Monday, June 30, 2025

Then Time Stands Still by Mary Georgina De Grey


Then Time Stands Still
by Mary Georgina De Grey

The subject of today’s Spotlight is Then Time Stands Still. I really enjoyed writing this book, especially doing the research into archaeology and wine-making. And, of course, the food and customs of the country. Even if I know the place well, I have to ensure everything is up to date. The internet is fantastic, but person-to-person is still the best. 

I love writing contemporary novels, as the research is also into jobs and professions, how they are carried out, and by whom, what it feels like day-to-day. People sometimes suggest it might be boring, but I have often found research unearths plotlines and forces me to consider a completely new (and usually better) way forward. 

But my readers don’t want a travelogue, and, at some stage, I get down to writing the story. I write in my study at home, sometimes four or five hours a day, once I’m in the story. It’s scruffy, but I’m not in there to admire its décor. Generally, I’m seated by a lovely Art Nouveau window which glows gradually brighter, as the sun moves around the house in the afternoon. 

Inspiration comes from newspapers and news website articles, stories people tell me, history, but mainly from observing how people react in different situations. 

Book Blurb:

Then Time Stands Still, a novel set in the north of Spain near Zaragoza, on a Roman archaeological dig situated on a vineyard.  

English archaeologist Dr Amancia Harding has looked after her family for five years. Now it’s time to take care of herself, and leading a team on a dig in Spain is the perfect way to propel her career forward. Her good intentions are threatened when she meets vineyard owner Max Serrano. 

Damaged by war in Ukraine and a tragic event in his past, Max has given up on relationships and taken refuge in making wine, but the attraction he feels to Amancia forces him to confront painful issues. There’s also the gulf between their two cultures to consider if a relationship is to have any chance of success. 

Ambitious and fiery in character, can either accept that compromise is sometimes necessary to find happiness? 

Excerpt: 


She warmed at the sight of her oldest friend. They’d been at primary school together and, although they’d studied at opposite ends of the country, the friendship had continued right through university. But five years ago, they’d both returned to Bristol, and here Lizzie was, to provide the support that friendship demanded. Just seeing her made Amancia feel better, stiffening her backbone. Despite the rubbish day she’d had, she found herself grinning. 

Sliding onto the rough wooden chair, she pointed to the wine. “Not sure about this, Lizzie. I might get seriously into it, the way things are going.” 

The other woman laughed. “I did feel for you for a couple of minutes, when you texted me the result.” 

“Only a couple of minutes?” What did she mean? Surely this was the one person she could count on for support. 

“Well, I decided it’s for the best.” 

“What? I thought you were my friend.” 

“I am – and you can stop being sorry for yourself because I’ve got some good news.” She paused dramatically, watching Amancia’s face. “Hope you really are prepared to leave your job at the museum – like right now.” 

“How did you know what I’d decided?” 

“I didn’t but I knew you had to come to that decision sooner or later and I think it’s the right move.” Amancia began to protest but Lizzie wasn’t having it. “I’m only judging from what you’ve been saying recently and it’s clear you’re not appreciated – or not enough.” She grasped her friend’s hand and pulled it towards her, turning it to reveal the dark stain on the inside of the wrist. Her eyes flicked to Amancia’s chin and back to the wrist. “Not appreciated – and not only by the museum.” 

“What? – oh this? I dropped a stone exhibit, tried to grab it before it hit the floor, and this was the result.” Her laugh sounded artificial to her own ears and wouldn’t have convinced a stranger, let alone her best friend. 

“Don’t lie to me, Amancia. He did this, didn’t he?” She reached across and gently touched the almost invisible bruise on her friend’s jaw. “And when did this happen?” 

Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. “Three days ago. I … I couldn’t believe it, but he’s under terrible pressure just now, and I know I annoyed him. It was such a silly argument. Please, Lizzie – can we not talk about this for the moment? I’ve had a tough day, and I’m meeting him later – maybe. That’s more than enough of James.” 

Lizzie gave her a long, hard look.  

 Then Time Stands Still published by The Wild Rose Press

Author Bio:



I’ve lived and worked in several countries in Europe and also in south America and visited many more, using my language skills to understand the culture and how it affects anyone with a different background. I taught and was writing educational materials but not fiction until about ten years ago. 

Now I use the setting of those countries in my novels to give my readers the experience of being in that place in the same way as I am as I write..  

I like to make the main character in my novels a strong young woman determined to make her way in the world and each novel has a love story at its centre. 

I live on the beautiful English Riviera in the UK with my artist husband where I indulge in my passions of writing, reading and creating things, especially in fabric. 

My next romance will be set in France, a country I know well, though I have noticed that doesn’t seem to make it any easier to write. 

Email: marygeorginadg@gmail.com for newsletter and other enquiries. 

I have since written three further novels: 

Then The Earth Moved https://amzn.eu/d/fNtaXHK (Italy) 

Let Love Find a Way  https://amzn.eu/d/gHMpQkC (Wales and Colombia)  

Then Time Stands Still  https://amzn.eu/d/1pGgH5Q (Spain) 

The Disappeared is romantic suspense and not yet published. (Colombia) 



 

Friday, June 27, 2025

EATING HUMBLE PIE By Caroline Clemmons

 



As you read this I am having a large slice of humble pie because of all the errors in my latest release, SHAD, Book 7 of the Guns for Hire series. When I published the book, I had no idea the file was corrupted by failing software. Hero had always kept my computer working efficiently. He was such a brilliant man and supportive of my writing. But, that horrible disease Parkinson's had been taking away his memory for longer than my daughters and I realized. Sure enough, the ancient version of Word I had been using deteriorated. I unpublished the book when I learned of all the mistakes it contained.



Fortunately, Darling Daughter 1 installed the latest software for Word, and that is what I'll be using to correct the file for SHAD. When the corrections have been made and thoroughly edited, I will relaunch SHAD. 

Please accept my sincere apology for this occurrence. The illness, terrible decline,  and passing of my beloved Hero have kept me unable to focus as I drift through days locked in grief. Those of you who have lost a cherished spouse will understand. I've known Hero since I was twelve, though of course I did not date him until years later. Ours was a long and happy marriage, and I'm grateful for the years we shared.

Don't let my experience with SHAD keep you from reading all the wonderful books in this series. Three books are still to be released. Two are up for preorder.

Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Honor Bound by Katherine Grey


Honor Bound
An Echo Company Novel
by Katherine Grey

Blurb:


Bound by honor...tempted by desire 

 

California “Callie” St. John knows just how much one night of rebellion can cost. After narrowly escaping a car bombing, she is forced to acknowledge she needs a bodyguard, just not the one chosen for her. He pushes her buttons and forces his way past her defenses. While she fights to keep the secret that destroyed her family, she worries she's trusting her bodyguard more than she should. 

 

Lieutenant James “Hawk” Hawkins, a member of a special ops unit of soldiers with extra-ordinary abilities, believes acting as a bodyguard to the daughter of one of DC's movers and shakers is a waste of his talents. But as he comes to know the woman behind the icy façade, he realizes she is more than she seems.  

 

When a dangerous enemy from Hawk’s past targets Callie, he’s willing to risk everything to keep her safe. But succumbing to temptation isn't an option...no matter how much he wants to give in. Because secrets always come to light, and the past is never forgotten. 

Excerpt:

William St. John turned to his daughter. “A bomb was planted in your car. You’re lucky you escaped with unharmed. Perhaps now you’ll take the threats against you seriously.” “Those things could have happened to anyone. Before tonight any of them could have been a coincidence.” Jimmy stared at her. Nobody could be that naïve. “There’s no such thing as coincidence.” She glared at him, her eyes sparking with anger, showing exactly what she thought about the situation. “As I seem to have no option but to have you follow me around like a lost dog, let me be clear. I will not be changing my daily routine. You will be unobtrusive and remain in the background when I’m in public.” She ticked off her rules on her fingers. Jimmy crossed his arms over his chest and waited for her to finish. Her slight British accent made her sound as though she was royalty giving orders to the peasants. “Your presence won’t be needed when I’m at home or with friends. Understood?” He took a step forward. “You listen to me, Duchess--” “I’m not a duchess. If I were, you would address me as ‘Your Grace.’” She sounded even haughtier if that was possible. “I’m charged with your safety. I will be the one laying the ground rules,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “So until any threat to you is removed, I’ll be sticking closer to you than your panties on a hot July night. Got it?”


Author Bio:

Katherine Grey writes contemporary romances with a hint of the paranormal. She lives in upstate NY with her family. When she’s not writing, she can be found up to her elbows in flour trying out new cookie recipes. 

Social Media Links:  Facebook    Bookbub   Goodreads 


 

Monday, June 23, 2025

Blindsided: The Queen Series Book 1 by Em J Bakker

 

 


When fate and magic collide, all will witness the rise of a Luna like no other.


Blindsided

The Queen Series Book 1

by Em J Bakker

Genre: Paranormal Romance



A world of danger, desire, and heart wrenching secrets. Turning 18 is a milestone for members of the pack, marking the age when they meet both their inner wolf and their fated mate. But when Nyx comes of age, she is thrust into a chaotic world of romantic and physical trials, forced to navigate the uncertainty and heartache of being fated-mates with five powerful alphas while training to become the perfect Luna.


Driven down a path of heartbreak and rejection that threatens to tear her apart, Nyx is haunted by her mates’ secrets and the hidden truths behind the prophecies that bind her to an unknown and ever-watching intruder. In a tale woven with passion, intrigue, and mysticism, Nyx’s destiny unfolds in ways she never imagined.


Will she unite her mates and fight to fulfil her destiny, or will the rejection and shadows consume her?

 

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I TIGHTEN MY GRIP on the basin, the ceramic crumbling under my fingers. My heart pounds a frantic beat in my chest, each thud reverberating through me. Tension coils in my muscles, a tightness creeping from my shoulders to my fingertips, as if I can sense the weight of loss pressing down on me. The world around me blurs, my thoughts racing like a storm, each one crashing into the next. What just happened!? 

Lucifer! I demand of my wolf, knowing full well I will not receive an answer. He can’t continue to do that without warning. Each time feels like I can’t breathe. The absence of my wolf counterpart is unheard of, and yet here he is, gone. I tighten my jaw, fighting back the frustration and anger that boils at his disappearing act. I run my fingers through my hair and start pacing, breathing as deliberately as I can with the pain lancing through my chest. 

It seems Lucifer has learned a new trick. I shake my head, disbelief swirling in my mind. This isn’t just any trick; it is reckless. He has completely thrown caution to the wind, committing to an action neither of us has ever undertaken. 

It is frustrating, to say the least. He leaves me completely blindsided. I feel him leave my subconsciousness this morning, making me weaker and less secure. I don’t even know it is possible until I experience a sudden loss of concentration when it happened for the first time. All I know is I can’t afford to have this happen at the wrong time, in the wrong situation. 

Lucifer, come back! You’re fucking draining me, you mangy mutt! I can feel myself getting angry and... possessive? What the hell? Possessiveness is not an emotion or trait I am well accustomed to. Lucifer, what have you done? 

Lucifer leaving me is exhausting. Existing with a wolf means being coupled to your wolf, a bond that transcends the ordinary. It is a connection that requires one hundred percent loyalty, one that should weather any storm. But no one ever speaks about what happens if that wolf disappears now and then. 

Is it truly unthinkable? I have never heard of a wolf casually leaving its human counterpart. Wolves live within us, and when we allow them control, they become sentient beings of their own, allowing us to take in life around us through our wolves’ eyes. 

Wolves do not just disappear when we are so tightly connected. 

This is by far the most surreal sensation I have ever felt in my 26 years of living. Still in the confines of my bathroom, I close my eyes, trying to ignore the sudden desire to throw something. These heightened senses are playing with my head. I rub my eyes and open them to the mirror... only it is not me who looks back; it is as though I have infiltrated someone else’s mind. 

It is almost the same as when Lucifer takes over control, when I look at the world through his eyes. Only this isn’t Lucifer, and I don’t understand how I am connected this way to another. I can still, in some part of my mind, feel and see through my own eyes, but they refuse to show me anything truly in front of me. It feels like a vision. 

What the fuck? I look up at a young, masculine werewolf; he isn’t shifted into his wolf, but I can feel it. The wolf itself is strong within this man. It might be why Lucifer has come to this place, the strength of the wolf. But the young werewolf looks shocked, watching us closely or watching whoever we are looking through closely. 

Yeah, shock, me and you both, buddy. What is going on? 

I felt a sudden demanding possessiveness take over me, and I sense Lucifer’s intense, dominant aura surrounding someone... or something. This is something I have never experienced, even with Lucifer. Maybe he has lost it. How did we even end up here? 

‘Your eyes,’ the young man in front of me speaks. ‘They’re...’ I feel Lucifer push his presence again, only not within me; it feels more like it is around me. Whoever belongs to these eyes seems to be important to Lucifer. He has never been so protective of anyone that isn’t me. 

Suddenly, we are running through an apartment that exudes an air of pristine luxury. The floors are polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of the pendant lights. Each step we take echoes off the sleek surfaces. 

The living area opens up before us, airy and spacious, with carefully curated arrangements of fresh flowers. A large window stretches across one wall, revealing a breathtaking view of a city. But which city? 

As we race through, I catch glimpses of bookshelves lined with leather-bound tomes and a subtle scent of fresh linen that perfumes the air. This doesn’t feel like a home; it feels and looks like a hotel. 

We run into a bathroom, directly to a mirror. 

My jaw drops when I see her. She is stunning and perfect in every way. But who is she, and who is she to Lucifer? I sense she has a wolf, a powerful one at that, but again, why are we here? 

I can’t help but stare at the girl. She certainly holds my attention, and clearly, Lucifer’s as well. Standing there, running her hands over her face, concern etched across her features, her long blonde hair wet and falling below her shoulders, she has a very petite and well-toned body. She clearly takes care of herself and trains. As I focus on her eyes, I can’t believe it—those are... Lucifer’s eyes. How... his yellow eyes pour out of this young girl’s eyes, deep and sinister. 


 



Em J Bakker is a passionate romance writer based in Victoria, Australia, where she draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the countryside. With a deep love for romantic narratives, both in her own life with her doting partner and within the pages she reads and writes, Em has dedicated the past 5 years to craft her debut trilogy.

Known for her eclectic writing style, Em J Bakker's projects span from light-hearted comedic romances to gripping tales of the underworld. Her writing reflects a blend of creativity nurtured by the serene landscapes and outdoor adventures she enjoys, including days on the lake, exploring snowfields, and off-road journeys through picturesque terrain alongside her loved ones.

 

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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

The Whistle of Revenge by KD Sherrinford

 

 


The jaw-dropping, exciting follow-up to The Hound of The Baskervilles will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Hold onto your hats; it's going to be a bumpy ride.


The Whistle of Revenge

Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 4

by KD Sherrinford

Genre: Historical Mystery Romance


Sometimes, our deepest fear is not the darkness but the light that blinds.

If you loved Conan Doyle’s, The Hound of the Baskerville, prepare to be enthralled by KD Sherrinford’s captivating follow-up, The Whistle of Revenge.

The deadly antagonist, Jack Stapleton, makes a spectacular return to the city of Milan in pursuit of his old nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes.

Adopting the enigmatic persona of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, along with the Italian mafia, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and fledgling car manufacturing industry, and kidnapping Holmes’s beloved son as part of their evil and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle.

Will Holmes, Irene Adler, and their trusted ally, Inspector Romano, crack the code, rescue the boy, and unmask the deadly Janus?

Set against the backdrop of modern Milan, mind games and misdeeds of the highest order play out as the story reaches its thrilling and memorable conclusion.

 


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Meet Me in Milan

Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 3


The deepest secrets are often to be found out in the open, if you only know where to look.

While her husband, Sherlock Holmes, is off playing detective in London, Irene Adler finds herself having to turn investigator when her friend Renata becomes the prime suspect in the attempted murder of her husband, Luigi Amato. How can she refute the testimony of a credible eyewitness, even though her heart tells her that Renata is innocent? What she needs is tangible evidence, and she’s willing to do what she must to obtain it.

When Sherlock finally arrives on the scene, Irene seeks his counsel, and he agrees to assist with her investigation. However their relationship is called into question by Irene’s dear friend Sophia, who is not overly fond of Irene’s husband nor approving of the way in which they conduct their marriage. Will Irene be able to prove her friend Renata’s innocence, or is there a more tangled web of deception at play? And will Sophia’s misgivings regarding her marriage bear unfortunate fruit?

 

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Christmas at the Saporis

Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 2


First place, and best in category at the Chanticleer International Book Awards for Shorts and Novellas

What will the Saporis find under the tree this year—Christmas presents, or family skeletons?

In the spirit of the holiday and a wish for familial harmony, Irene Adler persuades her detective husband to invite his brother Mycroft to Christmas luncheon. Holmes had cut ties with his brother when he discovered the machinations Mycroft employed that drove Sherlock and Adler apart for four years. He isn’t really sure this reunion is a great idea, but he can deny his wife nothing.

Of course, they can’t tell the children what Mycroft is to them, as that would entail learning that their father is the celebrated detective when they know him simply as Lucca Sapori. And just when they think things may be going better than expected, ghosts of the past crop up in unexpected ways and threaten to ruin the holidays for everyone.

 

 

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Song For Someone

Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 1


Finalist at The Chanticleer International Book Awards for Romantic Fiction- The Chatelaine— Proud Recipient of The Editors Gold Seal.

Love is the aria of the soul.

Charlotte Sapori has led a wonderful life, safely tucked in the bosom of her family. Her mother, Irene Adler, is a renowned opera singer, while her father, Lucca Sapori, does important government work that frequently takes him away from them. Charlotte is close to her older brother, Nicco, and they are both doted on by their parents. All is well until her mother receives an unexpected diagnosis which shakes the family to its core.


Knowing herself to be dying, Adler confesses to Charlotte things that have long been kept from her, telling her to find and read her diary. A distressed Lucca Sapori tells his daughter to read his as well. And by the way, Lucca Sapori is not his real name. In fact, she may have heard of him—he is actually the world-famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.


Charlotte finds both diaries and plunges into the hidden world of Irene Adler and Sherlock Holmes as she discovers what brought them together, and how they managed to stay together for thirty years despite having to battle the odds.

 

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KD Sherrinford is a multi-award-winning International author. She was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire, and now lives on the Fylde Coast with her husband, John and their two children—an avid reader from an early age. KD loved the mystery writers Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie was her favourite. She read the entire Conan Doyle canon by age 13.

KD had a varied career, working with thoroughbred horses and racing greyhounds. To mix things up, she joined Countrywide and became a Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents. Retirement finally allowed KD the time to write her multi-award-winning debut novel, " Song for Someone." KD got the idea for the story after a visit to The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street in 2019; KD has always wanted to write about the iconic character Irene Adler. A talented pianist from age six, the music from some of KD's favourite composers, Beethoven, Wagner, and Stephen Foster, all feature strongly in her writing. ." Song for Someone "was awarded The Editors Choice Gold Seal Medal in 2022 and received critical acclaim from Book Viral, Readers Favorite, Literary Titan and The Historical Fiction Company, which described" Song for Someone" as an evocative masterpiece and a book that stands out in contemporary literature. The novel was a recent Finalist at The Chanticleers International Book Awards- The Chatelaine. " Christmas at The Saporis" was published last December. The third book, " Meet Me In Milan", went live on the 29th of September 2023. This thrilling Trilogy was Shortlisted for The CIBA's Series Book Awards in Genre Fiction.KD Sherrinford is a member of The CWA, the RNA and the LWA. Her short, cosy mystery " A Bit of a Do" was published in Marla Breeden's Limited Edition Anthology, entitled " Malice Matrimony and Murder "On the 13th of November 2023. Twenty-five original short, cosy mysteries from international authors, including Deringer and Agatha Finalists, CWA members, and recipients of The Editors Gold Seal, KD is very proud to be a part of this fabulous collection. Book four of the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysters, the much anticipated " The Whistle of Revenge" was just released in 2025. You can reach KD on her Facebook author page.

 

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