Penny Estelle's Blog, page 8

SPOTLIGHT - Kevin Doyle and his wonderful book One Helluva Gig

“One Helluva Gig” chronicles several years of the life of newspaper reporter Frank Peters who comes to prominence through a series of associations with the major recording star, Rob Jeffers, who Peters first interviewed when Jeffers was still paying the college circuit. 

When Jeffers dies midway through his stratospheric career, Peters own career takes a downward spiral that ends with him working for a tabloid newspaper chasing years of supposed sightings of Jeffers, still alive. As Peters is sent once more to the middle of nowhere to investigate a Jeffers sighting, he discovers something unexpected - not only about the dead singer, but also about himself.

 Teaser from "One Helluva Gig".... When my story came out a few days later, it filled about an eight-inch hole on page nine. Hardly noticed then, it’s a collector’s item today, and, even before Rob’s death, about once a year, the journalism department at the school would get a request from some music mag or underground press to reprint it. That coincidental meeting made me, in later years, the “expert” on Rob Jeffers, an expertise a lot more imagined than real. Unlike the popular myth, Rob wasn’t an “overnight success.” When I first met him that night at the university, he was, at twenty-five, far and away the oldest member of the band. And it’d be nice to say, as I stood back of the stage and listened to the unending succession of covers from acts nearly ten years out of date, that I had an inkling that the lead vocalist I’d met a few minutes ago would become the next big star. Unfortunately, I can’t say any such thing. The first time I heard Jeffers perform, he was, to say the least, unimpressive. At the time, I had no idea that I was listening to someone whose name would eventually rank up there with the biggest. Even more, it wasn’t exactly my kind of music. A little too soul-screeching for me, especially back in the days when heavy metal was all the big thing. I didn’t mind a little hard thumping now and then, but my tastes most definitely ran more to the likes of Boston, Styx, and The Who. While Jeffers and his band didn’t quite match up to early Ozzy standards, ninety percent of the time, they performed pretty much out of my comfort range. Still, judging by the reaction of the young, mainly female audience, I must have been the only one not having a great time. Between the hair whipping back and forth, the beer chugging and slurping, and the faintly acrid stench of a certain controlled substance rising toward the ceiling, almost everyone there had a great time. Any minute, I expected to see co-eds whipping off their bras and throwing them toward the stage. Eventually, after what seemed like forever, the band came out for an encore, and, with the time edging up on midnight, I eased myself out from the main body of the crowd and off to the side of the room. As the song, almost completely drowned out by drunken, stoned applause, wound down, and the group began edging off stage, I caught the eye of the oldish guy up there who I’d helped get in the building. He nodded, and I continued my journey toward the back of the hall, already outlining my piece in my head as my instructors had taught me.Looking back, of course, the story was no great shakes, especially considering the eight column inches I’d been assigned that got cut down to six. I did manage, even in that small space, to squeeze in the names of Phil Herbert, guitarist; Lonny Jenkins, drums; and Brian Smith, keyboards. And, naturally, Rob Jeffers, who, as lead singer, had done the lion’s share of the screeching and caterwauling up on stage, I featured in a paragraph all his own. So, no. The story itself, on its merits, wasn’t any different from several thousand other hole-fillers that appear in college papers around the country every year. Even at the time, I knew full well that nothing really distinguished it from anything else that anybody would print that month, or that year, or even that decade. Of course now, as we all know, there was something very special about the piece, something that, although it would take some time to come to fruition, would establish me in what would become my chosen profession. That something, of course, was the two or three quotes I managed to twist out of a confused, hyperactive lead singer. Even though his performance that night had given me absolutely no indication of the star he would become.


http://www.vagabondagepress.com/bookpreviews/onehelluvagig.html#.V5kFq9IrLcs

https://www.amazon.com/One-Helluva-Gig-Kevin-Doyle-ebook/dp/B00A6JB4WI?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-helluva-gig-kevin-r-doyle/1113786303?ean=2940015835014
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/254433




            A high school teacher and fiction writer in central Missouri, Kevin Doyle’s short stories, mainly in the horror and suspense fields, have appeared in over twenty-five small press magazines. In 2012, Vagabondage Press released his first e-book, a rock fiction novelette title One Helluva Gig. In 2014 Barbarian Books released his first full-length mystery novel, The Group, currently slated to be re-released next year by MuseItUp Publishing. And in February of 2015, Night to Dawn Magazine and Books released his horror novel, The Litter. A lifelong lover of both dogs and the Gulf Coast, he’s counting down the years till retirement, when he can move south and enjoy both.              More information can be found at www.kevindoylefiction.comor at www.facebook.com/kevindoylefiction.

SPOTLIGHT - Jana Richards and her story, One More Second Chance

I’m currently giving away a print copy of ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE at Goodreads. For your chance to win, please enter my contest here. - https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/193319?utm_medium=api&utm_source=giveaway_widget


Contemporary RomanceBlurb:Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

Excerpt “What did the x-ray find?” she asked.
“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.”
Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice.“You think someone deliberately hurt her?”
“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.”
“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.”
“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.”
“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.”
“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.”
Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her… She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her. 
No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong. “I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.”
“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.”
Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.”
“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.”
Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?”
“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children…” 
He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.” 

Buy Links: Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421199187&sr=1-4&keywords=jana+richardsAmazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Second-Chance-Jana-Richards/dp/1628307056Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00S46KSX6The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/one-more-second-chanceChapters/Indigo:http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/one-more-second-chance/9781628307061-item.html?ikwid=Jana+Richards&ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=0ibooks:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-more-second-chance/id959306323?mt=11All Romance Ebookshttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-onemoresecondchance-1734442-149.htmlBookstrandhttp://www.bookstrand.com/one-more-second-chanceBarnes and Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-more-second-chance-jana-richards/1121155014?ean=2940149953233Google Playhttps://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_One_More_Second_Chance?id=ia6LBgAAQBAJ





Bio:When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist. In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com
Social Media Links:Website:  http://www.janarichards.comBlog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.comFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthorTwitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichardsAmazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnTGoodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_RichardsGoogle+ Profile:  https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

SPOTLIGHT - Madame Presidentess by Nicole Evelina - plus, 10 Stranger Than Fiction Things About Victoria Woodhull's Life

Forty-eight years before women were granted the right to vote, one woman dared to run for President of the United States, yet her name has been virtually written out of the history books.
Rising from the shame of an abusive childhood, Victoria Woodhull, the daughter of a con-man and a religious zealot, vows to follow her destiny, one the spirits say will lead her out of poverty to “become ruler of her people.”
But the road to glory is far from easy. A nightmarish marriage teaches Victoria that women are stronger and deserve far more credit than society gives. Eschewing the conventions of her day, she strikes out on her own to improve herself and the lot of American women.
Over the next several years, she sets into motion plans that shatter the old boys club of Wall Street and defile even the sanctity of the halls of Congress. But it’s not just her ambition that threatens men of wealth and privilege; when she announces her candidacy for President in the 1872 election, they realize she may well usurp the power they’ve so long fought to protect.
Those who support her laud “Notorious Victoria” as a gifted spiritualist medium and healer, a talented financial mind, a fresh voice in the suffrage movement, and the radical idealist needed to move the nation forward. But those who dislike her see a dangerous force who is too willing to speak out when women are expected to be quiet. Ultimately, “Mrs. Satan’s” radical views on women’s rights, equality of the sexes, free love and the role of politics in private affairs collide with her tumultuous personal life to endanger all she has built and change how she is viewed by future generations.
This is the story of one woman who was ahead of her time – a woman who would make waves even in the 21st century – but who dared to speak out and challenge the conventions of post-Civil War America, setting a precedent that is still followed by female politicians today.

Teaser from Madame Presidentess....
With James’s support and my newfound conviction, I approached the second day of the conference not as the wide-eyed innocent of yesterday but as a potential future leader. The urge to speak out, to give voice to all of those whom society silenced hummed in my veins. The only remaining question was how. Among the morning’s speakers was my old friend from St. Louis, Virginia Minor. After she was introduced, Mrs. Minor wasted no time in getting to the point of her speech. “You may know that my husband and I are vocal proponents of the idea that the Constitution already gives us the right to vote. But we are willing to put before you an additional piece of supporting evidence, found in the Fourteenth Amendment, that I believe gives all women the right to vote. “As persons born in the United States, women are citizens. Nowhere in the text does it specify ‘males’ or ‘men,’ only ‘persons,’ which is a term without gender and therefore should include both men and women. The Constitution gives all citizens the right to vote. Therefore, as citizens, we already have the right to vote. The next line of the amendment elaborates, noting that no state is allowed to legally deprive citizens of their rights or deny them equal protection.”I followed Mrs. Minor’s words closely, taking in each argument and dissecting it carefully. I was not trained to debate the finer points of law, but I could find no flaw in the woman’s logic. In fact, the longer I listened, the more I found myself agreeing. Around us, women whispered to each other, nudging husbands and companions in agreement with Mrs. Minor’s peaceful call to arms. “Therefore, if the right is already ours, all we need do is take it back. Yes,” her voice rang out like the peal of an Easter church bell, “I mean we must take action. Perhaps you have heard of the Spiritualist town of Vineland, New Jersey? There, late last year, nearly two hundred women cast their votes. They pledge to do so annually until they are acknowledged. This is what I call on you to do.“What I am asking of you is revolutionary, this I know. It goes against all we are raised to believe and how society demands we behave, but I urge you to open your minds to the idea. As a group, we have the power to change state laws, something which Miss Anthony, Mrs. Stanton, and other leaders of this group will be working to put into action. But each of us bears personal responsibility as well. So on your next election day, I ask that you hand over your ballot, not meekly but with pride, and demand to be counted among the citizens of this fine country. Only in that way can we hope to affect change in time to cast our votes for the next president in 1872.”The crowd roared with applause, and I leapt to my feet, clapping as loud as my hands would let me. This woman was onto something. “We should do this,” I mouthed to Tennie, who nodded enthusiastically. I would have to discuss the possibilities taking shape in my mind with James. “They’ve got motivation now,” said a man in the row behind me. “Too bad they don’t have the money to see it through.”His offhand comment snagged my attention. The party needed money, and I needed a way into its upper echelons. If Josie’s stock tips had taught me anything, it was that there was money to be made in the stock market—lots of it. Perhaps that could be my entry into suffrage society. I mulled over the thought as other people spoke. By the time Elizabeth Cady Stanton delivered the closing address, I was determined to work with Tennie to see how our budding business relationship with Mr. Vanderbilt might help advance our work for women. When Mrs. Stanton said, “The need of this hour is a new evangel of womanhood to exalt purity, virtue, morality, true religion, to lift man up into the high realms of thought and action,” a chill raced down my spine. Those words were meant for me. My sight blurred, and I blinked as a vision took over my consciousness. I stood in the center of a spotlighted stage, speaking to throngs larger even than the crowd gathered for this convention, as Demosthenes had promised. A flash, then I sat on a platform next to the three Fates who ran the organization. I was the golden child sent to breathe new life into a movement desperately in need of new energy. The next thing I knew, Miss Anthony was announcing me as president of the National Women’s Rights Convention. Another shift and the vision began to fade, but not before a newspaper headline blared the fulfillment of the highest of Demosthenes’ prophecies: “Victoria Woodhull Makes History as First Woman President.” Yes! I will bring this movement to the masses. I will show them that a woman like them, raised in the dirt, who works for a living, can be an agent of change. Then they shall see one Victoria sitting on the throne of England while her namesake guards the interests of women in the United States. Less than four years from now, I shall be president.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Madame-Presidentess-Nicole-Evelina-ebook/dp/B01ERT1AJO?ie=UTF8&keywords=Nicole%20Evelina&qid=1461776990&ref_=sr_1_5&sr=8-5

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madame-presidentess-nicole-evelina/1123724822?ean=2940156766956

iTunes: https://itun.es/us/Ebvbcb.lhttps://itun.es/us/Ebvbcb.l

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/632328

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/madame-presidentess-1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29995537-madame-presidentess











10 Stranger Than Fiction Things About Victoria Woodhull's LifeAs Madame Presidentess makes its way into the world (it was published yesterday), it's suddenly occurred to me that there are quite a few elements in it that might be taken as implausible fictions on my part, but are actually true, at least according to Victoria's biographers (and I stand by my sources). The truth of Victoria's life is hard to pin down, at least in part because later in life she often contradicted herself or outright denied what she'd previously said or done in order to change her reputation. I spell out what is real and what is not in the Author's Notes at the end of the book, but I thought I'd list 10 things here so I could talk about them a bit.The grist mill fire and its consequences - The Claflin's grist mill did burn to the ground when Victoria was young. The cause is up for debate. Some people speculate that it was insurance fraud on Buck's (Victoria's father) part, as he was known to be a swindler, but her mother, Annie, maintained it was a terrible accident. Regardless of the cause, the Claflin family was run out of town, with the church taking up a collection to help speed them on their way. (Barbara Goldsmith even goes so far as to suggest the townspeople were considering tarring and feathering Buck.)Canning Woodhull's philandering - Victoria's first husband was well-known for his love of brothels. She told a story that she found him in one a mere three days after their wedding. Her biographers also say he received a letter from a former mistress who he shipped off to another town so he could marry Victoria asking if he married Victoria because she, too, was pregnant.Victoria's daughter Zula almost died at birth - This is a crazy one. Canning claimed to be a doctor, but he really didn't have much training. The story goes that he was so drunk/stoned when Zula was born that he either cut the umbilical cord too short or didn't tie it off properly, and then left to go to the local tavern. When Victoria awoke with the baby in her arms, she was covered in blood. She was alone and didn't know what to do, so she had to beat on the wall with a piece of broken furniture (not sure why that's what she picked) to get the neighbors' attention. They came running, but the doors were locked and Victoria was too weak to get up and unlock them. Finally, one of the neighbors climbed in through a grate in the basement.Annie's antics - Victoria's mother did some pretty outrageous things. She took her own son-in-law (Victoria's second husband, James) to court on the grounds he stole Victoria and Tennie's affection from him. Annie and Victoria's sister Utica were known to raid Victoria and Tennie's clothes and jewelry and pawn them even though Victoria paid all of their expenses. Annie also was a known serial blackmailer.Victoria's clairvoyant and healing powers - Victoria maintained all her life that she had been in contact with the spirits since she was a child. Her mother also convinced her that she was a healer. Her father put her and her sister, Tennie (also a healer), to work at a young age using those skills to make money. This may well have been an extension of his other illegitimate activities. But accounts of the sisters' healing and psychic sessions exist and at least some of their clients believed in their abilities. Obviously, we have no way of proving whether or not they were real, but Victoria seemed to believe they were.The strange men at Victoria and Tennie's opening day on Wall Street - This was another detail too crazy not to include. According to a contemporary account reported in The Sun and reprinted in Gary Gabriel's biography Notorious Victoria, Mr. Edward Van Schalck and several friends made multiple visits to the firm on its opening day for apparently no good reason. Each time they would come it would be in a different sized group from 1-4 people and the would change their clothing, and sometimes their appearance (one time Mr. Van Schalck was freshly shaved and how he wore his hair varied). They would ask a question or chat with those in the office, leave, and come back again 20 minutes to a few hours later. This went on throughout the day until they made a visit after office hours and were told the office was closed. No reason is given for this odd behavior. (I have a reason in my book, but that's where fiction comes in.)Victoria's meeting with President Grant - There is no written record of her meeting with the President, but biographers are pretty sure it did occur at some point when she was in Washington D.C. Victoria never told anyone what happened during the meeting, but somehow it is tradition that the President said "you will one day occupy this seat," referring to the Presidential chair. Also, in the book when the President talks about his views on suffrage, I took that from things he is known to have said.Victoria's conversations with Reverend Henry Beecher - Perhaps the most dramatic dialogue in the novel comes from Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. Where possible, it is taken from actual accounts of Victoria's conversations with him as written in various biographies, especially "Other Powers" by Barbara Goldsmith. If these accounts are to be believed, he was rather melodramatic in his pleading with her to be excused from the responsibility of introducing her at a speech she was planning to give on Free Love.Victoria's love affair with Theodore Tilton - Depending on which biography you read, Victoria is rumored to have had up to four affairs while she was married to Col. James Blood. Whether or not they were actually affairs is up for debate, because Victoria and James practiced Free Love - not open promiscuity, but rather the belief that one should be able to take and leave one's partners as the heart dictates without interference from the state. If this was like having an open marriage, then there is no guilt, no affair. Anyway, the one affair most biographers agree upon is with Theodore Tilton, who worked for Victoria's paper and wrote her biography. The two are an unlikely couple, especially what she knew about his wife's claims of verbal abuse, but I guess love really is blind.Victoria's running mate - Strange as it may seem, Victoria's running mate was Frederick Douglass. He was nominated by her Equal Rights Party (I never did find a definitive answer on whether or not she picked him or the party picked him for her.) Either way, having a ticket with a woman and a black man in 1872 was unheard of. For his part, Mr. Douglass never asked to be taken off the ballot, but he never agreed to it, either. As the 1872 election drew near, he publicly came out in favor of President Grant.You’ll see each one of these in context if you chose to read the book, but even if this post is all you read, I hope you’ll walk away a little better acquainted with an amazing woman who strangely isn’t in our history books. Maybe my little novel will do something toward changing that.
Sources:Brody, Miriam. Victoria Woodhull, Free Spirit for Women’s Rights.
Frisken, Amanda. Victoria Woodhull’s Sexual Revolution.
Gabriel, Mary. Notorious Victoria.
Goldsmith, Barbara. Other Powers: The Age of Suffrage, Spiritualism and the Scandalous Victoria Woodhull.
Havelin, Kate. Victoria Woodhull.
Krull, Kathleen. A Woman for President – The Story of Victoria Woodhull.
MacPherson, Myra. The Scarlet Sisters.
Tilton, Theodore. The Golden Age Tract No. 3 “Victoria C. Woodhull, a Biographical Sketch.”
Underhill, Lois Beachey. The Woman Who Ran for President.



Nicole Evelina is a multi-award-winning historical fiction and romantic comedy writer. Her most recent novel, Madame Presidentess, a historical novel about Victoria Woodhull, America's first female Presidential candidate, was the first place winner in the Women’s US History category of the 2015 Chaucer Awards for Historical Fiction.                               Her debut novel, Daughter of Destiny, the first book of an Arthurian legend trilogy that tells Guinevere’s life story from her point of view, was named Book of the Year by Chanticleer Reviews, took the Grand Prize in the 2015 Chatelaine Awards for Women’s Fiction/Romance, won a Gold Medal in the fantasy category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and was short-listed for the Chaucer Award for Historical Fiction.  Been Searching for You, her contemporary romantic comedy, won the 2015 Romance Writers of America (RWA) Great Expectations and Golden Rose contests.
Nicole is one of only six authors who completed a week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness. As an armchair historian, Nicole researches her books extensively, consulting with biographers, historical societies and traveling to locations when possible. For example, she traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere’s Tale trilogy, where she consulted with internationally acclaimed author and historian Geoffrey Ashe, as well as Arthurian/Glastonbury expert Jaime George, the man who helped Marion Zimmer Bradley research The Mists of Avalon.
Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for The Historical Novel Society, and Sirens (a group supporting female fantasy authors), as well as a member of the Historical Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the St. Louis Writer’s Guild, Women Writing the West, Broad Universe (promoting women in fantasy, science fiction and horror), Alliance of Independent Authors, the Independent Book Publishers Association and the Midwest Publisher’s Association.
Her website is http://nicoleevelina.com.
She can be reached online at:https://twitter.com/NicoleEvelina http://www.goodreads.com/nicoleevelina http://pinterest.com/nicoleevelina/ https://www.facebook.com/nicoleevelinapage/ http://instagram.com/nicoleevelina http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyi5-knSn0Abm5ujfpcHgbg/videos?view_as=public

Christmas in July

HO HO HO!  Merry Christmas in July!  



We have twenty-six Christmas Stories below!  One commenter is going to win the whole shebang!  All you have to do is leave a message. On Sunday, July 24, a name will be drawn.  Don't forget to leave your email address!  Happy Reading!


99 cents or free for Kindle Unlimited MembersTwelve years ago Jim Rustle packed up and left his home in Idaho and hasn’t looked back. He gets quite an awakening when Lisa Parker, whom he hadn’t seen in all those years, breaks into a business meeting and uses some colorful adjectives to tell him just what she thinks of him.

Sparks fly between the two when he decides to follow Lisa home and sees what has happened in his absence.  Is the anger stemming from the present, or from the past?
It’s Christmas time.  Can an ornament from years past help heal betrayals that have festered for so long?
* * * *
A husband for Christmas Mitch Weston's back in Cowboy Creek, and self-proclaimed matchmaker Jed Garland has his single granddaughter Andi on his mind. Mitch is a lawman, good with the little ones and easy on the eyes. He and Andi were high school sweethearts, for heaven's sake! Why can't they see they're perfect for each other? Because Andi already lost one husband to a dangerous job, and now she's all about playing it safe, for her sake and her children's. Being a cop is everything to Mitch. After discovering Jed's plan, Mitch and Andi come up with their own: they'll pretend to get engaged and then break up due to irreconcilable differences. Jed's got his work cut out for him—because this match needs a Christmas miracle!http://www.amzn.com/B00WARV1R2 * * * *  Only 99 cents at Amazon
Suddenly left homeless and penniless, Boston socialite Deborah Morrow is convinced fate has lent a helping hand when she receives an invitation to spend Christmas with her cousin in Rocky Ridge, Colorado. Perhaps distance will help her to make decisions about her future. 

Bran MacKay, foreman of the Triple M Ranch, has no use for women from the east. He learned the hard way that they’re prissy and shallow, and don’t think about anything except the frivolous trappings of high society. 

As Deborah and Bran are thrown together over the holidays, their attraction to each other can’t be ignored. Can fate … and little Christmas magic … bring these two people together? 
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Ridge-Christmas-Morgans-ebook/dp/B00QN3CCOK?ie=UTF8&keywords=rocky%20ridge%20christmas&qid=1417861021&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 * * * *

An Unexpected Gift  Eve Pickering knows what it's like to be judged for your past. So she's not about to leave the orphaned boy she's befriended alone in this unfamiliar Texas town. Since Chance Dawson's offer of shelter is the only way to look after Leo, Eve is determined they'll have a warm, welcoming home for the holidays.

Chance came from the big city to make it on his own despite a painful secret. But Eve's strength is giving him a confidence he never expected—and a new direction for his dream. With a little Christmas blessing, he'll dare to win her heart—and make their family one for a lifetime.

https://smile.amazon.com/Family-Christmas-Texas-Grooms-Book-ebook/dp/B00CFX57I0

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The Richest Christmas ~ set in Texas after the civil war is a short story about Christmas on the Texas plains. 
 
Saving Christmas ~ Priscilla Christmas Humphry is angry about her father moving them to Texas. Of all places. It's nothing like her Baltimore. What's worse, Father wants her to marry one of the cowboys he so admires. He doesn't know that she was in love in Baltimore with Eugene and he promised he'd come and save her from the wild west. Steve Matthews finally has a good start on his ranch, the Lazy S. He has everything but a wife.

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Texas-Patricia-PacJac-Carroll-ebook/dp/B01HHAI0UM

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Meg O'Reilly wonders what ever made her want to be a teacher. The last four members of the demon horde are making her life miserable. When one of them slaps a copy of the Grooms' Gazette on her desk and tells her to go see their older sister so she can find her a groom, she reads through the paper and decides to do just that. Confident in her decision, she sends a letter to the man she chooses that very day. The one thing Lars Borgen is not looking for is love. He wants a wife to share his life, his work, and his bed, but he doesn't ever expect to feel any tender emotions for her. Expecting a plain bride, he is startled when beautiful Meg steps off the train looking for him. Will he be able to hold steadfast and keep from falling in love? Or will his sweet, pretty bride win him over, giving him a second chance at love?

 https://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Mistletoe-Brides-Beckham-ebook/dp/B017JYZ9X2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=14680

* * * *

Winnifred Spangler has thrown herself into community work to ward off the pangs of her lonely heart. Fairview, Idaho Territory, is snowed in—and cabin fever has set in with a vengeance. Winnie organizes a gift exchange for the town’s single young adults. Her hope is that a few of them will find the loves of their lives.
Judd Shaw, a Texas cowhand, hates the ice and cold. As soon as the roads are passable, he’s headed back to Texas. But thanks to his childhood friend, he’s caught up in the Secret Christmas Angel game, and the name he draws is the prettiest widow in all of Idaho—Winnie.
Can Winnie’s smile melt his hardened Texas heart?http://amzn.com/B017Y41F9Y(mildly spicy) * * * *  Naomi had suffered for months since the fire took her family from her on Christmas Eve. God had spared her for a reason. It was up to her to find her purpose and live God's plan for her life. She took a drastic step and went west to Wyoming to marry Jackson, a rancher who was looking for a wife.

When she arrives in Cheyenne just a few days before Christmas, Jackson was polite, but remote. She realized that she wasn't willing to settle for a loveless marriage or a Christmas season with no celebration.

Find out how the Christmas gift she gives to Jackson softens him and changes him. God works in mysterious ways - especially at Christmas! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AEAO5CY * * * * 
Lillian was so excited to be going to Wyoming to meet her husband to be face to face. She had to leave Chattanooga to become a bride, but it was a trade off she was willing to make.

Lillian must think on her feet when she arrives in Cheyenne. Things turn out to be different than she expected. She knows that God works in mysterious ways, but she struggles to find his purpose in this situation.

Will she find a way to handle her soon to be in-laws or will she choose a less stressful family to marry into?   www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01813CJCY* * * *

Elizabeth McMurphy is an up and coming high powered attorney and is after vengeance, involving one of the richest and most powerful families in Colorado.  Steve York is an obnoxious reporter that thinks the ice queen has gone too far and does all he can to get under her skin.
One of the worst blizzards in history hits Colorado and leaves a hurt Steve York stranded with  Elizabeth in a mountain cabin.  Things start to heat up between the two, thawing their icy relationship.  But - Elizabeth guards a secret that must be kept at all costs, even to the point of risking love and her own happiness.

http://www.amazon.com/Unwanted-Christmas-Guest-Penny-Estelle-ebook/dp/B00H2T0D6I
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unwanted-christmas-guest-penny-estelle/1117597939?ean=2940148963417 

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Zac Goodman is a gunslinger haunted by an injustice from his past. He finds heavily pregnant Holly O’Leary in an abandoned wagon, her cheating husband lying dead a few yards away.Reluctantly he takes her to his cabin to give birth.Will this miracle Christmas baby unite two tortured souls? Or will it forever keep them apart.http://amzn.com/B01564ZJPU* * * *

Can an estranged family come together for the holiday season and heal their disappointments and differences—or might the pressure of this oh-so intense time of the year drive them further apart?

Married several years, Helene knows Phillip had a painful childhood. That crucible forged him into the powerful man he has become, but it also made him want to avoid trigger points—Christmas being a big one.

Helene has seen what the ranch can do in her own life. She hopes its magic can reach a little further, and bring together a mother, brothers and sisters. She wants this for Phillip but even more for the baby she wants to have. Her own mother will never want to be a grandmother but might Phillip’s-- if she is given a chance? 
Set in Montana, A Montana Christmas includes a Solstice celebration based on the ancient Celtic traditions. This novella explores family dynamics while never forgetting ranch life has its own unique demands, that don’t let up for a holiday. With most of the characters in ‘From Here to There,’ there are a few new additions. 27,107 words.

At the end is a bonus short story, which picks up the characters at a future time—‘Curly Learns a Lesson.’https://www.amazon.com/Montana-Christmas-Rain-Trueax-ebook/dp/B00AOU0IQ2?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C84Je5kNexc * * * *  Abigail Kerr Sanford is a single mother struggling to raise her child. Sheriff Clint Graham is a man scarred by his background and family tragedies. Drawn into a bitter feud between ranchers and railroaders, Abigail and Clint work together to resolve the feud, learning to respect and trust each other. And as their feelings deepen, they recognize their love is the most special Christmas gift of all.https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Candy-Christmas-Hebby-Roman-ebook/dp/B016APGX4A/
* * * * 
 

A Home for Christmas is a collection of three historical Christmas short stories to inspire love and warm the heart on the western frontier. If you love inspirational romance and heartfelt holidays, then you'll enjoy this trio of stories as we remember the true meaning of love any time of the year.
 https://amazon.com/Home-Christmas-Short-Story-Collection-ebook/dp/B00NE43C0O

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Gabby Wells has spent her entire eighteen years living atop a mountain with her father. After she buries him, she knows her only option is to travel down the mountain to live with her Aunt Eunice. She finds a baby on her way down, whose parents had obviously died tragically. With the child, she finds shelter from a blizzard in a cabin on the side of the mountain. Brandon Taylor is on a mission for the sheriff in Trace Hollow, checking on the homesteaders around the area. When a sudden storm comes up, he has to take shelter in his family’s hunting cabin, on the side of the mountain. When he finds a beautiful young lady, a stranger to him, in the cabin along with her son, he tells himself repeatedly he can’t marry her. When they reach her aunt’s house, and the other men come sniffing around her, his feelings become more apparent to him. Can he find the courage to marry the beautiful Gabby? Or will he let her be married off to one of the other young men in town?https://amzn.com/B0190XCA4Q
* * * *  Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant--overcome with regret for what he couldn't foresee and memories of what he couldn't prevent--abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming ridgelines and riverbanks in Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak, so he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone.

Then a body-shaped lump wrapped in a quilt changes everything.

The week before Christmas, Philip discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from a ruthless abuser with a penchant for whiskey. Seventy miles of snow-covered mountain peaks and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety--the woman's aunt's house.
Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way?
 https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Mans-Redemption-Christi-Corbett-ebook/dp/B0163BTUKK * * * *

On a ranch known as Hawk’s Peak, a family celebrates love, joy, and peace at last . . . or so the Gallaghers thought.
Briarwood, Montana Territory—December 1883
Brenna is convinced she hears a woman singing to her son. Eliza and Ethan are unnerved by a sleepwalker, and Isabelle swears Hawk’s Peak is haunted.
Then an unlikely visitor stumbles into their lives.
Enjoy a heartwarming holiday adventure filled with tenderness, hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow for more than one deserving soul. Join us for a Gallagher Christmas at Hawk’s Peak and fall in love with the family all over again.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Called-Gallagher-Montana-Gallaghers-ebook/dp/B018YFM3UC?Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-angel-called-gallagher-mk-mcclintock/1123494159?ean=2940157861346Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/an-angel-called-gallagher iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/an-angel-called-gallagher/id1091354796?mt=11
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They need each other to survive... but their families need a reason to celebrate. 

Ash Barker and his brother had just about built their ranch into a success when he busted his arm trying to tame a particularly nasty mustang. Now they’re headed into Cheyenne’s harsh winter with fewer hands and a very real danger of failure. They need someone else—anyone else—out there with them, to make it through this season. 

Molly Murray’s dream of owning her own bakery went up in flames with the Great Chicago Fire. She’s been supporting her younger sisters for the last four years, and it seems like the Cheyenne wilderness might be her last chance to give them all a real home. But no one will hire her... until she meets the intimidatingly masculine, incredibly handsome, and very desperate Ash Barker. 

Can their unique families blend in time to celebrate their first real Cheyenne Christmas?http://amzn.to/1Q7wYu4 * * * *


Riona’s life of self-doubt stranded her in an abusive marriage with four small children to raise. Her children and a successful career in the Air Force made her life bearable. She needed out—and Fate handed her a way.Once, when she was younger, there was a man she thought good until he stood her up. She had no way of knowing that he had endured a bad marriage and a bitter divorce, leaving a teenaged daughter in the middle. He had never forgotten Riona.  Both their hearts were hurting. Fate would help them heal.Buy Links:

Ebook: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017T7C694

Print Book: https://www.createspace.com/5858263
 * * * *   What's a wife to do when her Christmas plans fall apart?  
Join Becky and Isaac from The Unexpected Bride in a romantic short story complete with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and sweet holiday surprises. 
It's Christmas Eve, and smoke isn't just rising from the chimney—it's pouring from the stove due to yet another batch of burnt biscuits. Becky wants everything to be perfect for her family, but a ruined meal spells disaster for all her high hopes. Will the night end in despair...or with a happy Christmas dream? 
Short links:http://amzn.to/1NizHui (Kindle)
http://bit.ly/GOOGLSBM (Google Play)
http://bit.ly/NOOKSBM (Nook)
http://apple.co/1O06PtN (iTunes)
http://bit.ly/KOBOSBM (Kobo)
* * * *  So May it Be To Me by Lorena Dove - Free story
In this Christmas short story, a woman finds hope in the sacrifice Mary made when her children fall ill and her husband is away.  
http://www.lorenadove.com/VIPreaderssignup

* * * *  
  Relocating to Texas has lessened Clari Rochester’s health problems, and now she yearns for adventure. Compelling cowboy Trevor Driscoll is the type of man she secretly pens in her dime novels. But the two have never had a real conversation.  Trevor knows the logging accident that left him with only eight fingers limits his options, but he’s learned to manage. Until he rescues a fine lady from a runaway horse, spends the afternoon transporting her to safety, and gets a glimpse of what he’s always wanted. How will he respond to the unique present this special woman bestows? Kindle Unlimited/Amazon http://amzn.com/B01AB8VB2G* * * * 

A lady gambler traveling home with a stagecoach full of treasure. A con man on the look-out for an easy mark. Hope brings them together for Christmas.

https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Christmas-Hope-Kaye-Spencer-ebook/dp/B011SBZBLM/



* * * *
In Montana Sky Christmas, USA Today bestselling author, Debra Holland, offers seven SHORT STORIES set in the small town of Sweetwater Springs, Montana in 1894. 

These holiday stories are about various kinds of Christmas love--the romance between a man and a woman, the devotion of a husband to his wife's memory, and the love of a child for her goose. You'll read about familiar characters from Sweetwater Springs and come to know new ones--many of whom you'll see again in future Montana Sky Series books and novellas. 

The stories take place after Stormy Montana Sky, Book Three in the Montana Sky Series, but this anthology can be read as a stand-alone book. 



Amazon: http://amzn.to/2adsPEA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/29MQMVD
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2ahQcQa

Ibooks: http://apple.co/1MCMqY7

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Yellowstone Christmas
Aimee Osborne has always looked forward to the Christmas holidays in the twenty-first century where she grew up. Now that she lives in the primitive wilderness of nineteenth century Yellowstone, she is determined to hold on to some of her traditions.
,Daniel Osborne is unfamiliar with many of the customs and beliefs his wife grew up with. Although he doesn't understand her enthusiasm for the holiday, he shares in her joy of the season, and plans to make each Christmas with her memorable.
For Aimee and Daniel, this holiday season might not be the joyous event they hoped for. When an unexpected package arrives at their doorstep, Aimee's plans for the festivities this year might not go off as she envisioned. When danger threatens his family, Daniel will do what it takes to protect them, and perhaps bring some peace and joy to more than just his wife and children.

https://www.amazon.com/Yellowstone-Christmas-Romance-Holiday-Novella-ebook/dp/B00AB1ON3S
* * * *
Teton Season of Joy
Lucas Walker's life couldn't be more different from a few years ago. Now married and expecting his first child, he wants nothing more than to provide a good home for his family. With Christmas coming, he sets off to find the perfect surprise for his wife.
As Tori Walker approaches the time for her baby to be born, she is comforted by the expert care that surrounds her. However, winter in the mountains can turn deadly at the blink of an eye. When her prankster husband fails to return from a short hunting trip, she doesn't know whether to be angry or worried.
Christmas is a time to reminisce and enjoy family time. Young or old, all who gather in the Walker home this holiday can share memories of falling in love, being saved from near death, and not being able to imagine life without each other. When Lucas and his companion are feared lost in the wilderness, this holiday season may well be remembered as the season of mishaps, rather than a season of joy. https://www.amazon.com/Teton-Season-Joy-Yellowstone-Christmas-ebook/dp/B0195TZJBQ

SPOTLIGHT - Starla Kaye and her STEAMY book, So Hot a White Knight

He had gotten too busy for her. You didn’t get do-overs in life.
Essie’s life as a chemical engineer isn’t exciting. Neither is her love life. Is it too much to ask for a “sexy beast” of a man to focus on her for one night?

Allowing his business to consume him, Trevon makes the worst decision of his life. He lets the right woman go. With the help of Madame Evangeline’s matchmaking service, he may get a second chance to prove he is what Essie needs.




Warning - X rated teaser......
She inhaled sharply, and her long legs stilled. When he picked up one foot and lifted it toward his mouth, she gasped.“What are you doing? Have you developed some kind of foot fetish?” She gulped, but she didn’t jerk her foot away.Grinning at the idea, he kissed the top of her foot, stroked the bottom with his other hand, earning a squeal. “Still ticklish?”This time, she did pull her foot away. “Yes.” But she didn’t look upset with him anymore. More curious about what he might do next.The temptation to pick up her foot again was strong, but the desire to do far more was stronger. He noticed the moisture beaded on the curly hair of her muff. His pulse raced in his veins, and his brain shifted into a higher gear. He wanted to plunge into her warmth, drive deep, and take her fast and hard. The “beast” in him ready to be let loose.Fighting for control, he met her gaze. “Whatever you want, honey. Name it. I’ll do it.” Or he would try damn hard to do anything she desired.“Really?” she asked, sounding hopeful.“Anything but stopping now.” He would die if he couldn’t have her, soon.Those expressive eyes turned smoky warm. Her breath hitched, and the smile she gave him did him in. He wanted to spread those long, shapely legs wide and slide into her as deep and hard as she could handle. He ached for it so much he almost shook with the need.When he took too long, she furrowed her brow. “What are you waiting for? An invitation?” She pulled her legs up and shifted her thighs apart, presenting him with a precious sight that stopped his breath. “Something like this?”She kept surprising him. Bold and determined. God, I love this change in her.“The offer is only good for so long. My legs are already getting tired of this position.” Yet she continued to stay open to him.He groaned at her brazenness, and his cock swelled even more. “I love a pushy woman.”“It’s something new I’m trying out.”“Well, I like it.”Trevon inched forward, bent over to touch her center, wet with arousal. His gut tightened, sensing trouble. You would think he was a newbie at this. Damn. “I’m not sure how long I’m going to last this time,” he grumbled in annoyance.She gave him a confused look. Distracting her, he thrust one finger past her soft lips, deep into her heat. Tight. The realization gave him a real rush. “Oh, honey,” he groaned again, pulled his hand almost away, and slid two fingers back inside her moist body.“Oooh,” she gasped, clenching around him. She smiled at him like a temptress and squeezed her inner muscles around his fingers. “Well, we’ve got most of today. Tomorrow, too, if you want.” She arched her lower body upward, still clamping onto his fingers. “And you’ve got a whole box of condoms that shouldn’t go to waste.”



Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-White-Knight-1Night-Stand-ebook/dp/B01HTVK732/#navbarSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/647322BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/so-not-a-white-night-1night-standAll Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sonotawhitenight1nightstand-2064014-147.htmlBarnes & Noble:iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/so-not-a-white-knight/id1130202477?mt=11






Professional Bio: Shoulda, woulda, coulda…words from a song on the radio. Words that get right to a writer’s heart, to her imagination. They certainly get to Starla Kaye’s imagination. She’s a full-time, bestselling writer and always observing life and the world around her, searching for new story ideas.

Starla has published 86 romance titles, including contemporary, historical Western, Regency, Medieval, paranormal, sci-fi, and GLBT. Her stories always lean toward the sensual side of romance, some even erotic. Whatever happens within her stories, the characters face difficulties between the outside world and each other. They always manage to find love and respect for one another. 

The same has been true in Starla’s life. She has faced many challenges. She long ago met and married a wonderful man who supports her in every way…just as she does him.

Social Media Links Website: http://starlakaye.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/starla_kayeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriter/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/starlakaye/Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Starla-Kaye/e/B002ZH8K3UGoodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5494986-starla-kayeAuthors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=151725
Complete Book List: http://starlakaye.com/my-complete-book-list/

Everybody Loves YA Sunday!

A sweet story of puppy love where the underdog finally wins!!!

Twelve-year old Pam Simpson gets dumped on when her mother is called into work. She must cancel her plans for the mall to baby-sit her younger brother and his friend and take them to the public pool.  To make matters worse her cousin, Candy, is also coming over for the day.  She doesn’t even like Candy!
Much to Candy’s dismay, transportation to the pool is on inner tubes, floating down the canal.  One thing leads to another and it is Pam who, once again, must save the day.
When things couldn’t seem worse, the day takes a drastic turn for the better and it is Candy, and the float down the canal, that makes this the best day of Pam’s life!

Excerpt
It was July 24, and at 10:30 in the morning in Phoenix, AZ, a record was being broken as one of the hottest days of 1967.  The temperature outside had nothing on Pam Simpson’s temper as she fought with her mom on the phone.  “Are you serious?  I have already had to give up my...but you said...fine.  Yes Mother,” Pam said, teeth clenched.  Just because her mom was called into work, she had to cancel her plans with her friends. She was supposed to be going to the mall.  Tommy Thompson was supposed to be going to the mall! Now she had to watch her ten-year-old brother and his friend.
“Another thing,” her mother continued, “Aunt Sherri is dropping Candy off to spend the day with you guys.”
            “What?” Pam exploded.  She must have misunderstood her mom.  “You know we don’t even like each other!”
            “Pam, don’t be like that.  Candy likes you very much. It’s you that has an attitude about her.  She doesn’t have many friends and I thought you could all go to the pool.”
            “Yes, thank goodness Pam is around to help entertain,” she thought as she hung up the phone.  She actually wanted to put the phone through the wall.  She was having a real pity party for herself.  The worst part was she never fought with her mom.  She was her best friend.  What a lousy day!
            Candy!  What kind of name was that anyway? Both girls were twelve years old.  Pam had thin brown hair, that didn’t have an ounce of curl, and it hung limp and lifeless just below her chin. She was also, what some might call thick, or chunky.  Her nickname at school was Champ, given to her because she was the softball throw champion of the district.
Then there was Candy.  She had thick, blonde, bouncy curls that hung down the middle of her back.  She was slender, and though most of Pam’s friends were wearing bras, Candy actually needed to wear one!  Plus her “helpless” act always made Pam want to throw up.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CUQEZYE
I write stories for the young and for the young at heart.  More about my stores and myself can be found at the following links.  Stop by anytime.  I love visitors!
http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBYwww.pennystales.comwww.pennyestelle.blogspot.comhttps://twitter.com/Pennystaleshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estellehttp://www.facebook.com/pennystales
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=82

SPOTLIGHT - Barbara White Daille with Cowboy In Charge, A Harlequin Western Romance

TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Single mom Layne Slater thought she'd seen the last of Jason McAndry when he chose the rodeo over her and their unborn son. Now Jason's back in Cowboy Creek and just as handsome as ever. But Layne can't give in to those feelings again. She has to protect her children…and her heart.
Jason wants to try to make up for the pain he caused when he left. The least he can do is help Layne while he's home. Before long, Jason realizes he's finally ready to be the husband, father and man his family deserves. But can Jason prove to Layne that this time, their love is forever?

Excerpt
Jason’s return has caught Layne at a very bad moment. She just wants him gone. Unfortunately, he has other ideas…
“I’m just standing around taking up space,” he said. “My cooking skills stretch as far as opening a can and putting a pot on the stove.”“Thanks,” she said stiffly, “but we’ll do just fine on our own. I hate to ask you to leave…”I want you to go. Her eyes, looking like a couple of cold blue stones, got her point across as loud and clear and emphatically as her words had done a few years ago. Then, he had turned and walked out. Because he’d been a complete ass. Not without provocation, however. Seeing his packed bags at the front doorstep when he got home had warned him what to expect. Layne’s response when he’d entered the apartment had underscored the message.“Mo-mmy.”She looked past him to the boy and then back again. Now her gaze didn’t quite meet his. “All right. The soup’s not from a can. It’s homemade. And the bowl is on the top shelf of the fridge.” The baby let out a screech.He half turned to the boy. “Come on, pardner, let’s go get you some supper.”The boy looked at his mama, who offered him a nod of encouragement. Then he gave Jason a long, frowning look. “Okay,” he said finally, his brow clearing. Getting that seal of approval made Jason stand taller. “Soup for Scott for supper.”“Yeah. Show me the way to the kitchen.” The boy took off at a trot past the playpen. Jason’s boots pounded against the bare flooring as he followed at almost the same speed. He sure didn’t want to be around to watch Layne taking care of the baby.Red nose, rumpled hair and bloodshot eyes aside, she was still the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. Seeing any more of her as she opened her robe would only stir up memories best tucked away for good.

Find the book:
Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Charge-H...
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cowboy-in-charge-barbara-white-daille/1123353803
Books-A-Millionhttp://www.booksamillion.com/p/Cowboy-Charge/Barbara-White-Daille/9780373756285
Harlequinhttp://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=65377
IndieBoundhttp://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373756285
Kobohttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/cowboy-in-charge
 
About the Author:Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom.
Cowboy in Charge, the latest book in The Hitching Post Hotel series, is a brand-new release! Other books in the series will follow. A larger print reissue of A Rancher’s Pride, book one in Barbara’s popular Flagman’s Folly series, is now available exclusively from Harlequin, while the e-book version is available everywhere. And at the end of 2016, she begins a new sweet romance series for Entangled Bliss.
You can find more info about Barbara and her books at the following locations:
Website  http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Blog  http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com/blog Newsletter  http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com/newsletter Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhitedailleTwitter  https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDailleAmazon author page  http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-White-Daille/e/B002J6B0QQHarlequin author page  http://www.harlequin.com/author.html?authorid=1244   Goodreads author page
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/529361.Barbara_White_Daille

Vivi Holt and her wonderful story, Of Peaks and Prairies - Book 1, Paradise Valley

(PSSSST - 99 cents for THREE DAYS ONLY)
           Of Peaks and Prairies – Book 1, Paradise Valley



Excerpt:Of Peaks and PrairiesChapter One
Fort Worth, Texas1867
Genevieve Waters-Ewing walked from the church with her hand resting lightly on Quincey Ewing’s raised arm. He’d shaved for the first time in months, and she glanced with distaste at a scratch on his cheek where the blade had nicked his weathered skin. Her whole body trembled, and she fought hard to push down the sobs that threatened to escape her aching throat at any moment. He turned to face her with a grin, his ten gallon hat perched unevenly on his square head.The minister who’d married them was so old and frail, and his hearing so bad, each time she shook her head and shouted ‘no’ during their vows, he simply nodded with a toothless grin and continued on with the ceremony. If she tried to run, Quincey held her close and pinched her arm. In the end she stood her ground, confident that the law would never uphold such a marriage — until, that is, her new husband forged her signature on the certificate of marriage. Now she wasn’t so sure.She glared at him as her stepfather came up alongside her.“Congratulations Genny, you’re a married woman now. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” He chuckled, she caught him winking behind her back at his childhood friend - the man who’d just been pronounced her husband. “Well, at least it’ll get you out from under my feet,” he continued. “I can’t be payin’ for yer upkeep forever. Your Ma done died on me, leavin’ me with a rug-rat I never wanted, and now it’s time for you to find yer own place in life. Can’t say as I’ll miss ya much, ‘part from the cookin’ an sech of course, but I’ll find a missus to do that soon enough, with you out of the house. ‘Course, you’re not goin’ far — just across the way. I’m sure you could find it in yer heart to help me out a time or two.”They’d stepped out into the bright Texas morning, and Genevieve squinted her eyes against the sunlight that streamed down through a faint fuzz of thin clouds above. She cast her gaze about - they were on the outskirts of Fort Worth, Texas, and she could see the plains stretched out before them. The town pushed toward the openness, threatening to civilize its bluffs, rises and hollows. Chaparral tufts littered the landscape, sheltering hare and various rodents, and giving the plains an unkempt look. She smoothed the skirts of her burgundy plaid dress. It was the nicest dress she owned, even so it was well worn, and pulled tightly across her chest and hips where she’d grown in recent years. A long line of small buttons ran up the front of the bodice. The sleeves no longer reached her wrists even when she tugged at them, and her stays pinched her tiny waist. She sighed.“If Ma knew what you had planned for me, Fred, she’d roll over in her grave.” Genevieve caught a sob, and pushed it back down with a grimace.


Bio.....
 
Vivi Holt writes inspirational, historical romances with a western flavour. Of her books, readers say:

"The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning"
"I cried and laughed"
"What an awesome ending. Can't wait for more!!"

Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.

Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romance stories that captivate the reader and transport them back in time.

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Questions:
1.     What does your day look like when you release a book?
For my latest release, Of Peaks and Prairies, my release day looks something like the following.
·         Get woken up by Miss Two running into the bedroom and climbing into bed for cuddles.·         Get older kids ready for school·         After the school drop off, hurry home to check emails, Facebook etc. and do breakfast dishes.·         Press publish!·         Head off to church for a women’s Biblestudy group.·         Back home again for lunch and nap-time.·         Send an email to my ARC team to let them know the book is ready for their reviews.·         Send an email to my newsletter list to let them know the book is ready to purchase.·         Promote the release of the book in various ways while Miss Two sleeps.·         Do laundry.·         Pick up the kids from school.·         Do homework and housework.·         Soccer practice.·         Cook dinner.·         Bath time.·         Eat dinner.·         Bedtime.·         Wash dishes and clean up.·         Write/edit etc.·         Bed!
Not very glamorous I’m afraid. But it’s still fun for me. Especially when those first reviews start rolling in.


2.     What were your favorite childhood books?
The books from my childhood are some of my absolute favorite books. They include:
·         Enid Blyton’s Faraway Tree series·         The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder·         Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry·         The Silver Brumby series by Elyne Mitchell·         All of C.S. Lewis’ books·         The Secret Garden·         The Anne of Green Gables series
All of these books had a big impact on me, and I still love to read them. Now I get to read them to my children, which is a lot of fun.


3.     Tell us about your new book
Of Peaks and Prairies is the first book in a new series, Paradise Valley. It’s going to be a series of sweet, historical romances. The setting will be Paradise Ranch, in Paradise Valley, Montana Territory. This book follows a young woman, Genevieve, and her journey to wholeness after a childhood of brokenness. She leaves Fort Worth Texas, running from her troubled past, and hitch-hikes on a cattle drive, north to Montana. The story is full of drama, romance and suspense. It also follows the journey of Sarah Songan and Bill Hanover from the second Cutter’s Creek book – after their wedding. So that’s been fun as well. To find out when the next book comes out, sign up for my new release newsletter. Here’s the link for the newsletter sign up.

4.     Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a small farm in northern New South Wales, Australia. It is a beautiful part of the world, very green and lush, surrounded by mountains. The farm was set in a narrow valley, with rolling hills and a winding creek. I rode horses, and went to Pony Club every week and spent my days swimming in the river, making cubby houses, and exploring the countryside. It was quite an idyllic childhood. My Dad sold his successful business in the city, and became a saddler in a small, rural town so that we could have the country lifestyle. I have so many memories of watching him making ornate western saddles, or beautiful bridles, whips, halters and more, with the rich smell of leather in the air about us. It was a wonderful time.

Kirsten Osbourne and her "At The Alter" Blog Tour!

NEW RELEASE: Nursing in Northlake (At the Altar Series book 9)

More info to come

               
 

  OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: Married in Montana (book 1)

Savannah is tired of the dating scene, even though she wants to get married and have a family. She knows her mother will never move on with her own life as long as Savannah is single. Savannah goes to see a matchmaker, specializing in setting up couples who meet at the altar. At first, she thinks Scott is a dream come true, but his blundering soon makes her crazy. Scott, a Montana bison rancher, doesn't have time to find a wife. His work is all-encompassing. Besides, he tends to have a hard time getting women to go out with him more than once. When he runs into a matchmaker he's known all his life, he tells her about the problems he's had to see if she can help him. When he meets Savannah at the altar, his heart stops for a moment. She's exactly what he's looking for. Will their diverse backgrounds keep them apart? Or will they be able to work through their differences to make their marriage a loving relationship?
CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON
Meddling in Manhattan (book 2) 
After the most recent in a stream of horrific blind dates, Addie's roommate suggests she see a professional matchmaker to try to find love, instead of allowing people who are less qualified to set her up. When she doesn't agree, her friend sets up a meeting without her knowledge. After meeting the woman, Addie decides to let her try to find someone for her, but she doesn't hold out much hope. Jake watched his best friend find love through the services of Matchrimony, but doesn't consider it himself. He's persuaded to contact matchmaker, Dr. Lachele, by his friend and his wife. When he meets his new bride, he's thrilled with the match. Will they be able to get past his obsession with his work to find love? Or will they give up too quickly?
PURCHASE ON AMAZON
Wishing in Wisconsin (book 3) 
Cindy Lambert thought she was done with the small town of Blevins, Wisconsin, but here she is, back in her home town, managing a bed and breakfast and following her grandmother's dream. The problem is, she's tired of being alone, and there are no single men for miles that she's interested in. Plus, with her busy schedule, she has no time to date anyway. When her best friend coerces her into contacting a matchmaker, she decides to make it work for her. Trey Zayne, a web designer from Texas is sick of his sister constantly trying to set him up with women he has no interest in. When he's contracted to do a website for a company called Matchrimony, he finds himself fascinated by the concept. A relational psychologist will interview him and find him a match. The only catch? They will meet at the altar. Can a techie from Texas fit in with a small town girl from Wisconsin? Will they find more than companionship and move straight to love?
PURCHASE ON AMAZON 
Dreaming in Dairyland (book 4) 
Cissie Rivers finds herself jealous of her best friend, Cindy, for the first time in her life. Cissie's always been smart, pretty, and a wonderful singer, but Cindy has found love, and Cissie is still alone. She isn't sure how much longer she can wait for matchmaker, Lachele, to find her perfect man. Patience has never been one of her virtues. Deputy Sheriff, Bob Anderson, takes one look at Cissie Rivers and knows she's the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. The only problem is, he can't seem to approach her. Every time he even thinks about it, his tongue swells in his mouth so he's certain he'll start stammering. When he finds out that Cissie is waiting to be matched by Lachele, he contacts Matchrimony immediately. Will Cissie be able to forgive him when she realizes he's engineered the match? Or will she opt out of their marriage after the first year is up?
PURCHASE ON AMAZON
Kissing in Kansas (book 5) 
Samara Royal feels like life is passing her by. A bookworm who prefers to spend her free-time curled up with a good novel, she doesn't have a lot of opportunities to meet men. Watching her boss, Dr. Lachele, match up happy couple after happy couple only makes matters worse, so she goes to Lachele and puts her love life into the good doctor's hands. Henry Crider has a five year plan, but inheriting his brother's four year old twin daughters throws the plan all out of whack. He needs a nanny, housekeeper and cook all in one, so he approaches Matchrimony about finding him a bride. He can't fall in love for at least five years, so he needs to harden his heart. Surely his bride will be happy to be exempt from bedroom duties. When he sees Samara walking down the aisle toward him, he knows that she is what his heart needs. Will he be able to keep his vow of celibacy? Or will they fall for each other despite his plans?
PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Only in Oklahoma (book 6) 
Michaela Hunter is at a crossroads in her life. Having just graduated from college, she's about to lose her internship, which is her only job. When she's asked by friend and matchmaker, Lachele Simpson, to agree to marry a man chosen for her, sight unseen, she's hesitant. After a bit of convincing, Michaela agrees to the plan, though she has her doubts about how it will work out. Pastor Jon Larson has watched a couple matched by Matchrimony for eight months, and he's impressed with how well the couple does together. Frustrated with the single women in town chasing him, he gives Dr. Lachele a call, hoping she can find him a match like she found for his friend. As soon as he sees Michaela, he knows she's the woman for him. Will they survive the honeymoon? Or will the pressures of everyday life keep them from having the love they deserve?
PURCHASE ON AMAZON
Blushing in Boston (book 7) 
Brenda Holt is certain she'll never find love. At the urging of her friend Michaela, she contacts a matchmaker, hoping the woman will work magic and find her a man she can spend her life with. The only catch is, they will be introduced at the altar. When she first meets Daniel Axford, she's convinced that Matchrimony has made its first mistake. After a rough childhood, Daniel establishes an online dating site, running the business as its CEO. When using his own company doesn't work well for him, he hires a matchmaker to find a suitable bride. Not expecting to feel more than a passing affection for his new bride, he's startled when he sees her, afraid if he gets too close, he'll lose his heart. Can he spend the rest of his life with this woman without falling in love? Or will she break through the wall he's built around himself to find the man within?
PURCHASE ON AMAZON
Longing in Louisiana (book 8) 
Michelle Strempel firmly believes that she isn’t worthy of being loved. After her fiancé of almost three years tells her he’s got to break off their engagement, she decides to take matters into her own hands. With all the hours she’s spent planning a wedding, she’s going to have one on the day she’s planned. So she contacts Dr. Lachele Simpson from Matchrimony. Seth Henderson has no time to find a bride, but when he sees how happy his best friend, Daniel Axford, is with his new wife, he wants the same thing. He asks for a sweet little thing just like his friend received for a bride. When he meets Michelle, he can tell she’s got an inner strength that surprises him. Will he be able to get past her fears that she’s unlovable? Or will they spend the rest of their lives in a loveless marriage?PURCHASE ON AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love. Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world. She writes contemporary and historical romance as well and also ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Pinterest | Goodreads  

SPOTLIGHT - A Taming Season by Claire Gem

 
Manhattan domestic violence counselor Zoe Anderson is going on the most important vacation of her life.
Before she can move on, help other women, Zoe needs to heal herself. Her Cinderella life shattered three years ago one fateful night, leaving her a young widow, scarred inside and out. In an attempt to reclaim her life, bury her demons, and save her job, Zoe sets out for picturesque Lake George to claim the treasured family cottage she recently inherited. Her therapist’s advice: Reboot, restore to an earlier time.
What she finds is a rundown shack.
The neighboring resort mogul, Jason Rolland, whisks in to her rescue, insisting Zoe stay at his upscale Lakeview Lodge. The wealthy, handsome bachelor has a bank account as big as his ego, along with his own nighttime radio show where he plays the love guru of Jason’s Lair. He figures he might use the gifts God gave him to convince the sexy redheaded stranger to give up the crumbling eye-sore next door. A challenge he’s definitely up for. Besides, he’s been trying to buy the cabin—and demolish it—for years: the last reminder of his own tragic, childhood memories.
Zoe can’t deny her attraction to the tall, dark-haired Jason with his pool-water blue eyes. Definitely fling material—if she can just get past those flashbacks from the night everything changed. And the knowledge that when it comes to happy-ever-after, you usually don’t get a second chance. Certainly not possible with the Tiger of Jason’s Lair.
What Jason doesn’t figure on is Zoe’s charms melting his emotional armor, exposing his own bruised, battered heart. But with his reputation, can he ever win her trust & love? Can a tiger really change his stripes? Or will their pasts come back to bite them both?

A small teaser.....

     Jason raised his eyes to meet hers. Zoe studied them, knowing hers were still hidden behind her sunglasses.
     God, they’re so blue. A light, translucent, electrifying shade of blue.
     There it was. That same tingling sensation in her core as the first time she laid eyes on him. But not just since that day in the office. Since almost twenty years ago.
     He stared at her in silence as she waited for his reply. Surely, if he grew up here, the way things looked back then still held some nostalgia for him too, wouldn’t it? Apparently not.A bulldozer. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
     She was so engrossed in her own reverie, she was completely taken off guard when Jason, without saying a word, lifted his hand very slowly and slid her sunglasses away from her face.     “I can’t tell what you’re thinking if I can’t see those celadon eyes,” he said.
     Celadon? Seriously? What man even knows that word?
     “Your usual alpha male thing isn’t going to work with me, Rolland. And by the way, they’re not celery, or whatever you just called them. They’re just plain old green.” Zoe had started to tremble a little. She wasn’t sure if it was from anger or . . . something else. Either way, she had to end this conversation soon before she turned into a sideshow.She snatched her glasses out of Jason’s hand and perched them on top of her head. Unfortunately, she forgot she had the beach hat on. The glasses tumbled into the sand, and she heard Jason chuckle as he bent to retrieve them.
     He straightened, but made no move to hand them over. Slowly, he brought them to his lips and, staring into her eyes the entire time, blew gently on the lenses, one at a time, to free them of sand.
     Christ.
     Heat, coming not from the brilliant sun overhead but from a spot just above the line of her bikini bottom, spiraled up her body. As though she were stepping into a hot tub, she felt the tell-tale flush on her skin. She knew her cheeks were burning, bright pink. She felt her nipples strain against the lining of her bikini top. Thank God she was hidden beneath her cover-up.
     She sucked in a quavering breath, and then let out a soft, exasperated growl.“Give me those,” she said, grabbing the glasses out of his hand.  I’ve got to get out of here. Now.  She reached down for the handles of her beach bag. She dropped the glasses in, and then her book. “I’m expecting a phone call. From my attorney. We’ll discuss this matter later,” she said.
     As Zoe stomped away across the sand, Jason called after her.
     “What were you planning to do with Delia’s cottage, Zoe?”
     She stopped short, but she didn’t turn around. The tightness in her throat told her she shouldn’t—and probably couldn’t—form a reply. He was asking a good question. One she’d apparently not yet considered when she’d hopped in the car and headed up here.
     Pausing long enough for one more shaky breath, she continued on her path toward the Aspen, her ankles working hard in the deep, white sand.
     Jason watched her go, shaking his head and smiling. She looked like a pissed-off cat that had lost her balance and toppled down from some perch. She was struggling to keep her pace quick. But her flip-flops, and the sugary sand, made walking a real challenge. She obviously wasn’t used to doing it every day.
     Sure must be a little different from strutting down Madison Ave. in stilettos.  No, that image didn’t quite fit. He couldn’t imagine Zoe Anderson in stilettos. She seemed more like the sensible pump type. Pearls, maybe. A cashmere cardigan over a pretty, floral dress. Jason shook off the ridiculous thoughts and combed his fingers through his hair. How am I going to handle this?

Amazon Author Page: www.emotionalcontemporaryromance.comSales Page: http://amzn.to/1UwbK9dBook Trailer: http://bit.ly/1RCcQeUWebsite: www.clairegem.com


Claire writes emotional romance. Her heroes are hot, her heroines strong and brave: a combination lighting the spark to fan the flames of your most intense romantic fantasies. Claire's characters are human—they make mistakes, get clumsy sometimes, and they're not too proud to laugh at themselves and each other.
She writes in two genres: romance w/a ghostly twist, and sexy contemporary. Claire's books are like a thrill ride at a theme park. Whether it's spooky-scary, angst-ridden relationships filled with gut-wrenching turmoil, silly chuckle moments, or face-fanning sex, Claire guarantees to take you on an emotionally intense romantic journey.