Wednesday, June 04, 2025

Chance’s Return: North Star Legacy by Lucy Naylor Kubash


Chance’s Return: North Star Legacy 
By Lucy Naylor Kubash

Blurb:   

 
Widowed single mom Casey Girard hopes time in Wyoming will help her recover from a tragic loss. Working as a cook at the North Star ranch for the summer offers an opportunity to start life over near the beautiful Grand Teton Mountains. 

 Ex-rodeo champ and prodigal son of the North Star, Chance McCord returns to face a family still divided by their own painful past. To overcome the estrangement, he needs to find a way to face his own haunting memories. 

Chance and Casey meet, and the attraction is undeniable and blooms like the blue lupine in the valley. But can they learn to put their pasts to rest and trust one another so love can grow? 

 Excerpt:   


Jamie leaned forward and pointed out the truck window. “Hey, Mom, look! A rainbow! Isn’t it neat? Can we stop and watch it?” 

Casey followed the direction of his hand. An arc of iridescent hues curved over the valley. She found a small roadside area where they could watch the colors shimmering in the sky. Pale-melon, bright-turquoise, and goldenrod-yellow all merged in one stunning display that rivaled even the mountain wildflowers. For a long moment, the colors glowed intense and radiant, then slowly faded away into the purple banks of receding clouds. Neither Casey nor Jamie spoke until the special moment passed and the rainbow disappeared. This far-flung country could stir her in so many ways. 

“Is it true, Mom?” Jamie asked. 

“Is what true?” Casey still stared at the sky.  

“Is there really a treasure at the end of the rainbow? And do all your dreams come true there?” 

Her heart full of love, Casey gazed at her son. A light of hope shone in his eyes—Matt’s eyes. If only she could protect Jamie from further pain in his life. He’d already experienced too much for a child of seven, and she feared making promises. But didn’t all children need some magic in their lives? She had to let him believe in the promise of the rainbow’s end. “I’m sure there is a treasure, Jamie. I like to think heaven is at the end of the rainbow.” 

Jamie studied her intently. “Is Dad there?” 

A lump rose unbidden in Casey’s throat. She hadn’t cried for Matt in a long time, but Jamie’s pain could still make her tears flow. “Yes,” she whispered. “He is.”  

Jamie settled back in the seat, acting content with this answer.  

Casey pulled onto the highway again.  

Jamie’s eyelids drooped, and he fought off a yawn.  

“It’s still a way to the ranch,” she said. “Why don’t you take a little nap, honey? You were up awfully early this morning.” 

Too sleepy to argue, Jamie took off his hat and inched closer to the man beside him. “Can I lay my head on you?” He yawned widely. 

Chance had not spoken the whole time they’d watched the rainbow. 

For a moment, Casey thought he might ignore Jamie’s request, but he curved his arm around the boy’s small shoulders. 

“Sure, partner,” he said in a low voice.  

The boy promptly nestled his head against Chance’s side. In the next minute, Jamie fell asleep. 

Only the hum of the engine and the soft swishing sound of the tires on the still-wet pavement broke the silence in the truck cab. Casey didn’t try to make conversation but drove along, wondering if a man like Chance McCord could ever believe in rainbows and promises. She bumped onto the dirt two-track that led to the North Star and rattled across the first cattle grate.  

“You can let me off here.” 

Casey jumped and glanced at him, puzzled. “But it’s still two miles to the house. It might rain again.” 

“I’ve walked farther and in worse weather. The day I left the ranch, I walked down this drive. I know how long it is.” 

What had made Chance leave? Why had he stayed away so long? The questions spun in her mind and remained, even after he slipped away from Jamie and climbed out of the truck.  

Before closing the door, he bent down and peered across the seat at Casey. “Thanks for the lift. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to anyone.” 

She nodded.  

When he’d gathered his gear from the back, he stepped away from the truck and gave the tailgate a smack.  

Casey drove on but couldn’t help glancing in the rearview mirror. The saddle and duffel bag still sat on the side of the road, and Chance stood beside them. Would he even show up at the North Star? Or would the wanderlust that had once led him from this valley take him away again? 

 Chance’s Return is the first book in my North Star Legacy series. 

 


Author Bio: 

Lucy Naylor Kubash has been writing for most of her life. She began her career writing short romance stories for Woman’s World magazine and now writes contemporary romance for The Wild Rose Press. Lucy has penned a column, The Pet Corner, for nearly 25 years, that advocates for homeless pets and animal rescue. She lives in Michigan with her husband of 53 years where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children, an assortment of pets, and traveling whenever possible. 

 Social Media:  

You can read more about me and other books I’ve written at www.lucynaylorkubash.com 

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Monday, June 02, 2025

Trembles of the Heart by Frankie Sutton


Trembles of the Heart 
by Frankie Sutton

Blurb

How far would you go to keep a secret? For Jessica Everhart, the answer is simple: to the end. That is, until a seizure exposes her two biggest secrets— Her epilepsy and the feelings she had for her best friend.  

How far would you be willing to go for true love? For Mason Harris, the answer is simple: everything. When his crush reveals her feelings, he tells her he’s always felt the same.  

However, they soon face a new challenge when Mason accepts mentorship from a doctor who has a connection to Jessica’s past. One that can destroy everything. 

 Excerpt

I dipped my brush into a puddle of blue paint and added depth to the shadows cast by the moon. “Could Mason love me with more depth than I put in my paintings?” Careful not to over-exert myself, I set my brush aside and changed into pajamas. 

As I grabbed a small water from my mini-fridge, the door creaked open, and I jumped. Dad stood in the doorway; his brow furrowed with concern. His eyes flickered over my painting before meeting mine, as if he could read my thoughts. 

“You’ve been painting a lot of dark landscapes lately,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay?” 

I sighed, unscrewing the cap and taking a sip of water. “I’m fine, Dad. Really.” 

“Your medication…” he started. 

“Already took it.” 

“Sweetheart,” —his frown deepened even as he used the nickname only he was allowed to call me— “I just want you to be safe.” 

“I know, Dad. But I can’t live like this forever.”  

“What do you mean?” His voice was strained. He didn’t want to offend me, but I could tell he was worried. 

“Living under your watchful eye,” I said, my voice barely audible. “I want to move out. You and Mom were my age when you bought your own place.” 

“Absolutely not!” His face paled. “You need someone to take care of you. What if you have a seizure when you’re alone?” Then he pointed to my trembling hand at my side. “See, someone’s gotta keep an eye on you!” 

“I need some independence. I need to try and live as normal a life as possible,” I replied, hiding my hand. 

He paced the room, hands clenched into fists. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you, Jessica. You’re all I have left.” 

“Nothing will happen,” I mumbled, trying to quell my own fears about living on my own. “I’ll be careful. And besides, you’ve taught me how to manage it, right?” 

“Right.” 

“Then trust me, Dad.” My heart ached as I saw the worry etched in his face. 

“Okay,” he finally said, though I could tell it pained him. “We can talk about it more later. But for now, promise me you’ll always be careful.” 

“I promise.” 

“Oh, and you left this downstairs.” He handed me the journal. 

“Thanks.” I took it and set it on top of the stack of notebooks on my desk. Dad kissed my forehead and left the room. 




 Author Bio

Frankie Sutton, born within a Motown/Detroit community, was raised on creativity—starting with music. Her love of reading and writing developed during her school years. However, at the beginning of her high school years, she entered into the world of fan fiction and role-playing games—experimenting with many styles of writing, including poems and scriptwriting. When not writing, she loves bonding with her miniature schnauzer. Frankie embraces her life as a Motown Michigander, ready to share her large imagination with the world. 

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Ash: Guns for Hire Book 6 by Jo-Ann Roberts

Ash
Guns for Hire Book 6
by Jo-Ann Roberts

Ash is the newest book in the Guns for Hire series.  

Book Blurb:

An outlaw looking for a fresh start.

A schoolteacher who might hold the key to the entire town’s salvation.

Ash “Shotgun” McCrae can never make up for all the wrong he’s done. After leaving a notorious outlaw gang, he thought he’d discovered the peaceful existence he’d been looking for when he found work laying tracks for the railroad in Rivers Bend. Yet, when trouble shows up in town, he fears he may never free himself from the burden of his past.

Schoolteacher Kate Cummings stands as the one bright light in contrast to the curious looks and behind-the-glove whispers blowing through the town. The arrival of Padraic “Patch” Rooney and his gang challenges the small-town serenity she holds dear. Still, her steadfast trust in Ash awakens the strength of courage within them all, giving rise to the collective defiance against the approaching danger.

In a deadly game of dangerous outlaws and secret schemes, Kate and Ash must decide whether they are willing to risk everything for their love, including their lives.

 Author Bio:

Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Jo-Ann Roberts was fascinated by America’s Old West and always felt she was destined to travel on a wagon train following the Oregon Trail. With her love of history and reading, she began reading historical romance during high school and college. Victoria Holt, Jude Deveraux, and Roseanne Bittner were among her favorites. Influenced by her father, she fell in love with John Wayne, James Garner, and her all-time favorite, James Stewart and grew up watching Wagon Train, Bonanza and Rawhide.

A firm believer in HEA with a healthy dose of realism, Jo-Ann strives to give her readers a sweet historical romance while imparting carefully researched historical facts, personalities, and experiences relative to the time period. Her romances take her readers back to a simpler time to escape the stress of modern life by living in a small town where families and friends help one another find love and happiness.

When she isn’t creating believable plots and relatable heroes and heroines, Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She also enjoys baking, quilting and eating way too much chocolate. 

After 38 years in public education in Connecticut and Maryland, she’s now calls North Carolina home. 

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Terrabyte Security by Tena Stetler

Terrabyte Security
by Tena Stetler
Buy Link

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.  


 

Monday, May 26, 2025

Security Force of Two by Tena Stetler


Security Force of Two
by Tena Stetler

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.  


 

Friday, May 23, 2025

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.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Morgan's Landing by Linda Griffin


Morgan's Landing
by Linda Griffin

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. Shouldnt he know that? 

Shes not in class, Mr. Scarlett said. She wasnt in Computer Applications first period, either. Your mother says she didnt 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 sisters number. It rang four times and went to voicemail. Its 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.