Elizabeth M. Lawrence's Blog, page 22

Melting the Snow Anthology: Cover Reveal

On December 17, 2013, Renaissance Romance Publishing will be releasing Melting the Snow, a duo of holiday-themed short stories by two veteran authors. Today, the covers of the full volume and the two individual stories are being revealed.

 


Holiday Cure for the Cursed by Lindsey Gray
Daniel Digby is cursed by his good looks. After years of sexual harassment, he’s convinced wearing a wedding ring is the answer to fending off unwanted attention.

CiCi Newport is cursed by her family’s money. When men look her way, all they see are dollar signs. After two years, her “no dating” rule is still in place.

After a chance meeting, they’re entwined for the holidays. What starts as attraction might just be the holiday cure they’re looking for.Lindsey Gray’s Biography and Links:Lindsey Gray dreamed of several different careers as a child. On the short list were doctor, chef, and actress. None held her attention like putting pen to paper and creating her own world through words. Since 2010, she has published three novels and one short story with The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House. In 2013, she went on her first self-publishing adventure and produced her novella, "Fireworks".

A mid-west native, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, reading whatever she can get her hands on, and making life interesting at every turn.




Link List:

Blog: http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/LindseyGray11

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindseyGray11

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4505542.Lindsey_Gray?from_search=true
Amazon US Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lindsey-Gray/e/B004MSX224/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Amazon Germany Author Page: http://www.amazon.de/Lindsey-Gray/e/B00D2CJVOE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Amazon France Author Page: http://www.amazon.fr/Lindsey-Gray/e/B00D2CJVOE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1380236557&sr=8-1
Libboo Buzzboard: https://www.libboo.com/buzzboard/lindseygray11
 


Frozen Moments by Michele Richard
The Sentinels live in our future and are the Keepers of Time. Sentinels have the responsibility of guarding the once gifted and proclaimed golden-children of the greatest government’s scientific communities. With the collapse of the world, they now hide and try to correct the downfall that nearly led to the end of life.A team of technically-altered humans race through frozen landscapes to save those they can and try to correct the flawed outcomes that threaten to create the catastrophic future. They’re faster, stronger, and more agile than those living in the time period. These unknown heroes live on low income jobs while they report to Melanie Shepherd, who freezes time to assist them in their endeavors.Is an event ever too big for them to stop?
 




BIOGRAPHYMichele Richard is an author and the CEO of Renaissance Romance. Michele wrote the “Mocked by” series including Mocked by Destiny and the Mocked by Faith trilogy. She writes what comes from the heart.  Raised in Maryland, Michele currently resides in the Boston area. When Michele is between books, her days are filled with family and friends. Her greatest passions are traveling and learning new languages. She is currently learning French, Spanish and ASL, and one day hopes to be fluent in them. She has never met a language she didn’t like.
In 2012, Michele opened Renaissance Romance Publishing with her partners, Lisa Bilbrey and Laura Braley. Together, the three run the day to day workings of a small press.
BIBLIOGRAPHY“Mocked by” series:Mocked by DestinyMocked by FaithMocked by Faith ~ Healing the FaithMocked by Faith ~ Affirming the Faith
Parasouls: Divine Intervention
Anthologies:Changes of the Heart (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)10 Days to Love (Harvest Treats)The Roommates (Sugarplum Dreams)
Novellas: 10 Days to LoveChanges of the HeartThe Roommates
Where to Michele:Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MicheleA.RichardBlogger: http://michele-richard.blogspot.com/Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/michele-richard/31/516/203Twitter: https://twitter.com/M_A_RichardTwylah: http://www.twylah.com/M_A_RichardGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4573125-michele-richardYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TheMicheleRichardTumblr: http://www.michele-richard.tumblr.com
Purchase Michele’s books on:Amazon: http://amzn.to/H3JGGTBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/miche...itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/michele-richard/id461078709?mt=11Renaissance Romance Publishing: http://www.renaissanceromancepublishing.com/

Megan Noelle's new release, FIGHTING FOR YOU

On October 24th, author Megan Noelle released the second book in her For You series, Fighting for You.  I'm happy to host her for her blog tour today. Check out the synopsis and excerpt below!

Synopsis:
When love became too much for Danielle Hamilton, she did what she does best—she ran. Now, three months later Dani realized the mistake she made. A lot can change though, in a short amount of time and now there’s an unavoidably factor in her life that will change everything. Will Dani be able to save the only good she’s ever known? Can she fight for the love she wants—or is it just too little too late?
Corey has spent the last several months missing the only woman he’s ever wanted, but things aren’t about to get any easier. When demons from Corey’s past rise to the surface, he is put in the middle of something he thought was laid to rest. When drugs, money and an ex that wants to stir up trouble—returns to the picture—
Corey will be left fighting for his life. Will he be able to protect the only person he loves from a dangerous world she knows nothing about? Or will his past claim his life and inevitably…His heart.
Sometimes fate has its own ideas but will that be the end for Corey and Dani? Or will their fight for love prevail?

Excerpt:

A three hour drive away from my girl was the last fucking thing I wanted.  There I was, lying on the couch with everything I ever wanted wrapped up in my arms and yet, now I’m here.  I tried to be as vague as I could when I left Dani but I could see it right there in her eyes.  The very trust I busted my ass to gain was now in jeopardy.  If I could have told her exactly where I was going and what I was doing there and why—I would have.  Except, I had a feeling nothing about the truth would have made her feel better. When I was ten minutes away from my destination I shut my phone off and slipped it into my back pocket.  I hated being cut off from Dani but it was necessary.  Years ago when I began funding multiple bar launches it wasn’t the Underground I spent my time at.  My home back then was Lion’s Den and now…it was hell.  Three hours away from the life I wanted only to return to the one I wanted no part of.  I parked my car and sighed, letting my forehead fall to the steering wheel.  Why couldn’t the past stay in the past?  I climbed out of the car and took the outside steps two at a time to the door at the top of the steps.  I didn’t bother using a key; I knew it would be unlocked.  The horrible sound of 90’s Slow Jams hit me first, quickly followed by the terrible combination of excessive perfume and dozens of candles.  I silently cursed my youthful stupidity and made my way through the house until I approached the open door leading into the bedroom.  I knew that’s where she’d be. Lying there on her stomach, legs twisted together in the air wearing black lingerie that would tempt any man, hugging her hips, thighs and her big fake tits.  Her long hair curled down to brush the top of the deep purple silk sheets she no doubt spent a fortune on.  Her thick pink lips curled up in a wicked smile and she fluttered her heavily coated eyelashes at me. “Welcome home, honey.”



Book info and buy links:
Title: Fighting For You (For You Series #2)Author: Megan NoelleGenre: RomanceRelease Date: October 24th Cover: Photographer- Claudio Harris  Model - Jase Dean  Design- Kari March of K23 DesignsFormatting: Sarah Elizabeth
Amazon: Us- http://amzn.com/B00G6MGX8Y Uk- http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G6MGX8Y
B&N- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fighting-for-you-megan-noelle/1117243580?ean=2940148447016 

Author Bio:
I am Megan Noelle and “Fighting For You” is my second novel that I will publish but not the first I’ve written.  I have been writing since I was old enough to hold a pen and finally pursued my dream of becoming a novelist.  Writing is my passion and I am all for following one’s passions! One of my other passions is being a mom of my adorable daughter Peyton.  She has just hit the terrible twos and boy…what a joy!  When I’m not writing I’m a stay at home mom and a full time student in the typical major of “Undecided.”  All I know is if I can write, be with my daughter and my family—I will be happy! 5 Random Things You Don’t Know About Me!1. Peanut Butter M&Ms and a Diet Coke is my favorite treat—ever. 2. I would someday love to write a book that Tim Burton wants to make into a movie!3. I have a ridiculous addiction to Bride shows. 4. I have a terrible habit of wanting to dye my hair—every month.5. I can listen to the same song on repeat dozens of time in a row and still not be sick of it.

You can find her online at:Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMNoelleTwitter- https://twitter.com/megannoelle1030Blog- http://authormegannoelle.blogspot.com/Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/AuthorMeganNoelle

Reprint: From the desk of... R.E. Hargrave Blog Guest Post

Here's another "reissued" guest blog post while I'm tied up with editing. This particular entry was originally posted on July 30, 2013, on the From the Desk of... R.E. Hargrave blog in support of my newest release, Wishing Cotton. I was very appreciative of the opportunity and am grateful to R.E. Hargrave for hosting me. I'm providing the link to the original posting below; I encourage you to check out her blog!



Discuss three things that readers would be surprised to know about you.


I’m not sure that there is anything genuinely surprising about me, but I’ll give it a shot. To be honest, I have a tendency to over-share that makes keeping things hidden rather difficult. One must also consider what sorts of things would be surprising: my writing life or my “real” life. Let’s see what I come up with.


Back when I knew nothing about the publishing world or the reality of a writer’s life, I used to envision published authors as boldly striding towers of self-confidence. To be fair, it’s difficult to picture Shakespeare or Tolstoy or Byron or whomever having fits of insecurity. But they must have done. Every writer I have spoken to has said the same thing. Seeing your words in print is exciting, of course, but it also feels like you have left the house in your unmentionables and not much else. It exposes you in a way that is unique to the creative world. Many people have been surprised that I experience this as well. Since I serve as lead editor for Renaissance Romance Publishing, there is an expectation of self-confidence that goes along with the job. Sure, I am confident when I’m slicing into someone else’s baby. My own stories, on the other hand… Even a cover reveal or an announcement of an upcoming release fills my soul with dread. There are moments when I want to take it back and tell the publisher I was just kidding. It’s pitiful. Still, I do manage to control those insecure impulses and carry on with my work.
Another thing about me that might surprise people is that I am not an especially emotional person. Romance novels, by definition, deal with deep and often turbulent emotions, and the characters need to reveal their feelings through their words and actions. In real life, I am much more buttoned down. Both sides of my family shy away from emotional displays, so I suppose I just grew up in a less demonstrative environment. It seems strange to some people who know me in real life that a person like me would find romance an appealing genre, but it’s a mistake to equate lack of public expression with lack of comprehension. I do feel things very deeply, and I understand human emotion. All the same, it can be difficult to reconcile the real-life persona with the written word, and I think people who know me through my writing are surprised when they actually speak to me and find out I’m a much different person than the characters in my books.
I don’t know if this counts as “surprising,” but I have background knowledge in a very hodgepodge collection of subjects. Over the years, I have received at least rudimentary training in ballet, violin, piano, voice, drawing, Egyptian funereal art, theater, British literature, art history, business management, various areas of law, gothic architecture, Catholicism, Judaism, Methodism, Norse mythology, middle English verse, pottery, literary theory, American and British history, archeoastronomy, etymology, and Native American spirituality. All of this means that at any given moment, I may spit out a completely random fact on an obscure subject. My husband treats me like a walking Encyclopedia Britannica. To balance this out, I am completely useless at the most basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Friends have commented from time to time that I know more than they do, but I still envy all of them their ability to boil an egg without setting their homes on fire.
So that’s it – the three most surprising things about me I can think of! Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll also read and enjoy my story “Wishing Cotton,” which is being released July 23, 2013, as part of the Heat Wave anthology from Renaissance Romance Publishing.  
R.E. Hargrave Guest Post 7/30/2013

Guest Post from M.B. Feeney, Author of HONOUR

On November 1st, M.B. Feeney released Honour, a collection of military-themed short stories. Ms. Feeney kindly agreed to write a guest post for me as part of her new release blog tour. Check out what she has to say about deciding between writing a novel and a short story, the challenges each format presents, and how the subject matter contributes to the choice of format.

Firstly, please let me thank you for hosting me as part of the tour. Honour is quite a personal book, and I am nervous and excited for people to read it.
The whole short stories thing came about via my experience with fan fiction. I struggled with writing multi-chaptered stories and maintaining the flow, continuity, and basically maintaining interest. I discovered a one-shot contest. For those who are unsure, a one-shot is an entire story told in a single chapter. After that, I found my niche. I fell in love with the simplicity of a beginning, a middle, and an end all tied up nicely all in one chapter, however long or short.
When I ventured back into the world of original stuff, I slowly began to work on multi-chaptered stories again. After having concentrated on such short stories for a long time, I found it quite hard to expand, which is why I went down the route of novella writing. The chapters were short enough for me to remain confident in the story and how well it flowed throughout the book.
I realise that with Honour, I’m kind of back tracking a little, but I feel the mixture of one-shots and short multi-chaptered stories. The end product isn’t very long, but I wanted to showcase the stories for what they are, not how long they are.
The subject matter was the main draw of writing each of the Honour stories. When I started writing each of them, I wasn’t consciously thinking or monitoring the length. I just wanted to convey the emotion a military family goes through in each of the situations I’d created for my characters.
Coming from a military background, I was able to tap into the emotions felt within my family, but some of the situations weren’t something I’d experienced personally, so that was tough and I wouldn’t have wanted to base a full-length novel on something too emotive without having experienced it.
Having said that, I’m not a big believer in only “writing what you know” so my next project is an attempt at a full-length novel and involves meeting a celebrity idol. Oh wait… I met one of mine, just not in a bar, drunk.

Available on e-reader today!
Summary:
The world is filled with people destined to help and to serve. Doctors, nurses, police, and firefighters—each and every day, these special people work to help others in times of need. Often, this means putting their own lives at risk in order to do their jobs. They give of themselves to benefit society, and they do it without any expectation of thanks.And then there is the military…
These are the men and women who don’t head home to their families and safe homes to relax at the end of a shift. They are on the front lines, far from home and often fighting someone else’s battles because it is the right thing to do. Military families struggle to cope with the constant worry and the long periods of separation, staying strong to support those who serve in everything they do, and often are left to pick up the pieces when the highest price is paid.
Servicemen and women are heroes in the purest sense of the word. Even when the world’s gone mad and their hearts are breaking, one thing remains unchanged.
They have honour.
Excerpt:
All his life, his mother had been there for him, gently pushing him to do his very best and allowing him the opportunity to make his own decisions, even when they led him on a path she wouldn’t have chosen for him. When he’d told his parents at age sixteen that he wanted to enlist in the Army, they supported him. The one thing they asked of him was that he finished his education up to A-Levels before he enlisted. They did try to talk him into going to college for a couple of years also, but he insisted that he would get better qualifications and experience once he was a soldier. As agreed, on the day that he received his exam results, his dad drove him to the Army Careers Office to begin his journey. 
“I’m so proud of you, son,” his mother whispered into his ear while clutching him in a tight embrace. “Never, ever forget that.”
“Thanks, Mum. I know you are. I love you.”
(Taken from the story Letters to No One)


Author Bio:
M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK, with her other half, two kids and a dog.  Currently at university studying for her BA (Hons) in primary teaching, she procrastinates on her assignments by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open. She is also a serious doodler and chocoholic.  Writing has been her one true love ever since she could spell, and publishing is the final culmination of her hard work and ambition.
Her publishing career began with two novellas, and she currently has a novel under way whilst Honour, a compilation of her own military-based shorts, is due for release 1st November 2013. Always having something on the go can often lead to block which eventually gets dissolved by good music and an even better book.
Author Links:
BlogFacebookTwitterGoodreadsAmazon UKAmazon USB&NTumblr    

The Romance Reviews Year-End Splash

I am happy to be participating in this event by The Romance Reviews. The prize I am donating is an ebook of both My Apple Tree and Wishing Cotton to one winner. Anyone looking for my quiz answer should read my October blog entry, "The Minor Character." For those who have not yet discovered this huge giveaway, check out the event here.

You'll need to register to track your answers. The grand prize is a $100 gift certificate, so get started today! Good luck to all the players!

Cover Reveal: THE TRUTH SEEKERS

On December 3rd, Renaissance Romance Publishing will be releasing my historical romance novel, The Truth Seekers. I'm very excited for the release of this book, which I began writing in 2010. After three years, the publishers say I'm not allowed to edit it any more and they've pried it from my clutches, so it's finally on the way to readers!
Summary:
At the turn of the century, the Victorian upper classes live in a vibrant but strictly-ordered world that encourages gentle, intellectual pursuits. Theirs is a life of ease and elegance, but it can be snatched away from them in an instant if the rules of polite society are not followed. Gothic novelist Geoffrey Hawes has never been willing to let such restrictions hold him back, and he refuses to honor conventions for which there is no discernible value. When he spends a social season in a community created to celebrate the Arts, music, and philosophy, he is unexpectedly befriended by the daughter of the Governor, Miranda Claridge.
Bitter and disenchanted with the privileged and wealthy, Geoffrey finds his beliefs repeatedly challenged by the intelligent and vivacious Miranda. In the midst of their heated debates on the mores of the upper class, this unlikely friendship blossoms into a passionate love. He encourages her to pursue her interest in painting and gives her a new understanding of what relationships between men and women should be. Meanwhile, Miranda begins to open his eyes to all that is wonderful and beautiful and good in the world.
Geoffrey at last accepts that he has fallen in love with Miranda, but misunderstandings and lies come between them. Knowing that Miranda believes it is her duty to marry, he prepares himself to hear news of her wedding. Geoffrey attempts to escape the pain of her perceived rejection by traveling and throwing himself into his work. However, he cannot run forever. One day, he encounters Miranda again and soon discovers that she is not the same woman he left behind. Can the couple realize that they each must relinquish some of their prejudices and preconceived notions before it is too late? Can love really conquer all?

Reprint: N. Wood Blog Guest Post

Here's another "reissued" guest blog post while I'm tied up with editing. This particular entry was originally posted on July 23, 2013, on the Romance Stories by N. Wood blog in support of my newest release, Wishing Cotton. I was very appreciative of the opportunity and am grateful to N. Wood for hosting me. I'm providing the link to the original posting below; I encourage you to check out her blog!


The Use of Comedy in the Romance Genre


Aficionados of the romance genre are well aware that influences from other genres have a tendency to sneak in. There are paranormal romances, historical romances, mystery romances, science fiction romances, and maybe even steampunk dystopian voodoo monkey romances (I did say “maybe” there). I love these kinds of blended stories, because it makes for a richer reading experience. Let’s face it: when you pick up a contemporary romance, there won’t be a lot of surprises inside. You may have a wonderful romantic tale of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, but at its heart, you know you are reading a story that will end with the lovers united and possibly some celebratory hanky-panky. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I’ve read some really well-written and gripping contemporary romances that didn’t have as much as a whiff of genre comingling.

That being said, I have to admit that I have a special place in my heart for romances that incorporate elements of other genres. It’s like finding out that your steak comes with mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s the moment when the manager sends you a free desert on the house, and it happens to be something awash in chocolate sauce and maybe a little vanilla ice cream.
I really should have had dinner before I wrote this.
Getting back to my ever-elusive point, one element that can be fun to incorporate into a romance novel is comedy. Anyone who has seen The Thin Man with William Powell and Myrna Loy will appreciate how wonderfully comedy can be used to offset more serious, dramatic moments. If anything, I believe the contrast comedy provides can allow you to make the dark scenes even darker. Comedy gives the author a way to continually dangle the reader over a dramatic cliff, not letting go until the moment the reader least expects. It makes the fall so much more thrilling. It’s the difference between going to a Broadway show (a perfectly pleasant experience) and having a stranger walk up to you at 3:00 on a Tuesday afternoon to drag you into Phantom of the Opera-themed flashmob (something you will never forget and will recount at cocktail parties for years to come).
Laughter shared between fictional characters also makes the romantic aspect more believable. If a hero and heroine are content to cling to each other and weep tears of longing at each other, their emotional connection will lack plausibility. Of course, as Wuthering Heights has shown us, two absolutely miserable and unlikeable characters can communicate believable, even overpowering, love and passion. But Wuthering Heights isn’t really a “feel good” novel, so I’m going to callously ignore it. My literature professors don’t know where I live anymore, so I think I’ll get away with it.
My story Wishing Cotton is being released on July 23, 2013, by Renaissance Romance Publishing. People who read my last release My Apple Tree may be surprised at the difference in tone between the two stories. Wishing Cotton is intended to be the sort of light-hearted story that you might enjoy while lounging by the pool on a warm summer day, and I’ve incorporated many comedic elements into my storytelling. I hope that readers will enjoy a few chuckles while my characters try to find love.  
Guest Post on Romance Stories by N. Wood Blog

Guest Post: K.L. Platt, author of IF THIS IS WRONG

On November 22nd, Renaissance Romance Publishing released "If This is Wrong," a novella in the Fall Fires anthology. As part of Ms. Platt's blog tour to celebrate her new release, she stops by today to talk about what element of the story she believes readers will enjoy most. I encourage you to check out the summary and excerpt below!



I believe readers will enjoy the development of my two main characters Caleb and Thomas as they grow together as best friends through their own personal challenges. I tried to write in as many childhood memories as I could and also listened to others about theirs. So hopefully all who read my story will gain either a little knowledge or be filled with memories from their own pasts. Even though they grew as separate people their lives intertwined and this brought them together as they developed a friendship that spanned years and eventually grew into more. I think everyone either has or wants the love of their life to be their best friend, when two souls are meant to be together nothing will keep them apart. 



Summary:
As children, Thomas and Caleb formed an unlikely friendship, which has continued through tragedies and celebrations and into manhood. They have grown together over the years, but now their relationship is changing into something more. Can their bond survive the challenges that life will bring them? Is it wrong to risk everything for the chance of something more?

Excerpt:
   “Why would you say that? I’m here ‘cause you’re my friend. It’s not like you did it on purpose.”   Thomas couldn’t look at his friend. What would he think if he knew he had kind of done it on purpose? All he had wanted to do was get muddy so he could change his stupid clothes; now he had spoiled everything.   “Tommy?” Caleb enquired.   “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault; I just didn’t want you to see me like this.” He winced, pulling on his now dusty clothes.   Caleb didn’t understand what Thomas was saying. See him like what? “Tommy?”   “Look at me, Caleb, I’m dressed like I’m going to church, not a picnic. I want to be in jean shorts, like you, and baseball shirts,” he whispered, so his father couldn’t hear him. “I don’t want this stupid Brylcreem in my hair...I want it messy.” Thomas slammed his good hand onto the car seat, sending a shockwave through his injured one.   “Tommy, I don’t care what you wear. I’m not your friend for your dress sense; I’m your friend because you're funny and smart.” Caleb looked towards Benjamin and he swore he saw his mouth turn up at the corner.   Two hours later, they arrived at the park, with Thomas sporting a very smart blue cast on his arm. His father hadn’t argued when he was asked whether he wanted a plain one or a coloured one. Polly fussed over her son, saying she wished they had indeed used a plain one. Benjamin winked at his son and they laughed.

About K.L. Platt:



K. L. Platt lives with her family in the Devonshire countryside in the UK. She is a nanny, but her dream is to be a full time author. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a pencil, pen, or book in her hand. It was, however, the likes of J K Rowling and Stephenie Meyer that gave her the fire to drive herself to where she is today.Always encouraged to follow her dream as a child by her own parents and grandparents, her grandma told her, “If you believe you can do it, then you can.” Her uncle was also a writer but sadly never got to have any of his stories published.webpage: http://ow.ly/oXOC8Fb page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/K-L-Platt/144866772345643?ref=hl

Guest Post: M.C. Rayne, author of OUR WALK TO REMEMBER

On November 22nd, Renaissance Romance Publishing released "Our Walk to Remember," a novella in the Fall Fires anthology. As part of Mr. Rayne's blog tour to celebrate his new release, he stops by today to talk about what element of the story he believes readers will enjoy most. I encourage you to check out the summary and excerpt below!



One day I will be telling them how its about Charlie and his daughter Elisha doing a charity walk, reflecting on the life they have with Sammy, his husband and her father. Then another day I will be explaining how its about the relationship between these two men; how they met, fell in love, and became fathers.
No matter which version I am going for, I do point out that this is an emotional piece, one which is so close to my heart and has me reflecting upon it even now; so long after finishing it. The friends who read this before I submitted it to the publisher always had the same reaction, and I guess this is what I am most proud of - that the emotion I wanted is instilled into each and every one of them.
For the new readers who are unfamiliar with both the story, and my writing, I hope this is a story they will enjoy, one which will stay with them long after reading. The worst thing would be if someone just read this for the sake of doing so, to add to the number of books they challenged themselves to read that year, and failed to appreciate my short story. Its my hope that they take a few moments after they finish to reflect on everything I wrote, to feel what I wish them to feel. In days, maybe weeks, I want them to find themselves remembering what happened and going back to read it again; seeing it through newer eyes.
I think parents may like my novella, see the love Charlie and Sammy have for little Elisha, enjoy the lives they share as one solid unit. Above all, lovers of romance may find this story pulling at their hearts, making them turn the page (or click the button on e-readers) to experience all the boys are going through while witnessing true and unconditional love.
There is another element to my story, a darker side to the romance, and it’s this aspect I believe will be for those who like a different kind of love story. Above all, I hope my first novella will be one to have people liking my work, and looking out for more releases to come their way.



Summary:
For the Robinson-Shae family, an annual charity walk means more to them than any expensive holiday abroad. After all, it’s where Elisha’s fathers met, and this year it’s even more important to her. Sammy couldn't make it this time, so she asks Charlie to share memories of how they met, and fell in love.

Excerpt:
Elisha looks back at me and pulls on our adjoined arms, giggling happily to herself while dancing her knee-length, yellow summer dress around her body so it moves with the warm breeze. I forget how much she loves this annual event. We’ve always done it together. She gets excited to see all the people she’s grown up around. I hope she never grows tired of this venture, never loses herself to the world of television and computer games when she could make a difference doing something small, yet huge. Such thoughts make me shudder, thinking someone as delicate as little Elisha could ever be a slave to the mediocre. Not our baby, no way!“Tell me again, Dad,” she interjects, turning towards me and smiling with joy. “Tell me about when you met Daddy?” Her brown eyes sparkle when she looks up at me, lighting her porcelain face. Can a father ever refuse his daughter? How do you say ‘no’ to the product of your love, the person who found a home in your heart without trying and looks to you to lead them along the right paths?“Again?” I tease. “You know this story so well, you can probably tell it better than me.”Warmth fills my cheeks, bringing colour back into this aging man’s face while he toys with the light of his life, the only other person he loves without question. So many times Sammy and I have sat before a roaring fire while Elisha recounted our history like she’s reading a book. Her voice is always filled with such passion that we hang on her every word. One would be forgiven for thinking it’s her past she is detailing, but I guess my husband and I never get bored with sharing how we came to be the lovers we are today.“I like it better when you tell it, Dad. Don’t worry; I will fill in any parts you miss,” she chimes in an assertive manner, and I know without a doubt she will.“Okay, baby,” I commence, drawing her in close so I don’t have to shout too loud. I don’t need unwanted ears to hear something that will forever remain unwritten, a story that’s stamped into my heart and is ours alone. Sammy has his own version of the life we share, but this is all from the very soul of Charlie Shae — this is how I found my love. This shouldn’t be so hard to recollect, but I’ve never had to share our story without my counterpart sitting next to me, relishing my retelling. While the warm breeze runs through my free fingers again, I try to grab onto the emptiness and envision that Sammy isn’t very far away. Sadly, my mind isn’t that creative.Swallowing the pain, I lose myself to the words flowing from me and find myself on auto pilot. “It was the summer of 1996. I had just finished college. . .” 

About M.C. Rayne:



M. C. Rayne got into writing after the passing of his mother, and used it as an outlet to get through the difficult time. He never really thought about becoming an author, but since putting pen to paper he has never looked back
Currently he lives in Leeds with his two best friends Dae and Pete, and his guinea pig, Bean. He spends a lot of time reading and writing, and far too much time procrastination online.
Blog http://simplymcrayne.blogspot.co.ukFB https://www.facebook.com/pages/MC-Rayne-Author-Page/534108516611284?ref=hlGoodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7255637.M_C_RayneTwitter https://twitter.com/SimplyMatt2 

Cover Reveal: Kathleen Martin's THE HALLELUIAH BABY

On November 26th, Renaissance Romance Publishing will be releasing The Halleluiah Baby, the debut novel by Kathleen Martin.
Summary:
Treez McDuffy is a single woman who’s recently retired from a  forty-year-long-lifeless job. She’s now faced with facing herself.   The wounds from her childhood  reopen, having never really healed.   They’re responsible for her unwillingness and inability to have formed any type of meaningful relationship.    She is alone without any sense of purpose or belonging and consoles herself with endless cigarettes, liter-boxes of Merlot and micro-waved frozen dinners.  
Something happens that ignites a transformation.  One morning she hears the sound of Canada geese flying over her apartment on their way home.  They’re calling her to join them.  She rushes out onto her balcony and is overwhelmed by the momentous display of this huge flock of geese flying overhead.   It stirs something inside her which has lain dormant for years – hope to change her life.   But to change, she has to change everything.  
She terminates the lease on her the rent-controlled apartment she’s had for thirty years, cashes in her retirement savings,  buys a new car, adopts a dog, aptly named, Guido, from the local pound and sets out to travel the Trans Canada Highway on a tentatively planned journey to the Badlands of South Dakota.
On day of her departure, she suffers an extreme anxiety attack after travelling only a few blocks from her old apartment.   Somehow the realization of what she’s done has remained safe in her imagination but now it’s reality.   She fears she’s made a very reckless and foolish decision but it’s too late to turn back.
What starts off as a trip to the Badlands veers dramatically off course as she encounters people and events, both natural and supernatural that steer her in a whole new direction. She is challenged in ways she has never experienced before.  She is on an odyssey of rebirth and self-discovery.

Author Bio and Links:
Kathleen Martin is a Gemini-nominated writer for film, novelist and playwright.  Her first book “Penny Maybe” was published in Canada and in Germany.  She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and a little herd of little dogs.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathleen-Martin-Author/216453405059269,https://twitter.com/katx123 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3127294-penny-maybe-a-novelhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/centralphoenixwritersworkshop/http://authorsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_community&view=profile&Itemid=167