Marie Laval's Blog, page 5

Escape to Africa by the World Romance Writers

Exciting news...I am delighted to announce that ESCAPE TO AFRICA, the new anthology of romantic short stories by The World Romance Writers, will be released at the end of March 2017.
I am very proud to have a story included in the anthology, together with authors Denysé Bridger, Lynn Crain, Alicia Dean, Gemma Juliana and Jenny Twist. All our stories have romance, suspense and adventure aplenty, and are set in various countries in Africa - from Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, to Kenya. Photo courtesy of PixabayThe Ravine of the Wild Woman, a tale of love and revenge, is set in Algeria in 1865. Those of you who read this blog or who read my historical romance THE LION'S EMBRACE might remember that I have always been very interested in the history of Algeria, mainly because it's where my mother was born and brought up, but also because it has stunning sceneries and fascinating people and cultures. My mother used to tell us lots of stories about her childhood in Algiersand a small seaside village called Suffren, as well as about various places she visited in Algeria. I still miss her very much, and I know that writing stories set in Algeria is my way of remembering her and staying close to her.
The Ravine of the Wild Woman is a real place in the suburbs of Algiers - Le Ravin de la Femme Sauvage, in French - is close to the Birmandreis Forest, and was named after a poor creature who lived there, alone and scavenging for food, in the 1840s. Who was she really? Some people said she was a melancholic young woman who had been abandoned by her lover, others claimed she was a mother who had lost her mind after her children got lost in the forest one day...
To know which of these two stories I chose, you'll have to read the book!


Here is the blurb
The Ravine of the Wild Woman
Algeria, North Africa, 1865.
Lenora Sharp is Azerwal's perfect woman. Brave, determined and unconventional, she is also related to the man who stole his name, his childhood and his identity - the very man and he has vowed to destroy, even if it takes him all the way to hell. Will love get in the way of revenge, and will Azerwal lose his heart before he loses his soul?

SAVED BY THE FIREFIGHTER by Rachel Brimble

Genre: Contemporary romance
Release Date: Nov 1st
How can she forgive him for what he didn't do? 
Photographer Izzy Cooper feels as frozen as her pictures. Trent Palmer might be the hottest firefighter in Templeton Cove, but she can never face him again. Not after he failed to save her brother. But when they're forced together by a calendar shoot, the sparks between them are undeniable. 
Izzy knows it's not fair to blame Trent for the tragedy, but opening herself up to loss again isn't something she's prepared to do, no matter how determined Trent is to show her that pain is part of life and that love—their love—can make any suffering bearable.
EXTRACT
The security alarm chimed. Someone had stepped inside the studio. Exhaling a heavy breath, Izzy pulled back her shoulders, lifted her head and forced a smile.
“Hi, how can I…” Her heart stopped. Trent Palmer stood just inside the door. “Why are you here?”
His dark green gaze bored relentlessly into hers, his strong jaw set as he reached behind him and shut the door. “I came by to see how you’re doing.”
Traitorous attraction skittered over the surface of her skin before Izzy turned and strode toward the corner she used for staging portrait shots. The fluffy bunnies, huge furry dice and toys she’d used to relax a toddler earlier now felt macabre.
She spun around, clutching a teddy bear. “The same as I was doing yesterday and the day before. I told you I don’t want to see you. I don’t everwant to see you. Why do you keep coming back?”
He came closer, his gaze locked on hers. “You have to talk to me. I was Robbie’s friend. There was nothing—”
“You could do. Fine. I get it, but why do you feel the need to keep coming in here and checking up on me? What do you want me to do? Dance in the street? Kick up my heels at the fairground? God, just leave me alone.”
“There’s a beach party tonight. I want you to come with me.”
She stared. Why him? Why would a man she really liked—a damn firefighter­­—have to pursue her like she was someone worth pursuing? “No.”
He looked at the equipment covering the desk alongside him. He lifted and replaced a camera, the hunch of his wide shoulders indicating his discomfort. Izzy hated that she drew no satisfaction from that…only sadness.
BUY LINKS AMAZON UK
AMAZON US
B & N
ABOUT RACHEL BRIMBLE Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small USpresses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had six books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and recently signed a contract for two more. She also has four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical Press.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!
Facebook:FacebookFacebook Street Team - Rachel's Readers
Twitter:Twitter
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1806411.Rachel_Brimble
Blog:Blog
Website:Website
GIVEAWAY! A tote bag plus a signed copy of the book!http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be03017204/

FROZEN MINDS by Cheryl Rees-Price

Hello Cheryl and welcome to the blog. The weather has been absolutely atrocious here in Lancashire these past few days. I hope it hasn't been quite as stormy where you are.
First of all, congratulations on the publication of FROZEN MINDS, the second novel in the DI Winter Meadows Mystery series. What an atmospheric cover!

Can you tell us a little about you?
I’m Cheryl Rees-Price author of the Winter Meadows Mystery series. I trained as an accountant technician and now work as a finance director for a project management company. To combat the boredom of number crunching I spend my evening plotting the demise of deserving characters.
I must say that numbers have always been my phobia. I can't even help my daughter with her maths homework! At least I have the excuse that we do see differently in France - even divisions! Tell me, where do you get your ideas for your stories?
Ideas come from all sources. The idea for the first Winter Meadows came from walking the dog up a disused quarry. I started to think about what would happen if I didn’t make it home. The idea for the second book came from a conversation with a relative. She was having trouble with her boss. To cheer her up I turned her boss into a character in the book. He ended up being the murder victim.
And what is the one thing you absolutely need to write? (quiet, music, an empty house, coffee or chocolate?)
Lots of tea. I work in the kitchen so I am close to the kettle. Unfortunately I have a habit of munching chocolate and biscuits so I’m always a few pounds heavier when I finish a book.
I know exactly what you mean...my big problem is cake and cheese. I find promotion very daunting. In fact, if I'm honest I don't really know what to do when it comes to promoting my work. How do you promote your work? What do you enjoy the most? What do you find the hardest?
My work is promoted on social media and I also give talks at local libraries. The first time I gave a talk I was terrified. My daughter said I looked green before I left the house. After the first minute I started to relax and by the time I got to the Q&A session my heart rate had returned to normal. I enjoy meeting and talking to people but don’t like to be the centre of attention. 
What's your top tip for promoting your work?
Make friends with other authors and join some groups. The ones I have got to know have been so helpful and are always happy to give advice.
Good advice. I have made good friends thanks to Facebook, but I really don't 'get'Twitter. How do you pick the location for a story?
The Winter Meadows series is set in a fictional valley which is based on my local area. I used a fictitious setting so I would have the scope to add buildings and streets. 
I love naming my characters and can spend quite some time finding the name that feels just right. What about you? How do you chose the name of your characters?
I often use baby naming books or take a walk around graveyards and look at names that are popular for certain time periods. If it is a minor character I use the first name that pops into my head. My daughters often accuse me of using names of their friends.
And why not? Some names these days are very original. What comes first when you are thinking of a new story - the plot or the characters?
The plot usually comes first. I have an idea for a story line and spend a fair amount of time working out the plot. I create the cast before I start on the first draft. Each character is given a profile with description and back story, it helps me keep track as I write
And now for the word association fun test! Look at the words below and choose the first 3 words that come to your mind...
Sun: warm, sea, happy
Winter: snow, Christmas, hats
Writing: letters, stories, pen
Chocolate: Orange, cake, biscuit
Love: Family, friends, hearts
What lovely words you chose, Cheryl! I thank you for being my guest today and wish you lots of success with FROZEN MINDS.


Blurb for Frozen Minds
When a man is found murdered at Bethesda House, a home for adults with learning difficulties, local people start to accuse the home's residents of being behind the killing. The victim was a manager at the home, and seemingly a respectable and well-liked family man. DI Winter Meadows knows there's more to the case than meets the eye. As he and his team investigate, Meadows discovers a culture of fear at the home - and some unscrupulous dealings going on between the staff. Does the answer to the case lie in the relationships between the staff and the residents - or is there something even more sinister afoot?
Frozen Minds Amazon
Website
Facebook
Author Bio
Cheryl Rees-Price was born in Cardiff and moved as a Young child to a small ex-mining village on the edge of the Black Mountains, South Wales, where she still lives with her husband, daughters and two cats.  After leaving school she worked as a legal clerk for several years before leaving to raise her two daughters.
 Cheryl returned to education, studying philosophy, sociology and accountancy whilst working as a part time book keeper. She now works as a finance director for a company that delivers project management and accounting services.
 In her spare time Cheryl indulges in her passion for writing, the success of writing plays for local performances gave her the confidence to write her first novel. Her other hobbies include walking, and gardening which free her mind to develop plots and create colourful characters.

A SPELL IN PROVENCE is awarded a CHILL WITH A BOOK Award

I was delighted to receive the news yesterday that my contemporary romantic suspense A SPELL IN PROVENCE had been awarded a CHILL WITH A BOOK Award. This is an award given by readers who take account of the following five points:
1. Were the characters strong and engaging?2. Was the book well written?3. Did the plot have you turning the page to find out what happened next?4. Was the ending satisfying?5. Have you told your friends about it?
A SPELL IN PROVENCE got a YES for all five questions!
Blurb: Passion and mystery in the hills of Provence when an ancient spell weaves its dark magic.

After losing her job in England, Amy Carter uses her redundancy payment to start a new life in France, turning Bellefontaine, an overgrown Provençal farmhouse, into a successful hotel. Though she has big plans for her new home, none of them involves falling in love — least of all with Fabien Coste, the handsome but arrogant owner of the nearby château.
As romance blossoms in the beautiful Provençal countryside, disturbing events at the farmhouse hint at a dark mystery — a destructive, centuries-old attachment between the ladies of Bellefontaine and the ducs de Coste. As Amy struggles to unravel the mystery, she begins to wonder if it may not just be her heart at risk, but her life too.
A SPELL IN PROVENCE is available from Amazon hereboth as ebook and paperback, and from Áccent Press Accent Press.

Welcome to Lorna Peel and NEW BLOOD!

I am delighted to welcome Lorna today to talk about her latest release, NEW BLOOD. There is a great giveaway at the end of the post so don't forget to enter for a chance to win lovely prizes!
Genre: Romantic SuspenseRelease Date: 3 November 2016Publisher: Crooked Cat PublishingSuitable for 18+ Hello Lorna and thank you very much for coming on the blog today. What a stunning and atmospheric cover you have for NEW BLOOD. You must be delighted with it! 
What did you want to be when you were a child? Did you always know you wanted to write? 
I’ve always wanted to do something which involved writing. For a long time I wanted to be a journalist and I even did work experience on a local newspaper, but I realised I wasn’t outgoing enough for that so I started writing novels instead!
In three words - What kind of man is Thomas Heaton, your hero?
Shy, reclusive, workaholic.
And in three words - What kind of woman is Sophia Nelson, your heroine?
Inquisitive, thoughtful, practical.
What did Thomas think the first time he saw Sophia?
Thomas studied history of art at university and loves full-figured Renaissance women, so when he sees curvy Sophia Nelson walk into his library, he thinks all his birthdays and Christmases have come at once!
Lovely! And what did Sophia think of Thomas the first time she saw him? 
Thomas is tall, dark, and handsome and Sophia later admits that although he intimidated her, it was lust at first sight.
It sounds like you have the perfect chemistry between your protagonists here, Lorna! Tell me, what is the one thing you absolutely need to write? I need quiet, which I almost never get. What about you?
When I write the first draft of a novel, I need a comfy chair, my laptop, and no interruptions. When I edit, I can have music which isn’t too intrusive in the background.
I love choosing my characters' names. How do you pick yours?
I have a baby name book which I choose names from! I prefer to use traditional names like Robert and Jane (from Only You), Charlie and Kate (from Into The Unknown), Rachel and Matthew (from The Image of Her), and Sophia and Thomas (from New Blood).
Author Bio
Lorna Peel is an author of contemporary and historical romantic fiction. Her debut novel, ONLY YOU, a contemporary celebrity romance set in London, England, was published in 2014. INTO THE UNKNOWN, a World War Two romance set in London, the south east of England, and Ireland, was published in 2015 and reached Amazon’s top 20 best sellers in 20th Century Historical Romance. THE IMAGE OF HER, a romantic suspense set in rural England about a woman’s search for her birth mother, was published in May 2016. NEW BLOOD, a romantic suspense set in a stately home in Yorkshire, England, will be published on 3 November 2016.
Lorna was born in England and lived in North Wales until her family moved to Irelandto become farmers, which is a book in itself! She lives in rural Ireland, where she writes, researches her family history, and grows fruit and vegetables. She also keeps chickens (and a Guinea Hen who now thinks she’s a chicken!).
BLURB FOR NEW BLOOD
Sophia Nelson returns to her home town in Yorkshire, Englandto begin a new job as tour guide at Heaton Abbey House. There, she meets the reclusive Thomas, Baron Heaton, a lonely workaholic.
Despite having a rule never to become involved with her boss, Sophia can’t deny how she finds him incredibly attractive.
When she overhears the secret surrounding his parentage, she is torn. But is it the attraction or the fear of opening a Pandora’s box that makes her keep quiet about it?
How long can she stay at the abbey knowing what she does?
BUY LINKS
Amazon UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KW0I7P2
Amazon US- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KW0I7P2
Universal Amazon Link - http://viewbook.at/NewBlood
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books...
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-...
EXCERPT
She was at Michelle’s at eight o’clock on the dot that evening.
 “Come in.” Michelle smiled. “I’ve just put the kettle on.” They brought their mugs of coffee into the living room and sat on the sofa. “So what’s up? You sounded like you were about to strangle someone yesterday.”
 “Lord Heaton,” she replied simply.
 “What, he’s a pain in the arse?”
 “Yeah, and the rest.”
 “What?” Michelle’s eyes bulged. “Oh, my God, you don’t fancy him, do you?” Sophia looked away. “Sophia?”
 “I don’t know what to do,” she said miserably. “I need to leave but I can’t because I need the money and I need the flat but…”
 “Heaton,” Michelle finished and Sophia smiled sadly and nodded. “Okay, tell me what’s been going on.”
 “Everyone thinks he’s a recluse. He isn’t. I mean, he doesn’t go out much but it’s not like he never leaves the house or anything. I mean, we’ve been going walking together for weeks now—”
 “Walking?” Michelle interrupted incredulously. “Hang on. Hang on. Rewind. You go walking together?”
 “It came up that I go walking and I asked if he’d like to come. He said yes after a bit and we go walking on the moors. Stephanie comes too at the moment, though.”
 “His sister?” Michelle asked.
 Sophia swallowed. “Yes.”
 “Okay. Go on.”
 “I fancied him from the start. Bloody hell, it’s so corny but he’s tall, dark and handsome. But he’s got an awful temper and he smokes.”
 Michelle shrugged. “You can’t have everything.”
 “No. We just…talk. He’s shy and he’s lonely. He hates to admit it but he is. Everyone just treats him like ‘Lord Heaton’ and it’s like he’s become this character and has to keep on playing it. I mean, he continually calls me Ms Nelson. He’s never called me Sophia once.”
 “And what do you call him?” Michelle frowned.
 “Lord Heaton,” she replied. “It sounds ridiculous but he’s never once asked me to call him Thomas.”
And now for the Word Association Fun Test!
Please write the first three words that come to your mind...
day – light, work, eat
night – darkness, sleep, dreams
winter – rain, storms, darkness
summer – rain, humidity, midges
writing – concentration, typing, editing
How very interesting. I have never had these words about summer before...
Thank you for hosting and interviewing me, Marie!
You are very welcome, and I wish you lots of success with NEW BLOOD.

cotton tote bag, magnetic postcard, and a signed postcard<a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." rel="nofollow" data-raflid="4be03017201" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_1zil97gj">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com...http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be03017201/?

Dream up a romance novel for author Helena Fairfax - and win a lovely prize!

I am delighted to welcome my good friend and fellow romance author Helena Fairfax to talk about her new project and a brilliant idea...but I will let her tell you all about it herself...

Hello Marie, and thanks for having me on your blog!
I’m hoping you and your readers can help me. Earlier this year I released two romantic suspense novellas and I’d like to combine them in one edition, along with a short story to finish the series off and bring all the stories to a nice close (and a nice romantic ending!)
Here’s is my dilemma. Although the novellas feature the same characters, they are very different in feel, and so I’m struggling to find a title that will capture the spirit of the series.
The first novella, Palace of Deception, is set in the fictional country of Montverrier – a beautifully hot, bright, sunny country by the Mediterranean sea.
Here is the blurb: When a Mediterranean princess disappears on the eve of her coronation, Lizzie Smith takes on the acting role of her life as her stand-in. But the Royal Palace of Montverrier is full of mystery and whispers of danger. Why does the sinister housekeeper insist Lizzie remains in her rooms? And what has become of the princess?
As Lizzie learns her role, her only confidant is her quiet bodyguard. Lizzie begins to fall for Léon…but what secrets is he keeping from her?

The second novella, The Scottish Diamond is set in Edinburgh, Scotland – an equally beautiful place, but now it’s getting on for autumn and the weather (and the feel of the novella) is much colder and darker and full of evenings by the fire.



Here is the blurb to The Scottish Diamond:
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair…”
What do you do when it seems you can’t trust anyone…even the man you love?
When Lizzie Smith begins rehearsals for Macbeth, she’s convinced the witches’ spells are the cause of a run of terrible luck. Lizzie’s bodyguard boyfriend, Léon, is mysteriously turned down for every job he applies for, until he’s finally offered the job of guarding “The Scottish Diamond,” a fabulous jewel from the country of Montverrier.
But the diamond’s previous guard has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. The Scottish Diamond has a history of intrigue and bloody murder, and Lizzie is plagued by nightmares in which Macbeth’s witches are warning her of danger.
Then Lizzie discovers she’s being followed through the streets of Edinburgh, and it seems her worst fears are about to be realised…
My final short story, A Question by Torchlight, is also set in Edinburgh, during Hogmanay, when the ground is icy and there is frost in the air.
So, here’s where I need some help. What title could I give the combined print edition / boxed set? The Bodyguard Mysteries? Leon and Lizzie? My Year of Danger? I’ve been wracking my brain for ages and haven’t been able to hit on anything I really like!
So, I’ve decided to run a competition to ask for suggestions for a title that will tie these two novellas and short story together.
The WINNER of the Dream up a Title for Helenacompetition will win the following:
1.     Their TITLE on the cover of the print edition / boxed set
2.     An ACKNOWLEDGEMENT inside the novel
3.     A SIGNED COPY of the finished print version
4.     This beautiful bracelet :)



If any of you have any ideas at all, please let me know your suggestion here in the comments, or on Twitter, or by leaving a comment on my Facebook page, or you can email me at helena.fairfax@gmail.com. I’d be very grateful!
I’m keeping the competition open until Friday 21st October and will announce the winning title on my blog (www.helenafairfax.com) on Saturday 22ndOctober. So please do put your thinking caps on - and I hope you can help me out!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Marie. It’s been fun to be here and I’ll be back next week to let you know my title!
I can't wait, Helena. What a great idea! I am sure you will get lots of fabulous titles, and the one that is just right for Lizzie's and Leon's love story.
Good luck to all entrants in the competition!

I Do or Do I? Karen King is my guest today!

I am delighted to welcome fellow Áccent Press author Karen King to the blog today to talk about her novel I DO? OR DO I?which was released by Áccent Press in May 2016. Hello Karen and welcome. You are a prolific children author and have written several short stories and romance novels, but what did you want to be when you were a child? Did you always know you wanted to write? 
I wanted to be lots of different things, a ballerina (I have two left feet), an air hostess, a nurse, a teacher. I always loved writing, and have always written but never thought of a writer as a career.
I know that's a difficult question to answer, but where do you get your ideas for your stories?
Everywhere! Things I see, do, overhear, my family, friends (I hope they aren’t reading this!)  – I collect snippets of conversations, amusing scenarios, jot them down and file them away for future use.
And what is the one thing you absolutely need to write? (quiet, music, an empty house, coffee or chocolate?)
My laptop or pen and paper. I started my writing career when my four children were little so I don’t need a quiet, empty house (although it is nice!). Coffee and chocolate are nice bonuses but really as long as I have something to write on I can write anywhere.
What are you working on at the moment?
Áccent Press gave me a contract for two more books when they accepted ‘I do?-or do I?’ I’m now working on the third book. I won’t give much away but there is a wedding theme in this one too. I’m also working on a YA and a novel. I always have two or three projects on the go.
Very intriguing...I find the promotion side of being a writer very daunting and quite hard work. How do you promote your work?
I was published for many years without having to do any promotion at all, but that’s all changed now and it didn’t come easy to me at first. I felt like I was being ‘boasty’. Still do sometimes. My favourite platform is Twitter. I love the spontaneity, brevity and fun of Twitter. It’s a great place to connect. Second is Facebook. I use Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ too but not to the same extent.
What comes first when you are thinking of a new story - the plot or the characters?
Usually the characters. The heroine pops into my head and tells me her story then the hero interrupts and gradually I work out a basic plot.

Thank you for your great answers, Karen. And now for the word association fun test...Please tell me what comes into your mind when you see those words:
1. sun       happy, life, warmth
2. moon    stars, night, magical
3. winter       jumpers, snow, coal fires
4. summer     beach, sea, peaceful
5.  chocolate   bliss, relaxing, addictive
Hmm... I feel exactly like you about chocolate! Thank you very much, Karen, for being my guest today. Good luck with all your writing projects.
Author Bio
A member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, Karen King writes sassy, contemporary romance just right for reading on the beach. 'I DO - or Do I?' is her first chick lit for Accent Press. She has been contracted for two more.
Karen has had two other romance novels, several short stories for women’s magazine and 120 children's books published.
When she isn’t writing, Karen likes travelling, watching the ‘soaps’ and reading. Give her a good book and a box of chocolates and she thinks she’s in Heaven.

Author links
Website: http://www.karenking.net/
Twitter: @karen_king
Karen King Romance Author Facebook Page
Karen King Children’s Books Facebook Page
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/karenkingauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkingauthor/?hl=en


Blurb
Local journalist Cassie is getting married to hot-shot lawyer, reliable Timothy, and his mother Sylvia, who Cassie has nicknamed ‘Monster-in-Law’, wants to plan the entire wedding. When Sylvia books the exclusive ID Images to take photographs of the extravagant do, Cassie has no idea what she’s walking into. 
The elusive JM, ID Images’ newest photographer, just so happens to be Jared, Cassie’s first love and ex-fiancé, who broke off their engagement to travel and take photos of far-reaching wonders. He’s back to pay for his next wild adventure. 
Cassie decides it’s best to pretend not to know him, but when she’s asked to write an article for her newspaper, she’s tasked with a column surrounding all things wedding related. When Cassie jokingly writes a column meant for herself depicting her situation, a co-worker submits it in place of the real article and it’s soon making headlines, with readers asking the age old question - Who Will She Choose?


Extract
Jared must have seen the panic in her eyes because he quickly composed himself and shook Sylvia’s hand. ‘Delighted to meet you. And this must be the bride-to-be.’ He smiled at Cassie as if he’d never met her before. Never held her in his arms, kissed her, made love to her, promised that he’d love her forever and then walked out on her.
She’d often imagined seeing Jared again, wondered how she’d react. Now it all came flooding back and all she could do was remember how utterly devastated she’d felt when he’d walked out on her.
Get a grip, Cassie told herself. That was years ago. You’re over it now. You’re marrying Timothy. Jared is history.
She was suddenly aware that Jared was holding out his hand to her and Sylvia was watching her curiously. She forced a smile on her face and shook his hand, desperately hoping she showed no sign that his touch still made her tingle.
‘Miss Tyler,’ he said smoothly.
‘Call me Cassie,’ she told him. ‘Sorry I kept you waiting.’
‘Not a problem.’
How she wished she’d arrived on time. Jared used to tease her about being late. He probably thought she was still as ditzy as she was back then. If only she’d put on one of her power suits instead of a maxi dress, then she would have looked sophisticated and professional. Like she’d changed; which she had.
Oh God, she was still holding his hand. What must Sylvia think? She quickly removed her hand, tore her gaze from those big brown eyes, and tried to act as if her body wasn’t zinging at his touch. Just like it always had.
‘Take a seat, ladies, and tell me exactly what sort of photographs you’re looking for.’ He glanced down at his notes. ‘I see that the wedding is only two months away.’
‘Yes, we decided against a long engagement,’ Sylvia replied as if she was the bride. She sat down in one of the plush dark brown chairs and indicated for Cassie to take the other seat. ‘Timothy and Cassandra got engaged on Valentine’s Day and we thought a summer wedding would be lovely. Especially when we managed to secure Hollington Castle,’ she paused to make sure this announcement had the desired effect.
Jared nodded, looking suitably impressed, and Sylvia continued, ‘I know it’s short notice but Daniel assured me you’d be able to fit us in.’ She was letting him know that she was on first name terms with the director of the company.
Jared nodded again. ‘We’ve had a cancellation for that date, so yes, we can accommodate you both.’ His gaze flicked to Cassie then back to Sylvia. ‘Would you like a cup of coffee while we discuss the arrangements?’
‘Thank you. Black with no sugar, please.’
Jared raised an eyebrow questioningly at Cassie. ‘And for you, Cassie?’
‘Black with no sugar for me too, please,’ she replied. That would surprise him. She always used to have white coffee with two sugars. The Cassie he used to know had a sweet tooth. At least that was one thing that had changed. Except it hadn’t, really, she was only drinking black coffee to make sure she could get into her wedding dress. Well, to be honest she was drinking black coffee in front of Timothy and his mother because they would frown and remind her about needing to get into the wedding dress. When they weren’t around she still took her coffee with milk and sugar. She thought longingly of the iced mocha she’d be enjoying with Sam later.
Jared pressed the intercom and asked the receptionist to bring in the coffees, then he leant forward, linked his hands under his chin, and gave Cassie the benefit of his full attention. Devastating. She quickly averted her gaze. ‘Now, tell me about the wedding,’ he said. ‘It’s important that I get a feel of the atmosphere you’re trying to create so I know what tone to set with the photos. We aim to be professional but not intrusive. And please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. We want our clients to be completely happy and relaxed on their special day. We won’t take offence at all if you decide that we aren’t the right photographers for you.’
You’re not! Cassie’s mind was screaming. You’re the very last person I want as my photographer. Ever. For a moment she feared she’d uttered the words aloud, but Sylvia was now talking to Jared, so clearly it was all in her head.

Buy Links
Amazon - http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01CGKLOKQ
Accent Press  http://www.accentpress.co.uk/i-do-or-do-i
Waterstones - https://www.waterstones.com/book/i-do-or-do-i/karen-king/9781910939345
Book Depository - http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781910939352 W.H.Smiths http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/i-do---or-do-i/978191093934

A stop at a favourite uncle's and inspiration...

People often wonder how authors get ideas about plots, characters and settings for their stories. I find my inspiration in many different sources - a holiday, a song, painting or road map (I love maps!), an old photo or even a strange dream... My short story SONS OF THE WIND was actually inspired by a holiday I took many years ago after finishing my university degree in Lyon University. Photo courtesy of Pixabay
I wanted a bit of an adventure and borrowed my mother's old Renault 5 to tour the South of France for a couple of weeks. I had a vague idea of where I wanted to go but no fixed plan. Photo courtesy of Pixabay
My first stop was Avignon where my favourite uncle lived. My uncle Roger was my mother's elder brother, and the most original - some may say eccentric - person I have ever met. I absolutely adored him. He had built his own house, dug his own pond where ducks and grandchildren dived and paddled together (no one ever mentioned germs and health and safety in those days), kept all kinds of animals on his small holding, including pigeons, dogs, vicious turkey cocks, and two parrots -Marco and Polo who warned him from the treetops of the arrival of customers for his bric-à-brac business. He also ran a house clearing business with two elderly gentlemen aptly nicknamed 'Les Deux Vieux' (the two old ones) who must have been a lot stronger than they looked and did not talk much. In fact, now that think about it, I don't think I ever heard them talk at all.
My uncle was a nature lover, and a poet. He would tell you to take great care not to damage a spider web as you went up the stairs. His house was a treasure trove, especially the ground floor where he kept all his bric-à-brac. How I loved looking through his collection of paintings, out of tune pianos and shields and swords, old typewriters, broken dentist chairs and - oh joy...hundreds and hundreds of keys. I think this is where my fascination with old keys must have started. Photo courtesy of Pixabay
The day I arrived he and his two elderly assistants had just cleared over a ton of flour from a bankrupt mill and he was wondering what to do with it.
'You don't want any flour, do you?' he asked as we enjoyed a glass of rosé wine in the shade just before lunch.
'Of course not, I'm going on a tour of Provence! What would I do with bags of flour?'
Not in the least upset by my refusal, he suggested a few places for me to visit on my tour. Les Saintes Maries de la Mer in the Camargue was one of them. I had planned to travel to Arles, but not to Les Saintes Maries. I am glad I listened to my uncle that day and pushed a bit further. Photo courtesy of PixabayLes Saintes Maries de la Mer is a fishing village situated in the heart of the Camargue, between the Rhône river and the Mediterranean sea. It is surrounded by marshes brimming with wildlife. This is where you can find ranches (called 'manades') where bulls and horses are bred. The grey-white Camargue horses are renown for their speed and their beauty, and during cavalcades and 'abrivades' that take place throughout the year, the 'gardians' (Camargue cowboys) show off their skills. Photo courtesy of PixabayThe village is especially famous for its gypsy festival which takes place on 24th and 25th May. Every year more than 10 000 travellers come from all over Europeto celebrate their patron saint - 'Sara La Noire'. It is for them a time of celebration, of dancing and feasting, of religious worship and catching up with friends and relatives.
Les Saintes Maries is a beautiful and inspiring setting for my short story SONS OF THE WIND which was recently published in LETTERBOX LOVE STORIES, an anthology of romantic short stories by international bestselling authors.
I ended up staying several days there during my tour of Provence and I will never forget the evenings spent eating delicious seafood at the terrace of cafés, and listening to the 'gardians' singing and playing the guitar. It felt like a magical place.
Blurb for SONS OF THE WINDProvence 1826. Ten years after her brother disappeared in the marshes of the Camargue, Venetia Rigby receives a letter suggesting he is alive. Will Philippe Dantès, half-gipsy master of Terres Mortes, help her find him when he has his own demons to fight?
LETTERBOX LOVE STORIES is available here

ALCHEMY by Ailsa Abraham

Genre: Magical Realism / Religion
Book 1 of the Alchemy series
Release Date:  27th January 2014
Publisher: Crooked Cat Publishers
A world without war? 
Professor Sawhele Fielding stumbles across an invention that would change the world; something so monumental, it could spell the end of environmental disaster and conflict. With the help of her father, a shadowy figure in the world of international banking, she begins to set into motion the biggest upheaval the planet has seen.  
But in a changed world, dark forces are threatening the fragile peace. Where modern technology is proving useless, old magic from a bygone era might just save the day. Adrian Oliver, expert in ancient religions is skeptical until faced with incontrovertible proof that ancient evil is abroad once again. 
How could a Utopian dream of free fuel and peaceful co-existence turn into a nightmare? 
Iamo, a priest of the Mother Goddess and Riga, a Black Shaman assassin captain, are thrown together – reluctantly at first – to face a threat that nobody could have imagined before “The Changes”. 

ALCHEMY is the prequel to Shaman's Drum which features the adventures of Iamo and Riga through their world in the near future, where the established religions of our own days had been banned.  
EXTRACT

Daniel stood beside me, pointing out the “Who’s Who” of this august gathering.

“The guys in leather are the Odinists, old Norse religion. Obviously, the chap with the sickle is the Chief Druid, yes, that is a fox-head he’s wearing as a headdress. Now, that one there, the shaven-headed one in a kilt-type thing. He’s the High Priest of the Egyptians. I think they have a few sub-divisions but… oh yes, here comes the High Priestess of Isis, she’s his female counterpart.” By this time my jaw was dropping. The lady in the wig, smothered in jewellery was like something straight out of a Cleopatra movie and eye-wateringly gorgeous. Daniel nudged me again and I thought for a moment that a Christian monk in traditional brown robes had sneaked in.

“That tall woman in white. That is Lady Solus, she will probably try to take over. She’s a bit of a tartar and that young man with her is her assistant. Bright chap by all accounts. Oops! Looks like one of the Dianics is going to make a fuss.” I had no idea what one of those was but just made sure the camera was running, kept my mouth shut and watched. A woman with a shaven-head and a bow slung across her back stood up and pointed at the painfully thin monk-like youngster. “Abomination!” she hissed. “He leaves!”

The priestess indicated to me as Lady Solus turned very slowly and gave her a glare that would have frozen water in two seconds.

“He stays. I do not argue with stray cats.” The young man in question had said nothing, remaining two paces behind his boss. I caught his eye and thought there was something vaguely familiar about him. Although his face remained impassive, a pair of bright blue eyes fixed me and very slowly one eyelid dropped in an almost imperceptible wink. I was too busy to think about it then but I would have to remember where I had seen him before.

Buy LinksAmazon International http://bit.ly/1Z4HCUb Barnes and Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alchemy-ailsa-abraham/1118067058?ean=9781909841505
STOP PRESS!!!GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY AT THE SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE. BUT BE QUICK! OFFER ENDS SOON!
ABOUT AILSA ABRAHAM Ailsa Abraham writes under two names and is the author of six novels. Alchemy is the prequel to Shaman's Drum, published by Crooked Cat in January 2014. Both are best-sellers in their genres on Amazon. She has lived in France since 1990, enjoys knitting and crochet and until recently was the oldest Hell's Angel in town. Her interests include campaigning for animal rights, experimenting with different genres of writing and trips back to the UK to visit friends and family. She runs an orphanage for homeless teddy bears and contributes a lot of work to Knit for Africa. She is also addicted to dressing up, saying that she is old enough to know better but too wise to care. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AilsaAbrahamTheAlchemyWriter/ Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880582.Ailsa_Abraham https://twitter.com/OtterAbraham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw  - Twitter https://ailsaabraham.com - website. https://plus.google.com/109695184517866287421/posts - Google+

A little bit of Provence in your plate...

Picture this...It's lunch time. You are on holiday somewhere hot, and you have set the table outside in the shade. The cicadas are singing, the garden smells of lavender, thyme and rosemary. It is hot so you fancy a light lunch with fresh, tasty ingredients bursting with flavours. And hopefully, you will find it here...
Photo courtesy of PixabayThis is my last post featuring recipes from the beautiful settings in the bestselling romantic anthology LETTERBOX LOVE STORIES. Since my short story is set in the Camargue region of France, I have going to treat you to a complete Provençal meal...
LETTERBOX LOVE STORIES blurb - What if a life-changing letter arrived in today's mail? Now imagine it leads to love and adventure! From the northern British Isles, across the mainland of Europe, and on to Turkey, nine international Award-winning and Multi-published Romance Authors share spellbinding love stories told across time. This collection includes contemporary, historical and futuristic time travel romances touched by magic. And each begins with a letter...
SONS OF THE WIND blurb   
Provence 1826. Ten years after her brother disappeared in the marshes of the Camargue, Venetia Rigby receives a letter suggesting he is alive. Will Philippe Dantès, half-gipsy master of Terres Mortes, help her find him when he has his own demons to fight?
Photo courtesy of PIxabayLETTERBOX LOVE STORIES is available herefor only £0.99!

And now for the recipes... They are all for 4 people (except the pudding) and very easy to prepare!
Photo courtesy of PixabayFor starter I chose a typical Provençal appetizer:
Tapenade made with olives (black olive paste)
This is an easy recipe which takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is delicious on toasts, or slices of fresh baguette or homemade bread.

Ingredients for 4 people
150 gr of black olives (without the stones)
3 anchovy fillets (you can leave those out if you don't like the taste)
2 cherry tomatoes
3 teaspoons of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic

Preparation
Crush the garlic. Put all other ingredients in a food processor and blend. Then pour the mixture into a small bowl, and prepare the toasts. Alternatively you can use the tapenade as a dip. That's what we do when I eat this at my sister's in Marseille!

For a variety of tastes and flavours, you can also prepare canapés with goat cheese. Serve with a glass Pastis or chilled rosé wine, or read the end of this post for a refreshing homemade lemonade.

My main course is very light as well: Provençal Goat Cheese and Tomato 'Feuilletés' (in Puff Pastry) with Niçoise Salad
Ingredients (for 4 people = 4 'feuilletés')
Photo courtesy of Pixabay300 gr of puff pastry (frozen is fine, just make sure it is thoroughly defrosted)
4 thick slices of beef tomato
4 thick slices of goat cheese (works better if from a goat cheese log)
4 teaspoons of pesto rosso (sun dried tomato paste that you buy or can make yourself)
Fresh basil
Herbes de Provence (thyme, rosemary...)
Black pepper
Photo courtesy of PixabayIt takes 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake in the oven.
Pre-heat your oven at 200̊ C.
Take off the tomato peeps and the crust from the goat cheese log.
Roll out the puff pastry and divide into 4 equal squares. Cover with the pesto rosso. Fold the corners of each square, then put one slice of goat cheese, topped with one slice of tomato. Sprinkle the herbs and pepper.
Put in the oven. It should be ready in about 15 minutes.
Take out, sprinkle fresh basil and enjoy!

Niçoise Salad
Ingredients for 4 people
4 tomatoes
4 hard boiled eggs
12 anchovy fillets
1 cucumber
1 green pepper
1 large white onion
fresh basil
1 garlic clove
black olives
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Photo courtesy of PIxabayThis takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Peel and slice the cucumber. Sprinkle with salt and leave.
Boil the eggs. Slice when ready.
Wash and slice the tomatoes.
Peel the pepper, take out the inside and cut into thin slices.
Peel and cut the onion and the garlic and mix everything with the olive oil and the fresh basil.
Then arrange the slices of tomatoes, cucumber and eggs on a dish. Rinse the anchovy fillets and arrange with the salad vegetables together with the sliced eggs and the black olives. Pour the basil and olive oil sauce or keep separate.

And now for dessert...Cherry Clafoutis
Photo courtesy of PixabayIngredients for 8 people (it makes either 2 clafoutis using 2 cake tins of 15 cm diametre each, or 1 large one)
·        500 gr of cherries
·        250 ml of milk
·        250 ml of single cream
·        30 g of unsalted butter
·        1 vanilla pod
·        4 eggs
·        75 g of caster sugar or soft  brown sugar (it is called 'cassonade' in France)
·        50 g of flour
·        Icing sugar to sprinkle on the clafoutis for decoration

It takes 15 minutes to prepare and needs 35 minutes in the oven (thermostat at 180̊ )
1. Pre-heat the oven at 180°C. Grease the cake tin (or cake tins if you are making 2 smaller Clafoutis) well with butter. Wash, dry and take the stones out of the cherries. Place most of the cherries at the bottom of the cake tin, but keep some for later.
2. Heat up the milk and the single cream with the butter and the vanilla pod in a pan. Whilst this is heating, take a bowl and whisk the eggs with the soft brown sugar (or caster sugar), then add the flour. Whisk well in order to obtain a smooth mixture.
When the milk comes to the boil, take the vanilla pod out and pour on the egg mixture. Carry on whisking well.
3. Pour the mixture into the cake tin (or the 2 cake tins) and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes at thermostat 180°C.
4. After about 15 minutes, put the rest of the cherries on top of the cake and put the cake back in the oven (if you put them on earlier, they will sink and it won't look at nice.)
5. Finish baking. When ready take the clafoutis out of the oven and place it on a cake cooling tray. Wait until it has cooled down completely to remove from the tin and sprinkle with icing sugar (it becomes harder as it cools down).
Et voilà! It is delicious on its own, or with some whipping cream or vanilla ice-cream.

And now for drinks... You can drink a chilled rosé wine, or if you fancy a delicious soft drink, why not try and make your own lemonade? I have just the recipe.

Ingredients for 2 people
600 ml mineral water (sparkly or still)
1 yellow lemon
120 gr of strawberries
fresh mint
This takes 10 minutes to prepare but you need to leave it in the fridge for 24 hours. Wash the fruits. Slice the lemon. Cut the strawberries. In a pitcher, put all the fruit, add a few leaves of fresh mint and the mineral water, then leave in the fridge for 24 hours.

I hope you enjoyed my Provençal meal. I know I feel very hungry now, so I am off to the kitchen...