Terrabyte Security by Tena Stetler

Terrabyte Security

by Tena Stetler

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Blurb: 

Candle Bearclaw’s new security firm is growing by leaps and bounds. When her best friend’s husband, a high-profile software entrepreneur is kidnapped, she and her chief of police husband find themselves knee-deep in an international case.  

The same day, an indigenous woman, Molly, pleads for Candle to take her convoluted case with identity theft overtones. Come to find out, Molly’s friend a Native American woman is missing and assumed kidnapped. 

Law enforcement is all over both kidnappings until the police chief discovers the indigenous woman’s case is nearly invisible. Will either be found alive?  

 

Excerpt: 

The howling wind, lightning and thunder raged until well after midnight, keeping Molly awake. Finally, the storm subsided, and she fell asleep. A scratching, scuffling sound awakened her. She jerked up in bed and stared into the darkness outside her bedroom window. Was a person’s shadow moving outside?  

She blinked, grabbed the cell phone Candle provided, and slid out of bed onto the floor crawling over to the window. The cell’s screen displayed two thirty a.m. Her finger hovered over Cayson’s number. Another thud and scratching sound, and she slapped her hand over her mouth to keep from squealing. The phone went skittering across the floor.  

Then she saw it. A large branch cracked from the tree next to her window and hung down, the smaller branches brushing against the windowpane. She puffed out her cheeks and blew out a breath, got to her knees, and searched the darkened landscape then retrieved the phone.  

Adrenalin still raced through her veins making sleep impossible as she crawled into bed. After tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, she gave up. She dressed in a turquoise blouse and pastel print long skirt, brushed her long raven hair, then put it up in a braid that fell nearly to her waist. Turning this way and that in front of the mirror, she nodded. That should do for office attire. She packed an additional pair of jeans in the event she was sent on assignment with Cayson later.  

Before dawn, Molly paced around the kitchen floor. She made a peanut butter sandwich, added a bag of chips, a cola drink, and slipped it all into her insulated lunch box. Her nerves still a bit jangled, she made hot chocolate and toasted a bagel. The thin orange line on the horizon was a welcome precursor to sunrise. She nibbled on her bagel, sipped the hot chocolate, and enjoyed the first warm rays of sun through her kitchen window.  

She was still debating telling Cayson, when his truck slowed and stopped in front of the house. A calm washed through her as he got out of the truck and sauntered up the path to the door. Instead of coming inside, he walked around the house. She waited for him to come in. When he didn’t right away, she went to the back door where she’d last seen him. “Whatcha doing out there?”  

“Just checking things out. Quite a storm last night.” He returned to the door and stepped inside, pausing to look her over. “Wow, you look nice today. Not that I mean you usually don’t look nice— I removed that large tree branch before it does any damage to the siding or window.” 

She smiled. “I’ll take the compliment. Storm was terrible, torrential downpour and lightning.” She related the events of the night and he stared incredulously at her. 

“Why didn’t you call me?” 

“For a broken tree branch?” She squared her shoulders. 

“No. Because when I moved the broken tree limb, there were footprints outside your bedroom window. They lead across the property but were washed away the closer you got to the road.”   

“Someone was here. It wasn’t my imagination playing tricks on me because of the storm.” She licked her lips nervously. “Someone knows I’m here,” she stammered. 

“Now let’s not jump to conclusions, yet. Could have been teenagers. Maybe neighbors saw lights earlier, heard the tree crack, and came to investigate.” 

“Oh, you’re good. But you know none of those scenarios are plausible. But thanks for trying to make me feel better.” Her face paled.  

“How about we grab a couple of those bagels, pour the rest of the hot chocolate off the stove in a go cup, and head to the office? We’ll fill Candle and Miacoh in and see how they want to proceed. I’ve already told them about your spreadsheet. They want to discuss it with you.”  

“I hope it will help.” She grabbed her jacket, bag, lunch box, and keys and followed Cayson out the door, stopping to set the alarm and lock the door. 

“I’ll mention beefing up the security around the outside of the house to Miacoh. Add a few cameras. It’s a different world now than when that safe house was originally commissioned.” 

The crisp mountain air was cooler than expected and she shrugged into her jacket before climbing into his truck. 

Cayson remained outside the truck for a few minutes talking on his phone. When he opened the driver side door and hopped in, he glanced at her. “I filled Candle and Miacoh in on the events of last night. Miacoh authorized the new equipment to be installed at the safe house. But first, we have a short assignment. 

 

 

Author bio:

Tena Stetler is an international best-selling author of award-winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy, others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget.  Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales. 

Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot, and a fifty- two-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.  

 

Security Force of Two by Tena Stetler

Security Force of Two

by Tena Stetler

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Blurb:

Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and family secrets he wants to leave behind for good. 

 

Candle Bearclaw, a gifted computer analyst/programmer with talents she’s buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position with the agency. She returns to her sleepy hometown only to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed. 

 

Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, will their secrets be revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open. 

 

Excerpt: 

When she drove up the circle driveway, a chill shot up her spine, then a strange feeling came over her, almost like someone was watching. Reaching under the seat of her SUV, she pulled out her handgun, checked the weapon to make sure it was loaded, chambered a round, and tucked it in the back waistband of her jeans, covering it with her shirt and jacket. She backed out then drove the entire driveway more slowly, checking the perimeter. Nothing. The cell phone hadn't chirped to alert her of a breach, but she checked her outside surveillance cameras, then the ones inside her home anyway. Again nothing. She shrugged off the feeling and stepped out of her SUV. Gun drawn, she flicked off the safety and turned on the laser. It didn't hurt to be safe rather than sorry.  

Peeking in the window, she saw the alarm keypad was still set and secure. Then she walked around the house, entered through the back door, closed and relocked it, deactivated the alarm. Nothing was out of place. Part of her wished she'd brought Terrabyte along. Though still young, the pups tracking ability was well-developed. Terra would know if someone were in or around the cabin since they left. Back to the wall, she moved carefully through each room, nothing. When she was sure the house was clear, she sat down at the computer, laying the gun next to it. Warning windows were popped up everywhere on the screen. Someone had tried to hack into her system but hadn't gotten very far. Closing out the windows one at a time until she found a message planted just under the first layer of security. That is what must have set off the warnings. Her throat went dry as she read the message. “Poking around where you don't belong is dangerous business. Carl's death was unfortunate but an accident. Leave it be or pay the consequences.” 

Fingers posed over the keyboard. She started to X out of the message but stopped. If this was a disintegrating message, she would have no proof it ever existed. Taking out her cell phone, she took a picture of the screen. The handle on the front door jiggled. She grabbed her gun and jumped up, making her way to the front bay window. 

 

 

Author Bio

Tena Stetler is an international best-selling author of award-winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy, others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget.  Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales. 

Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot, and a fifty- two-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.  

 

COME JOIN ME!

 By Caroline Clemmons

Occasionally, I send a newsletter to my subscribers. The news also includes a contest, sometimes a recipe, and often information on books by my friends. 

If you aren't already a subscriber, why not sign up? You'll receive a FREE copy of the novella, HAPPY IS THE BRIDE. Isn't that a sweet cover? My husband, Hero, created it for me.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/B1RnRgs 

The title comes from that old saying, "Happy is the bride the sun shines on." Hero and I were married in the evening, and there was a full moon. It was a magical night!

If you're married, was the sun shining on your wedding day?

Thanks for stopping by.

Morgan's Landing by Linda Griffin

Morgan's Landing

by Linda Griffin

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Blurb:

In the small Maryland town of Morgan’s Landing, fourteen-year-old Julie Morgan is living in comfort with her wealthy family. She disappears on her way to school after a spat with her twin sister. Detective Jim Brady, married and the father of two, has been on the Morgan’s Landing police force for twelve years. He identifies a few suspects in the girl’s disappearance—Is it the fired school janitor, a paroled sex offender, Julie’s computer teacher…or his own teenage son? Jim can’t believe his son could be involved, but his wife is convinced the boy is hiding something. He needs to find Julie before the worst happens—and keep the peace at home.

 Excerpt:

Heather was taking a math test when Mr. Scarlett, the vice principal, called her out in the hall to ask if she knew where Julie was. He was unusually stern. 

“She has Phys Ed this period,” Heather said. Shouldn’t he know that? 

“She’s not in class,” Mr. Scarlett said. “She wasn’t in Computer Applications first period, either. Your mother says she didn’t stay home sick.” 

“No, she left before I did,” Heather said. She was mystified, and as the situation sank in, she experienced the first shudder of real fear. Julie liked school, and she would never cut classes. Their parents would kill them if they even thought of such a thing. They were not overly strict, but they were firm in their expectations that their daughters would always do the right thing. 

She dug her cell phone, silenced during class, out of her purse, and dialed her sister’s number. It rang four times and went to voicemail. “It’s me,” she said. “Where are you? Call when you get this.”   

Author Bio:

Linda Griffin knew she wanted to be a “book maker” as soon as she learned to read, and she wrote her first story at the age of six. Her passion for the printed word also led her to a career with the San Diego Public Library. She retired to spend more time on her writing and has had stories published in numerous literary journals  Morgan’s Landing is her tenth book from The Wild Rose Press. In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—she enjoys travel, movies, Scrabble, and visiting museums and art galleries. 

Death by Dreidel by Susie Black

Death by Dreidel

by Susie Black

Blurb:

Mermaid Swimwear President Holly Schlivnik attends an industry Hanukkah party to honor Rapido Swimwear CEO Leni Waxman as the Mount Cedars Hospital Woman of the Year. The guest of honor collapses and dies in the middle of the event. An autopsy confirms that Leni expired as a result of poisoning by coming in contact with a purposely contaminated dreidel. There is no shortage of suspects—Leni had no problem destroying anyone who threatened her top-dog swimwear industry position. When Holly’s business partner is wrongly arrested for Leni’s murder, the irreverent sales exec can’t mind her own beeswax. The wise-cracking snoop sticks her nose everywhere it doesn’t belong to flesh out the real killer. But the trail has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster and nothing turns out how Holly thinks it will as she takes on a ruthless killer hellbent on revenge.  

Excerpt:

A sheen of perspiration coated Leni’s forehead and dotted her upper lip as she ran her fingers through her hair. Leni drew in rapid, heavy breaths as though she couldn’t get enough air. She closed her eyes, massaged her temples, and staggered like a dizzy drunken sailor for a half-dozen steps.  

Then she tried to hand Buddy an envelope containing a one-hundred-dollar gift certificate to Bainbridge Department Stores. It didn’t go well. Her olive complexion took on a pale, translucent tone. She picked up the envelope with a shaky hand but dropped it on the dais. A deep red blush of embarrassment rose from her neck to her hairline. Her twitching fingers failed to pick the envelope back up. Leni gave him a grateful look and congratulated Buddy with a wan smile when he took pity on her and picked the envelope off the dais.  

I leaned over to Queenie and pointed to Leni. “Take a gander at Leni. Something’s wrong with her.”  

Queenie followed my index finger with her eyes. “Yeah, she’s white as a ghost and perspiring.”  

Mira waved around the room. “Because of the size of the crowd, the air conditioning has been on all night. It’s not the least bit stuffy in here.” 

Gary snapped, “Maybe the old broad is nervous.” 

Buddy took his seat and pointed to Leni. “No question about it. Something is wrong with that woman.”  

Mira shrugged. “Or perhaps the emotion of sharing the loss of her sister took its toll and she’s not feeling well.” 

Gary clucked his tongue. “Don’t let her fool you with her sad story about her sister. I wouldn’t be surprised if she made the whole thing up to add some dramatic context to her acceptance speech. Leni Waxman has a heart of stone and only ice water runs in her veins. She is incapable of loving anybody but herself.” Gary rolled his eyes. “She’s probably going through menopause and having one helluva hot flash.”  

Seeming to rally after taking several restorative gulps of water, Leni tottered on unsteady feet over to a large glass-topped table piled high with door prizes. She pointed to the stack and said in a remarkably normal voice, “Okay, folks the last thing on our party agenda is the auction of these wonderful door prizes donated by all you generous vendors. Dig down deep in your pockets and let’s see some high bids. The proceeds are going to buy a library of books for the daycare center in the new hospital wing.”  

She leaned over to pick up the first item, but it slipped through her fingers. Leni bolted straight up and stumbled as she clutched her midsection and let out a blood-curdling scream. She gagged and vomited down the front of her dress. Leni fell forward and collapsed onto the table. The stunned crowd went as silent as a cemetery when the glass top shattered and the door prizes scattered across the ballroom floor.  

Hadassah Waxman jumped up and screamed, “Oh My God, No!” Morty and Barry rushed to Leni, but Doctor Levinson pushed them away.  Levinson yelled, “Somebody call nine-one-one!” Then he sprang into action. He carefully pulled Leni out of the glass shards and laid her stiff-as-a-board body on her back. He held his palm over her mouth. She wasn’t breathing. He pressed his thumb first on the inside of her wrist and then on the bottom of her throat, but detected no pulse. He put his ear to Leni’s chest but didn’t hear a heartbeat. He commenced CPR, but she failed to respond. 

Ten minutes later two paramedics, pushing a stretcher loaded with life-saving gear and accompanied by a pair of LAPD uniforms, rushed into the ballroom. The hushed crowd held their breath as the medical first responders reached Levinson still working desperately to revive Leni. The two pulled resuscitation equipment out and prepared to work on the supine guest of honor. The doctor’s shoulders slumped with defeat. Levinson’s eyes filled and his voice cracked as he waved the two off.  “It’s too late. She’s gone.”  

Hadassah let out an anguished cry of despair and collapsed to the floor. 

Naturally, I burst out laughing.  

Author Bio:

Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries.  

She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector and sailor. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect.  

Looking for more? Contact Susie at: 

Website: www.authorsusieblack.com 

E-mail: mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com 

 

DEVON BY CARRA COPELIN

 

By Caroline Clemmons

Dear Friends, have you been keeping up with the releases of the popular Guns For Hire Series? Another book just released on the 15^th, DEVON, by Carra Copelin. I’ve known Carra for twenty years, maybe longer. We met at a Fort Worth, Texas writers group and became friends. But, let me tell you about DEVON.

 

Devon Black returns home after months on the trail. He finds his father dead and his mother barely alive. Before dying, she urges Devon to find “the thieving murderous devils” and make things right. Consumed by grief and anger, Devon vows to avenge his parents deaths, determined to track down the killer or killers.

Kerrie Appleton prepares for her father’s first sermon in the newly built church on Sunday morning, hoping it will be their best day in a long time. However, when her brother, Billy, returns, he reverts to his old ways. She sees a wanted poster for her brother which says he killed an older couple and stole their money.

Devon tracks Billy and his gang to the small town of Abilene, Texas, where he meets Kerrie Appleton. Together they work to plan the best way to capture Billy Appleton and his gang to keep Kerrie, ber father, and others safe.

Will Kerrie be able to soften Devon’s hardened heart and convince him that the future is their destiny?

https://www.amazon.com/Devon-Hire-Sweet-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B0D2XKJ2SL

 

The excitement continues as the series unfolds. I’m eager for you to read my book, SHAD, when it’s released June 15^th. If you haven’t already done so, why not preorder it now?

https://www.amazon.com/Shad-Guns-Hire-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B0F2GF9S35/

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

To Desire The Stars by Venus Campbell

 

 

Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes.

To Desire the Stars

by Venus Campbell

Genre: SciFi Romance

Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes'.

 

Abducted from Earth by Jarren, high-achiever Lissa Reyes discovered something hunted her scent. Both their scents, that is. As the key to reclaiming his throne and ending generations of galactic subjugation, Lissa knew Jarren could not let her go. But as a prince from a world built on olfactory power, Jarren's passions flared with her close. Every whiff grew their desire. Every touch increased their hunger for each other. By fate or chance, their love would change his civilization.

 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Venus Campbell is the Principal of the Book of Venus publishing and the Winner of the Kroger Award for Excellence in Creative Writing.  She has finaled in various writing contests such as the Central Ohio Ignite the Flame and the New England Chapter- RWA First Kiss.  Campbell is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Authors Guild.  Campbell has written professionally since 2006 and has completed five single title manuscripts.  To Desire the Stars is her second publication. Campbell focuses on interweaving paranormal elements into romance stories, creating unique worlds which challenge people’s perceptions of self and preconceived notions of human love and relationships. 

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!

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Then the Earth Moved by Mary Georgina De Grey

Then the Earth Moved

by Mary Georgina De Grey

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The subject of today’s Spotlight is Then the Earth Moved, a novel set in the Abruzzo region of Italy. I’m a mountain person, so this was particularly pleasant to write. 

Book Blurb:

Talented designer Isla Bruni is keen to widen her experience before setting up her own interiors business, so she accepts an exchange with a top studio located in an Italian hilltop town. She doesn’t trust Italian men – after all, hasn’t she had a good reason? But irresistible, sexy entrepreneur Edmondo Benedetti turns her carefully ordered life upside down. How can she realize her ambitions without sacrificing love? Only when she’s thrust into danger does she begin to understand what is important. 

The past is the past. Yet if secrets buried there resurface, could they destroy her future? 

 Excerpt: 

Isla bristled. 

“No, I didn’t! Why would I do that? What are you implying?” 

“Anti-plastic garbage. You might be from one of these groups. Lot of skewed thinking from people like that.” 

She broke into a peal of laughter but looked angry, a dangerous spark in her eyes. 

“What? That’s ridiculous! So, you reckon you didn’t manage to convince me with your well-referenced arguments,” she said, layering on the sarcasm. “And now, I’m a convenient scapegoat. Maybe you shouldn’t have left me in here on my own! Maybe you’re the one who’s responsible.” 

Pietro flushed bright red, and his eyes bulged as if he were one of his own safety valves, about to blow. 

“Hold on, hold on, Pietro. It’s upsetting, but you can’t blame the signorina,” said Edmondo. It was reassuring that in spite of her injury, Isla was clearly not about to collapse and, in fact, was giving every bit as good as she got. 

“For a start, I suggested the tour. And she didn’t hit herself on the head.”  

“Yeah – and how well do you know this woman? What if she’s working with someone?”  

“That’s enough! I suggest you apologize now. You have nothing to base this argument on, and you insult Signorina Bruni. And me.” He stared hard at the older man. “And that is not a good thing, my friend.” 

Isla raised her head at the tone of his voice, glimpsing the tough, successful businessman behind the suave exterior. 

 Then the Earth Moved published by The Wild Rose Press. 

Author Bio:

After a children’s adventure story in my early 20s, which sank immediately, I wrote no fiction until about ten years ago. I was creating languages courses for schools and one editor asked me to produce a pack of French short stories and poems – and I was off on my writer’s journey: I enjoyed this dip into fiction so much, I had to write a novel. But life was busy, and it wasn’t until lockdown that I began to write seriously. As a linguist, I find it logical to use the setting of countries I’ve lived and worked in, and this forces me to try to understand the culture and how it affects anyone with a different background. Stuck at home, I wanted to travel, and Italy glowed in my mind as a desirable place to visit, and so my first published novel began. Then The Earth Moved was published in March 2023. The main character in my novels is always 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. Website: https://marygeorginadegreyauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086424198194 Email: marygeorginadg@gmail.com for newsletter and other enquiries. I have since written three further novels, two of which are romances: 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)

 

SHARING TIME

 By Caroline Clemmons

So many of my friends are wonderful authors. The three below are writers I met through a group of women who once wrote for Precious Gems, a line at Kensington. The line is no more, but I’m happy to say these ladies are still writing great books!

 

LIZ FLAHERTY

BACK TO McGUFFEY’S

**Special Price!

The one that got away

Could Kate Rafael’s day get any worse? First she lost her job, then her house burned down and now her ex is back in town. Apparently, Ben McGuffey’s taking a break from being a big-city doctor to help at his family’s tavern and reassess the choices he’s made for his career.

Ben ends up giving Kate a hand, then giving her kisses and finally, a second chance. But when a local teenager shows them both a glimpse of what it means to be a family, Ben wonders if having kids in small-town Vermont would clash with his ambitions. Or can he truly come home again to Kate?

https://www.amazon.com/Back-McGuffeys-Liz-Flaherty-ebook/dp/B00JZFL4LA/

LUCINDA RACE

WEDDINGS & WANDS

A Paranormal Book Store Cozy Mystery, Book 12

Enjoy this witty, small town paranormal cozy mystery by award-winning and bestselling author Lucinda Race.

Welcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murderers are multiplying.

In less than a week, wedding bells will ring for Greg Erikson—a.k.a. Detective Cutie—and bookstore owner and witch Lily Michaels. Lily’s to do list is already miles long. Adding “solve a murder” wasn’t part of the plan. But they have little choice when Lily discovers a dead Elemental witch across the street, revealing a grudge that threatens to upend not just their big day, but the entire Pembroke Cove coven.

Weddings & Wands is the twelfth novel in the A Book Store Cozy Mystery Series. Although each book can be read as a standalone, it is best to read them in order. This is a humorous, small town, cozy mystery that guarantees the culprit is caught. Happy reading!

https://www.amazon.com/Weddings-Wands-Paranormal-Witch-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DSLZDTJ5/

 

NANCY FRASER

CAMELLIA

Garden Belles Mail Order Brides, Book 6

From the time she was four years old, Camellia Sutton has been told she’s “Too smart for her own good”. It all began when she started reading storybooks to her older brother. When her mother took the books away, Camellia began telling him the stories verbatim from memory.

Now at twenty-four, with a degree in medical research, she’s looking to escape her previous life in Saint Louis and get away from those who want to stifle her intellect. When a new friend suggests she locale to Oregon as a mail-order bride, Camellia is hesitant.

Widower Owen Marshall teaches mathematics at the Univesity of Oregon. He can handle his lesson plans and his students just fine. What he can’t handle is his nine-year-old daughter. When his longtime friend and housekeeper suggests he needs a wife, he disagrees. Not to be discouraged, the woman takes matters into her own hands, initiating contact with the Garden Belles matchmaking service.

If Camellia agrees to relocate and become Owen’s bride, will he honor his promise to allow her a career? Can two people with exceptional intellects create a loving family so they can all live happily ever after?

https://www.amazon.com/Camellia-Garden-Belles-Mail-Order-Brides-ebook/dp/B0DYBVJ7RX/

These ladies write fun, romantic books that appeal to all readers of romance.

Thanks for stopping by.

Imprinted on the Heart by Terry Newman

Imprinted on the Heart

By Terry Newman

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Blurb: 

JJ Spritely, history professor and romance author, writes love stories, but her own happily ever after seems out of reach. She’s frustrated her most recent book is sitting in a warehouse instead of in the hands of her readers. And her relationship with her boyfriend has stalled. What else could possibly go wrong? 

How about a return visit from Alex and Blake, the fictional characters from her yet-to-be-released book? They’ve jumped out of the pages of their book into JJ’s world before. They mean well, but they cause chaos wherever they go. 

Kennedy King Cooper wants to propose to JJ, but his track record with this sort of thing isn’t good - and to further complicate matters, the new professor, Robert J. MacWhouton, is monopolizing JJ’s time. If he doesn’t ask her soon, he may lose her forever.  

Alex and Blake are determined to give destiny a helping hand. They stand ready to do whatever it takes to help Kenn propose before a kilt-wearing romance hero wannabe sweeps her off her feet. If only they had a plan.  

This time, it seems, no one is guaranteed a happily ever after. 

Excerpt: 

A blast of frigid air ran through the room. Someone had entered the Physics Café. 

“Look at him.” Alex pointed in the direction of the person. Blake’s back was to the door, so he twisted to get a good look. 

A backpack slung casually over his shoulder, the man wore a nineteen-twenties-era leather aviator cap, complete with goggles sitting atop the headgear. He also had a matching waist-length, leather jacket. He looked as if he had just stepped out of another era. 

“He looks awfully familiar.” Alex kept an eye on him as he sauntered across the room. 

Blake agreed. “Where could we have seen him before?” He untwisted his body as the man approached the counter. “Did we meet him the last time we were here? From the pep squad, perchance?” 

“No, I don’t think so. Maybe from the history class we took that JJ and Kenn taught?” She pursed her lips. “Think, Blake. You know we know him.” 

“Not from here.” Blake concentrated. “But I think we saw him—” 

“Alex and Blake.” The man stood at their booth, a cup in his hand. 

“Uhm…hi?” Alex glanced at Blake. 

“Oh, Merlin.” Blake popped out of the booth and pumped the man’s free hand. “I didn’t recognize you right away.” 

“Is it really you?” Alex cocked her head. 

“Yes, it’s me. May I sit with you? I ordered.” He pulled his element number, 79Au out of the jacket pocket, as if he needed proof. 

“But of course.” Blake returned to the bench and Merlin slid in next to him. 

“Merlin?” Alex rubbed her chin. “Why are you dressed like that?” 

“It’s my disguise.” He took off his cap and placed it on the bench between Blake and himself. He ran his hands through his curly hair, then shook it out. “That’s better. The cap messes with my hair.” 

“May I ask why you chose the aviator look?” Blake’s eyes were trained on the cap. “I would think just wearing contemporary clothing would be enough of a disguise.” 

“I’ve always liked this look.” He took a sip from the cup. “And I needed something eccentric enough that no one would even suspect I was a wizard.” 

This was only Blake’s second visit to JJ’s world, but he didn’t think there was much chance of anyone thinking Merlin an authentic wizard. But he said nothing. 

“My office is across the street. I thought we could rendezvous here for updates.” 

“You mean that office?” Alex pointed to a storefront on the opposite side of the street. “The one that reads The ord herpa? What’s that?” The letters were in black on the large window. 

Merlin’s face turned pink. “That’s supposed to read The Word Sherpa. I just haven’t finished painting. The other letters will be in red. I thought it would make it look professional.” 

“What exactly is a word sherpa?” Alex asked. 

“Let’s consider the original meaning of sherpa.” Blake sat up straighter. “It’s a member of a Tibetan people who live in the Himalayas in eastern Nepal. They act as guides and provide support for mountain climbers.” He raised a brow at Merlin, who nodded. 

“From here, we can extrapolate that Merlin guides his clients through the mountainous, rugged terrain of words.” 

“How beautiful.” Alex sighed. 

“Something like that.” Merlin sipped from his cup. “I’m a freelance writer.” 

“That’s what I said.” Blake’s British accent was pronounced. “A freelance writer.” 

“You did, hon.” Alex reached over and patted his hand. “And you said it beautifully.” 

“Here you go, Merlin.” Alvin appeared with a small plate of toast. “Are you sure this is how you want it?” 

“Absolutely.” The toast was burnt. Most of it was black. “This brings back childhood memories. My mother made toast like this every morning.” 

Alvin nodded and glanced at Blake, who shrugged.  

“I didn’t know you knew Alex and Blake.” Alvin pushed his glasses up on his nose. 

“We go way back,” Merlin said.  

“Why yes,” Blake said. “Way back.” 

“Alvin!” voices called from the other end of the café. 

“Sounds like you’re in demand.” Blake waved to Ted and Simon behind the counter. 

“No, they think it’s cute because of my name. You know the chipmunk cartoon and all. But I better go. Enjoy. I’ll be back with more coffee.” 

Merlin bit into a slice of toast. His eyes shut as he chewed and he softly moaned. “Tastes divine.” He put it down and rubbed his hands together. 

“Now, tell me, have you learned anything yet?” 

“JJ expects Kenn to ask her to marry him.” Alex bounced in her seat. 

“Good, that’s a good sign.” Merlin picked up another slice of toast. “Perhaps, headquarters was wrong. Everything looks like it’s going in the right direction.” He bit into the toast again. “Perfect.” 

Blake didn’t know if the man was talking about the toast or JJ and Kenn. 

 

Author Bio: 

Terry Newman, an award-winning author, writes romantic comedy with a splash of fantasy.  

As long as she could remember, she has played with words. In junior high school, she documented the life of a married couple: two No. 2 pencils, Penelope and Peregrine. In high school, she wrote of UFOs and penned an occasional political satire. 

She’s also written more normal things. She was the editor-in-chief and ghostwriter for a national health publication, a small-town reporter, and most recently, a freelance writer. 

All of her novels are set in fictional towns in northeast Ohio, where she grew up. She has a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandpuppy. She lives in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio with all of her characters. She reports it does get crowded at times.