C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 157
October 20, 2015
Wednesday Special Spotlight Cupid’s Angels Erin Bevan
Focuses on
Cupid’s Angels
By
Erin Bevan
Erin is giving away a free audible copy of Cupid’s Angels to one lucky commenter.
Blurb for Cupid’s Angels
Ellie Childs isn’t looking for love. She’s looking for an AC repairman for the Forest Wood Senior Center. But when the repairman happens to be tall, dark and handsome, David White, he has the goods to make her change her mind. Unfortunately, he’s taken by a blonde Barbie.
David moved to the small town of Cupid, Arkansas to be closer to the woman he loves, his grandma, and as far away as possible from his ex fiancé. Not thinking his broken heart would ever work again, he’s proved wrong by falling for Ellie, a good-looking redhead. She’s the farthest thing from his ex as he can get, but as luck would have it, she’s taken, and the guy she’s seeing’s a real jerk.
When David’s grandmother, Mary Costanza, see’s the instant attraction festering between David and Ellie, she calls on the help of her three friends. Together they form Cupid’s Angels. Their mission, to bring David and Ellie together. Despite their best efforts, the Angels’ plans backfire and push David and Ellie farther apart and into the arms of others. Or so they think.
Will the Angels’ good intentions win out, or will their plots and schemes be the end of David and Ellie before they could even begin?
Excerpt:
She opened her office door ready to face the damages. Expecting another sweat covered Neanderthal in Bib Overalls, her mouth fell slack at the sight of a handsome man at the end of the hall. She gasped and gripped the folder tighter, blinking to make sure she was seeing clearly. The only attractive men that ever walked into the Center had been over the age of fifty. To see one so young, so striking, made her light-headed.
A tight white undershirt gripped sculpted bicep muscles and broad shoulders. His jeans hung low on his hips and sported holes in the knees. His suntanned skin accented his bronze hair, and an easy smile spread across his face. He carried a toolbox in his left hand and held a bouquet of roses in his right.
Everything about him caused her knees to go weak.
Amazon Book Link
Bio
Erin Bevan was born and raised in Southwest Arkansas. She spent her teenage years working for her aunt at the local gas station flipping burgers and making milkshakes dreaming of the day when something better would come her way.
Fast forward ten years later, she found herself stuck inside an apartment in South Korea while her daughter went to preschool and her husband went to work. Alone and unable to speak the local language she turned to books for a friend. After reading a few hundred in such a short time, she decided to try her hand at writing one.
That first one sucked, but by the fifth and sixth book, Erin started to get the hang of this writing thing. Getting the first contract in the mail was a dream come true. Now, with three babies at home, she squeezes in stories one word at a time, one sentence at a time, one day at a time. She’s a full time mom, a full time wife, with a little writer sprinkled in whenever she can get the chance.
Where to find Erin:
www.facebook.com/erinbevanwrites
https://www.twitter.com/ErinBevan
Erin is giving away a free audible
copy of Cupid’s Angels to one
lucky commenter.
Comments must be left before 10 AM EST tomorrow.
October 19, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Show Don’t Tell: Dialogue
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Writers Cheat Sheets
Secrets, Shortcuts, Tips, and Practical Advice on Writing Fiction
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
September 2015 — Show Don’t Tell: Dialogue
#9 Revision is a Process
This is Part 9 of a 12-part series on Revision is a Process @ 2015 All Rights Reserved
Are you writing the dialogue of fiction or of the reporter?
(Paraphrased from William Noble’s “SHUT UP! HE EXPLAINED, A WRITER’S GUIDE TO THE USES AND MISUSES OF DIALOGUE)
I would amend that quote to: “Are you writing the dialogue of fiction or of the reporter or of an English teacher?
You see, dialogue, whether spoken words or an internalization, should . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://writerscheatsheets.blogspot.com/2015/09/september-2015-show-dont-tell-dialogue.html
October 15, 2015
Sizzle In The Snow newsletter post #2
#2
Sizzle In The Snow:
A Soul Mate Christmas Collection
SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .
This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology available November 25th on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:
Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise
Welcome to our second newsletter/post in celebration of the release of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection. Get ready as we unveil new surprises with each newsletter post, coming about every ten days!
Follow this blog, any of the other authors blogs or subscribe to a newletter. Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!
So, let’s get started!
Book Corner
We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .
Author CD Hersh gives an excerpt of their short story, Kissing Santa!
Anna Noel studied the trim backside of the Santa standing in front of her. He appeared younger than most of the Santas at the Santa Claus conference she’d chosen to attend this year. A lot more attractive than any Santa she’d ever met. For the briefest of moments she let her mind wander, lingering on ‘Christmas Wish Number Nine.’
Make love to Santa.
A heated flush climbed her chest as she envisioned the scene, and she flapped the jacket of her green elf costume to cool down.
Her gaze traveled over his hips, chest, and to the beginnings of a snow white beard; then to his shock of silver hair underneath the white-trimmed, red Santa hat.
Yep. Definitely a Santa she wanted to know. Too bad she wouldn’t be the elf to his mall Santa. They could have gotten acquainted. And more.
The conference registrar drew her out of her Christmas fantasy with a loud, “Miss? Are you with this Santa?”
“What? No. I don’t have a Santa. I’m here alone.”
Sexy Santa turned and held out his hand. “Me, too. I’m Sam S. Klaus.”
A smile curled her lips as she took his hand. “As in Sam Santa Claus?” His warm palm sent tingles through her fingers as he gently squeezed them.
He flashed a slightly lopsided grin. “You have the same warped sense of humor as my parents.” He gave her a mock bow. “Sam S. for Santa, and Klaus, with a K.”
“That’s your real name?” He’d let go of her hand. She fought to keep from grabbing it back. A real Santa Klaus? How great was that?
“The same, and you are?”
“An—” She stopped, suddenly unwilling to reveal her name. A rollercoaster of emotions raced through her, suggesting she might hit number nine with this Santa. If she did, and it didn’t go well, she wouldn’t want Sam Klaus to know her real identity. “An elf who needs a Santa,” she hedged. “How about we team up? I’ll be your personal elfette, and you can be my Santa.”
Cocktail Corner
Busy shopping, wrapping, and socializing?
Kick back with a festive cocktail!
Recipe shared by Tina Susedik!
Tom & Jerry
Ingredients:
6 eggs
1 1/2 pounds powdered sugar
Cream of tartar
Cloves
Allspice
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Rum
Brandy
Separate eggs. Beat yolks and white separately. Add a dash of Cream of Tartar to whites before beating. Beat yolks until frothy and whites until very stiff. Combine. Gradually beat in 1 1/2 pounds of powdered sugar. Add a dash of cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. Put batter in cup. Add shot of brandy and 1/2 shot of rum. Add boiling water to top of cup. Top off with a dash of nutmeg.
Recipe Corner
Company coming over? Author Beth Carter dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:
Pumpkin Rum Cake
1 yellow cake mix 1 15 oz. can of pumpkin
3 eggs
½ c rum or ½ c coconut rum (I like the coconut rum.)
½ c chopped pecans, toasted (Sometimes I skip the toasting!)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs and rum. Beat on low speed to blend, then beat on medium speed for two minutes. Fold in pecans and pour batter into greased 12-cup Bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes and turn onto serving platter. Frost with Orange Glaze (yummy). See below.
Orange glaze:
¾ c powdered sugar
2 T plus ½ tsp orange juice
1 T orange zest
Mix powdered sugar, orange juice and orange zest until smooth. Spoon glaze over top of cake allowing it to run down the sides. Enjoy! We enjoy this for Thanksgiving, Christmas and throughout the fall.
~Beth Carter
Holiday Memory Corner
Ryan Jo Summers has a wonderful holiday memory to share . . .
Many years ago I married a man who had custody of his two sons, six and three. We wanted this first Christmas as a family to be very special for everyone, so we headed to the closest Toys R’ Us with lots of cash and left the kids with Grandma.
Hubby and I were like kids ourselves as we both pushed our carts up and down the aisles, discussing which child would love what present the best. We wrapped and decorated and couldn’t wait to see the boys on Christmas morning. The presents were piled so high and far out, we could hardly reach the tree to plug it in. But it was all worth it when the kids came downstairs that first morning and exclaimed we must have bought out the whole toy store!
Music Corner
Listen up! Amy Deason shares her favorite holiday song:
Title: All I Want For Christmas Is You
By Mariah Carey
Song Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY&list=RDyXQViqx6GMY
Craft Corner
Feeling crafty? Kim Hotzon shares a festive DIY craft:
Holiday Ornament Ball
When my children were young, we spent many weekends crafting homemade ornaments for our tree. This is a simple craft that is inexpensive, and makes a great gift too!
Supplies:
scraps of fabric (the more festive pattern the better but plain greens, reds, whites, stripes, etc. work well)
festive ribbon (for handle)
glue gun
glue sticks
foam balls from craft store
Steps:
Cut squares of fabric and wrap around foam ball. Glue in place with glue gun. You may need to cut different sizes of squares to fit the ball, depending on the size. Smooth fabric in place with your fingers. Leave a little opening at the top of the ball and insert a loop of ribbon, securing under the fabric with the glue gun. Press down, hold for a minute until glue sets.
Decorating Corner
Time to bring out the mistletoe! Crystal Firsdon has some great decorating tips!
There’s always a theme to what I do: easy and simple. For years, I never knew what to do with the Christmas cards I received, so I stood them on any available vertical surface. As you can imagine I had to re-stand them up every day and sometimes several times per day, and they made my tables and shelves looked cluttered. Finally I came up with a solution: cards on a ribbon. (In my mind I’m the one who invented this, but a lot of you probably do this already)
First, I cut a 3-5 foot piece of cute, wide Christmas ribbon.
Next, hang it from a higher shelf by taping the top of the ribbon to the flat surface of the shelf. I place a Christmas picture over it, making sure it covers the tape. I’ve learned that several cards are heavier than you might think, so use a lot of tape.
As I receive Christmas cards, I simply staple each card to the ribbon. If I get more than expected, I hang another ribbon.
One reason I love this is because I’ll find my kids opening the cards to read them and see who they’re from. I also like that the funny cards are mixed with the more serious and sentimental cards. It totally fits my family’s hodgepodge decorating style!
Holiday Card Corner
What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Author Cheryl Yeko sends her holiday greetings:
Of course, as authors we love our readers, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to offer swag, free books, and a grand prize which will be awarded to one lucky blog/newsletter follower! For a chance to win these prizes, follow and join the author’s blogs!
Don’t miss our upcoming Facebook launch party with tons of goodies to giveaway! Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection! (FB launch date TBA).
Thursday Threads Carly Jordynn Forest of the Mist Awakening
Presents
FOREST OF THE MIST: Awakening
By
Carly Jordynn
GENRE: YA Fantasy Romance
HEAT LEVEL: 3
BLURB:
Upon awakening from the coma that put her in the alternate realm known as Paradise Valley, Jennifer Burke Kyle discovered her infant son was half-grown, had some rather unique powers, and was the new leader of Paradise and the adjoining Dark Land. If that wasn’t enough to make her want to go back to sleep, she finds her dead husband, David Kyle, has ordered a complete stranger, Alex McGuire, to marry her and raise her young son as his own. Together, Alex and Jennifer, with the help of Davy, must escape the agents of PRI, a government research group, in order to protect the still comatose, Colin O’Brien.
AMAZON BUY LINK: http://www.amzn.com/B012T8JT5W/
EXCERPT:
“What?” Jennifer said. “I’m not ready to be married to you. I don’t even know you.”
Alex had had just about enough of her routine. “Listen, sweetheart, it’s no picnic being with you either. I’m tired of trying to live up to your lofty expectations. I’m not David Kyle, nor would I want to be. I’m doing this all for you, to protect you and Davy. A little gratitude would be welcome.”
“Excuse me?” Anger flashed in her eyes. “You are darn lucky that I even give you the time of day. You overbearing, egotistical control freak.”
“Control freak!” Alex shouted weakly. “Are we back to that song and dance again? Can’t you come up with some original material? I’ve busted my ass in order to help you, and you have the nerve to say I’m controlling you?”
“Oh, what a load of crap, Alex! You are not doing this for me or Davy. You are doing it for Lily.” Jennifer spun away from him in disgust.
Alex wanted to pound something in frustration, but he could barely move his arms. “For crying out loud, Jennifer, Lily isn’t here. She married Connor. They moved away. Lily has nothing to do with this. If she did, I would already be in Texas. I’m here with you because I want to be with you.”
“You do not know me!” she shouted.
“Because you won’t let me get to know you!” Alex countered.
Alex stopped speaking. His face turned red. Spots appeared before his eyes, and he had a hard time catching his breath. He saw Jennifer back away from him as the machine he was hooked up to began to scream. A team of doctors rushed into the room and began working on him. Alex felt himself begin to fade and then he was gone.
ALSO BY CARLY JORDYNN:
FOREST OF THE MIST: Travelers http://www.amzn.com/B00ND8C3RE/
SASHA BISHOP: Retired Slayer http://www.amzn.com/B00O99U4V8/
CARLY’s SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
www.facebook.com/carlyjordynn777
www.pinterest.com/CarlyJordynn
http://carlyjordynn.blogspot.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7200409.Carly_Jordynn
October 13, 2015
Wednesday Special Spotlight Heather In The Mist a Scottish Historical
Shines on
Heather In The Mist
Back Cover Blurb:
Forced to wed to save her clan, Lady Rogan Cameron agrees to wed without love. What her father doesn’t know is Lady Rogan has plans of her own—plans to keep her from a loveless marriage. Can she save the clan before she has to say “I do?”
Ian Albright abolished all ties to Scotland after his family betrayed him and he is now nursing a wounded ego due to an unfaithful fiancée. He pledges never to return to his home until the fateful day he accepts an invitation to his dear cousin’s wedding. The minute he sees his cousin’s betrothed, his heart is captured. If only she didn’t belong to another . . .
Lady Rogan and Ian have known each other since they were young and bent on vexing each other. Now, the only thing they find vexing is the fact Rogan is betrothed to another. Together they fight their growing attraction while investigating the forces bedeviling the clan. Yet at every turn their foe appears and wreaks havoc. When tragedy strikes, their hopes are dashed again.
Can Lady Rogan and Ian’s love win when fate seems determined to keep them apart?
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015EFRB6G/
Author Bio:
Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier!
A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They now have 3 children and keep busy cooking, watching their children’s sporting events, and of course reading!
Social Networking Links:
Website: http://www.madelynhill.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68
October 12, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Casablanca: Unconditional Surrender and a Strategic Error
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Casablanca: Unconditional Surrender and a Strategic Error
Like so many people, the movie Casablanca is at the top of my favorites list. 
It is set in 1941 when Morocco was still under the control of the Nazi collaborating Vichy government in Unoccupied France. In the final scene, Rick and Captain Renault walk off arm and arm into the fog, leaving the viewer to wonder what kind of trouble they will get into as they join the resistance. What the movie makers could not have known was . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/casablanca-unconditional-surrender/
October 8, 2015
Friday Features Blue Violet Abigail Owen
Welcomes
Abigail Owen
Author of
Blue Violet
We have Abigail Owen with us today sharing about picking the setting of her new book Blue Violet.
Picking a Setting – Blue Violet
All of Blue Violet, the first book of the Svatura series, and a good portion of, the second book in the series, Hyacinth, are set in a town called Estes Park, Colorado. I thought it might be interesting if I shared a little bit about the actual town and my history there.
A view from Trail Ridge Road
The setting wasn’t an accident or a random selection. The year I was born, my grandparents bought a house in Estes Park that the family all used for years. I grew up spending summers and sometimes Christmases in Estes Park. It is literally my favorite place on the planet. If I couldn’t live there I could at least have my characters live there.
Let me share with you a little of what I love about this place. Now, I will be the first to admit that all my memories are based around wonderful times on vacation there with family. But let’s be honest, the place is gorgeous.
Hummingbirds outside Baldpate Inn
The town, named after Missouri native Joel Estes, who founded the community in 1859, is located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. We always spend a lot of time in the park hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, picnicking, and driving around in the evenings watching the elk and other wildlife. There’s tons of hiking all around, not just in the park itself. We spend a LOT of time hiking. And I love it!
Lake Estes is situated on the outskirts of the downtown area and has a paved trail all the way around it. Many evenings we walk around Lake Estes. Or sometimes I’ll jog down and around it. There are trails everywhere. We also have traditional places that we go eat like the Baldpate Inn, Mary’s Lake Lodge, and the Stanley Hotel. And there’s a candy shop in town that makes the best honeycomb I’ve ever had.
Me finally seeing big horn sheep in Big Thompson Canyon
The town itself is also gorgeous. Big Thompson River runs right through the downtown with shops and lovely little parks all along the water. The shopping is just as fun as the hiking in my opinion. Most of my Christmas decorations are from Estes Park. The champagne flutes my husband and I toasted with at our wedding – that have humming birds and columbine flowers etched into them – are from Estes Park. Even my tattoo, which is the same hummingbird/columbine flower theme (yes I have a tattoo – it took me 10 years to decide what to get), I got because it reminds of of Estes Park.
All in all just a ton of good memories and traditions! If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend a visit to Estes Park, Colorado. I hope that, as you read Blue Violet, you’ll get a sense both the loveliness of the location and how much I love it.
“…Estes Park nestled into a valley in Colorado, just outside the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. In the distance you could see the beaver-shaped notches of Long’s Peak. At this time of year, Estes Park appeared to be a typical sleepy little mountain town, blanketed in white snow. Although Ellie had the impression that, come summer, it would fill with tourists, out to enjoy the many entertainments the beautiful surroundings could offer.” – Blue Violet
A lake along one of our many hikes.
Now some information about Abigail’s book that you should enjoy.
Blue Violet
(Svatura #1)
By Abigail Owen
When fairy tales turn into nightmares…
Ellie Aubrey has spent most of her unnaturally long life hiding her extraordinary abilities from the world. On the run from the shapeshifting wolves who murdered her family, she risks discovery in order to secretly watch over another group of similarly gifted people, determined they won’t suffer the same fate.
Alex Jenner has come home to protect his family from an unknown danger lurking in the woods. Suspicious of the new girl in town, he challenges Ellie in ways that will spark one of two possible outcomes: they’ll spontaneously combust, or she’ll lose control of the one power she’s fought so hard to contain.
In this fairy tale, the dragon the prince must slay is also the princess who holds his heart.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | Apple | Kobo | The Wild Rose Press
Book Info:
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Author: Abigail Owen
Cover Art: Debbie Taylor
Page Count: 266
Word Count: 62050
ISBN (digital): 978-1-62830-946-1
ISBN (print): 978-1-5092-0358-1
Release Date: 10/5/2015 (Originally self-published 8/19/2012)
Rating: Sweet (PG)
Praise for the Blue Violet:
2013 IPPY Awards Bronze Medal winner for Best SciFi/Fantasy/Horror eBook
2014 eLit Book Awards Bronze Medal winner for Best Fantasy/SciFi
‘Blue Violet’ is the type of book that makes me want to press pause on the world (wink wink!!), snuggle in a blanket and read it from start to finish. – Kirsty Vizard, All In One Place
Abigail Owen has done a remarkable job creating a world that blends myth, magic and fantasy while creating characters that are truly “nice” in spite of their potential to be deadly if needed. – Dianne, Tome Tender
This urban fantasy has everything that good urban fantasy needs to have–whether for adults or teens: a sacrificial, powerful Warrior protagonist who gets into trouble because of personal integrity (rather than immaturity, narcissism or downright stupidity), a loyal cadre of friends (AKA a family of affiliation) who look out for each other, strong villains who provide plenty of conflict for the protagonist, and excellent fantasy world-building. – Kate McMurry
Additional Media:
Svatura Series Additional Info
The Svatura Series Pinterest Board
Excerpt
A separate part of her mind remained grudgingly impressed with Alex’s powers of observation. Very few people paid close enough attention to catch little nuances as he had with her. Usually they were too self-centered. But he’d called her out on her vagueness from day one. It had the effect of strengthening the connection she was resisting so desperately.
“What is it that you think I’m hiding, exactly?” Ellie asked, hands on her hips.
“You can’t be who you say you are.”
“I don’t say I’m anyone. I’m just me!” she exclaimed. “Who else would I be?”
He flashed her a dark look. “I saw you.”
“Saw me doing what?” Ellie’s confusion was feigned, but her exasperation was authentic.
“Standing in the woods outside my house.”
Ellie gave him a dumfounded look. “And when exactly was I supposed to be standing outside your house?”
“Late last night,” he snapped.
“Yeah,” she scoffed, “that makes total sense. You really are full of yourself. You know that? You think that some little high school girl likes you so much that she’s just going to stand around your house in the cold, hoping for a glimpse?”
“I think you’re a damn good liar is what I think.” Alex clenched his fists. He looked like he wanted to shake her.
Ellie fumed. Forget that he was right. He didn’t know that for sure, and here he was calling her a liar to her face.
She narrowed her eyes, and her voice grew cold. “And what exactly am I supposed to be lying about?”
Alex’s mouth set in a grim line. “I can’t tell you that.”
Ellie arched an eyebrow. “So let me get this straight…After becoming, well, friends I guess, you suddenly start ignoring me. We barely say two words to each other in six weeks, then out of nowhere you kiss me. But based on…” She flung her arms out all akimbo. “I don’t know what exactly…you come over here to tell me that I’m not who I say I am. That I’m apparently stalking you. Then you call me a liar. But you can’t tell me what you think I’m lying about. Could you be more insulting or more weirdly vague?”
“I guess that’s usually your role, isn’t it? Is anything you’ve ever said to me true?”
“Ah!” Frustration engulfed Ellie until she couldn’t speak. She just stood there, her hands on her hips, shaking her head and blinking.
She couldn’t do this, she suddenly realized. She didn’t want to lie to him. She didn’t want to fight with him. But she couldn’t tell him anything. And he was in the same predicament.
And, just like that, her anger with him turned in on herself and the situation. She started shaking. A violent trembling that signaled a loss of control…and the horrifying possibility of what she might become if she didn’t immediately rein it in. Anger, and now fear for Alex’s safety, warred within her as she struggled to keep her human form.
Without another word she turned and rushed for the back door, grabbing her keys off the kitchen counter. She had to get away from him and force herself to calm down before something terrible happened.
Alex grabbed her arm and whipped her around. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Away from you.”
Bio
Award-winning author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado, and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.
Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.
Where to find Abigail:
Website & Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
For additional information, contact Abigail Owen at abigail.owen.books@gmail.com
Thursday Threads MY SEXY VALENTINE HOLIDAY ANTHOLOGY
Welcomes
MY SEXY VALENTINE HOLIDAY ANTHOLOGY
Featuring Tina Susedik’s Short Story, The Valentine’s Proposal
Other Contributing Anthology Authors: Cheryl Yeko, Sage Spelling, Lynn Cahoon, S.C. Mitchell, Char Chaffin
ANTHOLOGY HEAT LEVEL: STEAMY
Blurb for The Valentine’s Proposal:
When a Valentine’s Day proposal doesn’t go the way she expected, librarian Janetta Simonson’s life changes in ways she’s never dreamed.
BUY LINK: My Sexy Valentine: http://amzn.com/B00SSFM1OChttp:/amzn.com/B00SSFM1OC
EXCERPT FROM The Valentine’s Proposal:
Devlin Baran followed the statuesque brunette as she stomped from the woman’s room and headed to the bar. His cock twitched as her hips swayed in tight jeans. Was the guy who dumped her crazy? To trade in this hot piece for the washed-out blonde?
He’d noticed her the moment she’d walked into the building. Full breasts. Tapered waist. Not too thin. Tall. His body had reacted immediately. He liked his women tall. He’d been ready to join her when the jerk arrived. During their argument he’d called her Janetta. The name seemed to suit her.
Pseudo cowboys irritated the hell out of him. New boots, shiny belt buckle, cheesy western shirt were all signs. But even real cowhands dressed up for a Saturday night on the town, so he could be mistaken. When the man tossed his hat brim side down on the table, Devlin knew him to be a fake. Any real westerner knew you put your hat top side down so not to ruin the folds.
Since he was out of luck with the brunette, he’d headed to the men’s room, where he observed the encounter. He nearly applauded when the woman smacked the pretend cowboy across the cheek and threw the ring into the crowd. Hell. Not only did he like them tall, he loved them spirited, like his fillies on his ranch.
As she headed to the bar, he shook his head. He couldn’t let a hot woman interfere with the job he had to do, needing all his focus to find out who was slipping drugs into women’s drinks. As a rancher working undercover as an FBI agent, he always seemed to be one-step behind the assholes who thought it fine to have sex with unconscious women.
The man, or men, moved from bar to bar in the small rural area. This was the only one that hadn’t been hit. He hoped to hit pay dirt tonight.
He tried to ignore Janetta’s shapely ass as she sat on a stool next to another pseudo cowboy. She must have a thing for their type. After taking her time with one drink, the man tipped his overly white Stetson, leaned in and said something, making her laugh. The back of Devlin’s neck prickled. He seemed familiar.
What was she thinking, Devlin wondered as she let the guy put his hand on her thigh. Even though she oozed sex appeal, after her encounter with Fred, he had the feeling she wasn’t a sexually aggressive person. She seemed more like a kindergarten teacher.
Janetta took a sip of her orange-colored drink and spoke to the man—who threw his head back and laughed. The hand went a bit further up her leg. She took another drink and swayed into him. Maybe he was wrong and she was just another floozy looking to pick up an unsuspecting cowboy.
The man swung an arm around her shoulders and lifted the glass to her lips. Her head dropped into his neck. He glanced over his shoulder and snuggled her into his side. After a few minutes he pulled her from the stool, and like a man helping a drunk companion, headed toward the door.
Shit. She’s been drugged.
ALSO BY TINA SUSEDIK:
Riding for Love: http://www.amazon.com/Riding-for-Love-ebook/dp/B00CLJD31Q
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/riding-for-love-tina-susedik/1119333999?ean=9781619354289
All I Want for Christmas is a Soul Mate: http://www.amzn.com/B00GH2I458/
Where to find Tina:
http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/riding-for-love/
Website: TinaSusedik.com
Blog: http://tinasusedik.wordpress.com./
Twitter: @tinasusedik
Facebook: Tina Susedik, Author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17908316-riding-for-love
October 6, 2015
Wednesday Special Spotlight Shocking Finds Tracey Clark
Focuses on
Shocking Finds
By
Tracey Clark
Blurb:
An act of rebellion, Marin doesn’t think that running into the new store in town will hurt anything. Her aunt will never know… right? One car wreck later, her aunt is hospitalized, Marin is forced to spend her twenty-first birthday fighting for her life, and magic – the very thing her aunt has always sworn to be for fools – is real. And so is the irresistible Fae dedicated to Marin’s protection.
Kyland has searched Earth-side and all the other realms, looking for a missing Fae child. A child his Queen prophesied would be able to one day save the Fae people from the Danshue, as the evil Fae threat tries to overwhelm the entire Supernatural Community. A child that would know nothing of her blocked gifts, or her Fae heritage waiting to be claimed. A child that has grown into a curvy, delicious morsel he would love to taste.
Together Marin and Kyland will fight Fae assassins, overcome betrayals, and if they’re lucky … they will find the Danshue responsible for their plight. That’s if Marin doesn’t shock him to death with her erratic new gift, and her out of control emotions.
Excerpt:
Chapter One
Marin Yarthine had trouble containing a childish giggle or two. She had managed to locate an Orion Starbrary Indigo Violet Aura Lemurian Seed Quartz Crystal for her boss. The longest, oddest name for a rock, but Anton had been very specific. Besides, she was the best Finder at Finder’s Keepers, who better to go on this mission.
Okay… so her job wasn’t actually to go out in the field and complete Finder’s missions. Finds were completed by a different department. Marin knew that she was nothing more than a high paid researcher. She could take a piece of cloth and tell you where it had been, what had been near it, who had touched it, and more importantly, she could visualize where any related objects might be located.
Yesterday, Anton handed Marin an old textbook written in something that looked like Latin, and asked her to Find a rare crystal for his collection. The words on the book cover had been meaningless to her, but once Marin had held the fragile text in her hands, she had known exactly where to go.
Marin had wanted to complete just one mission on her own. She had been prepared to search the dank and cold Kentucky cave systems, not stopping until she had her Find. It was a simple case, with no danger involved. She would never attempt the kidnapping cases, or one of the Finds involving a murder weapon.
Marin had been surprised to feel the newest store in the area, Crystal Sights, pulling at her Finder’s gift. Anton had sworn up and down that the crystal would be hard to locate. Aisle six – rare gems and crystals—was not her idea of difficult. In and out and no one had gotten hurt.
Her aunt, Lindal, refused to even allow her to look at the building as they drove past, and now Marin had been inside and explored.
Marin had completed her first solo Finder’s mission. She had located exactly what Anton needed and managed to purchase a crystal of her very own. Not that she believed in crystals and magic. Her aunt had explained how her own ability, to locate the lost or stolen, was the closest thing to real magic left in the world. If Lindal knew that Marin had purchased one of the crystals for herself, her aunt would lose her ever lovin’ mind.
For once in her life, Marin didn’t care. She had felt the heat coming off her crystal as she held it in her hands. Maybe her aunt was wrong. Maybe the shopkeeper had told the truth, and the fragile but beautiful rock would help Marin come through her Transition with more protection and control.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Eep.” Marin barely managed to turn her full throttled scream into a small startled cry. She crashed into the small angry redhead, the one suddenly blocking her path, as she cleared the store exit.
Book Buy Links:
Amazon Barns & Noble Kobo Indigo Smashwords
Author Links:
Author Blog: https://traceylclark.com/
Book Webpage: http://finderskeepersseries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traceyclark.finderskeepers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/traceylclark11
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/traceclar/
LinkedIn.com: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyclarkauthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/traceylclark
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/traceylclark
October 5, 2015
Sizzle In The Snow newsletter post
#1
Sizzle In The Snow:
A Soul Mate Christmas Collection
SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .
This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology available November 25th on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:
Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise
Welcome to our first newsletter/post in celebration of the release of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection. Get ready as we unveil new surprises with each newsletter post, coming every ten days!
Follow this blog, any of the other authors blogs or subscribe to a newletter. Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!
So, let’s get started!
Busy shopping, wrapping, and socializing? Kick back with a festive mocktail! Recipe shared by Ryan Jo Summers!
Pear Tree Mocktail
1 C ice
1/3 c pear juice
2 Tablespoons simple syrup *
2 Tablespoons lemon & lime juice **
4 fresh mint leaves and 1 mint sprig for garnish
*Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves. Yield will be the same amount of water used.
** lemon and lime juice is equal parts freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice to add acidity.
Preparation: Put pear juice, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice, and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and shake until well blended, about ten seconds. Pour with ice into sniffer or tumbler. Garnish with sprig of mint.
Superfine sugar is a nice garnish for the rim of the glass and dissolves easily.
Company coming over? Author Cheryl Yeko dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:
Rum or Bourbon Balls – Great For Christmas!
1 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 Cup White Sugar
3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
1/2 Cup Rum OR Bourbon
2 ½ Cups Crushed Vanilla Wafers
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts (optional)
1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar
Place chocolate chips into a microwave-safe medium bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, stir and then continue to heat at 20 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Stir in sugar and corn syrup. Blend in rum. Add crushed vanilla wafers and chopped nuts. Mix until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until firm.
Roll the chilled chocolate mixture into bite-size balls. Roll balls in a mixture of ground nuts and confectioner’s sugar, or just plain confectioner’s sugar. Store in a covered container for a week before serving to blend the flavors.
Kim Hotzon has a wonderful holiday memory to share . . .
There is one special Christmas memory that I’ll never forget. As a teenager, I woke on Christmas morning to an announcement from my younger brother, who was only 3 at the time. “Santa built a house!” His wide-eyed exuberance brought me running to the front window. I wiped my bleary eyes as he pointed at the driveway. “See? Santa built you a house!” He jumped up and down in his excitement. Gazing at the driveway, I was too stunned to speak.
What I learned later that morning, as my dad handed me a set of keys duct-taped twenty layers deep, was that he had re-commissioned an old car donated by the church, turning it into a shiny, fabulous set of wheels for his teen-aged daughter. He’d spent months, along with a family friend, detailing and overhauling the car, getting it ready in time for Christmas. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams receiving a car on Christmas morning. Naturally, I squealed, standing in my housecoat on the driveway, as I ripped off the cardboard from a hundred boxes covering the car. The entire ‘box’ was wrapped up in a giant, red bow. To my brother’s eyes, it certainly looked like a house, though I had to explain to him that it was in fact a car. I was humbled, surprised, and delighted by the realization that others would go to such lengths to make that car into something special for me. My dad provided a lesson in giving from the heart that resonated deeply. The only condition given to me? I had to save up for car insurance!
Music Corner
Listen up! Beth Carter shares her favorite holiday song:
Craft Corner
Feeling crafty? CD Hersh shares a festive DIY craft:
Santa Mobile
Catherine loves to change the Christmas décor in our house—she has five different Christmas trees, enough ornaments to decorate the trees differently for five years and not repeat, and a gazillion village pieces and Nativities. But the one thing that always finds a spot every Christmas is our Santa mobile, originally made by Donald’s father. We don’t know where he got the craft idea, but over the years he, or Donald, has made a Santa for everyone in the family. We thought since our novella is entitled Kissing Santa, this would be a perfect DIY craft to share with you. The mobile takes some time to construct, but will give you years of fun as you watch Santa spin.
Materials:
Three ping pong balls- Two white and one red. If you don’t have a red ping pong ball you can paint one of the three balls.
Heavy thread (button thread works well)
Red and white heavyweight construction board/lightweight poster board
Black marker
Red marker or red nail polish to paint one of the ping pong balls.
Rubber cement
Heavy duty sewing needle
Directions:
Using the black marker, draw black circle for Santa’s pupil on two of the balls. Set aside to dry. Color the third ball red, if needed
2, Cut Santa’s hat from the red poster board following the dimension on figure 2.
Figure 2
3. From the white poster board, cut 2 bands the same width and height for hat. (see figure 2) Cut one beard. See figure 3 for beard dimensions and shape.
Figure 3
4. Using a straight edge, fold the hat on dimensions shown in figure 2.
5. Following the measurements on the figure 4, string the eyes through the bottom and the top of the ping pong balls, leaving enough string on the nose to affix it to the beard. Knot the string at the bottom of the eyes and glue the strings under the white band of Santa’s hat. Glue the string to beard, applying a small square of white poster board over the end of the string to secure it.
Figure 4
6. Cut another piece of string to hang the mobile with. Knot and stitch the thread through the fold on Santa’s hat, apply glue if necessary to keep the string in place.
7. Hang and enjoy!
Book Corner
We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .
Author Crystal Firsdon gives an excerpt of her short story, ‘Twas The Crazy Night Before Christmas!
Clara lay flat on her back, dead silent. A rock dug into her shoulder and she fought the urge to wiggle out of the way. The dirt beneath her was dry and chilly while a small pool of sweat puddled between her breasts. The stranger she’d met only a half hour earlier lay directly on top of her, propped up on his elbows on either side of her head, covering her body head to toe in a protective shield. Her hands were pinned between their chests and, no matter how hard she tried to still them, trembled.
He kept as much of his weight off her as he could, but their bodies still clung to one another. He lowered his head an inch and whispered, “Relax.”
Clara nodded. “What did you say your name was?” she whispered back. He’d never told her his name, just grabbed her from the store and ran like hell.
“Shhh.” His breath in her ear sent shivers down the side of her neck, and if they weren’t being chased by a couple of thugs with guns, she’d take time to enjoy the feeling.
She took a slow, deep breath but it forced their bodies tighter together, and dear God, she enjoyed it.
Which made her an idiot.
Maybe she should slide out from under him if the adrenaline rush affected her thoughts like that.
Decorating Corner
Time to bring out the mistletoe! Amy Deason has some great decorating tips!
My family loves Christmas. Especially my husband, Shaun. He’s more like a kid than our kids. 1. Anyway, we always set our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. My hubby and I do the lights and the kids pick out the decorations to use. One year it’s blue and silver. The next it’s blue and silver. At last, the angel at the top. That is Shaun’s job. 2. We hang lights outside on our porch. But it doesn’t stop there. We decorate the inside of our home with multi-color lights and blue and silver ornaments. And of course the kids want their rooms to look Christmasy too. (Christmas lights make great night lights by the way.) 3. A handmade wreath (made by yours truly) hangs on the front door. I made it for our first Christmas together in 2011 and it has been used ever since. 4. Each year, the whole family-5 of us-buy and decorate stockings to hang up. It is a lot of fun. We use glue and glitter. Sometimes we write our names and other times we just draw Christmasy things on them. We never know what we are gonna do. And of course our 2 dogs have to have their own stockings too. Also every year we all choose and buy one ornament as the family ornament for that year. We write the year on the bottom. It’s nice to look back at our ornaments and remember the years past. 5. And on Christmas Eve, the kids and I bake cookies for Santa and write him a note to go with them (while trying to keep Shaun out of them!). Then right before bed, all of us gather around with a mug of hot cocoa and a Christmas cookie or two and listen to Shaun read us the story of The Night Before Christmas.
What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Author Tina Susedik sends her holiday greetings:
©Photos by Tina
Of course, as authors we love our readers, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to offer swag, free books, and a grand prize which will be awarded to one lucky blog/newsletter follower! Don’t miss out! Follow and join the author’s blogs!
Don’t miss our upcoming Facebook launch party with tons of goodies to giveaway! Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection! (FB launch date TBA).
