Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 20
March 6, 2023
5 Days of Savings
Spring is here and the temperatures are rising. But the prices of my BooksWeLove releases are falling. Go to Smashwords for their Read an Ebook Sale. What's great is that the Windmaster Novels and Fire and Amulet are FREE.
Don't wait too long as the sale ends at the end of the week.
If you get them and like the tales of magic, adventure and dragons, the best gift you can give an author is a review. One would be greatly appreciated.
6 Days of Savings
Spring is here and the temperatures are rising. But the prices of my BooksWeLove releases are falling. Go to Smashwords and get 50% off the Windmaster Novels and Fire and Amulet.
Don't wait too long as the sale ends at the end of the week.
February 28, 2023
Meet Mirabeesh
To finish the series of posts introducing some of my favorite people (or people I love to hate) from First Change, a collection of short stories and novellas from myth and legend from the Dragshi, you are invited to meet Mirabeesh, Empress of Eruichin.
Physical Description
At the time of Fire and Ice, Mirabeesh is twenty-five years old. She has the almond-colored skin and dark brown eyes of her kind. There are those that say her eyes that actually spark when she's angry, but that is just a legend
Her long straight black hair, falls to her waist and is usually worn in a braid held in a bun at the nape of her neck by a pair of ivory sticks.
Background
Her family are the leaders of a small island nation several weeks sail off the coast of Eruichin. At the time of the story, she has been married for three years to Kai, the Emperor of Eruichin. However, the marriage is childless which sets the stage for an attempted coup by Xelme, head priest of the temple which serves the god, Tagachim.
Mirabeesh's selection as diovi is presented in the post D is for Diovi and Daxa.
To see whether her fate is the fire of the volcano or the ice of the glacier on the mountain, read "First Change."
More About Her (Secrets or Public)
Mirabeesh is loved by her people. When chosen as diovi, the woman to be sacrificed to Tagachim, Mirabeesh thwarts Xelme's plans, but at a cost.
Her garden was a place of solace. Although she loved it, she was not above sharing it with her friends and family, as well as those she served.
She headed to her favorite spot, a bench beneath the spreading branches of a dragon fruit tree. Tiny green buds heralded the upcoming blossoms—and reminded her of the earlier portent she would never see the trees bear fruit. To push back the dark thoughts, Mirabeesh strained to recall the dreams. For the past season, a vision of flying over a vast ocean or the lingering whisper of silver tones filled her sleep.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Mirabeesh Find excerpts by clicking on the cover in the banner. For more of First Change: Legends From The Eyrie and the rest of the Dragshi Chronicles, select the desired title in the pull-down menu. Or to skip the excerpts and go straight to buy links, here is a one-click link to online sellers.
The rest of the hop is at http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com
February 27, 2023
Meet the Dragshi
An introduction to the characters, or a reminder if you haven't read the paranormal, romance, fantasies the Dragshi Chronicles, you're invited to meet the characters including their secrets and plans, what they look like and more.
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And from the companion volume, First Change: Legends From The Eyrie, names from myth and legend.
February 21, 2023
Hooked on Hatchling's Mate, River Crossing #mfrwhooks
Due to comments about a cliffhanger, here's another few lines about Talann's river crossing. This excerpt starts where the the scene, Meet Talann, ends. However, the dangerous river crossing is not over. If you want to see what what happens next, the first chapter is available here.
Excerpt:
Currents countered his every stroke. Despite throwing every ounce of his will and muscle into the task he made slow progress. Each time he surfaced for a breath of air, the opposite shore seemed more distant. A deep gulp and he once again dropped beneath the roiling water.
The pounding beat of an ancient call to war, a tune Talann felt rather than heard, filled his head. His father’s deep tenor filled the mental link between them with the words of the “Battle Hymn of the Seidheirn.” Glyn and Kynan joined in with their lighter tones. Lexii’s soprano wove a descant above them all. Lady Eirwen, leader of the dragshi, consolidated the wishes of those she ruled into a simple message of strength and sent it along in the music.
The chorus used to keep steeds in a synchronized step and motivate men’s souls acted on Talann. He visualized himself standing, not alone, but as in the song, “shoulder to shoulder.” The ethereal cord between him and his friends glowed from their efforts to support him. Although suppressed worry laced the prayers and energy sent by his mother, the Lady Anastasia, Talann sensed only pride in his father’s mental tone, none of the darker emotion. However, combat experience would have enabled the older man to hide such things.
Renewed by the energy being sent from the dragshi, Talann found his muscles moving in time to the ancient beat. The next time he rose for air, he had made progress. Emboldened, he filled his lungs and after sighting on glowing landmark of torches, struck out for the opposite shore.
So insistent was the tone, he obeyed. Swift kicks took him towards the sandy bottom. The sight of branches passing between him and the opposite shore told why the command, but not who. The question would have to wait.
Hatchling's Mate - From their birth it was expected that Talann’s and Lexii’s destiny would be entwined. However fate had other intentions. Lexii and Talann could not stand to be together.
One click to : Sales Sites
February 16, 2023
Spring is here and the temperatures are rising. But the ...
Spring is here and the temperatures are rising. But the prices of my BooksWeLove releases are falling. Go to Smashwords and get 50% off the Windmaster Novels and Fire and Amulet.
Don't wait too long as the sale ends when February does.
February 15, 2023
ThursdayThirteen - He Ruled The House
This Thursday Thirteen is a list about someone who ruled my house.
First, his name is Cat, Tighe Cat. Because of his tuxedo coloring, he considered himself aristo-"cat"-ic and demanded to be treated as such.
He let us know there are health benefits to allowing a cat to own you. And that we could thank him later. Preferably with cheese and a snack.
Tighe was the inspiration for felines that inhabit the world of the Dragshi and that of the Windmaster Novels. On clear, winter days he would stand at the kitchen door demanding to go outside. Until I opened the door and cracked the screen door. The cold air hit his nose and he turned and tail up strode away giving me the "Are you crazy?" look.
Would not take as an answer when he thought it was time to get up and we didn't. Of course, his time when when the first bird chirped.
Tighe loved to explore. During his time as a barn cat, he would often disappear for a day or week ... or two. It turns out he was at the next farm down the road. Apparently he preferred the feed and easier life they provided.
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When his original owner moved into an apartment, the tiny ball of fluff that was Tighe as a kitten, went missing. Everyone thought he had fallen off the second floor balcony. It turns out he hid in the box spring and when decided we had fussed enough, popped his head to give us a rasberry.Later, when supposed more mature, he squeezed himself through a hole in the wall where a pipe was being replaced during a bathroom renovation. When tired of exploring the space between floors, he demanded to be let out. But refused his hooman's help, jumping out of reach over beams every time they reached for him. Lured to the edge of the hole cut in the ceiling by a can of tuna fish, he finally lingered long enough to be snatched. He traveled by plane to Florida. (And did not spend the entire time in his carrier. He was so quiet and stealthy no one knew he had opened the door or objected when he stuck a paw out.) Going to a kennel was not acceptable. He tolerated being spoiled for a week with his fur grandmother, but preferred camping in New England. Except when there was an attack dog demonstration going on where we were camping. He shrank into a tiny ball and although well-trained to walk on his leash, refused to leave the crook of my arm until the dogs left.
Tighe's favorite vacation spot was the deck of his fur grandmother's lakeside, mountain cabin.
Like many a small child, Tighe had his own version of "Are We There Yet?" In additional to the verbalization, he would stand up when a red light was encountered. But he truly showed his "hurry up" attitude when he sensed the salt marshes several miles north of our house.
I hope you enjoyed this Thursday Thirteen of the feline who ruled our house for more than fifteen years and that you will come back again. If any of my published titles intrigue you, click on the cover in the banner or for the series, the pull-down menu for blurbs, excerpts, a free read of the first chapter, and of course, buy links. And of course, be sure to visit the http://newthursday13.blogspot.com/ to see other thirteens.
~till next time, Helen
February 14, 2023
Meet Talann
In the next of the series of posts introducing some of my favorite people (or people I love to hate) from the fantasy romances of the Dragshi Chronicles, you are invited to meet Talann of Hatchling's Mate and Hatchling's Vengeance.
Physical Description
Talann is in his early 20s when Hatchling's Mate takes place. Broad shouldered, his physical strength is apparent even in loose travel clothes.
His gray, smokey colored eyes change to black with intense emotion.
He has wavy dark hair with amber highlights which he wears short on the sides and kisses his collar in the back. One lock perpetually falls over his face when he's sparring.
Background
The son of two dragon lords, Talann was given the best education in everything from the high arts to weaponry to the rule of law. Although his training and education was varied, he preferred working with weapons. He is a marksman with the long bow and is even better with long sword. Talann is so skilled and strong, few will meet him in either unarmed or armed combat, except for Kynan who was his first friend in Cloud Eyrie and Glyn, bodyguard to the dragon lord, Lady Lexii.
More About Talann (Secrets or Public)
As one of only two children born to dragon lords, it was expected Talann would marry Lexii. The only problem is that they could not stand to be together. Her mere presence in the same room grated against his soul like an iron nail dragged against a rock.
Talann's greatest fear is that he doesn’t have a dragon soul. Without one, he won’t ever go through first change and become a full-fledged dragon lord in his own right. They hadn't said anything but Talann knew it would disappoint his parents.
Besides his aptitude for weaponry, Talann is also a skilled horse trainer and rides a magnificent seidheirn named Ohlmar. If you haven't read any of the Dragshi Chronicles, a seidheirn appears to be a large horse, but in reality is a magical creature, only ridden by dragonlords. Evidence of his place in the world, Talann doesn't ride just any stallion, but the son of Marsainn, head stallion of the Cloud Eyrie seidhern herd.
A secret no one beyond the lady ruler of the dragshi and Talann's parents is that like his father Branin before him, Talann is the only man of his generation who can handle the enspelled sword, Mt’wan Comraich.
Excerpt:
Glyn turned a stern gaze on the river. “Talann, if you’re going to cross, you had better do it now.”
“My father couldn’t order me not to try to save those trapped, whether man or beast,” Talann growled. “Dragshi or not, Lexii won’t stop me.”
Out of the darkness, panicked bugles and terrified screams rose over the pounding of water. Glances at his friends told Talann of their readiness to support whatever decision he made. “Bring the ropes.” A tug stripped off his rain-logged tunic. “And the grease.”
Preparations for the crossing finished to the sound of approaching hoof beats. Talann stood naked except for his linen briefs and ankle high boots. His skin glistened from the grease smeared on it to cut the drag of the water. In a sweeping look, he evaluated the line of men behind him. Each held a determined grip on the lines, the only chance of salvation for their loved ones
Kynan gave the narrow cords tied around Talann’s chest a tug. “Ready when you are.”
Three deep breaths later, Talann pulled off his boots and tossed them aside. He let enough air escape to give the order. “Let’s do this.” His teeth chattering from the cold, he waded out into the rough waves and in a lithe move, dove into the dark depths.
* * *
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Talann. Buy links for Hatchling's Mate or Hatchling's Vengeance along with the rest of the Dragshi Chronicles are below.
Buy Links to paperback and ebook sellers
February 7, 2023
Meet Haldric #mfrwhooks
Continuing the series of posts introducing some of my favorite people (or people I love to hate) from the fantasy romances of the Dragshi Chronicles, you are invited to meet Haldric. Or is it Caldrih? You'll have to read both Hatchling's Mate and Hatchling's Vengeance.
Physical Description
Red hair, color off, not the true red of the true-bloods of the area.
Background
He was raised by his Uncle Waljan. Known as the Parant, Waljan is a cult leader who controls his flock with the hypnotic power of his voice. One of the reasons why Haldric was his uncle's assistant, is that he was immune to his uncle's mesmer.
Like his uncle, Waljan hates dragons and shifters because of his ancestors' death at their hands. Another similarity is that in Hatchling's Mate, Haldric is lecherous. Although he often had to take second place to his uncle when a beautiful woman joined the cult.
More About Her (Secrets or Public)
A different side of Haldric is seen in Hatchling's Vengeance. And he has a different name also, Caldrih.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Haldric Find excerpts by clicking on the covers in the top banner. Buy links for Hatchling's Mate or Hatchling's Vengeance along with the rest of the Dragshi Chronicles is below.
~till next time, Helen
February 6, 2023
Tuesday's Title Crazy to Believe by Madison Michael
She’s Betting on Love and the Stakes are High
An All’s Crazy in Love Romance (Series)
Author: Madison Michael
Date of Release: February 21, 2023 (Available for Preorder)Genre: RomCom/Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Madison Michael
Buy Links: Amazon
Blurb:
The “Crazy Eights” have been best friends for thirty years, but they rarely get together. The remedy? An audacious dare contrived to bring them together for weddings—their weddings. Each participant must marry within twelve months or complete a personally mortifying task.
Meet Sofia, beautiful and brilliant, longing for a family. Starting over after a divorce, Sofia is focused on her career, not some foolhardy dare. She’s set her sights on a new job, a new home and reluctantly accepting her single, childless status. Independent and determined, she can’t foresee she will both win and lose her heart’s desire in the next six months.
Jeremy Klein, genius engineer and inventor, is also making big life changes. He’s sold his startup to become a billionaire CEO overnight. Unfortunately, his ego hasn’t caught up yet, and despite family pressures and turning forty, he is gun-shy about returning to the dating game.
Then Jeremy meets Sofia. They bond over shared business interests and a chemistry that sizzles. Their attraction is immediate and so electrifying that a one-night stand quickly morphs into planning a future.
But plans can change. Accusations threaten to derail their relationship, Sofia’s career and Jeremy’s position. Spies, lies and misunderstandings abound until those “Crazy Eights” step in, scheming and manipulating to secure Sofia her happily ever after.
The stakes are high. Win the bet and lose your heart; or lose the bet along with your dignity. When the wager is nothing short of true love, are Jeremy and Sofia crazy to believe?
In the tradition of The Beguiling Bachelor Series, Madison Michael creates a romance series about independent and sassy women, sexy and successful men, love, passion, and lasting friendships. Infused with a bit of suspense and plenty of humor, Crazy to Believe is a complex romance you’ll be reading all night.
Behind the Scene:
The Crazy Eights, who are the stars of the All’s Crazy in Love Romances, pay homage to women I have been friends with for more than thirty years. These are the women who were at my wedding, the women who threw me a divorce shower and were there when I woke up after surgery. We have celebrated successes together and mourned our losses crying on one another’s shoulders. They are like sisters to me, and I love them with my whole heart. But none of them live near by.
When I missed them so much I ached with it, I decided to pull some of my favorite quirks about each of them into my characters, and the Crazies were born. Now when I miss my friends, I can write a scene reminiscent of a conversation we had, a vacation we shared, and especially a laugh.
They meddle, they give advice I never requested, they snark behind each other’s backs…in other words, they are the perfect friends, and the perfect, complex, relatable characters. You’ll wish they were your friends too, and they will be by the time you complete the 8-book series.
As a special gift, Madison had made Crazy to Wed, the prequel to the An All’s Crazy in Love Romance series available for a FREE download. Click on the link or the FREE READS BUTTON.
Author Bio:
Madison Michael is living her dream as a romance writer. Born and raised in Chicago, she covered the four corners of the U.S, before returning to her roots, friends, family and the best pizza anywhere. She loves cats, cat jokes and cat videos, anything with too much sugar, and everything writing. Author of the Beguiling Bachelor romance series, and several stand alone romance novels, she can be found living in Chicago, writing, eating sugar, pizza or hotdogs, surrounded by cats.
For more on Madison and her works, find her online at:
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