Kim Iverson Headlee's Blog: Book Musings from the Maze of Twisty Passages, page 18

Contest winners, and RAGING SEA by @KimHeadlee is #FREE on Kindle Feb 16-18!

Wherever there is life,
there is hope.
Raging Sea: Reckonings
by Kim Headlee. Raging Sea: Reckonings is a free Kindle download worldwide February 16-18! 


Before you rush off to snag your copy of this intense coming-of-age tale, featuring my Lancelot character Angusel, whose name translates as "Raging Sea," please take a moment to join me in congratulating the winners (already notified) of the following giveaways:


My Family's Heart winners of e-books by Kim Headlee:
Stephanie L. won a Kindle copy of Dawnflight Beth Ann M won a Kindle copy of Liberty Christina R won a Kindle copy of Snow in July
Amazon winner of a print copy of The Challenge: Toni W.

Didn't win this time? No worries! Subscribe to my newsletter to be among the first to learn of your chance to win a print copy of The Color of Vengeance , and enter my monthly blog giveaway, below.


***
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... and each action this month is good for one chance to win a copy of any of Kim's e-books. Please enter often, and good luck!

Her pulse fluttered in SILVERHAWK by @BarbaraBettis for #MedievalMonday

In this "first kiss" scene from Silverhawk by Barbara Bettis, the saucy lady proves to the bold knight that she can fend for herself, thank you very much. :D

Excerpt:

Lady Emelin tucked her heavy brown wimple beneath her chin and watched the wounded knight.

Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn’t hide the knight’s handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.

Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived through the crusade? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he left, a hopeful squire at nineteen, to follow his foster father on King Richard’s journey. If only he’d returned from Outremer, she’d be wed now, with the family she craved.

She sighed, reached for her patient’s cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she had ever seen. His mouth moved, and she leaned forward.

“What is it?” she murmured.

“Before…I…die…” came the hoarse whisper.

“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food?

A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren’t flat gray, but clear, layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.

“To…kiss…a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers.

The brush of his warm mouth robbed her breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with in-born reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.

“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I’ve killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.

At least he died with a smile on his face.

Synopsis:

Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.

Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape. Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate.  But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

Buy Link: Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited!)
***
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Camilla sets a plan into motion in Ch 10/Sc 2b of RAGING SEA by @KimHeadlee #amwriting

Graphic overlay c2016 by Kim Headlee. When one suffers deep emotional pain from the actions of one's enemies, the temptation to seize an opportunity for revenge sometimes becomes far too great to resist.

My first and best beta-reader, my husband, probably will make me rewrite this section, but for now, I'm running with it. 

Because while fiction should make sense, it shouldn't be populated with characters who always make perfectly logical decisions. Where the heart is concerned, logic often takes a holiday.

Previous excerpts of Raging Sea 
Chapters 1–6 in Raging Sea: Reckonings  Chapter 7: Sc 1 | Sc 2 | Sc 3 | Sc 4 | Sc 5a | Sc 5b |
Chapter 8: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2 | Sc 3a | Sc 3b |
Chapter 9: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 1c | Sc 1d | Sc 1e |
Chapter 10: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2a |
Raging Sea Chapter 10, Scene 2b©2016 by Kim HeadleeAll rights reserved.
A knock rattled her door. She drew a swift breath and straightened in her chair. “Enter.”

Hador, the warrior whom her father had designated as captain of the guard at Cymensora and therefore her chief protector and adviser, answered her summons. An atypical grin leavened his war-chiseled yet handsome features. Hand to chest, he gave her a deep bow.

“Welcome news, Captain Hador?”

“Indeed, Princess. The harbormaster and I have just concluded a chat with a certain Manx fisherman of your acquaintance.”

Camilla felt her own lips twitch upward. “Ah, what does that old salt swiller report this day?”

“Port Dhoo-Glass is increasing security measures to prepare for the arrival of a . . . how did Ymyl term it?” Hador stroked his thick golden beard for a moment. “A woman of eminence.”

Her elation slid as a realization dawned. “That’s all? No name?” She’d need more than vague titles to put any sort of plan into motion.

“Oh, he gave a name. Ghee—something. You know how thick Ymyl’s accent is.”

She knew indeed. “Ghee-ann, perhaps?” The few Saxons who had survived the clash that had killed Ælferd and nigh on a thousand of his men had reported that as being the name of the enemy commander, the shortened, foreign form of the name by which Camilla knew the bitch: Guenevara.

“I shall dispatch a man to obtain confirmation, Your Highness. The port is not closed; its residents won’t pay heed to yet another trader.” He must have seen something in her expression that compelled him to add, “It would be madness to act on such scanty information.”

The fact that he had not answered her question directly she was willing to forgive based on the news’s nature. Guenevara might fall within her grasp! Once that happened, there were ever so many choices for exacting revenge for killing her beloved.

She rose from behind the desk, trailing her fingers across wood Ælferd had touched, and approached Hador. “It would be madness not to act if the right opportunity presents itself. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly, my lady.”

Camilla extended her ringless hand. “Please bid your man good hunting for me, Captain.”

As he clasped her hand and bent over it, he didn’t see her eyebrows lift in response to the tingling sparked by his lips brushing the back of her knuckles.

***
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Join the DEADLY ALLIANCE by @RowlandKathleen for #EggcerptExchange

Get used to seeing this cheerful little graphic;
I've had tremendous response to the
Eggcerpt Exchange from other authors this year!
Today's offering is Deadly Alliance ,
newest release by Kathleen Rowland.
Synopsis

Finbar Donahue, former Army Ranger, walked on the wild side in Iraq, but now he lives in the shadows. After his evasive partner, Les, was shot in a random drive-by, Finn discovers cash is siphoned monthly. He fights to keep his investment company afloat. When the late partner’s girlfriend, Amy Kintyre, applies for his bookkeeping job, Finn suspects she knows about his company drain and hires her.

Amy needs a nine-to-five with free evenings and weekends to get her fashion design business back on track. She unearths Les’s secret bank account and alerts Finn. Freezing of the money laundering account sets off havoc within an Irish gang. Amy witnesses a gang fight between a brutal ISIS fundraising organization and the Irish. Desperate to escape a stalker’s crosshairs, she seeks refuge with Finn. As danger heats up, sparks fly hotter.

More about the hero of Deadly Alliance:

Nickname:  Finn. My full name is Finbar Michael Donahue.

Job: I own my own investment company, but who’s the [expletive deleted] stealing money from me?

Level of schooling:  B.A. in finance, former Army Ranger. That was when I targeted the enemy.

Download Deadly Alliance on Kindle today!
Excerpt—Amy’s first day working for Finn
Hours later, Finn straightened his spine as he listened to his new bookkeeper order Rosenberg around with the authority of an Army lieutenant. She spoke with confidence from her chair and waited for answers with intensity. Somehow she came across larger than her delicate self.

“Brad,” his pretty war buddy said, “I’ll need your password to access activity-to-date.” Her attitude wasn’t for show. Her curiosity propelled her to the depths of the drain. Heaven help those who lurked there.

“Sure thing.” Brad blew out a breath and scribbled his password on a sticky note. Handing it to her, he bent to her level.

She said, “I apologize for causing chaos.”

“No apology necessary.” Brad asked, “What are you working on?”

Jumping in, Finn said, “Comparisons, Rosenberg, that’s what she’s working on.” Unholy as she’d undoubtedly turn out to be, at the moment they were forged in combat. “Give her your full support.”

“Absolutely. Consider me your scaffold,” Rosenberg said, accepting his fate. “Excuse me, won’t you? I’m running payroll.”

Finn liked his head accountant. He was solid. Dependable. Not creative, but his easy-going manner was soothing. “Payroll. You’re a masochist.”

Amy smiled, and her crystal-green gaze sought his. She found his comment amusing. Her professional attire included a gray satin blouse tucked into a herringbone skirt. When she moved, her layered, dark-blonde hair settled into a sleek flip over her shoulders.

Amy’s bending and reaching, as she took control of her four-by-four cubicle, was damn compelling. She found a rhythm with a handy notepad beside her computer. Using Brad’s password, she turned sideways to open files. Attractive summed up her symmetrical profile and creamy complexion.

For a long while, getting hot and heavy had not been on his mind. Her envelope gave him concrete evidence to bring to the sheriff and eased his tension. As she brushed tresses off her face, he wanted to nibble on her ear.

Amy packed her lithe frame with succulent curves. He enjoyed observing her ample bust which required high-performance support. He’d like to see those globes running free. He’d never considered her as dating material. Timing was off. When she started dating Les, he was hooking up with Miss California. Now it was too late. She worked for him. Hands off. Finn liked women—lots of women, all women, in all shapes and sizes and ethnicities as long as they met the enthusiasm requirement. He hadn’t tested this, but she was off-limits for another reason. He didn’t intend to put her through another relationship leading to nowhere.

Finn kept things loose. A woman in his bed but not in his life was what he often said. There hadn’t been that either.  Why was he picturing her naked in his bed?

About the Author
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts.  Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels.   She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji.  Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.

Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors.  While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write while listening to demanding character voices in her head.

Follow Kathleen via:

Website | Twitter | Blog | Facebook |

***
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... and each action this month is good for one chance to win a copy of any of Kim's e-books. Please enter often, and good luck!

The Next Business of Writing Workshop: @FarpointCon SFF Con, Timonium, MD Feb 13!

Farpoint 23: "Baltimore Fandom's Family Reunion"
February 12-14, 2016, Radisson Hotel North Baltimore, Timonium, MD.
The Business of Writing workshop is going back on the road, this time to Farpoint, affectionately known as Baltimore Fandom's Family Reunion. 
And that's no exaggeration: there's an intimate, so-glad-to-see-you-again-my-friend ambiance to this con that cannot be duplicated at the larger fan cons and comic-cons. 

My Business of Writing workshop presentation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. All my panels and appearances:

Friday, Feb. 123:00 – 7:00 p.m. (except where noted below) Manning my table in the Dealers Room—which is open to the public at this con. My fantastic husband has volunteered to hold down my little fort this weekend whenever I'm occupied elsewhere. <3 4:00 p.m. Writing the Other (creating characters different from you in terms of gender, culture, sexuality, etc.), with Rigel Ailur, Jennifer Povey, and Jay Smith7:00 p.m. Publishing on a Budget: Spending Your Money Wisely, with Danielle Ackley-McPhail, T.J. Perkins, and Richard C. White

Saturday, Feb. 1310:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (except where noted below) My table in the Dealers Room (open to the public)5:00 p.m. Dramatic reading from King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court . I plan to donate my final ARC copy to Farpoint's charity auction.6:00 p.m. The Business of Writing Workshop7:00 p.m. Enter the Hobbit (creating realistic sword fighting scenes in your novel), with Mike McPhail, and Richard C. White9:00 p.m. Building an Audience (social media marketing techniques), with Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Jay Smith, and Michael Ventrella

Sunday, Feb. 1410:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (except where noted below) My table in the Dealers Room (open to the public)1:00 p.m. A Charlie Brown Farpoint: Celebrating 65 years of Charles Schulz and the Peanuts Gang, with Allyn Gibson and Howard Weinstein
I hope to reunite with you this weekend! :)
***
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#EggcerptExchange spotlight on IT Exec's Baby by @AuthorTinaGayle #MFRWauthor

Tina Gayle, author of IT Exec's Baby and other novels, many of which have been featured on The Maze, always comes up with great ideas for author-exchange themes—#SpringFling, #RockingSummerRomance, #FallingintoLove—but the one that started it all is the #EggcerptExchange!


For the 2016 Eggcerpt Exchange on The Maze, Tina shares some new thoughts about her life and career:

Author Tina Gayle grew up not knowing what she wanted to be as an adult. Then someone asked her about her dream job. Her answer, "I wanted to be a pretender."

So the job of writing books is the perfect job for her. She has a vivid imagination and enjoys creating new characters and heartbreaking situations that her readers can sympathize with as they root for the couple's love to blossom.

Before setting down with her computer, she worked in the corporate world as both an accountant and a programmer. Once her kids were born, she decided to give her dream of being a writer a try and loves to incorporate the heartaches, headaches and fun of being a mother and a woman into her books.

When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling around the country. She hasn't hit every state, but she hopes to someday. You might also catch her on the golf course with her husband of 30 years.

If you'd like to connect, send an email to tina=at=tinagayle.com. She loves to hear from her readers. What elements you liked and what you didn't care for in the story.

Also, you can read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website, or download an exclusive story "My Future Step Brother" and join her special friend's list. All on her website www.tinagayle.net.

Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.

Find Tina Gayle at:

Home | Blog | Twitter |Goodreads | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn |


Title: IT Exec's Baby
Series: The Executive Wives' Club, book 2

Synopsis: Brie Sullivan has a new baby girl and there are a million things to do, but Brie doesn’t have the energy to keep up. Why? She’s still grieving for her husband and suffering from baby blues, but she won’t let that stop her. She’s come up with the answer--find a new husband to be the father of her kids.

Jason Clark has been doing everything he can to help Brie. He loves her but can he accept her proposal of marriage knowing she’s not thinking clearly about the future?

Comments from Reviews:
~ “IT Exec’s Baby is almost a love story in reverse. The marriage comes first, then the sex, and finally the love - at least from Brie's point of view. It is tender and poignant at times, and full of strong descriptive passages.”

~ “What I love about series books. Every book gives you more about the characters that you've fallen in love with during the first book.”

~ “IT Exec’s Baby is a riveting story of a woman with numerous problems.”

Excerpt:
Jason settled into the rocker. A slight whimper escaped from the baby, he quickly fed the bottle back into her daughter's mouth.

“Yes, but at least I don’t have to pick them up. I'm in a carpool with another mother down the street.” Brie fluffed her pillow and crawled into bed. The soft cushion of the mattress cupping her body, she melted against the sheets. Peace teased her mind at the luxury of not having to jump up again in two seconds.

“So you've been able to get some rest during the day?”

“No, that's when I try to get everything else done.” Brie reviewed the chores she hadn't accomplished today. Laundry—half done. Dishwasher—still not unloaded. Formula—damn she only had two bottles left.

“Why? What can't wait?” Jason’s question made it sound like she didn't have two other children to take care of.

“Well, there are meals to fix, which reminds me, I have to make a run to the grocery store tomorrow.” She quickly glanced at the night stand to see if there was any paper available. She better make a list.

“Don’t worry about it now. Just try to get some sleep.” The soothing tone of his voice lulling her senses, she closed her eyes.

Visions of Eric floated through her thoughts...him getting up at night, bringing the baby back to her, his help in the evening with the chores, his steady presence when she was too exhausted to go on. “I need a second set of hands.”

An idea popped into her head. The perfect solution. She just needed to get married.

Forcing her eyes open, she rolled to her side and stared at the man holding her daughter. He wasn’t married and didn't mind her kids. If they could join forces, all would be good.

Excited by the possibility, she sat, the covers falling to her waist. “That's it. I need a husband.” Lifting her voice, she stared into a pair of sexy brown eyes. “Jason, will you marry me?”

Read the 1st chapter at: http://www.tinagayle.net/BirthChpt.htmlPurchase at:Smashwords | BN.com | Kobo | iTunes | Amazon.com |
***
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THE CHALLENGE by @KimHeadlee is #FREE on Kindle Feb 9-10! #EggcerptExchange

The gauntlet is thrown. One must die.
Refusal is not an option. The Challenge is a Dragon's Dove Chronicles novella featuring a little-known episode in the Arthurian legends: the capture of Arthur by the Saxon princess Camilla. 

Just because I love turning legends on end, I have given this tale a traditional fantasy twist. To rescue the high king, Arthur's wife Gyan (a.k.a. Guinevere) must face all her demons—public as well as private.

Enjoy The Challenge free on Kindle, but unless you have a Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime subscription, you'd better hurry! It's only free worldwide February 9-10.

Learn more about Gyan from her Eggcerpt Exchange interview:

What is the meaning of your name?
I am Gyanhumara nic Hymar, daughter of Hymar and her consort, Ogryvan. My mother, whose name means “song,” named me her “rarest song,” for I was fated before birth to be the only daughter she would ever bear. Those who do not ken the Caledonach tongue call me by many other names: Vennevria… Guanhumara… Ganora… Gwenhwyfar… Guenevara… Guinevere. I am none of those women.

I am Gyanhumara.

My kin and closest friends call me Gyan. You may call me “Your Majesty.”

As you wish, of course. Please describe your job, Your Majesty.
I am Chieftainess of Clan Argyll of Caledon, a position I inherited from my mother. When my husband Arthur was acclaimed High King of Breatein by virtue of his—our—victories over the Saxons, Scots, and other enemies of his people the Breatanaich, I became High Queen to rule at Arthur’s side.

Though I remain honored that Arthur’s people hold much love and respect for me, the added responsibilities have proven to be far more of a burden than I could have ever foreseen.

Do you have a favorite place to visit?
The Sanctuary of the Chalice on St. Padraic’s Isle. In the churchyard lie the bodies of the first men to die under my command. Their gravestones serve to remind me that war should only be pursued after all other avenues toward peace have failed. Inside the church sits enshrined one of the holiest relics of all Christendom… and the only means by which I have ever attained forgiveness for the mistakes I’ve made. And those mistakes are, indeed, legion.

This may be a sensitive question, but please tell us, Your Majesty, about your significant other.
Ah, Arthur, my life, my heart, my soul… my dearest love. How did we ever come to a point where we scarcely share an intimate word anymore? I blame the pressures of governing the people, of protecting them from invasions and famines and plagues and sundry other threats.

But most of all, I blame myself for the poor choices I have made that have widened our rift.

What is your most important goal?
I would give anything for the chance to set things aright with Arthur. Anything, even my very life itself.

What is your worst nightmare?
Ha! You have doubtless heard that in mere moments I must face in combat a woman reputed to be in league with a demon. Is that not nightmare enough for you?

Please forgive me, Your Majesty; I intended no offense. Thank you so much for your precious time, and I wish you success in this battle… and beyond.

[Gyan inclines her head, a slight smile bending her lips. The smile inverts as she tugs on her gloves, dons her helmet, claps hand to hilt, and strides off to meet her foe.]

Hear Gyan voiced by Ruth Urquhart in the
audiobook edition of The Challenge !
***
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His tongue plundered deep in Dragon Knight's Shield by @m_morganauthor #MedievalMonday

Today's Medieval Monday installment on The Maze features the newest of Mary Morgan's Dragon Knight novels, Dragon Knight's Shield , now on sale!

Excerpt:
His look was predatory, lustful, inviting, and she took a step backward. Words failed her as she took another step back.

He arched a brow and his smile became seductive. “Do I frighten ye?”

“No!” she lied. Like hell you do! You’re as gorgeous as sin standing there, and I want to rip your clothes from your body.

Pushing off from the wall, he stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving hers. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and her fingers itched to twine within them. Her body ached in places so deep—longing for even the slightest touch.

“Are ye unwell, my lady?”

The burr of his voice so low—so sexy, she could only stare at him until his words resonated in her mind. “No,” she replied softly, feeling the flames of desire heat not only her face, but also her entire body.

This time when he took another step closer, Deirdre didn’t back away. Now he stood so close she could feel the warmth of his breath across her face—a mix of wine and pure male.

She watched mesmerized as he reached for a lock of her hair, twining it around his finger. “So verra soft.”

Deirdre couldn’t breathe, as he let the curl unravel and cupped her face in his hands. “Ye confuse me. Ye torment me in my dreams,” he whispered against her cheek, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine.

Without thought, she groaned and leaned into him—his beard grazing her cheek. She no longer battled her mind for the man. “Kiss me, Angus.”

This time he groaned, capturing her mouth with savage intensity and drawing the breath from her lungs. His tongue plundered deep, and Deirdre opened fully to the fiery possession.

Synopsis:
Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and he takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?

Buy links
Amazon | Nook | Kobo | The Wild Rose Press |

***

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Camilla's heart still aches in RAGING SEA Ch 10/Sc 2a by @KimHeadlee #amwriting

Graphic overlay c2016 by Kim Headlee. In the Dragon's Dove Chronicles novella The Challenge , which takes place about ten years in the future relative to the setting of Raging Sea , Camilla has turned to the dark arts in her quest for revenge against Gyan for having killed Camilla's betrothed in battle.

Exactly how far into the darkness Camilla will plunge remains to be determined, but we get the first glimpse of her wounded psyche in today's installment.

Previous excerpts of Raging Sea 
Chapters 1–6 in Raging Sea: Reckonings  Chapter 7: Sc 1 | Sc 2 | Sc 3 | Sc 4 | Sc 5a | Sc 5b |
Chapter 8: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2 | Sc 3a | Sc 3b |
Chapter 9: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 1c | Sc 1d | Sc 1e |
Chapter 10: Sc 1a | Sc 1b |
Raging Sea Chapter 10, Scene 2a©2016 by Kim HeadleeAll rights reserved.
Camilla Ællesdottr sat in Ælferd’s chair, behind his worktable arrayed in her private chambers of the fortress overlooking the rocky beachhead of Cymensora, fingering his expensive blue glass goblet and trying to make sense of the scribblings scattered across the parchment in front of her. They were purported to represent enemy troop deployments and patrol patterns on sea as well as on land, but this evening she stood a better chance of solving one of Loki’s impossible riddles.

Some days she wondered why she’d petitioned Ælferd’s uncle, King Cissa, to move Ælferd’s personal effects here from his final posting at Anderceaster. Every day she wondered why it had become her wyrd to die a ringless widow.

She used that naked hand to clutch Ælferd’s goblet and drained the wine it held, knowing he had liked that vintage as much as she did.

Every day, she never believed that she could miss Ælferd more acutely than the last. And every day, she proved herself wrong.

She balled a fist to support her forehead, blinking hard to check the tears that still sprang forth all too easily. The pain lancing her chest she could do nothing about until it had run its course.

***
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Meet Vita in FROM HERE TO FOURTEENTH STREET by @DianaLRubino for #EggcerptExchange

Today for the Eggcerpt Exchange on The Maze I feature a character interview of Vita Caputo McGlory, heroine of From Here to Fourteenth Street by Diana Rubino!


Synopsis:
It's 1894 on New York's Lower East Side. Irish cop Tom McGlory and Italian immigrant Vita Caputo fall in love despite their different upbringings. Vita goes from sweatshop laborer to respected bank clerk to reformer, helping elect a mayor to beat the Tammany machine.

While Tom works undercover to help Ted Roosevelt purge police corruption, Vita's father arranges a marriage between her and a man she despises. When Tom’s cousin is murdered, Vita’s father and brother languish in jail, charged with the crime.

How can Vita and Tom’s love survive the crushing poverty, hatred, and corruption?

Learn more about Vita:

What’s your job?
I started out as a sweatshop worker sewing ‘shirtwastes’ (blouses), and now I’m a committeewoman, with a view to being New York City’s first female mayor.

What’s your level of schooling?
I left school at 16 to go to work in a lampshade factory.

Where were you born?
Sassano, Italy, near Naples.

Where do you live now?
Greenwich Village, in a brownstone on East 14th Street.

Do you have a favorite pet?
They’re all favorites: two mongrel pups, Charlie and Shirley, two cats Romeo and Juliet, and assorted goldfish whose names we can’t keep up with!

What’s your favorite place to visit?Coney Island, to sit on the beach, frolic in the ocean, eat those delicious hot dogs and fried dough, and stroll the boardwalk!

Who is your significant other?
My husband Tom McGlory, who stuck with me as we overcame astronomical odds to stay together.

What’s your most important goal?
To see my three children become successful, respectable citizens. Doing all right so far—my daughter Assunta (Susan) owns a clothing store, my son Virgilio (Billy) writes Broadway musicals, and my youngest Teresa (Tessie) wants to be a baby doctor.

What’s your worst fear or nightmare?
That the stock market will crash again, or some other disaster will plunge us back into poverty.

What’s your favorite food?
My homemade lasagna with my grandmother’s sauce recipe (it’s a secret).

Are you wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between?  
We’re finally members of the solid middle class.

What’s your secret desire or fantasy?
To sing in one of my son’s musicals.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I’d buy my own airplane and give the rest to charity.

EXCERPT:
Vita leaned forward till their knees touched, but stopped short of an embrace. Boarders always came into the parlor at this hour. A lamplighter lit the gas lamp outside. A soft glow reached Tom’s eyes.

“Tom, I’m worried. I don’t want you in any kind of danger. But I’m so relieved you told me. Dear God, I was thinking—never mind what I was thinking.” She waved her hands. “I’m relieved that you told me, but I’m still worried something’s going to happen to you.”

“Nothing’ll happen. This won’t go on much longer. I’m up for a promotion—one that I won’t have to pay for—and I’m doing what I feel is right. I don’t want you worrying about me now.”

“Doesn’t it make you feel better to have shared it with me?” That surge of relief now relaxed her muscles.

“Now that I have, yes.” His shoulders relaxed. “It’s a load off my mind.”

They shared a smile. Strains of sweet music then started floating in through the open window. She recognized the song. That voice, that melodic strumming… oh, no, Roberto Riccadonna serenading her!

Tom turned toward the window where a shadowy figure stood in the light of the streetlamp. “That’s awful loud. Not only that, it’s just plain awful.”

***For more information about From Here to Fourteenth Street , including a different excerpt, check out this blog post!

ABOUT DIANA:

Her passion for history and travel has taken her to every locale of her stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, and New York. Her urban fantasy romance, FAKIN’ IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society, and the Aaron Burr Association. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband Chris. In her spare time, she bicycles, golfs, plays her piano, and devours books of any genre.

Visit Diana at www.dianarubino.com, www.DianaRubinoAuthor.blogspot.com, https://www.facebook.com/DianaRubinoAuthor, and on Twitter @DianaLRubino.

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