Becky Lower's Blog, page 24
June 3, 2017
Character Studies
This weekend was our big garage sale. Initially, I opposed the idea of a three-day event, thinking it was too much time away from my writing and I was getting to a really good part of the WIP. But by the end of the first day, I realized it was a great opportunity for studying characters. Who knows? Maybe one or two of them will make their way into an upcoming novel.
There was the mother/daughter tag team who looked so much alike it was eerie.They finished each other's sentences, acted as a team to load the heavy objects into their cars, kept the two little boys with them under control, even though they were escape artists, and were very sweet together.
Then there were the two men, one black, one white, who kidded each other the entire time they were here. They were middle-aged, and acted like they'd known each other for years. They came back three times to see if there was anything they missed. Gives me hope that someday we can all get along as well as those two did.
Next came the Blonde family. Mother and her three kids. The two little girls sported thick blond braids to their waists. The boy wore a t-shirt proclaiming "Kindergarten--2017." All had the exact same shade of blond hair and the mother spoke to her well-behaved children in a foreign tongue. Swedish? German? Pennsylvania Dutch? We couldn't tell.The very sweet woman who lives up the road spent 1/2 hour or so here, not buying anything, but talking our ears off and helping herself to our free books.
Anyone who loves to read is okay in my book, so to speak.
The man from across the street who never fails to say hello when we walk past the apartments dropped by. His mother lives in the unit, but he drives over every morning to check on her. He's retired, and I think he hangs out at Mom's just to have something to do. But he's nice and friendly and obviously a loving son. He'll be a welcome addition to a future manuscript.All in all, it turned out to be a good way to pass the time. We made a few dollars, got rid of a lot of stuff we didn't need or want, and met some real characters, who may someday be fictionalized. This weekend was proof that you never know where inspiration will come from.
May 27, 2017
Ready for the Garage Sale
My sister and I have moved our cars to the driveway and have been loading up the garage in preparation for our mega garage sale.
I liked the way we were going about this–leisurely picking up things from each room as we wander around the house and depositing them into the garage. Saturday, we had to kick it into a higher gear, since we have two young men scheduled to arrive this afternoon to move some furniture to the garage, so drawers had to be emptied and table tops cleared.
I'm in the midst of revising one book and editing another, which is probably why this purge of the house reminds me of the writing process. After I write my first draft, I start cutting out superfluous words, flowery phrases, redundancy. My house is being decluttered a bit at a time, just as is my manuscript. If my house is anything like my writing, I'll need about twenty passes through a room before it's clear of clutter.
The beauty of all this is what I'm finding hidden away in those drawers and closets. Items long since forgotten are emerging. Little nuggets of beauty or nostalgia are literally coming out of the closet. And, since the house is being purged, these little things are being seen in a brand new, uncluttered light. Same goes with my writing. A little gem of a phrase suddenly comes to light once all the clutter leading up to it is removed.
I hope by doing all this, I can make a few bucks on the sale. And, I hope my decluttered and polished manuscript will attract the attention of an agent or publisher, and make me a few bucks, too.
I liked the way we were going about this–leisurely picking up things from each room as we wander around the house and depositing them into the garage. Saturday, we had to kick it into a higher gear, since we have two young men scheduled to arrive this afternoon to move some furniture to the garage, so drawers had to be emptied and table tops cleared.I'm in the midst of revising one book and editing another, which is probably why this purge of the house reminds me of the writing process. After I write my first draft, I start cutting out superfluous words, flowery phrases, redundancy. My house is being decluttered a bit at a time, just as is my manuscript. If my house is anything like my writing, I'll need about twenty passes through a room before it's clear of clutter.
The beauty of all this is what I'm finding hidden away in those drawers and closets. Items long since forgotten are emerging. Little nuggets of beauty or nostalgia are literally coming out of the closet. And, since the house is being purged, these little things are being seen in a brand new, uncluttered light. Same goes with my writing. A little gem of a phrase suddenly comes to light once all the clutter leading up to it is removed.
I hope by doing all this, I can make a few bucks on the sale. And, I hope my decluttered and polished manuscript will attract the attention of an agent or publisher, and make me a few bucks, too.
May 20, 2017
Finding The Lemonade
As most of you who follow this blog are aware, I'm trying to sell my house in order to downsize to a two-bedroom place rather than the four I now have. The home has been on the market for three months now, with several nibbles but no bites.
Rather than panic at the delay, I've decided to look on the bright side. What bright side, you might ask? Well, for one, it gives me time to leisurely go through all my books, clothing and pictures and determine which I'll keep and which Goodwill will get. Second, I'm taking the time to research places to move to, weighing the options of not only the city and state, but rather to rent first, do I want a ranch or will one set of stairs be okay, will Mary still have a yard to play in, etc.
I'm also trying to find the lemonade in my writing. The edits for my next book seem to be taking forever. As I looked over the latest round, I decided rather than complain about it, I'd accept the fact the book was to the halfway point in the editor's comments. So I'm half done with it. I'll go through the remaining pages and try to circumvent any other problems and send it back. Instead of having half the book to go, I'm halfway done. Glass half full rather than half empty.
So, the house is being gradually decluttered, the process of finding a new place is being winnowed down, my book is halfway through the editing process, and my new WIP is taking shape, 1000 words at a time. Summer's on its way, so it's a perfect time for lemonade.
Rather than panic at the delay, I've decided to look on the bright side. What bright side, you might ask? Well, for one, it gives me time to leisurely go through all my books, clothing and pictures and determine which I'll keep and which Goodwill will get. Second, I'm taking the time to research places to move to, weighing the options of not only the city and state, but rather to rent first, do I want a ranch or will one set of stairs be okay, will Mary still have a yard to play in, etc.
I'm also trying to find the lemonade in my writing. The edits for my next book seem to be taking forever. As I looked over the latest round, I decided rather than complain about it, I'd accept the fact the book was to the halfway point in the editor's comments. So I'm half done with it. I'll go through the remaining pages and try to circumvent any other problems and send it back. Instead of having half the book to go, I'm halfway done. Glass half full rather than half empty.
So, the house is being gradually decluttered, the process of finding a new place is being winnowed down, my book is halfway through the editing process, and my new WIP is taking shape, 1000 words at a time. Summer's on its way, so it's a perfect time for lemonade.
May 13, 2017
Forever Friends
In our busy and portable lives, we meet a lot of people who become acquaintances. You know, the kind you send a Christmas card to each year. Then, there are the people who you might hear from via phone a couple of times each year. But there is no better friend than a forever friend. Like my friend, Linda. In the many decades of our friendship, we've been through a lot with each other, regardless of which state I happened to be living in. She knows me better than my sisters do. And she's the only person I wanted to visit after three years of medical issues.
My trip began with another trip–down memory lane. Shortly after we had moved to DC back in the day, Linda and I rented a house together. Or part of a house, anyway. We had the English basement and first floor of a townhouse on Capitol Hill. Two men shared the top two floors. We were very close to our old stomping grounds after visiting the National Arboretum, so we took a slight detour to see what the place looked like today. We loved living on the Hill. Our house was only a block from our favorite bar and the neighborhood was safe for those nights when we staggered home.
But, as an author of romance, and historical romance at that, I couldn't get this close without paying homage to the great Nora Roberts and touring a battlefield. We made a trip to Boonsboro, MD to her Turn The Page bookstore, where I spent way too much on books, of course. We saw but couldn't gain admittance to the historic Boonsboro Inn featured in one of her trilogies, and had lunch at Dan's, the restaurant owned by one of her sons. The other restaurant in town, Vesta, is owned by her other son, Jason.
And then, we were off to the Antietam battlefield. Bearing the distinction of being the bloodiest single day in the history of any American war, our ranger told us that bodies were falling at the rate of one per second during the height of the battle.
The battle ended in a draw and was the turning point of the war, since France and England were about to help fund the Confederates had they succeeded in trouncing the Union Army. Such a huge price to pay. We walked around the quiet fields that afternoon, walked on the Burnside Bridge, one of the major battle sites, and tried to imagine the horror and chaos that faced the men that day.
Having made the move from this part of the country back to Ohio, I realized this trip that, while I don't miss the congestion and traffic, I do miss the vibrancy and history of Virginia. That may be why I write historical romances today.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. And to everyone's forever friends, give them a special hug today.
My trip began with another trip–down memory lane. Shortly after we had moved to DC back in the day, Linda and I rented a house together. Or part of a house, anyway. We had the English basement and first floor of a townhouse on Capitol Hill. Two men shared the top two floors. We were very close to our old stomping grounds after visiting the National Arboretum, so we took a slight detour to see what the place looked like today. We loved living on the Hill. Our house was only a block from our favorite bar and the neighborhood was safe for those nights when we staggered home.
But, as an author of romance, and historical romance at that, I couldn't get this close without paying homage to the great Nora Roberts and touring a battlefield. We made a trip to Boonsboro, MD to her Turn The Page bookstore, where I spent way too much on books, of course. We saw but couldn't gain admittance to the historic Boonsboro Inn featured in one of her trilogies, and had lunch at Dan's, the restaurant owned by one of her sons. The other restaurant in town, Vesta, is owned by her other son, Jason.
And then, we were off to the Antietam battlefield. Bearing the distinction of being the bloodiest single day in the history of any American war, our ranger told us that bodies were falling at the rate of one per second during the height of the battle.
The battle ended in a draw and was the turning point of the war, since France and England were about to help fund the Confederates had they succeeded in trouncing the Union Army. Such a huge price to pay. We walked around the quiet fields that afternoon, walked on the Burnside Bridge, one of the major battle sites, and tried to imagine the horror and chaos that faced the men that day.
Having made the move from this part of the country back to Ohio, I realized this trip that, while I don't miss the congestion and traffic, I do miss the vibrancy and history of Virginia. That may be why I write historical romances today.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. And to everyone's forever friends, give them a special hug today.
May 6, 2017
Where To Start
Spring is typically contest season in the romance community. Nearly every RWA chapter runs a contest for unpublished authors to submit their work for consideration. I offered to judge a host of different contests this year, running the gamut of genres from YA to historical, fantasy and beyond, and selected the best of the bunch in each category I judged.
As icing on the cake, I attended a workshop last weekend where the first pages of the various authors in attendance were read and commented on by two literary agents and an industry speaker.
The results of my various critiques of the contest entries and the results of the panel last weekend were remarkably similar. It didn't matter if the work was science fiction, memoir, YA or traditional fiction, the overwhelming criticism was the book began in the wrong place. The author was trying to get all the backstory set in place, or 'walk the dog' by relaying every little thing going on in the scene instead of jumping in where the action started.
The best piece of advice about backstory I ever received was to pull out all the backstory and paste it on a page. Then, pretend the page was written on glass and drop it on the floor. As you pick up the splinters, use only that much at a time of the backstory and weave it into the storyline. Stephen King is even more succinct:
That's not to say backstory isn't important. Of course it is, and you, as an author, need to know what compelling forces happened to form your character, make them act and react in the way they do. But, as a reader, you don't want the whole story in the first chapter. Otherwise, why bother reading the rest of the book? The reader needs to develop a relationship with the character much the same way one does in person. You find out little nuggets of information about a person a bit at a time.
So, my advice, as a result of all this passing of judgment, is to go back to the start of that manuscript you've been working on and look at it again. When does the action start? Have you written the first pages just to get your mindset in place about the character? If you answered yes to the second question, remove those pages and file them away in your character folder. Open with the action. I'm revising a work I started six months ago because, after sitting through one reading after another last weekend, I realized this particular work is guilty of the same thing. I start with description and backstory instead of getting right to the action. Which proves you're never too seasoned to learn something new.
As icing on the cake, I attended a workshop last weekend where the first pages of the various authors in attendance were read and commented on by two literary agents and an industry speaker.
The results of my various critiques of the contest entries and the results of the panel last weekend were remarkably similar. It didn't matter if the work was science fiction, memoir, YA or traditional fiction, the overwhelming criticism was the book began in the wrong place. The author was trying to get all the backstory set in place, or 'walk the dog' by relaying every little thing going on in the scene instead of jumping in where the action started.
The best piece of advice about backstory I ever received was to pull out all the backstory and paste it on a page. Then, pretend the page was written on glass and drop it on the floor. As you pick up the splinters, use only that much at a time of the backstory and weave it into the storyline. Stephen King is even more succinct:
That's not to say backstory isn't important. Of course it is, and you, as an author, need to know what compelling forces happened to form your character, make them act and react in the way they do. But, as a reader, you don't want the whole story in the first chapter. Otherwise, why bother reading the rest of the book? The reader needs to develop a relationship with the character much the same way one does in person. You find out little nuggets of information about a person a bit at a time.
So, my advice, as a result of all this passing of judgment, is to go back to the start of that manuscript you've been working on and look at it again. When does the action start? Have you written the first pages just to get your mindset in place about the character? If you answered yes to the second question, remove those pages and file them away in your character folder. Open with the action. I'm revising a work I started six months ago because, after sitting through one reading after another last weekend, I realized this particular work is guilty of the same thing. I start with description and backstory instead of getting right to the action. Which proves you're never too seasoned to learn something new.
April 29, 2017
On The Cusp Of Summer
Even though the temperature in Northern Ohio has yet to consistently reach above 70 degrees, I'm ready to move off the cusp and into the season. I want to stop wearing socks and put on my slings so I can show off my pedicure. All that glitter hidden under a pair of black socks. I can't wait.
So, in order to speed up the season, I'd like to share with you two books that will be released this summer. The first one makes me smile, since I'm part of an anthology of westerns. My book, Expressly Yours, Samantha, is part of this new compendium, which releases on May 15. Here's more information about the complete collection:
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-West-Historical-Romances-ebook/dp/B06XKJM54X/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1493417074&sr=8-14&keywords=becky+lower
All the drama and sexy attraction of cowboys and the dangerous Wild West in a value-priced collection.
It’s a shootout at high noon in these high-stakes romances, with lovers’ hearts on the line. Saddle up and ride along with these couples as they try to outdraw Cupid.
Seduced by the Outlaw: Tamar Freeman has everything under control as the owner of Kansas City’s local newspaper until undercover lawman Amos Tanner responds to a lonely hearts ad that’s actually a trap to catch a burglary ring. To all he meets, he’s Deadwood Dick, an outlaw and the last man Tamar should fall for. But the fire between them burns hot, and his final heist doesn’t go quite as planned. Will she find the strength to give up her safe world and risk a chance at the life she’s long desired?
A Kiss in the Shadows: Driven by his single-minded revenge mission against the man who killed his brother, Brock MacDermott rides from town to town on a lonely quest. He’s careful to keep emotional attachments at arm’s length—until young, beautiful Stevie Rae Buchanan insists on joining his hunt to exact her vengeance. There’s no room for romance when you’re chasing down a dangerous criminal, but when undeniable feelings develop between them, Stevie Rae and Brock must decide whether justice is worth sacrificing everything else.
One Moment’s Pleasure: Drawn to San Francisco during the Gold Rush, Edith narrowly escapes working in a bordello, but she can’t escape Dutch Trahern, who seeks redemption after his misspent youth. A relationship could cost them both everything they’ve worked to earn, but it just might be their path to salvation.
Expressly Yours, Samantha: To escape her wicked uncle, Samantha Hughes cuts her hair to pose as a man and become Sam Hughes, a Pony Express rider. There she meets Valerian Fitzpatrick, who joined the hard-riding circuit in an attempt to escape life in the family business. As he and Sam grow close, Valerian’s more than willing to protect her secret, but when Sam’s forced to run yet again, does a future with her mean giving up the freedom he’s always craved?
The Heart You Need: When reporter Adeline Ellsworth’s cousin is murdered in 1896 San Francisco, her investigation leads to danger—and she wakes up tied to Alec McCairn, Lord Peyton. In California to set up a new office, the Scottish peer definitely wasn’t looking for a romantic entanglement, but he suspects the beguiling Adeline is in over her head and too proud to ask for help. He’s determined to save her from herself, but Adeline can’t let Alec ruin her chance to expose this corruption, no matter how charming he is. The biggest mystery they end up solving might just be how to capture each other’s hearts.
And, if the Wild West isn't your thing, how about a beach read? My new Lobster Cove book, Sweet Caroline, will be released sometime this summer. No firm date yet, and no buy link, but I can share the cover and the blurb with you.
Caroline Stuart never returned to Lobster Cove after an embarrassing summer night when she was fifteen. But her cousin’s marriage was an event she couldn’t miss. Imagine her surprise when she discovers her partner in the bridal party is Grant Jackson, the same boy who humiliated her years ago. She still hates him. Yet, he still excites her.
Grant had more than the usual problems fitting in as a teenager, being the only boy of mixed heritage in the school. And he’d somehow alienated the one girl he desperately wanted to impress. With Caroline’s return to Lobster Cove, he finally has an opportunity to make amends, if only she’ll listen. If only she’ll let go of the past.
Warm weather is just around the corner, and, as always, good books abound. Here comes summer!
So, in order to speed up the season, I'd like to share with you two books that will be released this summer. The first one makes me smile, since I'm part of an anthology of westerns. My book, Expressly Yours, Samantha, is part of this new compendium, which releases on May 15. Here's more information about the complete collection:
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-West-Historical-Romances-ebook/dp/B06XKJM54X/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1493417074&sr=8-14&keywords=becky+lowerAll the drama and sexy attraction of cowboys and the dangerous Wild West in a value-priced collection.
It’s a shootout at high noon in these high-stakes romances, with lovers’ hearts on the line. Saddle up and ride along with these couples as they try to outdraw Cupid.
Seduced by the Outlaw: Tamar Freeman has everything under control as the owner of Kansas City’s local newspaper until undercover lawman Amos Tanner responds to a lonely hearts ad that’s actually a trap to catch a burglary ring. To all he meets, he’s Deadwood Dick, an outlaw and the last man Tamar should fall for. But the fire between them burns hot, and his final heist doesn’t go quite as planned. Will she find the strength to give up her safe world and risk a chance at the life she’s long desired?
A Kiss in the Shadows: Driven by his single-minded revenge mission against the man who killed his brother, Brock MacDermott rides from town to town on a lonely quest. He’s careful to keep emotional attachments at arm’s length—until young, beautiful Stevie Rae Buchanan insists on joining his hunt to exact her vengeance. There’s no room for romance when you’re chasing down a dangerous criminal, but when undeniable feelings develop between them, Stevie Rae and Brock must decide whether justice is worth sacrificing everything else.
One Moment’s Pleasure: Drawn to San Francisco during the Gold Rush, Edith narrowly escapes working in a bordello, but she can’t escape Dutch Trahern, who seeks redemption after his misspent youth. A relationship could cost them both everything they’ve worked to earn, but it just might be their path to salvation.
Expressly Yours, Samantha: To escape her wicked uncle, Samantha Hughes cuts her hair to pose as a man and become Sam Hughes, a Pony Express rider. There she meets Valerian Fitzpatrick, who joined the hard-riding circuit in an attempt to escape life in the family business. As he and Sam grow close, Valerian’s more than willing to protect her secret, but when Sam’s forced to run yet again, does a future with her mean giving up the freedom he’s always craved?
The Heart You Need: When reporter Adeline Ellsworth’s cousin is murdered in 1896 San Francisco, her investigation leads to danger—and she wakes up tied to Alec McCairn, Lord Peyton. In California to set up a new office, the Scottish peer definitely wasn’t looking for a romantic entanglement, but he suspects the beguiling Adeline is in over her head and too proud to ask for help. He’s determined to save her from herself, but Adeline can’t let Alec ruin her chance to expose this corruption, no matter how charming he is. The biggest mystery they end up solving might just be how to capture each other’s hearts.
And, if the Wild West isn't your thing, how about a beach read? My new Lobster Cove book, Sweet Caroline, will be released sometime this summer. No firm date yet, and no buy link, but I can share the cover and the blurb with you.
Caroline Stuart never returned to Lobster Cove after an embarrassing summer night when she was fifteen. But her cousin’s marriage was an event she couldn’t miss. Imagine her surprise when she discovers her partner in the bridal party is Grant Jackson, the same boy who humiliated her years ago. She still hates him. Yet, he still excites her.
Grant had more than the usual problems fitting in as a teenager, being the only boy of mixed heritage in the school. And he’d somehow alienated the one girl he desperately wanted to impress. With Caroline’s return to Lobster Cove, he finally has an opportunity to make amends, if only she’ll listen. If only she’ll let go of the past.
Warm weather is just around the corner, and, as always, good books abound. Here comes summer!
April 22, 2017
Caroline Warfield returns with The Reluctant Wife
My good friend, Caroline Warfield, returns to the blog today, to discuss her newest novel, which will be released on April 26. Caroline is one of the finest historical authors I know. In addition to sharing a penchant for the word 'reluctant,' she also is one-third of the History Imagined group of contributors, which I encourage all of you to check out. https://historyimagined.wordpress.com I'll let Caroline have center stage now to introduce us to her newest book:
Shakespeare said "The course of true love never did run smooth." It certainly doesn't for the hero and heroine of The Reluctant Wife. Fred is one of those men who always strive to do the right thing and end up tripping into trouble over their own good intentions. Clare has been married and has good reason to avoide attraction to a handsome man in uniform. Still over the course of scandals, courtmarials, long journeys, starry nights, and family interference, they manage to stumble into love. Love always finds a way, doesn't it?The Reluctant WifeChildren of Empire, Book 2
Genre: Pre Victorian, Historical Romance µ Heat rating: 3-4 of 5 flames
Pub date: April 26, 2017 When all else fails, love succeeds…
Captain Fred Wheatly’s comfortable life on the fringes of Bengal comes crashing down around him when his mistress dies, leaving him with two children he never expected to have to raise. When he chooses justice over army regulations, he’s forced to resign his position, leaving him with no way to support his unexpected family. He’s already had enough failures in his life. The last thing he needs is an attractive, interfering woman bedeviling his steps, reminding him of his duties.All widowed Clare Armbruster needs is her brother’s signature on a legal document to be free of her past. After a failed marriage, and still mourning the loss of a child, she’s had it up to her ears with the assumptions she doesn't know how to take care of herself, that what she needs is a husband, and with a great lout of a captain who can't figure out what to do with his daughters. If only the frightened little girls didn’t need her help so badly.Clare has made mistakes in the past. Can she trust Fred now? Can she trust herself? Captain Wheatly isn’t ashamed of his aristocratic heritage, but he doesn’t need his family and they’ve certainly never needed him. But with no more military career and two half-caste daughters to support, Fred must turn once more—as a failure—to the family he failed so often in the past. Can two hearts rise above past failures to forge a future together?
Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y4BGMX1/
About Caroline Warfield
GiveawayCaroline will give a kindle copy of The Renegade Wife to one person who comments. She is also sponsoring a grand prize in celebration of her release. You can enter it here: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/2017blogtourpackage/
The prequel to this book, A Dangerous Nativity , is always **FREE**. You can get a copy here: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/a-dangerous-nativity-1815/Excerpt From The Reluctant Wife
How do I always end up in the wrong? Fred’s resentment festered all the way to Cairo. He had behaved as a gentleman ought, and she treated him like the worst sort of rake. She wanted him, lying there with the stars above. She didn’t try to hide it—not that she could have. He had been the one to exercise restraint, to do the right thing. He gave her honesty and honor. She gave him a cold shoulder. When she flounced off toward the tent, he almost followed but knew that for a fool’s errand. She wouldn’t have let him close, and he couldn’t have stopped a second time if she had. He went to wake her the next morning, prepared to make peace, and found her dressed, packed, and sullen. “Would you like some tea?” Fred asked. “No, thank you,” she mumbled and went to fetch her own. Soon after he tried to help her into the sedan chair, but she pointedly ignored his offered hand. He watched her grip both sides of the door and pull herself up. “Have it your way,” he grumbled, turning to his horse in disgust. At the first way station, he held out a skin of water and took heart when she reached for it. Maybe she’ll take it as an olive branch.Her refusal to meet his eyes disabused him of that notion. She uttered not one word of thanks until Meghal reminded her that good manners required thanks. Her few grudging words did little to mend the breach between them. The damned woman acts like I tried to take advantage instead of behaving like a gentleman. As usual, Wheatly, you do the decent thing and end up in the brig. I should have just taken what she offered. It isn’t as if she acted like some skittish virgin. He chewed on that thought for several miles; it disturbed him. She didn’t, did she? She wanted it as badly as I did. There are hidden depths to Clare Armbruster. That’s for certain. Several miles passed before another question came to him. Is that what she’s so mad about? I got her aroused and she— That didn’t make much sense to him, but he wanted to test the theory. He would have done it, if it wouldn’t have earned him another smack to the face. He stared at the sedan chair, the back of her head just visible inside, as if he might find an answer. Maybe I should just ask her. Would I get a sensible answer? I doubt it. If any man understands how women’s brains work, that man is not I.
Shakespeare said "The course of true love never did run smooth." It certainly doesn't for the hero and heroine of The Reluctant Wife. Fred is one of those men who always strive to do the right thing and end up tripping into trouble over their own good intentions. Clare has been married and has good reason to avoide attraction to a handsome man in uniform. Still over the course of scandals, courtmarials, long journeys, starry nights, and family interference, they manage to stumble into love. Love always finds a way, doesn't it?The Reluctant WifeChildren of Empire, Book 2
Genre: Pre Victorian, Historical Romance µ Heat rating: 3-4 of 5 flames
Pub date: April 26, 2017 When all else fails, love succeeds…
Captain Fred Wheatly’s comfortable life on the fringes of Bengal comes crashing down around him when his mistress dies, leaving him with two children he never expected to have to raise. When he chooses justice over army regulations, he’s forced to resign his position, leaving him with no way to support his unexpected family. He’s already had enough failures in his life. The last thing he needs is an attractive, interfering woman bedeviling his steps, reminding him of his duties.All widowed Clare Armbruster needs is her brother’s signature on a legal document to be free of her past. After a failed marriage, and still mourning the loss of a child, she’s had it up to her ears with the assumptions she doesn't know how to take care of herself, that what she needs is a husband, and with a great lout of a captain who can't figure out what to do with his daughters. If only the frightened little girls didn’t need her help so badly.Clare has made mistakes in the past. Can she trust Fred now? Can she trust herself? Captain Wheatly isn’t ashamed of his aristocratic heritage, but he doesn’t need his family and they’ve certainly never needed him. But with no more military career and two half-caste daughters to support, Fred must turn once more—as a failure—to the family he failed so often in the past. Can two hearts rise above past failures to forge a future together?Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y4BGMX1/
About Caroline Warfield
GiveawayCaroline will give a kindle copy of The Renegade Wife to one person who comments. She is also sponsoring a grand prize in celebration of her release. You can enter it here: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/2017blogtourpackage/
The prequel to this book, A Dangerous Nativity , is always **FREE**. You can get a copy here: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/a-dangerous-nativity-1815/Excerpt From The Reluctant Wife
How do I always end up in the wrong? Fred’s resentment festered all the way to Cairo. He had behaved as a gentleman ought, and she treated him like the worst sort of rake. She wanted him, lying there with the stars above. She didn’t try to hide it—not that she could have. He had been the one to exercise restraint, to do the right thing. He gave her honesty and honor. She gave him a cold shoulder. When she flounced off toward the tent, he almost followed but knew that for a fool’s errand. She wouldn’t have let him close, and he couldn’t have stopped a second time if she had. He went to wake her the next morning, prepared to make peace, and found her dressed, packed, and sullen. “Would you like some tea?” Fred asked. “No, thank you,” she mumbled and went to fetch her own. Soon after he tried to help her into the sedan chair, but she pointedly ignored his offered hand. He watched her grip both sides of the door and pull herself up. “Have it your way,” he grumbled, turning to his horse in disgust. At the first way station, he held out a skin of water and took heart when she reached for it. Maybe she’ll take it as an olive branch.Her refusal to meet his eyes disabused him of that notion. She uttered not one word of thanks until Meghal reminded her that good manners required thanks. Her few grudging words did little to mend the breach between them. The damned woman acts like I tried to take advantage instead of behaving like a gentleman. As usual, Wheatly, you do the decent thing and end up in the brig. I should have just taken what she offered. It isn’t as if she acted like some skittish virgin. He chewed on that thought for several miles; it disturbed him. She didn’t, did she? She wanted it as badly as I did. There are hidden depths to Clare Armbruster. That’s for certain. Several miles passed before another question came to him. Is that what she’s so mad about? I got her aroused and she— That didn’t make much sense to him, but he wanted to test the theory. He would have done it, if it wouldn’t have earned him another smack to the face. He stared at the sedan chair, the back of her head just visible inside, as if he might find an answer. Maybe I should just ask her. Would I get a sensible answer? I doubt it. If any man understands how women’s brains work, that man is not I.
April 16, 2017
Contest Season
Every year, I look forward to getting my books for the RITA contest. This year, I got seven, which I had to read and judge in the space of six weeks. I added on a few more contests this year, judging the Prism contest because I wanted to see how historical paranormal was handled. I had to read three books for that one. And now, the contemporary chapter of RWA has reintroduced the Stiletto contest and I just yesterday received two more published novels to read and one unpublished entry.
Our own NEORWA chapter has a contest for unpublished authors going on as well, and I had to judge three entries there.
Even though it's a huge time commitment, I see this as my way to pay back the industry. I got a lot of help, and still am getting it, on my road to publication, and contests were the way I received valuable feedback to make my works stronger. And this way, if I'm lucky, I might find a new-to-me author in the bunch, find a book I would never have picked up otherwise.
I think I went a bit overboard this year. I understand all these contests want to gear their announcements of winners during the RWA conference, but I really wish someone would hold a contest in the fall. It would even out my reading enjoyment.
Now, back to work. I still have two books to go before I can get back to my book-in-progress, not to mention my work-in-progress!
Our own NEORWA chapter has a contest for unpublished authors going on as well, and I had to judge three entries there.
Even though it's a huge time commitment, I see this as my way to pay back the industry. I got a lot of help, and still am getting it, on my road to publication, and contests were the way I received valuable feedback to make my works stronger. And this way, if I'm lucky, I might find a new-to-me author in the bunch, find a book I would never have picked up otherwise.
I think I went a bit overboard this year. I understand all these contests want to gear their announcements of winners during the RWA conference, but I really wish someone would hold a contest in the fall. It would even out my reading enjoyment.
Now, back to work. I still have two books to go before I can get back to my book-in-progress, not to mention my work-in-progress!
April 8, 2017
Love In Wartime
On April 17, a new historic bundle, Love In Wartime, will be released by Crimson Romance. It seems war has always been a part of life, from the earliest recorded time until present day. And, if this bundle is any indication, war has the ability to produce great. heart-wrenching moments of love. This package includes a novel set in 1053 Wales, 1920s in India, and two books set during the American Civil War. Here's the blurb:
A value-priced collection featuring heart-tugging historical romance stories of love and hope, set against the backdrops of war-torn battlefields and the home front.
Love is a battlefield in these four romances starring courageous patriots called to duty for their country. With emotions running high and lives placed bravely on the lines, will they have the strength to fight for love as war wages on?
The Forgotten Debutante: Saffron Fitzpatrick spent her teenage years mourning the dead rather than dancing at her debutante ball, with the exception of one forbidden kiss with solider Ezekiel Boone. Fate reunites the couple three years later, and they discover unexpected common ground and begin to build a relationship. But though the war is over, a future together may still elude them…especially if Saffron’s brother and the U.S. Army have anything to say about it.
Mischief and Magnolias: Natchez, Mississippi, peacefully surrendered to the Union Army—but Shaelyn Cavanaugh didn’t. Major Remy Harte has taken over her home and her beloved steamboats, and she will use every mischievous weapon at her disposal to show the Union soldier that he has chosen unwisely. But he finds the attempts to make him leave Magnolia House amusing and his growing attraction to Shae unavoidable. Can their budding romance survive when a common enemy accuses her of espionage?
Revolutionary Hearts: To complete his mission in India’s fight for independence, General Carton—a.k.a. U.S. undercover operative Warren Khan—must hide both his true objective and his heritage. But once he meets the captivating Parineeta, who holds the key to both his freedom and capturing her brother, a suspected anarchist, he finds the subterfuge more difficult than anticipated.
The Winter Promise: In the fall of 1053, Lady Imma has one loyalty: to help her uncle, the king of Wales, win his war against the English. Lord Robert, the steward of Wessex, has one loyalty as well: to keep his beloved Wessex safe from enemies. When she is forced to seek shelter in his keep, they must decide if they can listen to their hearts—or if they would be wiser never to trust each other.
I joke all the time about the many bundles my works are involved in, but I enjoy sharing my stage with other authors. The royalty has to be split among the various authors, so it's never much, but we all share our readers with one another. If somebody picks up this one to read one of the stories, chances are they'll take the time to read at least one other in the bundle. And that new reader may then decide to try another book by that author. That's the way it's supposed to work, and I think it's a good idea. Exposure is the name of this game.
The bundle is available for pre-orders now. And on the 17th, you can begin reading these four delightful journeys into wartime. https://www.amazon.com/Love-Wartime-4-Historical-Romances-ebook/dp/B06XC4Y75B/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491605339&sr=1-1&keywords=love+in+wartime
A value-priced collection featuring heart-tugging historical romance stories of love and hope, set against the backdrops of war-torn battlefields and the home front.
Love is a battlefield in these four romances starring courageous patriots called to duty for their country. With emotions running high and lives placed bravely on the lines, will they have the strength to fight for love as war wages on?
The Forgotten Debutante: Saffron Fitzpatrick spent her teenage years mourning the dead rather than dancing at her debutante ball, with the exception of one forbidden kiss with solider Ezekiel Boone. Fate reunites the couple three years later, and they discover unexpected common ground and begin to build a relationship. But though the war is over, a future together may still elude them…especially if Saffron’s brother and the U.S. Army have anything to say about it.
Mischief and Magnolias: Natchez, Mississippi, peacefully surrendered to the Union Army—but Shaelyn Cavanaugh didn’t. Major Remy Harte has taken over her home and her beloved steamboats, and she will use every mischievous weapon at her disposal to show the Union soldier that he has chosen unwisely. But he finds the attempts to make him leave Magnolia House amusing and his growing attraction to Shae unavoidable. Can their budding romance survive when a common enemy accuses her of espionage?
Revolutionary Hearts: To complete his mission in India’s fight for independence, General Carton—a.k.a. U.S. undercover operative Warren Khan—must hide both his true objective and his heritage. But once he meets the captivating Parineeta, who holds the key to both his freedom and capturing her brother, a suspected anarchist, he finds the subterfuge more difficult than anticipated.
The Winter Promise: In the fall of 1053, Lady Imma has one loyalty: to help her uncle, the king of Wales, win his war against the English. Lord Robert, the steward of Wessex, has one loyalty as well: to keep his beloved Wessex safe from enemies. When she is forced to seek shelter in his keep, they must decide if they can listen to their hearts—or if they would be wiser never to trust each other.
I joke all the time about the many bundles my works are involved in, but I enjoy sharing my stage with other authors. The royalty has to be split among the various authors, so it's never much, but we all share our readers with one another. If somebody picks up this one to read one of the stories, chances are they'll take the time to read at least one other in the bundle. And that new reader may then decide to try another book by that author. That's the way it's supposed to work, and I think it's a good idea. Exposure is the name of this game.
The bundle is available for pre-orders now. And on the 17th, you can begin reading these four delightful journeys into wartime. https://www.amazon.com/Love-Wartime-4-Historical-Romances-ebook/dp/B06XC4Y75B/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491605339&sr=1-1&keywords=love+in+wartime
April 1, 2017
Nora Roberts Land
Back in 2014, I interviewed Ava Miles, who wrote a brilliant book called Nora Roberts Land. http://beckylowerauthor.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-other-side-of-coin.html The story focused on a mid-life woman whose husband divorced her because he said she lived in "Nora Roberts Land" where men were considerate, thoughtful, sensitive, loving, caring–in other words, totally unlike real men. She had unrealistic expectations about men, romance and marriage and there was no way he, a mortal man, could keep up with a book boyfriend.
Even though I've been reading romances ever since college, and writing them for a number of years now, I never quite grasped the concept of a book boyfriend. I've had favorite male characters come and go through my books and my reading, but once I finished the book, I quit thinking about them. Until Grant. Allow me to introduce him to you.
Grant is the hero in Sweet Caroline, my next Wild Rose Lobster Cove book. Computer geek Caroline Stuart's had a rough time of things before she moves to Lobster Cove and reconnects with a friend from her teenage years. Grant Jackson is now a history teacher at the local high school and is the basketball coach. He has half the females in school vying for his attention, but he only wants to make amends to Caroline and to begin an adult relationship with her. He's attentive, considerate, sensitive and devastatingly handsome–the kind of man I wish I'd been able to find.
I had a picture of him in my head from the moment I began writing this story. Here's my take on what he looks like, but I hope each reader finds her own version.
Here's the working blurb for the story:
Can an innocent teenage game of Spin The Bottle have repercussions years later?
Caroline Stuart never returned to Lobster Cove after an embarrassing summer night when she was fifteen. But her cousin’s marriage was an event she couldn’t miss. Imagine her surprise when she discovers her partner in the bridal party is Grant Jackson, the same boy who humiliated her years ago. She still hates him. Yet, he still excites her.
Grant had more than the usual problems fitting in as a teenager, being the only boy of mixed heritage in the school. And he’d somehow alienated the one girl he desperately wanted to impress. With Caroline’s return to Lobster Cove, he finally has an opportunity to make amends, if only she’ll listen. If only she’ll let go of the past.
If you've enjoyed the Lobster Cove series, add this one to your shelf.
I don't have a release date yet for this book, but it made me a believer in book boyfriends!
Even though I've been reading romances ever since college, and writing them for a number of years now, I never quite grasped the concept of a book boyfriend. I've had favorite male characters come and go through my books and my reading, but once I finished the book, I quit thinking about them. Until Grant. Allow me to introduce him to you.
Grant is the hero in Sweet Caroline, my next Wild Rose Lobster Cove book. Computer geek Caroline Stuart's had a rough time of things before she moves to Lobster Cove and reconnects with a friend from her teenage years. Grant Jackson is now a history teacher at the local high school and is the basketball coach. He has half the females in school vying for his attention, but he only wants to make amends to Caroline and to begin an adult relationship with her. He's attentive, considerate, sensitive and devastatingly handsome–the kind of man I wish I'd been able to find.
I had a picture of him in my head from the moment I began writing this story. Here's my take on what he looks like, but I hope each reader finds her own version.
Here's the working blurb for the story: Can an innocent teenage game of Spin The Bottle have repercussions years later?
Caroline Stuart never returned to Lobster Cove after an embarrassing summer night when she was fifteen. But her cousin’s marriage was an event she couldn’t miss. Imagine her surprise when she discovers her partner in the bridal party is Grant Jackson, the same boy who humiliated her years ago. She still hates him. Yet, he still excites her.
Grant had more than the usual problems fitting in as a teenager, being the only boy of mixed heritage in the school. And he’d somehow alienated the one girl he desperately wanted to impress. With Caroline’s return to Lobster Cove, he finally has an opportunity to make amends, if only she’ll listen. If only she’ll let go of the past.
If you've enjoyed the Lobster Cove series, add this one to your shelf.
I don't have a release date yet for this book, but it made me a believer in book boyfriends!
