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By Caroline Clemmons
Have you stocked up on candy for the trick or treaters? We’re waiting so we won’t be tempted to eat it all before Halloween. <G> As we get closer to Halloween, scary tales make the rounds. Axe killers, a knife in the back, a garotte around the throat, and poison. Like the poison apple in Snow White, through the ages poison has been a favorite tool of murderers, especially women killers. The gentler, weaker sex didn’t need to swing a heavy axe or club when they could subtly poison their victim.
I’m a fan of Agatha Christie, among other classic mystery writers. Since she worked as a pharmacist, she was a master of poisons. Her books are well written and hold up even though some were written ninety years ago. I primarily write romance, but there is usually danger in the books I write. In fact, I’ve used poison several times. There is romance in my mysteries with one exception, ALMOST HOME a contemporary mystery that's a tiny bit edgier than my other books and it includes bad language. Not words I would ever use, but they suit the characters. That book gives the impression of a romance to come.
The first book in which I used poison was BRAZOS BRIDE, the first book in the Men of Stone Mountain series. I love the people in this series—and they do seem like real people to me. Clever and beautiful Hope Montoya has realized she is being poisoned by someone in her own home. She suspects her late mother was poisoned by the same person who has now targeted her. Who would do such a thing and why? Too weak to fight alone, she enlists Micah Stone to help her. He's been in love with her since he met her. With Micah, his two brothers and two aunts join them to protect her. The two lovable aunts are inspired by my mom, Mae, and her sister, Elizabeth.
The buy link for BRAZOS BRIDE is https://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-Texas-ebook/dp/B007HS10SY My books are also enrolled in Kindle Unlimited and available in print.
The next book that included poison was the second book in that series, HIGH STAKES BRIDE. In that book, the heroine uses mild poison to escape from a horrible man. Alice Price is a lovable woman, one who makes a lot of mistakes—like dying her hair green when aiming for brown. (I once dyed my youngest daughter’s hair lavender when aiming for blonde. She still loves me in spite of it.) Alice is lucky enough to link up with Zach Stone. This is one of my favorites of the books I’ve written. Alice is not stupid—quite the opposite—but she makes a lot of klutzy mistakes. The buy link at Amazon is https://www.amazon.com/STAKES-BRIDE-Stone-Mountain-Texas-ebook/dp/B009F7JLTK
The third book in the Men of Stone Mountain series, BLUEBONNET BRIDE, is also the third book in which poison was used as a murder weapon, but not by the heroine. Rosalyn Vandagraf was innocent, even though a crooked trial had convicted her. What she considers a miracle lets her escape being hanged and take her young daughter with her. She travels to what must be the end of the earth and sets herself up as a seamstress. She’s terrified when Sheriff Joel Stone takes a special interest in her and her daughter. This really is the best selling of the three books. I think it’s because of the cover. Joel Stone and his family help solve the mystery of who poisoned Rosalyn’s husband. The buy link is https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Caroline+Clemmons%2C+bluebonnet+bride&i=stripbooks&crid=36E8WHNTJN8HB
Another book that includes poison is a contemporary cozy mystery, DEATH IN THE GARDEN. Heroine Heather must use all her resources to save a family friend/employee from being tried for murder. Fortunately, the new detective in town is willing to help her. Heather has taken over management of the family garden store and landscape business from her grandfather, but Grandad keeps a close eye on her. I may be biased but I thought this book was humorous and a good story. The buy link is https://www.amazon.com/Death-Garden-Heather-Cameron-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00LRNINJE/
Stay safe and keep reading!
Miranda was pleasantly surprised with Phillip Weatherton, whom she had no intention of calling Duke or Lord or whatever was his preferred title. “Miss Tobine.” He smiled warmly, took her hand, greeted her with what appeared to be sincere interest. Tall, slender, blonde, wearing the most handsome tuxedo Miranda had ever seen, he reeked of grace and wealth, but he was also quite human…and smitten. But not with her. When he turned his attention to Leia, he stuttered, lost his train of thought, and repeated Leia’s name twice. “It’s, uh…uh, lovely to meet you, Miss Tobine.” “Call me Leia, please.” “Leia. Thank you—thank you for coming tonight. Perhaps you’d do me the honor of a dance later, Leia?” Before Miranda could address the stuttering duke, she was facing a tall, dark, somber looking but handsome man with rigid posture. One unruly curl drifted down over his forehead and Miranda got the feeling it would be dealt with harshly later tonight. He huffed gently, his expression stiff, and ducked his head. “Miss…?” “Tobine. Miranda Tobine.” Sorry to inconvenience you. “Miss Tobine, I am Brantley Fitzhugh, the duke’s friend and lawyer. May I introduce you to the duke’s sister, Duchess Eisley Weatherton.” The duchess didn’t hide her disdain for Miranda. A beautiful woman with luxuriously thick, strawberry hair piled atop her head, she smiled. Only on her, it was a chilling expression. “Miss Tobine. Lovely to meet you.” She offered her gloved hand, but it was a disinterested movement. Miranda reached for it and the woman barely grasped her fingers. Wish I could say the same. “Thank you. It’s an honor.” With a quick glance back at the looming Mr. Brantley, Miranda stepped back and waited for Leia, last in line. She received a similar treatment from the pair, then joined Miranda. Shoulder to shoulder they drifted about in the crowd. “Overwhelming with their warmth, aren’t they?” Leia giggled. “I don’t know. I thought Phillip was quite friendly.” “Phillip, is it? Let’s talk about him over punch.” She tugged Leia toward the dessert table. “He insisted I call him that.” The crowd filled in around them as they wound their way to the food. Miranda didn’t know so many people lived in Johnson County. Of course, one didn’t get to meet a duke every day. The title was enough to bring out the curious. “I rather thought the young lady Leia was quite attractive.” Miranda and Leia froze, unintentionally eavesdropping on the Englishmen standing only a few feet away. “I’d like to ask her to dance,” Phillip continued. “You should ask her sister.” “I see no reason to engage with the locals.” “How do you know that? You haven’t given them a chance. The young lady might be capable of quite stimulating conversation. The four of us together might have a grand time.” “Phillip, let’s be clear. You inherited this place. I am here as your attorney to make sure the paperwork is done correctly. Wyoming is as interesting to me as an ant hill. In other words, a thing to be avoided.” “Come now, Brantley, that is harsh even for you. Both ladies are quite attractive. I’m not asking you to dance with the enormous Fanny Whitehall, for Lord’s sake.” “I will refrain from commenting on the ladies, other than to say they are…so very American.” Phillip laughed and slapped Brantley on the arm. “I think that’s what I like about them.”
Marie Bartek & The SIPS Team - A Paranormal Mystery Series
As seen on NBC, ABC & FOX and voted one of The 50 Best Indie Books of 2016
Sullivan's Secret
Marie Bartek & the SIPS Team Book 1
by Robin Murphy
Genre: Paranormal Mystery Romance
Dr. Marie Bartek enjoys a simple life as the veterinarian of Sullivan's Island — until her psychic abilities suddenly return after eighteen years.
Shaken by the spirits that now haunt her every moment, Marie confides in her best friend. Together, they form the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society: SIPS.
As new and unlikely friendships begin, Marie learns to channel her powers. When they find out that the spirits are trying to warn her of an evil presence on the island, Marie and her friends set out to bring a vicious serial killer to justice.
"Communing with the spirits may leave you with some very unwanted responsibility. 'Sullivan's Secret' follows Marie Bartek as she rediscovers her talents to communicate with spirits. Working with friends in a paranormal society, she finds that her skill leaves her with the responsibility to stop murders from sweeping her town and she has to put out her own neck to stop the hysteria. 'Sullivan's Secret' is a fascinating read that will be hard to put down." - Midwest Book Review-
**Get it for FREE!**
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Secret of the Big Easy
Marie Bartek & the SIPS Team Book 2
Dr. Marie Bartek is struggling to gain control over her new psychic abilities while attending a veterinarian conference in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Marie's recent visions prompt her to work with local police and members of the Sullivan's Island Paranormal Society team to help solve a succession of heinous murders, while fighting against a demon from taking over her mind.
Secret Of The Big Easy is the second book in Robin Murphy's mystery series with Dr. Marie Bartek and the SIPS team.
"Grabs the reader's attention and keeps it until the final page." - Readers' Favorite
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Federal City's Secret
Marie Bartek & the SIPS Team Book 3
In Federal City's Secret, Dr. Marie Bartek and the SIPS team investigate spirit activity in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Marie learns more about her psychic abilities, bringing more depth and intrigue into their ghost investigations, as the SIPS team lands in the middle of conspiracy, politics, secret societies and murder.
Through the help of a spirit, Marie discovers that the mafia doesn't take kindly to strangers taking what isn't theirs. Can the SIPS Team get to the bottom of things before more lives are lost?
The third book in Robin Murphy's Marie Bartek series, Federal City's Secret will captivate you with murder, suspense and the world of the paranormal.
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Secret of Coffin Island
Marie Bartek & the SIPS Team Book 4
Dr. Marie Bartek and her fiance, Police Chief Cory Miller, have finally tied the knot. Their wedding festivities are interrupted, however, by the discovery of a body.
While criminal investigations are Cory's milieu, Marie and her team of psychic researchers have been instrumental in solving mysteries in the past, and she has already received visions that seem to pertain to the mystery at hand.
Her mentor Myra, who had passed after suffering a heart attack, has continued her mentorship from the other side, and Marie takes comfort from both her presence and her guidance. Marie's also been asked to help with the case of Isabella, a young woman whose mother is concerned that she's been possessed.
A compelling cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, Secret of Coffin Island is the fourth novel in Robin Murphy's Marie Bartek And The SIPS Team series.
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Savannah's Secret
Marie Bartek & the SIPS Team Book 5
After returning from their honeymoon in France, Marie, Cory, and the SIPS team find themselves on another case in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia.
Trying to help a young girl who discovered a beast killing their livestock, they find a body on Tybee Island with wounds in the neck. Soon after, the team learns that there is more to learn from those keeping secrets from behind their masks at a masquerade ball.
But is there such a thing as real vampires, and can Marie and the SIPS Team receive help from a famous young spirit in time before more lives are lost?
A compelling cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, Savannah's Secret is the fifth novel in Robin Murphy's Marie Bartek And The SIPS Team series.
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**Book 6 is Coming Soon!**
Robin Murphy is an Amazon best-selling author of a paranormal mystery series, and also writes chick-lit, and nonfiction. She is a speaker on author platforms, self-publishing, and marketing. She currently is a virtual admin and a freelance writer.
By Caroline Clemmons
What are you doing today? Why not go with me and spend a few minutes in Ireland?
Irish Travelers are descended from medieval minstrels and poets who traveled Ireland telling myths and stories. At that time, they were respected and learned. Travelers have their own language, Sheldroo, which is linked to medieval language. At the time of English occupation, many Irish families were turned out of their homes. At that time, it was illegal for Irish to learn to read and write—only the English could attend schools and universities. Many of the homeless Irish families drifted in with the traveling minstrels and eventually became the Irish Travelers. They camped in fields. Later they acquired tents, then the colorful wagons that resemble gypsy wagons.
They are not gypsies, though. Gypsies are Roms and originated in India and migrated across the world. (They were one of the groups the Nazis tried to eradicate in World War II.) Travelers are of Irish origin, although they have now spread throughout the Western world.
*Note: I haven’t visited Ireland in many years, so conditions may have changed. Plus, this information on Irish Travelers is a generalization—which is like saying all Americans are rude when visiting other countries. Still, this is the only way I know to explain the ethnic group. Please realize I am not bashing Irish people! I’m of Scot-Irish descent and love anything to do with Ireland. I’m merely identifying a stereotype. As with many other subjects, we hear about the bad ones. For a couple hundred years, Irish Travelers have been thought of as con men and their wives as beggars. They make an interesting backdrop for a historical romance—but I find most subjects do.
In Ireland in this century, legislation set aside special camping places for the Travelers. There was much controversy then over whether the children should be forced to attend school or not. In the U.S., they are supposed to attend school. There’s a large base of Irish Travelers in White Settlement, Texas (a suburb of Fort Worth) and another in Los Angeles, California. In White Settlement, many live in RVs or mobile homes at a park owned by one of the Travelers. Most of the families are Roman Catholic, and the wives attend mass. They were/are also called Tinkers because there was usually one among them who repaired pots and pans and metal wares.
Now let's leave Ireland and travel to the Texas Hill Country. I love Texas, even when we have those awful triple-digit temperatures, (My ardor is much higher when we have moderate days.) I love Texas. I love Texas history, especially the 1870-1890 time period.
THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is set in 1885 Central Texas near Bandera and Medina, and also the Lost Maples State Natural Area. That location appeals to me and is the setting of many working ranches and some fairly famous dude ranches. Years ago, my family and I stayed at the Mayan Dude Ranch, and the girls loved it. It wasn’t Hero’s thing, but he was a very good sport.
Visiting Ireland, I heard more about Irish Travelers. I'd already learned a little from Louis L'Amour's books. The more I studied about them, the more fascinated I became. Then I learned that a huge group of Traveler families wintered in the Fort Worth suburb, and some even lived there year-round.
I decided to bring a group of Travelers from Ireland to Texas in 1885. Irishman Sean O’Neill’s family has been traveling with the group, though not truly absorbed by them. I love this book and love the cover. The couple is among my favorites about whom I’ve written. This book does include intimacy, but the couple is married at the time, and the sex is not graphic. If you haven’t yet read this book, Give it a try. I hope you’ll enjoy reading THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE as much as I enjoyed researching and writing Cenora and Dallas’s story.
Here's the buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Texans-Irish-Bride-McClintocks-Book-ebook/dp/B008V1
Here’s the blurb:
Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed a handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the bully Tom Williams. A fine handsome settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom Williams.
Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s gypsy-like Irish Traveler’s wagon to be tended. He’s trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife chatters constantly and has a silly superstition for everything. Passion-filled nights with her make up for all her faults—but what is he supposed to do with her wild Irish family?
In THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, how did the heroine and her family end up trekking across the U.S.? You’ll have to read the book to learn the answer. <G>
Stay safe and keep reading.
The Men for Hire series features three stories about three best friends—all with a connection to the At Your Service agency where you can hire a man to do anything from landscape design to handiwork to being your escort for an elegant event. But finding the right man for the job can lead to happily ever after…
Fiancé for Hire
A Men For Hire Series Novel
by Sharon C. Cooper
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Neither of them was looking for love, but that was before they met each other.
As a professional model and actor, Drevon Ross lives a life of luxury. Now he’s ready for his next role—movie producer. But first, he needs to deal with his personal life, something that became way too public months ago, thanks to his ex-girlfriend. He wants to lay low for a while. Unfortunately, that can’t happen, thanks to his matchmaking aunt and her belief that he’d be the perfect arm candy for a particular woman who needs his help.
Former WNBA player Antika Wilcox doesn’t want a man. Her heart has been crushed too many times. But as life would have it, she needs one to pretend he’s madly in love with her. When she hires a guy through At Your Service, Antika gets more than she requested. He’s mouthwatering, gorgeous…and way out of her league. No one will believe they are a couple.
With Drevon’s acting skills and Antika’s guarded heart, what starts out as make-believe turns oh-too-real very quickly.
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Boyfriend For Hire
A Men For Hire Series Novel
By Delaney Diamond
A
one-night stand leads to much more...
Montez
Ross’s family owns At Your Service, a unique company that provides
clients with men for both dating and handyman tasks. When the woman
who left him after a one-night stand seeks their services, Montez,
unaccustomed to being left, is annoyed but agrees to help her
out.
Desiree Hagan is on track to make vice president of
marketing at her firm but faces an obstacle: her terrible ex is her
direct competition for the promotion. So she hires Montez to be her
pretend boyfriend for an important company dinner which she doesn’t
want to attend alone. Now she has a new problem: unexpected feelings
for Montez that she can’t ignore.
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Date For Hire
A Men For Hire Series Novel
By Reese Ryan
When former high school classmates unexpectedly reunite, will it be a second chance at romance with her unrequited crush?
When Amaya Walker hires a landscape designer, the last person she expects at her door is John Edward Thomas—her unrequited high school crush. Back then, she was the chubby book nerd who was often teased while he was the handsome heartbreaker who was out of her league. But now she’s a big-shot creative director at a well-known recording label. And no one dare tease this plus-size diva who calls the shots and has learned to embrace her show-stopping curves. She’d like to keep nursing her grudge against Jet, but she’s more attracted to him than ever.
Jet can’t believe the confident, curvaceous woman whose yard he’s about to transform into a luxury oasis is the same adorably nerdy girl he had a thing for. He wanted to ask her out in high school but didn’t. And now, as a client, she’s off-limits. But it doesn’t take long for them to rekindle their old friendship, and it quickly becomes something more.
But when they return to their old high school, Peachtree School of the Arts, Amaya discovers a devastating secret that makes her doubt everything she and Jet have shared these last few months. Can he make amends for the past and prove that she’s the only woman with whom he can envision a future?
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USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sharon’s stories have won numerous awards over the years. Most recently, she’s won a Reading Warriors Choice Award - The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year (2021) and The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest (Romantic Suspense) series (2021 & 2022). When Sharon isn’t writing, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net
Angsty but sweet Women's Friendship Fiction stories.
Return to Sandpiper Cottage
Cape Avalon Book 1
by W.M. Andrews
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction, Clean Romance
She
had to lose everything to figure out what truly mattered…
Rachel
Whitney is lost. Alone. She needs a place to heal and figure out
where her life went wrong. Where she went
wrong. But the emotional—and financial—scars her late husband
inflicted on her complicate everything.
Now, her only sanctuary is the last place
she ever wanted to see again.
Sandpiper Cottage.
She’s
not surprised to find the house her aunt left her in disrepair. It’s
also just her luck that the only available handyman was once the boy
who let his friends torment her in high school.
She can now
confidently say her misery is complete.
But the good thing
about rock bottom is that there’s only one place left to go. And
it’s not long before she realizes it is possible
to build a beautiful life for herself—maybe even a life that
includes a second chance at love.
The only real question now
is if that life will be at Sandpiper Cottage, or somewhere
else?
Return
to Sandpiper Cottage is an angsty but wholesome and enchanting
Contemporary Women’s Fiction novel. Readers of all ages and
backgrounds will love the empowering message at its heart.
This
women’s friendship fiction book will bring you all the feels. If
you love women’s fiction with a side of clean romance, this is a
great fit for you.
**On Sale for Only .99cents until Oct 20th!!**
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Shelter at Sugar Beach
Cape Avalon Book 2
She’s
determined to avoid romance and happily ever after. Life has other
plans…
Veterinarian
Tina Archer is grumpy and proud. Being widowed young from a terrible
marriage can do that to a person. But she’s been living life to the
fullest and isn’t a bit sorry.
Until a routine medical exam
reveals the toll her freedom-loving lifestyle—and the stress that
comes with being a single mom—has taken on her health.
She
knows it’s time for a life makeover and she’ll do what needs to
be done.
But when her son’s Big Brother program matches him
with the annoyingly charming Clark, everything
gets really complicated.
Because how is she supposed to handle a man who seems so eager to
knock down all the walls she’s built around her heart?
All
Tina knows for sure is that it’ll take a lot of soul searching—and
help from her friends—to figure out if a second chance at love is
worth the potential cost.
She can only hope Clark will still
be around when she sorts it (and herself) out…
Shelter at
Sugar Beach is
an angsty but wholesome and delightful Contemporary Women’s Fiction
novel. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will love the empowering
message at its heart.
This
women’s friendship fiction book will bring you all the feels. If
you love women’s fiction with a side of clean romance, this is a
great fit for you.
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Harbor by the Sea
Cape Avalon Book 3
No
one talks about what happens when happily ever after goes
wrong…
Fall
in love, get married, have babies. It was a simple dream.
Evelyn
accomplished the first two easily. She almost had it
all.
Almost.
But
after three years of aggressive fertility treatments, all she had to
show for her efforts was a broken heart and a painful rift in her
marriage. She’d hoped that a dream vacation to the south of France
would heal her and her
relationship with her husband.
Then Eric suggested she go
alone, and she started to question everything.
Did
he want a divorce? Or did he just need a break from their shared
grief? Evelyn wasn’t sure. All she knew was that if she wanted to
find a way to reconnect with Eric, she had to learn to
love herself again.
And
what better place to do that than a harbor by the sea?
Harbor
by the Sea is
a sweet, angsty, romantic, contemporary women’s fiction read about
hope, the importance of finding one’s own joy, and the enduring
power of love. Download today and get ready to root for Evelyn and
Eric’s second chance romance.
This
women’s friendship fiction book will bring you all the feels. If
you love women’s fiction with a side of clean romance, this is a
great fit for you.
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I learned to read when I was four or five, listening to my mother read to me when I was lonely after my brother started school. Ever since, I’ve had my head buried in books. I love words – historical plaques, signs, the cereal box – but my first love has always been novels.
A little over ten years ago my husband dared me to write a book instead of always reading them. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it, but to my surprise I love writing. Those early efforts eventually became my first published book – Tempting the Earl (published by Avalon Books in 2010). It has been a thrilling adventure as I learned to navigate the world of publishing.
I believe firmly that everyone deserves a happily ever after. I want my readers to be able to escape from the everyday for a little while and feel upbeat and refreshed when they get to the end of my books.
When not reading or writing, I can be found traipsing around my neighborhood or travelling the world with my favorite companion.
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