Wednesday, June 29, 2016

RELEASE OF BOX SET -- THE SURPRISE BRIDES

In spring of 2015, Cynthia Woolf recruited three other authors to write linked books: Callie Hutton, Sylvia McDaniel, and me. I was thrilled to be included with authors whose books I read and love. Cynthia called these THE SURPRISE BRIDES and each book was subtitled with the name of the hero: Jamie, Caleb, Gideon, and Ethan. Perhaps you’re one of the many readers who purchased the books individually. If not, now they’re available in a boxed set of all four books for the bargain price of $6.99.

The stories are set in 1880 and are about the four Fraser brothers on the Circle F Ranch near Angel Springs, Colorado. Mama Fiona Fraser thinks her sons should marry and takes matters into her own hands by sending for four mail-order brides. The four young women arrive as a snowstorm is underway and are snowbound for several days. Chaos, humor, and drama ensue.





One determined mama, four reluctant brothers, four mail-order brides:

Jamie by Caroline Clemmons:

Olivia Stewart is tired of being pitied because she’s been jilted, tired of teaching other people’s children without any of her own. When she signs with a matrimonial agency, a letter from Jamie Fraser sounds perfect. A widower with two young children will give her a head start on the family she’s determined to have. But Colorado holds surprises for Olivia that endanger her goals and even her life.

Rancher Jamie Fraser is shocked to learn his mother has written for a mail-order bride for him. He has two children and no plan to marry again. Ever! His late wife taught him women can’t be trusted. Even his beloved mother isn’t above tricking her sons to achieve her heartfelt ambitions. Now he’s stuck with a wife he didn’t want—a stubborn woman bent on changing his home and his life.

Can two strong people at odds achieve happiness? Angel Springs, Colorado is a small town that inspires big dreams. Olivia and Jamie just might find their dreams meld to form a powerful and enduring love.

Caleb by Callie Hutton:

Caleb Fraser is the town bad boy and enjoying the single life to the fullest. He has no intention of marrying. No time soon, anyway. He keeps telling his mama he will chose a wife shortly, just to keep her off his back. However, Mama Fraser takes the situation in hand and sends for mail order brides for all four of her sons. 

Lily Parker is running from humiliation and is on her way to marry a stranger. She’s traveling with three other women, all of them contracted to wed the Fraser brothers. What they don’t know is the men have no idea they’re about to be hog-tied. 

Both Lily and Caleb are in for a surprise. But will Lily’s surprise be too much for Caleb to handle?  

Gideon by Cynthia Woolf:

As the local preacher, Gideon Fraser often talks about the many virtues of a good marriage, but that doesn't mean he has the slightest inclination of claiming a bride of his own. No, he's been burned before, by greedy women who only want the prestige and money the Fraser family name can provide. When his mother's devious matchmaking results in his unexpected wedding, Gideon looks at the beautiful face of the woman who has sworn to be his and wants nothing to do with her. But Gideon is in danger of losing his heart until he discovers the truth. His new wife lied to him...about everything.

Ruby Haller needed a husband and fast. A treacherous man promised her the world, took her virginity, and left her without a father for her unborn child. When her father, the town minister, found out she was expecting a child, he offered her hand in marriage to the meanest man in town. Becoming a mail-order-bride appeared to be a safer choice. But instead of a rancher, she ends up the wife of a stubborn, bull-headed preacher and he's none too pleased when he discovers her duplicity. Worse? The local town beauty, who had been courting him for years, is determined to make her life a living hell.

But Angel Springs, Colorado is a small town that can inspire big dreams. It's nearly Christmas, and as these two hearts heal, a holiday miracle just might be within reach.

Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel:

A reluctant groom and a runaway bride…  

Beth Worthington finds herself racing from a wealthy older groom into the arms of a stranger when she defies an attempt by her father to marry her off. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands and agrees to become a mail-order bride with no intention of staying married to her unknown suitor. 

Ethan Fraser is shocked when he discovers his mother ordered him a bride. To save the innocent girl’s reputation, he goes through with the wedding. What he doesn’t expect is for his innocent bride to have plans of her own – that don’t happen to include him. 

When an unexpected snowstorm traps the two together they have to learn to compromise in order to survive.

Can a rich debutante and a Colorado cowboy learn to live together before the snow melts or will their different lifestyles tear them apart before they have a chance to find out?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We four authors worked diligently on these full-length romance novels to insure no one contradicted what the others had written. I was surprised how difficult that was, but the result of the four books released in September 2015 was rewarding. We believe we created good reads.

That’s why we have combined the books into a box set at a bargain price of $6.99. THE SURPRISE BRIDES box set is now available at Amazon and iBooks and by now may be available at Google+, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. 

The Amazon buy link is:

Here’s the first of the opening prologue to get you intrigued in the story:

The Circle F Ranch outside Angel Springs, Colorado,
Thursday, October 14, 1880

Jamie Fraser looked northward. “Snow’s coming down fast and thick for this early. Gonna be a hard winter.”
His younger brother Gideon threw the corral gate closed. “Pete better hurry back or he’ll be stuck in town with our supplies.”
His brother nearest to him in age, Caleb, turned up his collar. “I’m heading to my house. I don’t aim to stand around waiting on Pete, no matter what Mama says.”
Jamie shot his rowdy brother a stony stare. “She doesn’t ask much of us. Won’t kill you to hold off on your carousing for a couple of hours. Besides, you can’t head into town in this weather.”
Ethan, his youngest brother, laughed and nudged Caleb. “He doesn’t have to. Has him a sweet little gal stashed at his house.”
Caleb pushed at Ethan’s chest and sent him tumbling onto the snowy ground. “Keep your mouth shut. Nobody’s business but mine.”
Ethan hopped up and Jamie stopped him before he tackled Caleb.
Jamie said, “Settle down. We have more important things to do than wrestle in the snow.” Jamie noted smoke now came from the fireplaces upstairs as well as in the big room they used as a parlor.
The jingle of sleigh bells interrupted the quarrel. Good thing Pete had attached the skids to the farm wagon earlier. Mama must have been listening for the ringing because she came out onto the porch all bundled up against the cold. Knowing the shock coming for his brothers, his sympathy extended to all three.
Guilt over his silence nagged at him. “Let’s go stand with Mama.”
All four men loved and respected their mother. Since their beloved father’s death five years before, they’d been especially considerate of her feelings. Now they trudged through the snow to stand with her while the sleigh came into view.
Gideon craned his neck. “Looks like Pete’s got passengers. Who’d be coming here in this weather? You expecting anyone, Mama?”
She straightened. “As a matter of fact, I am. I’d appreciate you boys staying right here with me. I have something important to say to you in a few minutes.”
Jamie watched Pete pull up near the steps. Something didn’t look right, so he counted the passengers.
Four?
He counted again.
Four women had arrived.

Frowning at the horrible suspicion that hit him, Jamie turned to his mother. “Mama, what have you done?”

Friday, June 24, 2016

BOX SETS FROM KETA DIABLO

Award winning and multi-published author Keta Diablo is my featured guest today. She and I have shared three box sets, COME LOVE A COWBOY, which is eight contemporary western romance novellas; SILVER BELLES AND STETSON, which is ten western historical romance novellas set around Christmas; and COURTING THE WEST, ten full-length novels. Keta is a gifted writer and I'm honored to be associated with her in these projects. We are proud of each of the sets described in this post. If you haven't read these sets, you can acquire a lot of reading material for a small investment.

COME LOVE A COWBOY is a set of contemporary western romance novellas which includes eight authors: Kathleen Ball, Caroline Clemmons, Margo Bond Collins, Julie D'Arcy, Keta Diablo, Andrea Downing, Hebby Roman, and Patti Sherry-Crews. 

Click here to buy at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Come-Love-Cowboy-Kathleen-Ball-ebook/dp/B01D5876UK/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1466746947&sr=8-11&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons 






SILVER BELLES AND STETSON is an historical western romance novella set that includes Kathleen Ball, Cait Braxton (aka Keta Diablo), Caroline Clemmons, Carra Copelin, Kristin Holt, Lyn Horner, Susan Horsnell, Paty Jager, Hebby Roman, and Margaret Tanner.

The buy link at Amazon is: https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Belles-Stetsons-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B014WU2TQG/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1466747082&sr=8-19&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons




COURTING THE WEST includes NYTimes, USA Today, and bestselling authors who bring you ten full-length western historical romance novels featuring sexy cowboys and sultry heroines. This box set is loaded with a variety of sweet to steamy romances designed to entice your senses and warm your heart. The authors included are Debra Holland, Kirsten Osbourne, Lily Graison, Cynthia Woolf, Jacquie Rogers, Sylvia McDaniel, Paty Jager, Merry Farmer, Keta Diablo, and Caroline Clemmons.

The buy link at Amazon is: https://www.amazon.com/Courting-West-Boxed-Western-Romances-ebook/dp/B015JVRIZY/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1466747167&sr=8-22&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons





The great thing about each of these sets is that each is only 99 cents!

Keta Diablo/Cait Braxton is a multi-published author in contemporary romance, erotic romance and gay fiction. She's also an Amazon best-selling author. Her erotica novel Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the MOLLY contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America and was nominated for a Red Carpet Award in 2014. Her paranormal novel Where the Rain Is Made (Meko's Woman) was nominated for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark, and her historical novel Sky Tinted Water was nominated for a RONE Award by Ind’Tale Magazine.

Keta's books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards from top professional review sites.

You can find her on the net at the following places:

Monday, June 20, 2016

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH TENA STETLER

Author Tena Stetler has agreed to give an interview so readers can get to know her better.

Where did you grow up? Siblings? Locale? Were you considered a “bookworm” or a jock?  Married, single?  

I grew up in Colorado, an only child.  Afraid I was considered a wild child, with an overactive imagination.  I married the love of my life, many, many moons ago.

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

I love Molly Harper. She writes werewolf and vampires with a snarky humor.  At least that’s what I call it.

 I enjoy Nora Roberts paranormal stories and loved The Witness.  I thought it was something different for her.

Nancy Atherton.  She writes the Aunt Dimity series, 20 books and counting.  I have them all.

Tom Clancy

I read all different genres. All kinds of Romance, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and a few thrillers that don’t give me nightmares.  LOL


What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?  

Come warm weather, this year it was mid May.  We get out the fifth wheel trailer and go camping in various state and national parks.  Ok, sometimes we even visit friends.  We’ve traveled over three-quarters of the US with our dog, Mystic, parrot, Taco and box turtle, Sammie.  Hobbies? Used to fly remote controlled helicopters.  Crashing them gets expensive.

Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW what a ride!"

How long have you been writing?

Most of my life.  I penned my first vampire romance as a tween. I expressed my overactive imagination in stories growing up, at least for the most part.  When I was downsized, again, this time from a job after 14 years, my husband suggested I polish and try to publish some of my novels. Nine months later, The Wild Rose Press contracted A Demon’s Witch, released September 2015, and the rest is exciting history. 

Where do you prefer to write?
In my office, with my parrot in an adjoining room and our dog, running in and out making sure I don’t sneak away.  She used to be a latchkey puppy when I worked fulltime, but since I’m home, she does her darnest to keep track of me every minute. It’s a tough job.

  Do you need quiet, music, solitude?

I like quiet when I’m writing, sometimes music when I’m editing.   PC or laptop? Both.  When the weather is too nice to be inside, I transfer my work to a thumb drive and take my laptop out in the sunroom or front porch.  Nothing better than writing while listening to the birds outside and keeping my parrot company and out of trouble, while she’s in the sunroom.  I like being mobile.

Are you a plotter or a panzer?  

Definitely at panzer.  My books are character driven.  In fact my new release, A Witch’s Journey, is a prime example of my hero high jacking the plot and setting without permission.

Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Even though, I write paranormal romance, some of my characters are based on real events, and persons, then I add a magical twist.  Shhhhh… don’t tell anyone.  As a matter of fact, I had to laugh the other day when I went out with friends to a pizza place.  A friend that works there is aware, I’m writer.  When another girl got my order wrong and it had to be redone, my friend gave her a hard time and said. “Better watch out, she’ll put you in one of her books.”  The girl’s face turned red and she stared at me. “You wouldn’t really do that?”  I just couldn’t help myself, I said.  “You never know.” I took my pizza and giggled all the way to my seat at the girl’s look of astonishment.    

Do you set daily writing goals? Word count? Number of chapters? Do you get a chance to write every day? 

Yes, I write every day. In between laundry, cleaning house, yelling at the dog to stop barking at the squirrel, cooking meals and trying to keep the parrot from wreaking havoc while’s she’s outside her cage.  Some days are better than others, but I try to at least get 2500 words written. They don’t always make it into the book, but most do. 

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

For me crafting a romance is all about RESPECT, TRUST and LOVE. Only most of my characters are of the paranormal persuasion. I want to create a memorable love story with spice and adventure.  Characters that will grab hold of your heart and hang on long after you’ve read the last word and closed the book with a satisfied sigh.

What long-term plans do you have for your career?

As with most writers, I’ve love my books to make #1 on the New York Best Sellers List.  Maybe a movie or two.  I know those are lofty goals, but hey, if you don’t try, you’ll never succeed. Kinda like if you don’t ask, the answer is always no … but different.

Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now? 

Of course. I love talking about my books.  I’m working on the second book in A Demon’s Witch series.  After reading the first one, A Demon’s Witch, I’ve had several people want to know what happened to Tristian, the assassin to the Demon Overlord of the Western Hemephere.  So hopefully in 2017, they’ll find out.   He wasn’t really a bad guy, just misunderstood.  There are two other books in the series as well.  

What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Never give up.  Write what you love.  Learn about your craft at workshops, conferences and other writers.

Share a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you

I used to teach roller skating and competed in dance.

Share something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

I used to be a DeeJay at a popular rock and roll radio station.

Is your book a series?  

A WITCH’S JOURNEY has a sequel due out over the holidays 2016.  I think that is the end, but I’m not sure.  Could be more.

Can you give readers a blurb about A WITCH'S JOURNEY?

Of course, I didn’t think you’d ever ask.
 
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove.  With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied.  But each harbors a deep, dark secret.  Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?



How about an excerpt from A WITCH’S JOURNEY?

Sure, this is when she just arrived on the McKay Property:

Pepper hopped out of the truck and took a deep breath. The ocean breeze brought a mixed scent of brine, sand, sun and kelp. Seabirds whistled and screeched through the air diving into the white crested waves, proudly emerging with dinner. Turning her attention to the land, she noticed beyond the barn, the pond was still there, even a bit bigger than she remembered. Caught up in the smells, sights, and sounds, she didn't hear someone approach.
"Ms. McKay?"
"Sssshit," she yelped and whirled around to see a muscular man, well over six feet, with surfer blond hair nearly to his shoulders, tousled by the ocean breeze. Rounding the corner of the cabin, he waved at her as he approached walking with a slight limp. Deeply tanned, he appeared to spend a lot of time outdoors.
"I'm Lathen Quartz. Glad you made it before dark. The road up here can be treacherous after dark if you don't know where you're going.  I finished up the enclosed aviary and was getting ready to leave. But now that you're here, I'd be happy to show you around. Help you get settled."
"Pepper McKay, call me Pepper." Extending her hand towards him, she met his gaze. His large aquamarine eyes were mesmerizing, set above the high cheekbones, full lips and a butterscotch five o'clock shadow. She gave her head a shake. "Wait. You built an aviary?"
He shook her hand and smiled, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans and rocking back on his heels.

Where can readers find your books?






How can readers learn more about you?

The Wild Rose Press: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/1264_tena-stetler
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/tenastetler/

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?


I love to visit with readers and other authors, so look me up and we’ll chat!


Masquerade Tours

Friday, June 17, 2016

CARMEN STEFANESCU ADDS A PARANORMAL ROMANCE #ROMANTICIDEA

                            Till Life Do Us Part

By Carmen Stefanescu
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Reincarnation, Mystery, Suspense
Release date: 9th June 2016

TILL LIFE DO US PART Blurb:

Barbara Heyer can hear voices of dead people. They whisper of their deaths, seek comfort for those left behind, and occasionally even warn her about future events. But when Barbara’s brother, Colin, is accused of murder, it will take more than her gift to prove his innocence.

Becoming smitten with the handsome investigator, Detective Patrick Fischer, is a serious complication given his assignment to her brother’s case. Barbara senses there is something far deeper—and perhaps much older—than the surface attraction between them. Could that be why she’s visited by a mysterious woman named Emma in her dreams? Could past life regression tie all the seemingly unconnected events together?

Barbara and Patrick must overcome heartache to find the truth to save Colin, and perhaps themselves.



TILL LIFE DO US PART Excerpt:

He watched the windows of the house for several days, hidden by the mantle of the falling night. Taking advantage of the cover the lime trees in the garden offered, he avidly followed her every movement across the bedroom. He could have hidden in the attic as he had a few times, watching her through the peephole he’d made, but from here, he could see her better.

He had a cautious nature, yet wasn’t afraid of being spotted. There was little likelihood of his presence being announced to the police as a stalker. After all, they’d been seen together quite often.
***
The first drop of rain fell with a splash on the windshield jolting Barbara back to reality. She opened her eyes and slipped her small handbag into the glove box. The money she received would help her solve many of the “not-for-now” things, like replacing the floorboard in the bedroom and repairing the leaking pipe in the kitchen.

She looked through the windshield at the pelting rain washing over her car. She reached for the key to start the engine when a faint light flickered on top of the steering wheel.

Barbara, Barbara, a voice came, more like a whisper, in her mind. He killed me. He just killed me...

Who are you, dear? Who killed you?

Kathleen… He killed me.
***
“Detective, please, don’t  think I’m raving, but I have to ask. Do you know someone called Mabel?”

The man riveted Barbara with his dark blue eyes for a moment. Barbara cringed inside. He’ll rebuke me. The man passed a hand over his face and nodding, he answered, “Yes, I know a Mabel. My... my wife.”

“How long ago did she pass away?”

In a voice that was more than a little surprised he asked, “How on earth did you know she’s dead?”

“She’s here,” Barbara replied in a small voice.

His eyebrows shot up in disbelief. The steel in his voice was hard to miss. “What? 

What are you talking about?” He spun round and looked at the apparently empty space behind him.

Tell him I no longer suffer, Barbara heard Mabel’s voice.

Detective Fisher was still staring blankly around him.

“She wants me to tell you she no longer suffers. She hopes you’ve found in your heart the power to forgive her for committing suicide... for jumping off the bridge.”

The detective looked straight into Barbara’s eyes. The grief she saw in them was almost palpable.

 
Carmen Stefanescu,
Author
Carmen Stefanescu resides in Romania, the native country of the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal phenomena could have led someone to great trouble - the psychiatric hospital if not to prison.
Teacher of English and German in her native country and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years of communist oppression, by escaping in a parallel world, that of the books.
          Her first novel, Shadows of the Past, was released in 2012 by Wild Child Publishing, USA.
                   Carmen joined the volunteer staff at Marketing For Romance Writers Author blog, and is the coordinator of #Thursday13 posts.

You can stalk the author here:




Carmen’s #Romanticidea to rekindle the spark :

                 Learn a romantic foreign language.
Take an intro-class together for a language that neither of you speak -  French, Italian, Spanish or Romanian  simply sound romantic -  and practice whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears, in that new language!
              Cuddle up together in a horse-drawn carriage ride.
You’ll probably feel like you are in a romantic comedy, and that’s a good thing.
                       Read each other’s Tarot Cards.
Take turns reading each other’s fortunes using Tarot Cards. Even if you don’t believe in astrology, it will make for one fun evening spent together.
                          Go on a ghost tour together.
Find the nearest ghost tour in your city and head out on the adventure together. At least you’ll have someone’s hand to hold onto should things start to get a little spooky.
                             Feed each other fondue at home.
It really doesn’t get sexier than feeding each other chocolate dipped strawberries.
                              



Tuesday, June 14, 2016

COVER REVEAL FOR OPHELIA, BRIDE BRIGADE BOOK 4

The Bride Brigade Series has been a lot of fun. I love the part of North Central Texas in which I set this series. Let’s face it, I love Texas—though summer months sometimes make me forget why.

The premise of this series is that in 1873 wealthy widow Lydia Harrison tries to save her town of Tarnation, Texas and keep the young bachelors from moving to more diversified populations. That is, where there are marriageable women. To accomplish this she goes back to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

If you are a history lover, you know that part of the country suffered greatly in the Civil War and many men lost their lives. Others, rather than return to homes that were no longer there, moved west. The result was that there were far more women than men. Lydia decides to bring a few of these women to Tarnation where they will be her guests until they decide which of the local bachelors they want to marry.

She brings back seven young women and then invites respectable bachelors to receptions and dances at her home. Citizens in town have dubbed these seven women the Bride Brigade. So far, JOSEPHINE, ANGELINE, and CASSANDRA have married. Now it’s OPHELIA’S turn.
OPHELIA will be released later this month.

Here’s the blurb for OPHELIA:

Escape…
A painful past…
Hope for the future…

Ophelia Shipp wants safety, a home, husband, and to raise a family. To achieve her goal, she travels halfway across the country to a tiny Texas town, Tarnation. What awaits her there must be better than what she left. She longs for a respectable man who will be a gentle and kind husband.

Elias Kendrick had a difficult childhood but he has overcome poverty to build his empire in Tarnation. Now that he owns a successful saloon and the opera house, he is ready to marry and start a family. He’s vowed his children’s life will be different from his—if only he can find the right woman.

Two opposites attract—or are they? Ophelia and Elias must learn to overlook their superficial differences to work out their chance at lasting love.



Here’s an excerpt from OPHELIA:

Mr. Kendrick strolled toward her holding a cup and a plate filled with samples of Mrs. Murphy’s delicacies. “You look as if you could use punch and a snack.”
She fought for something clever to say, but nothing came. At least she managed a smile. “Thank you. I am thirsty after introducing myself so many times.”
He sat in the chair separated from hers by a small table. “Nice shindig, isn’t it?”
She took a sip of punch before answering. “I love watching and listening. Everyone appears so happy and excited.”
“What about you? Are you happy or excited?”
She couldn’t prevent a grin. “Both. Being in Lydia’s home is so pleasant and the other women are very nice. This morning I woke up excited about this event.”
“Me, too.” He chuckled. “What brings you to Tarnation, Miss Shipp?”
“Same as the others I suppose. No point pretending otherwise, I want a husband and home and family. This appears to be a nice town even though it’s small. I notice there’s even an opera house.”
“That there is. I built the opera house only a year ago. The manager and I try for a variety of acts so that by the end of the season, everyone has enjoyed at least a couple of shows.”
She leaned forward, happy to know he was so fair-minded. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy them all. I’ve never been to a live performance.” Oops, she hadn’t intended to admit that.
He leaned back and his eyes widened. “Never? You mean except at school, of course.”
A blush’s heat seared her face. How embarrassing to admit she was a country bumpkin who had done nothing interesting in her life. “My father was very strict. I couldn’t appear in or attend school plays. Mr. Kozlov has invited me to the opera house performance in two weeks. I’m looking forward to the event.”
Was that disappointment she saw on his face? “You’ll enjoy Geraldine Chitwood. We were exceptionally fortunate to book her. Normally, she only plays larger towns more easily reached. Being without railway access places us at a disadvantage.”
“Oh, my bones haven’t forgotten that stage ride.” She leaned toward him. “Tell me about yourself, Mr. Kendrick. Besides owning the opera house, I mean.”
“I’m twenty-nine and never married. If you led such a quiet life that you weren’t allowed to attend plays, then you’ll no doubt look down on me because, as well as the opera house, I own the local saloon.”
She hoped she hid her surprise that Lydia included a saloon owner in this group of “acceptable” men. What should she say?

If you’re a member of my mailing list, you’ll receive a newsletter when the book is released. You’ll also have the opportunity to enter the contest for a Kindle Fire. If you haven’t joined yet, you can at the top of the sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by.


Monday, June 13, 2016

CHAT WITH BARBARA WHITE DAILLE #Romanticidea

Hi, Readers!  Thank you for checking out this Summer Blog Exchange, and I hope you’ll feel free to chat.

Caroline, I appreciate your hosting me at your blog today and for the great Q&A questions.

Here’s my suggestion for a romantic idea to enjoy this summer:

Invite your sweetheart out for a very special night—rekindle your romance by taking him or her to the place where had your first date.


Caroline’s Interview Questions


Please tell us about growing up.

Originally, I’m from the East coast, where I grew up as the oldest of four. We were all girls, and I remember my dad sometimes running through all our names before he finally got to the one he wanted. That seemed funny at the time—unless we were being called out for something we shouldn’t have done!  J

I was definitely a shy kid, a good student, and a huge bookworm. Whenever we had free time in school or I was at home on my own, I’d have a book in my hands. We used to visit our grandparents on their farm for a month each summer, and the first day we arrived, my grandfather would take me to the library in town to get my visitor’s card. He got a bit frustrated with me, I think, because I would check out the maximum number of books…and then I would want him to drive me to town again the next day because I’d already finished reading everything.

Libraries will always be a big part of my life. Since grade school, I’ve volunteered in school libraries, have worked full-time in a town library, and now that my husband and I have relocated to the Southwest, I’m currently a volunteer at my local library. It gets me away from the writing desk once in a while and puts me in contact with books, a win-win as far as I’m concerned!

Food is also a very big part of my life. lol So in case anyone is wondering, my favorite foods are pizza and anything made with chocolate.

 
Chocolate--The author's friend

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

My favorite books to read are romance, romantic suspense, and mystery. When I was a kid, it was all mystery, all the time. I grew up with the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, and Nancy Drew. Anybody read any of those?  I still have all my Trixie Belden books and re-read them from time to time. And once in a while when I’m at the library, I check out a few Nancy Drew books just for fun.

Even back then, I liked stories that blended mystery with romance. Trixie had Jim, Honey had Brian, Nancy had Ned. And I had fun putting myself in the places of all those heroines. J


I read those books, too. When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Being a writer doesn’t leave me much time for many other things, but when I do have time to myself, I read, of course!  When my husband and I sit down to watch some TV together, we lean toward BBC Mysteries and new and older TV shows with a mystery/investigative slant, such as CSI, NCIS, Law & Order, and Blue Bloods.


You named my favorite shows plus Madame Secretary. How long have you been writing?

Telling stories?  Since before I could write, or at least before I knew the alphabet!  Writing for real?  I scribbled my first short story in crayon when I was about five, but wrote my first “self-published” short story—with a hand-illustrated cover, no less!—when I was in fourth grade. And I wrote my first novel when I was in eighth grade. As you might guess, it was a mystery with a romance woven through it.
  
Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Distractions and I don’t do well together. I’m very lucky to be able to work from home and have an office door I can close, as I need solitude and quiet to write.

Currently, I’m working on two laptops. One is supposed to be for writing only and the other for e-mail, Internet, etc., although due to some computer problems lately - caused by an upgrade to A Program That Shall Remain Nameless - I’ve had to switch back and forth while one or the other of the laptops is in the shop.

One of my favorite keepsakes is a small statue my husband gave me, which always sits on my writing desk.

I Love You This Much Bear Statue


Are you a plotter or a pantzer?

I always call myself a hybrid, a plotster, because my books usually start off with the bare bones of a plot. I write as much as I know, then I stop and plot forward, and then write again.

This has changed a bit now that I’m published, because I submit proposals to my editors instead of full manuscripts, and with those I turn in a complete outline. Still, when it’s time to sit down and write the book, there’s enough room to let my imagination have fun with twists and turns of the plot.


An outline is only the road map for me and there are many side trips. Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

As I go along. My books are not research-heavy. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to reading, which is why it’s wonderful we all have so many books to choose from. I write what I like to read:  stories that move at a fairly good pace, filled with dialogue, characterization, and touches of description, rather than with details of research.


Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

I do set goals, although now they’re called deadlines! J  But seriously, I work on interim goals that all lead me to reach those deadlines. And though I do try to write daily, there are some days that are filled with other things, such as writing blog posts and/or interviews like this one, preparing for a new release, or working on ideas for future books.


Even though you’ve answered this, I’ll ask the question: Do you write full time or do you have a day job.

Full time and then some. There’s always another page to write, a blog to draft, a story to plot…  Or a book to read, which for an author is often considered a job requirement.


Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

Hmm…let’s see…  Well, I’ve driven all of the following:  car, van, truck, motorcycle, bus, forklift, tractor, fire engine, and Model-T Ford!


What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

I’ve been a life-long reader and became an author because of my love of books. I hope that my stories will bring readers as much pleasure as other authors’ books have brought to me.


What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Never give up!


Tell us about your latest release.

Thank you for asking. I have a new release, Cowboy in Charge, coming up July 1. This is a new book in my current series, The Hitching Post Hotel, where the hotel owner is a matchmaking grandpa.

I’m also thrilled to say that as of June 1, A Rancher’s Pride, the first of my Flagman’s Folly books was reissued in a special Larger Print edition (while still available in e-book format). More on both books is below.

Here’s the back cover copy and a quick peek at the opening scene of A Rancher’s Pride:

A RANCHER’S PRIDE:

His Whole World is in Her Hands

Sam Robertson's life just changed. In one short day, he found out that he's a daddy; that his beautiful little girl, Becky, is deaf; and that her aunt, sign language teacher Kayla Ward, intends to fight him for custody.

There are plenty of reasons Sam shouldn't fall for Kayla. A city girl like her has no place on his ranch, particularly when she's his ex-wife's gorgeous sister. But thanks to the judge's orders, Sam's spending a lot of time with Kayla, trying to give Becky the stable home she's never known.

Despite their ongoing custody battle, Sam and Kayla's love for Becky brings them closer than they ever expected, and Sam knows that no matter who wins in court, he could still lose—Kayla or his daughter.


Excerpt

The minute Sam Robertson saw his mother’s frozen expression, he knew something terrible had happened. He hadn’t seen that look on Sharleen’s face since the night his daddy died.
He tossed his Stetson onto the hook by the kitchen door and crossed the room to where she sat by the round pine table. The mouthwatering smell of beef and vegetables came from a bubbling pot of stew on the stove. He was home later than normal, but the table wasn’t yet set for their supper. “Mom?  What is it?  What’s wrong?”
She shook her head for a second, as if she couldn’t speak. Lines crinkled the skin around her blue eyes. She looked about ten years older than when he’d left for the north pasture early that morning.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Sam...”  She cleared her throat and started again. “Ronnie was here.”
“Ronnie?”  He frowned. He hadn’t seen his ex-wife in five years. If things had worked the way he wanted, he’d have never heard her name again. “What did she want after all this time?  Just stopping by to say hello?”
“She said she’s settling down again. With another man.”
“That’s what has you upset?  You should know better.”  Sam laughed shortly. “And we should both pity the poor guy. So, what did she do, drop off an invitation to the wedding?”
“No.”  Sharleen brushed her fingertips across the hair near her temple.
A nervous gesture he hadn’t seen, either, since the months right after his daddy’s death. Whatever the news, she didn’t know how to cope with telling him. How bad could it be?  He’d written his ex out of his life a long time ago. She couldn’t do anything to affect him.
He sank into the chair beside hers. “Come on. Just let me have it. What did she want?”
Sharleen took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Finally, she said, “She dropped something off, but not an invitation. She brought a little girl with her. Four years old. Ronnie left her here. She said she’s your daughter.”

Where to find the book

Larger Print re-issue

Original e-book version

How can readers learn more about you?

I love to chat and hope your readers will stop by to visit me and sign up for my newsletter. To say hello and to learn more about me and my books, they can check out any of the following locations:


Barbara White Daille
Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom.
The first of her Flagman’s Folly stories, A Rancher’s Pride, is available in Larger Print from Harlequin. You can also find the original version at most major e-tailers.
The next book in Barbara’s popular The Hitching Post Hotel series, Cowboy in Charge, releases July 2016, with other books in the series to follow. In November 2016, she begins a new sweet romance series for Entangled Bliss.