that disturbs her greatly—why he desired the book. To clear her mind and think about her answer to Lord Palmer’s sudden proposal, she goes for a horseback ride, only for disaster to strike.Once well, she returns home. Lady Brittany now has to make a life changing decision. Can she… will she marry Lord Palmer ?
Excerpt-“Lady Brittany, what an unexpected pleasure meeting you. Then again, it’s well known within the ton you’re a bluestocking so I’m not that surprised on seeing you here,” he informed her with a bow.“M’ lord, I’m truly astonished to see you at such a fine establishment as Mr. Winterbottom’s. After overhearing your conversation last night, I wasn’t sure you knew how to read. Now please remove yourself from in front of me so my maid and I may return home,” she demanded.This time, much to her amazement, he did as asked and without saying anything until she stepped out the door and about to descend the steps.“I hope you were able to find a book or two so you won’t be lonely at the ball this eve,” he sniped at her.“Of course I did,” she snapped back while holding up the wrapped one on Africa.From the expression she saw in his dark brown eyes, Brittany suspected he knew exactly what the book was but she didn’t want to say anything.“Now, I must bid you good day m’ lord as you’ve detained me long enough and I’ve dress colours to look at and discuss. After all, isn’t that one of the few topics ladies can and are able to expound on?”Brittany watched as he tried to say something in response to her comment. When, out of frustration all he could do was shrug his shoulders she suspected this tiny battle had been won. Turning on her heels she, with a glance to Aggie, set off for her way home.As they fought the cold and the wind blowing down the street the heavenly scent of fresh-baked rolls caught Brittany’s attention as they came upon a tea room. With a glance to Aggie she cocked her head toward the shop.“The fragrance of those cinnamon buns is making me hungry. Shall we stop in for tea and a bite to eat? I’m sure Lord Palmer will be rushing to find me and insist I turn over my book to him,” Brittany suggested.“Aye m’ lady. If he’s in a rage as you suspect, he won’t be looking in the windows for you. Then, we can leisurely enjoy the offerings before returning home, where, if I don’t miss my guess, you’ll bury yourself in the book,” Aggie said in a teasing tone.“You’re so correct. I wager we could take a front table as he won’t even look in, thus allowing us the opportunity to giggle at his antics,” Brittany said arriving at the door to the tea room.As they stepped into the bakery they were met by a short, plump lady with rosy cheeks and her hair tied back in a bun. Behind her a young lad nervously shifted from foot to foot.“M’ ladies, welcome to The Sweet Bun. How may I be of assistance on this cold morning?”“May we could have a pot of tea, Earl Grey if possible, and two of those heavenly cinnamon rolls? Also, as you have a front table near the fire we would like to sit there,” Brittany answered.“Certainly, and I’ve the tea you prefer. My son would be happy to take your pelisses,” the woman said, turning to the young boy and waving him forward.Once relieved of their outerwear the ladies swept over to the table they’d requested. Taking a seat so she would be able to look out at the street Brittany started to unwrap her book but thought better of it.
Bio-What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.
In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).
Where you can find me-Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/lindsay.downs.7 Facebook Pages-  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Downs-Author/325132754200597?ref=hlhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Regency-by-Lindsay-Downs/421654731286944Twitter- @ldowns2966LinkedIn- http://www.linkedin.com/homeGoodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3210224-lindsayLindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.wee...

Happy Samhain, Happy Halloween!

All month I've delved on this blog into witches, ghosts, and the history of trick or treating.You can get an insider's look at one coven's celebration of Samhain (SOW-in) at http://www.ariellamoon.com/.  And now the big day is finally here!

As a shaman, Samhain/Halloween is important because the veil between worlds thins at this time of the year. Strangers stop me on the street and tell me about loved ones who have passed. Then they say, "I don't know why I am telling you this." Usually, it is because someone on the other side is trying to come through with a message. Some people dole out candy on Halloween.I give out messages from the deceased.
http://www.amazon.com/Ariella-Moon

As an author, Halloween stands out for me because the holiday provides the ticking clock in Spell Check, Book 1, the Teen Wytche Saga.Spell Struck, Book 2, in the Teen Wytche Saga, begins on Halloween night.
This Samhain/Halloween I am preparing for the launch of my third book, Spell For Sophia.You'll get a first look at the cover on November 4.On November 11, Spell For Sophia will be available from Astraea Press on all major online retailers.I can't wait!
Meanwhile, I wish you all a safe holiday. Keep your black cats inside away from the coyotes and crazies.And spend a few minutes tonight listening for messages from the Beloved Dead.~Ariella 

Three Things You Should Know About Ghosts

The veil between worlds thins as we approach Halloween, Samhain, and All Hallow’s Eve, turning my thoughts to ghosts.
1.     Real Ghosts Bear Little Resemblance to Caspar the Friendly Ghost


Many ghosts resemble a slightly transparent version of their former living selves. Others retain an energy field that resembles their previous form. Some appear as beings of light — elongated forms consisting of white light that somehow retains the person or animal’s former essence.
One example of a ghost who retained her physical appearance was a knife-wielding female ghost I encountered during a business conference. Over and over she charged between the two beds in my hotel room with a raised knife. My lucky roommate slept through the whole thing.

2.     Ghosts Can Communicate With The Living
You may be able to hear ghosts even if you can’t see them, an ability called clairaudience. Some ghosts knock on walls to get your attention. Others retain their normal speech. I encountered several ghosts while staying at the Chalice Well Retreat Center in Glastonbury, England. With its gardens and sacred waters, the Center is situated at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. The Red or Blood Spring flows beneath the grounds. Some equate the water with the Goddess, others with Christ. But a far different sort of water, the White Spring, flows just beyond the fence. A simple spigot marks the White Spring, the entrance to Fairy. Not good fairies mind you, but Dark Energy, raucous, dangerous, up-to-no-good fairies.
Ariella Moon about to hike to the top of Glastonbury Tor. July 2010

Fences and walls do not hinder ghosts. Or fairies. Or demons. Every night at the Chalice Center felt like Halloween. The White Spring attracted the underbelly of the human world. The nearly full moon amped up the wild energy.
One night a huge dark presence entered the Chalice Center. I’ve run up against nasty entities during my shaman work. This one was bigger and more evil than all the others combined. It enveloped the third floor like a gigantic black bat with outstretched wings. My room was on the second floor. The bathroom was on the first floor. (A ground floor was situated beneath the first.) I opened my door during the middle of the night and stepped out. Fear bumps prickled my skin, bringing me fully awake. Noticing the gigantic evil presence, I ducked back into my room and locked the door. (As if that would help!) I spent the rest of the night wishing there was an en suite bathroom and layering protection spells around the room.
When the sun finally rose, two ghosts — snow-haired women dressed in day dresses — passed through my door. “It was horrible,” one said in a quivery voice to the other. She clutched the pearls at her neck. “Just horrible.”
I couldn’t agree more.
3.     Animals Can Be Ghosts
Left: Madchen as a puppy. Right: Emily at fourteen years old.
For three nights our white German shepherd, Madchen, waged a losing battle with mushroom poisoning. Without access to a 24-hour veterinary clinic, we were forced to drive her back and forth from a night clinic to our vet’s day office. During the agonizing gaps between the closing of one facility and the opening of the other, we brought Madchen home. During the last of these stops, Madchen remained curled in her kennel, near death. 
Suddenly I heard the distinctive click of dog toenails on the hardwood floor. Emily, a long-deceased but much beloved Jack Russell terrier, hurried down the hall. She had come to escort her old buddy to the other side. Madchen died within the hour.
As Halloween/Samhain/All Hallow’s Eve approaches, be mindful of the night sounds and energies around you. Light candles in honor of your ancestors and loved ones who have passed. Display photos or mementos that remind you of them so they will know you are thinking of them. Be assured; ghosts are among us.
Ghosts in Spell For Sophia
Ghosts play pivotal roles in Spell For Sophia (November 2014, Astraea Press), Book #4, the Teen Wytche Saga, a Young Adult paranormal romance series. Several of your favorite characters from Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire return in Spell For Sophia, my most complex and intense book yet! I hope you enjoy it. You can catch up on all the books in the saga by clicking here.
Have you ever encountered a ghost? I'd loved to hear what happened!
© 2014 by Ariella Moon