Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 37

ENTERTAINING IDEAS_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

Authors are quite often asked where their ideas for stories are generated from. Well our author friend, Dalia Florea is here to share her unique perspective. She's telling us a little about her soon to be released novel, Teardrops Know My Name. She's also giving some lucky commenter a gift card today.




Where do ideas come from…
If you ask any author what question they are asked most, a majority would say, “where do you get your ideas?”  The answer, of course, varies. But one thing most of us have in common is that we don’t have to look hard for ideas, they’re usually right in front of us. Our job, then, would be to develop those ideas into a story worth reading.
Ideas come from asking questions, daydreaming, walking, running, etc. – basically, they come from engaging in life.  Ideas may come when we least expect them.  There are no real “fresh” ideas, however, with whatever idea we dream up, it’s important for the story to be “fresh” around that particular idea.  One of the biggest things I’ve learned and still practice today is always having either a notebook and pen or some sort of device handy to make note of the ideas as they come. I even keep a pen and pad beside my bed in the event an idea wakes me up out of my sleep. It really does happen.
Most prevalent for me, ideas come from people watching.  In my debut novel, Mirrored, one of the characters is a homeless man sitting on a bench.  He became a part of the backdrop of the story because, working in a metropolitan area, I often see homeless people sitting on park benches as I walk by to catch my commuter bus home.  Many ideas just sort of pop into my head as I’m blow-drying my hair. Yes, that’s right -- sometimes there is a whirlwind of ideas seeping through as that hot air is flowing through my tresses.
The amazing part of writing fiction is the process of imagining.  The hardest part is to get those ideas on paper and create characters to execute them into something interesting and believable. 
Teardrops Know My Name - Coming 3/27! Now available for Pre-order!  Someone is stalking, fashion photographer, Linda McNair and turning her world upside down.  She has no idea who it could be.  Is it an old boyfriend? Someone in the industry? A complete stranger? The only thing Linda knows for sure is her stalker has to be stopped.  Her life may depend on it.

When Linda meets Detective Sean Gregory, one of New York’s finest in more ways than one, stories unravel, revealing secrets, lies and betrayal that nearly destroy her, breaking her heart into a million tiny pieces.

Linda tries to resist Sean’s affection, but she can’t help wondering if he’s the right man who can put the shattered pieces of her heart back to together.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TWQJGQC




ABOUT DALIA:
Dalia grew up in Queens, New York and now makes her home in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C.  Her debut Mirrored reached the Top 100 Bestseller’s list in Women’s Detective Fiction.  She is a voracious reader who enjoys writing fiction stories with a mixture of mystery, suspense, and romance.  When she isn’t crafting suspense romance, she enjoys reading, attending live music concerts, and visiting wineries.   




CONTACT DALIA:
Visit her at www.daliafloreabooks.com
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalia-Florea-Author/411778885621667?ref=hl
On Twitter @DaliaFlorea

I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...
 WRITING MY DREAMS,CHELLE RAMSEY 

INSPIRING YOUR JOURNEY_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

Today's March Madness post brings an inspirational voice. In this journey of life, we often question ourselves, our purpose, and even God's will for our lives.

Inez Reilly brings us her perspective on God's plan, His desires, and His heart. No matter where you are on your journey, or what you may be going through today, I'm sure that her letter will touch your hearts. She's also giving away a copy of her book, Beholden. Read on...




My beloved,
You are always on My mind. There has never been a moment in, and before, your life that you have not been the apple of My eye. I know every nuance of your being, yet I want you to share so much more of yourself…freely. I am so in tuned with you that with every breath I know what you want, need and desire. I contemplate your every move and I have made provisions for you. Can you even fathom that I have known you in a way that allows Me to know your thoughts and prepare answers for them, in advance? I have so many surprises stored up for you…I know you love surprises. Yes, I am always thinking about you. I know where and how you will position yourself when things get tough and I wait for you there. My arms are always open and my heart is always ready to listen. You are safe with me. You can be your truest self and never fear rejection. I won’t leave you. I will not abandon you, in any way. I will not be absent or distant or distracted. I will look you in the eyes, lean in and hear what it is that you need and give it to you. I know that you are tempted to doubt the intensity and sincerity of my love, yet I won’t budge. There is no shadow of turning, with me. I chose you with full knowledge of your faults, your fears, your insecurities, your distractedness, your forgetfulness and knowing that you could never love me in the same way. I love you with your tainted past and your impure thoughts. I love you when you are absent from me and when our relationship doesn’t make it onto your priority list for the day. I love you even when you do not feel like I do. I love you knowing that you compare me to others. I love you knowing that you put more stock in what the adversary says to you than I do…when you don’t trust me. I love you knowing that you are afraid, even when I have never given you a reason to fear me. I love you when you say you want more of me, yet you push me away when I come close. I want you to fully know, as you are known, the length and breadth and width of my intimate passion for you and all that pertains to you. I want you to know that you can trust my love, lean into it and abandon all thoughts of your past lovers. Open your arms and let me embrace you. Open your mouth and let me breathe for you. Open your heart and let me show you how to accept all that I have for you. I love you so much that I watch you sleep. I count your breaths and every flutter of your eyes. I examine every surface area of your being. I am an expert on you. I know you in a space and time that has yet to be revealed to you. I do that because I want to be prepared for any and every thing, so that I can be what you need. I am enough for you, but I know that you need other people, too. I am ok with that. I love you…the part of you that has no name; the part of you that is yet to be known. You don’t have to be ashamed of who you are, what you have done or what you think and say. I love the smile that no one sees. I gently kiss away those tears that are hidden from view. I hold your aching heart, in the palm of My hand, so you do not fully feel the weight of all the pain. I am sweeping the ground on which you walk to remove excess debris that is intended to derail you. I love you. I take away the death grip of grief and buffer you from its intensity. I do not take it all away because I want you to trust Me enough to come to Me with it – hand it over and receive My peace that is prepared just for you. I love you. I got you in a way that you have not fully experienced, yet. However, I am patient – My love compels Me to wait.   I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...  WRITING MY DREAMS,CHELLE RAMSEY  

A CUPPA JAVA ANYONE_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

Today's March Madness post comes from one of my favorite romance authors...Ms. Phyllis Bourne. Preparing to release her latest novel, Moonlight Kisses, Ms. Phyllis is dropping in to help celebrate my birth month by giving away a $5 Starbucks card to a lucky winner. So start dropping your comments if you want to feed that java addiction you have. Read on...








Come on, we’ve all thought it, ‘wouldn’t life would be a lot easier if everyone was just like me’.
 
That’s exactly what Espresso Cosmetics CEO Cole Sinclair finds in rival cosmetics company owner Sage Matthews in my upcoming Kimani romance MOONLIGHT KISSES. Only nothing is easy as Sage proves to be every bit as cocky, stubborn and competitive as him.
 
I got a big kick out of writing the interaction between Cole and Sage as their sexy - and hilarious - game of one-upmanship progresses to grudging respect, friendship and finally love.
 
To celebrate Chelle’s birthday month as well as the release of MOONLIGHT KISSES, book two of the Espresso Empire series, I’m giving away a $5 Starbucks card to a single winner. (The birthday girl will select the winner from commenters!)
 
MOONLIGHT KISSES is available in paperback on April 21st and in e-book format May 1st.    PHYLLIS BOURNE: A native of Chicago’s Southside, Phyllis Bourne began her writing career as a crime reporter for the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. After years of chasing cops and criminals, she left reporting to write about life’s sweeter side.

Nowadays her stories are filled with heart-stopping heroes and happy endings. Phyllis is a 2001 and 2005 RWA Golden Heart finalist. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found at a make-up counter feeding her lipstick addiction. Phyllis currently resides in middle-Tennessee.
Find out what she's up to and stay abreast of her current writings: http://www.phyllisbourne.com/
    I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...
 
 
WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY   

THE LOVE BROKER IS BACK_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

We're going into the final stretch of March Madness. We have 7 days of giving left for our readers and we're excited about that. The author I've teamed up with today is Lisa Watson, and she's showcasing her novel, Love By Design.

Ms. Norma Jean Anderson, matchmaking guru, is back in this third book of the Match Broker series. Let's see what Lisa has in store for us today, as well as the two , yes I said two gifts that she's giving away. Read on!




Matchmaking guru, Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker is back again! This time, she sets her sights on her nephew, Logan. Ms. Jeannie’s got her work cut out for her in Book 3 in The Match Broker Series, Love By Design, because sometimes, old hurts run deep!
I love writing about feisty Norma Jean and her wonderful family. I’m sure we all know someone in our lives that just won’t take NO for an answer when it comes to trying to set their loved ones up—by any means necessary! Everyone thinks Norma Jean’s matchmaking schemes end in disaster…but do they really??
 
He Lost Her Once…Is There a Second Chance?
Transforming a vision for Belle Cove Resorts into reality is a breakout move that could take Dakota Carson's image specialist company to the next level. But it means teaming up with the man who broke her heart. Soon enough, Dakota's overwhelming desire for the gorgeous entrepreneur reawakens. But giving in to passion could cost her way too much. 
Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now CEO of his family's international resort chain, he won't risk losing Dakota another time. With his matchmaking aunt's blessing, he and Dakota are united in business—and pleasure. And so Logan embarks on his scheme of seduction, sweeping Dakota away to an exotic Jamaican hideaway. With both their professional and personal futures on the line, can they learn to trust and love each other…again?
  To celebrate Chelle Ramsey’s Birthday Month, and March Madness 2015, I’m giving away one free copy of The Match Broker Series book 3, Love By Design, and a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner!
If you missed the first time Lisa was here you can: READ AN EXCERPT
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY

AFFAIRS OF THE HEART_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

Happy Release Day Te` Russ! Te` Russ has given us the McAllister family series and all of their offshoots. But this spring she's bringing out a new line up of all star love affairs. She has created the Four Seasons of Love book series, and to me that means a novel for each season! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us.

In honor of her official release today, she's sharing a snippet from the first book in the series, A Spring Affair. Take a peek at the excerpt, and then tell Te` what you think. Don't be shy! She really wants to hear from you, and you might just be the lucky winner of this new release.




OVERVIEW:

Though they've yet to meet face to face, Maya has had a secret crush on Xavier, the man who owns a wine café that the winery she works for distributes to. But being that Xavier is involved, she'd never reveal her feelings.
Xavier's previous relationship has left him wrung out emotionally. Needing to get away for a while, he decides to drive to Napa and visit the winery that produces one of the best-selling wines at his café. And finally get the opportunity to meet the woman with the sweet little voice.
One email and four little words stands to flip their love lives on its head and when Maya and Xavier meet for the first time, both are blindsided by the attraction they feel for one another.
 Springtime and wine make a beautiful backdrop for two people on a romantic journey to love...

 EXCERPT:
Maya stood there in the wine cave staring at Xavier.
 "'We'," she said. "As in...you and me?"
 She watched at the corner of his mouth quirked up slightly, before he released a deep chuckle.
 "Yeah," he said. "That's the idea, unless there is some rule that says you can't drink right now?"
 "My boss doesn't mind if we taste the wines along with our tourist, as long as we use the spittoon. But it is after hours and everyone has left for the day."
 "So what do you say?" he asked with a smile. "All these years we've talked on the phone and emailed each other, it would be nice to sit down and finally get to know more about you."
 She wanted to get to know him better as well.
 Then why are you hesitating? Her mind screamed.
 She looked over her shoulder at the exit, then back at the table.
 "I'm sorry," he said when she still didn't answer. He looked at his watch. "I suppose now I'm being presumptuous. Here I am asking you to sit down and share this wine and food with me and technically you're supposed to be off the clock already. I didn't think that maybe you already had plans with your husband."
 Maya grinned at Xavier's inquisitive tone.
 It was more than a little obvious that he was fishing for her relationship status. Grinning, she held up her hand to reveal her bare ring finger. "I'm not married."
 "Boyfriend?" he corrected.
 She shook her head, and she felt her grin widen. "I'm single."
 "Then I'm not stealing you from anyone important."
 "It doesn't appear that way." Finally Maya smiled and said, "Sure I would love to sit with you."
 They moved over to the table and Xavier held a chair out for Maya. As he pushed her chair in after she sat, she felt his finger inadvertently brush against her shoulder. It amazed her that even the lightest touch from this man made her body come alive.
 She expected him to go around and sit on the other side of the table, but was surprised when he pulled out the chair right next to hers and sat down.
 "So, what do we have here?" Xavier asked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
 Trying to ignore their knees touching under the table, Maya pointed to a white wine.
 "This is a chardonnay, much like the one you tasted from the barrel. Of course this one is ready for consumption," she said with a smile.
 They both reached for the bottle at the same time and she stopped as Xavier's large hand grabbed it first.
 "Do you mind?" he asked.
 "By all means." She held up her glass so he could pour some, then he filled his own glass.
 "I assume we're pairing this with the brie cheese over there?" he guessed as he sat the bottle back down.
 "You're absolutely right. It's actually from a local cheese monger not too far from here." She cut them both a small slice of cheese. "You know your pairings."
 "I would hope so, otherwise business would be terrible at my café."
 "What made you decide to open a wine café?" Maya asked. She had always been curious. "Why not just open a wine shop?"
 "Because there is a wine shop every few blocks. Not to mention you can get wine from just about any store. With the wine café, people can also experience the joy of learning about wines as well as different foods that pair well with them."
 She loved his answer. And it was obvious that he was a true wine lover. As they went through their flight of wines, tasting several varieties, she watched as he described each one in great detail, as well as how each item of food was enhanced by the wines.
 As they finished up their tasting, Xavier wiped his mouth and sat his napkin down on the plate in front of him.
 "That was amazing. I can't thank you enough again for doing all of this."
 "Even though it was meant for you and someone else?" she asked sheepishly.
Xavier turned and looked Maya directly in the eyes. "If it was meant for me to be here with someone else, I would have been here with someone else," he said with a self-assured tone.
There was something in his voice and the look in his eyes that made Maya's heart race.
She broke their eye contact and stood, gathering up the dishes. "I still feel terrible. Setting up this whole romantic scene must have brought up some strange feelings considering–"
"Maya." Xavier stood, gently grabbing her arm, to stop her from her task of cleaning. "The only thing I've felt tonight is joy at spending time with you. In fact..." he removed his hand from her arm and hooked his thumbs into the loops of his jeans. "...I was wondering since the winery is closed tomorrow, do you have any plans tomorrow?"
"Uh, no. I don't have any plans tomorrow. You're not going to visit anymore wineries?"
"I visited all of the ones on my list yesterday and today. This was the final stop for me. I wanted to save the best for last," he said, and she felt like he was referring to more than just the winery.
"I know this may seem fast, and forward. And I'm kind of out of practice with all of this, but...I've enjoyed our time together today and I want to see you again. So I was wondering if you would have lunch with me tomorrow, before I have to head back to Sacramento."
Oh. My. God.
After years of fantasizing about this man she'd never before met, he was better than anything she could have imagined. And for all of those years, there was a road block in her dreams by the name of Darby. Now Darby was out of the picture and Xavier was showing interest in her. It was the stuff romance novels were made of.
She remembered what her sister had said about jumping at the opportunity if it presented itself with Xavier. Well...she'd been a little cruder, but still...her overall advice was on point. And Maya wasn't going to let a chance she'd secretly been wishing for, for several years now, pass her by.
"Lunch with you tomorrow would be great."

Today is the official release of A Spring Affair, but she would love for you to join the Release Party for Spring Affair , Saturday, March 21st 7-9 PM CST and Sunday, March 22nd 6-8 PM CST.
 
BIO:
Growing up an introvert, Té Russ found solace in literary arts at an early age. She found reading to be a vehicle to broader horizons and writing a form of self-expression. She began writing love stories in her adolescent years as a way to expel her youthful thoughts of love into words. Since then she has gone from writing stories and thoughts of love in journals to attending college for journalism and falling in love, which has allowed those youthful words of love to blossom into a series of stories in her romance novels.
Though she has an immense appreciation for the sheer smell that books collectively exert, she also has found balance to her introverted nature with adrenaline inducing activities. So if she does not have her nose pressed deeply into a book or her pen ticking through a pad, you may also find this mother of three baking some tasty treats, jumping out of airplanes, cheering her husband on at the top of her lungs at MMA fights, buzzing down the interstate on the back of motorcycles, or kayaking.
CONNECT WITH TE`: 

Facebook Page 
FacebookProfile
Twitter
Blog
Email: terussnovels@gmail.com
Books available on Amazon

 I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...   WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY  

MONEY CAN'T BUY ME LOVE_MARCH MADNESS

Christian Louboutins pumps, Vera Wang dress, Chanel vintage handbag, and a charm bracelet from Tiffany...money can buy all of these things. Happiness, friendship, and love purchased with money...you're left sad, friendless, unloved and emotionally and financially bankrupt!

When the object of your affection throws around money in place of love, it can be heartbreaking. Especially when they don't notice the one thing that you desire is their heart. Sometimes we give all that we have to get the attention of the one we love, but that love goes unrequited. Those feelings can be frustrating, to the point of infuriating.

Today, Michelle Lindo-Rice shares an example of that in her excerpt from her novel, The Fall of The Prodigal . If you leave a comment, you might be chosen as today's lucky March Madness winner of a paperback copy of  The Fall of The Prodigal . Read on...


Synopsis:
A condemned man, his two brides, and one untimely death.

Michael Ward is at the top of his game and he doesn't need anyone or anything. Money is his new best friend--until he's arrested for a heinous crime. As much as he hates to admit it, Michael needs his brother, Keith Ward, the man who stole his wife and children. Will Michael open his heart to forgive his brother?

Verona "Tiger" Stachs has been Michaels' attorney for years. She's in love with him, but is tired of being treated as his guinea pig. A lapsed Christian, Verona finds herself being drawn closer to God. She thought she was through with God, but soon discovers He's nowhere through with her. Which relationship will she choose?

Keith Ward's a prominent minister and family man, yet he yearns to rekindle his relationship with his brother. When Michael calls him explaining that he desperately needs his help, Keith jumps at the chance to set things right with Michael. Will Keith be able to lead Michael into the light?
 
Excerpt from Chapter 3:
 “That man is infuriating!” Verona plopped her purse on the couch. She yanked her teal blouse out of her white pencil skirt. In her haste, she twisted her ankle, almost breaking her five-inched red bottoms. “Awww!” she screamed.
“Michael Ward’s going to pay for these Louboutins.” She snatched the offensive shoe and its partner off her feet, and tossed them across the floor.
Her cell buzzed. She groaned. She ought to let it go to voicemail, she thought, while digging inside her bag. She didn’t feel like talking to anyone.
Nigel Lattimore’s face filled her screen and she swiped the answer button. “What’d you want?” she hurled.
“I hear you’ll be working with my former client,” he drawled. It irked her that her rudeness hadn’t affected him.
Verona rolled her eyes and sought to bring her temper under check. “And what of it?”
“Didn’t you tell me that you were quitting Ward Enterprises? So, what gives?”
“Nigel, I don’t have time for you,” Verona screamed. “And, I certainly don’t owe you any explanations! Why are you calling anyway? I only answered because I knew you’d keep calling until I picked up. Annoying!”
She was trying to start an argument. Again, he didn’t take the bait. “To offer my services as I know this isn’t your specialty. I told you we should start our own firm.”
 “As if…” Verona heaved a long sigh. She heard his chuckle on the other end and cursed herself for allowing Nigel to get to her. He needled her on purpose, and when it came to him, she was an easy target. “I don’t need your help. Besides, I wouldn’t open a firm with you no matter how you plead. You don’t have the capital,” she bragged.
“Not everyone can be as lucky as you were to score such a cushy retainer.”
She grinned at his sour tone, and served a jab of her own. “How’s Rupert?”
            “His name is Raymond. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
She snickered; pleased she’d gotten under his skin. Nigel was a preacher’s kid, hailing from Tampa, Florida. He’d moved to New York, away from his father’s prying eyes, to live with his life partner. No one knew. Except for her. She’d found out by accident when they were back in Stanford.
She and Nigel had dated for a year and a half. He was the perfect gentleman, saying he didn’t believe in sex before marriage. Verona had been charmed by his old-fashioned ways until she caught him with his pants down.
Needless to say they were through after that.
He turned the tables on her. “Does Michael know you’re in love with him? Have you confessed your true feelings, yet?”
In a swift move, Verona cut the line. Take that, you creep. One lonely night at the bar they’d ran into each other and she’d blabbed. Big mistake.
Her cell buzzed. This time she saw Michael’s face. She grabbed the phone. “I made it clear I wasn’t going to continue on your case. I did specialize in criminal law but … it wasn’t for me.”
“For what I’m paying you, I own you.”
 
Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Fall-Prodigal-Michelle-Lindo-Rice/dp/1601626983
Puchase on BarnesandNoble.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fall-of-the-prodigal-michelle-lindo-rice/1119437327?ean=9781601626981
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...
 
 WRITING MY DREAMS,CHELLE RAMSEY   
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INSPIRING READERS_MARCH MADNESS

Today's March Madness post brings inspiration and encouragement. Author Paulette Harper is an inspirational author seeking to motivate and transform the lives of those who are battling life challenges. Using Christian fiction, non-fiction, and children's fiction as her platform, she strives to send a motivational message that will touch the heart of all readers, old and young alike.
She's sharing her reason for writing, a little about the books she's published, and giving away a copy of her Christian fiction novella, Living Separate Lives . You only need to leave a comment for a chance to win. Read on...



Why I Write
As an inspirational and fiction writer, I write to inspire and empower readers. I write because I feel I have a message to share with readers not only to entertain readers but to help them grow spiritually. I love to mix real life stories into my fiction. Although each story is unique, we experience some of the same feelings, situations and challenges in life in which the reader can identify.
With the ability to craft fiction books, it gives me the opportunity to live through each character. I’ve been blessed to write in several different genre: Christian fiction, nonfiction and children. Although each genre is unique in their own way, I enjoy each one. Developing a craft for writing is an ongoing process. I’ve been able to gleam from so many others. I read books which helps me learn the craft as well.
When I pen a non-fiction book, I can go deep into my soul and the soul of the reader. My non-fiction books comes from my own personal life experiences, research and biblical studies. I try to connect with readers in a place where the words in the book can leap off the pages and bring about a spiritual change as well as spiritual growth.  Everyone needs to be inspired, empowered and strengthen in every area of their lives and this is where my books are able to touch the readers. 
 
Christian/Inspirational Non-Fiction
That Was Then This Is Now, 2009 Indie Book Award Finalist
Do you know how to defeat depression? That Was Then, This is Now tackles that question. Do you know how to mend a broken heart? Paulette Harper’s That Was Then, This Is Now has the answers. Struggling to recover from a broken marriage and disappointed dreams, Paulette Harper gropes for  meaning and understanding, and  through her searching, God reveals Himself to her in ways she never before imagined possible. That Was Then, This Is Now, is a step by step guide on how to defeat depression by a heart attitude of surrender.  How to mend a broken heart and how to defeat depression are questions that is sure to be answered in her book That Was Then This Is Now.
Amazon: http://amzn.com/1604625546  
Completely Whole, 2011 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Winner
This book is inspiring, optimistic, hopeful and encouraging while providing a clear-cut, scriptural blueprint for each reader to follow as they allow the Word and the power of God to transform their pain and restore their lives on their road to living a healthier, spiritual life. Completely Whole features thoughtful meditations, and timely scriptural passages, all designed to present the reader with a detailed, comprehensive understanding of what it takes to achieve a truly fulfilling life… Spirit, Soul and Body.
A prayer and confession is included at the end of each chapter that will be sure to help the reader to establish a connection, not only with the principles in the book, but a spiritual connection with God Himself.
Amazon http://amzn.com/B003YCPHL8  
 Christian Fiction
Living Separate Lives, novella
Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny
Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes.  What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? Which one will leave the same or worse?
For Candace Walker, life has left her battered and bruised.  Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. After fifteen years of marriage, bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head for Jordan Tate, whose husband wants to call it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas, dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest feats.
Although they have been friends for years, they thought they knew each other well. But will a secret destroy their relationship and bring the sisterhood to a complete halt? Will they be able to forgive and allow God to mend that which might be torn?
Amazon e-book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLF5BW0 
Children
Princess Nevaeh: Lessons on Self Discover is my latest work.
Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is. She will soon learn that her wish to be a princess takes a little more than just asking. Lessons on self-discovery are taught by her Mimi who makes her understand that being a princess takes work.
Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/1qLN3nP
Audio: http://www.audible.com/pd/Kids/Princess-Nevaeh-Lessons-on-Self-Discovery-Audiobook/B00SX9RIW8/ref=a_search_c4_1_
About The Author
Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008.  Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole, Living Separate Lives and The Sanctuary. She resides in Northern, Ca.
Connect with me socially
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PauletteHarp...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pauletteharper
Website: www.pauletteharper.com
Amazon author page: http://amzn.com/e/B004FEJKCQ




I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...
  WRITING MY DREAMS,CHELLE RAMSEY      

VOICES CALLING OUT_MARCH MADNESS

The stirring of creativity that pulls at an author's imagination isn't something to be taken lightly and definitely not ignored. These stirrings, which can lead to a great masterpiece if we follow the voices in our heads, (yeah we border on the line of insanity), can come in the middle of the night, early in the morning, and even when making love. Oops, did I say that? Well, anyway, today, Rae Lamar is sharing with us how the creativity for her latest novel began, and what resulted when she heeded the voices in her head.

She's also sharing with us an excerpt that is definitely intriguing and leaves you wanting to read the entire story, because of course you want to get to know these characters. And if you leave a comment, you just might be the lucky one to win a copy of Dawn of Aris, paperback or eBook...your choice!


Dawn of Aris by Rae Lamar

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY...

It always starts with a voice in my head and a whole lot of anxiety. lol My characters tend to show up in annoying ways and at the most inopportune times. Aris Collier was no different.

Last year in January, I'd just started a new job which came with its own level of stress and anxiety. I was on my lunch break, driving, when Aris popped into my head out of nowhere. I only had about forty-five minutes to get food and get back to work, and I did not have time for disruption. In my mind, I was giving Aris the side-eye like: "I'm busy, I just started a new job, I don't have time for this...go away!

I continued to sit in my car anyway, on edge, waiting...and then I felt this crazy compulsion to hear Michael Jackson's Thriller. I keep his greatest hits CD in my car ---- yes, I still have CDs...don't judge me (lol) and so I slid the disc into the player, skipped ahead to the track and listened. For what? I had no idea, but I did it. It was the dumbest thing, me just sitting there, listening...but it's MJ, so you know it wasn't long before I was singing, getting all into it. "'Cause this is thriiillleeerrr, thrill-ler night..." Seriously. I couldn't help it.
 Halfway through the song, Aris popped back into my head. I hadn't named her then (that came to me weeks later) but, in that moment, I understood I was on the brink of something. This character I was envisioning was a woman and I had a feeling that Thriller, for whatever reason, was connected to her childhood in some way.

Needless to say, she kept bugging me after that and the rest...is Dawn of Aris!
 
 
IT’S MY THING | AN EXCERPT FROM DAWN OF ARIS
 
Aris was a fun and challenging character to write, especially given her vocation — she’s an esthetician moonlighting as a special effects makeup artist. “It’s My Thing” is one of the first scenes between Aris and her neighbor, Luke…and teases the beginning of their unlikely friendship. Enjoy!
 
*****
 
Luke followed Aris to her apartment, careful to keep a reasonable distance. Despite the dozen reasons why it wasn’t “cool” for him to be in this situation, he’d surprised himself by agreeing to breakfast anyway.
His evening had definitely not gone according to plan. When he saw Aris sitting at the bar right before kickoff, he recognized her immediately and figured it was a good opportunity to finally say hello. He had anticipated having a quick conversation with her before he eventually claimed an empty table to watch the game alone as he intended. Buying her a drink, driving her home and hanging out in her apartment after midnight were the absolute last things he would have expected to happen.
But here he was, still following her.
He had already involved himself more than he should have and he still didn’t understand why she refused to file a police report, but that was none of his business. The only thing left for him to do at this point was make sure she was safely locked inside.
He didn’t need breakfast.
He had enough problems.
When they reached her front door, Aris slipped her key into the lock and asked him to grab the large box in the corner of the entryway. Luke picked it up as she asked and placed it on the floor of her foyer. He could hear her moving in the darkness when she told him to close and lock the front door. Just as he was about to say goodnight and head to his own apartment, a soft light filled the room.
“Oops.” Taking in the scene, she giggled. “I forgot about them.”
“Yeah.” Luke watched cautiously as she scrambled to gather the mutilated mannequin heads scattered about the living room floor. They were in all shapes and sizes, the apparent victims of every grotesque injury imaginable. “I’m gonna go…”
Aris stopped collecting the heads and turned to face him, seemingly oblivious to the rubbery skin that fell from the faux flesh wound on the side of the head she clutched in her left hand. “Why?”
He shook his head at the absurdity of her standing in the middle of this freak show asking him such an obvious question.
“Oh. Because of this?” She walked over to him so he could get a closer look. “It’s my thing. Given your reaction, I’m flattered. This isn’t even my best work.”
As Aris piled the heads in a corner on top of a dark, thick sheet, Luke watched her every move. She began talking nonstop, her voice animated as she went on and on about what she’d done to her friends—Mike, Carol, Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan and Cindy. She’d named each one, having carefully planned all of their horrific fates. Then, she rambled about how embarrassed she was that her apartment was so messy and how she never had time to clean up because she was always working.
Somewhat fascinated—and also satisfied that this wasn’t some cry for help on her part—Luke surprised himself for the second time in as many hours…
And decided to stick around.
 
 
DAWN OF ARIS BY RAE LAMAR
 
Aris Collier is chasing her dreams…at a snail’s pace. With little money and big talent, she works tirelessly to perfect her craft…even at the expense of her relationships. When Aris walks away from yet another dead-end entanglement with the hopes of finally getting her life on track, the last thing she expects is a fast friendship with her neighbor, Luke. They couldn’t be more different but soon the two become an inseparable pair, leaving Aris both surprised and disturbed that Luke understands her better than anyone else ever has…
 
Luke Donovan has it all—looks, career, money and status. Most importantly, he has the bold, brave and beautiful Jessica Knox, a woman he’s been building his impeccable life with since college. But as Luke continues his corporate climb, he soon realizes that the view from the top isn’t so great and the future laid out in front of him is very far from his true definition of happiness. For the first time in his life, Luke is unsure…until he meets his quirky neighbor, Aris, who just may help him discover what love and life are really all about…
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS
Kindle | http://amzn.com/B00TC1K3J6
Nook | http://ow.ly/K1cr6 
Kobo | http://ow.ly/K1c7G 
Paperback | http://amzn.com/0692361618
CreateSpace | http://ow.ly/K1hs6
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rae Lamar is mild-mannered consultant by day and fiction writer by night who currently resides with her husband in Atlanta. On a perfect day, she can be found on the top floor of a swanky beach resort, sitting on the balcony of an ocean-front suite with a book in her hands and food at her fingertips.

Get to Know Rae @ http://raelamar.com
Friend Rae @ https://facebook.com/raelamar
Follow Rae @ https://instagram.com/rlbookworm
Follow Rae @ https://twitter.com/rlbookworm
 
 
 
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...   WRITING MY DREAMS,CHELLE RAMSEY 

A FAMILY AFFAIR_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

From standalone stories to series, every author has their reason for how they cultivate the stories and the background of their characters. A peek into this gives the reader more in-depth knowledge of the character's whys, hows, and whos, which can transition how the reader feels about the character. We often see a common thread weaved in the stories particular authors tell and each one has his or her own reason for exploring that particular subject matter.
Today Chicki Brown gives us an overview of the important dynamics in her storytelling, and why she chooses the common thread in her stories. And she's taking it one step further by giving away one of the hottest books in her new series: The Stafford Brothers. Yes, you read it right, she's giving away the book that was featured in USA Today! Are you going to be the lucky person chosen to win, "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough?" You'll have to comment at the end of this post to find out.



It’s a Family Affair 
I write romance, and I until recently all of my books have been individual stories. I focus on the hero and heroine, but I’ve always made it a point to mention their immediate family. In my first published novel, HAVE YOU SEEN HER? I wanted readers to know why Taylor was so protective of Dani, and the reason was solidly grounded in his family background.  

 
AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING was all about the relationship between a husband and wife and their struggle to save a good marriage threatened by betrayal.
 
 
In I CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU, the hero’s family featured prominently in the story and provided some laughs and drama when he brings a stripper home for the Christmas holiday.
 
 
Several years ago, I wrote a book loosely based on my own family which was entitled BETWEEN SISTERS. I’ve yet to publish it, because I guess I’m afraid of what my people will do when they recognize themselves.

 
Since I’m a family-oriented person, writing about a family really appealed to me. Family dynamics are fascinating. The relationships between parent and child, between siblings and birth order all have an important impact on the kind of people we become as we grow into adulthood. I wanted to write a series and I wanted it to be about a large family, so I created one with six sons (all gorgeous and sexy, of course!)  J. In the Stafford Brothers series, each brother gets his own book and his own romance, but the family dynamics are as important to the stories as the romances are. It has been a challenge giving each brother a different personality, but it’s also been loads of fun. I hope you will check out the three books in the Stafford Brothers series and meet the family.
 
 
Have you ever read a family series, perhaps Brenda Jackson’s Westmorelands or the Graysons the late Francis Ray’s Grayson Family or Maureen Smith’s Wolf Pack or even the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward? What is it that appeals to you in these series?
 
Contemporary women’s fiction/romance author Chicki Brown has been featured in USAToday. She was the 2014 B.R.A.B. (Building Relationships Around Books) Inspirational Fiction Author and also the 2011 SORMAG (Shades of Romance Magazine) Author of the Year. Chicki was also a contributing author to the Gumbo for the Soul: Men of Honor (Special Cancer Awareness Edition).
 Nia Forrester, Beverly Jenkins, Eric Jerome Dickey, Lisa Kleypas, J.R. Ward and Suzanne Brockmann are among her favorite authors.
     A transplanted New Jersey native who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, Brown still misses the Jersey shore.

Her many homes in cyberspace include:

Blog   Twitter   Facebook   Pinterest    Amazon Central Author Page  Goodreads

 I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...WRITING MY DREAMS,CHELLE RAMSEY 
 

FLIRTY & FEISTY_MARCH MADNESS GIVEAWAY

There's nothing like an unexpected surprise to bring you out of a spirit of despair. Especially when that surprise comes in the form of a very wanted visitor at your door. Today's March Madness post comes to us from Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku and it's delivering burning hot passion and desire.

For all you romance lovers in the house, here's your chance to win your own copy of Stella's latest novel, Kiss My Lips. And all you have to do is leave a comment to see if you'll be the lucky one chosen.



Kiss My Lips – Excerpt
 
The doorbellsounded.
Lorna lifted herteary face out of her aunt's arms. "Who else are you expecting this morning? You’ve got more surprises in store for me, Auntie?"
Instead of answering the question, her aunt glanced at her brother.
 
"Please get the door, Kanu. I'll quickly get changed. Make my guest welcome, will you?"
 
Lorna looked from the woman rushing off to her father, who was striding towards the front door. She plucked out a handful of tissue from her bag, wiped off streaks of wet mascara and sat on the black leather bar stool by the kitchen island. She poured herself a glass of mango juice and was sipping the drink when her father came back with Logan in tow.
 
The glass slipped out of her right fingers but she rescued it with her left hand. Her stomach muscles contracted. Her feet rushed ahead and she threw herself into Logan's outstretched arms.
 
He scented of warm balsam. She inhaled as her head rested on the hard plane of his chest wall. Pure joy leaked out of her heart, flooding her entire body. The arms holding her were all taut muscle and strength. She wrapped her arms round his black silk shirt and burst into tears.
 
"Maybe I should leave you two," her father excused, walking in the direction of the second guest bedroom through the hallway.
 
Logan guided his fiancée to the pale green, moriko leaf upholstered sofa. He sat down and pulled her to sit across his thighs.
 
Lorna sobbed.
 
Logan let her cry. From time to time, he wiped her face.
 
Through her tears, she saw a tiny trickle of moisture drop down one lane on his cheek. "Are you crying, Logan?" she asked, not quite sure he understood her pain. She wiped one finger over the wetness and then, she saw another small tear, drop out of his right eye.
 
With her face only inches from his, Lorna kissed his half-parted lips. The kiss was raw and hungry as her tongue dived into his mouth, demanding and taking. Her nipples stiffened in her body-hugging top and she pressed her breasts into his torso.
Logan's arms crashed around her shoulders and the chiseled wall of his chest teased her nipples taut. Wild fire raged as his tongue dipped into her mouth, taking control and sending flickers of burning heat through her thighs.
 
"Your dad and aunt are here, sweetheart. Do you want me to show them how much you mean to me?" Logan's sensible words brought her back to her aunt's living room. She leaned her head on his forehead.
 
"When I saw the tear drop from your eye, fireworks exploded in my chest. You cried with me, Logan," she said in awe.
 
"Did I?" Logan shrugged, running one finger across her lips. "Love is a strange emotion, Lorna. Your pain is my pain and your joy is mine."  LEAVE A COMMENT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN OR GET YOUR COPY: WEBSITE AMAZON AMAZON UK KOBO PAPERBACK SMASHWORDS iTUNES       ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  I'm Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, a fun loving mother of two, married to my alpha male, gorgeous dude and best friend. We live in London, UK. Writing romance novels is an exciting adventure.

In 2010, I created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels. There are eight contemporary romance novels in the kitty, varying from sweet & sensual to spicy hot & sizzling - LOITERING SHADOWS, STORMY DEFENSE, BEYOND the LADY, THE GARDNER'S ICE MAIDEN, SPARKLING DAWN, HUSBAND to RENT, my first novella, STOLEN VALENTINE KISS (Holiday Series #1) & KISS MY LIPS (Holiday Series #2).

My first historical romance, ROYAL COWRIES (Cowries Series #1) set in exotic Africa is due out on March 31 2015.

 CONTACT STELLA:  Website Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Flirty & Feisty Romance Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads  Pinterest  I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...
WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY