Sharon Ledwith's Blog, page 3

Book Cover Reveal: Mirror's Fate by Justine Alley Dowsett...

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the cover reveal for
Mirror's Fate by Justine Alley Dowsett



About Mirror's Fate:

Balance is Everything

The Mask Tendro picked up after the battle in the Mirror World is more than it seems. When he puts it on he is flooded with all the memories of his previous lives and all the ways his future could play out. Choosing to destroy the Mask instead of giving into the temptation of hiding beneath it, Tendro decides that this time he’s going to do things differently. And that means staying one step ahead of Caralain in his own world and the one that Mirrors it.

Mirena agrees to help Tendro with his plan, even though it will have her facing harsher consequences for her involvement in the attack on the Capital. But in order to break the cycle, they’re both going to have to tread into uncharted territory and face down friends and enemies alike. Alliances shift, fates change, and the past comes back to haunt them as they finally unravel the secrets of the Mirror Worlds and their places in them.

Release Date: 
July 17, 2025

Genres: 
Dark Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy


Meet the Author:


J.A. Dowsett (she/her) writes scifi and fantasy with strong romantic subplots. Her books range from young adult (the Crimson Winter trilogy, Neo Central) to adult fantasy romance (Mirror Worlds, Ismera). She loves superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons, and Star Trek. In her spare time, she owns and operates Mirror World Publishing, an independent Canadian press specializing in Escapism Fiction. She lives in Windsor, Ontario.

Connect with J.A. Dowsett:
Website: http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com

Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Justine-Alley-Dowsett/e/B004MNQAUA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Goodreads Author Page:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4637105.Justine_Alley_Dowsett

Introducing the Rebrand for The Last Timekeepers Young Adult Time Travel Adventure Series…

TheLast Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book One:

Children are the key to our future. And now,they are the only hope for our past.

When 13-year-oldAmanda Sault and her classmates land themselves in hot water after a cafeteriafood fight, they're assigned to yard duty as punishment. After the kids uncovera mysterious stone arch hidden in the overgrown backyard owned by the Witch ofWhite Pines, they learn that it's an ancient portal created by the lostcivilization of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus, Amanda and her reluctant companions are sweptinto the secret world of the Timekeepers: legendary guardians entrusted withpreserving history from a sinister force known as Belial. Their first mission?Travel back to 13th-century England to ensure a young Robin Hood fulfills hislegendary fate.

But time travel comes with strict rules, and one wrong move could rewrite thepast... and erase the future.

Packed with high-stakes adventure and a touch of ancient magic, THE LASTTIMEKEEPERS AND THE ARCH OF ATLANTIS is the first book in Sharon Ledwith'sseries of novels for middle grade readers and adults alike.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/4NE2kx

TheLegend of the Timekeepers, Prequel:

There is no moving forward without firstgoing back.

After thefall of Atlantis, young Lilith and her father seek refuge in the mysteriousBlack Land, but Lilith's heart remains connected to her lost home—until anencounter with a high priestess reveals her true destiny.

She is meant to become a Timekeeper, a guardian tasked with protecting the veryfabric of time itself. When Lilith and a band of newfound friends are summonedthrough the legendary seventh arch of Atlantis, they are thrust back into acritical moment in history. Their mission? To prevent the dark magus Belialfrom rewriting a sacred prophecy and unraveling the future of Earth.

Armed with ancient knowledge and trust in one another, the young Timekeepersmust navigate a dangerous path. But even together, can they outwit Belial andpreserve humankind's future?

An epic adventure rich with ancient mystery, LEGEND OF THE TIMEKEEPERS is theprequel to Sharon Ledwith's The Last Timekeepers series.

UNIVERSAL BOOKLINK: https://books2read.com/u/baxQw6

TheLast Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, Book Two:

Onlya true hero can shine the light in humanity’s darkest time.

Whenfourteen-year-old Jordan joins his second mission with the Last Timekeepers, heand his companions are thrust into Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War 2.

Tasked with locating a powerful, ancient book before it falls into enemy hands,Jordan and his fellow Timekeepers are plunged into a fight far more dangerousthan anything they’ve faced before. With help from the Dutch Resistance and a mysteriousbaron, they must stay one step ahead of a regime determined to silence thetruth.

As danger closes in, Jordan discovers that true courage is forged throughtrust, sacrifice, and the strength of those beside you. But will that be enoughto change the past - and protect the future?

A fast-paced adventure rich with historical detail, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS ANDTHE DARK SECRET is the second book in Sharon Ledwith's series of novels formiddle grade and adult readers alike.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/499B8k

TheLast Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, Book Three:

True freedom happens only when youchoose to be free.  

When eleven-year-oldDrake Bailey embarks on his third Timekeeper mission, he must confront a darkchapter of history:  the antebellum South. No amount of genius can preparehim for the dark reality of the past, as he assumes the role of a plantationslave.

In a time of fear and cruelty, Drake must outwit his captors, protect a vitalbloodline, and find the courage to break the chains that threaten to destroyhim. In a race against time, the Timekeepers confront Voodoo, zombies, andritual sacrifice. But do they have what it takes to complete their mission andprotect the timeline?

The third book in Sharon Ledwith's Last Timekeepers series, THE LASTTIMEKEEPERS AND THE NOBLE SLAVE blends rich historical detail with grippingadventure.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: https://books2read.com/u/bW2jxW

So, what do you think of the rebrand created by my new publisher Next Chapter? Would love to read yourcomments. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciateyou! 

Guest Post: Perfect Your Art by Author Anne Montgomery...

Writers Need toPerfect the Art in their posts if they want to sell books. Authors tend to think inblack and white. We are words-on-paper people who weave our worlds for readersin print. However, when sharing book posts on the Internet, we need to dobetter in regard to the art we use, me included.

Think of how much timeand effort you spend choosing cover art for your books, an often-laborious taskthat has us second-guessing our choices, even the moment after we hit the sendbutton giving the final go ahead.

In the Huffington Poststory, “Yes, We Really Do Judge Books by Their Cover,” Smashwords founder MarkCoker said, “A book’s cover is the first thing a potential reader sees, and itcan make a lasting impression. Our brains are wired to process images fasterthan words. When we see an image, it makes us feel something. A great cover(can) helps the reader instantly recognize that this book is for them.”

The same idea holds truefor blog posts. The picture you share is what catches the reader’s eye, notyour clever verbiage. So, if you post a fuzzy photo or one that looksamateurish, the chances of readers getting to the meat of your post lessendramatically.

Authors should want to beperceived as professionals, even if they’re writing that novel in the wee hoursafter the kids are put to bed and before that ear-splitting alarm signals it’stime to head off to their day job. Shoddy artwork instantly symbolizes theblogger is an amateur.

“But I’m not aphotographer,” I can hear you mumble.

No worries, because welive in the world of Google images. However, it’s extremely important that whenyou scan those images, looking for just the right fit for your post, you do asafe search. It’s simple. Just enter in the type of picture you’re looking for,then click on images. On the tool bar, you’ll see Settings. Click and scrolldown to Advanced Search. At the bottom of the page you’ll see Usage Rights.Because you’re an author selling books, you’ll need to choose Free to Use orShare, Even Commercially. Then go back to your images. While the choices aresignificantly pared down, the images remaining are free to use, without therisk of running afoul of the art’s owner, an adventure that might includelawyers and lawsuits and a big hit to your wallet.

Whensearching for images online, it’s imperative that you only use pictures thatare marked Free to Use or Share.

You must then size yourart. Often, authors post art that’s too small, leading to those blurredpictures. And remember, different social media platforms require differentsizes of art. What looks great on Twitter might be blurred Facebook. For anin-depth look at sizing for various social media platforms, check out https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-image-sizes/.

Before taking your ownpictures to post, locate images you’d like to emulate online. Then read DavidPeterson’s “ Six Classic Design Elements for Outstanding Photographs”: http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/2679/six-classic-design-elements-for-outstanding-photographs/.

Note that it’s the littlethings that can ruin a picture. Take food photos, which are notoriously toughto shoot. Is the tablecloth the food rests on wrinkled? Is there an errant dabof catsup on the plate? Are there shadows covering those scrumptious cookies?“The Serious Eats Guide to Food Photography” might help: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/beginners-guide-to-food-photography.html.

 

 

 

 

For those of you who are,like me, a bit older, try not to be scared off by the technology. Over the course ofyour lives, you learned new things. You got better at them with practice. Thesame applies here.

If you peruse thewebsites of well-known, successful authors, you’ll see the art is first rate.You’ve labored vigorously to perfect your writing. It makes sense than, if youwant people to find your books, you’ll do the same with those images you’reusing to market your work.

Please allow me to give you a brief intro to my latest women's fiction novel for your reading pleasure.

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archaeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

Amazon Buy Link
Anne Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. She worked at WRBL‐TV in Columbus, Georgia, WROC‐TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP‐TV in Phoenix, Arizona, ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award‐winning SportsCenter, and ASPN-TV as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery has been a freelance and staff writer for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces.

When she can, Anne indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, football refereeing, and playing her guitar.

Learn more about Anne Montgomery on her website and Wikipedia . Stay connected on Facebook , Linkedin , and Twitter .

Book Tour: Against All Odds Anthology by Mirror World Publishing...

About Against All Odds:

Love wins against the odds, in tumultuous times, unlikely circumstances, and dangerous places...
Volume three of our Far, Far Away series brings seven authors together to put a spotlight on stories of marginalized love.
Step across the galaxy to a world where love defies gender, race, and the outbreak of war. Fight for love of all kinds when the well-being of family and friends are threatened by magic power-tools. Witness an unlikely and dangerous affair between a god and his human handler. Then learn the meaning of self-love through the lived experience of a sentient Sapphire.
Through these powerful, unique tales, love is revealed to be the ultimate risk, it gives you purpose when the world turns dark and strange, and it proves time and again that it crosses all barriers, whether they are those of culture, time, distance, or strife. In this collection, love really does conquer all.
Stories in the Anthology:
“Worldsteppers” by Jane Lupino“Do It Yourself” by Titania Blesh“The Pomegranate Question” by Mason Michalak “The Value of a Sapphire” by Andrea Barton“Chasing Llyranite” by Shannon Nell“vAMP” by Taylor Calder“White Snake, Jade Terrapin” by Pat Woods
Exclusive Excerpt: vAMP
by Taylor Calder

For my Doki

 

Six months into herinfection and Victoria still hates the smell of blood.

   It's just after eight in the morning in France, and her client istelling her the exact size that items should be on the storefront page. Enoughto fit columns of three in a standard browser window. Does she get that?Columns of three.

   “Oui,” she says, “oui.” She lets them do most of the talking as arule so they won't pick up on her accent, but right now she can barely speak atall. She is in the bathroom burning down to ash, or so it feels. She’s afraidshe’s going to drop the phone. Or crush it.

   Keep it together Victoria, she tells herself. You really need themoney.

   She tears the cap off the blood bag with her teeth. There it is,that metallic smell. It drips down her fingers. Revolting.

   She tilts her head back and begins to drink. The virus's grip onher loosens as she does. Muscles relaxing, mind clearing, vAMP downregulating.

   Relief.

   Someone asks if she is perhaps having a morning glass of wine, toa chorus of mild French laughter.

   Victoria returns it. Her teeth stained red. She tells them shemissed her morning espresso and is doubling her dose to catch up. Not that it'sespresso hour for her, either; it's just after two in the morning here in herCabbagetown walk-up. They laugh again, but she curses at herself. She knowsnothing of the coffee culture in France. They might not even drink espresso.

   The white-hot edge of paranoia presses against her neck. Anyinconsistency could lead to her getting reported, and getting reported wouldlead to a lifetime of experimentation at best, and at worst…

   Images from the Hive chat come to her. Bodies mutilated, burnt tostructural distortion, mouths open in permanent screams. Above the corpses, asign reminds the staff that any suspicious activity among family or colleaguesmust be reported. The bottom corner features an image of a syringe over whatcould be either a maple leaf or a stylized flame – the logo for SOQA, theSouthern Ontario Quarantine Authority. In one of them you could even seeCommandant Todde, the province’s interim leader and most valiant anti-vAMPcrusader, giving the thumbs up to a pile of freshly-burned corpses.

   Victoria sucks the blood from her fingers as quietly as she canwhile six thousand kilometers away, the committee discusses their choice offont. They have always liked Helvetica, they say.

   Of course, she tells them in French. Licks crusting blood from thecorners of her lips. Of course.

Follow the Tour:
https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/book-tour-schedule-against-all-odds.html

Release Date:
May 19, 2025
Publisher Links:
Websitehttp://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/
Bloghttp://www.mirrorworldpublishing.wordpress.com
Twitter/Xhttp://www.twitter.com/mirrorworldpub
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28439132-mirror-world
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-d6tf8fpn4_mjraKjM-hUQ

Purchase Links:
Ebook

Paperback

Amazon

The Perfect Victoria Day Weekend Meal and Young Adult Book Series Read...

ACanadian staple, peameal bacon (Canadian bacon is a comparable substitute), andeggs have graced many a table every Sunday for brunch, including mine. However,sometimes we do things a little different in our home by cooking a peamealroast as the main course for supper. Served with hash browns, air-fryer roastpotatoes, or wedge fries, and veggies of your choice (we love the garden beanmedley), this meal makes extra for sandwiches or breakfast. Yum! So get yourtoque on, and maple syrup out of the fridge, it’s time to embrace Canada’sculture and cuisine. Can you give me an ‘Eh’?

Maple-GlazedPeameal Roast
¾cup pure maple syrup (125 ml)¼cup grainy mustard (60 ml)1tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme (5 ml)1½pound piece of peameal bacon, whole
Preheatoven to 325° F.

Gentlyboil maple syrup, mustard, and thyme in a saucepan until reduced to almost halfand thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Brushglaze over peameal and roast for about 30 to 45 minutes, basting occasionallywith the glaze, until peameal is heated through. Transfer peameal to a largeplate and let stand, loosely covered with foil, for about 15 minutes.

Sliceroast and serve with your choice of potatoes and veggies.

Thismeal is perfect at campground get-togethers or cottage retreats when you need ameal in a pinch to serve for dinner or even brunch. Once dinner or breakfast isfinished and the dishes are done, it’s time to relax, kick back, and let yourmeal digest in peace. Depending on the time of day, pour yourself a cup ofcoffee, tea, or a favorite beverage, and head over to the porch, parlor, orpatio and allow a good book to seep into your soul. May I suggest a visit to mysterious Fairy Falls, or if you’re feeling reallyadventurous, a trip back in time with TheLast Timekeepers? Whichever you choose, either series willtransport you to another time and place, taking you away from the troubles ofthe real world.

Guest Post: Ideas to Start Your Writing by Paranormal Romance Duo C.D. Hersh...

Have you ever used a news story as a starting point for your writing?

Here’s an interesting idea to get your brain pumping in the new year. Several years ago, medical ethicist Art Caplan told CNN that an invitro fertilization procedure using DNA from three different people may be able to prevent illnesses passed from mother to child via the mitochondria, diseases like muscular dystrophy and respiratory problems, or mitochondrial disorders that can lead to heart or liver problems.

The technology, called oocyte modification, involves scooping out potentially mutated mitochondrial DNA from a woman’s egg and replacing it with the DNA of an unaffected donor woman. By doing this the hope is that the transmission of inherited mitochondrial disease can be prevented. Once the DNA is swapped, the egg is fertilized in the lab with the father’s sperm and implanted back in the mother to be carried to term.

Caplan believes that this procedure, often nicknamed three-parent IVF, will be useful in preventing diseases that can be passed down from generation to generation and would be ethical as long as it proves to be safe. We’re all for preventing diseases, but messing with our DNA could potentially be disastrous, in our humble opinion.

The writer in us however, started constructing scenarios the minute we read this, not the least of which has to do with what one could do using this technology for the opposite of good. Before we go any further in this idea exercise, we must emphasize that any scenarios we list here are purely from our imaginations, and not something that the creators of this procedure have planned. We are not saying we believe this is right or wrong, and we are not inviting comments or opinions about the ethicalness of this subject. This is merely an exercise in how to take an idea or news clip and turn it upside down to create a fiction story.

So, without any further disclaimers, here are some interesting concepts we came up with from reading this article.

• Stepford Children, based on the Stepford Wives movie concept; perfect mothers and housekeepers who bent to every whim of their husbands. You remember that creepy story from the 60s? Ooh, what could go horribly wrong?
• The unintentional creation of a new disease from the combining of three parental sets of DNA. Think Zombie War here or I am Legend, but different.
• A realignment of the basic family concept. Lots of room for conflict there. It takes two females and one male for this procedure. If you changed the basic family unit, the poor child would have two moms nagging him to clean his room, find a wife, get a job. You get the idea. And we won’t even mention the polygamous adult relationships in this complication.
• When you can create the perfect child, what happens to the rest of the children who didn’t get that chance to be created perfectly? Would there be a rag tag population who live in a dystopian setting on the border of the perfect children and their perfect three parent families in their perfect world?

These are only four possible story scenarios we came up with using a controversial news clip as a jumping off point. We challenge you to go find your own interesting news article and come up with some new twists using the basic concept of the story. If this helped you see how to use the news to create a book idea, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They've written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after, and that’s why they write romance.

In addition to writing Catherine and Donald love antiquing, traveling, singing, and going to the theatre. Catherine is also an avid gardener and has drawn Donald into her garden as a day laborer. They figure the couple who plays together and works together, stays together—and that's just what they aim to do.

Second Editions Coming Soon:

Ghosts and Gardenias

The Promised One The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 1
Blood Brothers The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 2
Son of the Moonless Night The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 3
The Mercenary and the Shifters The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 4

Social Media Info:

Website

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Facebook

Amazon Author Page

Twitter

Goodreads

Author Janis Lane Suggests the Perfect Mother's Day Gifts and Cozy Mystery Read...

My son brings me a gigantic fuchsia plant every year for Mother’s Day. I love it. I confess, it’s for my favorite small bird, the Hummingbird. She shows up right around Mother’s Day every year and it’s a perfect gift for my deck. The female nests close by and some years bring her off spring to the flowers. So darling, so sweet, so tiny, as they cling to the perch, all wobbly and delicate. You watch and wonder how she managed to raise three babes in a demitasse nest. They love to sip from fuchsia blooms of this plant and I skip artificial feeders for that reason. Some years a second plant joins the first. I am honored on Mother’s Day. My son understands me well. No roses, no candy. Feed my birds.

In the greenhouse, I’m creating a Succulent Bowl. These collections of various, and there are many, varieties of succulents live peacefully together in one container. They are perfectly suited to indoor dwelling in a sunny window. These plants require very low maintenance, water once a week, if that; and they tolerate well the dry indoor air. Caution: do not over water!  My good friend swears fairies live amongst hers. I place meaningful messages on small decorative rocks. It’s easy to add your own favorite sayings. Another friend creates a fairy garden complete with toadstools and small winged fairies. It’s fascinating to find small lovelies hiding between the different succulents. Enjoy! These bowls are a perfect Mother’s Day gift for a busy Mom with their easy-care maintenance.

My last suggestion for your Mom’s special day is a gift certificate to her favorite plant nursery. Even for a novice gardener, a visit to the plant world is an “upper” for these still dreary covid days that are still hanging around. The visit is outside in the fresh air and, by the first week in May, many perennials and annuals are already in bloom Stick to the locals who will give individual attention to their customers that the ‘big boxes’ can’t. Honor your Mom on her special day and she will keep this event warm in her heart for a long, long time. I know I do.

Another lovely gift is a copy of my latest CozyAdventure/ Mystery, Whispers of Danger and Love. 

 

The heroine is alandscape architect who speaks gardening. She struggles with a client whodemands a cutting garden mid summer, (and a hunky detective who seems bound todestroy her plants.) I enjoyed relaxing in her garden even as I created it frommy own imaginings. It was also fun to watch the sparks fly between a couple whoknew each other as children but must readjust their thinking as adults.

 

Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes cozy mysteries as Janis Lane, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane. 

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own. 

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma's new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter . Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest .

Author in the House: The Regency Era by Regency Romance Author Vonnie Hughes...

The internet is over-burdened with writersmarketing their wares. And I’m adding to the general plethora out there. Buthear me out.

I’ve been writing Regencies for twenty-fiveyears now. Recently, after many ups and downs in the publishing industry,Regencies have come back in to favor.  Yes,fashions come and go in publishing just like everywhere else. And there’snothing new under the sun. My main publisher now is The Wild Rose Press sincemy earlier publishers have closed their doors. I have also joined the endlessqueue of self-published authors. So many of us out here jostling for positionlike mid-field marathoners. The chances are you’ll never hear my plea. But I’mchucking this out there in the anorexic hope that you just might read this.Perhaps you have nothing better to do.

I hope you’re one of the many readers wholike historicals, and in particular, the Regency era. It was such a shortperiod in Britain’s history, but has given rise to many things such as thedevelopment of canals (as trade with its trading partners hotted up with theimprisonment of Napoleon, freeing up trade routes and resulting in largenumbers of goods that needed to be transported all over England), the RoyalAstronomical Society was founded, the early prototype of the bicycle, thedevelopment of the railway system, the Act of Union with Ireland in 1801 etc.All this is from the British point of view. Elsewhere, in the USA, Whitney cameup with the principle of manufacturing interchangeable parts as pertaining tofirearms. The statue of the Venus de Milo was discovered in Greece (1820) andso it goes on.

So in spite of many Regencies persuadingyou that it was all about Almacks and dukes, the Regency era was actually atime on the cusp of great changes, not just in Britain but all over the world.Minds were opening up, no longer relying on the dogma of ages past.

In 1814 The Timesadopted steam printing. By this method it could now print 1,100 sheets everyhour, not 200 as before—a fivefold increase in production capability anddemand.  This development brought about the rise of the wildlypopular fashionable novels.

The Regency is also noted for itsachievements in the fine arts and architecture (Nash springs to mind, andremember that striped wallpaper known as ‘Regency’?) This era encompassed atime of great social, political, and economic change that shaped and alteredthe societal structure of Britain as a whole. Remember that in London alone,the population increased from just under a million in 1801 to one and a quartermillion by 1820.

One of the reasons that the artsflourished during this era was because of the patronage of ‘Prinny’, the fatand at times ridiculous Prince of Wales. We might laugh at him, but it’s thanksto him that the development of British architecture flourished, even if hisschemes often left the common people paying for his over-the-top designs.

The Regency era opened up themarket for many authors including Sir Walter Scott, Maria Edgeworth, MaryShelley (who incorporated the general mistrust of science during the earlierpart of the Regency era), John Keats and William Blake. Then there were theplaywrights and artists…the list goes on and on to confirm how minds began opento new possibilities during that time.

Oh yes, there was a lot more to theRegency period than those autocratic dukes and the patronesses at Almacks!

One of my releases is called Mr. Monfort’sMarriage wherein a chivalrous businessman who is not overly fond of thearistocracy finds himself married to an earl’s daughter. She teaches him about noblesse oblige, courage and joie de vivre, and he teaches her…allsorts of things!

A marriage of convenience is not always convenient.

The woman needs saving, so he'll save her. A marriage of convenience should suit them both. But don't expect him to trust her or love her in spite of those knee-trembling smiles and bright intelligence. Women of the ton are not to be trusted. But Verity certainly is enticing...

MatthewMonfort has two excellent reasons for loathing members of the ton, but thanks to his father’smachinations, he finds himself inveigled into offering for Lady Verity Tristan.But she needn’t think she’s going to win him over.

Amazon Buy Link  MR. MONFORT’S MARRIAGE

Vonnie Hughes is a multi-published author in both Regency books and contemporary suspense. She loves the intricacies of the social rules of the Regency period and the far-ranging consequences of the Napoleonic Code. And with suspense she has free rein to explore forensic matters and the strong convolutions of the human mind. Like many writers, some days she hates the whole process, but somehow, she just cannot let it go.

Vonnie was born in New Zealand, but she and her husband now live happily in Australia. If you visit Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand, be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden. These is a bronze plaque engraved with a haiku describing the peacefulness of that environment. The poem was written by Vonnie.

All of Vonnie’s books are available on The Wild Rose Press and Amazon .

Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads .

Still Craving Sweets after Easter? These Thumbs Up Cookies and a Taste of my YA Fiction will Tame your Hunger..

Cookiesare high up on my family’s snack list. Heck, some would consider them abreakfast. These oatmeal cookies can be served as both. They are so easy tomake, and you can use only chocolate chips, raisins, or leave out both if youprefer. Make the combo your own.

DidI mention these tasty morsels possess soft centers, crispy edges, and amind-boggling chewy texture? Well, I just did. Wink. Face it. These cookies area family favorite for a reason, and now they can be your family’s favorite, ifyou dare to wander into the uncharted territory of baking from scratch. 

With aprep time of 15 minutes, chill time of 1 hour, and cook time of 10 minutes,they’re the perfect cookies for impromptu bake sales for your kids. Eat themeither warm and fresh or prepare these treats in advance for family gatheringsor a much-needed dessert when someone pops by unexpectedly. You’ll be glad youdid.

Thumbs up OatmealRaisin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup all-purposeflour, leveled½ tsp baking soda½ cup unsaltedbutter, at room temperature¼ cup granulatedsugar½ cup packed lightor dark brown sugar1 large egg1½ tsp vanillaextract1¼ cupsold-fashioned rolled oats½ cup semi-sweetchocolate chips½ cup raisins

Combine the flour,baking soda, and salt in a medium size bowl. Set aside.

Cream butter,sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with apaddle or whisk attachment on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes.

Add egg andvanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined, about 1 minute.

Blend in flourmixture and mix on low speed just until incorporated, about 30-60 seconds. Stirin the oats until combined.

Then add thechocolate chips and raisins and mix until well distributed. Cover and chillfor 1 hour.

Preheat oven to350°F (175°C).

Line two bakingsheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Scoop 16 equal-sized balls (about 2tablespoons/45g) of cookie dough, roll into even balls, and place 6-8 cookies,about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart, on each prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightlywith your fingers. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes or until edges ofthe cookies are set and lightly browned, and the centers look under-baked,pale, puffy, and dry.

Remove baking sheet from the oven and let cookiescool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, or until firm enough to move. Transfer themto a wire rack and let cool completely. The cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3months.

While you’re waiting for the cookie doughto chill, pop on the kettle or turn on the coffee pot and settle into yourfavorite chair with one of my books. May I suggest a nostalgic visit to mysterious Fairy Falls or perhaps go back in time with The Last Timekeepers? Just remember to keep somecookies for yourself. After all, you deserve a break from the craziness of theworld.

Guest Post: No Internet! What's a Girl to Do? by Historical Fiction Author Anne Montgomery...

Several months ago, my internet was finicky.It went on and off several times each day. I considered that, since it’ssummertime, perhaps lots of people were home sucking up those internetresources.

But then the internet went outcompletely. After a few hours, I called my provider. I always get a tickle outof the recorded message telling me that, if I’m having problems, I should goonline and check the company’s website.

“But I have no internet!” I wanted toscream at the robotic voice that kept steering me away from contact with areal human.

After being disconnected for noapparent reason—maybe I said something to offend the AI operator—I tried again.

“Our wait times are currently verylong,” the voice explained.

I didn’t hang up.

“Just a reminder, you can go to ourwebsite…”

I wanted to throw the phone but heldmy ground. After a about ten seconds of silence, the voice said, “You’re stillthere.”

I jumped! It sounded like anaccusation.

“Let me get someone to assist you.”

I let out a breath. After aconversation with a real person, I learned that, indeed, the service was downall over my neighborhood. They hoped all would be well at about 6:00 PM thatevening.

But twenty-four hours later, I still had no access to the Web. After standing around with my hands in my pocketswondering what to do, I tried to remember what life was like before we allbecame addicted to e-mail and social media and instant messaging. And Iconsidered the number of times each day I would run to check if I’d missedsomething vital.

Ah…good old snail mail. Remember how exciting it was to get somethingwith your name on it?

You know…like some huge publisherwants my newest book.

Or Netflix is interested in producingan eight-part series on my fabulous life.

Or some impressive university wants tobestow upon me an honorary doctorate for my literary brilliance.

Then, I had to admit that generally Ifind nothing horribly important in my daily correspondences. And yet, I can’thelp myself. I remember a similar feeling each day when I was a kidanticipating the mail, the kind with paper and ink and stamps. (For youyoungsters, Google it.) But back then we understood the mailman only arrivedonce a day, a vast difference from our current 24-hour model, that has many ofus desperately seeking…I don’t know…some kind of validation, maybe.

I checked the mail on my phone—not soeasy since I have four accounts—and confirmed just how unimportant I am. Itried to deal with my social media accounts, but dislike working on the tinyscreen, so I put the phone down.

It was in the evening that the horrible reality hit. Nostreaming! There we were in Season 6 of Peaky Blinders withno access. We were forced to try TV from the antennae, compelled to sit throughendless commercials. I wanted to weep.

Okay! I feel better now.

Yep, I’m a spoiled brat.

Later, I considered what I might doinstead of “working” online. I closed my eyes and considered the things I dofor joy: bake brownies, read a book, call a friend, play my guitar, plan a nicemeal, see what’s still eatable in the garden, go for a swim.

When I opened my eyes, I was embarrassed, because Irealized what I needed to do: Be grateful for what I do have.

Still, right now, the brownies are winning. So, pardon mewhile I go mix up a batch.

Here is a brief peek at Anne's latest release.

Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to the Graves Registration Service where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Praise for Your Forgotten Sons

“Although a defty crafted work of original fiction, “Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, “Your Forgotten Sons” will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.”  Midwest Book Review

“This was a quick, riveting read that really challenged me to think differently about our servicemen and women, especially those who take on the jobs that don’t get heroically depicted in the media or news…I really highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a different take on American history. I left it with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes.” Bekah C NetGalley 

“This is the truth. It’s gritty and painful and bittersweet – and true.  When you think you’ve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.” Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter

“Anne Montgomery writes a strong story and I was hooked from the first page. It had a great concept and I enjoyed that this was inspired by a true story…It was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.” –  Kathryn McLeer NetGalley 

Available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and KoboAnne Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. She worked at WRBL‐TV in Columbus, Georgia, WROC‐TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP‐TV in Phoenix, Arizona, ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award‐winning SportsCenter, and ASPN-TV as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery has been a freelance and staff writer for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces.

When she can, Anne indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, football refereeing, and playing her guitar.

Learn more about Anne Montgomery on her website and Wikipedia . Stay connected on Facebook , Linkedin , and Twitter .