Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 33

What a difference a year makes.

Last year in March I sold my first two manuscripts.  One full and one novella.  Both starts of a series.

The Bull Rider’s Brother went to Crimson Romance. Since that time, I’ve published the second in the Bull Rider’s Series, The Bull Rider’s Manager. The third is partially done. My bull rider, Jesse, is finally getting his own story instead of playing second fiddle to his brother and his manager. LOL

A Member of the Council released last November with Lyrical and is the first book in The Council series.  Return of the Fae is in my publisher’s hands and will be releasing July 1st. Just in time for holiday reading. (I love this cover.)

I’ve also got two more projects releasing in the next two months.  Temporary Roommates releases April 20th. And Marriage Not Included, May 22nd.

So what did I do to celebrate one year in contracted author status?  I sold three more books.  I can’t go in to a lot of detail, yet, but we’ve come to an email agreement on the project and I’m ecstatic with the results.  More to come soon.  I promise.

With this new sale, my 2013 annual writing plan just got a major revision.  I’m on deadline with two more books and am backward planning my word count to make sure I reach my goal.  I’m pulling out Lynn Law (my time management rules) and implementing a social media time limit. And, saying goodbye to Candy Crush on Facebook, until my words are done for the day.

Has anyone else had to revise their annual goals?  How did you switch your focus?

Howdy from Nashville!

Lynn’s last trip to Nashville to see the King.

I’m on an annual trek to the music city to meet up with a writer friend.  Tonight I’m vegging from the longer than normal drive.

Technology hates me.  I’ve said it before, but I know it’s true.

The freeway closed.  And either I missed the sign saying how to get back on or they just assumed people driving through would know.  I spent an hour or so of quality time driving 5 miles an hour in bumper to bumper traffic in Fort Campbell Kentucky.  And I saw more cops patrolling the road than I’ve ever seen including breaking up a bar fight in Boise.

And you know that guy who weaves in and out of traffic trying to cause a wreck.  The cop saw him this time and got him. LOL

My on star kept telling me to go one way, and I, like normal, decided to try another road that turned into a parking lot fast.  So I got off on a residential street, ignored Onstar for a moment, then finally called back in for an update.  I was being routed on a two lane highway.  Finally, I found the freeway again, called Onstar for directions but the machine refused to talk to my car.  Literally. A half hour later, almost to Nashville, my technician got it back up and running.

I think it was pouting because I wasn’t listening anyway.

Then when I got to the hotel, my key had been erased. From the desk to the room.

Technology hates me.

I hope your travels are save and worry free. Happy Easter everyone.

Meet the Neighbors -F. M. Meredith – Mystery Maven and author of Dangerous Impulses

Meet the Neighbors is proud to be part of FM Meredith’s blog tour for Dangerous Impulses.  I met her on our group blog (Make Mine Mystery) but I’ve been secretly following her over at The Stiletto Gang long before I joined the MMM team.  Welcome FM to the blog. 

We’ll just dive in here with the questions. What’s your writing schedule?  Are you a full time writer?

I am a full-time writer—or that’s my intention. I must confess I spend far too much time on promotion, but that seems to be necessary these days. My best writing time is first thing in the morning when my brain is fresh.

What’s your writing must have drink?

Anyone who follows me on Facebook knows that I begin my day with Chai latte.  We have one of those wonderful one-cup coffee makers and it is simple to make my favorite brew.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I write two books a year. While I’m writing one, I’m reading a completed book chapter-by-chapter to my critique group–and promoting whatever my latest book is. It’s a complicated process at times.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Ideas come from everywhere, an eavesdropped conversation (so easy these days when everyone talks so loudly on their cellphones), newspaper or Internet news articles about murders—and I always think about what if it was this person who did it instead—the question “What if?” always gets me thinking. I know a lot of law enforcement officers and I love to listen to their stories.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Go to the movies. My husband and I are big movie followers. We try to go once a week, but that isn’t always possible. We watch movies we missed on DVDs.

I wish we went to movies. I drug my husband to the first part of the last Harry Potter movie.  Which tells you how long ago it’s been. What does your family think of your writing?

All are proud of me, but only a few actually read my books. One daughter and a granddaughter read everything. Another daughter drives me to places I’m making appearances and she can tell everyone about each of my books as well as I can, but I don’t think she’s read many.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written about 35 books that have been published—and some that never will be, for good reason. Dangerous Impulses is number nine in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, and I’ve written 12 in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. I’ve also written historical family sagas, Christian horror, supernatural mysteries, and romance with a touch of the supernatural.

Among my favorites are Lingering Spirit which won an Epicon, No Bells, which was the RBPD book before this one. And I always like the latest book I’ve written, so I have to mention Raging Water which is the latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series.

Wow!  35 books.  I’m impressed. Tell us about your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?

In Dangerous Impulses an attractive new-hire captivates Officer Gordon Butler, Officer Felix Zachary’s wife Wendy is befuddled by her new baby, Ryan and Barbara Strickland receive unsettling news about her pregnancy, while the bloody murder of a mother and her son and an unidentified drug that sickens teen-aged partiers jolts the Rocky Bluff P.D.

This is the latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, which you could say means it’s in the police procedural genre—but some have called it a cozy police procedural.

BUY NOW - http://tinyurl.com/byxomtk 

Contest:

The person who comments on the most blog posts on this tour may have a character named after him or her in the next Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel or choose a book from the previous titles in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series in either paper or for Kindle.

Rocky Bluff P.D. Series:

Though each book in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is written as a stand-alone, I know there are people who like to read a series in order. From the beginning to the end:

Final Respects

Bad Tidings

Fringe Benefits

Smell of Death

No Sanctuary

An Axe to Grind

Angel Lost

No Bells

Dangerous Impulses

F. M. Meredith’s Bio:

F.M. is also known as Marilyn Meredith, the author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. She first became interested in writing about law enforcement when she lived in a neighborhood filled with police officers and their families. The interest was fanned when her daughter married a police officer and the tradition has continued with a grandson and grandson-in-law who are deputies. She’s also serves on the board of the Public Safety Writers Association, and has many friends in different law enforcement fields. For twenty plus years, she and her husband lived in a small beach community located in Southern California much like the fictional Rocky Bluff. She is a member of three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Epic, and Mystery Writers of America.

Webpage: http://fictionforyou.com/

Blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

And I’m on Facebook and Twitter as MarilynMeredith

You can find me tomorrow at http://kathleenkaskawrites.blogspot.com/

 Thanks for stopping in Marilyn! 

Temporary Roommates soon to release and winner from Lucky in Love

Winner from Lucky in Love?  Judy P!  Judy, look for an email from me.  And thanks everyone for playing.

So, what’s happening at Casa Cahoon this week?

I’m getting ready for a new release.  Temporary Roommates will be out April 20th from Passion in Print.  I so love this novella – set in St. Louis next to Forest Park.

 When a determined nurse and a hot intern find the perfect apartment, the same perfect apartment, they must find a way to share it for ninety days, without killing each other. 

I’ll shoot you a preview of the cover as soon as I can. So look for a blog tour the end of April.

Today, I’m over at Crimson sister MJ Schiller’s blog – talking about The Phantom Tollbooth and other things… http://www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot....

Now, I have to return to the editing cave.  And Jesse’s story.  Yes, the bull rider is finally meeting his match. And she’s stubborn, focused, and driven.  So much fun to write.

Happy spring (if it ever really gets here.)  This was from my trip to Shreveport. The little dog on my dash I won at Excalibur in 2001. He’s been a lot of places now.  

 

 

Meet The Neighbors – Serena Clarke – All Over the Place

Meet the Neighbors brings you Serena Clarke – world traveler, author, and believer in the magic of second chances.  Now this is someone I’d love to have a large coffee with. And maybe a sweet. Thanks for being part of A Fairy Tale Life today Serena! 

Hi Lynn – thanks for having me to visit!

LOVE YOUR COVER.  So tell us about your release.

All Over the Place is a fun story set between London, New Zealand, and Paris, with an interwoven plot, snappy dialogue and a chick lit vibe. Livi strikes out into the world after a reality TV disaster, but finds that her old life won’t quite let her go! It’s about finding the place you’re meant to be – and the person you’re meant to be with.

Best laid plans and all. I love that theme. What do you think makes a good story?

For me, a good story is one that carries me along effortlessly, with a sense of fun – but makes me think at the same time. That’s what I was aiming for with All Over the Place – to keep the reader swinging along, but also give them those “oh yes!” moments, when they recognise something that’s so true for them too. Oh, and a good story ALWAYS has a happy ending.

  Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Everywhere! All over the place. Sometimes I’ll overhear something, or see something in the newspaper, and it makes me snap to attention. It might not be anything remarkable, but it just has a kind of resonance. When that happens I don’t question it – I just grab it!

 You like to find bright and shiny’s too!  What did you learn from writing your first book?,

Amongst other things, I learned about Paris and London, voluntary simplicity, boutique British beer, how a hair salon works, Pooh Bear, and the Italian painter Pietro da Cortona. I learned how determined you can be when something is really important to you. And I learned just how patient and supportive my lovely husband can be!

Voluntary Simplicity and Pooh Bear? That’s a combo. What is the craziest thing you did as a kid, and would it ever end up in a book?

I wasn’t really a crazy kind of kid. My mother says I was quiet – but I did unexpectedly brave things. I like that idea – that the most unassuming people can surprise you with what they’re capable of! Does 16 count as a kid? That’s when I left home in New Zealand for the first time, and went to live in Sweden. I’d be horrified if my kids wanted to do the same! But that’s a long way off, thankfully…

I think 16 totally counts.  What are some jobs you’ve done that would end up in a book?

I’ve done an embarrassingly large number of jobs – my resume is a disaster! On the other hand, it’s all good material, right? I was a riding instructor for a while, and I still love the horsey world. Teaching English as a second language introduced me to lots of wonderful characters. And working in a law firm in London was a whole new world. There are lots of possibilities!

What do you hope readers take with them after reading your work?

That they should never turn down an adventure! A reminder that even after a disaster, we have the power to go out and make things happen. A sense of the extraordinary in the ordinary. And renewed belief in the joy of friends, family and true love – despite the trials they sometimes put us through!

What a great answer. Never turn down an adventure. 

Thanks so much for having me Lynn – it’s a treat to be here!

About All Over the Place – contemporary romantic fiction with a chick lit feel

Livi Callaway has fled back to London after a reality TV disaster in New Zealand. Safely anonymous in the big city, she’s determined to stay under the radar from now on. But her attempts to build a new life are complicated by unexpected visitors from her old one, and new dangers and temptations lie in wait.

  Late one night, she meets a mysteriously sexy American on the Underground – and the events that follow take her from Pooh Bear to the golden lights of Paris, via a trail of rock stars dead and alive. A family in disarray, a determined Swede, a crazed Australian and a childhood friend (who might yet be more than that) have her all over the place as she tries to discover the American’s secret – while keeping her own.

  With help – and occasional hindrance – from her friends, what she eventually finds is something unexpected…sometimes, running away can lead you to exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

All Over the Place is available from all major e-book retailers, including:

http://www.amazon.com/Over-Place-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B2B0X9E/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Over-Place-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B2B0X9E/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-over-the-place-serena-clarke/1114286511

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-over-the-place/id594641901?mt=11

About Serena Clarke

Serena grew up in a family of itchy-footed readers and dreamers – not concentrating, reading the atlas and Narnia books, and planning to escape somewhere magical as soon as she could. When she was 16, she went from New Zealand to live in Sweden for a year. It was the beginning of many travels and adventures – and quite a few disasters! She didn’t know it at the time, but eventually she’d be grateful for all the downs as well as the ups. As writers say in the face of adversity: “I can use that.” She’s now living back in New Zealand, where she writes stories reflecting her determined belief in magic, possibility and second chances – and happy endings!

Find Serena here – she’d love to hear from you!

http://www.serenaclarke.com

https://www.facebook.com/SerenaClarkeAuthor

https://twitter.com/Serena_Clarke

 

 

Lucky in Love? Not so much… Blog Hop

I remember being a teenager and being in love with love. I grew up on a diet of fairy tales and happy ever afters but for some reason, my own love life never seemed to work out. I remember being love sick over a boy who’d moved to our small town from New York City senior year.  He was bad. Dark leather jacket, tousled brown hair, and a screw you attitude.  If he’d looked my way one time, I’d be Mrs. Michael I’veforgottenhisname.  Or I would have for awhile. I married my second boyfriend. Learned later I should have held out for more.

Barb Carico has had a bad time in the marriage department.  The first marriage, she didn’t remember. The second, well, let’s just say it shouldn’t have happened but it did. Sometimes what happens in Vegas follows you home.  The Bull Rider’s Manager is now available POD and digital.  Check it out. 

Barb Carico’s all about business.  Now that her best friend tied the knot with Barb’s new business partner, she’s busier than ever. Managing Jesse Sullivan’s career and  public persona can be a handful. Add in an aging mother who goes through home health nurses like candy, Barb’s hanging on the edge.

  Her one salvation?  Hunter Martin, prodigal son of Martin Family Dairy and, hopefully, Jesse’s next sponsor. After his brother’s death, Hunter’s become an instant dad to his seven-year-old niece.  For Hunter, the rodeo weekend with Barb is the perfect excuse to relax.

  When their dinner turns into a quick trip to a Vegas wedding chapel, both Barb and Hunter agree their nuptials were a mistake Barb doesn’t know anything about being a wife or mother but she needs one favor.  A favor she’ll trade her lifestyle, independence, and even risk her heart to make come true.

 

So, have you ever considered yourself lucky in love? Leave a comment with your email and you’ll be entered into a drawing for an e-copy of any of my three current releases.  In addition, you’ll be in the running for the two grand prizes.

And be sure to keep hopping -

We have TWO grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times! (The Swag Pack is only available to US commenters – sorry.)

What are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

2nd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!

 

Meet the Neighbors -Calisa Rhose – Blog Tour for Risk Factors

Meet the Neighbors is proud to welcome a fellow Lyrical Press author, Calisa Rhose as she continues her tour for her new release, Risk Factors.  I’m so happy that she stopped in to give us a taste of the new book.  So, please welcome Calisa to A Fairy Tale Life.

So here I am. Gnawing what little nails I have left, kicking off another tour for a book I have so much hope and faith in. At the end of this tour I’ll be picking one winner to gift either a signature rose rock for a USA winner or a $10 GC of choice (Kindle or Nook) for one overseas or in Canada. Either winner will also get a PDF copy of Risk Factors!

The more you stalk me and comment, the greater your chance to win on April 8th. I’ll announce the winner on the 10th. Thank you for joining me on this fun journey’s end and good luck to all!

As a special bonus, I’ll be pooling all my blog hosts and the one with the most comments on their blog for my post will also win one of the same prizes as the winners! They need your help to win! Please note, this also includes my two hosts before today, so I’d appreciate if you check my official blog tour schedule and give them a chance to win by going to their blogs too.

Love, like life, is not without risk.

BLURB- Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle’s practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she’s chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps.

Now Connor, a patient’s owner, is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn’t think she’s dating material because he has a daughter…who he believes no woman is good enough for. Being a perfect dad is EMT paramedic Connor’s life focus. He can’t seem to stay away from sexy Doctor Viv, but attraction is as far as he’ll ever let it go. His mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in the foster system, and then his wife abandoned both him and their daughter. He absolutely will not risk bringing another woman into his little girl’s life and having her feel the hurt of being left…again.

Forfeiting is easier than attempting and failing. So why does Viv feel compelled to prove she’s a sure bet for Connor and his daughter? Can Connor trust Viv–and himself–enough to play the possibilities?

And now a taste of Risk Factors –

Viv’s smile and throaty laughter burrowed deeper by the second, mutating into hot want that seemed to draw him to her at every opportunity. But her invitation shook him back to level ground. Dinner. With her. Vivian Dane, the woman who seemed to freely access his dreams lately, was asking him out.

Her voice fell to a low smoky grade that slid like satin over him, tightening around his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He wanted to kiss her.

Period.

There was something about her in the lab coat he couldn’t put his finger on. She appeared so fragile and delicate in pink that matched her lips…china doll perfect. Kissable.

He opened his mouth to refuse. He couldn’t afford to get close to anyone, wouldn’t risk Janna. He knew his daughter already liked the vet, had said so. If he got involved and it all nosedived south, he couldn’t stand to have Janna hurt. Even if she didn’t know it, Viv was their veterinarian now and he’d have to see her, Jelly Bean would notice the tension–

“Connor?”

“I’d like that.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Calisa Rhose is an Okie, born and bred, through and through, and proud of it. While growing up, when she wasn’t on the back of a horse, she could be found with pen and paper in hand. Her writing career began with poetry in her younger days. Then she discovered Rock-n-Roll and cute musicians. Poetry turned into stories of romance and dreams. These days she lives with the same man who convinced her to take a romantic journey with him almost 30 years ago. After raising three strong daughters she spends her days loving their granddaughters, hoping for a boy someday, and writing. When she’s not writing, you can find Calisa putting on her editor hat and working to help other published and aspiring writers.

She is working on more projects with her favored contemporary cowboys, first responders  and firemen, as well as, the occasional ‘other’ heroes- and their sexy female counterparts, those sassy, stubborn heroines.

Find Calisa at her website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com

Twitter@CalisaRhose, Facebook/Calisa Rhose, Goodreads and Amazon

Buy Risk Factors at the following fine digital stores…

LPI- http://lyricalpress.com/risk-factors/

Amazon- http://is.gd/OOGR4t

b&N- http://is.gd/PfGvg9

iTunes- http://is.gd/J2aelz

Risk Factors is on Authorgraph! Get your copy signed http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/CalisaRhose

Top Ten Reasons NOT to Get Married in Vegas

Nashville Elvis…

This top ten list I wrote first appeared on Carol Kilgore’s blog, Under the Tiki Hut – We had so much fun, I thought I’d share it with my Fairy Tale Life readers.

The list is one I should have given Barb Carico, my heroine in The Bull Rider’s Manager, before she took a ‘business’ trip to the Sin City with Hunter Martin.  They may not have gotten themselves in such a pickle… And since I married my current (and best) husband in The Stained Glass Wedding Chapel just past the Freemont Street Experience, I know of what I speak.

Reason #10 – The length of the line at the court house is the cooling off period between “Hey, I’ve got a great idea” and “I do.” While we were waiting, I kept asking DH

if he was sure.  Really, really sure. Especially after we heard the lady in front of us trying to list off her prior marriages and dates.  She kept forgetting a few in between and having to start over.  I think her new husband learned a lot during those twenty minutes.

Reason #9 – The court house has scalpers standing outside with limo’s waiting to whisk you away to their chapel.  Just so you know, they don’t take you back to the hotel when you’re done so add the cost of the cab ride back when you’re deciding if the value pack they’re offering is a good deal.

Reason #8 – The court house has little golf pencils available for you to complete your applications with.  Nuff said?

Reason #7 – Alcohol is served 24/7 in Vegas.  Morning, noon, and night.

Reason #6 – You either get pictures with stone Elvis in the courtyard of the chapel, or, if you pay a bit extra, Elvis will officiate the wedding.  Someone really needs to tell the Vegas community that Mr. Presley has left the building.

Reason #5 – Your friends and family aren’t in Vegas.  Well, for us, that was half true.  Our dart family, the ones we traveled all across the country to see, was there and helped us celebrate.

Reason #4 – Unless you’ve planned a destination wedding, you don’t get the full wedding experience including princess gown and veil.  Of course you could always have a reception once you arrive home and play dress up then.

Reason #3 – You may or may not even know your groom.  I lived with mine for six years before we married, and sometimes, I don’t think that was long enough. (Just kidding, honey.)  When Barb and Hunter tie the knot, they’d known each other less than 24 hours.

Reason #2 – The wedding ring is usually CZ rather than diamonds.  Believe me, diamonds are better.

Reason #1 – Sometimes what you do in Vegas follows you home. 

Meet the Neighbors – Excerpt Reveal Tour -Identity Crisis by Eliza Daly

For this special edition of Meet the Neighbors – Welcome Eliza Daly (a fellow Crimson Romance Lady in Red) as she tours her new release – Identity Crisis.  Love the cover, Eliza! 

Excerpt Reveal Tour

Identity Crisis by Eliza Daly

 

Prize Blurb

To celebrate the March 4th release of Identity Crisis, Eliza will be awarding one $20 gift certificate, and two $10 gift certificates, for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble to three randomly drawn commenters during her excerpt reveal tour March 4. Please include your e-mail address with your comment. Winners will be contacted on March 8. Good luck everyone!

 

Book Blurb

 

When Olivia Doyle’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, rather than inheriting a family fortune, she inherits a new identity. She learns they were placed in the Federal Witness Protection Program when she was five years old. Her father was involved in an art forgery ring and testified against the mob. Brought up not to trust anyone, Olivia has a difficult time relying on U.S. Marshal Ethan Ryder to protect her, and to keep her secret. She fears her father may have continued his life of crime through her art gallery. She has little choice but to depend on Ethan when she realizes someone is now after her. Olivia’s search for the truth leads her and Ethan across country to a family and past she doesn’t remember.

At the age of ten, Ethan witnessed a brutal murder. He vowed when he grew up, he’d protect people in danger. Protecting Olivia is difficult when she won’t trust him. He soon realizes his desire to protect her goes beyond doing his job, but if his judgment becomes clouded by emotions, her safety could be jeopardized.

Can Ethan and Olivia learn to trust each other when they uncover secrets that will change their lives forever?

Identity Crisis is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, All Romance, eBooks.com, and Kobo.

 

 

Excerpt

 

Father Clifford slipped a yellowed envelope from the side pocket of his vestment. “Your father gave this to me many years ago. Asked that I give it to you upon his death.”

She took the envelope from his hand. The organ music faded and a desolate, eerie stillness fell over the church, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. She tightened the shawl around her shoulders. She opened the envelope to find a letter and a newspaper clipping. She started with the letter.

Dear Livvy,

First, know that I loved you more than anything in this world. That’s why I hope someday you’ll forgive me for what I’ve done. Telling you the truth while I was alive could have put your life in danger. Now that I’m gone, I no longer fear for your safety. They would only have hurt you to get to me.

The only way to keep us safe was to enter the Witness Protection Program when you were five. Leaving our friends and family was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I can’t stand the thought of you now being alone. I hope you’ll go back to our family, in the town where I grew up, Five Lakes, Wisconsin. I’d like to be laid to rest there, next to your mother. Please forgive me enough to grant me this one last wish. If you should ever encounter any problems, contact Roy Howard, the U.S. Marshal who relocated us, at 415-334-9076. I’m so sorry. Please believe you were the most important thing to me. You were my life. My Livvy.

Love, Dad

Olivia stood paralyzed, her mind racing, trying to comprehend the letter. Was this some kind of sick joke? For the past twenty-four years her dad had lived in fear that somebody would hurt them? What had forced him to leave behind everyone he’d loved? Everyone she’d probably loved, but obviously couldn’t remember. And if her mom wasn’t buried in San Francisco, whose grave had Olivia been visiting here all these years? She tried to hold the letter steady in her trembling hands. Of course it was vague. Her dad had been a man of few words. However, these few words expressed a lot of emotion, something he’d never been good at doing.

“Is everything all right?” Father Clifford’s voice penetrated her thoughts.

Concern creased the older man’s brow and from the curiosity filling his gray eyes, he had no clue what the envelope contained. Her dad hadn’t even trusted a priest with his secret. Her dad had been the only person she’d ever really trusted, and it turned out she hadn’t truly known him.

She merely nodded, unable to find her voice. She inhaled a deep breath. The scent of beeswax candles and incense did little to calm the panic racing through her veins. She unfolded a clipping from a Chicago newspaper, dated twenty-four years ago. The headline read Art Dealer in Bed with Mob Blows Whistle on Forgery Ring and Vinnie Carlucci. The article included a photo of police officers escorting her dad. She started reading the article.Prominent Chicago art dealer Andrew Donovan confesses to having sold more than a hundred forgeries …

Her stomach dropped. She slapped a hand over her mouth, certain she was about to vomit right there on the pew.

Her dad had been a criminal.

The nature of his crime made it all the more surreal.

She stared in disbelief at the papers in her hand. His name had been Andrew Donovan, not Alex Doyle. Her last name was Donovan. Was her first name actually Olivia? Instead of inheriting a family fortune, she’d inherited a new identity.

Or rather, an old one.

 

Author Bio

 

Eliza Daly’s first attempt at creative writing was in fourth grade. She and her friends were huge Charlie’s Angels fans and she would sit in her bedroom at night writing scripts for them to act out at recess the following day. She was Kelly Garrett. Fast forward to the present, she’s still writing stories about beautiful women who always get their men. The journey from fourth grade script writer to published author wasn’t an easy one, but it was always an adventure and the final destination was well worth it.

 

When Eliza isn’t traveling for her job as an event planner, or tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland, she’s at home in Milwaukee working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband Mark, and her cats Quigley, Frankie, and Sammy.

 

You can find Eliza on the web at Website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

 

 

2013 Written in the Stars Conference

Today I’m at the NOLA 2013 Written in the Stars Conference. Saturday, I’m presenting my workshop – No Time to Write? Find your 25th hour.

I’ve never been in Louisiana before, so I guess I need to find a really good Cajun restaurant for dinner to celebrate my visit.

If you’re in Shreveport and attending the conference, give me a shout out.  My presentation is Saturday at 10 am and I’ll be selling and signing The Bull Rider’s Brother and Chicken Soup books from 11-12.

I’ll post pictures when I get home.