DOUBLE POSTS - TURKEY TROT AND STEPHANIE BURKHART

Be sure to check below this post for another giveaway! WooHoo! Lots of giveaways today!

A Princess is Always Right

by Stephanie Burkhart

GENRE:  steampunk romance

A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT Blurb:

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT Excerpt:

Jax raked a hand over his hair. He did not want her to leave without him. That meant only one thing. He had to go to her and convince her they couldn't be separated. He stood and cast his gaze on Ian. The boy slept soundly. Jax had to find a compromise by doing right by the boy and doing right by his heart.

He closed the door behind him gently and checked on Sophia's room. She wasn't there. Then he went downstairs. Peeking into the study, he saw Lady Charlotte placing covers over Lord Ridgecroft and making him comfortable. Could she be in the kitchen? He continued down the hall and caught a glimpse of two people sitting on a bench. Jeeves and Sophia. Fisting his hands, he drew in a breath and steeled up his courage.

Jax knocked on the glass of the French doors and stepped out. She looked up at him, sadness etched in her face.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

Jeeves glanced at Sophia. She offered the butler a small smile. "It's fine."

Jeeves stood and bowed. "If you'll excuse me, I'll finish my rounds and retire for the evening."

"Good night, Jeeves," Jax said.
The butler nodded and left.

"I had no idea I had a son. This was a surprise."

"It's clear the boy is yours," she said, softly. "And so is your duty."

"I won't deny it," Jax paused. "And I do want to get to know him, but I don't want to lose you either."


"I have to leave tomorrow."

He pursed his lips, frustrated. "I knew Fiona briefly. I was attracted to her because she was kind, but I knew nothing would ever come of us. My father suggested she knew that, too, that's why she never told me."

"I'm sorry." Sophia looked at her fingers in her lap, then up at him. "She should have contacted you. It would have been the right thing to do."

He sighed and took the seat next to Sophia placing her hand between his. He snared her eyes with his stare. "The right thing to do is let me go with you tomorrow. I care for you."

"I know what it's like to lose a parent. I was twelve when my mother passed away. I still remember the little things, like her smile. I remember traveling all over Britain with her. When my mother passed away, a sadness filled my heart that I thought I would never replace. That little boy is hurting right now. He needs you."

"He can come with us." Jax just blurted out the first thought that came to his mind. If Sophia wanted Ian to be close to Jax, then it only made sense to have Ian come with them. Jax thought the idea was inspired.

Sophia's mouth fell open, then she closed it, before she scrunched up her brows. "Are you serious? That we take a five-year-old traipsing all over Europe with us?"

"Why not? It's the only way we can be all together." He had no idea what it would entail, but what better way to solve his problem? He would get to know his son and remain close to Sophia.

   

BUY LINKS FOR A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT:

PUBLISHERS'S WEBSITE http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-four-a-princess-is-always-right-epub/

AMAZON:

https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Always-Right-Windsor-Diaries-ebook/dp/B01593SYZU

BARNES AND NOBLE:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-is-always-right-stephanie-burkhart/1122644143

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aprincessisalwaysright-1888259-343.html

My Review of A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT

A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT is the fourth book in the Windsor Diaries series. This book can be read independently from the previous three but you’d be missing on excellent stories and a lot of talent if you skip them. The previous books are VICTORIAN SCOUNDREL (book one), A GENTLEMAN AND A ROGUE (book two) and A LADY NEVER LIES (book three). These books are speculative fiction of mixed genres: steampunk romance, action, adventure, and time travel.

The heroine is Sophia, youngest of the Windsor princesses. Quiet Sophia blossoms with the emotional and difficult choices she is forced to make.  Handsome Jax Ruston, a blacksmith who is reluctant to admit his love for the princess, aids her in her mission to travel through time and prevent Jonas Byron from changing the future by intervening with Nicolas Tesla's inventions.

The story takes readers rushing through Europe of the past. Various aspects of the Industrial Revolution are put in perspective plus the rapidly changing developments of the nineteenth century are highlighted. Creative plot twists capture the reader and kept me unable to stop reading. Ms Burkhart is a master craftsman who weaves a complex story presented in easily understood terms.

As always, Stephanie Buckhart delivers a great book. A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT is a well-written story with likable characters and lots of adventure. I highly recommend it.

Stephanie Burkhart, Author

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also a den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor  

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Stephanie Burkhart will be awarding $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you having a crowd for Thanksgiving this year or only one or two at your table?

We used to have a huge traditional Thanksgiving Day starting with the Macy’s parade on television. Our feast—turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, spinach soufflé, green bean casserole, and rolls was a huge meal. For dessert, we had pecan pie as well as chocolate and coconut meringue pies and sometimes apple raisin cake with caramel icing. By the time the meal was over, we were stuffed. Then came the cleanup—is anything worse than getting the meat off the turkey carcass?

When we served all this food, we invited family and friends at Thanksgiving. With more people visiting for dinner, this meal was worth all the effort. As time has gone by, though, our little family has dwindled to the four of us. Friends moved away or passed away, family did the same. The above is a LOT of food for four people. Plus, one of our members is vegetarian and another doesn’t like turkey.

My husband does the cooking now and I’m happy with whatever he cooks. Nevertheless, I hate to see him spending a couple of days getting ready for a meal that lasts a half hour. He hasn’t been feeling well, so our daughters and I have persuaded him to have a Mrs. Stauffer’s lasagna, a salad, and French bread. Our daughter is bringing a pecan pie (his favorite). He also bought Blue Bell ice cream because he likes vanilla ice cream on his pie. I do like tradition, but this makes so much more sense for our family.

On Thursday, we four will gather for our lasagna, salad, and pie. The meal won’t be traditional, but maybe it will be the start of a NEW tradition. The most important thing is not what you eat, but who is eating that meal with you. Yeah, we get that.

Please remember to comment on this blog to qualify for the Turkey Trot Grand Prize of $50, which will be announced on Saturday. You comment will also qualify you for a chance at an e-book copy of WILD WESTERN WOMEN – MISTLETOE, MONTANA, a Christmas box set from me.

If you have trouble connecting with the Linky below, learn all the other blogs taking part in the Turkey Trot Blog Hop at Rose Gordon's website:

http://www.parchmentandplume.com/blog/turkey-trot-blog-hop

You can comment at each blog to increase your chances of winning the giveaway, plus each blog has a different giveaway.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

IS SOMEONE ELSE LIVING IN MY HEAD? WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM?

By Guest Author Paisley Kirkpatrick

Have you ever wondered where your story ideas come from? It is the one question people ask me the most. Until a very strange and quite remarkable occurrence happened while I wrote FOREVER AFTER, I had no idea I might have someone living in my head helping me.

One of my great, great grandparents might just be the answer. Charles Kirkpatrick was a doctor who left Illinois and traveled across country on a wagon train in 1849. He kept a journal which is now kept under glass in the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley, in California. I can understand why it's considered five-star quality. He was quite literate and wrote a lot of what he saw and what happened around him. I am lucky enough to have a copy of the journal and was able to share a lot of what he put on the pages in my second story, Marriage Bargain. At the time I felt blessed to have help from one of my ancestors.

His wife, Mary Kirkpatrick, wrote seven stories under the name of Mary Kirke. She is supposedly the first woman to have stories published in a magazine. When I finally settled down and read through one of the five 3-inch thick binders of genealogy my Mother assembled, I was about halfway through writing FOREVER AFTER. My heroine traveled to San Francisco on a ship without luggage and she suffered greatly from nausea. 

When I read my great, great grandmother's first story published in a magazine, I was caught off guard when I found two of her sentences were written verbatim to mine. Also, the scene was under the same circumstances as mine -- on a ship to San Francisco, no luggage, and constantly plagued with nausea. Eerie, spooky, unbelievable - these were the words running through my head. How could this have happen? In all fairness, I couldn't leave my story similar to hers so I ultimately did change the scene somewhat so we can 

both take credit for what we've written.

At my next Sacramento Valley Rose chapter meeting our guest speaker spoke about past lives. I told her what had happened to me and asked if I could have inherited my great, great grandmother's memories. She agreed it was possible, but thought it was more than likely I inherited Mary Kirke.

On one other note, when I read the last two sentences of my great, great grandmother's story I cried and I still get emotional telling you about them. She was standing on the wharf at San Francisco Harbor. She had just arrived after sailing from the east coast to San Francisco and was waiting for the man she was to marry to meet her. She felt his hand on her shoulder and knew she was home. I have tears telling it again.

I have no idea how her words got in my head, but if it is true and she is living in there giving me plots, I am not complaining. I have no idea where my ideas come from or why this time period and the gold country has always been important to me, but it's a gift and I intend to always nurture it.   

FOREVER AFTER Blurb:

Abandoned by her sisters, her father in jail, Marinda Benjamin takes on the care of her ailing mother the best way possible -- working for an unscrupulous man with the power to crush her.  Forced to spy on a decent man, Marinda's honesty saves her virtue and revenge restores her self-respect.

When Ethan Braddock discovers his brother's poker pot cleaning his private office, he jumps to the right conclusion -- she's there to spy for his nemesis. Ethan can't help but find her irresistible. In spite of what his heart tells him, his brain reserves judgment on her character. Until he unravels the mystery of her connection to Danforth, trust is the one thing he can't allow himself. For that, she'll have to prove herself.

FOREVER AFTER Excerpt:

Dr. Braddock's office held an air of authority. Bookshelves crammed with medical volumes covered two walls while the massive oak desk was positioned to take full advantage of a rock fireplace. Two brown, cushioned armchairs placed invitingly near the bookshelves drew her attention. She loved to read. More than six months had passed since she'd enjoyed the luxury. Curling up in one of those chairs with a good book would be heaven.

The files Danforth mentioned must be stored in the row of locked drawers running across the bottom shelf of the bookcase. She knelt and fingered one of the unique locks. How would she ever get the information? He had each drawer secured separately.

Disturbed by what she'd found, she stood and observed a couple of country farm prints positioned above the mantel. A framed copy of the doctor's medical license hung between the two windows on the opposite side of the room. His name sounded quite proper -- Ethan Andrew Braddock. It suits him.

Running the duster over the furniture and emptying the trash didn't take long. Marinda grabbed the shovel from its stand on the hearth and began scooping ashes from the fireplace into a bucket. Warm sunshine poured through the two large windows. She slipped the latch and threw one windowpane open, letting in fresh air and the melodic sounds of birds chirping in the nearby cornfield. Contentment stole over her as she worked.

Done, she picked up the bucket and stood back admiring her topnotch job. Now everything in the room appeared clean and ready for the doctor's return.

The office door slammed behind her.

"What the hell?"

She spun at the raised voice. Her heart plummeted to the pit of her stomach. Anger radiated from Ethan Braddock's penetrating gaze. His tidy brown hair curled in gentle waves, giving him a boyish look, but the set to his jaw soon banished that idea. Dr. Braddock was nobody's fool. His height placed her at an immediate disadvantage, and for a reason she didn't want to analyze, she did not wish to be at a disadvantage with the formidable doctor.

"This is my private office. Who let you in here?"

The bucket slipped from her hand, hitting against the corner of the desk. Ashes fluttered into the air, settling across the top of the doctor's orderly desk.

She clasped her hands behind her back, staring speechless at the mess.

FOREVER AFTER  Buy Links:

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Pines-Forever-After-ebook/dp/B00FK8BWAO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380674597&sr=8-3&keywords=paisley+kirkpatrick

Desert Breeze

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/paradise-pines-forever-after-epub/

 

Author Paisley Kirkpatrick

Discovering that riding off into the sunset was a lot easier on a computer screen than in real life, not to mention those saddle burns, Paisley Kirkpatrick began her career as an author. Hiding in the Sierra Mountain Range of California with her husband of 44 years, Paisley spends her time roping in the cowpoke of her dreams, or can be found wandering the streets of California's gold rush towns to find inspiration for her books. She might not have found gold in them there hills, but she did find a love for the old west and the prickling of the stories that make up her Paradise Pines series.

Drawing on family history and a healthy imagination, Paisley kicks off her wild ride on a dusty trail with NIGHT ANGEL. Don't worry your little heads, though. It's the first of many adventures in a time when men were men, and women knew how to put them in their place. If you love your cowboys rugged with a sensitive side, and your heroines with enough fire to light up the western sky, you've got a home waiting in Paradise Pines. Just be sure to bring a six-shooter because the Lady Paisley aims for the heart, and when she fires, she never misses.

Thanks for stopping by!

WELCOME PAISLEY KIRKPATRICK

Please help me welcome Paisley Kirkpatrick to the blog today. Paisley and I have been online friends for years and I’ve seen samples of her terrific writing. She is a member of the team blogs Sweethearts of the West and Slip Into Something Victorian, to both of which I belong. My great news to share is that Paisley recently signed a five-book contract with Desert Breeze Publishing and her first book, NIGHT ANGEL, has just been released. Woo Hoo! Let’s hear a round of applause for Paisley!

Paisley Kirkpatrick, Author

Caroline:  I know a good bit about you, but I’d like to know more, and I’m sure readers are eager to “meet” you. Where did you grow up? Give us details, please.

Paisley: I had a great childhood growing up in Santa Rosa, California, which is located about an hour's drive north of San Francisco. My brother is three years younger than me. We had an easy childhood, enjoying rides to Bodega Bay almost every Sunday to play on the beach. I joined Camp Fire Girls early and stayed involved into high school. My hubby and I celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary in December. We've had two daughters, but no grandchildren. Life is easy and laid back for us living in the Sierra Mountains not far from Lake Tahoe.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Paisley: Historicals have always been my favorite genre. I love to travel and visit the places I've read about. It's fun to learn how life existed in the olden days and try to picture how the people in that time period actually lived and survived the adversities.  Kathleen Woodiwiss actually got me to reading. I fell in love with the characters in her book Shanna and from there read every one of her books I could get my hands on. Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux were the next two authors who intrigued me. Their stories not only had the history, but humor as well. The combination of the two drew me into wanting to try to write a story of my own.

Caroline: Julie Garwood is one of my favorites, too. What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Paisley: I love to sew. I've been making quilts for ten years now. It's a time to get away from my stories and give my muse a chance to rebuild itself. I've made and given away 37 quilts in memory of our older daughter. Most of the quilts are for babies, made from brightly colored and printed flannel. They are a joy to make and even more fun to see the babies who've received them grow up and still love snuggling in them. I also learned how to put photos on fabric and now make a lot of quilts with family photos, book covers and favorite celebrities on them. This has also led me to making tote bags and pillow cases with a photo or two on them as well.

Caroline: I’ve been thinking of doing a book cover on a tote bag. Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life? (I know she does and it’s a favorite of mine, too.)

Paisley: ”When at first you do succeed, try to hide the astonishment."  I love this quote and used it for many years on my signature line. However, when I did get my first offer of publication, I didn't hide my astonishment, I sat in shock saying ”WOW” for the longest time. My reaction is not anything like I expected it would be.

Caroline: Those of us who’ve seen your writing are only surprised it took so long for a contract offer. How long have you been writing?

Paisley: I practiced writing for 22 years before I was offered a contract. It happened on Christmas Eve and was even more than I expected. My editor asked for all five of my books in the Paradise Pines Series.

Caroline: All your friends are so happy for you. I love when good things happen to good people. Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Paisley: I have a main computer on the top floor of our house, but it is usually very cold or very hot up on the third floor because we don't have a heater or air conditioning. We live in the mountains and survive with a pellet stove on the second floor and a wood stove on the bottom floor. Once I got a laptop, my writing time became so much easier. Hubby made a table for me so I can sit on the sofa and pull the computer up to a comfortable writing position. I am trying to learn to write in a quiet house, but prefer white noise in the background. I worked in a busy office with a dot matrix printer next to me and grew accustomed to having a lot of commotion and noise around me.

Caroline: I either write with quiet or classical music. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Paisley: I have no idea where my plots come from. I am a definite panzer. My muse is very active until I take my characters in the wrong direction or miss an important point. They stop talking and, trust me there is nothing more frustrating than a silent muse. I do have a trick, though. I listen to the music from Phantom of the Opera and it starts them chattering non-stop. Not sure if they are tired of my favorite music and movie or if they like it as much as I do, but it works.

Caroline: Quite a trick. Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Paisley: Yes, I have used family members as inspiration for my characters and do have a favorite hero prototype. In fact, the heroine in my first story is based on my great grandmother. She has ended up being my favorite of all my heroines. A lot of my heroes are Scottish and bear a strong resemblance to my favorite actor, Gerard Butler. I can't find a better hero type than Gerry.

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

Paisley: I don't set goals. I just write. Usually I spend 8 to 10 hours a day writing because I love doing it. I am either typing or sewing and, when I can, reading.

Caroline: I used to sew, now I just write and read and do family history. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Paisley: I recently had a reviewer tell me all the parts of my story she loved. What amazed me was the points she brought up - they happened to be all the points I had hoped a reader would find and like. I write from my heart and I hope a reader can find the same enjoyment with my characters as I do.

Caroline: Not counting making the NYTimes list, what long-term plans do you have for your career?

Paisley: I have a contract for five stories. I hope to add more stories to my Paradise Pines Series. Since we live where the 1849 Gold Rush happened, it is easy to find interesting stories. I love the genre. They don't exaggerate when they call that time period the Wild West.

Caroline: Those who’ve read your articles on Sweethearts of the West know that’s true and that you do a lot of research for authenticity. Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Paisley: I am finishing up the final touches on MARRIAGE BARGAIN, which is a romance on a wagon train. My great, great grandfather kept a journal traveling west in 1849 and I researched a lot of this story from his writings. This second in the series will be released in March, 2013.

Caroline: What a treasure to have his journal, although I believe you said it’s now in a museum. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Paisley: My advice to an unpublished author is never give up. It took me 22 years of learning the craft and persistence in trying to write the best story I knew how. It is definitely worth the effort when your dream comes true.

Caroline: Good advice, and don’t let anyone steal your dreams. What’s a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

Paisley: For fifteen years I ran a fan club for country singing artist Kevin Sharp. We spent five summers running his booth at Fan Fair in Nashville and one year I got to stand on the stage of the Grand Old Opry while he sang three songs. It was an experience I will always treasure.

Caroline: That’s a fun fact all right. Something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

Paisley: I had a difficult time with this one so asked my husband. He said people who know me now would be surprised to learn I used to be very quiet. I could be in a room for hours and nobody would know I was there.

Caroline: Sounds like my youngest daughter when she was younger. I know this is a five-book series. Is it a family saga?

Paisley: My book is part of the Paradise Pines Series - sort of a family saga. The first three stories are about the Benjamin sisters who end up living in Paradise Pines. The second two stories bring in the five MacGregor brothers who become active members in the community.

Caroline: I love the fonts on the cover. Can you give readers a blurb about NIGHT ANGEL?

Paisley: Here’s a blurb:
Sassy Amalie Renard, a poker-playing saloon singer, shakes up Paradise Pines, a former gold-rush mountain community by turning the saloon’s bar into her stage. Her amazing voice stirs the passions of the hotel owner, a man who anonymously travels tunnels at night providing help to the downtrodden as the mysterious Night Angel. Declan Grainger agrees to subsidize the building of a music hall to fulfill Amalie's dream, but a bounty for her arrest could spoil his plans. Distrust and jealousy stir flames of malice and revenge threatening to destroy their town. Drawing from past experiences, Declan and Amalie turn to each other to find a way to save the community.

Caroline: How about an excerpt of NIGHT ANGEL?

Paisley: Here you are:
Different colored bottles of whiskey and beer reflected in the mirrors along the wall behind the long wooden bar. Perfect. That's where she'd start her evening.
She slipped off her cape and handed it to Declan. His appreciative gasp brought a smile to her lips. Having men ogle her appearance was hardly new. She'd learned early to use her looks to her advantage. The way Declan's eyes heated with appreciation when he cast a glance at the deep cut of her décolletage reminded her how good it felt to be a woman.
"Now you'll see who I really am."
Declan grabbed her arm. "Don't let them forget you're a lady, Amalie."
She cast him a wicked smile. "The name's Lily Fox. Believe me, honey, Lily's no lady."
She approached a couple of gamblers and leaned over slightly to give them full effect of her daring dress. "Would you mind helping me, gents? I have need of your table for a moment."
The men jumped to their feet in unison, their cards forgotten. Amalie took the nearest man's outstretched palm, stepped onto a chair, over their cards and up onto the long wooden plank bar.
"Good evening, boys." She strutted along the length of wood, avoiding whiskey glasses and kicking away eager hands.
The saloon girl stopped caterwauling. The room went still. She had everyone's attention, just the way Lily liked it.
"Get down, young woman. This ain't no place for you to prance about," the barkeep snarled in outrage.
Ignoring the scowling face with the handlebar mustache, she kicked up her heels. Adding a dance step, she pranced back and forth the length of the makeshift stage. Lily reveled in the whistles and disregarded the uncouth remarks. She was in her element. "My name is Lily Fox and I'm here to entertain you tonight."
With the flick of her hand, she caught the attention of the stunned piano player. "Play something quick and lively, will you, honey?" She glanced around the room of excited faces and turned on her brightest smile.


Caroline: Where can readers find your book?

Paisley: Here are the buy links for NIGHT ANGEL:

Barnes and Noble  http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-333/Paradise-Pines-Book-One-cln-/Detail.bok

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Paisley+Kirkpatrick

Caroline: How can readers learn more about you?

Paisley: Website: http://www.paisleykirkpatrick.com/
Blogs:
Sweethearts of the West http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/
Scandalous Victorians http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/
Voices from the Heart http://voicesftheart.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1272262167

Thanks for stopping by!

DEBRA PARMLEY'S DANGEROUS TIES

My guest today is Debra Parmley.

Debra Parmley, Author

Caroline: Readers love to get to know authors. Please tell us about growing up.

Debra: I was born in Columbus, OH and adopted when I was six weeks old. I was raised in Springfield, OH and have one sister. Never a tomboy, I was the shy, quiet girl with her nose always in a book, who never got into trouble. Once my mother was called in for a parent/teacher meeting. I couldn't imagine what I had done wrong and neither could she. It turned out my crime was "reading too much." I sometimes wonder if that teacher is still alive and if she knows I am now writing books!

Caroline: I’ve never heard of a teacher complaining that a student read too much. I hope she knows that you’re an author! Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Debra: Romance is my favorite genre, because a romance will always end with a happy ever after. Historical romance has been my favorite within that genre but fantasy is running a close second. I've also discovered the novels of Alice Hoffman and enjoy the fairy tale elements in her writing. I enjoy fairy tales and folk tales from different countries. There are so many authors I enjoy that the list could get quite long.

Caroline: We know so many authors, we have a long list of favorites, don’t we? When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

Debra: One of my hobbies is stepping into the role of a medieval lady and playing at reenactment events with the SCA. It is relaxing to be camping in a period tent (once the tent is up) and enjoying the great outdoors. I enjoy primitive archery and have learned to sew my own dresses. Beyond it being a great way to research for the medieval stories I've begun writing, it's simply great fun.

Caroline: Describe yourself in three or four words.

Debra: Imaginative, creative, traveler

Caroline: Would you like to share any guilty pleasures that feed your muse?

Debra: Everything feeds my muse, especially music, art, poetry and dance.

Caroline: How long have you been writing?

Debra: I was making up sing song rhymes as a young girl, so I suppose I've been writing stories in my head almost all my life, but never wrote anything down until high school. I first became serious about my writing while I was in college.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Debra: My writing space has changed over the years. This desk, that one, this room, that one. I now write on my laptop only and my writing space is wherever I decide it is. I have written at the desk, the kitchen table, the couch, in bed, at the library, the airport, the hotel room, in the car. I have even written on a legal pad while camping in an old fort at a medieval re-enactment. I'm looking forward to taking my first train to Chicago next week for the RT convention and suspect 'on a train' will soon join the list of places where I have written. It's rare for me to listen to music, because music tends to bring out the dancer in me and if there are lyrics there's too much going on for me to write. I need solitude for brand new pages and to be swept away into the story, but in a pinch I can write on a story that's already moving well along if there are people nearby as long as no one speaks to me. And I can wear headphones if I must.

Caroline: I envy you the train ride. I love trains. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Debra: Panzer all the way. I begin with the heroine and she lets me know where the story is going. Plotting feels too forced to me and the people in my stories don't conform well to them. I have had plotting stop me cold. So I'd rather not.

Caroline: Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

Debra: So many things interest me that it becomes a mixture of both.

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

Debra: Since I have a manuscript to finish revising by the beginning of May, my recent writing days have centered around revisions, reformatting and the internet obligations I have. I am a team coach in the Lucy Monroe Reader Fitness Challenge, which just started April 1st, so for the next twelve weeks I'll check in every day to see how my team is doing and cheer and encourage. I also have to workout at the gym and track my own eating and exercise habits each day. It's making for a full week. On the weekends I step away from revising and write new pages for other books I am working on. And once that manuscript is sent in to my editor I'll be full steam ahead on my newest story. Every day I do something towards my writing career, though what it is may change from day to day.

Caroline: Do you write full time or do you have a day job. If you have a day job, what is it?

Debra: Right now I am writing full time so it has become my day job and I go to it every single day. Even if just for an hour.

Caroline: Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

Debra: Though I have a phobia of deep water and drowning, I've walked the plank off a pirate ship off the island of Grand Cayman. My husband can attest to this, even though he could not get our water camera ready in time to take a picture of it. That event even surprised my family. ;-)

Caroline: Oh, I also have a phobia of water and drowning. I did manage to pass my Red Cross swimming certification, but that was in a nice tame swimming pool. What is something unusual you learned while researching and writing this book?

Debra: I had the chance to learn how to shoot black powder pistols while researching and writing DANGEROUS TIES. The experience of shooting in the fields of Mississippi in the heat of August with the smoke from the guns, the noise, the weight of the pistol in my hand were quite memorable. I went home and immediately rewrote all the gun scenes. No amount of research can give you what experience does.

Caroline: What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Debra: Both of my western historical romances have been about survivors. With each book, I hope my readers enjoy the read, that it transports them into the story, as all good fiction should do. But I also hope that the reader comes away with the sense that we can overcome the things which happen to us and that it is what comes from within us that defines who we are.

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Debra: If writing brings you joy, then write and keep on writing. Hold fast to that joy because it will sustain you. If having your work published is your dream then pursue it with all you've got and take chances. Learn to listen. Listen to your story and your characters. Listen to honest critiques which address the page and then rewrite. Avoid negativity in yourselves and in others. Believe in your dreams and never give up.

Caroline: Tell us about your latest release.

Debra: DANGEROUS TIES is a western historical romance. Lillian's fiancé convinces the townsfolk to exchange their gold for his worthless bank notes. When he disappears, every eye turns to Lillian. Even her cousin Carl insists she knows where the gold is. Carl is deeply indebted to Kingston, owner of the saloon and small town criminal. When Nick discovers Lillian, she's strung up over a mineshaft and the rope is breaking.

DANGEROUS TIES Excerpt:

Nevada 1860

Pain erased all sense of time. Lillian didn't know how long she'd hung, her muscles exhausted from the strain, her mind full of warnings she was helpless to do anything about.

Her throat was raw from screaming before Grady had gagged her. Now the cloth gag stuck to her dry tongue. She squinted through tired eyes at the pail of water sitting by the edge of the mineshaft. She could look right down into it, the water taunting her with how good it looked, how it would taste cool and refreshing as it slid over her tongue, down her throat. It would soothe her throat if she could just reach it.

But there was no hope of that.

They'd tied her up and left her to die of thirst. Lillian closed her eyes.

No, don't look at it. Don't think of it. Think of something else.

Pain shot from her broken right toe up her ankle and leg. The scent of burnt flesh still filled her nostrils. He'd seared the brand across the top of her breast. Memory lodged in her body where pain radiated along with heat, echoes of his laughter still ringing in her ears.

A single tear slipped out and ran down her cheek.

It hadn't mattered what he did to her or how relentless they were. She still couldn't tell them where the money was. She couldn't tell because she didn't know. And no amount of torture could change that one fact.

Lillian squeezed her eyes tight and prayed her lie had bought enough time to get away. Though how she'd ever get out of this she didn't know.

She had to get away before he returned, angrier than ever because she'd lied.

Mr. Thomas Shelton, her former fiancé, was probably well to California by now, and rich as the cream Lillian used to pour into her tea every afternoon. He'd done more than abandon her along with the promises he'd made to her. He'd left her to face the anger of everyone in town who he had robbed.

Dear God, but she was thirsty. If she could only have a drop or two of water. Lillian kept her eyes closed so as not to look at the pail again.

Mr. Shelton, the president of Shelton Security Bank and a widower, had finally asked for her hand in marriage after months of waiting. She'd thought she'd close the dressmakers shop. Fact was, she wasn't making much money. It hadn't been going well. The women living in town or in the outlying areas did their own sewing and except for a few bridal gowns and mending the saloon women's clothing, Lillian had made no other sales. Nevada was nothing like New York, where a woman needed a new gown for an event or wanted one simply because it was the latest new fashion.

She'd been foolish to follow her cousin out west, even if he was her only living relative. Carl was nothing like the boy she'd grown up with. Letters could be so deceiving and she hadn't seen him since he was ten.

Yet he'd written to her, urging her to come out west after her parents died. Convinced her it was better to be with family. Promised to help her set up a dressmaker's shop now that she had to make a living. She'd always enjoyed sewing for herself and her ailing mother and the dresses she made always brought compliments.

She'd also been drawn in by the adventure of moving west. So she'd left the town she'd spent her entire life in.

Carl had been nice enough at first, helping her set up shop, introducing the townsfolk to her. But after the first few weeks, he spent all his time playing cards and running up debts in the saloon and the mercantile, then expected her to pay for them.

He seemed to have the idea that because he'd done this favor for her, she was indebted to him for life. It was a debt she could never repay.

Carl thought she owed him and he thought she had the money. Even her own cousin didn't believe her.

The pain in Lillian's shoulders from the pressure of her own weight pulling her down pushed away her thoughts. Her arms being stretched for so long made her jerk and flinch, though she knew it was futile to fight and she barely had any fight left. But she couldn't help pulling against the ropes even though it only made things worse.

Oh, what she'd give for someone to cut her down and a fast horse. She'd learn to ride, as if her life depended on it.


*****


Nick's horse made her way carefully down the mountain, his pack horse following along behind.

He wasn't far from town, and looking forward to a warm bath to wash away the dust of the trip and then a good hot meal. Maybe if he were lucky there'd be a warm and willing woman too. He'd been a long time without a woman.

It was then he saw her. Long golden hair, which caught the rays of the setting sun, lighting those tresses up like a flame. Red-gold hair swinging in a gust of wind.

What the hell?

He blinked twice to clear his head, in case he was seeing some fools gold of a dream.

But when he opened his eyes she was still there, bound by her wrists, suspended over a wide mineshaft; her bare feet tied together at the ankles and her long hair blowing in the wind.

Who had strung her up and why?

He pulled his rifle out and rode closer, his senses on alert. The area appeared to have been abandoned, but he knew you could never trust appearances.

The appaloosa lost her footing briefly and rocks rumbled down the mountain. He tensed, waiting for a sound or for the end of a rifle to appear, but all was silent and still.

He slowly rode closer. The only sounds on the mountain were the wind and the steadier footsteps of his horse.

By the time he reached the woman it was clear there was no one else about.

He swallowed hard, shifted in the saddle as his thoughts shifted.

Damn, she's beautiful. The knots are all wrong. Whoever tied her was no cowboy. If she struggled those knots will only tighten more, hurting her worse.

His fist tightened around the reins.

That's no way to treat a woman.

Her long hair blew in the breeze again. He rode around to the other side. He had yet to see her face.


*****


She heard horses through her dizziness, through a haze of pain. The horses' hooves steadily clopped closer and closer, bringing God only knew what. Her heart began to race.

Dear God, not them again. Please don't let it be them. Not again. I can't take much more. I don't want to die here, today.

The horses stopped and the only other sound was the wind. She could feel eyes upon her.

She didn't want to look, didn't want to open her eyes for fear of what she'd see.

But she forced herself to open them, fought the fear and the dizziness and for one brief moment her gaze met his.

Long enough to see his eyes were like summer lightning, intense and flashing with some dark emotion.

Then her world went black.


*****


Nick frowned when he saw the brand upon her breast.

Her blouse was torn, ripped down the side, exposing pale creamy skin so fair it clearly had never seen the sun. Newly drawn, in the shape of a curving "S" the scorched and bloody "S" was an abomination upon her breast, her skin.

The violence of such brutal torture hit him in the gut, taking him by surprise for he was not a soft man and he had seen much.

Who the hell had done this to her and why?

His gaze traveled up to the perfect oval of her face, eyelashes which rested against pale skin, golden hair trailing down unbound. Her pale cheeks streaked with tears.

They'd gagged her. She made no sound because she couldn't.

He clenched his fists. He wanted to hunt down the son of a bitch who'd done this to her and exact justice. He wanted to cut her down and take away the pain.

Her lashes fluttered and she opened her eyes to look straight at him, her eyes widening in alarm and pain. Fear flashed in her green eyes for one brief moment before she passed out completely limp.

"No. Damn it."

Rope burns marred her skin and the front of her skirt was ripped. Wind caught her skirt and it blew just enough for him to see the bruising on one leg.

He looked up at the rope, which was fraying above her bound wrists.

It wasn't going to hold. Need to get her down. Now.

"Son of a bitch."

That rope breaks and she'll fall to her death.

He gathered his lasso, looped it around and threw it once to test it.

One chance. It might be all she had.

Caroline: No, don't stop there! I have to know more. Where can readers find your books?

DANGEROUS TIES is available at Desert Breeze Publishing and online wherever ebooks are sold.
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-299/Dangerous-Ties/Detail.bok

A DESPERATE JOURNEY is available at Samhain Publishing and wherever books are sold
http://store.samhainpublishing.com/debra-parmley-pa-236.html?PHPSESSID=537a71a8cd6312de0d9f38a3bac7ccd9

Signed copies are available at Burkes Books, my local indie in Memphis, TN
http://www.burkesbooks.com/shop/burkes/resort/title/topic1%2Ctopic2%2Ctopic3%2Ctopic4%2Ctopic5%2Ctopic6/Signed%20Books.html

Caroline: Anything else you’d like readers to know? How can readers learn more about you?

Debra: I'll be in Chicago next week at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. I love to meet readers so, if you are attending, be sure to come up and say hello and get your bingo card signed! Desert Breeze Publishing is giving away an eBook reader at the convention and the way to win is to get each of the Desert Breeze authors to sign your card. I'm so excited about the convention. It's going to be such fun!

I'm also a team captain in the Lucy Monroe Reader Fitness Challenge which runs from April 1st to June. Every Friday I'll be posting fitness tips on my blog, which lives on the home page of my website.
http://www.debraparmley.com


Readers can also find me on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Debra-Parmley/19909053561
And Twitter

Thank you for sharing with us today, Debra.

Readers, Debra and I are trading blogs today, so please surf over to read my interview at her site, www.debraparmley.com

Thanks for stopping by!

AUTHOR CELIA YEARY AND THE CAMERON SISTERS SERIES

Texas Author Celia Yeary

Celia Yeary is a seventh-generation Texan, and her life revolves around family, friends, and writing. San Marcos has been her home for thirty-five years. She has seven published romance novels, three “coming soon” novels, and published essays with a local magazine. The author is a former science teacher, graduate of Texas Tech University and Texas State University, mother of two, grandmother of three boys, and wife of a wonderful, supportive Texan. Celia and her husband enjoy traveling, and both are involved in their church, the community, and the university. She meets with The Write Girls on Tuesdays at a local coffee house.


THE CAMERON SISTERS SERIES

Greetings!

Caroline and I joke about being long-lost cousins, possibly even sisters. However, many sisters are quite different, which means Caroline and I have too many likenesses to be siblings. So, we'll stick with the cousin thing.

COUSINS

My two recent releases are about sisters: One born in poverty, shame, and isolation, but loved dearly by her young, unwed mother; The other born with a silver spoon in her mouth, loved and adored by all, raised like a hothouse flower. When the oldest turned five, her mother married a Texan who soon became wealthy. The child and her baby sister grew up inseparable, devoted to each other.

SISTERS

One of my favorite kind of romance is a series—either sisters or brothers, or occasionally a family with both. It seems that all popular, successful romance authors write a sibling series sometime in their careers: Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Karen Robards, Susan Mallery, Mary Balogh…the list is long. If the first book in the series is good, I'll read all others that follow.

Although I am not as popular nor successful as any of the aforementioned authors, I have definitely written a series—The Cameron Sisters—Western Historical Romances.

Available from Desert Breeze Publishing,
Perfect cover for a Texan's book,
spring bluebonnets--Texas state flower.

The first is The Cameron Sisters: Book I: TEXAS PROMISE. This is Jo's story, the one born in poverty and shame, and how she matures into a beautiful young woman, though willful and stubborn and bold.


Blurb for TEXAS PROMISE:


After two years, Jo Cameron King’s life as a widow abruptly ends when her husband returns home to Austin. Unable to understand her angry and bitter husband, she accepts a call to travel to the New Mexico Territory to meet her dying birth father whom she knows nothing about. Her plan to escape her husband goes awry when he demands to travel with her.


Dalton King, believing lies his Texas Ranger partner tells him about Jo, seethes with hatred toward his wife. Now he must protect Jo from his partner’s twisted mind, while sorting out the truth. Jo’s bravery and loyalty convince him she’s innocent. But can they regain the love and respect they once shared?

Available from Desert Breeze Publishing,
and another perfect Texas cover,
indian paintbrush

The Second is The Cameron Sisters: Book II: TEXAS TRUE. This is the baby sister True's story, the one raised like a hothouse flower, loved, adored, and protected by everyone.



Blurb for TEXAS TRUE:


At a Governor's Ball in Austin, Texas, True Lee Cameron meets suave Sam Deleon. Before the night is out, she transforms from the coddled and protected younger sister to a woman in love. Reality crashes down when she accidentally learns he has deceived her. Daring to disobey him, she follows Sam to the oilfields and determines to live wherever he does. Has she made a mistake? Will she give up and return home where she can make her own rules?
 When Sam Deleon meets the gorgeous young woman his mother has chosen for him, he fears falling in love, because he knows nothing about love. In order to carry out his mother’s plan, he marries True and moves her to his mother's home, intending to visit enough to set the plan in motion. When True fails to obey him, he faces the possibility of losing her, thereby losing his inheritance and the family property.
 Sam and True attempt a reconciliation and compromise. Together, they now face a nemesis, someone who determines to thwart every action they take, endangering not only their lives, but also those whom they love.

BUY LINKS for both TEXAS PROMISE and TEXAS TRUE:


Desert Breeze Publishing


Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Thank you, Caroline, for having me today. You're the perfect hostess, and also the perfect "cousin."

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com/
http://www.celiayeary.com/
http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/

Celia, thanks for sharing your books with us today. Thanks also for plugging our team blog, Sweethearts of the West. I love your writing, Cousin, and your books' covers are gorgeous. Come back again soon, ya' hear!