Trail-Blazer by Michelle Diener

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author giveaways, rafflecopter giveaways, sci-fi romance

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michelle Diener will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

He’s on a mission . . .

She’s running for her life . . .

And if they get off-planet alive, she’ll have to trust he won’t reveal her darkest secret.

Tally Riva is not what she seems, and even she’s not happy about it. Infected, invaded, she’s not quite sure how to describe it, but on a disastrous mission to a ghost ship, something burrowed its way into her body. Into her mind.

When her commander decides the best cure for what he thinks is Tally’s trauma is to send her on the famous Veltos Trail, Tally goes without revealing what’s really behind her mental anguish. Anything to be seen as normal again, anything to ignore what she’s afraid is happening to her.

But Veltos isn’t the safe place it seems. The chosen military personnel lucky enough to be offered the chance to walk the Trail are supposed to be the only people on Veltos. But Ben Guthrie, a captain in Arkhoran Special Forces, knows they’re not. He and his team have been on Veltos for a month already, tracking suspicious enemy activity, and he’s gone undercover on the Trail in search of a satellite his superiors are sure has been shot down.

When Ben’s worst fears become reality, and they find themselves hunted by a cunning enemy through the thick forests of Veltos, Tally and Ben fight together to survive. And Tally has to decide if accepting the changes inside her will save them both, or be her doom.

TRAILBLAZER is part of the Verdant String series but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Other books in the series include Interference & Insurgency (Two Novellas of the Verdant String), and Breakaway and Breakeven.

Read an Excerpt

Ben stood outside to watch the military runner come in.

The flare of the engine was visible because dusk had already fallen and the sky was the indigo blue that shouldn’t be unique to Veltos, but somehow was. There was just something special about the color here.

“Nervous?” Irwin stepped out to join him and looked up, following the runner as it fell toward them.

Ben glanced at him, wondering if the guide actively worked to be this annoying, or whether it was just a gift.

“Should I be?” He kept his tone mild.

Irwin glanced at him, shrugged. “Most people are a little nervous to meet their fellow Trail walkers. It’s a two week journey, and there’s no getting away from anyone who’s difficult.”

And certainly no getting away from them if they were the guide.

Ben crossed his arms and watched the runner touch down lightly on the hoverpad a thou away. It was close enough that he could hear the hum of the engine and the silence when it cut off.

“So you never said which warship dropped you off.” Irwin had turned to watch the runner, too.

“No, I didn’t.” Ben kept his answer short.

Irwin gave a snort. “Super secret, huh?”

Ben said nothing.

“Do you Arkhorans actively try to irritate the living shit out of the rest of us, or is it just how you’re made?”

Irwin’s comment was so similar to what Ben had thought about the guide, he couldn’t help the laugh that burst from him.

“Let’s leave it at ‘super secret’.”

About the Author:

Michelle Diener writes historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction. Having worked in publishing and IT, she’s now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters and wondering which part of the world she can travel to next.

Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and children. When she’s not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her at her website, or online at Twitter and Facebook.

Website: https://www.michellediener.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/michellediener
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michelle.diener.author
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/michelle_diener/

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Trailblazer-Verdant-String-Michelle-Diener-ebook/dp/B07P6PJ51H

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RESCUING MARA’S FATHER by D. M. Burton

Tags

adventure, ages 9 & up, children's fiction, MG science fiction adventure, middle grade fiction, sci-fi adventure, science fiction

RESCUING MARA’S FATHER

A Middle Grade Science Fiction Adventure

By D.M. Burton

Approx. 75,000 words

ISBN:  978-0-9990452-4-4 (ebook)

ISBN-13: 978-0-9990452-5-1 (print)

Young Teen Girls and Hormones

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Linda. My grandchildren, ages 9 and (almost) 12, know I write novels. They also know they have to wait until they’re grown up before they can read them. That’s disappointing for them. So, an idea for a book they could read came out of the blue. Since I (and my older grandchildren) enjoy science fiction, I set the book at an outpost on the frontier of space, the Outer Rim. Because I want to differentiate my children’s book from my adult fiction, I wrote RESCUING MARA’S FATHER, A Middle Grade Science Fiction Adventure as D.M. Burton.

After an argument with her father, a young girl runs away. While she’s gone, he’s captured by Security forces and whisked off their planet. Since he’s her only parent, she forgets about the argument and sets off to find him.

For most young teen girls, arguing with their parents is common. Girls’ emotions are running rampant. Even when they’ve been pretty even keeled up to that point, hormones can change them into “Drama Queens.” They don’t understand their parent(s). (And vice versa.) Adolescence is a time of turmoil, of wanting to be treated as an adult while still a child. I tapped into what I remember from my own adolescence and my daughter’s. Now, I watch her going through that time with her daughter. I tapped into that for this story. Rescuing Mara’s Father is an adventure story. Yet, I hope my young readers will recognize that they aren’t alone. That other kids go through the same thing.

Blurb:

Her father is gone! Taken by the Queen of Compara’s agents. Mara has to rescue him before the Queen tortures and kills him.

Instead of the kind, loving father she’s always known, he’s become demanding, critical, with impossible expectations—not just as Father but also as the only teacher in their frontier outpost. Mara would rather scoop zircan poop than listen to another boring lecture about governments on Central Planets. Give her a starship engine to take apart or, better yet, fly, and she’s happy. Now, he’s gone.

Never mind, they’ve had a rocky road lately.

Never mind, Father promised she could go off planet to Tech Institute next month when she turns fifteen, where she’ll learn to fly starships.

Never mind, she ran away because she’s furious with him because he reneged on that promise. Father is her only parent. She has to save him.

Along with her best friend, eleven-year-old Jako, and his brother 15-year-old Lukus, Mara sets off to find her father. Her mentor, old spaceport mechanic, seems to know why the Queen captured Father. In fact, he seems to know her father well. But, does he tell her everything? Of course not. He dribbles out info like a mush-eating baby. Worse, he indicates he’ll be leaving them soon. And Lukus can’t wait to get off our planet. Mara’s afraid they will all leave, and she’ll be on her own. Despite her fears, Mara has to rescue her father.

Excerpt:

“There you go again.” I ignore Father’s startled look. “Why does everything have to be so hard? You used to make learning fun.”

“You were a child then. You are almost an adult. You must try harder.”

“I do try. It’s boring. Why can’t you teach interesting stuff like Basco does? He doesn’t lecture me. He doesn’t tell me I’m not good enough.”

A pained look crosses Father’s face. “That is different. When you work with him at spaceport, you work with your hands. I am trying to teach you to think, to analyze, to make—”

“What difference does it make now? I’m going to the Tech in three tendays.”

He takes a deep breath. “I know you have been looking forward to going—”

No. He wouldn’t. “Don’t you tell me I can’t go.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean it.” I fist my hands on my hips. “You are not going to tell me I can’t go. You can’t. I’ll be fifteen in three tendays. I’m going.” We’ve had a lot of arguments, but I’ve never defied him before.

“You may be old enough to enroll in the Institute. You still need parental approval.” He lets that sink in.

I’m stunned speechless. Not for long. “You wouldn’t. You wouldn’t punish me like that.”

“Mara, you must obey me on this. You must stay here. You will pay attention in class. You will apply yourself.”

“Like Perfect Lukus? Maybe you wish he was your son instead of a stupid girl like me.”

His eyes widen. “Mara.”

My eyes burn. I’m going to cry, like a stupid girl. “I can’t believe you would forbid me to go to Tech just because I’m not a perfect student in your stupid class. You don’t love me. I’m probably not even your real kid.”

My words hang between us. My chest heaves. I clench my teeth, so I don’t start bawling. I can’t believe he won’t let me go to Tech. Worse, I can’t believe I blurted out the horrible thought that has been festering in the darkest corner of my mind for several tendays.

I wait for him to tell me I’m wrong. That he does love me. That I am his child.

Father slumps into the chair I abandoned. I’ve never seen such a look on his face. Like he’s been kicked in the stomach by a hican. For a sec, before he sat, I thought I saw something else in his eyes. Guilt? Couldn’t have been. He doesn’t care enough to feel guilty about forbidding me go to Tech.

I’m ashamed of my outburst, ashamed that I revealed my worst fear—the fear that he isn’t my real father. We’ve argued before, but I always kept my fear a secret. Now, he knows. I can’t bear to look at him, to see reproach in his eyes. I race into my bedroom and slam the door. I force myself not to throw myself on my bed and cry.

Instead, I lean against the door and try to control the anger I just spewed in the kitchen, anger still rising up inside me. Anger at myself for letting my temper get the best of me. Anger at Father for not letting me go to Tech. Anger at him for not denying my accusation, for not taking me in his arms and saying, “Of course, I love you. Of course, you are my child.”

Anger at him for not coming after me.

If he did come, he would probably tell me again how I don’t try, how I don’t measure up. I’m not sticking around for another lecture. I grab my jacket. My trousers are heavy, but the shirt won’t be enough in the chilly evening. I search under my bed for my emergency pack—the one Father insists I keep ready at all times, ever since the riots. I grab it and slip out the window. Automatically, I close it behind me so critters can’t get in. I don’t have a plan. I just know I don’t want to see Father for a while.

RESCUING MARA’S FATHER, A Science Fiction Adventure will be released on March 30^th. It is available for pre-order at the following online vendors:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV3BFCY?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PV3BFCY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_SiULCbKV7276R

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rescuing-mara-s-father

B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130993225;jsessionid=E3FD32FF2D76B7752FBD524BE80380A3.prodny_store01-atgap08?ean=2940161393468

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/929324

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

 

About the Author:

The first time D.M. Burton saw Star Wars IV: A New Hope, she was hooked on science fiction and space travel. The Star Trek movies made her want to travel to other planets. Alas, she is still Earth-bound. D.M. and her husband live in Michigan, close to their two children and five grandchildren.

Join D.M. Burton’s readers’ group on Facebook.

She writes adult fiction as Diane Burton, where combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides writing science fiction romance, she writes romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Connect with Diane Burton online.

Blog:  http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/dmburton72

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor

Goodreads: Diane Burton Author

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/

Sign up for Diane’s new release alert: http://eepurl.com/bdHtYf

 

Royal Wedding Gowns

Tags

royal wedding gowns, royalty

There is a particular intrigue to the monarchies that have survived until today, be it the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, or Monaco.  The Royals are historic and romantic.  Like famous movie stars, they are always in the public eye.  People are eager to learn what Harry’s and Megan’s everyday life is like.

It is no wonder that the royal gown is a hot topic of discussion and the most likely to be remembered. For a few moments, let’s enter the world of the nobility.

In 1840, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom wore a white wedding gown in her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe, Coburg and Gotha. The plain satin gown was made from fabric woven in Spitafields near London and trimmed with a deep flounce and handmade lace from Devon. William Dyce, head of the then Government School of Design (later the Royal College of Art) designed and mounted the lace on the white satin dress made by Mary Bettans.  The tradition of the white wedding gown is attributed Queen Victoria.

More recently, Kate Middleton wed Prince William of the United Kingdom, and her memorable gown has been complimented and copied many times. Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen designed this beautiful dress in ivory satin gazar, organza and silk tulle. English and French Chantilly Lace applique and hand-embroidered flowers embellished the gown. In a tribute to the United Kingdom, the gown featured the country’s floral emblems: the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. The finishing touches were an ivory tulle veil and the Cartier halo tiara on loan to the bride by Queen Elizabeth II.

Martha Louise of Norway wore a very romantic gown inspired by the lily flower and gothic arches of Nidaros Cathedral where she and Ari were wed. The couple’s initials, A and M, were woven into the design of the dress.  Wenche Lyche fashioned the gown of off-white duchesse with a Swarovski crystal-embellished coat and a brooch of cultured pearls, diamonds and gold. She wore a silk chiffon veil with her great-grandmother Queen Maud’s pearl and diamond tiara. Their nuptials were in 2002.

In July of 1981, Lady Diana Spencer wed Charles, Prince of Wales. The dress set wedding fashion trends after the wedding. This Victorian-inspired gown, designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, epitomised the decade’s love of extravagance with its big shoulders and enormous train (that barely fit into the glass coach in which she was to arrive). The woven silk taffeta was hand embroidered, its bodice filled with lace, and decorated with sequins and 10,000 pearls. The lace was antique handmade Carrickmacross lace that had belonged to Queen Mary.

On April 18, 1956, the beautiful actress Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier III of Monaco. Her tulle gown was the work of MGM Studios designer Helen Rose. Ms. Rose also fashioned the pale pink dress worn for the civil ceremony. The religious service was the second of two ceremonies. Princess Grace’s gown is one of the most elegant and best-remembered gowns of all time. Rose point lace adorned the bodice, veil, train insert and prayer book the bride carried down the aisle.  Valenciennes lace was used for the skirt support and ruffled petticoat, and taffeta for the skirt.  In a quite unique design, the bodice was attached to an underbodice, a ruffled skirt support (forming the unique bell shape of the skirt) and a slip. Then came the skirt, which itself included three attached petticoats underneath the faille exterior: one for foundation, one ruffled for volume, and the top petticoat for smoothing. A separate pleated taffeta cummerbund joined the top and skirt. Lastly, a lace train insert was added in to the back.

Princess Elizabeth’s (Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom) wedding to Philip Mountbatten took place at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. Norman Hartnell, Court Designer, designed her gown of soft white satin with a high neckline, tailored bodice, and short train. Crystals and 10,000 seed pearls, imported from the US, adorned one of the most unforgettable wedding dresses of all time. The train, symbolic of rebirth and growth after the war, was claimed to have been inspired by Botticelli’s 1482 painting of Primavera, especially the elaborate embroidery treatments of scattered flowers on the opulent satin dress and the tulle veil. The 40s were austere times. Following the war, Princess Elizabeth had to use clothing ration coupons to buy her dress.

The wedding dress worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding to Prince Harry on 19 May 2018 was designed by the British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller, artistic director of the fashion house Givenchy. The material was silk.

I could go on and on. The above examples are only a few of the graceful, gorgeous, and iconic gowns of the Royalty.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Linda

Where Sleeping Lies Lie by M. Naidoo

Tags

author giveaways, fantasy romance, gift card giveaways, rafflecotper giveaways, romantic suspense

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M. Naidoo will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

“Two men… two worlds… one desperate promise…”

If Anna had only known how the simple push of a button would turn her life upside down, she would never have pressed ‘Play.’

Just 22 seconds into the recording she’s hit by the realization that, if the voice in the thick German accent is right, she has been living with an unthinkable lie for the past thirty years.

There is only one way to find out: Follow the instruction left by a dead person and head back to Germany, to a life Anna has next to no conscious memory of.

To her surprise, she finds an unexpected ally in Peter, an old childhood friend whose law degree and language skills prove to be more than useful. Besides, he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and the uncanny ability to push Anna’s buttons without the slightest effort. At every turn, their search for answers is littered with more lies and revelations.

Anna must ultimately decide whether even the noblest of ends, truly justify the means and whether some secrets should better stay buried.

“Mystery, history, and a twist at every turn. Brilliant characters and prolific storytelling… irresistible!”

Read an Excerpt

“God, I can’t even imagine.” The weight of what Martha had lived through had made Anna feel queasy. She needed water.

“No, you can’t.”

She hadn’t noticed how Peter was leaning forward, rubbing the back of his head, or how his voice had taken on a frigid undertone.

“Losing a child? I mean how do you get up in the morning?” Anna picked up her glass from the table.

“You don’t—not for a long time.” Anna froze. As she turned to look at Peter, his eyes, blank and dark, were fixed onto the candleholder in the center of the coffee table. She let herself fall back onto the sofa under the weight of the realization.

“When?” As if it would make a difference how much time had gone by.

“Nine years ago, in August.” He turned his head to look at her. Anna didn’t know what to say. What could she say?

“Her name was Sophie, the happiest, smartest, funniest, most loving three-year-old you will ever meet. One minute she’s running and laughing, the next she’s hooked up to machines with doctors telling you she won’t ever wake up again.” The pain she had felt in his voice had turned to bitterness.

“I’m so-”

“Sorry for my loss?” He finished her sentence. “That’s what they all said, doctors, nurses, family, friends… everyone.”

“What else were they going to say?”

“Nothing. Because there wasn’t anything, anyone could say that would have brought her back. Words were just a waste of time.”

“What about her mom?” Anna couldn’t help but ask.

“Gone.” He paused. “Without Sophie… we couldn’t pick up the pieces.”

About the Author:M.Naidoo lives in Northern California with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. Born and raised in Germany, she was able to draw on a wealth of memories and passed down stories for Where Sleeping Lies Lie.

When she is not in front of her computer, pounding out story lines and characters, she enjoys reading, movies, spending time with her family, and long walks on the beach – her proverbial ‘happy place’. M’s love for the shore line and ocean shine through in the vivid descriptions of the coast in her debut novel The Pelican.

“Juggling my life as a writer and a full-time ‘real’ job has its challenges. I don’t get to spend half as much time as I’d like doing what I love, and there are never enough hours in the day. Still, I feel extremely lucky to be following my passion, and I am enjoying every minute of it. Getting here has been one heck of a ride!”

Like and follow M. Naidoo on social media

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMNaidoo
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For information about the author, her blog, upcoming releases, and more visit http://www.mnaidoo.com.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NL34N26

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Child of Mine by Jana Richards

Tags

contemporary romance, Divided loyalties, Family Conflict, forbidden love, in love with brother's wife, marriage of convenience, obstacles to love, Pregnant Heroine, second chance love, small town romance

I love small town romances. There’s something irresistible about a love story set in a town of quirky characters, unique businesses and even interesting pets.

Into that amazing, quirky little town we drop our hero and heroine. Sometimes they’re both natives of the town.  Perhaps they’ve lived there all their lives and have harbored secret feelings for each other for years. Or maybe one of them has recently returned home, either permanently or for what they believe will be a short stay.

In my new release, CHILD OF MINE, Lauren Walsh returns to her hometown of Masonville, North Dakota to bury her husband. She wanted to come home, but she never imagined this would be the reason. Her brother-in-law Cole had left for a few years to go to school to become a veterinarian and couldn’t wait to come home. For Lauren and Cole, Masonville means home and family and it’s where they want to be. Even if it means living a lie.

As great as small towns are, they can have a dark side. There’s no anonymity in a small town. Everyone knows your business. So, when there’s any kind of scandal, everyone knows. And everyone has an opinion about it.

That’s what Lauren and Cole are facing. Lauren has to decide if Cole means more to her than the good opinion of her hometown. Because she’s got a big secret: her dead husband isn’t the father of the child she’s carrying. Cole is. And she’s afraid if people find out, her reputation in Masonville will be ruined.

Which will she choose; the man who’s been her friend forever or the good opinion of her small town?

CHILD OF MINE – Book 1, The Masonville Series

Is Lauren’s love for Cole stronger than her fear of scandal in her hometown?

Blurb:

Lauren didn’t intend to sleep with her brother-in-law Cole on the day of her husband’s funeral. But now that she is pregnant, she’s not sorry. Cole’s given her a baby, a long-wished-for miracle. He’s been her friend forever, though she never told him or anyone else how unhappy her marriage to his cheating brother was. And she’s afraid to tell the small town that considered her husband a hero that the baby isn’t his.

Cole’s been in love with Lauren since he was sixteen. It kills him that everyone believes the baby is his dead brother’s. All he wants is to claim the baby, and Lauren, as his own. Though she marries him, will Lauren’s heart ever be his?

Lauren must tell the truth or risk losing Cole. Is her newly-discovered love for him greater than her fear of scandal in her hometown?

Excerpt: 

Cole wrapped her in his arms. He held her securely, whispering reassurances. “It’s all right, Lauren. Don’t cry. It’s going to be okay, sweetheart.”

She clung to him, her face buried against his neck. How wonderful to be held, to be touched. It had been so long—

What was she doing? This was Cole, her friend. She pulled away from him. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.”

She turned away and tried to wipe the tears from her face. After she got her tears under control, she made herself smile at him. “Do you remember the homecoming dance? The time I tripped in my new high heels and sprained my ankle?”

“Of course I do. You couldn’t walk, so I carried you from the school gym to Billy’s car, and he drove you home. I remember you were a lot heavier than you looked.”

She swatted his shoulder, hiccupping laughter mixing with her tears. “Very funny. I was trying to make a point.”

He wiped the tears from her cheek with the pad of his thumb, his dark eyes full of tenderness. “So what was your point?”

“You’re a good friend. You’ve always been there every time I’ve needed you, and here you are again. Thank you.” He stared into her eyes, but said nothing. She couldn’t look away. He continued to stroke her cheek with his thumb, the tiny caress acting like a balm to her battered heart. She placed her hand on his cheek.

“Cole.”

They reached for each other in mutual need. He pulled her against his chest, his mouth descending on hers in a hungry, urgent kiss. She sighed against his mouth, and he brought her closer. He wants me. It had been so long since someone had wanted her. Only her.

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6519-child-of-mine.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Amazon.de: https://www.amazon.de/Child-Mine-Masonville-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07MBVK9LY

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/child-of-mine-jana-richards/1130197427?ean=2940161413616

Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/child-of-mine/id1449022684?mt=11

Kobo (Canada): https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/child-of-mine-16

Kobo (US): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/child-of-mine-16

Author bio:

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with an elderly Pug/Terrier named cross Lou. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

 Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Amazon UK Author Page:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG

Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile:  https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards

 

Love in Season by Pamela Thibodeaux

Tags

anthology, Christmas stories, Fall, holiday stories, Seasonal stories, short story collections, Spring, summer, Thanksgiving stories, Winter

Look closely at the cover….

Recently I visited Animal Kingdom @ Walt Disney World in FL with my family and one of the most breathtaking sights is the Tree of Life / garden. Within the trunk of this huge tree are carvings of every kind of animal. You can view it from any angle and take a dozen different pictures and each time, see something more and/or different.

What does this have to do with a book cover? You ask.

Read on…..

I’ve always admired the covers Pelican Book Group creates for their titles and when I first received the cover for Love in Season, I thought – how sweet, but a closer look revealed a whole lot more than a couple on a bench in front of a lovely tree.

If you took a passing glance, look again….

What do you see?

Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter are all depicted within the leaves and branches of this tree!

It takes an amazing eye for detail to pick something like this for a book cover.  Thanks to Nicola Martinez for creating such a beautiful work of art for for my collection of romantic short stories centered around the four seasons and four love-oriented holidays!

*see photos of the Tree of Life/Garden Here: https://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/AK-treeoflife/pages/DSC00093.htm

 Fun Fact: For quite some time I wanted to put together a collection of short stories that centered around the 4 seasons and 4 holidays that focus on love and family (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Since I already had several stories at PBG, I mentioned this idea to my editor, the amazing Nicola Martinez, and she loved it. I submitted two previously unpublished stories to round out the collection, along with those Pelican Book Group had already published, and viola! Love in Season was born.

Blurb: Anytime is the perfect time for love.

In this anthology, author Pamela S Thibodeaux brings together eight of her most beloved romance stories—one for each season plus four holidays that revolve around love and family.

Includes two brand new stories!

PBG print: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=914

PBG ebook: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_46&products_id=913

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Season-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux-ebook/dp/B07MTT6WC2

~~~~~

Story Blurbs:

(Winter) Winter Madness: Sienna has survived what most succomb to – the death of a spouse and child and has maintained her faith despite her troubles. William has never met anyone who actually lived out what they say they believe. Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

 (Valentine’s Day) Choices: Best-selling novelist and songwriter, Camie Rogers has penned numerous accounts of the secret love she holds in her heart. Country-Music Superstar Kip Allen has changed from the shy, humble boy, to the epitome of “star.” Can the two rediscover each other after one night of his Home is where the Heart is Tour?

 (Spring) Cathy’s Angel: Single mom Cathy Johnson is tired of running her life alone…what she needs is a well-trained angel to help out. Jared Savoy gave up the dream of having a family when he discovered he is sterile. Can a confirmed bachelor and the mother of four find love amid normal daily chaos?

 (Easter) Lilies for Sandi *NEW!* Sandi and Brett did everything backwards. They got pregnant before the wedding and had a baby instead of a honeymoon. Since, Brett has resented the fact that his dreams of a football career have been cut short and wonders how long it’ll take God to forgive him for his mistakes. Sandi has played second fiddle to Brett’s dreams and desires to the point of not knowing herself any longer and fears her marriage will never be a true one because of their failures. Can two hearts broken by unfulfilled dreams find healing, wholeness and restoration?

(Summer) The Big Catch *NEW!* Karla and, the love of her life, Jeff, have uncovered some uncommon ground: The Great Outdoors. For the life of her, she does not understand his love of fishing and how he can spend so much time doing so. Will she come to love the sport as much as he or will his passion for a rod and reel tangle up their relationship?

(Fall) A Hero for Jessica: Anthony Paul Seville is known as the ‘most eligible bachelor’ in New Orleans, possibly even the entire state of Louisiana, but finds himself alone—completely and explicitly alone. Jessica Aucoin is a writer on her way to fame and fortune, but is haunted by a man from her past. Will the “champion” lawyer and the author of romantic suspense find love written in their future?

(Thanksgiving) Review of Love (Newly Edited/Revised/Lengthened!): Jason Stockwell has been commissioned to interview Kylie Erickson and to review her books. Only problem is, she won’t give the time of day much less an interview to someone whose type of writing she deems not worthy of respect. Can they suspend their judgmental attitudes and find true love?

(Christmas) In His Sight: Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.

Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

~~~~

Author Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

 

Links:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1268453.Pamela_S_Thibodeaux

 

 

Texas Splendor by Bobbi Smith

Tags

author giveaways, Books about Texas, rafflecotper giveaways, virtual book tours, western romance

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bobbi Smith will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

He Claimed Her Body. . .

Though an Easterner born and bred, Trista Sinclair fell in love with the rugged Texas terrain the moment she arrived to join her fiancé. But the warnings she heard around the ranch about the dangers awaiting her in the wild terrain of Texas come to life when she is captured while out riding by a blue-eyed Comanche warrior…a man whose sensual touch is far more dangerous than his brute strength.

But Wanted Her Heart And Soul. . .

Lance Barrett has never been tempted to take a captive until he sees a beautiful woman with hair like spun gold taming a magnificent stallion. Trista Sinclair is his half-brother’s fiancé, and the perfect means of revenge against the white father who rejected him. Yet what Lance wants most is the one thing Trista swears never to give–her willing surrender. Torn between the life each has known and a desire neither can resist, only together can they claim a love as vast and wild as the West itself…

Read an Excerpt

Lance rode slowly back to the ranch at sundown. During his time alone in the wilderness, he had aged emotionally. The truth of his father’s feelings, coupled with the painful acknowledgment of his mother’s death, had robbed him of his naiveté. His youthful enthusiasm was gone, buried beneath the grim acceptance of the realities of life. After tending to his horse, he started toward the house, feeling more alone than he ever had before.

The house was seemingly deserted as he entered. He was pleased at the prospect of being left alone and was just starting up the stairs when he heard voices coming from the study. Lance knew his father hadn’t wanted to see anyone and grew angry that someone else had been admitted to his sanctuary. He moved to the door to try to identify the man speaking with his father.

“My sister should never have married you! It is because of you she is dead!”

Lance was shocked. His mother had often spoken of her brother, Chief Lone Elk, and of the bad blood between him and his father. The knowledge that the chief was there shocked him.

“She’s dead, I have nothing left! My life is over!”

As Lance heard his father claim again that he had nothing left in his life, he hardened his heart even more against him.

The study door suddenly opened, and for the first time, Lance came face-to-face with his uncle. He met the chief’s gaze.

“You are Lone Elk?”

“I am.”

“I’m Lance. Why have you come?”

“I have come for you.” Lone Elk respected Lance. The boy exhibited none of the fear he’d expected from a child raised by whites. His mother had taught him well.

“Why?” Lance challenged.

“It is what your mother would have wanted.”

Lance knew his mother had always emphasized the importance of learning about his Comanche background.

“Pa?”

George was sitting at his desk, an empty whiskey bottle on the desktop. “What?” His voice was slurred.

“What do you want me to do?” He longed for his father to declare that he loved him and couldn’t live without him.

“Lone Elk wants to take you with him so you can learn about your mother’s people. The decision is yours, Lance.” His voice was emotionless as he looked away.

His answer extinguished what hope Lance held in his heart. Lance silently berated himself for having been foolish enough to think his father cared for him.

“It is what your mother would have wanted,” the chief said.

At his words, Lance looked up at him. “I will go with you.”

About the Author: After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982.

Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and 6 novellas. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists.

When she’s not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer’s groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.

Website: – https://bobbismithbooks.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Bobbi-Smith/e/B001JSBQMS?ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Splendor-His-Savage-Embrace-ebook/dp/B07HS48TML/ref=sr_1_1

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MORE CHANCES TO WIN! MORE FUN! MORE EXCERPTS:

February 11: Christine Young

February 12: Books to Light Your Fire

February 13: Mythical Books

February 14: Punya Reviews…

February 15: Romance Novel Giveaways

February 18: That Book Club

February 19: Literary Gold

February 20: Edgar’s Books

February 21: BooksChatter

February 22: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess

February 25: Danita Minnis

February 26: Harlie’s Books

February 27: Notes From a Romantic’s Heart

February 28: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

March 1: Fabulous and Brunette

March 4: Sharing Links and Wisdom

March 6: Straight From the Library

March 7: Lampshade Reader

March 8: Long and Short Reviews

Dickensen Academy by Christine Grabowski

Tags

author giveaways, contemporary fantasy, rafflecotper giveaways, young adult

This month, Christine Grabowski, a fellow Wild Rose Press Author, is celebrating the 6-month book birthday of Dickensen Academy. It’s been an exciting six months. Here are a few of the highlights.

~ Over 100 positive reviews

~ January release of the audio book

~ #1 New Release on Amazon in Children’s Coming of Age Fantasy (Sept. 2018)

~ 2018 International Digital Awards Winner, 3^rd place YA

~ 2019 Chanticler Paranormal Book Awards Semi-Finalist for Supernatural Fiction (Finalists will be selected in April)

~ Selected for 2018 SCBWI Recommended Reading List

To celebrate Christine has created a Rafflecopter to win a $15 gift card to Amazon. (See the link below to enter.)

Dickensen Academy – a Young Adult, Contemporary Fantasy

Amazon Rating: 4.7-star rating based on 75 reviews

Blurb:

Dickensen Academy isn’t a typical boarding school. The faculty is hiding an unbelievable secret within their fine arts program. When Autumn Mattison receives an invitation to attend the high school, she yearns to escape her overbearing father yet remains reluctant to leave her mother and brother. Her doubts fade away when a vivid dream convinces her she belongs there.

Excerpt

“I feel like there’s something big we don’t know about. Something those students were protecting. I mean, really, why are we here?”

I thought it was just me who was confused. “Well…the recruiters said we’re creative and focused.”

“Yeah, that’s what Principal Locke said too.”

“And we have the right personality.”

Ben looked up at the sky, sighed then turned toward the forest. “What did he say…something about how it will soon become clear why we’re here, and there’s some ultimate purpose for our creativity?”

“I know. That whole creativity part was a bit bizarre.”

He shrugged. “It seems everyone is going with the flow. But I have so many questions.” Then he touched my arm to stop me, so I turned toward him. “I’m thinking they’re isolating us for some special reason,” he admitted in an embarrassed tone.

I tried not to laugh—he was acting paranoid. But I didn’t know Ben well. Maybe he was joking, trying to freak me out. Or was he hitting on me? The flutter in my chest moved to my stomach. I was already anxious about being away from home and whether or not I could hack the academics. I didn’t need to obsess about anything else. But I still had to know about Ben’s dream.

“So…I also had a dream about Dickensen before I accepted the offer.”

Ben’s head snapped toward me. “You did?”

*~*

About Christine

Dickensen Academy is Christine’s debut YA novel. After graduating from the University of Washington, she earned her MBA at the University at Albany. She honed her technical writing skills in marketing and consulting but attributes the creative part of the process to her passion for reading.

When she isn’t reading or writing, Christine can often be found running, skiing, or hiking. She lives in Newcastle, Washington, with her supportive husband, two avid teen readers, and their energetic wheaten terriers.

Links:

Website:

https://christinegrabowski.com

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/sgjRes7zPLQ

Buy/Book Links:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dickensen-academy-map-success/dp/B07G71747S

Barnes & Noble (Paperback):

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dickensen-academy-christine-grabowski/1129315140?ean=9781509221233

Apple:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dickensen-academy/id1419915501?mt=11

Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christine_Grabowski_Dickensen_Academy?id=3LpsDwAAQBAJ

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dickensen-academy

Book Reviewer Links:

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41065431-dickensen-academy

Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/dickensen-academy-by-christine-grabowski

Social Media/Contact Links:

 Facebook: 

http://facebook.com/christinegrabowskiauthor

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/christinegrabo/

Twitter: 

https://www.twitter.com/christinegrabo

Goodreads Profile: 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18276822.Christine_Grabowski

 Bookbub Profile:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christine-grabowski

Amazon Profile:

https://www.amazon.com/Christine-Grabowski/e/B07G7D9LJ2/ref=dbs_p_pbk_rwt_abau

 

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

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THANK YOU, CHRISTINE!!

It’s Wilde! It’s Friday!

Tags

android, books by Linda Nightingale, editorial rewrites, Oscar Wilde quotes., The Ballad of Reading Gaol, vampire

Before I present the Man, I have some news. This week, I received my edits back on Sinners’ Opera, the book of my heart, AND the first editor comments on the sequel to Love For Sale which I’ve titled Life for Sale.  YAY.  I have some large things to correct in Life for Sale, but I’m hoping I can handle those soon.  That would give me 2 books in a year!!

Sinners’ is being republished by The Wild Rose Press, and here is the original cover created for Double Dragon Publishing, a Canadian publisher, by my son Simon:

Here’s the first several lines of Sinners’ Opera:

“Dear Lord.” A woman called to Heaven. “A young man. Almost dead. What happened to you?”

My body was one long, cold ache. A hot center of pain throbbed in my chest.  Wet and shivering, I craved only sleep and the blackness that held me.

Sirens wailed to a crash of thunder.  Somewhere, someone was in trouble.

And Life for Sale:

“We are officially fugitives. I’m sure you know the safest course of action is to separate. One stays in England. The other two hide elsewhere. Goodbye, my friends.” Christian shook Trevor’s hand.

The cover for Love For Sale:

 

NOW FOR MR. WILDE:

This is I. of “The Ballad of Reading Gaol”:

He did not wear his scarlet coat,

  For blood and wine are red,
And blood and wine were on his hands
  When they found him with the dead,
The poor dead woman whom he loved,
  And murdered in her bed.

He walked amongst the Trial Men
  In a suit of shabby grey;
A cricket cap was on his head,
  And his step seemed light and gay;
But I never saw a man who looked
  So wistfully at the day.

I never saw a man who looked
  With such a wistful eye
Upon that little tent of blue
  Which prisoners call the sky,
And at every drifting cloud that went
  With sails of silver by.

I walked, with other souls in pain,
  Within another ring,
And was wondering if the man had done
  A great or little thing,
When a voice behind me whispered low,
  "That fellow’s got to swing."

Dear Christ! the very prison walls
  Suddenly seemed to reel,
And the sky above my head became
  Like a casque of scorching steel;
And, though I was a soul in pain,
  My pain I could not feel.

I only knew what hunted thought
  Quickened his step, and why
He looked upon the garish day
  With such a wistful eye;
The man had killed the thing he loved
  And so he had to die.

Yet each man kills the thing he loves
  By each let this be heard,
Some do it with a bitter look,
  Some with a flattering word,
The coward does it with a kiss,
  The brave man with a sword!

Some kill their love when they are young,
  And some when they are old;
Some strangle with the hands of Lust,
  Some with the hands of Gold:
The kindest use a knife, because
  The dead so soon grow cold.

Some love too little, some too long,
  Some sell, and others buy;
Some do the deed with many tears,
  And some without a sigh:
For each man kills the thing he loves,
  Yet each man does not die.

He does not die a death of shame
  On a day of dark disgrace,
Nor have a noose about his neck,
  Nor a cloth upon his face,
Nor drop feet foremost through the floor
  Into an empty place

He does not sit with silent men
  Who watch him night and day;
Who watch him when he tries to weep,
  And when he tries to pray;
Who watch him lest himself should rob
  The prison of its prey.

He does not wake at dawn to see
  Dread figures throng his room,
The shivering Chaplain robed in white,
  The Sheriff stern with gloom,
And the Governor all in shiny black,
  With the yellow face of Doom.

He does not rise in piteous haste
  To put on convict-clothes,
While some coarse-mouthed Doctor gloats, and notes
  Each new and nerve-twitched pose,
Fingering a watch whose little ticks
  Are like horrible hammer-blows.

He does not know that sickening thirst
  That sands one’s throat, before
The hangman with his gardener’s gloves
  Slips through the padded door,
And binds one with three leathern thongs,
  That the throat may thirst no more.

He does not bend his head to hear
  The Burial Office read,
Nor, while the terror of his soul
  Tells him he is not dead,
Cross his own coffin, as he moves
  Into the hideous shed.

He does not stare upon the air
  Through a little roof of glass;
He does not pray with lips of clay
  For his agony to pass;
Nor feel upon his shuddering cheek
  The kiss of Caiaphas.

 Reblogged from PINK FUZZY SLIPPERS AUTHORS!  Drop by and visit.  Several authors offer fun and freebies!  https://pinkfuzzyslippersauthors.wordpress.com/