Talking about a new seasonal read today.

Today I'm chatting with an author that has become one of my idols in the short time I've had the pleasure of working with her, donna Hatch. I was recently invited to read A Timeless Winter Anthology, Winter Collection. Do I need to say that seeing Donna's name on the book is why I said "YES!" So Donna, tell us about what you contributed to this book.


My story is called A Winter's Knight. It's basically a gothic romance. It's about a young lady whose fascination with a murdering earl and his dark castle lands her in the heart of an ancient and terrible secret. It will take more than a Christmas kiss to break the curse.

Just let me say that this was my favorite of the six stories. So my first question when invited to read this was: What is an Anthology?

An anthology is a collection of short stories. In the case of the anthology I'm involved in, it's a total of 6 stories by 6 different authors.

And six very different writing styles. I seem to recall a review that said something about a bit of something for every reader. (Me rummaging through InD Tales E-magazine for the review. Found it!) I'm going to quote here. "Each short takes the reader on a mini Christmas vacation to the past, its mystical beauty and imaginative romance. Whether it is a mystery, court or rough life of survival in the snowy cold that the reader craves served up with their romance…" Oh yes and the book got 4 ½ stars from Erin Murdock Good job ! I haven't seen her give out a lot of stars. How did this project come about and why did you decide to be involved?

I was invited to be a contributing author by Sarah M. Eden. The authors who decided to create this anthology were looking for sweet historical authors to join them, and some of them had read my books. Since they are all bigger name authors than I am, I was honored to be invited.

I know several of these ladies are involved in ANWA and that ANWA is having a Conference in February. It would be great to attend and somehow get to meet a few of you! (For more information, click on Writer's conference 2013  to the left.
So if you are one of my idols then I read stories written by the ladies you look up to. Cool! Tell me what you are working on now.

I am working on book three of my "Rogue Hearts series" which will be Christian's story. I hope to have it finished and submitted to my editor by the end of January. The working title is A Perfect Secret.

Is your writing Regency Romance or is it Victorian? Because I know I didn't think I liked these kinds of books until I read yours!

My books take place during the Regency era, a small time period between 1811 and 1820 when King George II was officially declared mad and Prince George III was named Regent. The Victorian Era begins in the 1830s when Queen Victoria ascended the throne.

On the side...I would like to let you know that I was honored to have you refer to my writing you critiqued on a recent on-line workshop. It made me think that maybe I'll take it out of the back files and see what I can do with it.

Did you hear that? That's funny. I didn't realize you were there. I hope you found it encouraging and not discouraging. Your changes really were wonderful and I hope you do finish the story--it has so much promise.

Thank you, that means a lot coming from you. You were so generous at the workshop, even when openly critiquing Treasure (the abbreviated working title) and using it as a teaching tool. I just sat there listening and silently beaming "She liked it enough that she still remembers it!" Definitely encouraging or I wouldn't have mentioned it! I find that story sneaking into my thoughts as I unwind just before sleep finds me. I think I've mentally fixed the things you suggested. But with my Talisman series, Book 1 on the open files each working day, I will have to let it sit on the sidelines until I have more energy to poor into it.

 Donna, thank you so much for making this fans day and taking the time to chat.

A Timeless Winter Anthology, Winter Collection is available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble, and many other digital bookstores.

Chatting with Dave Bond

Q:  Regular followers will notice that the scrolling books have disappeared. There is a reason for that... to accommodate my guest, Dave Bond. Dave, would you like to share with readers why you have requested this accommodation?


A: The complete answer is more technical than anyone, including me, wants to delve into, as a blind person, I use software on my "normal" computer known as "screen reading" software. It is very smart (and expensive), and simply reads what is on the screen. I have a tremendous amount of control over what it reads me, and how, including the speed and pitch of the voices, as well as the ability to change voices if I choose.

I use the standard voice pre-loaded with the software. The software is called JAWS (Job Access With Speech). You might derive from this name (first sold back in the early 90s I believe) how the focus of making computers accessible to blind persons has a connection to jobs. How well things have worked out is a topic for another discussion, but suffice it to say, because of JAWS, I can type using a regular computer and a regular word processing program (Word), and do most of what any other author is able to do concerning writing and editing a manuscript.

In recent years, with the Internet (and most other computer programs) becoming more and more graphical, screen readers struggle to interpret the screen properly, if at all. An image file of a building, for instance, has no data within itself to pass on to JAWS. "Hi, I'm a 50-story building. I am made out of mostly glass and gray stone. I'm facing east, with the rising sun giving all my glass a sparkling look. There are some high clouds, so the sky you see above me is a powdery blue."

Really? Anyway, graphics make things very tricky sometimes. The banners many blogs (and many web sites) display are not necessarily graphical (although they might be), but because they are moving (constantly changing), screen reading software is confused, as it tries to read the changing text, instead of other text I may be interested in reading. If the banner or scrolling displays are turned off, or don't exist, then my screen reader has a much easier time navigating and reading the page.

I hope this helps some understand the basics of using a screen reader!

Q: ...our disabilities are not limitations, but windows to new avenues in our lives. In my case, and I'm assuming in yours, our writing.

A: I am fairly confident I wouldn't be an author had I not lost my sight 24 years ago. I was 33 then, and working as a project manager for a construction company. I had a degree in technical illustration, and was a very "visual" person. It took some time after losing my sight, but when a window to write in fact opened, I did enter in and am glad I did!

Q: I also find it inspiring that you continue to enjoy the outdoors and would like to ask you about that.

A: Actually, my love of, and participation in the outdoors has lessened since losing my sight. I have years of memories of hunting and fishing, of hiking, of camping, and canoeing. I also did some skiing, I loved to play ice hockey on the ponds and lakes in the winter, and I loved playing church softball. I have tons of memories, and it's these memories more than any present day participation I interject into my stories.

Q: You know, I considered writing only after so many other avenues in my life where shut down, closed or pulled out from under me. I know I mourned over those things I lost. Did you go through a type of mourning, too?

A: I can't say I experienced a clearly defined period of mourning. Interestingly, now that I've been blind for about 24 years, I find I have "down" moments when I experience a kind of mourning. If you can call frustration and a little anger, mourning. I also tried a number of career avenues after the job I landed in after graduating college (as a blind person) was eliminated. This was in 2000. I initially sent out some resumes for non-profit organizations looking for a program director (my previous position) but soon gave up on that. I tried everything from web site design/maintenance, to becoming a certified nutritionist, to going back to college to begin masters working marriage and family counseling. But, writing eventually became something I quickly developed an interest in, and as they say, the rest is history!

Q: So, I hope I'm not spoiling anything from "The Attache", do you think the cable up the mountain is feasible? I mean it sounded totally possible to me, except that maybe if the mountain is public land there might be issues there. Obviously an author must pretend those political challenges don't exist.

A: Zach Brenner (the blinded male protagonist) inherited 300 acres, on which the mountain was located. So, it was not public land. I am fairly mechanically minded, and I "invented" the cable system based on what I considered a feasible concept. From a mechanical point of view. Because in reality, it really wasn't practical. But when Zach first thinks up the system, yes, it was entirely plausible IMO. Not that there wasn't any other way, but the cable system is what he thought up. FYI, in book 3 (Out Of The Desert), Zach's brother, Joel, returns to the Rocky Glen homestead, and, without giving too much away, Joel will end up with some of the 300 acres. You'll have to read the novel to see what he wants to do with it!

Q: Since you brought it up... Book 3. How many books are you planning in this series?


A: I've got 2 3-book contracts with DBP. Two trilogies, to put it another way. The Attaché was book 1 in the series entitled, 'All Things Are Possible,' and A Time To Build is book 1 in the series entitled, 'A Time For Everything' series. I hope to have my web site updated shortly where visitors can read more about these books/series, as well as see the cover art for both book 1's.

http://www.authordavidbond.com/newest.php

Q: Can you give us a blurb for 'A Time to Build'?

The short blurb which may appear on the Desert Breeze page follows:

Thirteen years is a long time. But not long enough for Brian Marshall to forget the face of the woman who stepped inside his office one July morning. Has the one mistake he made in his life finally come back to exact its toll?

Q: Can you share a link to your website?

http://www.authordavidbond.com/

Sizzling Kiss from Dark Days of Promise

Wondering how I put the exercise of writing a Sizzling Kiss together in my own work?
My first effort last fall  for your perusal.

(excerpt are unedited)
Going to the refrigerator, I pulled the gallon jug from the cold, shaking it.
“Oh those boys, I can’t seem to keep milk in the house. Looks like we’re almost out.” I pulled the last clean glass from the cupboard to pour the last of the milk. He stood to join me near the counter. The milk looked refreshing. I licked my lips in subconscious knowledge of the sweet coolness of the liquid.
“Why don’t you drink it?” He suggested, making a fist to cover the cough that escaped with his words.
“I couldn’t, I poured it for you.” I answered, offering the glass to him.
“You have a few swallows, then I’ll finish it.” He accepted the glass but didn’t lift it to his lips.
I gazed into the warm recesses of his eyes, overwhelmed with his nearness. My previous immunity to his charisma wilted before plunging into the warmth of his magnetism.
“Drink,” he ordered placing the glass in my hand.
“Yes sir,” I answered, lifting the glass to my lips while watching his eyes. They seemed to change, their color growing richer, warmer and more intense. I busied myself with swallowing and watching his eyes and didn’t notice when he reached in his pocket for the mistletoe again. When I handed the glass to him, he finished the milk with two large swallows. Smiling, he lifted the mistletoe above my head once more. I glanced up at it before returning my gaze to his eyes. My stomach flew to my throat. His presence overwhelmed me.
“Another kiss on the cheek?” I murmured the question with a smile.
He lowered the mistletoe while setting the empty glass on the counter. His gaze locked with mine. “Do you trust me?”
“Do I have a choice?” I whispered.
With the mistletoe still in hand, he placed it at the back of my head. I felt the strength of his fingers as they became entwined in my hair. My heart accelerated its beating dance, knowing a much more euphoric rush would accompany his kiss. More than his first visit, more than his peck on my cheek, more . . . A warm quiver of anticipation settled over me, fixing me to the spot. The music from the movie in the next room swelled, intensifying the moment. His lips brushed mine hinting of gingerbread and milk. In that instant, I wondered if I had ever truly experienced such a kiss. The gentle pressure was warm and sweet, inviting me to live in the moment. An experience that had eluded me in all my years with another . . . I couldn’t even remember his name. My adrenalin roller coaster revved its engine in my stomach before climbing with massive force in an upward motion before dropping to my deepest core. And yet it didn’t last long enough. He no sooner released my lips than I had the distinct feeling that he reclaimed everything he had just given me.

---Not enough sizzle? Stay tuned for more Sizzling Kisses and the second kiss between these characters--- but no promise as to the date as some wonderful authors are sharing theirs as well. *snicker -tease*

Tickle Tease Tuesday

Do you see the counter to the right??? --->>>
I'm soo excited!!
Sorry, this excerpt isn't from that upcoming release but another project that I just can't let die.

Least readers begin to complain that I never post any of my own work these days...
Let me indulge by sharing a unedited scene from a manuscript I'm still debating on.

Trevor stopped Kim's hand as she gently dabbed at his face with his own. “I’m being doctored by a graduate of ‘Mickey Mouse’ first aid?”

“Who said anything about graduating?”
He reached for her to tickle her sides. She laughed and wiggled away from his hands while rolling her chair backwards. “Stop, or I’ll pour peroxide all over your cut!”
“No you won’t,” he stated, ready to resume his tickle attack.
“Then stop.” She continued when he leaned back in the chair. “Actually I did graduate from some organized first aid class, but I think I cheated.”
“You cheated? How can you cheat in a first aid class?”
She applied the bandage to his cheek. “I kissed the instructor.”
“Just one kiss?” Trevor eyed her suspiciously.
“Well,” she dragged her answer. “He said he was teaching me mouth-to-mouth.”
Trevor chuckled knowingly, “And you believed him?”
“No.”
“You’re right. You cheated.”

Feisty Fridays

Introducing Feisty Fridays.
Trying something new as usual.
I'm not sure if I should focus on fist fights within a manuscript, feisty heroines, frisky romances, or energetic dialogue.
Maybe all three, but not necessarily all at the same time.
If you have a preferance, please feel free to leave a comment.

For now, I'm thinking a fist fight. Granted, I'm not real good at writing a fight scene so I'm willing to accept a few helpful comments.

(Dark Days of Promise excerpt is unpublished and unedited.)

“Do you want me to stick around?” Trevor asked before turning off the engine.

“Maybe a little while. I thought I’d fix us some spaghetti or something. It might not be very good. I haven’t cooked since I moved here. Ben’s a gentleman, I’m sure he’ll leave if I ask him to. You didn’t leave him much room to move his car,” she observed.

“Mind sliding over?” Trevor smirked. Kimmy moved across the bench seat recognizing his negative vibes for Ben. He helped her to her chair, with showy concern, while a stormy-eyed Ben watched from the top of the cabin’s ramp. Trevor pushed the chair around the truck only to find Ben blocking his path.

“I’ll take her in,” Ben stated flatly.

“I don’t think so. I’ve been invited to stay.”

“I don’t like your tone,” Ben retorted.

“I don’t care what you like, she asked you to leave earlier,” Trevor countered.

Ben sidestepped slightly as though to move out of the way, only to throw a roundhouse punch above Kimmy’s head at Trevor’s jaw. Trevor blocked most of Ben’s punch with his cane. The cane clattered to the gravel. Trevor stepped back to regain his balance. He recovered quickly sending a straight right to Ben’s chin. Ben hit the ground. He found his hand on Trevor’s cane. He picked it up and swept Trevor’s feet. Trevor went down landing on his backside. He took a moment to recover his wind. Ben didn’t wait. He struck Trevor with the cane. The balled end sliced across Trevor’s cheek. Ben swung again bloodying Trevor’s nose.

Kimmy found it hard to believe what she witnessed. Other than this morning, she’d never seen either man raise his hand in anger, yet here they fought at her feet.

“Stop it! Stop it! That’s enough!” She reached for the cane stopping Ben’s third blow with her arm, receiving a nasty bruise.

None of the three noticed the group that gathered. Randall stepped in, ripping the cane from Ben’s hand.

“Ben, I never expected you, of all people to strike a disabled man,” Randall intervened, offering Ben his hand. “I think you should leave.”

Ben looked at Kimmy, anger clearly written in his expression as he accepted Randall’s hand.

“If this broke down wanna be pimp’s what you want, get out. Leave.”

Kimmy dropped her jaw, retorting, “You can’t fire me Ben. I don’t work for you.”

“You may not think so,” Ben hissed.

Kimmy looked at Randall, her eyes begging him to refute Ben’s words.

“Kimmy, get him cleaned up.” Randall said, pointing at Trevor. “We’ll talk about this later.”

He handed Trevor’s cane to a boy who stood nearby, his other hand heavy on Ben’s shoulder.

“Give the man his cane after Ben leaves,” he said to the boy, steering Ben toward his car.

Trevor wiped at the blood on his face before taking Kimmy’s proffered hand.
 
++++
Humm...what do you think? Needs more action, but how?

Sizzling Kiss from Dark Days of Promise

The first Sizzling Kiss is coming June 26th.

(Excerpt is unpublished.)
Kelly opened the door to a bedroom, turning back toward me.


“Your turn. Do you trust me enough to join me in my room?” His eyes danced between teasing and seriousness.

I set the fork on the counter where I’d found it, taking a deep breath before joining him.

Kelly crossed the floor to the closet and produced a medium sized lock box. Setting it on the bed, he unlocked it, withdrawing the handgun. The fragrance of cleaned guns tickled my nose and yet I relished it.

“Recognize this?”

Unsure of the promise I had asked him to make concerning the boys and gun safety, I nodded.

“Come here.”

I did as he asked; stepping in front of him, facing him, quivering like the leaves of a bush in a gentle breeze. A hint of sunlight stole through the curtains, leaving a trail across the bed. My fear of guns rushed to the surface. I fought to retain my calm exterior.

“You know, despite the faint odors of Jacob’s shop, you smell . . .” He mused, closing the distance between us. “Do you always wear perfume to work?”

“No, I put that on just before I came up here.” I couldn’t smell my perfume, only the oil or whatever it was he’d cleaned the gun with. An involuntary shudder of excitement raced up my spine. His nose brushed across my jawbone, my knees went weak. Cautious, I placed my open palm on his chest, looking down at my hand, feeling the solid mass of him.

He touched my ear with his nose. His warm breath sent delightful shivers of pleasure across my senses making my breaths come faster. He dropped the unloaded weapon on the bed to free his hands. With gentle strength, he took hold of my shoulders bringing me closer to him. He locked my gaze with his own, searching for signs of fear. His hands moved from my shoulders to my cheeks.

I didn’t flinch. I watched him approaching my lips, forgetting everything around us. The fragrance of freshly cleaned guns faded into the background, replace by his musky scent. I watched his eyes as his gaze dropped to my lips, and I closed my eyes. Taking a moment to pull back, he approached again allowing the soft pressure of his lips to touch mine. The deliciousness of his clean sweet taste overwhelmed me, inviting me, drawing me into his space. I yielded to him, stepping closer, willing to give him more. He allowed me to lean into him, pressing against his body. His kiss remained gentle while my responding kiss became passionate. My eyes flew open in sweet ecstasy. I closed them again, drinking in the moment.

He broke the kiss, stepping back. “Weapon safety first.”

“Yes sir.” I murmured. Really? It required determination to turn my back to him without increasing the distance between us. Not because I didn’t trust him but because I wanted a few more kisses. “What’s first?”

“For you to learn what your weapon feels like in your hands.”

I closed my eyes to steel my nerves. My first lesson in gun safety began.

(Excerpts from Dark Days of Promise. With a special thanks to my daughter.)

Intimate Rain Storm Scene by Shawna Williams

Jakob headed for the living room, holding the chandelier by its chain. "Hey Meri," he called to her over the rain. "Come in here."
Meri walked toward the living room, but paused at its entrance as a gust of wind hit her. "The window is broken," she said.

"I know. The wind is blowing south though and the porch is keeping most of the rain out."

Meri took slow steps toward him, crossing her arms and rubbing them as the chill from the storm hit her. Jakob stood in the center of the room with his hair blowing wildly.

"What are you doing?"

He closed his eyes and tilted his head back slightly. "It feels nice. Kinda like standing in the rain without getting wet."

He laid the chandelier on the floor and marched over to the wall. Meri watched as he used his foot to clear pine needles and dirt from an area of the floor. He stood over the spot, inspecting it, and then unbuttoned his plaid shirt and took it off, revealing the white tee shirt he wore underneath.

Her heart jumped into her throat.

Jakob laid the shirt on the ground, then turned and sat next to it with his back leaning against the wall. "Come on," he said. "I saved ya a seat."

She furrowed her brow. Her teeth clattered with a sudden chill but she did as he asked. "This is crazy," she said, taking a seat on his shirt.

"Nah." He stretched out his legs, leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

"Jakob, what are you doing?"

"Just takin' it all in." He let out a relaxed sigh. "You should give it a try."

Meri folded her arms. Then unfolded them. She hated feeling self-conscious. "I don't know how."

He cracked one eye at her. "Be still."

"What?"

"Copy me," he said. "Lean back, close your eyes."

She did as he said. "Now what?" This was nuts.

"Quiet your mind, and just listen and feel."

Meri took a deep breath and tried to relax. It wasn't working. She sneaked a glance at Jakob. His face seemed beautifully serene amidst the swirling bits of debris flying through the room. It was so... him. Somehow, realizing that made her want to give herself over to the experience. She took another deep breath and let it out slowly.

The first thing she noticed was the musty scent had been cleansed from the air. The smell of rain, clean and fresh, took its place. Droplets rhythmically pattered against the roof. And the sound changed with the wind -- becoming soft, like a whisper -- then building into a crescendo with the howling gale. At its peak, rumbling thunder. It was music.

Her body relaxed fully and her shivers subsided. She surrendered to the moment, allowing the wild breeze and cool mist to touch her, tickle her. Tiny goose-bumps rose all over her skin. With her eyes closed it felt as if she were elsewhere -- suspended and floating. Free.

"It's beautiful," escaped her lips.

"Glad you could join me," Jakob whispered.

She felt the warmth of his hand slip around hers, his touch joining them in the experience. Their own private symphony.



Compare this scene with the one from tomorrow and tell me which is more romantic.

Sharing Hidden Paths with author JoAnn Carter

Hidden Paths – Young Adult Inspirational Romance


Julie Hemmingway, a recent college graduate, is preparing to leave for the mission field. When she meets Adam Jacobs, her well-organized plans begin to go awry. Will she fight to hold onto her own agenda, or open her heart to a new – yet, Hidden Path?

Staying in Vermont on the family farm wasn’t what JULIE HEMMINGWAY had envisioned for her life. After all, she had just spent two years at the community college in preparation to join a mission agency to use her nursing skills overseas. However, those plans quickly change when her father suffers a massive heart attack and dies. Out of necessity, she stays at home to help her mom manage the farm.

To help make ends meet, Julie accepts a new job at a construction company where many unexpected things happen, including working with the handsome, ADAM JACOBS. Will Julie learn that she can trust in God and the path He has planned for her life – even when it looks totally different than what she expected?

Favorite Review:

Over on Amazon, there are only two reviews posted so far, but both are special to me. Let me share them with you and then my thoughts will follow...

Donna Basinow wrote the first. She said, "What a great story - and so true of how we serve God! How often do we serve Him by doing something we think He wants without seeking Him in prayer first? Usually it's only to find out it's OUR choice, not what He wants.

Julie finds that through prayer and listening for God's will that she can find the peace and comfort in knowing what God's will really is for her. But she still has doubts that her prayers are heard, that she's really following His will.

And Adam has a lot to more to learn than he lets on. As they help each other in different ways it's amazing how God teaches them both the lessons they need to draw closer to Him - as well as God's plan for the two of them.

It's amazing to see how God works in the lives of these two - just like He works in the background of our lives."

The second is, by Tanya Stowe... "In Hidden Paths, JoAnn Carter tackles two of Christianity's most difficult questions: Am I doing God's will or my own and why do bad things happen to good people? Ms. Carter sends main character, Julie Hemmingway, into life's most difficult situations. When Julie's life plans are abruptly changed, she leans on God...and her new found friend and employer, Adam. But when crisis strikes again, even Adam can't find his way and Julie has only her faith to guide her. During Julie's journey Ms. Carter takes us through tragedy, pain, romance and even a new born faith. It's a joy to see how Julie meets those challenges head-on with her courage and faith intact."

--

Why the reviews meant so much to me...

I think this reader's note that you'll find at the end of Hidden Paths will explain it all. J

Well, here we are at the close of another story... Hidden Paths. I have to chuckle a bit at the irony of the situation. You see, that's the perfect title for my own personal journey that the Lord has been guiding me through.

Although I have other books in circulation, this was the very first story I ever drafted fifteen years ago. I started writing on a whim. Don't ask me why. In fact, have you ever watched Night at the Museum? The first time we saw that movie I cracked up. I am so like that museum director. Some days it seems as if I can't put a complete thought -- let alone sentence -- together to save my life. Couple that with dyslexia and grammar and spelling that would make any English major cringe and... yup, that's me. Yet, here I find myself, walking down the path that once seemed so elusive and hidden to me.

Quite a few years after I wrote this book, I went to a writer's retreat. I prayed and prayed that God would show me what He wanted me to do and give me direction. I knew writing was something I enjoyed but was this what God wanted me to do? I struggled with that, and to be honest, still do on occasion.

I walked away from that weekend with as many questions as I arrived with. I was so discouraged. Didn't God hear me? I wanted to follow His will for my life, yet felt like He was far away and unwilling to give me the direction I so desperately craved.

He had heard my prayers, yet I was too close to the situation to see that He had been, was, and still is guiding me. I stand amazed as I think about this now... God has led me to friends who had a passion for the craft of writing and the gift of encouragement. I've been blessed with a family who supports my writing endeavors, and I've learned a ton of stuff along the way... I could go on, but I'm sure you get the gist.

What I've come to realize is I don't need to have everything figured out. I serve an awesome God who knows what's best for me. Sometimes I may not particularly care for what needs to be done. The road may seem long and hard and the mountains too big to scale. Yet, God loves me too much to let me settle for the easy road where I would forget where true strength is found.

Perhaps like me, you have been struggling with direction in your own life. I would like to challenge you to place your hand (and your life) in God's hands and allow Him to plot your course. You might find yourself in for a crazy ride -- on a path, like Julie, that you would have never imagined.

I'd love to hear what you think of this story too!

Purchase links ~

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-235/Hidden-Paths-JoAnne-Carter/Detail.bok

(On Sale for 20% off) CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/hidden-paths-ebook-joann-carter/9781612521190/pd/24497EB?item_code=WW&netp_id=979803&event=ESRCG&view=details

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LTLUE4

Also available at B&N and other e-book retailers.

Thanks for having me, Shaunna!

~JoAnn

Trailer and Talking with Maria Sadowski

***********************************************************************
Today we are talking with Maria Sadowski, author of Kidnapped, a romantic science fiction due to be released May 11th thru Desert Breeze Publishing. So where's home for you?

I’m originally from Sweden and moved to Florida in late 2008. Today I live in the Tampa Bay area with my husband Mike and our three rescue dogs. I like it here, I like the weather and all the sunshine, but I do long for Sweden from time to time. I have always been writing and wanting to make books; when I was a little girl I made my mom staple bundles of colored papers together to resemble books. I was too little to be able to read or write, so I drew suns in them, and declared them to be the “Sun book.” They were all about the sun, and I bet she still has a box of them sitting in the basement. I guess it was the start of my fascination with space. (I also declared I wasn’t supposed to be on this planet. I told her it was all a giant mistake, and that my real family would come to bring me home to my own planet at any moment. Poor mom!)

I don't doubt that your mom is wonderful. So what do you do when you aren't creating "Sun books" or science fiction?

When I’m not writing I enjoy playing bass. I used to play in a couple of rock bands back home, but I haven’t made an effort to find a band since I moved to the US – I don’t have the time to rehearse on a regular basis. I still play, but nowadays it’s mostly for the dogs.

It seems a lot of authors have other creative talents. I've always dreamed (okay when I was young) of being in a band. Tell us more about growing up overseas.

I learned British English in school as a little girl, and one of my biggest challenges when it comes to writing for an American audience is the spelling. I write colour, labour, harbour, realise, defence, and a number of words like those with British spelling.

Thank goodness for the red underlining in Microsoft Word! I get a lot of red in my writing but I think is from my ffatt ffingers! Tell me, what do you love about your latest book?

“Kidnapped” is romantic science fiction. I enjoy the setting of space, and I love the characters. Travis is a very reluctant hero, and even when he decides to try to do the right thing it takes him a while to get the hang of it. I’m also very fond of the bad guy – or gal – Veronica; she’s the epitome of determination and will stop at nothing to get things her way.

I love the name Travis for a hero. Actually I think that is because I left my Travis in quite a bind in one of my upcoming novels. Funny, he doesn't think he's much of a hero either … Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?

My all-time favorite character is Stephan Forks in the Goddess’s Saga. He’s not modeled after a real person, but he’s a big personality. He has his flaws, some of them rather big, but he always comes through for the heroine and makes things right. I know exactly what all the characters in those books look like in my head, and to me, writing about them is revisiting old friends.

(Me smiling reminiscently) friends that we sometimes miss. How does it feel when you write?

I am so happy when I write, it becomes an obsession. I enter my own little world populated by my characters, and I don’t want to do anything else. Everything in normal life becomes unwelcome distractions keeping me away from my imaginary friends… I am very fortunate to have an understanding husband; he knows I’ll snap out of it eventually.

Ahh. That is why they are friends, they make you happy, just as mine do me. Do you get ideas for your stories from places you visit, or do you visit places to flesh out your stories?

I get ideas for my stories from everything I see around me. I have an old SUV, and recently when I drove to the supermarket I heard a weird rumbling noise. Looking around I couldn’t see anything outside the car, and the only explanation I could think of was my muffler springing a sudden leak, or why not the entire engine deciding to fall out of the car. It turned out to be a big motorbike sneaking around in my blind spot – I couldn’t even see the guy from my window until I got a red light and he came up next to me. We were going in the same direction and it stirred my imagination, so when I came home I started typing away on a new story where this happens, but the guy on the bike follows the girl in the car… Mwuahahaha!

You are so deliciously wicked … What heat rating would you give your novel?

I would rate “Kidnapped” as Warm –it's cute, but doesn’t contain any explicit love scenes.

Is that how you would classify your life?

Yes, my life is warm too. I am very fortunate to have a romantic husband who impromptu brings me flowers and presents when I least expect it.

Yum! Does he give lessons? Oh we better ask him instead of you. Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com/
Blog: http://www.hammarblad.blogspot.com/
Maria's blog link is: http://www.scifiromance.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Purchase link... It will be available here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-292/Kidnapped-Maria-Hammarblad/Detail.bok
 but not until May 11.

Sizzling Saturday

Today's kiss is from Kelly Nelson and the Keeper's Calling.

I watched Ellie take one step away. Then I said, “Wait!” I reached out to grab her arm and turned her to face me again. I stepped closer and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at me. I looked into the depths of her eyes and tried to see why it was so important for her to be here, for her to leave me. But I found no answers in her pained expression.


Ignoring the pain in my back, I lifted my left arm and held her face softly in my hands. I gently traced the line of her cheekbone with my thumb. My fingers moved behind her neck, and I leaned forward to brush her lips with mine, gently at first, testing the waters.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the first night I saw you,” I whispered.

I turned so my back sheltered her from the icy wind. Before she could tell me to stop, I kissed her again. She kissed me back at first, but the kiss held no promise of a future together. It felt more like a kiss goodbye.

Her body stiffened the moment before she looked down. She placed her hand on my chest and pushed me away, not looking me in the eyes. “It’s cold. I should go. Goodbye, Chase.”

She turned and hurried toward the white house. Stunned, I watched as she opened the gate, then walked up the porch steps and through the front door, never once looking back. I think deep down I expected her to change her mind. Slowly, I turned into the wind. And for the first time in more years than I could remember, I cried.

Sizzling Saturday

No winner posted today with no contest so how does one make your day sizzle?


Let's face it. Most of us read because we enjoy living vicariously. For the romance reader this is especially true. What's better than your own romance? The one you can read and reread as often as you like. For many, that is what drives the romance market. There is plenty of erotic romance at the physical and cyber bookstores. But what is there available for the reader who prefers a Clean romance or a Sweet or Warm Romance. Plenty, if you know where to look.

What makes a Clean, Sweet or Warm Romance really sizzle? Well, first of all remember that to this author and reader alike, the bedroom door is firmly shut. But where's the romance in that? Glad you asked. In the kiss. Not just any kiss, in the masterfully written kiss. We all recognize it when we read it, but have we ever taken the time to dissect this pleasurable experience? For those in the dating scene, you have probably dated, if only once that gorgeous individual that had no clue how to kiss. And yet you have also dated that less than sexy individual that with one kiss, that very first kiss, KNOCKED YOUR SOCKS OFF! Yeah, you remember that one.

Remembering is key here. Without spilling all of an authors secrets, let's explore that sizzling kiss. There have been a few here and there have been a few that had no idea…

On the written page there is an art to that first kiss that melts us in our tracks, compelling us to dog-ear the corner so we can come back and experience it again. And again. And again for evermore or at least until you return the book to its owner (the library).

Let the dissection begin. Notice that above I used "again" how many times? Three. Plus the original mention or that one kiss, and add to that the evermore. Five times . Five is a magic number in this case. We have five senses, hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. A skilled author will use at least three of these, and I personally try to use all five, to describe that hot kiss. Not always, but the best out there will tell you that the senses, preferably at least three make for an awesomely hot kiss.

Let me share a kiss that I remember. A real kiss some ut-hum years ago.

What did I hear? The pounding of my own heart thundering in my ears.

What did I see? The darkness of the long shadow where we stood between his car and my condo.

What did I smell? The sensuous musk of the cologne he wore.

What did I taste? Him, the sweet masculine taste that was all his own, hinting of coconut and macadamia.

What did I touch? The solid mass of his chiseled body, the body of a weight lifter.

I could go on, but for this exercise, let's keep the number to five. There are as many visions of that kiss now, as there are readers so let's narrow the vision. This is off the cuff so let's see how I do.

The darkness of the long shadow enveloped us in cool and comforting privacy. He backed me against the brick wall with the solid mass of his chest, his strong arms shielding me from the cool temperature. I knew what was coming and yet I had no idea of the rapture that was about to send my heart racing, pounding in my ears. I stole a breath, inhaling the sensuous musk of the cologne he wore, a sent I was not soon to forget. His kiss was soft, experienced and yet noninvasive as I tasted the masculine hint of coconut and macadamia.

Five sentences - five senses.

Feel free to share your own kiss (Not your favorite from a book.) You are even welcome to follow or dog-ear the page to share or come back and read again and again.

Let's see what Jean Kinsey is up to.

I just recently met Jean. Wonderful woman. Jean this is a beautiful book cover, I love the lighthouse and the lightning in the background.

So, when did you discover you are a writer? I mean did that one novel, article, etc. serve as your catalyst?
JEAN: I wrote a story and submitted it to Chicken Soup for the Soul. To my amazement, they published it. Thirteen Chicken Soup stories later, I decided to try a novel. Thus, THE LIGHT KEEPER'S DAUGHTER was born.

How did it feel to write this story?
JEAN: I feel like God is smiling on me.

So is this your favorite genre, and why?
JEAN: I don't really have a favorite as long as it is clean.

I agree, I totally enjoy a clean read. History is intimidating to me. What made you decide to write these amazing historical fiction pieces?
JEAN: Lighthouses have intrigued me since I saw my first one in Alaska. My grandmother used to tell me stories of her life in the early 1900s. I put the two together and came up with THE LIGHT KEEPER'S DAUGHTER.

I love the “behind the scenes” that you've captured. What can we expect from you in the near future?
JEAN: I move forward to the 1970s and show life on Willow Shade Farm in Logan County, Kentucky.

Both sound intriguing. I loved Kentucky when I visited. But for those fascinated with your lighthouse novel, will there be a sequel?
JEAN: I'm not sure, but I'm contemplating it, when I finish my Willow Shade Trilogy. I'm contracted for a Willow Shade Farm trilogy. I think SECRETS OF WILLOW SHADE will be my favorite because I write about the place where I grew up and I couldn't keep the home-town characters from poking their heads into my book.

Don't they always. (Me smiling.) Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?
JEAN: Oh yes, my dad lives in and rules Willow Shade. I originally planned to let him die, but couldn't bring myself to kill off my dad.

Anything else you want to share . . .
JEAN:  I have a short story contracted with "Harpstring," --"What the Blind Man Saw," a story about sex slavery.

Sounds spicey. Whatever you do, I’m sure it’ll be awesome. Keep us posted and thank you for taking the time to answer these impromptu questions.
JEAN: Thank you for letting me visit your blog.

So where can we find out more about you?
http://www.http//kystorywriter.blogspot.com

Coming soon through Desert Breeze Publishing: SECRETS OF WILLOW SHADE, FORECLOSURE AT WILLOW SHADE and MURDER AT WILLOW SHADE a suspense series.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-276/The-Light-Keeper's-Daughter/Detail.bok

http://www.amazon.com/The-Light-Keepers-Daughter-ebook/dp/B007K1ODKK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331917415&sr=8-3

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-light-keepers-daughter?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=the+light+keepers+daughter

Finding that Perfect Romantic Place for the Writer in You

In order to write the perfect romance novel you must find that perfect romantic spot and visit often, either with your romantic lead or alone. No, I’m not suggesting that you stalk your favorite movie star. I happen to be blessed in this department as I’m married to the man of my dreams. Is he perfect? No. But the best heroes in the best romance novels are not. So give your hero that odd laugh or weird habit that drives you over the edge. It just may be the detail that endears him or her to your readers.

So, back to that romantic spot. It very well may be your favorite restaurant and the candle lit dinner but there’s a drawback to such a place—the waiter inevitably hands you a bill. Or the restaurant is closed when you need that inspiration!

Have no fear—there are solutions and the easiest is—create a romantic spot in your home (or apartment). It could be in your boudoir (allowing you to make it as private as your heart(s) desire) or get a double whammy by making it a focal point in your interior decorating. (My favorite romantic spot is one I rarely share in private—it’s the corner of my kitchen.)

WHAT???

I didn’t plan it that way, really. It just happened. I have two ficus trees (real ones) but a fake one will work too. In the case of my ficuses, they need a lot of sunlight and the only sunlight in my house is in front of my sliding dining room/kitchen door. Thank goodness I have the room for them. Sitting there alone they looked –well, ugly. So I placed one on a step (portable) and that helped—a little. Then there was the challenge of keeping my dogs from playing tug of war in the area. So I introduced an outdoor playpen to “cage” my trees. The next step was to find my “canister up light.” These can be found at Lowe’s. (Honestly, I don't work for them.) I placed my up light where it makes lots of delicate shadows on the ceiling in the dark. (The photo is in the late afternoon. The flash destroyed the ambience after dark.)

At this point I needed a comfortable place to sit/lay and let my mind wander—thus the loveseat. And Wa-La!

You can do this too. Gather any and all your houseplants to one area and make a garden romance come alive! For those of you claiming to lack a green thumb, lacy-leafed silk plants work too (personally I strongly dislike plastic ones.) Have fun and know that your romantic spot is unique to you.

So, You Think You have a Story to Tell--You just might!

Whenever I talk about writing, it seems I meet a new "closet writer." This isn't a bad thing and I actually encourage everyone to write. It is in the doing that one becomes more efficient as well as one learns what he or she prefers to do. Writing isn't always a rosy evening making the keys click in time. Sometimes it is long walks both in the rain and the sunlight. And sometimes those walks are very dark. Dark due to the lack of inspiration.
Maybe the hardest thing about writing is learning the craft and lest you think it an easy craft to learn, I want to share the following. Mind you, there are many "tricks" to becoming a best selling author (which I have yet to do) but I'll only share those secrets (the ones I know at this point) with the most seriously committed--and I don't mean to the funny farm.
Keep in mind that the following is the guidelines to only one publisher. Agents and publishers all have their unique standards of what is good (or trash.)

** Permission to forward and share both granted and encouraged **



Desert Breeze Publishing is currently seeking submissions to fill
specifically our 2012 release schedule. Desert Breeze Publishing
currently releases books twice a month, and as of April 2012 we will
release books three times a month.

Desert Breeze Publishing is a royalty-paying publisher of romance in
electronic novel format, but are excited to announce we will be
releasing our top sellers in print in 2012. We publish from the sweet
to the heated, with the exclusion of erotica or erotic romance and
GLBT/alternative lifestyles. Our books are currently distributed
through Amazon and Amazon International affiliates for Kindle, Barnes
and Noble, All Romance eBooks, Kobo, and the Apple iBookstore for
distribution in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. All
our Inspirational/Christian Romances are available at
Christianbooks.com.

Romance should be the prevailing theme of your manuscript, not
romantic elements. We are seeking manuscripts from novella length
(between 25,000 and 35,000 words approximately) to super novel length
(exceeding 100,000 words), with a preference for novels between
55,000 and 80,000 words. We are more than willing to accept queries
on book series, and will consider a series concept when at least one
book is completed and the series has been thoroughly formulated.

We are not seeking anything shorter than 25,000 words, with a strong
preference for manuscripts of at least 30,000 words.

We will review previously published manuscripts; however, proof of
release must be provided. We prefer to see some new material along
with your previously published manuscripts.

We are looking for submissions in all of the following romance sub-
genres:

* Contemporary Romance
* Romantic Suspense
* Military-themed Romance
* Romantic Comedy/Humorous Romance
* Christian Romance
* Inspirational Romance
* Fantasy Romance
* Paranormal Romance
* Science Fiction/Futuristic/Speculative Fiction Romance
* Steampunk Romance
* Modern Cowboy Romance
* Historical Romance -- both prior to 1900 and 20th Century/Vintage
* Young Adult Romance in all genres
* Manuscripts with specific celebratory or holiday themes

And while we're actively seeking all genres, there are a few types of
submissions that would really excite us!

We are interested in expanding the scope of our Vintage/20th Century
category, stepping outside the most popular time period surrounding
World War II. An exceptional amount of change occurred in the 20th
Century, and our world was challenged in many ways. We would be
interested in seeing novels set around the Korean War or the Viet Nam
Conflict, novels with themes involving The Great Depression, the
Space Race, the end of the Cold War. There are so many possibilities.

We wish to promote the growth and expansion of the Sci Fi Rom/
Futuristic Romance/Speculative Fiction Romance genres by offering
exceptional character-driven novels and series offering appeal to the
die hard sci fi fan as well as the adventurous romance lovers. Sci Fi
romance must be smart, well planned, well thought out to build
amazing worlds and possible futures with strong characters and great
character chemistry and development.

In the same vein, Steampunk (and all variations thereof, ie:
Gaslight, Diesel Punk, etc) is a genre in high demand.

We would like to see both single title -- as well as series --
romantic suspense novels, especially with characters who serve in law
enforcement, civil service, or the military. And that's not just
limited to the heroes. We'd love to see books where the heroine is
the one doing the saving and protecting, or works beside the hero in
an equal position.

We are actively seeking inspirational and Christian novels with a bit
more real world flair. It's not always easy being a Christian, and we
would like to see novels that express that.

If you are offering a manuscript with a specific celebratory or
holiday theme, please indicate this in your submission. It would be
our goal, if possible, to schedule your book release to coincide with
whatever holiday you focus on in your manuscript to optimize sales
potential.

Full details on our submission guidelines and house preferences can
be found at our website:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/policy/Page.bok


Questions regarding submissions can be sent to:

EditorInChief@DesertBreezePublishing.com


We hope to hear from you soon!

Yummy for the Tummy and Heart Reads.

I love Josi Kilpack’s Mysteries! Of course I’m one of those that feels compelled to try out some of the recipes in her books.


My daughter loves to make cookies, peanut butter cookies in particular. But . . . I talked her into making Josi’s Butterfinger Cookies and ohh. If you like peanut butter cookies, you have to try them. Unfortunately, Josi hasn’t given me permission to post her scrumptious recipes here. I copy the recipes I think sound great to my recipe box and since there are a bunch, I’m thinking the Butterfinger Cookies are found in Key Lime Pie. For those of you that don’t read Josi Kilpack’s books, that’s the title of her fourth book in the series. I could be wrong though, long summer you know. Maybe the recipe’s in Devil’s Food Cake. Okay, I’ll start keeping track of which recipe came from which book. I might even be able to convince Josi to add a link to this post so you can follow to her blog (hint hint Josi if you have all your recipes posted there.)

I’m currently devouring Blackberry Crumble set in the Portland, Oregon area. Hey, why not with fresh blackberries growing behind our house. Another yummy recipe to try!

I can hardly wait to check out Pumpkin Roll (which I downloaded to my Kindle.) Oh the joys of too little time, too many good reads!

If you’ve read any of her books, and/or tried the recipes I invite you to share . . .

Maybe cozy mysteries aren’t your thing. You’re welcome to share comments on your latest read. Just remember to be kind.

I’m looking for a review of Donna Hatch’s The Stranger She Married. Donna writes Regency Romance and I’m currently looking at her upcoming novel The Dukes Daughter. Okay, I admit it, I love both of these authors.

Until next time, enjoy your reading minutes and find a few more while waiting for the kids at soccer practice or the doctors . . .

Part 2: Sweet Saturday Samples

His Precious Treasure
This contempopry Romance is rated PG-13
(language maynot be acceptable for all audiences)

Kimmy’s mother, Irene peered through the screen door moments later. “Are you okay?”


“I’m just fine and dandy,” Kimmy spat, her face contorted with anger. She didn’t wait for Irene’s reaction to the broken pitcher before turning her chair to her own escape, the lawn several feet below the porch. The roses along the ramp reached for her bare skin scratching her hands. She ignored them and her mother’s sobs over the broken heirloom.

How could he do this to her? Didn’t Lee love her? He’d held her hand through all the pain and disappointments. She’d smiled for him despite the physical and emotional pain for most of four years. Now he walked out on her. She’d dealt with many disappointments, and expected many more, but not this. Somehow she must find the will to go on. But who could love her now?

 

Chapter 2

The sound of an old car back firing drifted up to Kimmy from the streets below. She wheeled across the patio to the mounted telescope, swinging it around to focus on Desi’s old Chevy SS Sport.

The day after Kimmy’s twenty-first birthday had quickly filled with boredom. She focused the lens to catch Desi and her faithful sidekick Corrinna as they rounded the corner on Main Street and pulled into the gas pump at Macon’s. A new pick-up shined fire engine red as it rolled to a stop beside Macon’s weathered truck. A stranger exited, speaking to Old Macon who waved, ducking his head under the open hood of the older truck. The stranger joined him.

Kimmy watched the two girls extricate themselves from the pea-green SS Sport. They wore tank tops and shorts accented by jewelry and make-up. Kimmy cringed knowing she’d become an unwelcome companion with the girls. Deemed the ‘Three Musketeers’ by a teacher, the name had soon caught on throughout the whole community. But that had all changed on one fateful afternoon.

Kimmy noted Desi’s bold sashay from her old car to her chosen and unsuspecting prey. A rather nicely fitting pair of jeans had drawn Desi’s attention. Kimmy and Desi shared similar tastes in guys. Desi maneuvered close enough to learn if dimples and a great smile accented the stranger’s narrow hips, broad shoulders, and generous good looks. Corrinna carefully orchestrated her less flamboyant strut. Both girls wore high heels with their short shorts to show off shapely legs.

Kimmy watched her one-time cohorts as they worked their wares on the new comer. Would they succeed in turning his head? They usually did. Kimmy shuddered knowing that she would have had a hand in the pending activities at Macon’s, possibly even assuming the part of ringleader. She missed the adrenalin rush of the challenge for a guy’s attention, but that part of her life would never return.

Desi approached the impromptu mechanic with an unopened Coke in hand. She apparently earned only a slight greeting in return for her effort. He still reached into the motor with both hands. Kimmy wasn’t sure if she should cheer for Desi or the attractive stranger. Who would win this round? The stranger must have asked Desi to hand him a wrench because she bent over at the waist and reached into the open toolbox for one. This action brought the desired response as his attention followed her well-rounded figure. The stranger didn’t see Desi’s free hand tug at her top to bring it tighter across her bust.

Desi seemed to think she had her fish hooked and Kimmy did too, but somehow he wiggled free. Apparently, Desi’s wanton display didn’t affect him. Desi left the Coke on the Chevy’s fender as she walked away, throwing a comment over her shoulder. Desi and Corrinna didn’t see the stranger stop his work and watch them drive away, but Kimmy did. Chalk up one more for “Decadent Desi.” She had won the round by default.

He Loves Me . . . He Loves Me Not . . .

So it's taken me a little longer than I thought it would to pull all the petals off the daisy (yeah, two whole weeks.)

But, since this past weekend I shared the first scene of His Precious Treasure I decided that you might want me to share the why in the title.

A brief overview of our story:

When a surgeon’s mistake leaves Kimmy Langley in a wheelchair, she must demonstrate her assertive nature in spite of her disability.

Trevor Palmer comes to town determined to find his grandfather’s hidden mine. His world literally caves in on him when his mine collapses, leaving him in a wheelchair of his own. If Kimmy is to follow her life-long dream of training horses and riders, she must move hundreds of miles away. Sure that her feelings for Trevor are misplaced, she leaves him to cope with adjusting to his life without her. Young and free spirited, Kimmy falls in love with another. Soon fate turns the tables, threatening her life and her chance at true love. Only Trevor cares enough to save her life, if he can.

(You might choose to read the first scene in the previous post on July 29, 2011.)

At the time we join the story in the following snippet, Kimmy is HIS (Trevor's) house guest. (I know--How did that happen?) Let's see what's happening . . .

“You’re kidding!”


“No, I’m not kidding. But it’s getting late and it’ll get cold in here, too. Since you seem to want the bed, get. Or I might change my mind and make you sleep in the truck!”

“Will you tuck me in?” Kim begged.

“Go brush your teeth and I’ll come tuck you in on my way back to this overly comfortable chair.”

Trevor waited five minutes before hobbling into the bathroom to brush his teeth. It wouldn’t do to have bad breath when he tucked her in. He took longer than usual, planning his strategy.

He wore his usual manner as he entered the room, not wanting to give her the slightest clue to his plans. He sat on the edge of the bed without a word, securely tucking her in on both sides. A hint of mischief curled the corners of his lips seconds before he commenced his tickle attack.

Kim writhed out of control unable to get very far in her cocoon. “Oh, you skunk! This isn’t fair! I asked you to tuck me in not torture me.”

“Torture? That isn’t torture, this is.” He leaned over her kissing her deeply. As Kim came up for air, he made another pass. His hands went under her, searching . . . Unable to get under the blankets without paying close attention to his hands, Trevor stopped and scooted to the foot of the bed. He sat still, taking several deep breaths to regain his self-control. “Now, stopping is the torture. Goodnight my Princess.”

Unlike the previous night, he locked the door and pulled it closed behind him. His precious treasure would remain safe from the nearest danger on this night. He steeled his nerves, returning to the bathroom for a cold shower.

Hooked yet? Let me know what you think . . .

His Precious Treasure

His Precious Treasure is rated PG-13 for brief violence.
This excerpt is approx. 750 words

“I’m never going to walk again.” Kimmy said avoiding Lee’s eyes. She couldn’t let him see her pain. She must be strong. The sun set, shooting its last brilliant rays through the few clouds, giving a peaceful evening glow to her birthday. Kimmy watched the sunset paint the mountains beneath varying hues of orange and purple.


Lee folded his arms in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”

Kimmy shifted uneasily in her chair her long auburn hair falling over her shoulder. “Do I look like I’m kidding?”

“But the therapist . . . she said that there has been improvement.” Lee cocked his head as if to claim his twenty-one years of experience a wealth of knowledge.

Kimmy dropped her gaze to her hands. The evening had started so wonderfully. She had planned and waited almost a week for this perfect setting on the back porch to share this news, including her new shirt of soft blues and light chocolate brown jeans. It wasn’t going well.

“The therapist isn’t a doctor. Dr. Buzzy, the quack, referred her. For all we know her license is as squeaky clean as his,” Kimmy scoffed.

“Maybe your folks should take you for a second opinion.” Lee looked like a scared jackrabbit.

“A second opinion? Dr. Mason is the second opinion. He is recognized as the best in his field.”

“Every doctor makes mistakes. Maybe . . .”

“Dr. Buzzy made the mistake! And I’m the one that gets to pay for it. Maybe you think I asked for this?” Kimmy asked in disdain, indicating her wheelchair.

“I didn’t mean . . .”

“What did you mean?” Her hand settled close to the empty pitcher on the table beside her, her mother’s best.

Lee shook his head. “What about our plans? Are you just going to throw them away?”

His lack of support angered Kimmy. She needed to release her frustrations. Almost without thought she reached for a glass of lemonade but stopped, her hand resting against the nearly empty crystal pitcher.

“I haven’t changed the plan Lee. Have you?”

“You’ve got to be kidding!” He stood, stepping away from her. “Look at you. You aren’t going anywhere.”

Kimmy huffed in frustration. His expression seemed cold almost distant, less supportive somehow. She wanted to tell him she loved him even if it meant from her wheelchair the rest of her life. Wasn’t that enough?

“Lee, I haven’t lied to you. As soon as we knew I might not walk again, I told you. Dr. Mason has monitored my nominal improvement since then. I’ve worked hard. Last week he stated his findings before the judge in my case against Dr. Buzzy. I’m not going to get better. This is the best it’s going to get.”

“What you said was that you might be in a wheelchair. You didn’t mention anything about forever,” Lee argued.

“I’ve shared every update with you. I never said I was going to get out of this chair. You assumed when you thought this was temporary. I still love you. We can change our dreams to fit. We can still get married,” Kimmy said, trying to rein in her frustration.

“What about all the things we were going to do, places we want to see? Don’t you want to walk on the beach with me?” Lee’s positive balloon of support over the past four years quickly deflated.

“It’s not the end of the world. We can still do some of those things.”

“From a wheelchair? Not likely,” Lee huffed.

“You aren’t in this chair. I am. You do, I’ll watch and cheer you on.”

“You’re not a cheerleader.”

Kimmy’s world cracked. Not a cheerleader? She was the head cheerleader at the local high school! Or was going to be . . . before the accident.

“Lee,” her words came out sounding strained. “Don’t you love me? I’m the same girl. I haven’t changed.”

“You’re not the same Kimmy. We’re not the same.” Lee stepped closer to the screen door and his exit route before turning back to face her. “Maybe it isn’t the end of the world, but it has to be the end of us. I don’t want a wife in a wheelchair. I’m sorry.”

Lee opened the screen door, making his escape. The front door slammed behind him.

Kimmy grasped the nearest thing, throwing the pitcher at Lee’s retreating form. “Son of a bitch!” The pitcher hit the doorframe, shattering.

Haunts Haven by Joan Sowards

A book review by Valerie J. Steimle


Callie Wilford inherited a century-old inn in southern Arizona. She didn't believe in ghosts although many of the town people told her about the ghost who guards the inn. She is determined to turn her inheritance into a bed and breakfast no matter what she comes up against. Callie meets a handsome cowboy and a charming rancher and now her heart is in trouble. Which man will she choose? 

Haunts Haven is a great story to just curl up on the couch and get away from the world. A ghost story that is not scary but has twists and turns with a few surprises. Joan Sowards is a great story teller and I enjoyed this book tremendously. A mystery, romance I didn't want to put down.


To buy Haunts Haven see:
http://www.amazon.com/Haunts-Haven-Joan-Sowards/dp/1935217313/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Hometown Girl by Michele Ashman Bell

Review by Valerie J. Steimle

The second book of the Butterfly Box Series, Hometown Girl focuses on Jocelyn Rogers' life. Jocelyn inherits her grandmother's house in Milford Falls, Washington which is many miles away from where she lives in St. George, Utah.

The house must be taken care of or sold. Her "Butterfly" friends encourage her to move there and start a new life. How will she survive? Who will she meet? With no employment or friends or family, Jocelyn must take a leap of faith to go. The time she spent there when her grandmother was alive was troubling and her family life was not happy. What will happen to her?

Mrs. Bell writes a wonderful story which takes you right to the heart of our heroine, Jocelyn and her trials of an unstable mother and a terrible secret she has kept to herself for many years. A story of self-forgiveness and finding love as well as a wonderful clean, LDS romance of taking chances, and finding friends.

You will find Hometown Girl at       http://www.amazon.com/Hometown-Girl-Michele-Ashman-Bell/dp/1598119222/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302183174&sr=8-2