Come chat it up!

Just a reminder that you can find me and quite a few other authors at the Readers Fall Festival on Friday and Saturday.  Join yaho groups for a live feed. (I'll be there at noon Pacific Time. come by and say hello.)

Write-a-thon Update

My goal this week is to write in my  WIP Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Monday I managed 1616 words with very little editing.
Tuesday I edited and wrote 1420 new words.
Wednesday I accomplished 1247 words without opening the dictionary although the internet reasearch, library files sent in the past by a friend, and the thesaurus each got a workout and the notes taken are more than 2 pages taking up 3 hours plus the writing hours. Although daily word count is dropping, the total words in the manuscript are at 8065.
Goal for tomorrow ---sandwich in more research between family and living life (the mundane stuff like errands, delivering and picking up children, caring for the recovering patient, etc.)
Will also be responding to readers at three different blogs.
June Foster
Marcy Dyer
Hildie McQueen

Response to Recent Query

Shaunna Gonzales and her book dark Days of Promise can be found at the following links.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-345/Dark-Days-of-Promise/Detail.bok


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Shaunna%20Gonzales&search-alias=books

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Dark-Days-of-Promise?keyword=Dark+Days+of+Promise&store=nookstore&iehack=%E2%98%A0

twitter.com/#!/ShaunnaGonzales

facebook.com/authorshaunnagonzales

Busy Week full of Give-a-ways

Oh yeah, it's one of those that there aren't enough hours in the day.


My mornings this week Oct. 15-20th start with Write-a-thon at Britney Gulbransen's (See pumpkin to the right.) I will be tweeting my daily word count and possibly even reporting to Britney. I don't promise high numbers, but I do commit my morning hours (except for one due to family responsibilities.) Britney and I are giving away an e-copy of Dark Days of Promise so get your fingers moving!

Wait! There's more!

Oct. 15th-19th I am hosted at June Foster's blog. Leave a comment each day to increase your chances of winning an e-copy of Dark Days of Promise.

Oct. 18th should find me at two more blogs. Marcy Dyer www.marcydyer.com/blog , who had a hand in getting Dark Days of Promise to you. And Hildie McQueen http://www.hildiemcqueen.com/

If that isn't working for your schedule, come visit me on Oct. 19th when I go "live" at noon (Pacific Time) at Desert_Breeze_Publishing_Connections@yahoo.com with Nicole Zoltack. (Yes, I am giving away yet another e-copy of Dark Days of Promise.)

Oops, almost forgot one. Visit with me at Maria Sadowski's blog for an unofficial wrap of my blog tour. I'll still be touring, but not as much so follow me on Twitter or come back here to track me down.

Enjoy the rhythm or the falling rain this fall.

I'll Tell You Mine if You Tell MeYours.

This is yet another busy week in my schedule. All this week I'm involved in Lucy Monroe's Online Readers Retreat. While visiting with a few new friends and readers yesterday, I realized that there are a lot of you that have a story about PTSD to share. I don't mean a novel or even a long visit with a therapist. But... I am gathering personal stories and invite you to share them here. WARNING! If you post here today (October 9, 2012) your comment/story goes live in the comments. If you prefer instead to share them only with me, wait a day or two. Your comment will then need to be monitored by me. If you tell me right up front of your comment, "Please keep private," or "Okay to use as Author Fodder," I will do just that. I will keep it private or come back and glean from these stories for some of my future novels.




Your story may be as seemingly benign as mine or as devastating as all get out! I would appreciate that any bloody or gruesome details be somewhat left in the dark so as to not "trigger" another's PTSD. Please feel free to respond to one another's comments, but only in a supporting manner. I want this to be a "safe" place for you to share.



My early serving of Trauma.

Seatbelts have not always been used in my family, but as I was young, only nine, Mother insisted I put mine on. I responded with, "Only if you do too." We buckled up and the two of us were off for our hour long trip over the snow and ice. Mother drove the Oldsmobile Dad had purchased just before his death and I guess she had to finish up some business that day in the city. Okay, the city was one of those along the I-15 corridor in Southeastern Idaho. The sun wasn't up yet but we could see evidence of its coming up in the distance. I don't think Mom was going too fast. She rarely sped but we came over a hill and hit black ice. The car went sailing. We must have flown 70-80 feet in the air before the crusted snow grabbed the tires. Tons of heavy automobile collided with first the pristine snow, then the sagebrush beneath. Whiplash snapped my neck then it was silent. Not even the engine made a sound.

I don't remember how long we sat there, stunned. I do remember Mother trying to crank the engine. Nothing.

Mother coaxed me to undo my seatbelt. It took her a minute or two to shove her door open against the cold. "We'll have to climb back to the road and hope someone comes by and gives us a ride." The crusted snow cut at my legs and I wished I would have worn my snow boots instead of my Keds. Soon it didn't hurt anymore, but I knew the snow was still sharp against my tender skin. We hiked to the road. Sometimes, when the winter conditions are just right with melting, freezing and wind the snow gets a crust that a dog and sometimes a child can walk on without sinking. That morning, every time I tried to walk on the snow, I broke through. I finally gave up and tried to follow in Mother's footsteps. I don't remember crying, I may have, but the damp on my cheeks only made them colder. At last we made it to the highway. I wanted to stop and wait, even sit down. Mother wouldn't let me.

I hated that walk. I don't know how far we got. I just remember how my feet hurt with every jarring step. Finally, someone came by and gave us a ride. They took us to the car dealership and Mother had to leave me with a mechanic to get warm while she went back with the tow truck driver to get the car. I don't know if she knew the men or not, but he didn't hurt me and I was reasonably thawed out when Mother, the tow truck driver and our car arrived.

To this day, the sound of snow, slush or ice hitting up under the wheel wells of a vehicle sends a shudder up my spine. There are other residual effects, compounded by more experiences that haunt me. I don't drive in the snow. When a snowplow comes up the street, my world stops...waiting for the crunch I know is coming. When it finally passes, I breathe again.

Minor, don't you think?

PTSD in Fiction

I've toyed with writing since a teenager but have only written in earnest since 2005. Like most authors, the first attempts were awful but this one was different. In an effort to give Dark Days of Promise an authentic feel I endeavored to include some experiences of veterans I know and could often be found discussing the realities of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in their lives and how it could honestly be shared in this project. On the evening of this books first promotion, a woman approached me, excited to find someone who knew enough that she could have a listening ear. I realized that the scope of PTSD reaches deep into the core of our society and includes infants, children, housewives, the working and unemployed as well as veterans; in short, all of us. In an effort to treat this subject fairly, I altered my writing course from "romance with a twist" to helping our society, sufferers and innocents alike to becoming aware. It is more than those who experience the violence, more than the victims who experience this debilitating disease that are affected. It is their families, the bystander of violent crime and all of us who dare to care for and love them.

Chatting with Heidi Murphy

Francesca Kennington merely wants to be left to her studies, despite her mother's best efforts to saddle her with a rich husband. Then she meets a mysterious gentleman, who leads her on a romp through the ballrooms and countryside of Georgian England. Their romance blossoms but secrets cause Francesca's house of cards to tumble. She must find a way to put her life back together, while still following her heart.

We're talking about Small Deceptions today. This was my first published work. I have always been interested in Jane Austen and Georgian romances. I didn't necessarily want the bodice-ripper element that seems to be prevalent today, so I sat down to write my own.

I will say that this book was written before I knew anything about ANWA or critique groups. Compared to my more recent works it's a little full of exclamation points. Please keep that in mind when you are reading my fun story.

It took me about nine months including extensive research into all things Georgian. I read everything I could get my hands on about the life and times of the period, much about the politics and social history of the time. It surprised me to find out that cheese was a poor man's food, that a pelisse is a long coat, and that the title of Baron is not hereditary.

This is not just a romance between a man and a woman, but a story of redemption between a girl and her mother, set in the Regency period.

I'd like readers to have a delightful escape into Georgian England. Also, deception is rarely helpful. We think we can get away with all kinds of little fallacies, but they often catch up to us.

There are several ways in which Francesca and I are alike. We both love books and wear spectacles. And I have, at times, been guilty of deceiving my mother, with catastrophic results (Okay, a huge spanking is pretty catastrophic to a six-year-old.) Also, I love to dance all the old dances.

I did my own cover art in conjunction with my daughter, Natassia Scoresby, a gifted graphic designer. I wanted a letter written in script of the time. I have the actual letter somewhere.

I read like a maniac, enjoy swordplay (in armor), play the tinwhistle and Irish drum (bodhran), sing, am a freelance artist, and work for the Boy Scouts as a Unit Commissioner.

I consider myself an uninspired cook and indifferent housewife (What else are children for?) but it bothers me when my house is a mess. If only our cook and cleaning staff hadn't died in the war in Heaven!

I get inspiration from all kinds of places. I've written 14 books thus far and have another three in the outline stage, but have yet to have any of the others published, mainly because that part of the process gives me the hives--a problem I am slowly overcoming. I write both as H. Linn Murphy (LDS, Regency romances and paranormal romance) and as Indigo Chase for Sci Fi.

My next book on deck for publication is Pivot Point, an LDS novel about a rodeo queen who finds love and redemption in a tiny Utah town.

I love all my main characters. Francesca is fun, but I suppose Larkin is one of my most favorite because she has come so far with so little and accomplished so much for so many. She is featured in a five book Sci Fi series called Watchers. I plan to publish the first book of the series soon.

Right now I'm working on a Sci Fi book called A Terrible Majesty.

I work from a light outline, plugging scenes in as they come to me. At times my story jumps the track a bit and gets hijacked onto other paths, some of which have to get hacked away, but often the serendipity makes for a delicious story.

I have, in the past, based a character lightly on someone, but never so they'd recognize themselves. I find it luscious therapy to give a "villain" or two characteristics of my ex. And, no, I don't tell.

Please pick up my book, Small Deceptions. It's at Xlibris.com for the print book, and Amazon.com as an Ebook http://www.amazon.com/Small-Deceptions-ebook/dp/B0075FVYUS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349067707&sr=8-2&keywords=Small+Deceptions

Debra Parmley

Debra, thanks for taking time to visit today. Despite being blunt, what novel are we talking about today?

Aboard the Wishing Star, my first contemporary romance which comes out Oct. 11th

So I'm sure you're counting down. Every release is exciting. Remind me why should we read Aboard the Wishing Star.

Aboard the Wishing Star is set on a cruise ship sailing the Caribbean with an ex-marine hero, a young widow who has a fear of water but learns to snorkel anyway, her creepy boss and an element of danger. If this intrigues you, this might be a good story for you.

Intrigues me? Of course, this is my kind of romance. What makes this novel different from others?

Without giving away plot twists/surprises I haven't read any romances which had a heroine with a water phobia and though there are stories set on cruise ships what happens when the heroine disembarks on one of the islands and finds her boss waiting is probably unique.

Ah hah! I see the typical "What would happen if?" that authors make a living asking, at work here. How long did it take you to write it?

This was actually the second novel I wrote, though it has been almost completely rewritten three times. (Me chuckling 'cause I just did this with one of my own.) From third person to first person then back again into third. It was a real learning experience, one I would not repeat. Trying to please a former agent and editor tied this book up for a few years. How long to write it? Six years, though I would set it aside and work on others while waiting to hear back about this one. Two of my books were published during that time frame and several others started.

A real lesson in not sitting on ones laurels. Did you do any specific research? What did you learn that surprised you?

This one required no research because it comes very much from what I know. I was a travel consultant and prior to that I traveled a lot. The Caribbean cruise route they are on is one I have traveled on more than one occasion and I've sailed on many different cruise lines and ships.

Wow, that makes for a promising read with all the pictures you can paint with your words. I'm getting excited about the cruise from here. What is it that you would like readers to take with them from this story?

To face fears and phobias so they don't get in the way of a joy filled life.

So true, so true. You say you've been on lots of cruises. Tell us one thing from your personal life that made its way into this story.

The heroine has a phobia of water and so do I. Like her, I learned to snorkel anyway.

I'll bet you added in a good measure of your fear with this. What are you most passionate about, other than writing?

Dance. I love to dance and to watch all forms of dance.

Blondes think alike. Gentlemen, are you listening. We love to dance. Do you have a pet?

Now that our youngest son and his dog have moved out our house is empty of pets. I'm trying to decide which breed of dog I would like next and have been pet sitting and visiting friends dogs while I contemplate this. (My hand shoots in the air.) A Shih Tzu, you have to get a Shih Tzu. They don't shed even if you have to keep their hair cut or comb it out regularly.

Are you a baker, a chief, a microwave mom, a quick and easy or a take-out/delivery queen? Your favorite?

Ever since I was in high school I have baked and I have a big sweet tooth. I've never been a microwave mom or a takeout/delivery queen. As the only female in our family of four, that would have been beyond our budget. Now that they're grown and on their own I much prefer healthy salads, veggies and fruit from the farmers market.

Thus the trim figure to go with the dancing. Where do you get your inspiration to write?

Everywhere. Every life experience I have really.

How did you choose the title?

The Wishing Star is the name of the ship they are sailing on, so this one really fell into place.

Is there any symbolism with the cover art for this book? Tell us about it.

There are three falling stars to wish on, on the cover. I'll leave it to my readers to find them. ;-) (Owwe…pause here to enlarge photo and search for stars.)

Of all you heros/heroines, who is your favorite and why?

Right now, Bethany, the hero of the book I am working on now. She's the youngest heroine I've written so far and she's learning to be more independent and more assertive. "Trapping the Butterfly" is set in the 1920's and will be an April 2013 release.

Love the title. So, any funny "researching your book stories" that you would like to share?

Nothing funny so far. Hot, loud, heavy and with plenty of smoke though. That was the experience of shooting black powder guns for research for my second book, "Dangerous Ties", which is set in the wild west.

Are you a panster or a planner?

A pantser by nature, though I have to plot some to submit a proposal.

Are any of your characters based on real people? If they are, do you tell them?

Threads from here and there are woven. If I borrow one aspect of a real person, I make sure everything else is different. Though I am pulling a real gangster into my roaring twenties novel, I'll keep him as a minor character and make sure he doesn't grab center stage. My secondary characters sometimes come out strong and have to be toned down.

Strong is better than paper thin in my way of thinking. If you could legally lay claim to writing any book from the classics to the most recently released book, what would it be and why?

Peter Pan or Alice in Wonderland or some equally imaginative story which would bring new worlds alive for children and adults. Books like that have always given me great pleasure, however I've yet to pull off a children's story. Most of my stories turn themselves into romance whether I intend it or not and I very much enjoy writing romance. (Me smiling my agreement here.) There's something very beautiful though about children's faces who are listening to a story and caught up in that world. What a gift such storytellers give to the world.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?

I'd rather be a real character and travel the world in a beautiful ship with an excellent captain and a chef to cook all the meals while I write my stories.

Nice, can we come along? I promise to stay on my side of the ship and write, except when we agree on a critique session of course. What have you loved the most about this story? What have you hated about it?

I love the way Nate treats Kara, teaching her to snorkel, letting her know she is safe and he's there for her. He's protective and will take care of her but he also wants her to learn to be strong and unafraid.

Back when I had rewritten the story into first person (on advice I should not have followed) I didn't like the story very much. But maybe it didn't like me either. It didn't want to be in first person and that is what I should have listened to. Lesson learned.

If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?

Well, that ship with the crew would be nice. That or a beach house to write in. Other than that, I'm doing what I love and so grateful I am able to write full time now.

What is the one question you never get asked at interviews, but wish you did? (And of course we would like your answer.)

Hmm I've never really thought of that before. Who's my favorite secondary character? Old Moss, in my first book. He's one of those cranky old men, who isn't so cranky beneath that outer crust.

Where can we purchase your book?

My book is available online wherever ebooks are sold and on my publishers website.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-360/Aboard-the-Wishing-Star/Detail.bok

Thank you for having me here today. It's been fun!

You are welcome! Come again in the spring with your next release too, won't you?

Friday Night

Yes, Friday is here at at our house that means dinner and a movie or two.
On the docket for tonight is "Marvel's Avengers" - yes, hubby and youngun have seen it, but I'm too busy writing and promoting to go to a theatre.
And we are going to educate the youngun with "The Three Stooges" - yeah, I hope its as funny as the old ones. So, time to remove the author's cap and the PR cap and instead slide into the comfy clothes, fix Orange Chicken from scratch (sauce is in the bottle) and enjoy.
(Tomorrow we will be right back at it with Debra Parmley here talking about her upcoming release, Aboard the Wishing Star. I'll be in her house (blog) at http://debraparmley.com
Stop by and check both blogs out. You never know what new tidbit you might learn. (evil laughing now.)

What you might find me doing/Update

Talisman: Crisscross in Time is on its way to beta readers! What that means for you, the reader is that we're one step closer to getting it in your hands. What that means for me is time to write the next one in the series while I'm all pumped up. That means you won't have to wait as long between books. (Trust me, you'll thank me for holding them close together!) Okay, so on the right you will see pumpkins and  what I will be involved with to get this to you sooner. Yes, it is a write - a - thon. You don't have to be a published author take part and I encourage you to get involved. maybe your writing goal is to write in your journal everyday, that works. So check it out. I will be Tweeting my progress everyday during the write-a-thon, word count and that kind of thing so you can monitor my progress. You are welcome to cheer me on or join in. The Write-a-thon is the 15th through the 20 of this month. I will also be involved that same week with a Readers Fall Festival at Desert_Breeze_Publishing_Connections@yahoogroups.com

So lots to do whether you are a reader or a writer. Dive into your fall! (Do it gracefully and win prizes at both!)

Updates

Well, I'm not at Debra Parmley's blog today as expected. Instead we are shooting for the 6th. Don't hold your breath unless you are reading something that warrants that involuntary response!
Since I won't be hopping from blog to blog today it is time to decide whether or not my hero and heroine in Talisman: Crisscross in Time get out of their current crisis or rather how.
It is a romance so they will in the end, but at what cost?  Quinn- the hero is on trial for murder. Trish - the heroine has yet to pass the bar, but does she know enough to get him off? What game is she playing? Is one of them, or both insane? Of course at this point neither has verbally admitted to the other that they are in love, but if a character is willing to die for the other, doesn't that make it obvious?
Are you dying to know what I'm talking about? Okay, I know T. is, so here's a short excerpt to get you wanting more of this time-travel to the late 1800's.

"Would you care to tell the court of that afternoon?"


Quinn accurately related the events that took place up until they had left the saloon, but didn't mention the details of why such plans had been made.

"What happened when we left the saloon? I will remind you that you are under oath. There is no place here to spare the sensitivities of the women present, including myself."

"I drove ya to my place and we talked. Then ya left."

"We talked. Nothing more? Are you absolutely sure?"

"Yes, we talked… maybe argued, but nothin' else I'm sure."

"Did you infer, by direct means, or hint… at bedding me?"

Quinn dropped his gaze. When he looked up Trish noticed the pain etched there.

"Yes, I did invite ya to my bed."

"For money?" Trish ignored the murmurs and pushed on before her resolve faded.

"No." His features wore a tentative apprehension.
"Didn't you indicate that you would make it 'worth my trip'?"

"Yes, but it was a ploy to cover your actions." he defended.

Judge Fairbanks shifted in his chair.

"Is this a ploy now?" she asked.

"I don't think so, no."

Trish wanted to press him further but her wanting to know how deep his feelings for her ran had nothing to do with this trial.

"Thank you, Quinn. Your honor, I am through questioning this witness, but request that I have the right to recall him."

PTSD - I don't own the corner of the market.

I'm not the only one that writes about PTSD so eloquently. give Debra Erfert a read on her blog today. http://debraerfert.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow I expect to be with a different Debra, Debra Parmley. http://debraparmley.com

Your Official Invitation!

This is an online retreat Oct. 8-12th.
http://www.lucymonroe.com/OnlineReaderRetreat.htm

Some of these books and covers may be a bit too racey for my readers, so be forewarned!
Registration is FREE to win some awesome prizes.

Talking with Donna Hatch

Donna, I have to give you credit for turning me on to historical romance and I believe you call it Regency Romance. If it wears your name, I pick it up! So tell me, what is your typical day like?
It’s not really very glamorous. I get up at an obscene hour of the morning and start getting my children out the door. They all leave at different times so it’s a steady stream. Then I walk, exercise, shower and write or edit. Then after lunch, I go to my day job. After work, it’s all about family, homework, dinner. Occasionally I get another hour or two to write, but not usually. After the kids are in bed, I sometimes practice the harp (but not nearly as much as I should), spend a little time with my husband, and go to sleep. Like I said, not glamorous.

Maybe not glamorous but busy, wow. What inspired you to write romance?
I love it when the story focuses on the development of the relationship, and a happily ever after is a must.

I'm with you and the happily ever after, well most of the time, but I've gotten quite the taste for writing (not reading) the cliffhanger. (Evil laugh - guess it keeps me coming back to figure out what more I can do to the hero.) You mentioned the harp, do you write with music playing?
Yes, sometimes, but usually only to drown out other background noise. I has to be instrumental with no drum beat or it pulls me out.

I love Yanni for that very reason! What motivated you to write your current book?  
A critique partner and friend, Sarah M. Eden, who is also the author of some of my absolute favorite books, emailed me and said she and four other authors were putting together an anthology of short, romance historical stories centered around a winter or Christmas them. She invited me to join them. I accepted, then started brainstorming what I could write.
A Winter’s Knight is about a young woman whose fascination with a murdering earl and his dark castle lands her right in the heart of danger amid a terrible curse, and the man who steals her heart.
Though it takes place during Christmas, it has a very gothic feel. All six of the stories in the anthology are sweet, historical short stories by published authors.

Yum! sounds like my kind of intrigue! I love the danger that cost someone something. What will be your next project?
I’m working on book 3 of my Rogue Hearts series, a series of Regency romances. The working title of the new story is A Perfect Secret.

I guess I'll have to invite you back for that one. Where can we buy a copy of this anthology?
For now, it’s only in digital form and you can buy it at any online store like Amazon. We have plans to make it a paperback in the future—provided the sales are high enough.

Tour Update

Today is the 27th, right/ okay so I'm busy with the tour and well, with writing my next novel. The working title (which  I'm liking more everyday) is Talisman: Crisscross in Time. As you guess, it is a Time-travel romance and what I hope will be the lead in a series' cause I'm intentionally leaving breadcrumbs...

You should be ables to find me at Heidi's http://www.murph4slaw.blogspot.com/ later today (afternoon?) if I can dodge the bronchitus bug. If you are looking for Dark Days of Promise links, they are:

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-345/Dark-Days-of-Promise/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Days-of-Promise-ebook/dp/B009EHRB7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348250151&sr=8-1&keywords=Dark+Days+of+Promise

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Dark-Days-of-Promise?keyword=Dark+Days+of+Promise&store=nookstore&iehack=%E2%98%A0

Did you know you can follow my latest tweets at my Amazon author page?

Tour Update

You will find me with Melanie Atkins at http://www.melanieatkins.com
http://www.melanieatkins.wordpress.com today. Stop by and say hi!
I can also be found at http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/2012/09/dark-days-of-promise-by-shaunna-gonzales.html
Barnes and Noble finally has Dark Days of Promise!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Dark-Days-of-Promise?keyword=Dark+Days+of+Promise&store=nookstore&iehack=%E2%98%A0

Tickle Tease -- Blog Tour Update

Here I am teasing you and hopefully Tickling your curiosity click over to Bonnie Harrris and Donna Hatch to see what they are sharing about Dark Days of Promise today. And yet another sharing different info. http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/2012/09/dark-days-of-promise-by-shaunna-gonzales.html

Dark Days of Promise Review by Maria Hammarblad

Vicki is a single mom, living with her three children. Her ex-husband is in the military, fighting in some faraway war, and thanks to some help from the closest neighbor Janine, they're doing okay on their own. One day, four men in uniform knock on Vicki's door. She has to tell her children their father is dead, and such words never come easy.

Her ex-husbands death emphasizes the word "single" in a way the divorce never could, and as she tries to cope with a rebellious teenage son and make plans for the future, a handsome banker asks her for a date. Vicki accepts, thinking she's truly alone and that her children need a father figure. These might not be the right reasons for entering a relationship, but it seems logical. At about the same time, Janine's son returns home from the war. He is handsome, strong, and PTSD makes him unpredictably violent.

Shaunna Gonzales has a knack for creating believable characters. They not only come alive on the pages, but I expect them to appear in real life at any moment. Their thoughts, intentions, and problems are believable. It's hard to describe the story conveying how exciting it really is; it contains just the right amount of danger and adventure to keep you turning the pages, and just when you think you know what'll happen, everything takes an unexpected turn.

The book is classified in cryptic categories such as "Christian books and bibles." I normally don't read Christian books: in my opinion the authors usually overdo it, and the material comes across as a few hundred pages of trying to convert people. Gonzales doesn't fall into that trap. There is religion in the book, but the mentions of faith come naturally, as a part of life for the people involved. She handles religion in an elegant, non-threatening and non-coercive way that makes this book stand out as something that can be appreciated both by people looking for a Christian read, and by people wanting to be entertained by an enthralling romantic suspense.

I warmly recommend the book and I will keep my eyes open for new releases from Shaunna Gonzales. If you buy it, be prepared to shut out the world for a while - I just HAD to know what would happen, so I read it all in one day.

=D Maria Hammarblad
Link to buy: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-345/Dark-Days-of-Promise/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Days-of-Promise-ebook/dp/B009EHRB7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348250151&sr=8-1&keywords=Dark+Days+of+Promise

And the Winner is...

Drum roll please.... (thank you)
Wait! What winner? What did they win?
Today's winners are, Patty Froese and Cheryl. They will recieve each receive her choice of Titles by JoAnn Carter, Bk One The Floating Palace, Bk Two Mercies in Disguise, or Bk Three Shifting Sands.
Please contact me with a comment to verify your email address and CONGRATULATIONS!

Chatting w/ Nike, author of Perilous Shadows

Shaunna: So, what's new and interesting about PERILOUS SHADOWS?
Nike: This is the third novel in the series and it's a bit of a psychological whodunit with a ton of romance. My heroine, Kiera Devane, had been badly hurt by life, starting with the untimely death of her parents when she was a child. And things got worse from there for her. So as the story opens in 1947, she's a pioneer newspaper woman trying to excel at what's considered to be a man's job. She's brusque, opinionated, and afraid to get close to people. She has had a poor track record with men and has basically sworn them off. Then she teams up professionally with ace radio broadcaster Argus Nye to catch a killer and her world starts to change in way she can't control. She realizes Argus is a very decent guy who seems to care about her and at the same time the killer has singled her out and appears to be hunting her.

Shaunna: Your novels tend to be what some call "realistic Christian fiction," in that they have fairly gritty crime scenes and flawed characters, much like in real life.
Nike: I have not lived a sheltered life. And I'm very aware there is evil out there. As some know, I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked in the bridal industry before I began writing. That was exciting and of course the atmosphere was lovely. At the tail end of that, I also did a stint in my spare time…but it soon became all consuming…as a pet rescuer. I became aware of the horrid things that humans are capable of doing to animals. From there I became a foster mom to two lovely girls who were returned to their dad. After that we adopted three beautiful girls, half-sisters. I worked as a volunteer for the adoption agency through which we adopted our girls. There I learned of the horrid things parents and grandparents have done to their children. Knowing all this first hand, I can't write sugary novels. I don't think that's why God has called me to write. And yet my stories are uplifting, and the good guys always win.

Author Bio:

Nike Chillemi has been called a crime fictionista due to her passion for crime fiction. She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 and 2012 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and its Chairman, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. BURNING HEARTS is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze. GOODBYE NOEL, the second book in the series released in December, 2011 won the Grace Award 2011 in the Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller category. PERILOUS SHADOWS, the third in the series released in July, 2012. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning).

Purchase Links:
Amazon (including Kindle). http://is.gd/egHcSR
Barnes and Noble (including Nook). http://is.gd/RJF2zy

Blog Tour Update

Dark Days of Promise is available at Desert Breeze Publishing, and Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Days-of-Promise-ebook/dp/B009EHRB7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348250151&sr=8-1&keywords=Dark+Days+of+Promise

Perilous Shadows

Perilous Shadows Blurb: (Historical Romantic Thriller, late-1940s --- Sweet romance, warm intimacy, sophisticated themes presented tastefully

Pioneer newspaperwoman Kiera Devane is on a mission to prove a woman can do a man's job, as she hunts a young coed's killer? Ace radio broadcaster Argus Nye lost one love to a murderous fiend and his pulse races as he tries to protect Kiera from herself as much as from this killer.

Kiera was doted upon by loving parent, but they were killed when she was a girl and she was shipped off to live with a socialite aunt who had little time for her. In her aunt's house, she learned life could be cold and cruel. As a result, she grew up to be an independent and demanding professional woman.

Argus Nye, still bereft from the loss of his first love, can't understand why this female reporter is mesmerizing him. As she takes chances with her life trying to catch a killer, he's determined to protect her.

From Chapter 3


Argus walked Kiera out of the diner and took her elbow as her heels tapped down the cement steps. Her suit was austere, yet somehow she made it sizzle. He shifted his eyes away so as not to be caught staring, but not before taking a second look. "I'll walk you to your car."

"No, that's quite all right. I've been taking care of myself for a long time."

"Still, lass, I don't feel quite right."

"This is the Tastee Diner parking lot. It's well lit. What could happen?"

Argus rubbed his chin. "Oh all right, if you insist. I'll say good night here." He’d tried to be the gentleman, but she was skittish as a young filly.

"Trust me. I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

Fighting against an uneasy feeling in his gut, Argus walked to his car on the other side of the lot. Since Ada's death, he'd become overprotective toward women. Fishing in his pocket for his keys, he heard raised voices. One of them, Kiera's.

"Leave me alone. You cheated on me."

Argus dashed for Kiera's car, thinking he recognized the male voice, yet he couldn't quite place it.

"Give me another chance. You misunderstood. It meant nothing." Paul Gregorski, sportscaster at the station, had a hold of Kiera's arm.

A jolt like an electrical charge shot through Argus. "Let go of her if you know what's good for you."

Paul dropped the arm and turned to face Argus. "So, you bumped my show for your special report, and now you want my girl."

"My relationship with Miss Devane is purely professional." He would not allow the slightest insinuation.

Kiera squared her shoulders. "Look, Paul, I wish you well, but let's let bygones be bygones."

The sportscaster slanted his head toward Argus. "I don't want to discuss this in front of him."

"I'm not going anywhere unless Miss Devane asks me to leave."

Kiera pivoted away from them and pulled her car keys out of her purse. "I don't give a hoot what either of you do. I'm going home." She slid behind the wheel of the Pontiac, backed out of her spot, and gunned it out of the lot.

Argus watched her signal light flash a right. She made the turn and her taillights disappeared into the twilight. He laughed aloud.

Paul growled. "What's so funny?"

Argus shook his head and walked to his DeSoto, got in, and put the key in the ignition, but didn't turn it on. She'd never be mistaken for a Carmelite nun. Not in a million years. Blunt, not soft and feminine like his Ada had been. And where'd Kiera get that short Betty Boop hair-do? Not his style at all. No Sir. Where Ada was a sensitive and godly woman, this one was so hardboiled he couldn't imagine her on her knees praying. So, why was she so captivating?

Tour Update

Joan Sowards (once on her home page, find "view My Author Page" and click on it.) Joan dragged an synopsis for Dark Days of Promise out of me! I've begged her not to share it, but...

Tomorrow is the release date for Dark Days of Promise! I'll be with Jude Urbanski.

Shifting Sands with Jo Ann Carter

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-340/The-Roarin%27-Twenties-Book/Detail.bok

What happens when a self-taught environmentalist, who is very much into "natural" ways, meets a university graduate physician who's interested in the latest research and medicine, yet find themselves attracted to each other? Can such different people commit to love each other for a lifetime?


Welcome to book three of the Roarin' Twenties Series, SHIFTING SANDS... (A Historical/Inspirational series set in the 1920's)

This historical series has been my first for this genre. I can't even begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed this project! I have to admit though, in school I was never much of a history buff. Yet, as I dug into the setting, the people who surrounded it, and the 1920 years themselves, it came alive for me and... I fell in love.

For those of you who like to know a bit the of background and ground work to this particular story, I'd love to share with you the Author's Note I had written. There are two parts, the first tells a bit about the history and the second deals with where my thoughts had taken me while I was writing. So sit back, and let's take a peek at what was happening in 1920 in the Pine Barren's of New Jersey~

Historically speaking ~

The White's were a prominent family who lived at Fenwick Manor, in New Lisbon, New Jersey. The original farmhouse was built in the late 1820's. A west wing was added on and ornamental detailing and such was attached in the early 20th century. During this time, it was a 215-acre farmstead. (Currently, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission offices reside in this beautiful home and it is open to the public. Their goal is to protect "the natural and cultural heritage of this unique region.") * Photo seen was copied from http://www.burlcohistorian.com/NewViewsVIII.htm

The White family also owned and maintained the Whitesbog village in Browns Mills. Even today, many of the buildings still stand. Some are preserved for historical benefit, while others were converted into year-round residence dwellings. The general store is open to visitors and they have different activities you can join in throughout the year. The most popular is the annual, "blueberry festival" which is held each June. If you'd like to see some photos, please go to http://www.whitesbog-today.blogspot.com/search/label/N.%20Whitesbog%20Road

As for the characters, both Dede and James are purely fictional. Yet, I did try to stay true to the "typical" pineland people. These folks, while often gruff at first glance, have tender, caring hearts underneath, just as Dede did. You'll also notice the name, Elizabeth White, in this story. She is not a fictional being. Elizabeth was the eldest of three White sisters. However, unlike in this story, she was the sole woman who, with the help of Dr. Fredrick V. Coville, cultivated the first blueberries in 1916. Elizabeth never married and she owned and lived at Suningive, in the Whitesbog Village.

Fairview, the sanatorium, as seen in book two, Mercies in Disguise, has been portrayed as accurately as possible, to the best of my ability. Fairview did indeed have a fire, and the residents did move to Birmingham Inn, but I changed the date to fit the scope of this short historical series. Where fact from fiction deviates is, during the 1920's the sanatorium was never in danger of closing as in Dede and James's story. That's the fun part of writing historical fiction... you get to blend both reality and imagination together.

The real heart of the matter to me (and where the title, Shifting Sands came from)~

Is it wise to build a foundation on sand? Of course not, it moves right under your feet. Yet, in a way, as you saw -- that's exactally what Dede has done with her own life. (And at times, so have I.) Rather than building her foundation upon Christ, she's built her life upon her own strengths and perceptions. That suddenly "shifts" after meeting Dr. James Riley and the Lord. It is then that she realizes what she had considered her greatest strength was also her greatest weakness. Hence the title... Shifting Sands.

Perhaps today, like Dede, you're trying hard to do things in your own might... perhaps even earn your Salvation. God offers to me and to you -- to anyone who seeks him -- the same thing He offered to Dede, a solid foundation that can be found in Christ alone. Have you accepted His gift? If not, there's no better day than today.

As this series ends, I want to let you know I've been praying for you. I've been asking God to use these stories to encourage you and grow your faith. May God's face shine upon you.

--

So, after reading that, would you like to know more? Then here we go...
Blurb:

Dede White is going to shut down the Fairview sanatorium, no matter what. Her beloved aunt died because of doctors like James Riley and she’s not going to let him trifle with any more lives.

But -- James Riley isn’t what she thinks. Unfortunately, Dede doesn’t figure this out until she’s done her best to shut his sanatorium down. She might not be able to repair the damage she’s done, and even if she is, will he be able to love her back?

EXCERPT supplied by author

He drove down through the town of Brown's Mills in silence. As he neared the lake, he pulled off on a side road and stopped by a path that led to the beach. All the while, Dede stayed hunkered down behind his seat. "You can get up now."

She slowly raised herself up to the back seat and then peered out the window to double check. Apparently, she was satisfied. She sank down into the seat and sighed.

"Why are you in my car?"

"I told you..."

He held up his hand. "Dede, wanting to talk and hiding are two different things."

In a small voice she said, "I didn't want to damage your reputation any more than I already have. People are starting to talk... someone is spreading a rumor that the only reason I worked on the Thanksgiving program was to get my foot in the door of the sanatorium." She swallowed. "You know, to use things against you. But that's not true."

James closed his eyes. It was as plain to him as the nose on his face that Dede did not act vindictively against him, yet he could see how it would easily be construed as so. "Dede..."

"I am to blame for everything." Dede rested her hand on his shoulder. "Do you think you could ever find room in your heart to forgive me?"

A shock of awareness zipped through him. Now he was frustrated not only with the circumstance, but the attraction he still felt toward Dede. She's hurting, but why should I have to comfort her when I'm the one who has just lost everything?

A verse filled his mind. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He sighed and turned around. "Dede, I know that you didn't set out to hurt me... that what you did, you did for your aunt... but it does affect me."

She kept her gaze fastened upon her clasped hands. "I realize that." She peeked up. The tears that filled her soft gray eyes were nearly his undoing. "So what now?"

He opened his door, stepped out, then opened her door, and offered her his hand. She took it and stood next to him. He bundled her up in his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head. "I think it's past time that we both lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross and seek the Lord." He looked out over the glistening water. "I've been real diligent to tell Him what I want... but not so much in asking what He wants." He lifted his head and looked down at her. "Will you do that with me? Ask Him to guide us."

She sniffled but then nodded. "I'd like that. Very much."

"Good. Let’s go to church together on Sunday."

Dede's eyes grew large. "But..."

He held a finger to her lips. "Shh. What others think about you or me is not what's important -- only what God thinks. If people want to talk, nowhere you go or nothing you do is going to stop that."

"Yes, I suppose you're right."

He tweaked her nose. "I like hearing you say that."

She gave him a wobbly smile. "Oh, James. I truly am sorry."

He leaned down and rested his forehead up against hers. "And I truly forgive you."

--

Purchase Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-340/The-Roarin%27-Twenties-Book/Detail.bok


Also available at CBD, Amazon, B&N, as well as other e-book retailers.
--

You can win a copy of either book one: THE FLOATING PALACE, two: MERCIES IN DISGUISE, or three: SHIFTING SANDS by leaving a comment. A winner's name will be choosen Sept. 24th and post ed on blog blogs so feel free to check back. we will need your email addy to send you the book of your choice so be sure to check and if your name is drawn we will need your addy. Prize will be delivered via email.

Best wishes,
~JoAnn
--
Encouraging faith though fiction
http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/
https://www.amazon.com/author/joanncarter

Army Veteran Reviews Dark Days of Promise

As I read Mrs. Gonzales novel, I felt as IF she was writing it about me and my life. I can relate to all three main characters. I found myself wondering when she had been able to glean so much information and bring it all together in such a way as it riveted me until I finished reading  her novel. Shaunna had me falling in love right along with her characters, stirring up emotions ... and an eyeopener.


This is a very good read! T.Jaymes, Army veteran

Tour Update

I'm chatting with Stephanie Burkhart at Desert Breeze Publishing Sept. 18-21. If you think Lynette Endicott dragged a few secrets out of me...well, let's just say Steph dug deeper. If that isn't enough for you, Sue Perkins asks different questions on Sept. 18 and JoAnn Carter others on Sept. 19.

Update and where you can find me.

I'm visiting with Lynette Endicott for a few days Sept. 14-17 (I know, I'm a little late sharing). Stop by and catch two excerpts from Dark Days of Promise and a few of my secrets as well!