Sunday Share: An Island No More, by Casey Clifford

Today I'm very happy to have award-winning author Casey Clifford with her new release AN ISLAND NO MORE . While I haven't read this book yet (it's on my Nook), I have read Casey's other books and thoroughly enjoyed them! ( Black Ribbon Affair and Fireweed ).

    

She's giving away an ebook copy of AN ISLAND NO MORE, so once you've finished reading, don't forget to comment for a chance to win! Before we get into the great excerpt Casey's sharing today, here's a bit more about her.

Iconsider myself a seasoned woman and aspire to become a seasoned writer. Atthis point, I'm no longer a
"new" writer, but I'm still meeting new challenges and learning with everywriting project I take on. I've raised four sons. I've been divorced and singleparented for 10 years. When I met my second husband, my older sons determined Ishould marry him before I did. However, I soon enough realized he was theperfect guy for me and we've been married for going on 33 years.BeforeI retired, I taught college, mostly writing classes and social andinterpersonal behavior/communications. I love to read, take photos (which go onmy blog), bake and cook sometimes, visit my friends, and enjoy my family. Myhubby and I love to travel and do so whenever we can. Every part of my life andexperience I have becomes fodder for something that could end up in my books. Finally,today is my oldest son's birthday. Doing a guest interview as I am today was afar away dream back then. But if you stay true to your goals, you will achieve.I have; so has he.
1. How did you get started in writing, andhow long have you been writing for?I'vewritten ever since I can remember--I've gone from long hand on a tablet, to amanual typewriter, an electric typewriter, a Commodore 64, an Atari, to anearly desktop where one chapter took half a floppy disk. At least I didn'tstart out with carving into stone. JAs forwriting with a clear goal of getting published and making a few dollars, well,that came with retirement--to my second career as a fiction writer. I retiredin 2000--new millennium, new career. Of course, I was only 27 when I retired.;-)2. What genre do you enjoy reading? Do youstick with what you write, or 'play the field'? I readmostly Romantic Suspense, mysteries, and Women's Fiction. I will enjoy awell-written historical and some light paranormal. I play the field if a friendhighly recommends something different or if a writer friend/colleague produceda novel in a different genre. Of course, I read craft books and try to get anon-fiction book in every now and then though lately that's been mostlyrelegated to research for new books.  3. What do you find most challenging in thewriting process?Mygreatest challenge lately is finding all the time I need to do all that needsto be done for promoting and marketing my work and myself. In fact, if I canfind an excuse to avoid it, I will--this is NOT a good trait. And now that I'vebared my failings to an audience, perhaps I'll be able to get over it.4. What do you enjoy most?Well, if you're talking about writing…Mostenjoyable for me is revision becausethat's where my initial vision begins to sparkle. 5. What do you have in store for readersnext?Rightnow I'm revising the second in the Dessert Dames series. My goal is to have itready to publish sometime this summer. And I'm doing what I call my "mind" workfor the next book in my RS Affair series. I also have this monster (in size)book that should really be revised and broken into 2 books. But that's aproject for still more thought.Readers can also find me atmy blog http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com/where I blog every Sunday. Generally I try to have a topic most readers andwriters will enjoy.

Casey's blog is an absolute treasure for everyone, writers and readers alike.  And I absolutely love what Casey said about revision... "that's where my initial vision begins to sparkle."

So, without further ado, here's her excerpt from the book that garnered 5 STARS at The Romance Studio.

"This suspense filled romance kept me glued to the book, unable to put it down." ~ Jaye Leyel

An Island No More, by Casey Clifford
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Heat Level: Spicy

Buy at:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble

College professor Maggie Meehan thinks she can tackle anychallenge alone, but when an old flame returns to campus he puts hercareer--and her heart--in jeopardy...With a daughter to support, Maggie wants the job securitythat comes from achieving college tenure. The likelihood of that lessens whenSeth Baldwin, a man from her past, arrives on campus with tenure and a heftysalary. Sparks blaze between them that have nothing to do with their careersand everything to do with their hearts.When Maggie's abusive ex-husband shows up making demandsand a disturbed student hassles her, Maggie wants to tough it out on her own.But when a series of murders rocks the campus and Maggie is threatened and evenassaulted, Seth refuses to let her face the ordeal alone.Can Seth's love strengthen Maggie enough to overcome akiller bent on her destruction?
EXCERPT:
"What I'd really like to know, Maggie, is in which role youthink I most resemble him? James Bond, perhaps?"At that unexpected voice, Maggie's heart slammed againsther rib cage. Her tummy plummeted to her swollen feet. She spotted theBondish-sly grin accompanying Seth's words as he walked through the doorwaywith Emily close behind. Giggling, her daughter looked quite pleased withherself."More like his role in Lawnmower Man," she snapped herconversational dart."Ouch…you're killing me here. Lawnmower Man?""On second thought?" She cocked her head. "Maybe moreRemington Steele. Inept. But perfectly attired—whatever the occasion orweather. And in reruns." She eyed Seth's casual appearance: pressed khakishorts, polo shirt in a rich teal, comfortable boat shoes, no socks while shewas barefoot and bare-faced."Reruns! Lawnmower Man. Woman, you show fangs early in themorning.""I wasn't expecting company." Despite herself, she laughed,and Seth walked across the patio with Emily at his side. He stood next to thelounge and peered down at her. She didn't squirm but returned his stare. If hemade comparisons to last night, he shouldn't come calling unannounced. The warmmorning sun turned her sweaty.Of course, he looked cool and polished."Ahh, Mom needs more coffee. Would you like some, too,Professor Baldwin?" Emily grabbed an empty cup from the table next to thelounge. Maggie nodded and so did Seth."If Maggie doesn't mind?" He stared into her face.Could he read her emotions? She hoped not. She bit herlower lip, sighed, and leaned her head against the back of the chair. "Bringtwo cups, please, Em. Professor Baldwin and I have some talking to do." Herheart hammered in a chest not sufficiently covered—at least with Seth Baldwinaround."Good, I asked him to stay for breakfast. Is that okay?""You did what?"Emily smile slithered away and Seth looked uneasy—for thefirst time. "He didn't accept. After I bring coffee, you can talk and I won'tbother you." Emily walked away, less confident than before."I didn't mean to cause a rift.""I'm sure you have better things to do than join us forbreakfast.""Actually, I don't. Mind if I have a seat?""Take your choice." She pointed to chairs several feetaway. Contrary as she remembered him, he settled his lanky length at the faredge of her lounge. She ignored the skip in her heartbeat."I like the view better here." He grinned which enhancedthe smile brackets at his mouth. "Plus we don't have to raise our voices.""Why're you here?""To see you. An added bonus is discovering Emily." Helowered his deep voice. "I didn't know you had a daughter, Maggie. She's delightful,charming, and full of spirit. Just like you…"
~*~Thanks to Casey for being here today! Visit Casey at her blog http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com/ and don't forget to leave a comment and your email contact for a chance to win an ebook copy of AN ISLAND NO MORE .
Have a great week!
Stacey Joy Netzel