COME TO OUR FANDANGO THIS EVENING!

Don't you love a party where people are giving away things like books and gift cards? Yeah, me, too. You're invited to one of those. Here's the information you'll need:

USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton and I are sharing a Facebook Party to celebrate our new releases. Her release is ANYPLACE BUT HERE, book five of her Oklahoma Lovers. Mine is O'NEILL'S TEXAS BRIDE, book two of McClintocks. 

Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm in Eastern Daylight Time. We'll leave the contests open a few extra hours so those in other time zones and countries  have a chance to enter.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/670213289791026/

We’ll have actual books and gift cards to give to those who attend. 

We'll be serving virtual refreshments. I'll have TexMex with nachos, salsa, queso, and a margarita or two. You can drink all of the virtual margaritas you want and never have a headache. ☺

Among numerous other authors dropping by, these are hosting a slot:

Merry Farmer 7:00

Jacquie Rogers 7:30

Caroline Clemmons 8:00 -- but I'll be around the whole time.

Christine Warner 8:30

Cynthia Woolf 9:00

Kirsten Osbourne 9:30

Callie Hutton 10:00

Y’all please plan to drop by. Kick off your boots and stay a while. 

REVIEW OF SOMEBODY TO LOVE

SOMEBODY TO LOVE
By sheryl Browne
Safkhit Publishing
Print and E-download

Donna O’Connor is a single parent who works at a care center for children with learning disabilities. In addition, she has a seventeen-year-old son Matthew, whose pet is Findan, a rabbit. Donna has a three-legged dog, a labrador-mastiff mix, named Sadie. She is busy trying to make ends meet because her ex, Jeremy, is less than helpful, including not spending time with their son. There’s always an excuse, but Jeremy finds time for his girlfriend, Leticia, whom Donna has dubbed Twiglet.

After parking illegally, Donna meets PC Mark Evans, just the Adonis she’s been hoping for. He’s divorced, but has an autistic son, Karl. Well, you can see where this is going, right? Donna can’t help wishing she were ready to get involved with a man.

 Mark is smitten with Donna, so much so that instead of ticketing her for illegal parking, he invites her for coffee. He’d like to invite her for more, but Donna wants to take it slow. And Mark is afraid to admit up front that he has an autistic son.

This book touches on a problem dear to my heart, the autistic child. Ms Browne had done an excellent job of presenting the handicapped child and with the use of assistance dogs. The romance appeals to all romance lovers, and the message is not apparent, but a subplot of the story. Ms Browne’s writing style is delightful and I recommend this fun book to anyone who loves a good romance novel.

Author Sheryl Browne

This book was furnished to me for my honest opinion.

TRUE GRIT - WESTERN WOMEN

Everyone loves a sexy cowboy, but there’s not much of a love story if he doesn’t have an interesting woman who can tame the untamable.  Who’s up to the ever-so-pleasant but sometimes rocky task?   Let’s talk about western women. !

Western women weren’t merely transplanted eastern women.  For the most part, women had more rights and were far more “modern” in their thinking.  Wyoming granted women’s suffrage in 1869.  Most of the western states were far ahead of the eastern states when it came to suffrage, property rights, and marital law.

With that in mind, let’s look at a few women who shaped the character of Janelle Kathryn (aka J.K., shortened to Jake) O’Keefe, the heroine in MUCH ADO ABOUT MAVERICKS (♥ Hearts of Owyhee ♥ #3).
                                                        
 And while we're looking at these inspiring women, let me mention that another release, MUCH ADO ABOUT MADAMS, is FREE today on Amazon!

Little Joe Monaghan

Joe Monaghan

A lot of you know the story—Joe Monaghan was a woman who lived as a man in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory, for forty years.  But that’s not what interested me.  What I found intriguing was what she did.  As a member of the “weaker sex,” here’s a list of accomplishments:
 Worked a high-altitude mine, and worked harder than most men.
 Worked odd jobs—carpentry, digging ditches, anything to make a coin
 Bought a small acreage and raised chickens and garden vegetables—enough to sell and provide her with a decent living.
 Hired out as a sheepherder
 Hired out as a cowhand
 Homesteaded
 Earned money as a wrangler and bronc buster
 Performed as Cowboy Joe in Whaylen's Wild West Show: the Greatest Show on Land or Sea (note: Whaylen offered to pay $25 to any man who brought a horse that Joe couldn't ride, and never once did he have to part with his money)
 Built her own ranch and raised cattle
Now does that sound like the “weaker sex” to you?  This is not an easy country to ranch in, either.  Take a look: http://youtu.be/E8CzQYEncvk (be prepared to listen to a motorcycle. )
You can read more about Little Joe Monaghan at Unusual Historicals.

Kitty Wilkins

Kitty Wilkins

Now, we’ll go to a girlie-girl, a very feminine woman who you’d think would be the epitome of Victorian propriety.  She also lived in Owyhee County.  I’m referring to Kitty Wilkins, who, to this day, holds the record for the largest horsetrading deal in North American history.

Did she act like a man? No.  Did she look like a man?  No. The Sioux City Journal of Sioux City, Iowa, described Miss Wilkins as "a tall stately blond, with fluffy, golden hair, large blue eyes that have quite a knack of looking clear through one, regular features and pearly teeth which glisten and sparkle when she smiles, and she has a habit of smiling very frequently. Her lips are red and full, and her mouth and chin denote a certain firmness of manner, no doubt acquired in her peculiar calling."

Yet this woman could wheel and deal with the best of them.  She knew horseflesh better than most men, and she understood the business.  Find out more about Kitty Wilkins at Romancing The West.

Jake O’Keefe

Maureen O'Hara/Jake O'Keefe

So how did Little Joe Monaghan and Kitty Wilkins become Jake O’Keefe?  I guess it just happens when visions mix up in the ether.  Out came a beautiful woman who looks like Maureen O’Hara but is in a man’s world where she has to make do with what she’s got.  And what she has are the skills to make her the best foreman in the territory.  She’s confident, competent, and bold.  She wears clothing appropriate to her job; hence, britches instead of skirts.  I loved the idea of a man having to tame a woman instead of the other way around.

Now who would make the most improbable mate for a woman of this background?  A Boston attorney.  Yep.  So that’s just what I gave her, and it was rather fun watching her work all this out.  Sometimes an author needs to stay out of the way and let the characters tell the story, and believe me, no one gets in Jake’s way.  Well, except for Ben.  Whoo-baby!

Excerpt of MUCH ADO ABOUT MAVERICKS (♥ Hearts of Owyhee ♥ #3)
by Jacquie Rogers

[Setup: Ben grew in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory, but his father (who called Ben “Skeeter”) didn’t see where he’d ever amount to anything so he sent Ben to Harvard, where he read the law and became a prominent Boston attorney.  In this scene, Ben has just come home for the first time in thirteen years to settle his deceased father’s estate.]

Ben paid for the sarsaparillas and grasped both mug handles with one hand.  “Nice to see you again,” he said to the clerk.  He strode outside, into the billowing alkali dust kicked up by the wagon passing in front of the store.

A red-headed woman in cowhand’s clothes pulled the horses to a stop.  She handled the reins as well as any man; nevertheless, he planned to drive to the ranch whether she liked it or not.  She jumped down and headed for the trunk, but Ben ran to it first.  Shoving the mugs into her hands, he picked up the trunk and heaved it into the wagon.  He’d be double-damned if he’d let a woman load his trunk for him, even if she was nearly as tall as he.

She saluted him with one mug, drank the entire contents, and wiped her mouth on her sleeve.  “We best be getting to the Bar EL.  They’re expecting us.”

He could hardly wait to see his mother and sister, even if his stomach soured every time he thought about his childhood home.  But he had to take care of the family and ranch now that his father had died.  Worse, he had to contend with Jake O’Keefe because Pa thought his own son too incompetent to hire good people, even after four years at Harvard and nine years of practicing law.

The soda was refreshing and he took his time while the woman waited, not patiently, shifting her weight from left to right, then tossing a few pebbles.

“I think we should reintroduce ourselves.”  He placed the mug on the boardwalk and offered his hand.  “How do you do?  I’m Benjamin Lawrence, visiting from Boston.”

“Janelle Kathryn.”  She grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously.  “I’m surely pleased to meet you.”

He tested his shoulder to see if it still functioned after her hearty handshake.  Then, just to knock her off guard, he took her hand and kissed the back of it with grandiose gallantry.  “My pleasure, Miss Janelle.”
♥ ♥ ♥
Jumpin’ juniper berries!  Jake snatched her scorching hand away from Skeeter’s lips.  His well-placed little smacker burned hotter than a branding iron in August.  Only better, but she sure as shootin’ wouldn’t admit it to a soul.  Ever.  Of course, she had no intention of washing her hand for a month either.  That hot kiss sent goosebumps clean down to her toes.

She sucked in a deep breath and cleared her throat.  “Let’s go.”  She hopped onto the wagon and picked up the reins.

Ben leapt onto the seat and took the reins from her.  “I’ll drive.”

His thigh rubbed hers.  She didn’t know how he could think right if he tingled anything like she did.  But, he probably didn’t.  She inched away from him as the buckboard moved out of town.  She focused on the sagebrush—at least it didn’t knock her plumb senseless.  He was too damned good-looking in a dandified sort of way.  Taller than she was, too, by a few inches.  Few men were.  She stood even with Whip, who, although bent with years of hard work, was taller than the rest of the men.

It ate at her that Skeeter muddled her mind so, and she had no idea what got into her to tell him her real name.  She’d better set him straight.

“Just so’s you know, I ain’t no simpering female.  Folks around here call me Jake.  Jake O’Keefe.  I expect you ought to call me that, too.”
~^~
Enjoy the ride!

MUCH ADO ABOUT MAVERICKS (♥ Hearts of Owyhee ♥ #3) is available at Amazon.

You can get MUCH ADO ABOUT MADAMS (♥ Hearts of Owyhee ♥ #2) for FREE on Kindle today,

 and MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS (♥ Hearts of Owyhee ♥ #1) is only 99¢.What a deal!

Author Jacquie Rogers

Visit Jacquie at her website, http://www.jacquierogers.com/
Twitter, https://twitter.com/JacquieRogers
Facebook , http://www.facebook.com/JacquieRogersAuthor
Romancing The West, http://romancingthewest.blogspot.com/
or her Blog http://jacquierogers.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Jacquie, who is one of my favorite authors, for sharing her source of inspiration for her new heroine. Don't you love her book covers? If you haven't read her books, poor you! Start with book #1, MUCH ADO ABOUT MAVERICKS, and you won't be able to stop until you've read all three of her Hearts of Owyhee Series. She combines fast pace, humor, surprises, and great characterization for a perfect read.

Thanks for stopping bt!

AUTHOR M K McCLINTOCK SHARES THE WEST

Please help me welcome MK McClintock to the blog. MK is an entrepreneur, baker, photographer (you can see evidence of that in the post below), tour host, reviewer, and writer. She was born on the West Coast, but like me, after less than eight years left with her family. I came back to Texas, but MK went to the Rocky Mountains. After more adventures around the country, business college and culinary school, MK found a place to call home in Montana. And what a place she found! She proves it with gorgeous photos of her home state. Over the years MK McClintock traveled the country and visited magnificent Scotland, another thing we have in common. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, MK will always call Montana home.


Here's some great new! MK has generously offered to give away a copy of GALLAGHER'S PRIDE to two lucky commenters today. So, when you comment, please remember to leave your email address. Now, here's MK's interview:

MK McClintock, Author

Caroline: Please tell us about your life growing up.

MK: I grew up near the beach in southern California, but we spent a lot of time vacationing in the mountains, and I wasn’t that old when we left for the Rocky Mountains where my true appreciation for this life began. I’m the middle of five children (which meant referee growing up). I was (and still am) definitely a bookworm, but I do spend a considerably amount of time outside hiking, walking, swimming, snowshoeing – I love the outdoors.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

MK: Kathleen Woodiwiss and Edward Rutherford are my favorite authors. I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to genres, but I tend to reach for the historical romances, westerns, or a good thriller.

Caroline: I also love those, but also like cozy mysteries and contemporary romantic suspense. What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

MK: I love to spend time in the kitchen. If I’m too wound up and need to let it all go, I usually go for a walk, but then I spend a couple of hours just baking and listening to Celtic music. I also like to knit or just read a no-thinking-required book.

Caroline: Love those no-thinking-required books. To me, they are a chance to unwind and recharge. Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Eagle in Montana tree

MK: "Happy the man, and happy he alone, he who can call today his own; he who, secure within, can say, tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today." - John Dryden

Caroline: What a great quote. How long have you been writing?

MK: I’ve been writing in one form or another since I was very young. I still have all the stories I made up or wrote with friends during out little story club. It’s always been there.

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

MK: It depends on my mood and the type of scene I’m writing. Generally I prefer writing in my office at the PC, but once in a while I need to sit by a cozy fire or look out over the lake for extra inspiration, and in those cases I use my laptop. I want complete quiet when I’m writing—I’m easily distracted. Again though, if the mood strikes or I’m writing a certain scene, I turn on classical or Celtic music—something that works with the story.

Montana's Jewel Basin - Is it any
wonder MK loves it here?

Caroline: I love writing to classical music. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

MK: Both! I plot out the initial story with an outline, but then I follow it where it wants me to go.

Caroline: That makes you a Plotzer. I am also, but I have to have that outline for starters. Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

MK: Certainly there’s a bit of history involved and some of the events may have taken place, but mostly it’s just imagination. I write how I believe it would have been and also how I like to think it would have been.

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

MK: I’ve learned not to set a daily goal—I just have far too much going on each day. Basically I give myself a certain block of time and whatever I get done, I get done. If I happen to miss a day, I don’t beat myself up over it. Writing has to be fun or I wouldn’t do it.

Caroline: That’s a mentally healthy outlook. We need goals, but if we’re too rigid we stifle creativity IMO. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

MK: An escape from the modern world, even if only for a short time.

Montana view near MK

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

MK: Just to keep writing. I have a lot of books planned—enough to keep me busy for the next 10-15 years. Whatever good happens with it, I’ll be thrilled.

Caroline: Me, too. Although I think I’ll have to live to 200 to produce all the books in my head. ☺ Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

MK: The second book of the Montana Gallagher series, GALLAGHER’S HOPE, will be released on August 1st. I’m giving myself a two-week break and then I’ll be back to writing the third book in the series.

I’m also doing research for two other books that I hope to release soon after the Gallagher series is complete.

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

MK: Get published! If you’re patient, then it doesn’t hurt to wait, but don’t wait forever to see your dreams become reality. And don’t give up—ever.

Caroline: A fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

MK: I really like corn on the cob, but won’t touch it off the cob.

Caroline: Is your book a series? If so, how long? Family saga, other?

MK: It is! The Montana Gallagher Series and I have four books total planned. The series does all involve one family, but you get some fun characters added into the mix.

Caroline: I love a series! Can you give readers a blurb about your book?

MK: Here’s the blurb for GALLAGHER'S PRIDE:

She was on a quest for discovery.
He was on a quest for revenge.
Together they would discover a second chance.

Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.

As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

Caroline: What a beautiful and enticing cover. How about an excerpt:

MK: Here's Excerpt #1

Montana Territory-1879
He wasn’t about to let the grievance go unanswered. His parents had found thirty years of peaceful living in this beautiful and rugged land. They had traveled to the northern territories to escape the sweltering madness of Texas and had indeed found peace. Even when the land became the Territory of Montana more than ten years ago, they had still lived in peace with the other settlers that had come to mine and graze cattle. In all that time they had only one encounter with the Indians and that without loss of life. Since the army was defeated by some of the tribes about ten years back, the Indians were content to keep peace. So long as the settlers stayed to their land and left the natives to theirs.

Peace for the Gallagher’s had ended with Nathan Hunter.

The bastard had purchased land only a few miles from their extensive borders. The small stretch of grass between the two spreads belonged to a belligerent old swindler, Dwight Dickens, who refused to work the valuable land. When the fool realized that there was more than one interested party, he let the bidding war begin. It was little more than fifteen acres, but the prize of that land was the water. Water and grass were the greatest currencies out west, without which a rancher may as well pack up and leave. Control of that stretch meant control of the stream coming down from the mountains. The snowfall each year assured that the water would flow continuously through till the next winter and keep their ponds full.

The Gallagher family won the bidding war, but only once they agreed that old man Dickens could keep his small homestead on the land. A small sacrifice for the water rights.

One week later, Nathan Hunter had his men stretch barbed wire along the new boundary line. The Gallagher’s hated wire. When they had first come to Montana Territory, there was little more than a few small ranches in the area they chose to settle, a day’s ride north of Bozeman. Not many settlers lasted past their first winter in the harsh climate, but the Gallaghers had found home and soon became some of the most respected ranching families in the territory. Known for their fairness in business and hard work, they had made a solid name for themselves. Jacob Gallagher built a legacy on that wild land and his children were damned if they’d let one man destroy it.

MK And here's Excerpt #2
Are you out of your mind?” The words tumbled from her mouth before she could stop them, but he had gone and truly shocked her.

“No actually I’m not. It’s your safety I’m thinking of,” replied Ethan, more to himself than her. He loosened the hold on her arm.

Brenna let out an exasperated sigh, something her mother had always tried to discourage, and said, “I do appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gallagher . . .”
“
Ethan.”

“. . . Ethan, but I’m certainly not the type of woman to just go home with two men whether I know them or not. It would be highly inappropriate, not to mention stupid.”

“And you’re not stupid.”

“Not as far as I can tell,” Brenna said with fire in her eyes.

Caroline: Well, you’ve certainly hooked me and I’m eager to purchase the book! Where can other readers and I find your books?

MK: The buy links are:
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Gallaghers-Pride-First-Gallagher-Novels/dp/1456346814/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327247860&sr=8-1

Amazon Kindle Link: http://www.amazon.com/Gallaghers-Pride-Gallagher-Series-ebook/dp/B006ZOSVFG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327248043&sr=8-2

Caroline: Another thing we have in common, MK, is that your heroine's surname is Cameron, and my heroine for my cozy mystery, DIGGING FOR DEATH, is Heather Cameron. My hero for THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE is Dallas McClintock. Obviously, we both come from Scots ancestry and love Scotland. How can readers learn more about you?

MK: Here are some links:

MK McClintock Website: http://www.mkmcclintock.com

Official Blog: http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com 

Goodreads Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5438837.M_K_McClintock 

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/mkmcclintock

Another shot of the Jewel Basin - I'm ready to pack
my bags and head there, how about you?

Caroline: Your blog and website are just beautiful. Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

MK: I fell in love with the Gallagher family from their first words. The characters are flawed, likeable and yes, sometimes infuriating, but they’re real and true to themselves. This is more than just a series, it’s a western saga and so some questions won’t be answered in every book – you may have to wait until the end. The series follows the Gallagher’s romance, hope and revenge over the course of several books—each one offering something new.

It should also be understood that I write fiction, not history. I do my best to stay true to the time in which the books are set, but I do take some leeway as a fiction author. I accept full responsibility for any major historical discrepancies. I hope you enjoy the story and the Gallagher family as much I do.

Caroline: A good point, MK. I also try to stay true to the time period, but we write fiction. If we have to make a hill taller or invent a town, we’re allowed to do so. Thanks for sharing with us today. I’m off to purchase your book now....

Readers, remember MK's giveaway and leave your email with your comment!

Thanks for stopping by!

"WHAT IF" IS THE WRITER'S SPARK!

What sparked my story idea for BRAZOS BRIDE? So glad you asked. The answer is several things.

I love family series and trilogies. So, I wanted to write about brothers who’d shared tragedy and good times that strengthened an already strong bond between them. What I came up with is the three Stone brothers and the Men of Stone Mountain trilogy. I'm a gentle soul, really I am, but I prefer murder, kidnapping, or some sort of intrigue even in romances.

While researching my contemporary time travel romantic suspense, OUT OF THE BLUE (available from The Wild Rose Press at www.thewildrosepress.com/caroline-clemmons-m-638.html), I came across a couple of historic events that sparked “what if” thoughts. “What if” is a writer’s blessing because the question launches us into characters and plots.

Over the years, I’ve read a lot of books with poison as the murder weapon (especially in Agatha Christie’s books), and wanted at least two of the books to include poisons found growing naturally in the Southwest. I had needed a natural poison for a cozy mystery I’m soon to publish on Kindle, DIGGING FOR DEATH. In that book, I did quite a bit of research and discovered the plant I needed to fit the story, but also discovered many other native poisonous plants.

Foxglove, from which digitalis comes, is an example
of a plant that can heal or kill. Foxglove grows wild near
where I live in Texas.

Research is never wasted for writers, and I loved playing around with those plants. Mentally, that is, not the actual poison! Naturally I couldn’t use the same poison in each book or there would be no suspense. I need not have worried because there are many Texas plants that are harmful or lethal. Even some healing plants are lethal when misused or given in too large a dose.

Oleander, a deadly plant when any part is ingested.

As a result, I came up with three very different stories (in my opinion) for the Men of Stone Mountain that contain different native plant poisons used in BRAZOS BRIDE, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, and BLUEBONNET BRIDE. The first book, BRAZOS BRIDE, is Micah Stone’s story and is on sale now for only 99 cents at Amazon Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007HS10SY/ref=sr_1_18?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331156267&sr=1-18 (Soon, I'll have a print version available from CreateSpace.) I’m writing HIGH STAKES BRIDE now, which is Zach Stone’s story with Mary Alice Price as the heroine.  Joel’s story, BLUEBONNET BRIDE, will be the final for this trilogy. Then I will have Storm Kincaid’s book to write. Of course, my muse is busy conjuring up the next series. I just love writing and hope never to stop.

What kind of romances do you enjoy? I'll give away a copy of BRAZOS BRIDE to one person who answers this question in a comment.

Thanks for stopping by! Y'all come back.

GIVEAWAY, BLOG HOP, AND JENNIFER WILCK

Before I introduce my intriguing guest for today, please take note of the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop badge at the top of my sidebar. Over 400 blogs have combined--with the concept and planning by blog owners at “I’m a Reader, not a Writer” and “The Diary of a Bookworm.” For my participation, I’m giving away a pdf of one of my books (winner’s choice) each day of the Hop! Winners will be announced on November 1st. After you read the interview below, click on the graphic at the right to be taken to the list of participating blogs. Comments on this blog will be entered in my daily drawing and announced on November 1st. Please include your email. If you follow my blog, subscribe by email, and/or sign up for my newsletter, that counts as extra entries, so be sure to mention those.


Now . . . on to today’s guest, author Jennifer Wilcks.

Jennifer Wilck, Author

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


Jennifer: Except for college, which I attended in St. Louis, I’ve been a Jersey girl all my life, and despite my best attempts, probably have the accent to prove it. I’ve no siblings, although I’ve always wished for an older brother, and I’m fairly shy in person (snarky on paper). I’m married with two girls and a dog.


Caroline: We also have two girls and a dog--and two cats--and I love snarky on paper! Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?


Jennifer: My favorite author is Lynn Kurland. I love reading anything at all, but prefer women’s fiction and romance. Although I write contemporary romance, I prefer to read historical.


Caroline: As someone who frequently writes historical romance, I love to hear that! How many books do you read a month? What are you reading now?


Jennifer: My reading goes in spurts, depending on my time. Right now, I’m reading about a book a week. I just finished reading THE BEACH TREES by Karen White. It’s set in New Orleans and Biloxi, and it was fantastic! I highly recommend it.


Caroline: Sounds interesting. I loved her books set on Tradd and Legare. When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?


Jennifer: I don’t have a lot of time to relax and recharge. I have two girls, aged 10 and 12 and they keep me very busy. When I’m not writing, I’m volunteering with my Temple, volunteering at their schools or trying to work on my to-do list, which is huge at the moment, due to my older daughter’s upcoming Bat Mitzvah. My hobbies (the rare times I get to engage in them) are refinishing furniture and craft projects. I enjoy hanging out with my husband and family.


Caroline: I remember when our girls were that age. I loved it, but they did keep me busy. Describe yourself in three or four words.


Jennifer: Wife, friend, mom, snarky


Caroline: Love the snarky part. How long have you been writing?


Jennifer: Forever. I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I started professionally in journalism, and made the switch to fiction about 5 years ago.


Caroline: I was a journalist for a while and loved it. Having deadlines is great training, as is writing whatever you’re assigned. Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?


Jennifer: I use a laptop. I need quiet, so most of my writing is done when the kids are at school and the husband is at work.


Caroline: Are you a plotter or a panzer?


Jennifer: I’m a total pantser. I tried to be a plotter for my current WIP and I’m paying for it now with a ton of editing.


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

Jennifer: Hah! I just wrote a piece about this for a blog I contribute to http://www.heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/ . My stories are fiction, but I usually add a snippet or two of real life to them. For example, in A HEART OF LITTLE FAITH, the heroine tells a story about how, as a child, she used to give her dad back rubs and pretend his back was a pizza pie. She’d knead the dough, swish on the sauce, sprinkle the cheese and smack on the toppings. She’d have a pizza and he’d have a limber back. I used to do this with my dad when I was about 3 or 4 years old. In my latest book, SKIN DEEP, the heroine’s family goes to the racetrack every Thanksgiving and her mom has a particular betting strategy (you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is and if it works for you). My family and I used to do this every year and the betting strategy was actually my great-grandmother’s—yes, we’re a bunch of degenerates!

AVAILABLE NOW!

Caroline: When my youngest was 3 or 4, I used to have her walk barefoot on my back. Really helped. Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?


Jennifer: I try to have a writing schedule, although it often gets disrupted. In general, Mondays are when I write my blog posts and edit my critique partner’s work. I try to write a few hours each of the other weekdays. I have goals in my head—a chapter, a scene, etc.—but I’m more flexible with those.


Caroline: How clever to do blog posts all in one day. I believe I’ll try that. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?.


Jennifer: I hope it brings rich characters and stories that stay with them forever.


Caroline: Don’t we all? What long-term plans do you have for your career?


Jennifer: That’s a tough one because I never really thought I’d be here. I’ve always written stories, but they were for my own pleasure. I was fortunate to have two of them published, but it wasn’t necessarily something I planned on happening. I guess long term, I’d like to continue with the way things are now and have more of my stories published and possibly expand into women’s fiction.


Caroline: Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?


Jennifer: Love to! I’m working on another contemporary romance, but this one has a Jewish theme. The story is based loosely on the holiday of Purim and involves a hero and a heroine who hide their true natures from themselves and from those around them. When they are able to trust each other enough to reveal themselves, they fall in love.


Caroline: That sounds intriguing to readers whether they’re Jewish or not. Blossoming awareness and romance are always interesting. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?


Jennifer: I’d advise them to write what they love and to do it for the pleasure of writing. Don’t get bogged down by the “rules” and don’t write only to be published. If you like what you write, others will too and eventually you’ll realize your dreams.


Caroline: Excellent advice! Tell us about your latest release.

Available in November
From Whiskey Creek Press

Jennifer: My latest release is SKIN DEEP, coming in November from Whiskey Creek Press.


Here’s a blurb: The last thing Valerie needs, after escaping an abusive marriage to an alcoholic and rebuilding her life, is a broody, secretive, standoffish man. But that’s exactly what she gets when she becomes a makeup artist on the set of a hit sitcom and draws the attention of the series’ star.


John Samuels hides a terrible past—a life of abuse and neglect. A successful acting career and the affection and support of cast, crew and friends, does nothing to convince him that he is anything other than an unlovable monster.


Will he learn that the life he’s been living has been built on a lie or will he be doomed to repeat the sins of his father?


Caroline: You’ve hooked me already. Care to give us a peek?


Jennifer: Here’s the excerpt:


The square, plastic bottle crashed to the floor, the white cap skittered under a cabinet, and bisque-colored foundation splattered across the tile floor, where it made a Rorschach pattern within the large white squares. With a groan and a roll of her eyes, Valerie searched under the makeup table, found the errant cap, replaced it on the bottle, and returned the foundation to the tray. She grabbed a damp rag and wiped up the mess.


She looked at the shooting schedule and smiled as she ran her fingers down the smooth laminated page. Only three weeks into this job, she loved working as assistant make-up artist on “Oddballs,” a Top-10 weekly TV sitcom. She double-checked her kit for the supplies she’d need that day. So engrossed in her work, she didn’t notice her boss’ purple-spiked head in the door of the make-up trailer, or the ever-present smell of hair gel that hovered around her, until Michelle called her name.


“Hey, Valerie, a bunch of us are going out after work. Wanna come?”


Flashes from her past competed with images from the present at the sudden voice and Valerie stiffened. She shook her head to clear the jumble of images.


“Where are you going?” She wiped the remains of the foundation on the short cotton apron over her turquoise shirt and faded denim jeans. Eyes closed, she inhaled. The thick weave of rough fabric scraped her fingers and anchored her in the present, despite her body’s momentary lapse.


“Tico’s for some drinks. There’s about eight of us going. It’ll be fun and you can meet some of the crew.”


Valerie’s hands shook and knocked into the plastic bottles on the tray. They clinked together as the tubes slid into the scissors and destroyed their recent orderliness. She kept her face down, eyes averted, as her cheeks heated and her palms became sweaty. She had dreaded this moment. If they’d been going anywhere but a bar, she’d have joined them, but she couldn’t bring herself to go there. So, she had to perform a delicate bal-acing act. Somehow, she had to refuse this invitation, but leave open the possibility for others. Despite their different personal styles, she and Michelle had formed an instant bond. The last thing she wanted was to hurt their new friendship.


“I can’t tonight. Thanks for asking though. Maybe another time.” She took a deep breath and pasted on a smile.


“Hot date?” Michelle raised a perfectly plucked black eyebrow and grinned. Valerie grinned back. “Just with my laundry.”


“You’re turning me down for laundry? Come on, you can do that tomorrow.”


Valerie shook her head. “I really can’t tonight, Michelle. Next time.”


Michelle muttered under her breath as she left. Valerie sighed as the door banged shut and left her alone with her memories.


* * * *


That night, after all the scenes had been shot, Valerie waited for everyone to leave. She didn’t want to answer questions or receive pity.


She arranged and rearranged drawers and tools. The trailer contained three stations, each with its own make-up chair. A long table ran down one wall, with plenty of drawers for storage space. Well-lit mirrors hung above the table. Un-able to find anything else to do, and convinced by the silence that everyone had to have left, she took out her keys to lock up. She jumped as a knock sounded at the door, the trailer rattled, and a head peeked in.


“Valerie?”


“Oh, hi, John.” She expelled a deep breath and willed her heart to slow its frantic beat. “Do you need something?”


“No.” He entered and stood by the door. John Samuels played the lead. At almost six-foot three, he dwarfed the trailer and had to tip his head to fit. He folded his muscular arms across his chest and spread his feet apart. “Michelle told me you were not joining us tonight. I thought I would see if I could change your mind.”


Valerie rolled her eyes. “She is persistent.”


“You noticed.” John’s dark eyes twinkled. His mouth widened with a ghost of a smile. Valerie tried not to gasp.


He reminded her of a rugged cowboy—broad-shouldered, with a prominent brow, dark piercing eyes, high cheekbones, and a cleft chin. When he smiled, even a slight trace of one, his eyes looked like liquid velvet and his dimples twinkled like stars in the night sky. A five-o’clock shadow covered his cheeks. Her fingers itched to brush against their rough texture, to tease his mouth into a full-blown grin.


“So, what can I say to make you join us?”


As he leaned against the wall in well-fitting jeans and a T-shirt that left nothing to the imagination, Valerie’s mind said, “Sleep with me.” Heat crept up her neck, over her cheeks, and continued to the roots of her hair. A thin sheen of sweat dampened the space between her breasts. She felt the sudden urge to fan herself, like a damsel in distress in an old B-movie. Instead, she ignored her traitorous thoughts. Her balled fist pressed into her tight stomach.


“Tonight, not even chocolate will change my mind.”


She didn’t exactly lie. She had no intention of going to the bar, or of sleeping with him, no matter how her thoughts might try to sabotage her good intentions. She’d been fooled by surface finery before, and it had almost killed her. She wouldn’t let it happen again.


“I will remember that,” he promised. “But next time you will not get off so easy.” His eyes bored into hers for a moment, and then he turned on his heel and left.


* * * *


True to his word, John arrived the following day pre-pared for battle. With a cursory knock on the door, he dangled a bag of M&Ms inside the trailer, but snatched it back be-fore she could grab them. “We are going out for pizza. I will pick you up in ten minutes.” Before she could answer, he walked out.


Valerie shrugged as she finished her work. The new Val-eerie never allowed other people to make decisions for her, but she’d practically handed John a permission slip. And, he had M&M’s. How could she refuse?


Ten minutes later, he returned, ushered her out the door and down the steps. Although he didn’t touch her, she could imagine the warmth of his hand on the small of her back, and feel the gentle puff of his breath against her hair. The angle of his body steered her toward the others in the parking lot as if he had taken her by the hand and dragged her with him. An invisible electric charge pulled her. Or maybe it was his Dial-soap scent. That scent—soap and man—made her stomach flip flop. Her uncontrollable reaction to him disturbed her, especially since he appeared unaffected.


He remained silent, strode toward their meeting place, and studied his surroundings as if he expected someone to pop out of the shadows and yell, “Boo!”


Then she saw the brown bag of M&Ms sticking out of his white shirt pocket. Before he could stop her, she reached around and grabbed them, opened the bag and popped three in her mouth.


“Hey, those are mine!” He reached for the bag, but not fast enough to retrieve them.


“Not anymore.” As she danced away from him, she stuck another handful in her mouth.


He brought his hand up to his heart, as if she had wounded him deeply, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away. Valerie had all she could do not to burst out laughing.


“You did not have to take them, you know. I was plan-nine to give them to you later.” He pouted and his dark hair fell across his brow, but not before Valerie saw a flash of a smile turn the corners of his mouth up.


“Oh really? When?”


“After dinner, of course. I would not want to spoil your appetite.”


As if that were possible. Valerie laughed again and John grunted, a deep hoarse sound that climbed from the pit of his stomach and thrust its way out his mouth.


“What’s so funny?” Lara, from editing, asked as they joined the group of friends clustered outside the lot. All other conversation stopped as everyone waited for the answer.


John looked at Valerie and his ghost of a smile disappeared. He remained silent and backed up a pace, as if need-in to put distance between them now that there were others around. Lara rolled her eyes and walked on ahead as Valerie bent over and massaged the stitch in her side. She watched his feet walk away from her, listened to the crunch of gravel be-Neath his shoes as the warm, funny man disappeared.


“What, no laundry tonight?” taunted Michelle when Val-eerie looked up. She smirked and headed down the street with the rest of them as she stared at the broad expanse of John’s back up ahead and wondered about John’s sudden coldness. The connection she’d started to feel between them disappeared. He walked a pace or two in front of her, his back stiff, his arms held at his sides. With a shrug, she joined in the conversation around her and put John’s odd behavior out of her mind.


Three blocks later, they approached a dark, noisy pub. Valerie’s stomach clenched as the door opened and the smell of beer floated outside. Spots floated in front of her eyes and for a moment, she thought she would faint. Her throat con-stricter and she paused as she clamped her mouth shut against the bile that rose in her throat. She leaned against the cool brick wall and willed herself to breathe, even as the rough surface dug into her back. Her gaze darted down the crowded street, but before she had the chance to flee, John towered behind her.


“Don’t back out on me now,” he whispered. “I already gave you the M&Ms.” His warm breath blew against her shoulder and she took a jagged breath.


She turned, grateful for the distraction, and stared at his massive chest. Rock-hard muscles confronted her beneath his black T-shirt and for a moment, the clink of glasses on the bar and the grainy smell of beer faded away. All she could see was his immense body; all she could smell was his fresh, soapy scent; all she could feel was his solid chest in her imagination. Imagination wasn’t enough.


She lifted a trembling hand to touch him and he backed up just out of her reach. Blue eyes met gray and held for a moment. She swallowed, the gulp audible, and the spell broke. The sights, sounds, and smells rushed back to her. She ran her tongue across her lips, tasted the waxy flavor of her lipstick, and closed her eyes as she swayed.


John frowned and placed himself between her and the crowd at the bar. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him nod to one or two people who smiled in recognition, but he remained at her side. Together, they walked across the sticky floor and past the loud band up front to their table in the back. He pulled out her chair and sat next to her, and she released a pent-up breath. She felt safe with him close to her. It’s not a bar, she told herself. It’s a restaurant that happens to serve drinks. She’d be fine.


John turned to her and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. He clasped his large hands together and looked into her eyes. He held her gaze and as she stared into his thunder-head-colored eyes, she relaxed. “So, how do you like things so far, Valerie?”


“Here?”


“Well, I actually meant at work, but here too.”


Valerie blushed as she tried to focus on his words. “Oh, well, I love working on the show. I was a huge fan before I got the job, so it’s amazing to be a part of it now.” I sound like a babbling idiot.


John smiled. “What may I order for you?” He flagged down a big-bosomed, tight-shirted waitress with bright orange fingernails. She walked over, pen and pad ready. Every-one ordered beers. Valerie ordered a diet soda.


“Not ready to let loose yet, huh, Valerie?” asked Miguel, one of the crew, with a soft chuckle. Valerie smiled, but her cheeks felt as if they would crack and she looked away. John caught her eye and smiled at her. His unexpected warmth re-assured her almost as much as an arm around her shoulders.


She sat back and listened to the conversation at the table. All around her were people from work—Harry, the first AD; Ken, from production; Lara, and Tony, from wardrobe. Tina and Jeremy, John’s costars, had joined them as well. She crossed her fingers and joined in.


The waitress returned with their drinks and took their orders. Her ballpoint pen scratched across her pad as each person ordered a personal pizza, but changed the sauce, type of crust, and combination of toppings.


When the waitress turned to her, Valerie ordered a mushroom pie and a house salad.


The waitress paused, expectantly. As the silence continued, she raised an overly tweezed eyebrow.


“Is that it?”


“Yes,” Valerie answered.


“Are you sure?”


Valerie furrowed her brow. “Of course.” With a shake of her head, the waitress turned to John. She asked for his autograph and after he scrawled his name across a napkin, gave her his order, also simple but large—two personal pepperoni pizzas. During the course of the evening, John kept an eye on Valerie, made sure her drink never ran out, and that she par-tic pated in the conversation. When talk turned to something unfamiliar, he filled her in.


When they finally left, the muggy night air wrapped around Valerie like a cocoon and muffled the smells and sounds from inside. She stretched her spine and threw her shoulders back as she inhaled deeply for the first time all evening. John fell into step next to her and offered to walk her back to her car.


“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked, as they crossed the street.


“No one should walk by themselves at night.”


“Thanks, that’s really nice of you.” Although they walked next to each other, John left plenty of space between them. In spite of that, his size made her feel smaller than her five foot six frame. He didn’t intimidate her, and she peered sideways at him as she considered her lack of fear. Maybe because of the physical distance he maintained around her—he couldn’t hurt her if he were far away—or maybe his manners and the careful way he spoke put her at ease. Whatever the reason, she felt as comfortable walking with him as she would have with Michelle.


“Here’s my car.” She pointed to a blue Honda Civic parked under a lamp. “Thanks again for walking me out.”


“See you tomorrow.” He waited, hands deep in his pockets, feet spread apart, while she started the engine. He watched her wave and pull away. Something about her intrigued him—more than just her mysterious nerves or her simple pizza order, although those things contributed to it. She didn’t behave like the typical LA actor crowd who usually surrounded him. Her vulnerability aroused his protective nature. Not that she’d asked for his protection. She’d never ask him to take care of her, no one would. But still...


Caroline: Wonderful storytelling, and love both covers. Where can readers find your books?


Jennifer A HEART OF LITTLE FAITH and SKIN DEEP are available from the following:
From the publisher (Whiskey Creek Press): http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/


From Amazon (SKIN DEEP will be posted there shortly): http://www.amazon.com/


From Fictionwise (SKIN DEEP will be posted there shortly): www.fictionwise.com


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


Jennifer: I love to hear from readers and writers. You can reach me at my website: http://www.jenniferwilck.com/, on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wilck/201342863240160 and on
Twitter: @JWilck.


I also write a blog, "Fried Oreos" http://www.jenniferwilck.wordpress.com/ and contribute to a group blog, "Heroines With Hearts" http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/


Caroline: Thank you for being my guest, Jennifer, and sharing with us today. Best wishes for continued success in your writing career.

Readers, don’t forget to leave your email in your comment so that I can enter you in the daily drawing for a pdf of one of my books in the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop. If you join as a follower, that counts as a second entry as does signing up for my newsletter.


Thanks for stopping by!

BETH TRISSEL SHARES A LOVE LETTER

Beth Trissel and friends

Although set in England, the tumult taking place in France during the explosion of the French Revolution is the backdrop for my new historical romance, INTO THE LION’S HEART. This story launched the new series The Wild Rose Press is debuting called Love Letters, the premise being that a letter is responsible for bringing the hero and heroine together. At 96 pages, INTO THE LION’S HEART is an easy but satisfying read. However, I did as much research for it as I would a full novel.





Several wave of nobility called émigrés fled France, beginning  in  1789, while they still could. Some took refuge in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland where they plotted against the Revolutionary government and sought foreign aid to help them restore the old regime.

18th Century
French Nobleman

Many émigrés also sought refuge in England, including the King Louis XV111’s brother the Comte d’Artois, the future King Charles X. Most of the nobility who remained in France were guillotined during the Revolution, along with members of the clergy and a large number of commoners. The guillotine was greedy for ever more victims. No one knows for certain, but it’s estimated that as many as 40,000 people were guillotined by the end of the reign of terror.





Captain Dalton Evans

  INTO THE LION’S HEART opens with the hero, Captain Dalton Evans (fought in the American Revolution) journeying to Dover to meet the ship carrying a distant cousin, Mademoiselle Sophia Devereux, who’s fleeing the French Revolution.

Prologue~


October, 1789, the English Countryside in Kent


What a bloody bore. Lurching over the rutted road, the autumn countryside obscured by sheets of rain, Captain Dalton Evans shifted wearily in the cumbersome coach. With little else to occupy him, he pulled the letter from his breast coat pocket. Aunt Agnes conveyed the contents earlier but Dalton hadn’t troubled to read the urgent summons penned by the illustrious Vicomte Henri Devereux—illustrious according to his aunt, anyway.

My Dear Madame,


I pray this finds you in good health and beg you excuse the abruptness of my missive. With the utmost faith in your generous nature, highly spoken of by my beloved late wife, I implore your assistance. France is in turmoil, its future precarious. For myself I make no complaint and will bear my lot, but beg you to assure the safety of my dearest Sophia. Please care for my darling girl as you would your own child. As soon as arrangements may be made, Mademoiselle Devereux will cross the Channel on The White Rose and should arrive at Dover harbor on the 20th—

A fierce jolt jerked his focus to the muddy track serving as a road. That madman driving this coach would have them over in a ditch next thing.


Reassured his position was safe for the moment, Dalton glanced back at the letter. The brief plea lacked the formal, flowery language he would’ve expected from a French nobleman. Clearly the vicomte was backed against a wall, his plight pitiable. But Dalton’s role as newly appointed champion of Sophia Devereux vexed him to the extreme.~

 INTO THE LION’S HEART is available at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers.


For more on my work please visit my website: http://www.bethtrissel.com/

My blog is the happening place: http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/



Beth, thanks for sharing with us today. You know I'm one of your devoted fans, and I can hardly wait to read this novella!