Ariella Moon's Blog, page 34
April 7, 2014
April's Pink Full Moon
April’s Pink Full Moon
The full moon on April 15 at 3:42 am (Eastern Daylight Time) will not appear pink, despite its name. The appellation refers instead to ground phlox, one of the earliest spring blooming flowers. The April full moon is also known as the Wind Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon.
The moon may have a reddish tint because of the total lunar eclipse, which will be visible throughout North America beginning at 3:46 am EDT and lasting for an hour and eighteen minutes. The total eclipse may stir personal and public disruptions. Adding to the chaos, Pluto begins its five-month retrograde, bringing upheaval and transformation starting April 14. (Photo credit: David Dickinson. http://www.universetoday.com/110780/get-ready-for-the-april-15-2014-total-lunar-eclipse-our-complete-guide/)
Moon Magic
Hunker down and stay calm.
Avoid performing magic while the moon is void of course on April 15 from 3:42 am until it enters Scorpio at12:20 pm (EDT). If you wish to work with Libra’s WE BALANCE energy, perform moon magic on April 14 before the moon becomes void of course.
The challenge this month will be to remain centered, grounded, innovative, and patient. Coat a green or white candle with olive oil and crushed lavender. If you feel you need protection, add fresh rosemary to the mix. As you light the candlewick, envision grounding roots sprouting from the soles of your feet and plunge them deep into the earth to ground yourself. See yourself as calm and able to remain steadily on task. You are the still eye of the storm.
Rooted and strong,I can do no wrong.
Goals I attain.Calm I remain.
Rooted and strong,I can do no wrong.
The full moon on April 15 at 3:42 am (Eastern Daylight Time) will not appear pink, despite its name. The appellation refers instead to ground phlox, one of the earliest spring blooming flowers. The April full moon is also known as the Wind Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon.
The moon may have a reddish tint because of the total lunar eclipse, which will be visible throughout North America beginning at 3:46 am EDT and lasting for an hour and eighteen minutes. The total eclipse may stir personal and public disruptions. Adding to the chaos, Pluto begins its five-month retrograde, bringing upheaval and transformation starting April 14. (Photo credit: David Dickinson. http://www.universetoday.com/110780/get-ready-for-the-april-15-2014-total-lunar-eclipse-our-complete-guide/)
Moon Magic
Hunker down and stay calm.
Avoid performing magic while the moon is void of course on April 15 from 3:42 am until it enters Scorpio at12:20 pm (EDT). If you wish to work with Libra’s WE BALANCE energy, perform moon magic on April 14 before the moon becomes void of course.
The challenge this month will be to remain centered, grounded, innovative, and patient. Coat a green or white candle with olive oil and crushed lavender. If you feel you need protection, add fresh rosemary to the mix. As you light the candlewick, envision grounding roots sprouting from the soles of your feet and plunge them deep into the earth to ground yourself. See yourself as calm and able to remain steadily on task. You are the still eye of the storm.
Rooted and strong,I can do no wrong.
Goals I attain.Calm I remain.
Rooted and strong,I can do no wrong.
April 2, 2014
RosaLinda Diaz Introduces Bee Stings
RosaLinda Diaz is my guest today, with her new release, Bee Stings.Distractions can be an author's enemy. How do you stay focused when you write? Music keeps me focused while I write. I create playlists for my novels. As I look over this list the songs seem incongruous to a chick-lit novel, but they evoke the push and pull at the heart of Bee Stings.
My top ten Bee Stings songs: Lauryn Hill: I Used to Love Him, Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Just Friends, Me and Mr. Jones, Love is a Losing Game, Christina Aguilera: Mercy on Me, Bruce Springsteen: Dancing in the Dark, Gwen Stefani: Yummy, Jeff Buckley: Lover, You Should Have Come Over, Justin Timberlake: Damn Girl.
I even have character playlists, but let's not go down that rabbit hole!
Blurb
The decisions we make create and destroy us. Fourth grade teacher Poppy
Rodriguez thinks she has all the answers, and realizes, perhaps too late, that she needs schooling in just about every area, especially love--oh, and baking.A novice in the kitchen and the bedroom Poppy samples both, while surrendering to Michael Borchard’s irresistible charm, when she joins his baking class. There are a couple hiccups––it’s a kids’ class, and he’s married. Poppy and Michael improvise a recipe for passion that hits all the right spots. Their honeyed entanglement becomes increasingly sticky as his wife and her past muddy their budding romance. Is love stronger than circumstances, or will Poppy succumb to the sweetest temptation?Excerpt from Bee StingsI completely forgot to buy pastries this morning. The ominous, glowing, red digital clock on the wall reads eight fourteen. There are exactly eleven minutes for me to go to the supermarket three miles away, fight morning drop-off traffic, and set up the teachers’ lounge. After weighing my options of not providing treats today, versus facing Michael, I take a deep breath, zip my Sunny Vale Elementary hoodie, and start walking.The little bell tinkles as I step inside the bakery. I’m instantly surrounded by the warm inviting scent of baking bread. There’s no one behind the counter, and I let out the breath I’m holding.“Hello?” I call to the empty room. “Michael? I need your help.” There is no reply, or noise of any kind from the kitchen. “It’s Fat Friday, right now, and I totally forgot. Help.”Michael appears, grinning roguishly. He looks incredibly sexy with his bed-head, white T-shirt, faded jeans and red apron; he’s sort of a more domestic, approachable bad boy, but with the same rakish edge. I need to stop coming here.“So, that’s what it takes. I’ll make a mental note,” he says, and slides two large, bubblegum-pink bakery boxes across the counter.I’m speechless.“It’s not like you haven't been doing this all year, every six weeks right? I just figured you forgot to call in your order last night.” He opens a box to reveal the most delectable pastries imaginable. They look even better than the ones in the display cases.“You’ve just saved my life,” I say, strongly resisting the urge to vault over the counter. “There’s no telling the wrath that would have been unleashed if I’d shown up empty-handed.”“My pleasure, and there’s no charge,” he replies, blushing, or maybe it’s just hot in here.“I can’t let you do that. Please, let me pay,” I say, nudging the credit card along the box edge.“Why won’t you join my baking class?” he says, pushing the credit card toward me. “Once you master the basic principles, I’ll create an expanded lesson just for you. Then you’ll be learning more and feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. How about it?” he says in practically a whisper... our little secret. He gently grasps my hand.The bakery door flies open; three of my former students, followed closely by a trendy mom wearing a pink velour track suit, stroll inside. He releases my hand.“You realize this will give my students reason to mock me for the rest of the year,” I tell him.“But the year’s half over,” he says, watching as I pick up the pastry boxes. “Is that smile a yes?”“See you Tuesday,” I reply.The heat of his gaze follows me to the door, but the brisk spring air slaps me across the face and back to reality. I’m late.
About the Author: RosaLinda Diaz, was raised in a particularly magical section of Los Angeles; between the original Disney Hyperion Studios and Snow White’s Cottages. The magic in the air and soil gave her already active imagination roots and wings. Wings that took her gypsying around Europe, Australia, and Africa, and roots that brought her back to California to earn her B.A. at Pepperdine University. She makes her home in California’s Central Coast igniting the fire of creativity and sparking imaginations with her endeavors. Connect with RosaLinda Social Media links: Bee Stings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeeStingsNovelRosaLinda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosaLindasIdiazRosaLinda Twitter: @GitanaRosaGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8052533.RosaLinda_DiazBuy Bee StingsAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bee-Stings-RosaLinda-Diaz-ebook/dp/B00IX6ZB70/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395100592&sr=8-1&keywords=Bee+Stings
Barnes and Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bee-stings-rosalinda-diaz/1118890955?ean=2940149392063
Astraea Pres: http://astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/id=34826740
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bee-stings/id839163697?mt=11
March 28, 2014
Jo Grafford and the Lost Colony Series
Astraea Press released Jo Grafford's novel, BREAKING TIES around the same time as the television show, Sleepy Hollow featured a segment on the same subject, the Lost Colonists of Roanoke Island.
Jo Grafford guest hosts today. Here's her update on her fascinating Lost Colony Series.Welcome, Jo Grafford!
Jo Grafford:
So many exciting things happened in March – not the least of which was receiving that magical “call,” or email in this case when Astraea Press offered a contract last week for book two TRAIL OF CROSSES in the epic Lost Colony Series.
Book one BREAKING TIES is based on real people and events. Narrated by Rose Payne the ship clerk who was simply trying to outrun a broken heart, it traces the last known whereabouts of a gutsy band of English pioneers – ninety-one men, seventeen women, and nine boys - who would soon become known as the Lost Colonists of Roanoke Island.
Book two TRAIL OF CROSSES tracks a remnant of these English colonists inland where they embark on a dangerous game of survival amidst warring tribes. In a region on the brink of explosive change, Jane Mannering and her ragtag outfit of brick masons and blacksmiths ride a mighty upheaval of centuries-old cultures. Will a newer, better nation arise from all the breaking, or will they descend into utter chaos?
For a quick and dirty summary of the latest Lost Colony archeological finds, click on this news article: http://dailym.ai/1cyaeOy.
For regular updates on the Lost Colony Series and the ongoing search for the Lost Colonists, please visit www.JoGrafford.com.
BIO:Jo is a mega reader of all genres and loves to indulge in marathon showings of Big Bang Theory, CSI, NCIS, and Castle. Her favorite books are full of rich history, Native Americans, and an occasional creature from the otherworld – dragons, vampires, and time travelers.From St. Louis, Missouri, Jo moves a lot with her soldier husband. She has lived in the Midwest, the deep South, and now resides in Bavaria. Jo holds an M.B.A. and has served as a banker, college finance instructor, and high school business teacher. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and From the Heart Romance Writers RWA Chapter. Jo writes historical and paranormal romance. She is currently writing a series published by Astraea Press, which is based on the Lost Colonists of Roanoke Island – one of the world’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries.
CONTACT INFO:Website: www.JoGrafford.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/JoGraffordAuthorTwitter: @jograffordGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360736.Jo_GraffordGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/114780404475283292643/posts
BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:Amazon:
BLURB – BREAKING TIES, first book in the Lost Colony Series:
An intelligent woman ahead of her time, ROSE PAYNE'S world is shattered after a secret betrothal to the duke’s son costs her job as a clerk in his father's household. Without a letter of recommendation, Rose becomes an easy target for recruiters to the Colonies. Desperate for work, she signs up for a risky overseas venture and sails for the New World, vowing never again fall for a wealthy gentleman.
Returning from a diplomatic tour in London, CHIEF MANTEO is bewitched by the elusive, fiery-haired ship clerk and determined to overcome her distrust. He contrives a daring plan to win her heart – a plan he prays will protect her from a chilling conspiracy involving murder, blood money, and a betrayal of their fledgling colony so terrifying it can only be revealed in BREAKING TIES.
A cursed island – all who enter will be lost.
SPECIAL NOTE:Based on real people and real events, Breaking Ties is the "rest of the story" of the Lost Colonists from Roanoke Island.
BLURB – TRAIL OF CROSSES, second book in the Lost Colony Series:JANE MANNERING can shoot a rifle, throw a knife, and handle a sword as well as any Englishman. However, she is no match for the red-painted warriors who ambush her section of the Colonial caravan the moment they beach their rafts on the shores of Virginia.
During a forced march inland, Jane plots their escape, sketching hasty maltese crosses along the trail – the pre-agreed upon signal of distress should they become separated from the main party. All the while, she fumes over what interest their captors could possibly have in a spinster like herself and her rugged band of brick masons, sawyers, blacksmiths, saddlers, and cutlers.
When CHIEF WANCHESE intercepts them at the crossroads of the Great Trading Path, Jane’s worst fears are realized. It’s a pity the handsome devil happens to be the most ruthless and feared tribal chief in the region. Engaging his attentions was certainly never a part of her escape plan.
Hostile territory. Thirty-one English colonists. No witnesses.
EXCERPT – BREAKING TIES:
PREFACE
Sometimes murder isn’t as messy, up-close, and personal as many people imagine it to be. Sometimes it is distant and impersonal – as simple as crossing a line through a name on a sheet of paper. Or one hundred and fifteen names in our case.
CHAPTER ONE Portsmouth, England, April 26, 1587
“Yer bum’s hanging out the window!” My brother banged his empty mug on the inn table. He ran both hands through his hair, as red as my own, standing each flaming lock on end.
My lips turned up despite the heaviness in my chest. It felt good to hear him lapse into the Gaelic brogue of our childhood. “Och, Donnen!” I reached across the table to clasp his large hands and grimaced at the stench of salmon and sweat hanging in the air. “I dinna bring ye here to quarrel. ‘Tis my first job offer in weeks.”
I dared not share my other reason for leaving.
“Nay, ye can stay with me till ye find a different job. Crossing the Atlantic unwed is bad enough, but these—” He shook my upraised palms, “are ink stains. Blast it all! Ye’re a clerk, not a sailor.”
“Indeed?” Saints alive, he acted as if I was still twelve instead of nineteen. “Well, good news. I shall be accompanied by other women – whole families of people, for that matter – and ‘tis a clerk they need.”
“Only because—“ Donnen glanced around the room and lowered his voice. “The last one left in a frightful hurry along with half the crew all in the same night.” His glare was fierce. “Rumor has it the entire fleet is bound straight for Jonah’s watery vault. I don’t suppose that came up during the bloomin’ interview?”
A peek at the middle...
CHAPTER THIRTEEN "You want my help." 'Twas an accusation.
"Aye."
His eyes darkened. "I save your life. I give gifts. I offer marriage." He closed the remaining distance between us, his eyes burning into mine.
I stumbled back.
"You give nothing in return," he snarled. "You only ask for more."
"I would had I something to offer," I whispered. "But I have nothing. I am nothing."
"Then what use are you to me?" He wheeled away.
I sagged against the door, eyes stinging. I blinked rapidly and pressed a hand to my stomach. Nausea rolled at the thought of informing the others of my failure.
Manteo circled the cabin like a hawk stalking its prey. 'Twas a fine room with ornately carved shelves lining one wall. Bunks were built into the next wall. A generous desk jutted from the third, overflowing with maps and navigational devices. I recognized the compass and hourglass but could not identify the other instruments. I jerked in surprise when Manteo swooped down upon me.
"I know our location." His arms shot out and slapped the wall on either side of me, hemming me to the door. "I could swim ashore from here."
"Then why do ye stay if ye can leave and save yourself?"
"Governor White gave his word to deliver me home."
"We are going to starve, Manteo. 'Tis only a matter of days now."
"Nay. You alone starve. The others eat."
"I have no appetite."
"You act as one already dead."
I straightened my back. "I accept what I cannot change."
"And I change what I cannot accept." He shifted his weight to the wall, one arm propped over my head. He drew his fingertips down the side of my face in a feather-light caress.
I closed my eyes against the rush of unbearable sweetness. He made me long for things forbidden. "'Tis within your power to help us. I am begging you."
"Very well."
My eyes flew open. "Ye will do this for us."
"For you." His voice was silken, his features as hard as granite.
I smiled tremulously. "I thank thee, Manteo. Chief Manteo, that is." The new title felt strange on my lips. I beheld him with a mixture of awe and pride.
"I have yet to name my price."
I stared, confused.
He grunted in disgust. "You refuse me as both husband and lover, so you are left with the hiring of my services."
I worried my lower lip between my teeth. At least he was willing to negotiate. His eyes flashed with lust as he followed my movements.
"I will entreat the Dares for payment."
"Nay. You are the one in my debt."
I raised and dropped my hands helplessly.
"You serve this company, no? You can serve my people, too."
"Ye would hire me as clerk?" Hope leaped in my chest at the possibilities. I would not have to part from him so soon.
"My people have no clerks." His eyes narrowed. "We have slaves."
My breath hitched. "Ye wish to punish me, humiliate me?"
"Nay, I only wish to marry you."
I briefly closed my eyes against the pain. He already knew the reason for my refusal.
"Rose."
"Say no more. I will do it. 'Twill be punishment enough to see you so often and—“ I clamped my lips.
Exultation flickered briefly across his face. "You would give up your freedom to save your friends?"
"Without question."
"Swear it," he said grimly.
"I swear it."
His eyes flared with emotion. He bent slowly 'til his breath stirred my lips. My eyelids fluttered closed. Heaven help me, for I had no will left to resist him.
"Now you will eat," Manteo commanded hoarsely. He stepped back, surveying me from head to feet.
"Eat?"
"I have no slaves so thin and weak. Go. Collect your rations." He turned from me and bent to pore over a map on the table.
I reached for the door handle, disbelieving at the curt dismissal.
"And send for Anthony. I have need of him."
Jo Grafford guest hosts today. Here's her update on her fascinating Lost Colony Series.Welcome, Jo Grafford!
Jo Grafford:
So many exciting things happened in March – not the least of which was receiving that magical “call,” or email in this case when Astraea Press offered a contract last week for book two TRAIL OF CROSSES in the epic Lost Colony Series.Book one BREAKING TIES is based on real people and events. Narrated by Rose Payne the ship clerk who was simply trying to outrun a broken heart, it traces the last known whereabouts of a gutsy band of English pioneers – ninety-one men, seventeen women, and nine boys - who would soon become known as the Lost Colonists of Roanoke Island.
Book two TRAIL OF CROSSES tracks a remnant of these English colonists inland where they embark on a dangerous game of survival amidst warring tribes. In a region on the brink of explosive change, Jane Mannering and her ragtag outfit of brick masons and blacksmiths ride a mighty upheaval of centuries-old cultures. Will a newer, better nation arise from all the breaking, or will they descend into utter chaos?
For a quick and dirty summary of the latest Lost Colony archeological finds, click on this news article: http://dailym.ai/1cyaeOy.
For regular updates on the Lost Colony Series and the ongoing search for the Lost Colonists, please visit www.JoGrafford.com.
BIO:Jo is a mega reader of all genres and loves to indulge in marathon showings of Big Bang Theory, CSI, NCIS, and Castle. Her favorite books are full of rich history, Native Americans, and an occasional creature from the otherworld – dragons, vampires, and time travelers.From St. Louis, Missouri, Jo moves a lot with her soldier husband. She has lived in the Midwest, the deep South, and now resides in Bavaria. Jo holds an M.B.A. and has served as a banker, college finance instructor, and high school business teacher. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and From the Heart Romance Writers RWA Chapter. Jo writes historical and paranormal romance. She is currently writing a series published by Astraea Press, which is based on the Lost Colonists of Roanoke Island – one of the world’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries.
CONTACT INFO:Website: www.JoGrafford.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/JoGraffordAuthorTwitter: @jograffordGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360736.Jo_GraffordGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/114780404475283292643/posts
BOOK TRAILER:
BUY LINKS:Amazon:
BLURB – BREAKING TIES, first book in the Lost Colony Series:
An intelligent woman ahead of her time, ROSE PAYNE'S world is shattered after a secret betrothal to the duke’s son costs her job as a clerk in his father's household. Without a letter of recommendation, Rose becomes an easy target for recruiters to the Colonies. Desperate for work, she signs up for a risky overseas venture and sails for the New World, vowing never again fall for a wealthy gentleman.
Returning from a diplomatic tour in London, CHIEF MANTEO is bewitched by the elusive, fiery-haired ship clerk and determined to overcome her distrust. He contrives a daring plan to win her heart – a plan he prays will protect her from a chilling conspiracy involving murder, blood money, and a betrayal of their fledgling colony so terrifying it can only be revealed in BREAKING TIES.
A cursed island – all who enter will be lost.
SPECIAL NOTE:Based on real people and real events, Breaking Ties is the "rest of the story" of the Lost Colonists from Roanoke Island.
BLURB – TRAIL OF CROSSES, second book in the Lost Colony Series:JANE MANNERING can shoot a rifle, throw a knife, and handle a sword as well as any Englishman. However, she is no match for the red-painted warriors who ambush her section of the Colonial caravan the moment they beach their rafts on the shores of Virginia.
During a forced march inland, Jane plots their escape, sketching hasty maltese crosses along the trail – the pre-agreed upon signal of distress should they become separated from the main party. All the while, she fumes over what interest their captors could possibly have in a spinster like herself and her rugged band of brick masons, sawyers, blacksmiths, saddlers, and cutlers.
When CHIEF WANCHESE intercepts them at the crossroads of the Great Trading Path, Jane’s worst fears are realized. It’s a pity the handsome devil happens to be the most ruthless and feared tribal chief in the region. Engaging his attentions was certainly never a part of her escape plan.
Hostile territory. Thirty-one English colonists. No witnesses.
EXCERPT – BREAKING TIES:
PREFACE
Sometimes murder isn’t as messy, up-close, and personal as many people imagine it to be. Sometimes it is distant and impersonal – as simple as crossing a line through a name on a sheet of paper. Or one hundred and fifteen names in our case.
CHAPTER ONE Portsmouth, England, April 26, 1587
“Yer bum’s hanging out the window!” My brother banged his empty mug on the inn table. He ran both hands through his hair, as red as my own, standing each flaming lock on end.
My lips turned up despite the heaviness in my chest. It felt good to hear him lapse into the Gaelic brogue of our childhood. “Och, Donnen!” I reached across the table to clasp his large hands and grimaced at the stench of salmon and sweat hanging in the air. “I dinna bring ye here to quarrel. ‘Tis my first job offer in weeks.”
I dared not share my other reason for leaving.
“Nay, ye can stay with me till ye find a different job. Crossing the Atlantic unwed is bad enough, but these—” He shook my upraised palms, “are ink stains. Blast it all! Ye’re a clerk, not a sailor.”
“Indeed?” Saints alive, he acted as if I was still twelve instead of nineteen. “Well, good news. I shall be accompanied by other women – whole families of people, for that matter – and ‘tis a clerk they need.”
“Only because—“ Donnen glanced around the room and lowered his voice. “The last one left in a frightful hurry along with half the crew all in the same night.” His glare was fierce. “Rumor has it the entire fleet is bound straight for Jonah’s watery vault. I don’t suppose that came up during the bloomin’ interview?”
A peek at the middle...
CHAPTER THIRTEEN "You want my help." 'Twas an accusation.
"Aye."
His eyes darkened. "I save your life. I give gifts. I offer marriage." He closed the remaining distance between us, his eyes burning into mine.
I stumbled back.
"You give nothing in return," he snarled. "You only ask for more."
"I would had I something to offer," I whispered. "But I have nothing. I am nothing."
"Then what use are you to me?" He wheeled away.
I sagged against the door, eyes stinging. I blinked rapidly and pressed a hand to my stomach. Nausea rolled at the thought of informing the others of my failure.
Manteo circled the cabin like a hawk stalking its prey. 'Twas a fine room with ornately carved shelves lining one wall. Bunks were built into the next wall. A generous desk jutted from the third, overflowing with maps and navigational devices. I recognized the compass and hourglass but could not identify the other instruments. I jerked in surprise when Manteo swooped down upon me.
"I know our location." His arms shot out and slapped the wall on either side of me, hemming me to the door. "I could swim ashore from here."
"Then why do ye stay if ye can leave and save yourself?"
"Governor White gave his word to deliver me home."
"We are going to starve, Manteo. 'Tis only a matter of days now."
"Nay. You alone starve. The others eat."
"I have no appetite."
"You act as one already dead."
I straightened my back. "I accept what I cannot change."
"And I change what I cannot accept." He shifted his weight to the wall, one arm propped over my head. He drew his fingertips down the side of my face in a feather-light caress.
I closed my eyes against the rush of unbearable sweetness. He made me long for things forbidden. "'Tis within your power to help us. I am begging you."
"Very well."
My eyes flew open. "Ye will do this for us."
"For you." His voice was silken, his features as hard as granite.
I smiled tremulously. "I thank thee, Manteo. Chief Manteo, that is." The new title felt strange on my lips. I beheld him with a mixture of awe and pride.
"I have yet to name my price."
I stared, confused.
He grunted in disgust. "You refuse me as both husband and lover, so you are left with the hiring of my services."
I worried my lower lip between my teeth. At least he was willing to negotiate. His eyes flashed with lust as he followed my movements.
"I will entreat the Dares for payment."
"Nay. You are the one in my debt."
I raised and dropped my hands helplessly.
"You serve this company, no? You can serve my people, too."
"Ye would hire me as clerk?" Hope leaped in my chest at the possibilities. I would not have to part from him so soon.
"My people have no clerks." His eyes narrowed. "We have slaves."
My breath hitched. "Ye wish to punish me, humiliate me?"
"Nay, I only wish to marry you."
I briefly closed my eyes against the pain. He already knew the reason for my refusal.
"Rose."
"Say no more. I will do it. 'Twill be punishment enough to see you so often and—“ I clamped my lips.
Exultation flickered briefly across his face. "You would give up your freedom to save your friends?"
"Without question."
"Swear it," he said grimly.
"I swear it."
His eyes flared with emotion. He bent slowly 'til his breath stirred my lips. My eyelids fluttered closed. Heaven help me, for I had no will left to resist him.
"Now you will eat," Manteo commanded hoarsely. He stepped back, surveying me from head to feet.
"Eat?"
"I have no slaves so thin and weak. Go. Collect your rations." He turned from me and bent to pore over a map on the table.
I reached for the door handle, disbelieving at the curt dismissal.
"And send for Anthony. I have need of him."
March 25, 2014
YA Author Brenda Maxfield Discusses the Edgemont Series
My guest today is Brenda Maxfield, author of The Edgemont Series.Our publisher, Astraea Press, just released the fourth book in the series, Lizbet's Lie.Brenda, please bring us up to speed on your series.What inspired you to write The Edgemont Series?My students! I teach high school, and I’m privileged with wonderful students. They share their lives with me. I watch them every day — overcoming struggles, showing amazing courage, and sometimes laughing their heads off! I wanted to write a series honoring them, while also giving them good reading entertainment.Do your students read your books?Yes! And their compliments mean everything to me. Nothing excites me more than seeing them with their heads in one of my books.Which book of the series is your favorite?Hmmm. That’s a bit difficult. I’m attached to the first two because they were my beginning! But then I really grew to love Farah, although she can be completely horrid! She got herself in a major mess in Farah’s Deadline. I think Lizbet’s Lie got to me the most. I was in agony when I wrote that book. I felt so deeply for Lizbet and was so angry at her circumstances.Are there more books in store for the series?There aren’t any in the works right now. I do have another series out: Ocean Mist. I’m having fun with this one because it takes place on the Washington Coast where I grew up.What’s ahead for you right now?Okay, this totally shocks me, but I’m having an absolute ball putting together young children’s books under the pen name Lynda Raymond. Never in a million years would I have guessed that I’d love writing for the wee ones, too. Who knew? Ain’t life grand?And may I just take a minute to thank all my wonderful readers. You guys are the absolute best. Thank you SO much for your support!
Blurb for Lizbet’s Lie (The Edgemont Series Book Four)
Assaulted and pregnant, sixteen-year-old Lizbet Morgan is shipped off to give birth in secrecy and hand her baby over to strangers. When she returns home to her family’s strict religious community, she is expected to pick up where she left off. But the nightmare isn’t over. Her friend Johnny isn’t the only one asking questions, and Lizbet fears that the reason for her absence will soon be discovered. She must decide whether to tell the truth or continue to obey a religious system that forces her to tell intolerable lies.
Purchase Links:Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mcqoswc Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/ks43j7bSmashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/418064Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/prod...
Blurb for Farah’s Deadline (The Edgemont Series Book Three)
Sassy, strong-willed, and pregnant, Farah Menins plans to be married at sixteen after her dad dumps her in a “special home” to be rid of her. Trapped in a place full of rules, Farah refuses to admit defeat — not when marriage would give her an out.
Farah’s roommate Lizbet hides her own painful secrets, and together, they forge an unlikely friendship when Farah sneaks off to confront her baby’s father. A dead baby, a mystery brother, and a house fire threaten to derail Farah’s plans. The confusion is compounded when Lizbet’s brother shows interest in her. With time running out, will Farah be able to salvage any of her dream?
Purchase Links:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/k5ktax4Astraea Press: http://tinyurl.com/ltyp7v6Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farahs-deadline-brenda-maxfield/1116947999?ean=2940148552086 Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/359357
Blurb for Along Came Jordan (The Edgemont Series Book Two)
When it comes to love, sophomore Emili Jones is famous for brainless decisions. At her new school, she falls for Jordan Lawman but stuffs down her feelings, believing they can only lead to pain. When Laine Meadow, the reigning social queen, sets her sights on Jordan and senses competition in Emili, war is declared.
On top of Laine’s jealous torment, Emili struggles to help her little sister who suffers from selective mutism and will speak only to Emili. Her mother’s suspicious behavior and her father’s job loss add to the turmoil.
Can Emili save them all while learning to love again?Buy Links:
All links are available at: http://www.brendamaxfield.comAmazon: http://tinyurl.com/d6q3st6 Astraea Press: http://tinyurl.com/cs9jjquSmashwords: http://tinyurl.com/c49meqoBarnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/dx4vb8c
Blurb for The Lance Temptation (The Edgemont Series Book One)
Sophomore Emili Jones has had it with being a boring, straight-A student. Itching for excitement, she sees plenty of it in classmate Farah Menin’s life of frequent dates and edgy adventure. Hoping the popularity will rub off, Emili latches onto Farah and manipulates herself into best friend status. The connection helps her land the hot new guy, Lance Jankins, but there’s a catch. Now a pawn in Farah’s dating games, Emili is on a crash course to betrayal. Will she realize it in time to save herself?
Buy Links:
All links are available at: http://www.brendamaxfield.comAstraea Press: http://tinyurl.com/bac9er8 Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/au78k88 Amazon Paperback link: http://amzn.to/10DJdkV Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/bdoacd8
Author Bio
My passion is writing! What could be more delicious than inventing new characters and seeing where they take you?I'm a teacher so I spend most of my waking hours with young people. I love chatting with them and hearing their views on love and life. My students are magical, and I am honored to be part of their lives.I've lived in Honduras, Grand Cayman, and Costa Rica. Presently, I live in Indiana with my husband, Paul. We have two grown children and three precious grandchildren, special delivery from Africa.When not teaching, I love to hole up in our lake cabin and write -- often with a batch of popcorn nearby. (Oh, and did I mention dark chocolate?)I enjoy getting to know my readers, so feel free to write me at: contact@brendamaxfield.com. Join my Newsletter Gang and get the latest news, contests, releases here: http://mad.ly/signups/85744/join. Visit me to learn about all my books: www.brendamaxfield.com Happy Reading!
Contact Links:Website: http://www.brendamaxfield.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrendaMaxfield Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6570620.Brenda_MaxfieldTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrendaMaxfield Blog: http://www.brendamaxfield.wordpress.com Email: contact@brendamaxfield.comAmazon author Page: http://tinyurl.com/psj82bjNewsletter Gang: http://mad.ly/signups/85744/join
Blurb for Lizbet’s Lie (The Edgemont Series Book Four)
Assaulted and pregnant, sixteen-year-old Lizbet Morgan is shipped off to give birth in secrecy and hand her baby over to strangers. When she returns home to her family’s strict religious community, she is expected to pick up where she left off. But the nightmare isn’t over. Her friend Johnny isn’t the only one asking questions, and Lizbet fears that the reason for her absence will soon be discovered. She must decide whether to tell the truth or continue to obey a religious system that forces her to tell intolerable lies.
Purchase Links:Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mcqoswc Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/ks43j7bSmashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/418064Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/prod...
Blurb for Farah’s Deadline (The Edgemont Series Book Three)
Sassy, strong-willed, and pregnant, Farah Menins plans to be married at sixteen after her dad dumps her in a “special home” to be rid of her. Trapped in a place full of rules, Farah refuses to admit defeat — not when marriage would give her an out.
Farah’s roommate Lizbet hides her own painful secrets, and together, they forge an unlikely friendship when Farah sneaks off to confront her baby’s father. A dead baby, a mystery brother, and a house fire threaten to derail Farah’s plans. The confusion is compounded when Lizbet’s brother shows interest in her. With time running out, will Farah be able to salvage any of her dream?
Purchase Links:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/k5ktax4Astraea Press: http://tinyurl.com/ltyp7v6Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farahs-deadline-brenda-maxfield/1116947999?ean=2940148552086 Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/359357
Blurb for Along Came Jordan (The Edgemont Series Book Two)
When it comes to love, sophomore Emili Jones is famous for brainless decisions. At her new school, she falls for Jordan Lawman but stuffs down her feelings, believing they can only lead to pain. When Laine Meadow, the reigning social queen, sets her sights on Jordan and senses competition in Emili, war is declared.
On top of Laine’s jealous torment, Emili struggles to help her little sister who suffers from selective mutism and will speak only to Emili. Her mother’s suspicious behavior and her father’s job loss add to the turmoil.
Can Emili save them all while learning to love again?Buy Links:
All links are available at: http://www.brendamaxfield.comAmazon: http://tinyurl.com/d6q3st6 Astraea Press: http://tinyurl.com/cs9jjquSmashwords: http://tinyurl.com/c49meqoBarnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/dx4vb8c
Blurb for The Lance Temptation (The Edgemont Series Book One)
Sophomore Emili Jones has had it with being a boring, straight-A student. Itching for excitement, she sees plenty of it in classmate Farah Menin’s life of frequent dates and edgy adventure. Hoping the popularity will rub off, Emili latches onto Farah and manipulates herself into best friend status. The connection helps her land the hot new guy, Lance Jankins, but there’s a catch. Now a pawn in Farah’s dating games, Emili is on a crash course to betrayal. Will she realize it in time to save herself?
Buy Links:
All links are available at: http://www.brendamaxfield.comAstraea Press: http://tinyurl.com/bac9er8 Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/au78k88 Amazon Paperback link: http://amzn.to/10DJdkV Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/bdoacd8
Author Bio
My passion is writing! What could be more delicious than inventing new characters and seeing where they take you?I'm a teacher so I spend most of my waking hours with young people. I love chatting with them and hearing their views on love and life. My students are magical, and I am honored to be part of their lives.I've lived in Honduras, Grand Cayman, and Costa Rica. Presently, I live in Indiana with my husband, Paul. We have two grown children and three precious grandchildren, special delivery from Africa.When not teaching, I love to hole up in our lake cabin and write -- often with a batch of popcorn nearby. (Oh, and did I mention dark chocolate?)I enjoy getting to know my readers, so feel free to write me at: contact@brendamaxfield.com. Join my Newsletter Gang and get the latest news, contests, releases here: http://mad.ly/signups/85744/join. Visit me to learn about all my books: www.brendamaxfield.com Happy Reading!
Contact Links:Website: http://www.brendamaxfield.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrendaMaxfield Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6570620.Brenda_MaxfieldTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrendaMaxfield Blog: http://www.brendamaxfield.wordpress.com Email: contact@brendamaxfield.comAmazon author Page: http://tinyurl.com/psj82bjNewsletter Gang: http://mad.ly/signups/85744/join
March 24, 2014
The Writing Process
Writing Process Blog Tour
Tag you’re it! Do you remember playing that game as a child? In the modern, cyber world version, Tag takes the form of a rolling blog tour where authors writing in all genres “tag” each other to blog about their writing process.
My thanks to fellow Astraea Press author, Dee Bat, for tagging me. More about Dee, who writes Regency romances as Vivian Roycroft, at the end of this blog.
Photo credit: Loro Parque Alligator by Eistreter, wikimedia
What am I working on?
I am up to my ankles in alligators and swamp spells as my Teen Wytche Saga takes an unexpected (I sure didn’t plan on it!) ride down the bayou for book four. The saga has evolved into a paranormal Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, with a spell book that gets passed among an expanding group of teens. The spell book keeps morphing into different forms of magic. In book four, the spell book goes voodoo. Ainslie Avalon-Bennett, the OCD driven heroine from Spell Fire, hopes cracking the spell book’s latest magic will lead her to her missing friend, Sophia. To do so, she must find someone knowledgeable in voodoo, powerful enough to control the grimoire, and trustworthy enough not to steal it. Easy, right?
How does my work differ from others of its genre?A lot of paranormal Young Adult books are very dark and involve depressing worlds I wouldn’t want to visit. I write for the middle grade and high school kids who read to escape the angst and violence around them. My characters deal with tough subjects. Mental illness. Sibling rivalry. Death of a parent. Loss of a close friend. Secrets. But in my books, there is always hope, and usually romance. Magic doesn’t solve the problem. It usually creates more problems.
I am a professional shaman and Reiki Master. My life is steeped in magic and energy work. I hope that authenticity differentiate my books from others in the genre. Book four presents new challenges for me because it involves voodoo, a system of magic I’ve never used. (I have managed to slip in one shamanic scene so far.) I’m looking forward to resuming work on book five in the Teen Wytche Saga, because the heroine of that novel is teen shaman.
Why do I write what I do?I am incapable of writing a story that doesn’t contain paranormal elements. Believe me, I’ve tried! I think I write sweet teen romances because they represent an ideal. Teens are pressured to grow up so quickly. Their lives are played out in social media where every miscue, mistake, and violence against them is posted for posterity. My books contain serious and even heartbreaking situations, but they also contain hope and triumph.
How does my writing process work?I like to have some idea where I’m going. Each book has three acts. A hot pink post-it reminds me how many pages should be in each act. One glance tells me if my plotting is off. With my current work, I’ve moved chapters around. So I have ten pages left to lead up to the cliffhanger that will end Act I. Because of the restructuring, Act II is partially written and is told in a different viewpoint than Act I. With each book in the Teen Wytche Saga, I try to change things up a bit regarding Point of View.
Since book 4 has proven to be such a challenge, my current writing process involves a lot of constructive procrastination. I think/plot best when I’m moving, so I’ve been dragging my two dogs on three long walks a day. We put in three to four miles daily, which is a lifesaver since I have a wicked sugar addiction.
I try to get the first walk, email, and social media obligations met by ten or eleven in the morning so I can accomplish some writing before lunch. After lunch, I do another Internet sweep then write before the second walk. If I can get in more writing before dinner, I feel particularly virtuous. On any given day, I may I run up against walls that force me to do more research before I can continue with the story.
In writing the Teen Wytche Saga, I need to keep the overall arc of the series in mind as well as the arc of each character and individual book. I keep a detailed notebook so I can remember in book 4 what color eyes someone had in book 1. I also post a dream cast for the Teen Wytche Saga on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/ariellamoon/the-teen-wytche-saga-dream-cast/
A photo of Jasmine Villegas on my desktop inspires me to write the character Sophia in book 4.
My thanks again to Dee Bat, who writes as Vivian Roycroft, http://the1940mysterywriter.weebly.com/blog.htmlfor tagging me.
In my mind, I am running down the gravel road on Moon Drive where I grew up. Sneakers scrunch against the gravel as I chase a shrieking group of authors. Yay! LaVerne St. George has stepped forward and said, "Tag me!" LaVerne will post about her writing process on March 31 at www.lavernestgeorge.blogspot.com
Tag you’re it! Do you remember playing that game as a child? In the modern, cyber world version, Tag takes the form of a rolling blog tour where authors writing in all genres “tag” each other to blog about their writing process.
My thanks to fellow Astraea Press author, Dee Bat, for tagging me. More about Dee, who writes Regency romances as Vivian Roycroft, at the end of this blog.
Photo credit: Loro Parque Alligator by Eistreter, wikimedia
What am I working on? I am up to my ankles in alligators and swamp spells as my Teen Wytche Saga takes an unexpected (I sure didn’t plan on it!) ride down the bayou for book four. The saga has evolved into a paranormal Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, with a spell book that gets passed among an expanding group of teens. The spell book keeps morphing into different forms of magic. In book four, the spell book goes voodoo. Ainslie Avalon-Bennett, the OCD driven heroine from Spell Fire, hopes cracking the spell book’s latest magic will lead her to her missing friend, Sophia. To do so, she must find someone knowledgeable in voodoo, powerful enough to control the grimoire, and trustworthy enough not to steal it. Easy, right?
How does my work differ from others of its genre?A lot of paranormal Young Adult books are very dark and involve depressing worlds I wouldn’t want to visit. I write for the middle grade and high school kids who read to escape the angst and violence around them. My characters deal with tough subjects. Mental illness. Sibling rivalry. Death of a parent. Loss of a close friend. Secrets. But in my books, there is always hope, and usually romance. Magic doesn’t solve the problem. It usually creates more problems.
I am a professional shaman and Reiki Master. My life is steeped in magic and energy work. I hope that authenticity differentiate my books from others in the genre. Book four presents new challenges for me because it involves voodoo, a system of magic I’ve never used. (I have managed to slip in one shamanic scene so far.) I’m looking forward to resuming work on book five in the Teen Wytche Saga, because the heroine of that novel is teen shaman.
Why do I write what I do?I am incapable of writing a story that doesn’t contain paranormal elements. Believe me, I’ve tried! I think I write sweet teen romances because they represent an ideal. Teens are pressured to grow up so quickly. Their lives are played out in social media where every miscue, mistake, and violence against them is posted for posterity. My books contain serious and even heartbreaking situations, but they also contain hope and triumph.
How does my writing process work?I like to have some idea where I’m going. Each book has three acts. A hot pink post-it reminds me how many pages should be in each act. One glance tells me if my plotting is off. With my current work, I’ve moved chapters around. So I have ten pages left to lead up to the cliffhanger that will end Act I. Because of the restructuring, Act II is partially written and is told in a different viewpoint than Act I. With each book in the Teen Wytche Saga, I try to change things up a bit regarding Point of View.
Since book 4 has proven to be such a challenge, my current writing process involves a lot of constructive procrastination. I think/plot best when I’m moving, so I’ve been dragging my two dogs on three long walks a day. We put in three to four miles daily, which is a lifesaver since I have a wicked sugar addiction.
I try to get the first walk, email, and social media obligations met by ten or eleven in the morning so I can accomplish some writing before lunch. After lunch, I do another Internet sweep then write before the second walk. If I can get in more writing before dinner, I feel particularly virtuous. On any given day, I may I run up against walls that force me to do more research before I can continue with the story.
In writing the Teen Wytche Saga, I need to keep the overall arc of the series in mind as well as the arc of each character and individual book. I keep a detailed notebook so I can remember in book 4 what color eyes someone had in book 1. I also post a dream cast for the Teen Wytche Saga on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/ariellamoon/the-teen-wytche-saga-dream-cast/
A photo of Jasmine Villegas on my desktop inspires me to write the character Sophia in book 4.
My thanks again to Dee Bat, who writes as Vivian Roycroft, http://the1940mysterywriter.weebly.com/blog.htmlfor tagging me.
In my mind, I am running down the gravel road on Moon Drive where I grew up. Sneakers scrunch against the gravel as I chase a shrieking group of authors. Yay! LaVerne St. George has stepped forward and said, "Tag me!" LaVerne will post about her writing process on March 31 at www.lavernestgeorge.blogspot.com
March 14, 2014
Series writer J. F. Jenkins is my guest today, writing ab...
Series writer J. F. Jenkins is my guest today, writing about one of my favorite subjects... dragons! Welcome, J.F.!
WHY DRAGONS, AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE SERIES:
I'm not sure why I picked dragons. Probably because at the time I was so tired of people only focusing on werewolves and vampires and not thinking outside of the box. Dragons have always been a fascinating species to everyone, and it seemed plausible and fun for me to take them and reinvent them into something completely new. The series started as just one book. One, big, monster sized book. As I started to go through editing and rewriting, I discovered that 1) the book was getting too long for the publishing requirements of the press, and 2) There was a lot of new content being added in. Five books (and counting) and a short story collection later, and a saga is born.
BLURB FOR OCEINA:
Darien Oceina is the youngest son of the Great Dragon Lord of the Water. For years he's loved and cherished Tai Dawson from afar. Tai is a simple, ordinary girl who doesn't even know Darien exists. On his eighteenth birthday, he chooses her as his wife. But there’s one problem: She thinks his choice means she's going to be offered as a sacrifice to the Dragon Lord, but instead, she’s forced to move to his home, far away, to give up her life and be his bride.
When she first sees Darien after the ceremony, she doesn’t expect to feel anything but hatred toward him. The two are struggling with the complications of a new marriage when their nation is attacked by a rival dragon species. Together they learn to love one another while they struggle to stay one step ahead in a game where the prize is their survival.
EXCERPT: The Oceina dragons all had long, well muscled, snake likebodies and four legs to support themselves with on the ground.Their scales were always a shade of blue. More often than not adeep, rich, dark, blue that shimmered in the light like preciousstones. They were elegant and strong, quick to anger and wise, andthus amongst the most highly revered species of dragon in theworld.
Without the blessing of the great dragon lord of the water,the island would lose its protection and be outcast as a rebel nation,or one unaffiliated with one of the four great dragon lords. Theisland was too small, and far too passive to risk such a venture.Often, this resulted in the priests being too agreeable, unwilling toassert their true opinion. The dragon lord had been told they wouldbe by his kin, but he was amazed at how annoying this was.Generally, he was very patient, but the priests he had spoken totoday were beginning to wear him thin.
“You don’t like her?” The high priest stammered. “Forgivemy doubt, my lord, but what is there not to like about her? Surelyshe cannot be that displeasing?”
“I don’t like her,” he repeated. “I have another in mind. Now ofcourse if you wish to go against my wishes and not provide for me thesacrifice of my choice, I will simply kill them both and leave your templefor the Inero to set ablaze. There should be as little bloodshed as possible.”
“Yes, of course my lord.”
“I am pleased we agree. Now, as for my chosen sacrifice….”
Her name was Tai Dawson, and in the great dragon lord’seyes, she was by far the most beautiful human female he had everseen. Few would argue with him on the matter, and not simplybecause he was the lord, but because she was indeed a rare beauty.She radiated with purity, and not just in the sense that she hadnever known the touch of a man, but rather because she had thesame sort of beauty a waterfall or a sunset had. She was naturaland confident. Her hair was long and dark, and it looked so soft.The dragon lord wanted to touch it, so badly, but he would have towait until the sacrifice.
J.F. Jenkins lives in Minneapolis Minnesota with her husband, son, and two cats. She graduated from Bethel University in 2006 with a degree in Media Communication with minors in both writing and film. When she is not busy writing, she spends her free time playing games, reading, and spending time with her family.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jfjenkinsauthorTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/jfjenkinstweetsTumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/jfjenkinsBuy Links: http://www.amazon.com/J.F.-Jenkins/e/B004P3HB6O
March 11, 2014
Heather Gray on Birthing a Book Series
Book Series Month continues with today's guest host, Amazon Best Selling author, Heather Gray. Welcome, Heather! Tell us about your Ladies of Larkspur series. Ladies of Larkspur: The Birth Pains of a Series Thank you Ariella for having me on your blog today! It's always a joy to be here, and to talk about my series – how could I refuse? JThe Ladies of Larkspur series came about sort of the way a second pregnancy turns up in marriage. You toy with the idea of having another child. You think about it. You waffle. Are we really ready? It's so much work. Isn't our family's complete just the way it is? But wouldn't it be fun to have another…? Babies are so cute…
When I started the first book in the series, I didn't know whether or not I was going to grow that book family. Mail Order Man was my first book, and I had so very much still to learn. The thing was, I met this girl while writing that first book. She had a teeny tiny little scene, but I was captivated. Mail Order Man was ready to be published. Editing was complete, and the pain associated with it had begun to fade. So I did what any gullible parent would do. I fooled myself into believing the experience had been completely pain-free and decided I was ready to add another book-child to the family.
Now here I sit some months later. Redemption(#3) is due to come out soon, and I've learned a few things. Writing a series is hard. It's complicated, even a little messy. There's a whole lot of work that goes into it – work for which your books will never thank you. You spend a lot of time second-guessing your decisions and wondering if you've done what's best for your characters. You have to accept that life is hard and not everybody gets a happy ending. As the parent of book-children, it's a struggle to let them out into the world to fly – or fall – on their own merit. And yet…ah, the joy. The exquisite joy of bringing another book-child into this world, the sense of satisfaction and excitement…the anticipation with which you wait to see what it's going to look like. There's simply no compare.
I've already forgotten the birthing pains of Redemption have begun to think about how much fun it would be to have another child in the family…
Mail Order Man (Ladies of Larkspur #1) Back Cover Blurb: Some people get a mail order bride. She got a mail order man.
A well-meaning friend places an ad to find a mail order husband for Sarah, the proprietress of Larkspur’s stage and mail office. Sarah, who is generally quiet and reserved, doesn’t know about the ad and has no idea what to do with all the people that are showing up in her community. Before long, the town is overrun with men and mail alike. Sarah is trying to avoid some men who have accosted her on the street when she stumbles into Samuel. Through long days spent together at the stage office, some very adventurous pots of coffee and a shared faith, the two become friends. Sarah knows that Samuel is hiding something from her, something important, but that doesn’t stop her heart from leaping wildly into love. Lacking the confidence to trust her heart, Sarah wars with herself over the feelings she can no longer deny. When some of the men who have come to town show their true intentions, a shootout follows. Sarah finally gets answers to many of the questions circling through her mind. One question remains, though. Where will her mail order man go when the dust settles?
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Astraea Press Smashwords Kobo
Excerpt: Right then Claudio and Cesar came through the door. Both boys chimed a “Good morning!” in Sarah’s direction as they headed straight for the coffee on the stove. Sarah saw their intent and inwardly cringed. Not only was she not sure about how many scoops of grounds she’d put in, but the coffee had been percolating much longer than normal because she got distracted with the letters.Samuel had his back to the stove and did not see the boys as they each poured a cup of coffee. Sarah was about to warn them as Claudio, the middle boy at age 16, took a big swig of the hot brew while Cesar, the youngest, opted to blow on his first. Claudio’s eyes grew wide as he swallowed. “Miss Sarah, I do believe that’s the best coffee you’ve ever made. That’s the kind of coffee vaquerosdrink!”Samuel visibly perked up at the mention of coffee. Sarah was sure he couldn’t know a vaquero was a Mexican cowboy and that they drink their camp coffee strong. If he understood what the boys were saying, he definitely wouldn’t be in a hurry to get a cup of his own. Cesar finally took a drink of his coffee. Sarah could see him trying not to make a face as he swallowed the brew. “Vaquero coffee for sure, Miss Sarah. Papa would be proud.”Sarah had barely started to warn, “Uh, Samuel…” when he took a big gulp of the coffee Claudio had poured for him. She watched the shock on his face as he first paled and then grew red. His eyes flew wide as he tried desperately to swallow the coffee. He finally ran out the front door and spit the coffee out over the edge of the stage platform.The boys could not contain their howling laughter as Samuel walked back into the stage office, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Just Desserts (Ladies of Larkspur #3)
Back Cover Blurb
:Dessert…the perfect remedy when nothing in life seems to be going right.
What do you do when you are the sole protector of four children, your brothers and sisters? When each day is haunted by disappointment, disillusionment and desperation? When you believe that everyone who ever loved you, including God, has abandoned you?You bake a pie, of course.
What do you do when you find a woman whose heart is consumed by fear? Who does not know how to trust? Who scoffs at your faith and throws your kindness back in your face?
You eat a pie, of course.
Excerpt :Seventeen year old Mary Fitzgerald stepped up next to the deacon, a strawberry pie in her hands. Today was the day she took lasting steps to protect her family. Pa was passed out at home, having drunk so much there was no way he'd be waking up to come to the festivities.She had been taking care of and protecting her younger brothers and sisters as far back as she could remember, but her pa was getting meaner and nastier with each passing year. Her brothers were getting angrier, too. It was important to get them all out from under Pa's thumb before her brothers were ruined for life.Hoping to find a man willing to wed her and take her brothers and sisters in, too, Mary had entered herself in the dessert auction at a picnic hosted by the church. Only eligible men were allowed to bid, and she hoped to find a husband. How old, ugly, or poor – Mary didn't care as long as he didn't beat or terrorize them. That was her highest hope, to find a man who did not cause her to cower, who did not break her bones, who would not harm her brothers and sisters. Harboring no illusions about love, Mary didn't even really care if the man was kind; she only needed him not to be too terrible.As the diminutive deacon was about to begin the bidding, Mary glanced up. Fear grabbed hold of her heart and squeezed so tight she thought she might faint right there. Neither the sea of curious faces nor the beautiful blue sky drew her attention. Pa was coming, and he looked madder'n a hot, hungry bull. Mary's breath came in short, shallow gasps as she tried to stay conscious. She was terrified of this man. They had been so certain Pa would stay passed out all day, that he wouldn't discover their plan. The kids had all dressed in their finest clothes and promised to be on their best behavior – no small feat for the boys – and now here came Pa, ruining their chance.The deacon had not seen Mr. Fitzgerald yet and was preparing to start the bidding. His mouth was still open, sucking in air, when the bellow came from the back of the crowd, "That's my young'un and ain't nobody biddin' on her pie! I ain't raisin' no harlot to get paid for her favors!"
Buy Links : Amazon Barnes & Noble Astraea Press Smashwords Kobo
Redemption (Ladies of Larkspur #3) Back Cover Blurb :Murder, mayhem, marriage, and a horse named Mutiny…
Minnie's impulsiveness has been getting her into trouble her whole life. She never expected it to land her on a suspect list for murder, though. With nothing left but a few trunks of possessions and her own defeat, Minnie leaves San Francisco behind and returns home. In an effort to protect her family and friends, she keeps them in the dark about the ongoing investigation and the possibility that danger may have followed her to Larkspur. When events force her to trust someone with her secrets, she turns to the sheriff and finds both a friend and an ally.
It may have been four years since he last saw Minnie, but how could he ever forget her? When Art finds her sneaking through a back alley in town, he knows something's wrong. The once vivacious Minnie is a mere shadow of her former self, all sparkle gone from her eyes. Art knows that time spent with her will be dangerous to his heart, but he can't turn Minnie away. Even if it means protecting her from her own impetuous decisions, he vows to keep her safe.
In her attempt to take responsibility for her own choices, Minnie shut out her friends, family, and God. An unsolved murder isn't all that's chasing Minnie, though. Will she find her way back to the heart of her faith before it's too late?
Excerpt :August 1882Minnie needed to get home quickly. It was imperative. William would be displeased if she was away too long. He was not kind when angry.She rushed around the corner only to be stopped by the familiar sight of police gathered outside the tenement building where she and William rented a room. Given the area they lived in, seeing police was a matter of course. The sheer number of officers present, though, was anything but routine.At the time she’d married him, Minnie had expected to have a grand life with her husband. She was but the daughter of a small-town mayor, but William, why he was a gifted and recognized journalist. Her dreams of that happy life of travel, investigation, and collaboration had evaporated within their first month of marriage. The wonderful man who had courted her, caressed her with silver-tongued words, and danced into her heart had disappeared.He'd left in his place a man who was bitter and angry because she, while the daughter of a politician, had no wealth to her name, no grand dowry to finance the illicit habits he had kept from her during their brief courtship. She'd had to adjust to a life far removed from her dreams, a life where the only thing more common than police at their building was the stench of squalor in the air.Minnie hurried through the gathering of policemen and rushed up the stairs, hoping that William would still be asleep and wouldn't realize she'd been out. As she approached their room, she saw an officer standing in the hallway by the already-open door to the small space she shared with her husband. "Pardon me, ma'am," the officer said, "are you Mrs. Drake?"Nodding, she craned her neck to see around the officer. He tried to block her view, but she caught a peek inside. A strangled gasp escaped her lips. With strength out of place in her small frame, she shoved past the policeman and dashed into their quarters. Her husband of not quite three years, William Drake, lay in a pool of blood, almost unrecognizable. His corpse lay there beaten – nay, bludgeoned – to death. His lifeless eyes stared off into the distance. "W-what happened?" she asked, her voice hoarse."Mrs. Drake." The man speaking wore his somber expression as comfortably as he wore his suit – both were threadbare from too much use. "I need to ask where you've been these past two hours."Trying desperately to pull her eyes away from her husband's corpse, she fought to speak. "An errand." The words felt as if they were being pulled from her throat. "I had an errand to run.""Where, Mrs. Drake?"About a year into their marriage, William had stopped pursuing his journalism career. He was always either deep in his cups or giving up their every possession at the gaming tables. Going to work had become necessary, but she wasn't sure how she felt about exposing that part of her life to the man in the suit, a virtual stranger. It had been easy enough to step into Will's shoes and take over his position at the newspaper. She did her writing in secret, and everything was published under the name Will Drake, the byline her husband had used.Minnie didn't know how to explain her job to these men without feeling the shame and embarrassment of having to admit both facts – that her husband was a sluggard who'd forced his wife to support him and that most of San Francisco believed her to be a man. Little encouragement was to be found in the stern faces of the officers, and she began to question whether either claim would be believable.Looking into the eyes of the suited man, she saw something dreadful. Minnie lifted her hand to her throat in foreboding. "You suspect me, then, in my husband's death." It wasn't a question. She could see the truth of it on the detective's face."Answer the question, Mrs. Drake. Where have you been?""Everywhere but where I should have been, it would seem," she said softly.
About Heather Gray Heather Gray is the author of the Ladies of Larkspur inspirational western romance series, including Mail Order Man, Just Dessert, and Redemption. Other titles include Ten Million Reasons, His Saving Grace, and Nowhere for Christmas – everything from Regency England to modern-day America. Aside from a long-standing love affair with coffee, Heather’s greatest joys are her relationships with her Savior and family. She decided years ago that she'd rather laugh than yell. 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.
Where to Find Heather:My Website – http://www.heathergraywriting.comMy Blog – http://www.heathergraywriting.com/blogFacebook – http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywritingGoogle+ – https://plus.google.com/+Heathergraywritingnow Twitter – http://twitter.com/LaughDreamWrite Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/LaughDreamWrite
When I started the first book in the series, I didn't know whether or not I was going to grow that book family. Mail Order Man was my first book, and I had so very much still to learn. The thing was, I met this girl while writing that first book. She had a teeny tiny little scene, but I was captivated. Mail Order Man was ready to be published. Editing was complete, and the pain associated with it had begun to fade. So I did what any gullible parent would do. I fooled myself into believing the experience had been completely pain-free and decided I was ready to add another book-child to the family.
Now here I sit some months later. Redemption(#3) is due to come out soon, and I've learned a few things. Writing a series is hard. It's complicated, even a little messy. There's a whole lot of work that goes into it – work for which your books will never thank you. You spend a lot of time second-guessing your decisions and wondering if you've done what's best for your characters. You have to accept that life is hard and not everybody gets a happy ending. As the parent of book-children, it's a struggle to let them out into the world to fly – or fall – on their own merit. And yet…ah, the joy. The exquisite joy of bringing another book-child into this world, the sense of satisfaction and excitement…the anticipation with which you wait to see what it's going to look like. There's simply no compare.
I've already forgotten the birthing pains of Redemption have begun to think about how much fun it would be to have another child in the family…
Mail Order Man (Ladies of Larkspur #1) Back Cover Blurb: Some people get a mail order bride. She got a mail order man.
A well-meaning friend places an ad to find a mail order husband for Sarah, the proprietress of Larkspur’s stage and mail office. Sarah, who is generally quiet and reserved, doesn’t know about the ad and has no idea what to do with all the people that are showing up in her community. Before long, the town is overrun with men and mail alike. Sarah is trying to avoid some men who have accosted her on the street when she stumbles into Samuel. Through long days spent together at the stage office, some very adventurous pots of coffee and a shared faith, the two become friends. Sarah knows that Samuel is hiding something from her, something important, but that doesn’t stop her heart from leaping wildly into love. Lacking the confidence to trust her heart, Sarah wars with herself over the feelings she can no longer deny. When some of the men who have come to town show their true intentions, a shootout follows. Sarah finally gets answers to many of the questions circling through her mind. One question remains, though. Where will her mail order man go when the dust settles?
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Astraea Press Smashwords Kobo
Excerpt: Right then Claudio and Cesar came through the door. Both boys chimed a “Good morning!” in Sarah’s direction as they headed straight for the coffee on the stove. Sarah saw their intent and inwardly cringed. Not only was she not sure about how many scoops of grounds she’d put in, but the coffee had been percolating much longer than normal because she got distracted with the letters.Samuel had his back to the stove and did not see the boys as they each poured a cup of coffee. Sarah was about to warn them as Claudio, the middle boy at age 16, took a big swig of the hot brew while Cesar, the youngest, opted to blow on his first. Claudio’s eyes grew wide as he swallowed. “Miss Sarah, I do believe that’s the best coffee you’ve ever made. That’s the kind of coffee vaquerosdrink!”Samuel visibly perked up at the mention of coffee. Sarah was sure he couldn’t know a vaquero was a Mexican cowboy and that they drink their camp coffee strong. If he understood what the boys were saying, he definitely wouldn’t be in a hurry to get a cup of his own. Cesar finally took a drink of his coffee. Sarah could see him trying not to make a face as he swallowed the brew. “Vaquero coffee for sure, Miss Sarah. Papa would be proud.”Sarah had barely started to warn, “Uh, Samuel…” when he took a big gulp of the coffee Claudio had poured for him. She watched the shock on his face as he first paled and then grew red. His eyes flew wide as he tried desperately to swallow the coffee. He finally ran out the front door and spit the coffee out over the edge of the stage platform.The boys could not contain their howling laughter as Samuel walked back into the stage office, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Just Desserts (Ladies of Larkspur #3)
Back Cover Blurb
:Dessert…the perfect remedy when nothing in life seems to be going right.
What do you do when you are the sole protector of four children, your brothers and sisters? When each day is haunted by disappointment, disillusionment and desperation? When you believe that everyone who ever loved you, including God, has abandoned you?You bake a pie, of course.
What do you do when you find a woman whose heart is consumed by fear? Who does not know how to trust? Who scoffs at your faith and throws your kindness back in your face?
You eat a pie, of course.
Excerpt :Seventeen year old Mary Fitzgerald stepped up next to the deacon, a strawberry pie in her hands. Today was the day she took lasting steps to protect her family. Pa was passed out at home, having drunk so much there was no way he'd be waking up to come to the festivities.She had been taking care of and protecting her younger brothers and sisters as far back as she could remember, but her pa was getting meaner and nastier with each passing year. Her brothers were getting angrier, too. It was important to get them all out from under Pa's thumb before her brothers were ruined for life.Hoping to find a man willing to wed her and take her brothers and sisters in, too, Mary had entered herself in the dessert auction at a picnic hosted by the church. Only eligible men were allowed to bid, and she hoped to find a husband. How old, ugly, or poor – Mary didn't care as long as he didn't beat or terrorize them. That was her highest hope, to find a man who did not cause her to cower, who did not break her bones, who would not harm her brothers and sisters. Harboring no illusions about love, Mary didn't even really care if the man was kind; she only needed him not to be too terrible.As the diminutive deacon was about to begin the bidding, Mary glanced up. Fear grabbed hold of her heart and squeezed so tight she thought she might faint right there. Neither the sea of curious faces nor the beautiful blue sky drew her attention. Pa was coming, and he looked madder'n a hot, hungry bull. Mary's breath came in short, shallow gasps as she tried to stay conscious. She was terrified of this man. They had been so certain Pa would stay passed out all day, that he wouldn't discover their plan. The kids had all dressed in their finest clothes and promised to be on their best behavior – no small feat for the boys – and now here came Pa, ruining their chance.The deacon had not seen Mr. Fitzgerald yet and was preparing to start the bidding. His mouth was still open, sucking in air, when the bellow came from the back of the crowd, "That's my young'un and ain't nobody biddin' on her pie! I ain't raisin' no harlot to get paid for her favors!"
Buy Links : Amazon Barnes & Noble Astraea Press Smashwords Kobo
Redemption (Ladies of Larkspur #3) Back Cover Blurb :Murder, mayhem, marriage, and a horse named Mutiny…
Minnie's impulsiveness has been getting her into trouble her whole life. She never expected it to land her on a suspect list for murder, though. With nothing left but a few trunks of possessions and her own defeat, Minnie leaves San Francisco behind and returns home. In an effort to protect her family and friends, she keeps them in the dark about the ongoing investigation and the possibility that danger may have followed her to Larkspur. When events force her to trust someone with her secrets, she turns to the sheriff and finds both a friend and an ally.
It may have been four years since he last saw Minnie, but how could he ever forget her? When Art finds her sneaking through a back alley in town, he knows something's wrong. The once vivacious Minnie is a mere shadow of her former self, all sparkle gone from her eyes. Art knows that time spent with her will be dangerous to his heart, but he can't turn Minnie away. Even if it means protecting her from her own impetuous decisions, he vows to keep her safe.
In her attempt to take responsibility for her own choices, Minnie shut out her friends, family, and God. An unsolved murder isn't all that's chasing Minnie, though. Will she find her way back to the heart of her faith before it's too late?
Excerpt :August 1882Minnie needed to get home quickly. It was imperative. William would be displeased if she was away too long. He was not kind when angry.She rushed around the corner only to be stopped by the familiar sight of police gathered outside the tenement building where she and William rented a room. Given the area they lived in, seeing police was a matter of course. The sheer number of officers present, though, was anything but routine.At the time she’d married him, Minnie had expected to have a grand life with her husband. She was but the daughter of a small-town mayor, but William, why he was a gifted and recognized journalist. Her dreams of that happy life of travel, investigation, and collaboration had evaporated within their first month of marriage. The wonderful man who had courted her, caressed her with silver-tongued words, and danced into her heart had disappeared.He'd left in his place a man who was bitter and angry because she, while the daughter of a politician, had no wealth to her name, no grand dowry to finance the illicit habits he had kept from her during their brief courtship. She'd had to adjust to a life far removed from her dreams, a life where the only thing more common than police at their building was the stench of squalor in the air.Minnie hurried through the gathering of policemen and rushed up the stairs, hoping that William would still be asleep and wouldn't realize she'd been out. As she approached their room, she saw an officer standing in the hallway by the already-open door to the small space she shared with her husband. "Pardon me, ma'am," the officer said, "are you Mrs. Drake?"Nodding, she craned her neck to see around the officer. He tried to block her view, but she caught a peek inside. A strangled gasp escaped her lips. With strength out of place in her small frame, she shoved past the policeman and dashed into their quarters. Her husband of not quite three years, William Drake, lay in a pool of blood, almost unrecognizable. His corpse lay there beaten – nay, bludgeoned – to death. His lifeless eyes stared off into the distance. "W-what happened?" she asked, her voice hoarse."Mrs. Drake." The man speaking wore his somber expression as comfortably as he wore his suit – both were threadbare from too much use. "I need to ask where you've been these past two hours."Trying desperately to pull her eyes away from her husband's corpse, she fought to speak. "An errand." The words felt as if they were being pulled from her throat. "I had an errand to run.""Where, Mrs. Drake?"About a year into their marriage, William had stopped pursuing his journalism career. He was always either deep in his cups or giving up their every possession at the gaming tables. Going to work had become necessary, but she wasn't sure how she felt about exposing that part of her life to the man in the suit, a virtual stranger. It had been easy enough to step into Will's shoes and take over his position at the newspaper. She did her writing in secret, and everything was published under the name Will Drake, the byline her husband had used.Minnie didn't know how to explain her job to these men without feeling the shame and embarrassment of having to admit both facts – that her husband was a sluggard who'd forced his wife to support him and that most of San Francisco believed her to be a man. Little encouragement was to be found in the stern faces of the officers, and she began to question whether either claim would be believable.Looking into the eyes of the suited man, she saw something dreadful. Minnie lifted her hand to her throat in foreboding. "You suspect me, then, in my husband's death." It wasn't a question. She could see the truth of it on the detective's face."Answer the question, Mrs. Drake. Where have you been?""Everywhere but where I should have been, it would seem," she said softly.
About Heather Gray Heather Gray is the author of the Ladies of Larkspur inspirational western romance series, including Mail Order Man, Just Dessert, and Redemption. Other titles include Ten Million Reasons, His Saving Grace, and Nowhere for Christmas – everything from Regency England to modern-day America. Aside from a long-standing love affair with coffee, Heather’s greatest joys are her relationships with her Savior and family. She decided years ago that she'd rather laugh than yell. 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.
Where to Find Heather:My Website – http://www.heathergraywriting.comMy Blog – http://www.heathergraywriting.com/blogFacebook – http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywritingGoogle+ – https://plus.google.com/+Heathergraywritingnow Twitter – http://twitter.com/LaughDreamWrite Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/LaughDreamWrite
March 10, 2014
Virgo March Moon, 2014
March's Full Moon MagicThe Virgo March Full moon arrives at 1:08 pm EDT. On March 16, 2014, and will be void-of-course until it enters Libra at 8:46 pm EDT.
I love the way moon names evolved from the observation of nature and the analysis of symbols. In North America, depending on location, March full moon names reflected springtime thaw. The Worm Moon heralded the warming of the ground by the reappearance of earthworms — a sign robins would follow. The Crust Moon reflected the daytime snow thaw that crusted over when evening temperatures would fall below freezing. The Sap Moon marked the time when the maple tree sap could be tapped. The cawing of crows symbolized the end of winter, giving rise to the name, Crow Moon. Elsewhere, the March Full Moon was known as the Seed Moon.
Full Moon Magic
Always avoid doing magic when the moon is void-of-course (when it makes a final angular relationship with another planet). For March, plan ahead so your working finishes before 1:08 pm EDT on March 16. Winter’s final full moon is a good time for completion spells. Perhaps you need a magical boost to wrap up a project before the longer days distract you. The Worm Moon is a good time to add extra effort to intentions you set in January, especially goals regarding health. As plants stir beneath the earth, so stirs the creative urge within. For March Full Moon magic, wear spring green and decorate your sacred space with flowers, pussy willow branches, and seeds. Burn green candles. If you like, burn floral incense.
Full Moon Completion Spell Creativity thrive with new drive Strength renew, for tasks to do.Intentions set, now be met.Projects done, on to fun.
March 7, 2014
Samantha Combs's Spellbound Series
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This month I'm spotlighting book series. First up, fellow Astraea Press Young Adult author, Samantha Combs. I must confess, Samantha's gorgeous cover for Spellbound helped convince me to sign on with Astraea Press. ~AriellaThe Spellbound Series[image error][image error]
Logan Daniels has always led a sheltered life in sleepy, predictable Lancaster, New Hampshire. But when beautiful Serena suddenly appears at school one day, his comfortable existence becomes anything but as he finds himself falling in love with her. There’s something special about Serena Starr. He realizes what it is when he sees her unleash her spells. Soon, a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his placid home.
Logan and Serena find themselves battling darkness and evil with an ominous mission: it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to have her. Tearing apart Logan’s town, threatening his friends, even causing harm to his family, the demon will spread its doom over every facet of Logan’s once placid life. Logan matures in ways he could never have imagined as he struggles to protect those he loves, including Serena. But he can't do it alone.
Serena hails from a long line of able and powerful women who will aide in the battle and perhaps settle a score of their own. The strength of the coven and Serena's love will be behind him, but ultimately this is Logan’s fight to win. But, will he?
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[image error]Book Two in the Spellbound series continues the love story of Logan and Serena. Having previously dispatched Christophe, the dark demon trying to capture and kidnap Serena for her special witch DNA in Book One, the two lovers believe they are now free to plan and live their lives together. Or are they?
When an innocent mistake made by their newlywed friends frees the way for Christophe to return, their idyllic attempt at happiness is marred by the nightmare they must outsmart, finally, to achieve the happily ever after they deserve.
They know they can rely on their coven to be there for them, and some new friends and additions to the family, as they once again embark on an epic battle that will secure their life, their love, and their future together. Once, they were Spellbound, now their story continues, for love, forever, for Everspell.
Also from Samantha Combs:
Ghostly
No, her real problem is that after years of platonic friendship, she discovers one of her best buddies has feelings for her, and she’s afraid those feelings might be mutual.High school has never been effortless for social misfit Juice Zander and her sophomore year is proving to be no exception. Having a new boy in homeroom actually pay attention to her might be a start to all that changing. But there are some big issues brewing. That fact that Shane Elliot has revealed himself to be a ghost isn’t her biggest problem. Neither is the fact that he wants her to help him find a “host body” so he can be a real teenager again. It’s not even that when she does find a possible donor for her supercute ghost, it’s another so-not-ugly guy who for some unprecedented reason likes her.
Enlisting the help of her tight group of best friends, Juice sets out to 1) find the perfect host for her ghost, 2) figure out her surprising new relationship with her longtime friend and 3) maybe discover she’s not such a social misfit after all.
Samantha Combs, award winning author of nine published books, and some really cool short stories published in some really cool places(Dark Moon Digest, Dark Eclipse magazine, and Smoke and Mirrors podcasts)
Check out the books!:SPELLBOUND, EVERSPELL, GHOSTLY, THE DETENTION DEMON, WATERDANCER, TEETH AND TALONS, WAY PAST MIDNIGHT, HELLOWEEN, and THE DEADLIES. WINGSPAN, my tenth novel, will be available Winter 2013
Connect With Samantha Combs!Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Combs-Fan-Page/205186202866933Email: samanthacombswrites@gmail.comBlog: http://www.samanthacombswrites.blogspot.comTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/samanthacombs1
[image error]
[image error]
This month I'm spotlighting book series. First up, fellow Astraea Press Young Adult author, Samantha Combs. I must confess, Samantha's gorgeous cover for Spellbound helped convince me to sign on with Astraea Press. ~AriellaThe Spellbound Series[image error][image error]
Logan Daniels has always led a sheltered life in sleepy, predictable Lancaster, New Hampshire. But when beautiful Serena suddenly appears at school one day, his comfortable existence becomes anything but as he finds himself falling in love with her. There’s something special about Serena Starr. He realizes what it is when he sees her unleash her spells. Soon, a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his placid home.Logan and Serena find themselves battling darkness and evil with an ominous mission: it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to have her. Tearing apart Logan’s town, threatening his friends, even causing harm to his family, the demon will spread its doom over every facet of Logan’s once placid life. Logan matures in ways he could never have imagined as he struggles to protect those he loves, including Serena. But he can't do it alone.
Serena hails from a long line of able and powerful women who will aide in the battle and perhaps settle a score of their own. The strength of the coven and Serena's love will be behind him, but ultimately this is Logan’s fight to win. But, will he?
[image error]
[image error]Book Two in the Spellbound series continues the love story of Logan and Serena. Having previously dispatched Christophe, the dark demon trying to capture and kidnap Serena for her special witch DNA in Book One, the two lovers believe they are now free to plan and live their lives together. Or are they?
When an innocent mistake made by their newlywed friends frees the way for Christophe to return, their idyllic attempt at happiness is marred by the nightmare they must outsmart, finally, to achieve the happily ever after they deserve.
They know they can rely on their coven to be there for them, and some new friends and additions to the family, as they once again embark on an epic battle that will secure their life, their love, and their future together. Once, they were Spellbound, now their story continues, for love, forever, for Everspell.
Also from Samantha Combs:
Ghostly
No, her real problem is that after years of platonic friendship, she discovers one of her best buddies has feelings for her, and she’s afraid those feelings might be mutual.High school has never been effortless for social misfit Juice Zander and her sophomore year is proving to be no exception. Having a new boy in homeroom actually pay attention to her might be a start to all that changing. But there are some big issues brewing. That fact that Shane Elliot has revealed himself to be a ghost isn’t her biggest problem. Neither is the fact that he wants her to help him find a “host body” so he can be a real teenager again. It’s not even that when she does find a possible donor for her supercute ghost, it’s another so-not-ugly guy who for some unprecedented reason likes her.
Enlisting the help of her tight group of best friends, Juice sets out to 1) find the perfect host for her ghost, 2) figure out her surprising new relationship with her longtime friend and 3) maybe discover she’s not such a social misfit after all.
Samantha Combs, award winning author of nine published books, and some really cool short stories published in some really cool places(Dark Moon Digest, Dark Eclipse magazine, and Smoke and Mirrors podcasts)
Check out the books!:SPELLBOUND, EVERSPELL, GHOSTLY, THE DETENTION DEMON, WATERDANCER, TEETH AND TALONS, WAY PAST MIDNIGHT, HELLOWEEN, and THE DEADLIES. WINGSPAN, my tenth novel, will be available Winter 2013
Connect With Samantha Combs!Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Combs-Fan-Page/205186202866933Email: samanthacombswrites@gmail.comBlog: http://www.samanthacombswrites.blogspot.comTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/samanthacombs1
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March 6, 2014
Spell Struck Nominated for a 2014 RONE Award
InD'tale Magazine today announced the nominees for the 2014 RONE Awards. Spell Struck, the second novel in my Teen Wytche Saga, has been nominated in the Young Adult Paranormal category. Public voting begins later in the month. Stay tuned!
http://www.indtale.com/2014-rone-awards-nominies
Spell Struck previously received a Five-star review and Crown of Excellencefrom InD'tale Magazine.
http://www.indtale.com/2014-rone-awards-nominies
Spell Struck previously received a Five-star review and Crown of Excellencefrom InD'tale Magazine.
