Have you chosen yet? Fate…..or Fangs?
When we visited with Roseanne in early December, I proclaimed the whirlwind for Fate and Fangs: Tales from the Vampire Family-my ongoing series with Muse It Up Publishing- was showing no signs of slowing down. After the holiday revelry, we’re indeed back and steam rolling into the series’ conclusion! Book 6 Humanity: A Letter from Gaston came out the first week of January, and we’ve been back under the horror hypnosis since! Whew!
Professor James’ next account is a contemporary letter from Welshire son Gaston as he tries to move on with his life now that the Vampire Family is human again. Unfortunately, his sister Victoria cannot cope with the change and succumbs to drugs, depression, and sex binges with her former fledgling Caine. Their pregnant sister Samantha comes to London to help-but such a peace-keeping journey could be disastrous to her unborn children….
I’m really pleased Humanity takes the time to look at the post vampirism consequences. Neutered pale hotties has been done to death- hee, no pun intended!- and I much prefer the serious mirrors and drama the faint line between good and evil brings. Is a bad human worse than a bad vampire? Can a good vampire be more humane?
Here’s a snip from A Letter from Gaston:
The surgeons wrapped Samantha in a canopy of blue sheets and hooked her up to machines.
“Scalpel,” The masked doctor ordered.
The shiny silver glinted in his hand, then it dove in. Blood soaked the sheets and dyed them purple. Through some of our lost magic still remaining, I spaced out of the operating room. Memories not my own, thoughts and recollections of my Father I still held. From his dying breath to his most treasured moment, I saw my Mother. I saw my mother giving birth to me.
Antonio had been there, and there I was small and bloody and screaming. The vision was black and white, but red blood was everywhere. My mother’s eyes were fading, yet she was lovely, angry, happy, and sad all at the same time. She gasped her last breath, and I heard my own baby cry.
But of course, the blood really stains the lips for our big Book 7 finale this February! Resurrection: Stephanie After the Lilithanfocuses on the state of the Welshire enemy and that unobtainable vampire allure. What wouldn’t you do to be a vampire if Mestiphles came courting you?
Former Lilithan vampire and newly divorced scientist Stephanie can’t get over how much she misses being a vampire in this final tale from Professor James. After a harrowing car accident, Stephanie meets Mestiphles, the giver and taker of vampire power on both sides of the coven wars. His charm and seductive powers sweeten the demonic offer he extends, but will Stephanie accept his dark opportunities?
Here’s an early treat from our finale Resurrection!
I don’t know what made me think of her…No, that’s not true. You can admit it to yourself, Stephanie. I’ve been thinking about Lilith a lot lately; ever since we left her company, in fact. As to why I’m thinking of her now as I drive home, who knows? Its dark; the rhythmic drizzle is rapping on the car windows in time with the steady wipers. Up, down, left, right again and again- day in, day out the same dreary monotony. Only Lilith’s deceptive white light could cease such conundrum I suppose. Sometimes, in the banal ho-hum of the day, I even think I see her. Is it really Lilith stalking the streets, taking the face of the store clerk for a moment, or passing me by as that one pedestrian on the crosswalk? The ceremonial policeman upon his bay horse was Lilith not two days ago. Her long white gown draped over the steed’s rump down toward the pavement-until I blinked and she was gone.
Which Fate and Fangs touches your world? Love, Punishment, Struggle, Debauchery, Lust, Humanity, Resurrection? Find us in the darkest bowels of the internet and tell us what twists your soul and sharpens your teeth!!
http://vampfam.blogspot.com/
http://jsnouff.com/kristin
http://kristin724.livejournal.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vampire-Family/157922293588
http://www.myspace.com/kristinbattestella
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella/
http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella
http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=307&category_id=64&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Secrets, Lies & Love
Hi, I’m Meghan Shelby. My parents moved away from Littleton when I was seventeen, but now, ten years later, I’m back.
I inherited the family home, a Queen Anne Victorian from my Aunt Beth. I always loved that house, so needless to say I was excited when I received the letter from my aunt’s attorney. Not that my aunt passed away, I was very sad about that, but coming back to Littleton after all this time was exciting.
I’m not sure why we moved away in the first place. It was all kind of sudden and we never even came back when Gran passed away. I never knew why. Every time I asked, the question went ignored. Eventually, I quit asking.
Anyway, here I was back in the town I loved, standing in front of a dilapidated, rundown house that used to be one of the most elegant in town. Shutters hung by one hinge, windows broken, the porch floor rotted and the back door lock didn’t work.
How had Aunt Beth allowed this to happen? I was half afraid to go inside, but curiosity got the best of me and I ventured in. What a mess. It was going to take a lot of money to get this place back to its glory days. And the stench was almost unbearable. Well, no wonder, I discovered a dead body in the living room.
Who he was, or why he was there in my house, I had no idea. For some reason, the sheriff wasn’t convinced. To top it all off, he caught me in the arms of my new boss, the principal of the elementary school and the guy I had a crush on all those years ago. Oh, I was hired as school secretary, guess you need to know that.
Needless to say, I was the main topic of conversation around town the next day. Gossipmongers in Littleton were having a ball at my expense.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, the next day several eighth grade boys caught the principal kissing me in his office. I’d never live it down. Not that I minded being kissed, especially by Patrick. I just didn’t need it spread all over town.
Once I hired a handyman to fix the windows and change the locks, I rolled up my sleeves and got busy scrubbing the place inside so we could paint. I hired high school kids for that job. There was only so much I could do with working full time. But at least I was able to move in.
That’s when more trouble started. Someone broke in and I received phone calls warning me to leave. Obviously, someone didn’t want me here. If you want to know more, you’re going to have to read the book.
Secrets, Lies, & Love is available from Amazon. http://amzn.to/zZznVG
Excerpt:
Meghan loved this time of year, though a little too hot to start school in her opinion. Why they felt the need to go back in August was beyond her. She remembered her mother complaining about it years ago. “What was wrong with starting after Labor Day like they did in my day?” Her mother used to rant and rave for weeks before school started. Even got on the School Board. Not that it changed anything. School still started the last week in August. Meghan smiled at the memory.
Now that she thought about it, it was silly. Like they took the last week of vacation away from the kids. Bet the teachers didn’t like it either.
Meghan pulled into the school parking lot. Not much had changed here either. New landscaping, new windows, but that was about it. The old building looked pretty much the same.
Her footsteps echoed in the empty hall. She’d never been in the school when it was empty before. The strong odor of wax and other cleaning products prickled her nostrils. The clean smell lingered through the first few days of school.
It had been a long time since she’d been to the principal’s office and she stopped outside, took a deep breath and held it. Here goes nothing. Mr. Duncan said look for Mr. Mac. He must be new in town. It wasn’t a name she remembered. So what was the worse he could say? Letting out her breath, she hurried inside, before her nerve left her. A man stood with his back to her, unpacking a box of books.
“Excuse me. I’m looking for Mr. Mac.”
“I’m Mr. Mac.” He turned toward her.
Meghan’s breath caught in her throat. “Patrick!” The word slipped out of her mouth, before she could stop it. The love of her life stood in front of her, even better looking and sexier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs turned to jelly, and she grabbed the edge of the desk to steady herself.
Patrick smiled at her. That easy smile she remembered from long ago. The smile she used to love. It lit up his eyes.
“Little Meghan Shelby. Not so little anymore I see.”
Heat burned her cheeks as Patrick looked her up and down, apparently taking in every inch of her. He remembered her. After all this time he knew who she was. Would wonders never cease?
“Uh, um...” Oh crap. Now wasn’t the time to get tongue tied. “You’re the principal here?” Lord, could she work for him. See him every day?
“Yes, I am. I heard you were back in town. Are you staying then? Do you want to register your child?”
“Huh?” Her child, was he nuts? “Uh no I’m here about the secretarial position. Mr. Duncan was supposed to call you.”
“Really? You want the job?”
“Yes, didn’t Mr. Duncan call? He told me to come right over.”
“If he did I didn’t hear the phone. I’ve been in and out of the office.” He nodded toward the stack of books. “Too busy around here this time of year.” Patrick grinned and motioned her into his office. “So tell me about yourself. What qualifies you for the job?”
Qualifications? Think damn it. What was the matter with her? She’d lost all train of thought. “Well, I’m computer proficient. I’m good with math. And I love children.” What more could he want?
“I see. So why do you want the position? Tell me about your education.”
His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Meghan couldn’t take her gaze from him. All sense of reason flew out the window. She had the most God awful urge to reach up and push his dark hair out of his eyes. “I’m a former Math major, have two years of college. I’m a quick learner.” Finally, she looked away.
Secrets, Lies, & Love is available from Amazon http://amzn.to/zZznVG
Website: http://www.roseannedowell.com/
VALENTINE CONTEST STARTS JANUARY 14th
Drawings will be February 14 - Valentine's Day
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY BOOKS WE LOVE READERS
ENTER TO WIN THESE FABULOUS PRIZES
Two lucky winners will choose their choice of any Books We Love Spice ebook.
Enter at: http://bookswelove.net/contest.php
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Time to Love Again
It was a long time before I really got to know Rose. She rebuked me at every turn.
No matter how many times I tried to talk to her, all she did was nod a hello and hurry into the house. Her friends told me she'd lost her parents, husband, and sister all within a couple years of each other. She handled her parents death, but her husband and then her sister did her in. She turned into a recluse.
Once an outgoing, funloving, caring woman, she'd now become remote. Locking herself away from everyone but one friend. I found out later, she tried to avoid Louise too, but Louise wouldn't allow it.
Everything was going along like normal, Rose avoided me as much as possible and I still kept trying to talk to her, until that winter day she slipped on the ice. Our lives changed after that. For one thing, my granddaughter and her friends started bothering Rose. Little things, like sledding in her driveway and building snowmen. I talked to Sarah about it several times to no avail. I just couldn't stop her from bothering Rose. In fact, I was at my wits end what to do with her at all. She didn't do her homework or when she did, for some reason she didn't turn it in. I figured it had something to do with her parents being gone. I wasn't good at raising kids. My wife always handled our son. No matter what I tried, it didn't seem to work with Sarah.
To find out more about Rose Asbury and me, check out the book written by Roseanne Dowell. You can find it at Amazon. http://amzn.to/timetoliveagain
Friday, January 27, 2012
My latest interview
from Books We Love Publishing is now up at http://networkedblogs.com/tej9v Check it out and see where I get my ideas and other things about me. Don't forget to leave a comment.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
National Peanut Butter Day
So, I just found out it's National Peanut Butter Day. I like peanut butter, always have. I remember coming home from school every day and making a peanut buttersandwich to tide me over until dinner time. My sisters and I came home from school early - about 2:30 and our lunch was usually at 11 and dinner wasn't until 6, so Mom allowed us to make a sandwich. We took our sandwiches into the livingroom, along with a glass of chocloate milk and watched American Bandstand. That was the only program we were allowed to watch during the day. Immediately after that the TV was turned off until around 7, when my dad turned it on.
But I digress, I was talking about peanut butter. I also like peanut butter cookies, although they aren't my favorite. Someone just said her husband could eat a whole jar of peanutbutter in one sitting. Now while I don't mind licking the peanut butter off the knife or spoon, I couldn't eat a whole jar. Heck, I couldn't eat a whole spoonful. I like my peanut butter sandwich with lots of jelly on it. Otherwise, it sticks to the roof of my mouth. Peanuts, on the other hand, well don't set a jar of those near me if you expect to have some leftover.
I remember when my parents went out for an evening, two of my brothers would take towels and swat me and my sister until we went into the kitchen to make them peanut butter sandwiches. Didn't take either of us long to figure out, it was easier to just do it when they asked - uh ordered is more like it - the first time.
Do you have a funny or favorite peanut butter story? Share it with me in the comments section.
But I digress, I was talking about peanut butter. I also like peanut butter cookies, although they aren't my favorite. Someone just said her husband could eat a whole jar of peanutbutter in one sitting. Now while I don't mind licking the peanut butter off the knife or spoon, I couldn't eat a whole jar. Heck, I couldn't eat a whole spoonful. I like my peanut butter sandwich with lots of jelly on it. Otherwise, it sticks to the roof of my mouth. Peanuts, on the other hand, well don't set a jar of those near me if you expect to have some leftover.
I remember when my parents went out for an evening, two of my brothers would take towels and swat me and my sister until we went into the kitchen to make them peanut butter sandwiches. Didn't take either of us long to figure out, it was easier to just do it when they asked - uh ordered is more like it - the first time.
Do you have a funny or favorite peanut butter story? Share it with me in the comments section.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Say Hello to Heather Haven
As for my writing, I’m very exciting these days. The final edits for the 3rd book of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Death Runs in the Family, were finished several weeks ago. Now I await the cover artist, Delilah K. Stephans, to start creating the cover for the book. After seeing the first two, I know the one for Death Runs will be just as darling.
For those of you not familiar with the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, let me welcome to the Family. You’re one of us now! And when the Alvarez clan is not is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of intellectual property and computer software.
“Heather Haven makes a stellar debut in Murder is a Family Business. Highly recommended.”
Sheldon Siegel. New York Times Best Selling Author of Perfect Alibi.
“Heather Haven has done it again with the second in the Alvarez series [A Wedding to Die For]. Just when I thought she couldn't best herself, she did.” Ginger Simpson, Dishin’ It Out with Ginger
Murder is a Family Business, Book One
Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve.
by
Heather Haven
A groom arrested for murder can put a crimp in anybody’s nuptials, no matter who designed the wedding gown. So when the wedding of Lee’s best friend is threatened by his arrest, thirty-four-year old Lee Alvarez heads to Mexico in search of the real killer and the best tasting tamales ever.
Death Runs in the Family, Book Three
by
Heather Haven
The man Lee divorced with joy in her heart and a gun in her hand has jogged back into her life, only to disappear again. But the -ex takes with him the secret of her cousin’s death as he hit the finish line of a footrace. Who will be next? Lee is in a battle against time to stop the Alvarez Family’s 12K race with death.
Heather is a story teller by nature and loves the written word. In her career, she’s written short stories, novels, comedy acts, plays, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and even ghost-wrote a book.
One of her first jobs as a writer was given to her by her then agent. It was that of writing a love story for a book published by Bantam called Moments of Love. She had a deadline of one week and then promptly came down with the flu. She wrote "The Sands of Time" with a temperature of 102 and delivered some pretty hot stuff because of it. Later on, she wrote short comedy skits for nightclub acts and ad copy for such places as No Soap Radio, where her love for comedy blossomed. Many of her short stories have been seen in various publications, as well as 2 one-act plays produced in Manhattan.
Her first two novels of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Murder is a Family Business, and A Wedding To Die For were published by MuseItUp Publishing. The 3rd of the series, Death Runs in the Family, will be out in May 2012. Heather says they are a joy to write. She gets to be all the characters, including the cat! She lives in San Jose, California, with her husband and, yes, two cats.
Heather@HeatherHavenStories.com
http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/
Heather's blog at: http://tinyurl.com/4nensnp
http://www.facebook.com/
Twitter@HeatherHaven
Twitter@PILeeAlvarez
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Say hello to, Sue Perkins
It's very kind of you to invite me to your blog Roseanne.
Here in New Zealand we celebrate Christmas in the summer. The birds are singing in the sunshine outside making it difficult to concentrate on writing. On days like this I would prefer to sit in the garden with a good book, but writing commitments take priority. Writing this post isn't a chore though, it's a pleasure.
I had two books released over the Christmas period. One for Young Adults, and one for Middle Grade. Both are fantasy, the genre I love to read and write. Dragons also hold a place in my favorites as they are such wonderful animals, even if they are mythical.
Here is an excerpt of each book. I hope you enjoy.
On 30th December MuseItUp Publishing released "Reva's Quest" set in the magical land of Fey. Reva's garden gnome insists she go with him to Fey to save the world from an evil menace they have called Malice. The magical creatures of Fey believe Reva is to blame for the evil and believe she must be the one to destroy Malice.
Excerpt:
“Where are we going?”
“To sort out the mess you've made.” The gnome kicked grumpily at a dandelion. “You humans never think of consequences when you meddle in things not your concern. This time it’s gone too far, and you’ve got to put it right.”
They reached the pond, and Gareth stopped, waiting expectantly. Reva, not sure what he wanted, shrugged and sat down to pull on her trainers.
“Well go on,” the gnome said as she tied the laces. “Hurry up before the portal closes.”
“What portal? I’m not sure what you want me to do.”
“Humans!” He snorted derisively. “The portal in the pond of course. Jump in and pass through to the other side. You go first, and I'll follow.”
Reva looked dubiously at the pond. The scummy mess still sat on its surface, and it smelt even worse than when she’d first found it. Some horrible disease probably lurked in the depths, waiting to infect her.
I’m going to tell him to forget it. I’m off back to bed to wake up from this bad dream.
The look on the gnome’s face changed her mind. He stood, arms crossed with one of his little feet tapping impatiently as he waited for her to move.
A slow smile crossed her lips. If this was a dream, jumping in the pond wouldn't hurt her. With a shrug she began to untie her shoes.
“No need for that.” The gnome snapped. “You'll want them on the other side.”
With a grin, Reva pinched her nose shut with two fingers, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Feet first, she jumped into the murky depths.
Buy Link: MuseItUp Publishing http://tinyurl.com/revasquest
Desert Breeze Publishing released Dragon Flame a fantasy romance for Young Adults on the 1st January.
Talei's home settlement is burnt by flying dragons leaving her the eldest survivor. They join with survivors from other settlements. Talei is contacted telepathically by a dragon, and with Adri at her side she sets out for the other continent to solve the dragon problem. Failure means the end of dragons and humans on this new world.
Excerpt:
Crawling under the wagon, Talei peered out at the devastation unfolding across the field. Moments before gaiety and bright colors pulsed in time with the music as the colonists celebrated their anniversary. Now the field resembled a battlefield. The only color in the dark clouds of smoke rolling across the ground came from bursts of flame, as the dragons scorched the earth beneath them. Here and there intermittent smaller bursts indicated a few colonists trying to return fire with laser guns.
Darth stirred beside her, and thinking he moved to comfort her, she turned toward him. To her horror she saw him crawl from beneath the wagon and move toward a laser gun which had fallen from the hand of a dead defender.
"Darth, no," she hissed. "Don't be stupid."
He picked up the laser, and still lying on the ground he looked toward her, pride glowing in his eyes.
"I'm not stupid, Talei. I'm going to protect my home and people in the only way I know."
Without another word he wriggled forward until he reached the dance floor. Talei watched helplessly as he stood. Alone in the center of the dance floor, he fired at a dragon strafing the tents along the eastern side of the open space.
The beast turned. Without appearing to aim, it launched a stream of fire at Darth. He didn't even have time to cry out as his body burst into flames. When the blaze subsided only a blackened husk remained. Talei watched in horror as the residue of her childhood friend fell lifeless to the ground.
Buy Link: Desert Breeze Publishing http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame
Webpage: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
I had two books released over the Christmas period. One for Young Adults, and one for Middle Grade. Both are fantasy, the genre I love to read and write. Dragons also hold a place in my favorites as they are such wonderful animals, even if they are mythical.
Here is an excerpt of each book. I hope you enjoy.
Excerpt:
“Where are we going?”
“To sort out the mess you've made.” The gnome kicked grumpily at a dandelion. “You humans never think of consequences when you meddle in things not your concern. This time it’s gone too far, and you’ve got to put it right.”
They reached the pond, and Gareth stopped, waiting expectantly. Reva, not sure what he wanted, shrugged and sat down to pull on her trainers.
“Well go on,” the gnome said as she tied the laces. “Hurry up before the portal closes.”
“What portal? I’m not sure what you want me to do.”
“Humans!” He snorted derisively. “The portal in the pond of course. Jump in and pass through to the other side. You go first, and I'll follow.”
Reva looked dubiously at the pond. The scummy mess still sat on its surface, and it smelt even worse than when she’d first found it. Some horrible disease probably lurked in the depths, waiting to infect her.
I’m going to tell him to forget it. I’m off back to bed to wake up from this bad dream.
The look on the gnome’s face changed her mind. He stood, arms crossed with one of his little feet tapping impatiently as he waited for her to move.
A slow smile crossed her lips. If this was a dream, jumping in the pond wouldn't hurt her. With a shrug she began to untie her shoes.
“No need for that.” The gnome snapped. “You'll want them on the other side.”
With a grin, Reva pinched her nose shut with two fingers, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Feet first, she jumped into the murky depths.
Buy Link: MuseItUp Publishing http://tinyurl.com/revasquest
Desert Breeze Publishing released Dragon Flame a fantasy romance for Young Adults on the 1st January.
Excerpt:
Crawling under the wagon, Talei peered out at the devastation unfolding across the field. Moments before gaiety and bright colors pulsed in time with the music as the colonists celebrated their anniversary. Now the field resembled a battlefield. The only color in the dark clouds of smoke rolling across the ground came from bursts of flame, as the dragons scorched the earth beneath them. Here and there intermittent smaller bursts indicated a few colonists trying to return fire with laser guns.
Darth stirred beside her, and thinking he moved to comfort her, she turned toward him. To her horror she saw him crawl from beneath the wagon and move toward a laser gun which had fallen from the hand of a dead defender.
"Darth, no," she hissed. "Don't be stupid."
He picked up the laser, and still lying on the ground he looked toward her, pride glowing in his eyes.
"I'm not stupid, Talei. I'm going to protect my home and people in the only way I know."
Without another word he wriggled forward until he reached the dance floor. Talei watched helplessly as he stood. Alone in the center of the dance floor, he fired at a dragon strafing the tents along the eastern side of the open space.
The beast turned. Without appearing to aim, it launched a stream of fire at Darth. He didn't even have time to cry out as his body burst into flames. When the blaze subsided only a blackened husk remained. Talei watched in horror as the residue of her childhood friend fell lifeless to the ground.
Buy Link: Desert Breeze Publishing http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame
Webpage: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
It's "Coffee, Doughnuts, Hold the Persimmon".
It's Coffee, Doughnuts, hold the Persimmon
Where?
When?
Tomorrow, January 18, 2012.
Don't miss this "can't believe I read the whole thing!" moment in history as ShutUrFace & DoWhatISay conspire against our hero, I.B. Nosey!!!!!!!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Amazing Author Event
Amazing Author's Event
Starting Jan. 12, thirteen AMAZING AUTHORS will host a blog tour. Visit each author's blog and read through their post carefully. At the end of the tour there will be a test - but instead earning an A or, gasp, an F, you can earn PRIZES: amazing stories by these AMAZING AUTHORS, as well as some other cool giveaways. Thanks Anna Katherine Lanier for this catchy intro and Ginger Simpson for organizing this event.
Here's the AMAZING AUTHORS lineup:
Jan. 12. Caroline Clemmons - http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Jan. 13. Beth Trissel - http://bethrissel.wordpress.com/
Jan. 14. Roseanne Dowell - http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com/
Jan. 15. Cathie Dunn - http://cathiedunn.blogspot.com/
Jan. 16. Maggie Toussaint - http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/
Jan. 17. Patsy Parker - http://plparker.blogspot.com/
Jan. 18. SG Rogers - http://childofyden.wordpress.com/
Jan. 19. Linda LaRogue - http://lindalarogueauthor.blogspot.com/
Jan. 20 Jacquie Rogers - http://romancingthewest.blogspot.com/2012/01/jacquies-amazing-authors-event.html
Jan. 21. Karen Nutt - http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/
Jan. 22. Anna Kathryn Lanier - http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/
Jan. 23. Barbara Edwards - http://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpress.com/
Jan. 24. Ginger Simpson - http://mizging.blogspot.com/
I know I'm late in posting this. Sorry about that but you can go back and post late.
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading and Writing!
Starting Jan. 12, thirteen AMAZING AUTHORS will host a blog tour. Visit each author's blog and read through their post carefully. At the end of the tour there will be a test - but instead earning an A or, gasp, an F, you can earn PRIZES: amazing stories by these AMAZING AUTHORS, as well as some other cool giveaways. Thanks Anna Katherine Lanier for this catchy intro and Ginger Simpson for organizing this event.
Here's the AMAZING AUTHORS lineup:
Jan. 12. Caroline Clemmons - http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
Jan. 13. Beth Trissel - http://bethrissel.wordpress.com/
Jan. 14. Roseanne Dowell - http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com/
Jan. 15. Cathie Dunn - http://cathiedunn.blogspot.com/
Jan. 16. Maggie Toussaint - http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/
Jan. 17. Patsy Parker - http://plparker.blogspot.com/
Jan. 18. SG Rogers - http://childofyden.wordpress.com/
Jan. 19. Linda LaRogue - http://lindalarogueauthor.blogspot.com/
Jan. 20 Jacquie Rogers - http://romancingthewest.blogspot.com/2012/01/jacquies-amazing-authors-event.html
Jan. 21. Karen Nutt - http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/
Jan. 22. Anna Kathryn Lanier - http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/
Jan. 23. Barbara Edwards - http://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpress.com/
Jan. 24. Ginger Simpson - http://mizging.blogspot.com/
I know I'm late in posting this. Sorry about that but you can go back and post late.
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading and Writing!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Roseanne's Amazing Author's Event
Hello, and welcome to my blog event. Several of my friends and I decided to participate together in sharing our best works for you, and at the same time, providing an opportunity to win one of several ebooks we'll be giving away at the end. All you need to do is follow the link daily for the next 13 days, and at the end, you'll be asked a few questions based on our blogs. Easy, peasey, lemon squeezy. Don't worry, you'll be given each blog to go back and find the answers.
Today, I'm sharing my tagline and buy link from my latest release from Books We Love Publishing. I hope you enjoy it:
When Meghan Shelby inherits the family home, she returns to her hometown after a ten year absence. Not only does she find the house is in a rundown, dilapidated condition, there’s a dead body in the living room. She also discovers secrets and deceit from years ago.
Meghan always loved this town that her parents whisked her away from when she was seventeen. Now she's back and looking forward to a new life . Her first surprise comes when she applies for a job as school secretary and the principal turns out to be none other than her high school crush. Needless to say, the feelings are quickly rekindled. Can she take the job and work with him every day?
Excerpt:
Meghan loved this time of year, though a little too hot to start school in her opinion. Why they felt the need to go back in August was beyond her. She remembered her mother complaining about it years ago. "What was wrong with starting after Labor Day like they did in my day?" Her mother used to rant and rave for weeks before school started. Even got on the School Board. Not that it changed anything. School still started the last week in August. Meghan smiled at the memory. Now that she thought about it, it was silly. Like they took the last week of vacation away from the kids. Bet the teachers didn't like it either. Meghan pulled into the school parking lot. Not much had changed here either. New landscaping, new windows, but that was about it. The old building looked pretty much the same. Her footsteps echoed in the empty hall. She'd never been in the school when it was empty before. The strong odor of wax and other cleaning products prickled her nostrils. The clean smell lingered through the first few days of school. It had been a long time since she'd been to the principal's office and she stopped outside, took a deep breath and held it. Here goes nothing. Mr. Duncan said look for Mr. Mac. He must be new in town. It wasn't a name she remembered. So, what was the worse he could say? Letting out her breath, she hurried inside, before her nerve left her. A man stood with his back to her, unpacking a box of books. "Excuse me. I'm looking for Mr. Mac."
"I'm Mr. Mac." He turned toward her.
Meghan's breath caught in her throat. "Patrick!" The word slipped out of her mouth, before she could stop it. The love of her life stood in front of her, even better looking and sexier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs turned to jelly, and she grabbed the edge of the desk to steady herself.
Patrick smiled at her. That easy smile she remembered from long ago. The smile she used to love. It lit up his eyes.
"Little Meghan Shelby. Not so little anymore I see."
Heat burned her cheeks as Patrick looked her up and down, apparently taking in every inch of her. He remembered her. After all this time he knew who she was. Would wonders never cease?
"Uh, um..." Oh, crap. Now wasn't the time to get tongue tied. "You're the principal here?" Lord, could she work for him. See him every day?
"Yes, I am. I heard you were back in town. Are you staying then? Do you want to register
your child?"
"Huh?" Her child, was he nuts? "Uh, no, I'm here about the secretarial position. Mr. Duncan was supposed to call you."
"Really? You want the job?"
"Yes, didn't Mr. Duncan call? He told me to come right over."
"If he did I didn't hear the phone. I've been in and out of the office." He nodded toward the stack of books. "Too busy around here this time of year." Patrick grinned and motioned her into his office. "So tell me about yourself. What qualifies you for the job?"
Qualifications? Think, damn it. What was the matter with her? She'd lost all train ofthought. "Well, I'm computer proficient. I'm good with math. And I love children." What more could he want?
"I see. So why do you want the position? Tell me about your education."
His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Meghan couldn't take her gaze from him. All sense of reason flew out the window. She had the most God awful urge to reach up and push his dark hair out of his eyes. "I'm a former math major, have two years of college. I'm a quick
learner." Finally, she looked away.
Buy link: http://amzn.to/tnqgR2
To continue playing along, visit Cathie's blog tomorrow at : http://cathiedunn.blogspot.com
On the last day, there will be prizes. Don't miss out. :)
I just read the review Ginger Simpson wrote for Secrets, Lies & Love and had to post it here. Thank you for the glowing review, Ginger. It means a lot to me, coming from such a talented, accomplished author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Appropriate Title, January 13, 2012
By Ginger Simpson "mizging" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Secrets, Lies & Love (Kindle Edition)
Roseanne Dowell has certainly captured all the elements that make a terrific story in this one book. Returning to your home town, one that isn't necessarily filled with pleasant memories, can be traumatic. The welcome mat doesn't really stand out when the house you've inherited is more ready for demolition than becoming your new home, and finding a dead body inside garners attention no one wants. When you add in the mystery of who the victim is, who is making the threatening phone calls, and wondering if the hero and heroine are truly destined to reignite sparks that started long ago, those pages will not turn fast enough. I highly recommend Secrets, Lies and Love. I certainly wasn't disappointed for one minute.
When Meghan Shelby inherits the family home, she returns to her hometown after a ten year absence. Not only does she find the house is in a rundown, dilapidated condition, there’s a dead body in the living room. She also discovers secrets and deceit from years ago.
Meghan always loved this town that her parents whisked her away from when she was seventeen. Now she's back and looking forward to a new life . Her first surprise comes when she applies for a job as school secretary and the principal turns out to be none other than her high school crush. Needless to say, the feelings are quickly rekindled. Can she take the job and work with him every day?
Excerpt:
Meghan loved this time of year, though a little too hot to start school in her opinion. Why they felt the need to go back in August was beyond her. She remembered her mother complaining about it years ago. "What was wrong with starting after Labor Day like they did in my day?" Her mother used to rant and rave for weeks before school started. Even got on the School Board. Not that it changed anything. School still started the last week in August. Meghan smiled at the memory. Now that she thought about it, it was silly. Like they took the last week of vacation away from the kids. Bet the teachers didn't like it either. Meghan pulled into the school parking lot. Not much had changed here either. New landscaping, new windows, but that was about it. The old building looked pretty much the same. Her footsteps echoed in the empty hall. She'd never been in the school when it was empty before. The strong odor of wax and other cleaning products prickled her nostrils. The clean smell lingered through the first few days of school. It had been a long time since she'd been to the principal's office and she stopped outside, took a deep breath and held it. Here goes nothing. Mr. Duncan said look for Mr. Mac. He must be new in town. It wasn't a name she remembered. So, what was the worse he could say? Letting out her breath, she hurried inside, before her nerve left her. A man stood with his back to her, unpacking a box of books. "Excuse me. I'm looking for Mr. Mac."
"I'm Mr. Mac." He turned toward her.
Meghan's breath caught in her throat. "Patrick!" The word slipped out of her mouth, before she could stop it. The love of her life stood in front of her, even better looking and sexier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat, her legs turned to jelly, and she grabbed the edge of the desk to steady herself.
Patrick smiled at her. That easy smile she remembered from long ago. The smile she used to love. It lit up his eyes.
"Little Meghan Shelby. Not so little anymore I see."
Heat burned her cheeks as Patrick looked her up and down, apparently taking in every inch of her. He remembered her. After all this time he knew who she was. Would wonders never cease?
"Uh, um..." Oh, crap. Now wasn't the time to get tongue tied. "You're the principal here?" Lord, could she work for him. See him every day?
"Yes, I am. I heard you were back in town. Are you staying then? Do you want to register
your child?"
"Huh?" Her child, was he nuts? "Uh, no, I'm here about the secretarial position. Mr. Duncan was supposed to call you."
"Really? You want the job?"
"Yes, didn't Mr. Duncan call? He told me to come right over."
"If he did I didn't hear the phone. I've been in and out of the office." He nodded toward the stack of books. "Too busy around here this time of year." Patrick grinned and motioned her into his office. "So tell me about yourself. What qualifies you for the job?"
Qualifications? Think, damn it. What was the matter with her? She'd lost all train ofthought. "Well, I'm computer proficient. I'm good with math. And I love children." What more could he want?
"I see. So why do you want the position? Tell me about your education."
His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Meghan couldn't take her gaze from him. All sense of reason flew out the window. She had the most God awful urge to reach up and push his dark hair out of his eyes. "I'm a former math major, have two years of college. I'm a quick
learner." Finally, she looked away.
Buy link: http://amzn.to/tnqgR2
To continue playing along, visit Cathie's blog tomorrow at : http://cathiedunn.blogspot.com
On the last day, there will be prizes. Don't miss out. :)
I just read the review Ginger Simpson wrote for Secrets, Lies & Love and had to post it here. Thank you for the glowing review, Ginger. It means a lot to me, coming from such a talented, accomplished author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Appropriate Title, January 13, 2012
By Ginger Simpson "mizging" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Secrets, Lies & Love (Kindle Edition)
Roseanne Dowell has certainly captured all the elements that make a terrific story in this one book. Returning to your home town, one that isn't necessarily filled with pleasant memories, can be traumatic. The welcome mat doesn't really stand out when the house you've inherited is more ready for demolition than becoming your new home, and finding a dead body inside garners attention no one wants. When you add in the mystery of who the victim is, who is making the threatening phone calls, and wondering if the hero and heroine are truly destined to reignite sparks that started long ago, those pages will not turn fast enough. I highly recommend Secrets, Lies and Love. I certainly wasn't disappointed for one minute.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
I Got a Liebster?
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012
I Got a Liebster? Wow!
Goodness, I'd never heard of the Liebster Award for blogs, but now I've gotten one...from Ginger Simpson. I'm honored because she mentioned that I'm dedicated in sharing my blog. I appreciate her thoughts. So thank you, Ginger, for the honor. I'm flattered. Especially at your comment "What a woman."
What is the intention of the award? To draw attention to blogs that deserve more.
If you're curious about the name, liebster is German for "favorite" or "dearest." I love being someone's favorite anything. :
My instructions, since I gladly accept this award, are:
1. Post this award on your blog. (Check)
2. Thank and link to the person who gave it to you. (Check)
3. Pass it on to five bloggers who have less than 200 followers. (Check, except I'm not entirely sure about the number of followers.)
4. Comment on those five people's blogs to share the good news. (Check, I can hear them groaning already)
I actually emailed them, it was easier.
Here are my five:
1. Gail Branan - I've grown to know Gail only recently, but she's become a very good friend. Gail's blog is dedicated to the memory of a friend who shared Flowers on The Fence with the world, which Gail now shares with all of us.
2. J.Q. Rose - Janet and I have become friends also through MuseItUp and shared on each other's blogs. Not only do we share a love of mystery, we share a birthday. Of course, her book, Sunshine Boulveard kept me up all night.
3 Rebecca Ryals Russell - Rebecca was one of the first people I met at Muse and another I was privileged to meet in person. Rebecca writes Y/A fantasy. She graciously allowed me and my husband to stay in her cabin when we were in Florida. In fact, she set up the meeting with me, Marsha and Barbara.
4. Marhsa Moore - Marsha and I met through Muse also and I had the pleasure of meeting her in person a few years ago. She's as sweet in person as she appears online.
5. Barbara Bockman - Last, but certainly not least, Barbara Bockman - another Muse author I had the privilege to meet. In fact, Barbara was a surprise we didn't expect when we got together for lunch in Florida. What an enjoyable time we had. Barbara also writes Y/A.
Okay...I've done my duty. I had a lot of people to chose from and it was a difficult decision. There are so many Muse Authors I've become friends with over the last two years. These five were not awarded on the spur of the moment, rather are listed because these women go the extra mile, Their blogs are interesting and fun.. Check them out, I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Congratulations, Ladies...and again, thank you Ginger. You made my day.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Say hello to Rosemary Morris
When I was a child.
2:That seems to be when most of us began. So, what inspired you to write?
Reading and my interest in history.
3: Ah, yes our love of reading. Tell us, what do you like the most and least about writing?
I most enjoy the anticipation of the journey ahead when I begin a novel.
I regret that there are never enough hours in the day to devote to writing.
4: Oh to have more time. Seems to be a consensus with authors. And, what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?
Spending time with my family and friends. Reading fiction and researching my novels. Growing herbs, fruit and vegetables throughout the year in my organic garden. Visiting places of historical interest. Arts and crafts, knitting, embroidery, patchwork etc.
5: We seems to have some of the same interests. Tell us, which authors do you like to read? A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s translations of classical Indian literature such as the Bhagahavadgita. Translations of the Indian classics such as The Ramayan and Mahabharat. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scot – particularly Ivanho, Elizabeth Chadwick, Georgette Heyer, Helen Hollick, M.M.Kaye, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind, Rosalind Miles, Colleen McCullogh’s Thorn Bids and too many others to list.
6: Wow, that’s some deep reading. What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
I try to treat others as I would like them to treat me.
7: Tell us about your current novel, where we can find it and your website/blog.
Historical Background to Tangled Love. When the outwardly Protestant Charles II died, he left a country torn by religious controversy and not legitimate children. The throne passed to his Catholic brother James.
It was an anxious time for the people, whose fears increased when James II became to unpopular that he was forced into exile. In 1688,Jame’s Protestant daughter, Mary and her husband, William of Orange, became the new king and queen.
Some Protestants, who had sworn allegiance to James II, refused to take a new oath of allegiance to William and Mary and joined him in France.
Tangled Love Loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James II to France.
Before her father leaves, he gives her a ruby ring she will treasure and wear on a chain round her neck. In return Richelda swears an oath to try and regain their ancestral home, Field House.
By the age of eighteen Richelda’s parents are dead. Grief-stricken she believes her privileged life is over. At home her only companions are her old nurse and her dog. Clad in old clothes she dreams of elegant dresses and trusts her childhood friend Dudley, a poor parson’s son, who promised to marry her.
Richelda’s wealthy aunt takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field House. Richelda is torn between her love for Dudley and her oath to regain Field House, where it is rumored there is treasure. While trying to find it will her life be at risk or will she find true love?
Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp Available from MuseItUp Publishing.com/bookssstore2/… Amazon Kindle and elsewhere.
Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012
http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/
8: Wow, sounds like you did a lot of research for this one.Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
However busy you are set aside time to write. If you write half a page every day you will finish a novel in a year. Join off or on line writer’s groups where you can mix with other writers, receive encouragement and encourage others.
9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?
Some historical figures feature in my historical novels but I do not base my characters on real-life people.
10: Where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?
I am inspired by incidents small and large in history. This novel was inspired by the turmoil created by James II. I asked myself: What if a young girl suffered as a result and wrote Tangled Love.
11: What are you currently working on?
I am revising two novels, one set in Queen Anne’s reign and the other in Edward II’s reign. I am also writing a new novel set in Charles II’nds reign.
12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I am grateful for my many blessings.
Prologue
1693
Richelda Shaw stood silent in her nursery while thunder pealed outside the ancient manor house and an even fiercer storm raged deep within. She pressed her hands to her ears and, eyes closed, remained as motionless as the marble statues in the orangery.
‘Nine years old and you’ve not yet learned to be neat!’ Elsie, her mother’s personal maid, pulled Richelda’s hands from her ears. ‘Come, your father’s waiting for you.’
Richelda’s hands trembled. What was wrong? Until now Father’s short visits from France meant gifts and laughter. This one made Mother cry while the servants spoke in hushed tones.
Followed by Elsie, Richelda hurried down the broad oak stairs. For a moment, she paused to admire the lilies of the valley in a Delft bowl. Only yesterday, she picked the flowers to welcome Father home. After she had arranged them with tender care, she placed them on a chest, which stood beneath a pair of crossed broadswords on the wall above.
Elsie opened the massive door of the great hall where Father stood to one side of the enormous hearth. Richelda’s eyes searched for her mother before she spread her skirts wide and knelt before him.
Father strode forward and placed his right hand on her bent head. ‘Bless you, daughter, may God keep you safe.’ He smiled. ‘Upon my word, sweetheart, I vow the colour of your hair reminds me of a golden rose. How glad I am to see roses bloom in these troubled times.’
Richelda chewed her lower lip again. She did not know him well and dared not speak. Therefore, when he sat and beckoned to her, she hesitated.
Putting an arm round her waist, he drew her to him. ‘Come, do not be nervous of your father, child. Now, my daughter, do you know King James II now holds court in France and that his daughter, Mary, and William, his son-in-law, seized his throne?’
‘Yes, Mother told me we are well rid of King James and his Papist wife,’ she piped up, proud of her knowledge.
With a sigh, Father lifted her onto his knees and held her close. ‘Richelda, I must follow His Majesty for I swore an oath of allegiance to him. Tell me, Richelda, while the king lives how can I with honor swear allegiance to his disloyal daughter and her husband?’
Unable to think of a reply, she lowered her head.
Father held her closer. ‘Your mother pleads with me to declare myself for William and Mary and begs me not to return to France, but I am obliged to serve King James. Do you understand, Richelda?’
She nodded. Her cheek brushed against the softness of his velvet coat and she breathed in his spicy perfume.
‘If you remain in England, you will be safe. Bellemont is part of your mother’s dowry and I doubt the Crown will confiscate her estate.’
If she remained in England! Startled, she stared at him.
Smiling, he popped her onto her feet and stood. ‘Come, we shall ride. I have something to show you.’
Before long, they rode away from the house and estate. They drew rein on the brow of a hill. At its foot lay Field House, their ancestral home seized by the Roundheads soon after poor King Charles I execution.
He pointed at the Elizabethan manor house. ‘Richelda, I promised my father to do all in my power to regain the property.’ Grey-faced, he pressed his hand to his chest. ‘Alas, so far I failed to keep my oath and now I cannot,’ he wheezed.
Richelda yearned to help him keep his promise to her grandfather. She also yearned to find the gold and jewels legend said her buccaneer ancestor, Sir Nicholas, hid.
After her father breathed easy, she ventured. ‘If we found the treasure trove you could buy Field House.’
‘Ah,’ he teased, ‘You believe Sir Nicholas did not give all his plunder to Good Queen Bess.’
‘Elsie told me legend says he hid some of his booty in Field House,’ Richelda said, excited by the thought of pearls and rubies, diamonds and emeralds, gold and silver bars and coins. Less shy of him, she asked. ‘In his old age, when Sir Nicholas retired from seafaring, did he put his ship’s…’ she broke off for a moment in an attempt to remember the word and continued triumphantly, ‘…his ship’s figurehead, Lady Luck, in the great hall?’
‘Yes, for all I know she is still above a mighty fireplace carved with pomegranates, our family’s device.’
‘I want to find the treasure.’
He chuckled and wheeled his thoroughbred mare round. ‘Come, time to ride back to Bellemont.’
‘Do you know our family motto, Richelda?’
‘Fortune favours the brave.’
‘Are you brave, my little lady? Will you swear on the Bible to do all in your power to regain Field House?’
To please him, she nodded.
Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp
Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012
http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/
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