C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 160
July 2, 2015
Friday Feature Iris Wynne The Missing Mah Jongg Player
Welcomes
Iris Wynne
Author or
The Missing Mah Jongg Player
We welcome Iris back today and she is sharing with us the history behind the game of Mah Jongg. A game we know nothing about. So, Iris, where did this game come from?
The History of Mah Jongg.
Mah Jongg precursors’ are centuries old. The North American version of Mah Jongg however dates back about 150 years. A servant of the Chinese emperor in 1846, incorporated the rules of trendy card games and replaced the cards with tiles to create the game of Mah Jongg. The name Mah Jongg means sparrow and pictures of birds are engraved on the tiles.
An American businessman, Joseph Babcock, travelled to China on behalf of the Standard Oil Company in 1912 and brought back the game to North America. He changed the numbers on the tiles to numerals which Americans are familiar with.
Abercrombie and Fitch, then a sporting and goods store, was the first place to sell the game of Mah Jongg to the public.
The rest is history.
Book Blurb:
Five frantic Mah Jongg Players are in search of their missing player when she disappears after meeting a man on an online dating site. They hire a private eye who at first is reluctant to take the case. But the case begins to unravel when lies and betrayal become evident and the truth of what happens to the missing Mah Jongg player becomes clear. Will he be able to find the suspect before they choose another victim?
This is his biggest challenge yet.
Excerpt
He noticed the girl had not taken off her sunglasses. She was slim with dark-brown hair, a pale, thin face, and a nose too big for her small, heart-shaped face. Still, he found her quite attractive. She looked well groomed, and had a long orange and red scarf around her neck with those high boots and skinny pants he observed was the fashion for the last year or so. She looked miserable, though. The older woman was also attractive with blond hair, blue eyes, and an amiable smile. A long black coat enfolded her body.
“I’d offer you coffee but I don’t have any.” For some reason, he felt he had to give an excuse. “My receptionist left a while ago and I haven’t found a replacement.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Harriet said, looking over at Sarah. She was moping, gazing down at her boots. A great help she was.
The PI sat down and started tapping his pen. She felt that she was on a job interview except she was the one with the paycheck. She didn’t know where to start.
She couldn’t help but notice he was very good-looking. He wore blue jeans, a white shirt, sleeves rolled up, and was tall and lanky. His eyes, bright blue, smiled directly at you. Killer eyes, they were. His wavy light-brown hair was a little greasy yet that did not take away from his good looks. She tried not to notice his biceps, which were bulging out of his shirt. Later, she would have to talk about him with Sarah, saying how gorgeous he was.
“So why are you here?” he asked.
“A good friend of mine is missing.”
The PI glanced over at the younger woman whose lips started to wobble.
“I also used to play Mah Jongg with her, and she and Sarah helped me open up my cupcake store and make it successful.” Sarah was sniffling now. Could this get any worse? Did Jason have to break up with her now of all times? Sarah had also gotten close with Marilou and both of them had been like a mother to her, sort of a family she really never had. Today, though, she could throttle her.
“My friend has gone missing after meeting a guy online.”
The PI continued to stare at her, waiting. Harriet looked pointedly at his hand. “Aren’t you going to write this down?”
“I’m not sure I’m going to take the case.”
She blinked back at him, feeling her cheeks warm.
“I thought Laurie told you about me?”
“I said I would listen but that’s all I promised.”
Harriet felt her cheeks grow hotter.
BIO
Iris Wynne is a book lover, a day dreamer and a hopeless romantic. She is a writer of cozy mysteries with an element of romance. She is a mother of two girls and in her spare time she dog walks, plays golf in the summer, and of course grabs a game of Mah Jongg whenever she can. The Missing Mah Jongg Player is her book debut.
Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.ca/Missing-Mah-Johngg-Player-ebook/dp/B00XK4FSSW/
http://http://www.iriswynne.com/
Thursday Threads A Journey Home Angela Scavone
Welcomes
A Journey Home
By
Angela Scavone
Genre: Contemporary/Military
Heat Level: Sweet
Book Blurb: Stephanie Tyler’s sole job is to fly overseas to war torn areas of the world to retrieve and escort the bodies of fallen soldiers back home to the United States. It is a tough and emotional job but she is honored for the privilege. Her duty also helps her to escape her past and her failed marriage.
But those flights have become increasingly more dangerous and she is forced to have a partner accompany her. Much to Stephanie’s surprise and dismay, she is partnered up with her ex-husband, Captain “D.A.” Douglas Aston. From the moment Captain D.A. enters the scene, he irritates her. It could have something to do with the fact he slept with her best friend while they were married. As they go on several missions together, Stephanie is forced to be courteous and professional with D.A. even though the very sight of him irritates her beyond comprehension.
Then, Stephanie’s cheating, husband stealing, ex-best friend is killed in Afghanistan and Stephanie and D.A. must escort her body home. While executing this difficult duty, a myriad of conflicting emotions makes Stephanie ponder how short life really is . . . and to question her own ability to forgive.
Social Network Links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/angela.scavone.52
Twitter https://twitter.com/busterwhyte
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6683076-angela-scavone
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/busterwhyte/
Excerpt:
The phone intercom buzzed and Pam came over the speaker. “Sorry to interrupt, Colonel, but you wanted me to let you know when Captain Aston was here.”
I stared at the Colonel wide-eyed.
He merely smiled and said, “Thanks, Pam. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“He’s here now?” I asked, incredulously.
“Didn’t I mention that?” He rose from his chair and walked to the door as I stood and straightened my uniform.
The Colonel stood with his hand on the doorknob, watching me fuss. “You look tremendous, Captain.”
“What? Oh I don’t care what I look like for him,” I immediately protested, waving my hand in the air.
“Of course.” He was still smiling as he opened the door. “Captain Aston, please come in.”
I heard his voice first. “Thank you, Colonel.”
I glanced down at my uniform to make sure everything was in place before he came into the room. When I looked back up, Captain Aston was walking through the door.
To the female eye, he was a very attractive man. He stood at six-four and was well built, but not so much that muscles and tendons were popping out everywhere. He had a strong jaw and black hair just long enough to run your fingers through. Dressed in full uniform, his handsome features were even more prominent.
Not that I noticed.
“Please come in and we can discuss your new role.”
“Yes, Sir.” Captain DA put out his hand for me to shake, flashing his killer smile that started in his bright blue eyes and ended in a set of mouth-framing dimples. “Good to see you again, Captain.”
I returned his smile and handshake, determined to be professional in front of the Colonel even if it killed me.
Colonel Madison resumed his place behind his desk. “Please sit. This is a quick, informal meeting to get reacquainted with each other.”
I remained on my feet which kept both men standing. “Sir, with all due respect,” I began, facing the Colonel, “I cannot work with Captain Aston.” Apparently, my mouth wasn’t on board with being professional.
“Why not?” DA asked, sounding offended.
I ignored his question and kept my attention on the Colonel, who looked as if he were about to laugh. “We used to be married.”
“I know that.” He smiled.
“Our marriage did not end on a positive note,” I continued, “and I don’t think I can work with him on a day to day basis. In fact, I left Virginia to get away from him.”
“You know, I’m standing right here,” DA chimed in.
“Captain Tyler, are you telling me you can’t put your differences aside to work together as a team? Even though I asked you as a personal favor?” The Colonel’s smile had vanished and there was now a warning in his tone.
“No, Sir.” I heard the warning and decided it was time to back off the fight. “I’ll try putting our differences aside to work together, but I can’t promise I won’t kill him in the process.”
The Colonel coughed out a chuckle. “That’s all I can ask for. Now, you—hopefully—have some time off before another call comes in. Why don’t you show Captain DA around?”
The Colonel spoke as I reached for the door handle. “I’m curious, off the record, of course. How did your marriage end? I remember the wedding. You two seemed so compatible and so in love. What happened?”
DA and I looked at each other for the first time since his arrival.
“He cheated on me with a friend of mine,” I replied baldly.
“I did not cheat on you! How many times do I have to say it before you believe me?” he retorted, all vestiges of professionalism gone.
“Oh, here we go again!” I shouted back. “I came home early, I walked into the kitchen and there was Alex on top of you on the kitchen floor.”
“I told you it wasn’t what it looked like. I have said over and over again that I did not sleep with Alex!” His tone increased until he was shouting, too.
“You’re telling me that you two never slept together?” I demanded an answer.
“Well . . .” He looked away from me. “Not while we were married.”
“I knew it!”
“It was after we were separated and you had moved here! What did you want me to do? Never sleep with anyone again?”
“You can sleep with whomever or whatever you want for all I care—”
“Ahem.” The Colonel cut in. I jerked back, startled; in the heat of arguing with my frustrating ex, I had forgotten my boss was there.
“Sorry, Sir. Do you see why I can’t work with him?”
The Colonel regarded us both. “Alex?” he questioned DA.
“Alexandra Keating, Sir. She was Stephanie’s best friend.”
“Best friend, my left toe! She’s a traitorous, backstabbing, two-faced, lying, husband stealing bitch.”
“Wow, that’s quite descriptive, Captain. Why don’t you tell us your true feelings about her?” Both of the Colonel’s eyebrows rose in shock.
“I’m only speaking the truth, Sir.” I addressed the Colonel but glared at DA.
“Well.” He clapped his hands together to signal the end of our bickering. “I know you two can be respectful when escorting a fallen soldier home and I know you will be professional during the dignified transfer ceremonies. However, please try and be professional at other times as well or at least civil to each other.” He waved us toward the door.
DA and I both nodded and exited the office. Before we could leave the reception area, the Colonel poked his head out of his office door.
“And, Captain Tyler-”
“Sir?”
“Try not to kill him, please. He just arrived at our base and it wouldn’t look good in the press.”
Knowing the Colonel had a wicked sense of humor, I still couldn’t find my own jocularity. “No promises, Sir, But I’ll give it my best shot.”
“That’s all I ask.”
June 30, 2015
Wednesday Special Spotlight Shines On Carmen Fox
Shines On
Carmen Fox
Author of
Guarded
Carmen writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance with Sassitude.
Her book titled, DIVIDE AND CONQUER, is out now with her newest book, GUARDED, to come out July 31, 2015. You can visit with her at http://www.carmen-fox.com/
Guarded (The Silverton Chronicles, Book 1)
by Carmen Fox
Published by Smart Heart Publishing
Print release: June 26
eBook release: July 31, 2015
Genre: Sexy Urban Fantasy
When everyone’s existence depends on the lies they tell, trust doesn’t come easy.
Ivy’s neighbors have a secret. They aren’t human. But Ivy has a secret, too. She knows. As long as everyone keeps quiet, she’s happy working as a P.I. by day and chillaxing with her BFF Florian, a vampire, by night. When a routine pickup drops her in the middle of a murder, her two worlds collide. While Florian knows how to throw a punch, deep down he’s a softie. His idea of scary? Running out of hair product. It’s time Ivy faced facts. Even with a vampire on stand-by, one gal can only kick so many asses.
For help, she must put her faith in others. A human, who might just be the one. A demon, who will, for a price, open the doors to her heritage. And a werewolf, who wants to protect her from herself.
Torn between these men, Ivy must tread carefully, because one wants her heart, one wants her body, and one wants her dead.
Excerpt:
A shadow peeled off a dark corner and rushed across the road. My thoughts of the unfairness of life lifted, and I smiled. Dressed in his usual muted colors, Florian gave a mock salute. Not even the lack of a California tan detracted from the fact that he was, by all accounts, a handsome devil. But it was his inner qualities that made him my best friend.
I got out and slammed the door shut.
Flo shot me his trademark grin that half begged to be mothered, half promised a naughty night. “Happy birthday, Ivy!”
“Not so far. I think my car’s kaput.” I sent an eyeroll toward the steam escaping the hood.
“Oh?” His forehead puckered. “Let’s see. Did it slug and thud into the drive?” His index finger in his ear, he shook his tilted head, as if to force out some lingering noise. “Check. Is it stinky?” He sniffed the noxious plume surrounding the vehicle. “Check. Broken side view mirror? Check. Well, I can confidently say I notice nothing out of the ordinary.”
“You’re a funny guy, mister. If you’re not too busy doing standup tomorrow night, do you think you could chauffeur me?” I pouted. “I have a work thing, and getting the car fixed might take some time.”
“Aww, come here. Of course I will.” He yanked me into a firm mother-bear hug.
I held tight. His fresh, if powerful, cologne was a scent for sore noses, and I added another couple of gratuitous sniffs. “Thanks. I needed that.”
“I’ll let you get some rest, then. You don’t seem in the mood for a birthday bash. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me.” Despite his curious looks at my front door, he knew better than to invite himself in. With a wave, he turned and crossed the road to the large building he and his siblings called home.
I never let anyone enter my house without at least half an hour’s notice. The metal guards on my walls would reveal my secret. And more than anything, my friendship with Florian was based on mutual subterfuge.
He didn’t tell me he was a vampire. And I didn’t tell him I already knew.
About The Author
Carmen lives in the south of England with her beloved tea maker and a stuffed sheep called Fergus. An avid reader since childhood, she caught the writing bug when her Nana asked her to write a story. She also has a law degree, studied physics for a few years, dabbled in marketing and human resources, and speaks native-level German and fluent Geek. Her preferred niches of geekdom are tabletop games, comics, sci-fi and fantasy.
She writes about smart women with sassitude, about pretty cool guys too, and will chase that plot twist, no matter how elusive.
Expect to be kept guessing.
Where to find her:
For details on Carmen’s other work, visit her website at http://www.carmen-fox.com/.
Video Trailer: http://youtu.be/9gEgmHhoABg
Review Trailer: http://youtu.be/rpI5DtqvR8E
Book page: www.carmen-fox.com/guarded
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0993199224/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25668497-guarded
June 29, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday History July 4th
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
History July 4th
Bet You Didn’t Know: Independence Day
Did you know New York City has the biggest fireworks display in the United States and that three U.S. presidents died on July 4?
Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
June 25, 2015
Friday Feature Leave Yesterday Behind Lauren Linwood
Looks at
Leave Yesterday Behind
By
Lauren Linwood
Today Lauren Linwood has consented to share a little about her writing and her excellent new book Leave Yesterday Behind. The post is all yours Lauren.
I’m used to doing research for my historical romances. I’ve released 4 westerns and 2 medievals (with another medieval coming in November). I’ve read books, gone online, and visited museums as I’ve learned about cattle drives, dime novels, castles, medieval weaponry, and more.
But when I decided to write a contemporary romantic suspense with a serial killer, that was a different ball game!
I did read up and take copious notes on psychopaths and sociopaths—so much that I’ve written another romantic suspense with a serial killer in Georgia that will come out in March 2016. A good writer is a smart writer as far as research goes, so anytime I can mine for information and use it in multiple books is all icing on the cake for me.
I also re-watched a few movies featuring killers to get into the mind of that particular criminal, including Mr. Brooks, The Silence of the Lambs, and Copycat.
Then I simply let myself write! My hero Nick is a mystery writer, so I could easily relate my writing experiences to his character. My heroine Callie is an actress, and I’ve known several over the years. I created a fictional town where both characters live, and that was fun. I also let my couple go into New Orleans for a day, a city I honeymooned in and have visited several times over the years.
I enjoyed writing a contemporary romantic suspense so much that I recently completed a manuscript for another one, setting it in my birthplace of Dallas. I’ve lived in or near Dallas my entire life, so research for this book was minimal. That allowed me to focus more on my plotting and characters, which was a nice change.
Of course, the lure of research will always call out to me again. I’m toying with an idea of another medieval right now, so I’ll probably go read up on wedding feasts and war to get in the mood to brainstorm a new book!
Thanks Lauren so much for sharing. I (Donald) should also note that I’ve read Leave Yesterday Behind and found it to be a book you can just sit back and enjoy reading. The character’s emotions and actions are understandable, believable, and most importantly Nick LaChappelle and Callie Chennault truly care for each other. While both have been hurt in the past they are able to talk about their past problems and work together to solve their differences instead of non-communication being the conflict of the story.
See what you think about the book and if it seems to interested you then click on the buy link below.
Now for Leave Yesterday Behind.
Blurb:
Callie Chennault vaulted to fame on the nighttime soap Sumner Falls, but after a decade of playing the same role, she is ready for a new acting challenge. When Callie is attacked by a stalker on the streets of New York, she takes a leave of absence from the show and returns to her roots in Aurora, Louisiana, to heal both physically and emotionally and determine her next career move.
Former professional baseball pitcher Nick La Chappelle has also come to Aurora to lick his own wounds after a messy divorce. A Cy Young winner and one-time ESPN broadcaster, Nick longs for the quiet of a small town in order to write murder mysteries under a pen name.
Sparks fly when Callie believes Nick is taking advantage of her great-aunt’s hospitality, but they resolve their differences—and surprise themselves by falling in love. Their bond is tested when both Nick and Callie become the focus of a serial killer nicknamed Lipstick Larry. Can they outwit a murderer bent on seeing them dead and survive to build a lasting relationship?
Excerpt:
Maybe she should take a cab home. But her subway station was only a block and half away. It would be foolish to stand out in a downpour after nine at night when she could duck in and be on her way downtown in a couple of minutes. Callie liked that people left her alone on the subway. A few sometimes stared at her and frowned, wondering if they’d ever seen her before. Most turned away, not quite able to place her.
After all, she left Jessica behind at the studio every day. No chic clothes, Ravenous Red mouth, or fancy hairstyle. She didn’t often get recognized in real life unless it was a die-hard fan. Even then, most New Yorkers were cool about it and simply ignored her.
Chill out. Just move.
“Jessica?”
She turned automatically and saw a man standing behind her. He was probably the reason she’d had the feeling of being followed. He seemed a little out of breath, as if he’d been keeping up with her awhile. It had happened before. She knew it would happen again.
And always with this type.
He was non-descript in every way—average height and build, brown hair, glasses. Harmless looking. Dopey grin on his face, like he’d hit the lottery because he’d actually had the balls to speak to the crush of his daydreams. She knew enough to be firm. Give him a brief little personal moment, a smile and her signature on something, and get back to her life.
Then a quick flash of John Lennon signing an autograph for Mark David Chapman zipped through her brain. He’d been average, too.
And he’d killed Lennon hours after someone snapped a photograph of them together.
“You don’t look like Jessica up close.” His voice was silky, almost caressing, yet the tone was definitely disappointed.
Her pulse quickened. She took a step back to put a little distance between them and brushed against a brick wall.
“I like to give my skin a rest away from the studio. All that heavy make-up and hairspray can cause a girl some damage.” She kept her tone calm and friendly as she glanced over the man’s shoulder.
No one was in sight.
“I want to see Jessica. She’s my favorite.”
He pulled something from his pocket and held it up. “Put this on. It’ll help. It’s the perfect shade.” He smiled shyly. “I’ll even let you do it. You’re the expert.” He reached out and grabbed her wrist and laid the item in her hand before letting go.
Chills ran through her as she opened her palm. In it lay a gold tube of Jessica’s signature Ravenous Red.
Buy Link:
Lauren’s Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.laurenlinwood.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurenlinwood
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurenLinwood
Blog: http://www.laurenlinwood.com/write-up-my-alley/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.com/e/B00CSSG8BC/
Thursday Threads Fallen Redemption RB Austin
Welcomes
FALLEN REDEMPTION
By
RB Austin
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
HEAT LEVEL: Sizzling
Blurb: Killing Fallen to save mankind is Cade’s redemption for murder and only one human—mouthwatering and absolutely forbidden—stands in his way.
Cade committed himself to saving lives before he learned the full consequences of his life-altering decision. It wasn’t until he was tending his sick wife that he learned the enormity of what he’d done and he was unable to save her from the monster he had become. Consumed with guilt and praying for absolution, he threw himself into killing every Fallen he could find to save the humans he’d sworn to protect. But then Emma, deliciously mortal and completely forbidden, swept into his world, stirring an overpowering desire. Now he’s not only fighting soulless creatures, but also his inner cravings, trying to maintain his distance and continue on his path to forgiveness. He won’t lose control again and lose another love.
Excerpt:
The cut was small and not deep, it would stop bleeding in a matter of minutes.
Blood seeped from the wound. It trickled down Sarah’s wrist and pooled in her upturned hand.
He froze.
Changes overcame his body. Uncontrollable. Unknown.
Breath quickened. Heart pounded as loud as a horse’s gallop. Sarah hadn’t awakened. The pain from her cut was insubstantial compared to the pain of her sickness.
The thick, crimson liquid flowing from the wound was anything but insubstantial to Caderyn. Still unable to move, his eyes hadn’t wavered from the blood. The tray left his hands and clattered to the ground. His knees buckled and he sank to the floor, bringing himself an inch from the cut. The scent of blood filled his nostrils. Consumed all thought. Sight. He wanted to close his eyes and savor the reverent aroma filling his senses. Something awakened inside of him.
Foreign.
Monstrous.
Wrong.
He was hungry, yet didn’t want food. Thirsty, but didn’t want to reach for a cup of water. Another drop of blood welled from the cut. A growl tore from his throat.
It was the switch and it had been thrown.
One moment he was himself. The monster inside separate. Next the wall between the two vanished. He was the Behnshma. His humanity gone. Another growl. It echoed around the house. Filled his ears.
He was ravenous. The fact he hadn’t eaten in a little over a week ached his empty belly and burned his dry, parched throat. There were two pricks of pain in his top gum. Finger in his mouth, he found two long, sharp as knives, teeth. Like Elias. Like the wolves in the forest when they tore into a deer carcass. Their muzzles bloody, meat dangling from their mouths. Blood.
He knew what he wanted to do, what his body demanded he do. Caderyn licked his lips and his tongue nicked an elongated tooth. His own blood melted decadently over his tongue. A flood of senses erupted. Never had he tasted anything this wonderful. His mouth zinged with flavor. The blood coated his throat. He’d been dying of thirst his whole life but hadn’t known it. Warmth spread through his body.
His hands shook as he brought them to Sarah’s arm. Grasping her wrist and forearm he leaned toward the blood. Inch by inch. He was a magnet and her arm was the polar opposite.
Her inaudible yelp of fright permeated through the rushing noise in his ears. He tore his eyes away and met her wide-eyed startled ones.
Stop.
Fear was an acrid, burning stench in his nostrils. Her thoughts a chaotic jumble weaving through his mind. She tried to move her lethargic limbs. Tried to escape. To break free.
He flexed his hands, squeezing her arm as his gaze trailed from the vein in her neck to the one in her wrist right below the cut. The blood slowed and the edges of the wound begun to dry. The tangy, copper scent of the fresh liquid underneath her skin reached his nose. Caderyn listened to it pass through her veins. Faster and faster.
Ignoring his wife’s futile attempts to escape, he leaned closer and inhaled. A growl erupted from his throat. He bent. Licked the wound. Groaned. His cock hardened.
Sarah, panicked now, tried to yank her arm free. It was the most she’d moved in days. Growling, like a dog with his bone, he held down her upper arm and her squirming hand. Pushed it back until her forearm bowed, and the cut extended to him like a present.
Caderyn. Please. I beg you.
He was hurting her arm. Scaring her. She was begging.
Flicking his tongue over her wrist, he caught another drop of the thick liquid gold. Then another and another. It wasn’t enough. He bared his teeth, striking fast to sink them deep into her wrist. She gave a weak jerk. Caderyn drew her blood into his mouth with long pulls. His cock jerked and warmth spread inside his breeches. There was no stopping. Her struggles to escape were an annoying insect buzzing around the room. The pleas to stop were shouts in his head. Both were easy to ignore. Sarah ceased to struggle.
He was killing her.
He couldn’t stop.
And didn’t stop until she was dead.
BUY LINK: http://www.amzn.com/B00E49OQ12/
RB Austin Social Networks:
Facebook: http://fb.me/rbaustinauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorrbaustin
Amazon: http://amzn.com/author/rbaustin
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/rbaustin
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorrbaustin
Blog: http://www.2unpublishedgirls.com/
June 23, 2015
Wednesday Special Spotlight The Unraveling
Is focused on
The Unraveling
Volume One of The Luminated Threads
In 1868 England, the competition to control agriculture is fierce…
…and nobody says no to Derby’s industrial magnate.
Except Annmar Masterson. The nineteen-year-old rejects his improper advances and instead takes an advertising position on a farm. She discovers the isolated valley is home to gifted species—including animal and plant shifters—who hide their lives from the rest of England. The blue threads only she sees on their clockwork machinery prove her heritage is rooted with theirs, but their world is so different that Annmar doesn’t know if she’ll ever belong.
Shapeshifter Daeryn Darkcoat blames himself for the death of his mate and swears he won’t be responsible for another pack. But when the farm he loves falls victim to an endless run of strange pests eating the crops, he joins the hunt, taking charge of an unruly team of predator shifters. In the midst of the battle, Annmar stirs feelings he can’t resist.
As Annmar becomes entangled in the fight against the pests, and with Daeryn, she discovers her magic might help…if she can learn to use it properly. If not, she’ll be forced to leave the people she has come to care for and become what she fears most: nothing more than another cog in the magnate’s gears.
THE UNRAVELING is a full-length novel, approximately 350 pages, for readers 18+ (new adult and older). Please note: This is volume 1 of a three-part serialized novel. Volume 2 will be published in fall of 2015 and Volume 3 winter of 2016 to complete THE LUMINATED THREADS, a steampunk fantasy romance. To be notified of these releases, sign up for Laurel’s Newsletter. (http://eepurl.com/17xRH)
Excerpt
Several wagons pulled by steam tractors had arrived. Two boys and a woman—all dressed in trousers and their shirtsleeves, with only waistcoats topping their homespun shirts—unloaded bushel baskets onto a dumbwaiter platform. It hung by chains from a dormer extension where several more farmworkers waited beside a barrel-like engine.
Annmar’s gaze shot to the gears on one end. Chains wrapped around a sprocket led up to a cogged pulley at the peak of the dormer roof. Beside the machine, an older, dark-skinned man called down and everyone backed away. He threw a lever. The engine chugged to life and the chains jerked stiff. They crept over the grinding gears and the platform rose.
“Oh, my,” Annmar exhaled. “The mechanized windlass in use.”
Mistress Gere raised a brow at her. “You recognize the machine? It’s among the latest in farm improvements.”
“I, uh…” Annmar stared at the churning apparatus. She could leave Mr. Shearing out of this. “The shop I worked at produced its advertisements.” Ones she had drawn.
“Ah. Yes. Shall we?” Mistress Gere gestured to the wide wooden stair leading to the second floor.
They ascended and the platform kept pace, its crates filled with squash and tomatoes. The clinking chain made conversation impossible. By the time they reached the top, the idling windlass hissed quietly. The gray-haired man held the platform steady while men and a few girls grabbed the crates and swung them into the space beyond. One of the young men sported a rather unruly haircut. While his dark brown hair lay short around his ears, most on the top swept long across his brow, something never seen on the streets of Derby. He turned and met her gaze.
Annmar caught her breath. His brown eyes were like none she’d seen, wide and slanted, the rich chocolate color making a strong focus in his paler brown-sugar skin. Face on, his rounded ears were prominent, nearly animal-like, and cute.
Oh, to capture this strange, no, exotic look… Her finger slid along the side of the sketchbook and found the pencil splitting its pages.
He grinned, the smile open, friendly and playful all at once.
Before realizing she’d done it, Annmar smiled back. He was gorgeous. And her age. Much more suitable than Mr. Shearing would ever…oh, my! Her chest and neck heated.
Something hit her foot and clattered away with a familiar sound. She ducked toward the windlass to pick up her pencil. Straightening, her gaze caught the gold-edged, green lettering emblazoned across the machine’s water tank: Shearing Enterprises.
The flutter of excitement died. So there would be reminders, even here.
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XGY8QIK
Laurel’s Links:
Website: http://www.laurelwanrow.com/
Twitter: @laurelwanrow
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/laurelwanrowauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/laurelwanrow
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laurelwanrow/
June 22, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Summertime Book Giveaway
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
IT’S A SUMMER BOOK PARTY!!!
Free is good, free is awesome- free is amazing!
Free is FREE!
As you can tell, I like free, and when I find free things going on I want to tell my friends. Friends, we have a summer bonanza going on!
Enter the rafflecopter . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://faeriesdragonsspaceships.blogspot.com/2015/06/summertime-book-giveaway.html
June 18, 2015
Friday Feature Maternal Threads Frances Susanne Brown
Shares
Maternal Threads
By
Frances Susanne Brown
Today we are hosting Frances Susanne Brown. She is sharing with us how her memoir is a romance and a mystery. So tells us Frances, how is that possible?
Thank you, C.D. Hersh, for hosting me on Friday Feature today!
I’m celebrating the recent release of my memoir, Maternal Threads, from High Hill Press. That’s right, it’s a memoir.
Not a romance, you ask? Not a mystery? Well, yes, it’s a little bit of both. But as nonfiction, it falls into the category of memoir, since the story told is essentially factual, as least as far as my memory would allow.
Mysteries are great—how could we imagine life without Stephen King, Linda Howard, or Preston and Child? We couldn’t. Everyone loves an intriguing, unanswered question, whether it’s a spine-chilling murder tale or one that takes us into another dimension, another world entirely.
But what if that mystery, that unanswered question, turns out to be a little more personal than fiction? Beyond the realm of the imaginary? Like, in your own family tree?
I reached the age of fifty-two before I realized there was something missing from my life. And trust me, I had no right to make such a claim. I’d been one of the lucky ones—blessed with good health, landing my happily-ever-after husband 30 odd years ago, raising three successful, happy children, and achieving a sort of “status” in my chosen career field of scientific research.
So, I had it all, right? What on earth could be missing?
I’d reached this, what should have been the settled stage of mid-life and realized one terrifying fact: I didn’t know who I was. I couldn’t relate to other women in any of the arenas of my life’s facets comfortably. I was still going to school—still a student!—at an age when I should have been satisfied with what I’d achieved earlier in life. Hell, I couldn’t even go shopping for a holiday party outfit without feeling as lost as a kitten behind a garbage pail. An ill-dressed one at that.
I was half a tree. Although I had a firm grasp on my heritage on my dad’s side, I had no clue about my maternal heritage. On my mother’s side, I’d had Mom and Aunt Charlotte, my mother’s “half-sister.” Charlotte was seventeen when my mother was born.
Trouble was, by the time I decided to explore my maternal side, everyone who could have answered my questions had passed. If they even would have been willing to provide answers.
And then, there was my daughter. My only daughter, who was about as different from me, and from my mother, as sugar from vinegar. Yet as she matured into an independent, difficult, free-spirited woman before my eyes, there was something disconcertingly familiar about her . . .
She reminded me an awful lot of Aunt Charlotte, who grew up embracing the cocky attitude of the flappers in 1920s New York.
Maternal Threads describes my journey through my own history in an effort to stabilize my otherwise unbalanced sense of identity. It took me back to the Flapper Era, 1920s Greenwich Village, when the Gibson girl cut her hair, bound her breasts, and shunned the until-then classic visage of femininity. It led me to the disconcerting discovery that the town where my mother was born no longer even appeared on a map.
Memoirs are not just about one person’s life. On the contrary, a memoir can unearth a plethora of commonalities we all share. Idiosyncrasies, uncertainties, and fears we all can relate to. And learn from.
Maternal Threads is a mystery, and it’s about history, but a very special kind. It’s about ancestry—a very personal and precious history that each and every one of us owns.
Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/1GfAInO
Buy Links:
Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1QOZZbu
Barnes & Noble link: http://bit.ly/1ENq9TH
Where to find Frances:
Website: http://www.francessusannebrown.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frances.brown.56863
Twitter: https://twitter.com/francessbrown
Thursday Threads Riding for Love by Tina Susedik
Showcases
Riding for Love
By
Tina Susedik
A sensuous, romantic mystery that is on sale for 99¢ until June 20th
Donald describes this book as a beautifully descriptive story of love gone wrong between high school sweethearts who find themselves still in love years later. The vivid descriptions of outdoor settings on the Wisconsin horse ranch give the reader the sense of being there with the characters. The author is especially true to the small town feeling evoked in the story. Good repartee between the hero and heroine sparks the dialogue in this story. If you are looking for an enjoyable happy ever after romantic, suspenseful mystery to read then this is your book.
Blurb:
Eve Dayton, owner of a riding ranch, rose above her childhood past and overcame the emotional damage her boyfriend caused when he married another woman. When someone starts sabotaging her ranch, Eve is desperate to find the culprit before she loses everything. Is it a coincidence or is the return of Denton Johanson tied to the mystery?
Divorced Denton Johanson returns to his hometown to help convict the embezzling controller of the family business. When he runs into Eve, he realizes his feelings for her are still strong enough to try and win her back. His fear of horses won’t get in the way of his goal and decides the only way to be near her is to take riding lessons from her. Can he convince her that his love is real and he is not behind the mystery surrounding the ranch?
Excerpt
Eve leaned against the door frame of the woman’s bathroom. Grasping her purse against her stomach with both hands, she tried calming the herd of horses charging through her system. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and peered through the leaves of a tall potted plant placed to obscure the view of the restrooms. Her pulse picked up speed. Rose and Denton approached Max.
“Smart move,” she muttered. “Chicken. You should be raising chickens instead of horses, moron!”
She slapped her hand over her mouth when an elderly woman walked out of the bathroom and gave Eve a small smile and a wide berth. The woman went to her table and whispered something to her companion, probably about a crazy lady talking to a tree. Eve suppressed a laugh. Crazy, that was her all right. Crazy to be afraid of Denton and the rush of adrenaline snapping her nerve endings at the sight of him.
“C’mon, girl, he can’t eat you.” Visions of Denton nibbling on her neck sent shivers up her spine and down her legs. “Well, not literally, anyway.” Over the years, though, memories of his desertion had eaten away at her, turning her into an emotional cripple, afraid of becoming close to anyone except Tom. “Damn! Why did he have to show up tonight and ruin the evening?”
She peered through the branches of the plant. Max kissed Rose on the cheek. Rose’s introduced Max and Denton.
Eve couldn’t help comparing the two while they shook hands. Both men were good-looking, tall, about 6’2. Max’s hair was blond, straight and short, while Denton’s was dark, wavy and worn nearly to the collar of his pale blue dress shirt. Max’s slim, wiry physique hid a strength making him capable of handling even the largest animals. Denton’s broad shoulders and hips accentuated his slim waist making him seem taller than Max. Women’s eyes followed Max when he came into a room, but he seemed to pale in comparison with Denton.
The men shook hands, but didn’t immediately let go. Max frowned. Did Denton grimace? Were Max’s fingers turning white? Were they going to start arm wrestling in the middle of the restaurant? Not that it mattered, but did Denton think she and Max were lovers? Max said something and the three of them turned in her direction. Eve quickly stepped back, hoping the rustling branches weren’t obvious. She peeked through the leaves again. They were still looking her way.
“Oh, hell!” she muttered. “I can’t hide out here forever.” Wiping her hands down the sides of her dress and taking a deep breath, she stepped into the hallway, head high, shoulders back, knees trembling. “I’m not chicken,” she said surprising a couple sitting nearest the restrooms.
“Eve, what a nice surprise,” Rose said, giving Eve a gentle hug when she reached the table. “You remember my son, Denton, don’t you?”
Eve couldn’t believe Rose’s question. What was she trying to pull? Even though her relationship with Denton had ended years ago, her friendship with his mother had grown and blossomed. Before she answered, Denton leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.
A lighted blow torch placed directly against her skin wouldn’t have burned anymore than his simple peck. Memories flashed back at her. Denton chasing her around the trees in his parents’ yard. Denton’s first tentative kiss on their fifth date. His last soul-searching one the evening before he left for college. The one from a lover during his Thanksgiving break.
“Hello again, Eve.” His soft words snapped her out of her memories.
“Hello, Denton,” she managed to utter, avoiding his eyes and glancing at Max.
Max observed the interaction. The urge to mark his territory overpowered him. He took Eve’s hand in his. “You two know each other?”
Max expected Eve to answer since Rose was only a passing acquaintance. When she didn’t say anything, he glanced at Eve. Her face had gone from pale back to rosy again and kept her eyes on their clasped hands. With a subtle motion, she turned the pearl side of her ring to the inside of her hand, leaving only the thin, gold band showing. What the hell?
It was obvious he was not going to get an answer from neither Eve nor Denton. He raised an eyebrow at Rose.
“Max, Eve and Denton went to high school together. They haven’t seen each other in a long time,” Rose answered Max’s silent inquiry. “Denton, Max is a veterinarian and takes care of Eve’s animals.”
“We’re out enjoying one last quiet evening before the seasonal rush starts,” Max said trying to cover the awkward situation while still trying to figure out all the currents flowing around them. It was more than the way Denton looked at Eve like a lost puppy having found his way home, or the way Rose watched Denton looking at Eve. There was so much voltage zapping between Eve and Denton, Max thought the restaurant lights should be popping and snapping. Was this Denton an adversary? A future friend? He sure as hell wished he knew because the situation was getting more strained by the second.
An awkward silence landed on the foursome once more. Eve didn’t understand Rose’s smug smile. Max squeezed Eve’s fingers tighter and glared at Denton as the silence stretched. Denton looked alternately between Max and Eve’s joined hands and their faces, seeming to come to some decision. He stepped forward and took Eve’s other hand in his.
“Eve, I need to talk to you,” he said, pressing her fingers in his.
Max’s hold on her hand increased as he gently pulled her away from Denton. Denton grasped her hand tighter.
“Please, Eve. I need to explain.”
Eve tried to turn and face Denton. Max’s grip pulled her back toward him. She was beginning to feel like a piece of taffy, being stretched and tugged to the maker’s satisfaction. A glance at Rose’s smiling face and Eve realized she wasn’t going to get any help from her. Max and Denton acted like gladiators in a coliseum ready to fight for their lives. Eve only wanted to leave. People were starting to stare at the foursome still standing beside the table. Eve tried to remove her hands from both men. Their grips became equally stronger. Her fingers began to tingle from lack of circulation. She tugged again and finally faced Denton.
“Please let go of my hand. I have nothing to say to you,” she said quietly.
Buy Links:
Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/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
Contact links:
Website: TinaSusedik.com
http://tinasusedik.wordpress.com./
Twitter: @tinasusedik
Facebook: Tina Susedik, Author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17908316-riding-for-love
