INTERVIEW WITH LINDA O'CONNOR #Romanticidea

Through online networking, I’ve met some truly interesting authors. Linda O’Connor is one of these and I’m so pleased she consented to an interview for today.

Please tell us about growing up. Share anything that lets readers get to know the real you.

I haven’t always been an author –I’ve been a physician for a lot longer! I work part-time at a clinic, but I also spent many years teaching clinical skills to medical students. As part of that job, I wrote a lot of roles for the standardized patients (actors portraying patients). That was great experience for character development in my stories! I grew up in Carlisle, a small town in Ontario, attended university in Toronto, lived in Ottawa, and settled in Kingston. Lots of info for a variety of settings! 

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

My favourite genre is romance because I love the happily-ever-after endings. I’m usually reading for relaxation so I enjoy any lighthearted, fun read. My favourite romance author is Nora Roberts. I also really enjoyed Priceless by Marne Davis Kellogg and Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl. Graeme Simsion’s two Rosie books are very funny!

When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Zumba. I love dancing. Not that I’ve ever taken any formal lessons, but it hasn’t mattered! I really love being outdoors too, so if it’s a day without a Zumba class, I’ll go cycling or cross-country skiing.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for about 5 years now. The first manuscript took about nine months to write. I loved that I could take my time and as the story unfolded in my mind, write it down. Now it takes closer to three months (and fewer dinners are made along the way).

Where do you prefer to write?

My house is on the water, so when I’m writing, I usually sit where I can watch

the waves on the lake and listen to them lap (or crash wildly) onto shore, which is very relaxing. When the weather is warm, I’ll write outside. I prefer silence. When I hear music, I like to get up and dance!

Are you a plotter or a panzer?

I start with an idea for the beginning, middle, and end of the story and then develop the characters. I try to get to know them very well, and I have to nail down their names. Male names are the hardest because I don’t want to use my sons’ names or the names of any of their friends. It has to be a completely new person in my head and not remind me of anyone (kind of like naming a child!). I’ve tried to make a detailed plot outline, but the characters often do something unexpected and it goes off the rails. Usually by the fifth chapter I can start to outline in more detail.

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

It depends. If I need to research something about the character - like their job or hobby, I'll research before I write. But it’s not unusual to do more research along the way, depending how the story unfolds.

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

I set aside two days a week to write without interruption. And it’s protected time – no meetings, no repairmen, no lunch dates – maybe a scheduled UPS delivery, but that’s about it. I work part-time at an Urgent Care Clinic, and on the days I work at the clinic, I’ll edit or write blog posts. If I have time on the other afternoons, I’ll sit and write then, too.

One of the things I love most about writing is being able to write at whatever pace I choose. As a kid, I always found it tough to come up with a story when the teacher asked because I had too many thoughts racing around in my head and needed time to mull it over. Luckily, now I have time to mull it over! So I don’t get too wound up about completing a certain number of words a day. Lately, I’ve tried to complete a novel within a season. It’s easier to keep the characters and storyline details in my head if it’s a shorter timeline.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

I don't drink coffee. (Luckily chocolate has caffeine. :D)

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

I hope that readers will laugh, relax, enjoy the stories I’ve written, and maybe learn something too!

What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Finish 2-3 novels before you start querying publishers. Once you're published, and it will happen, you will invest a lot of time in marketing and promotion. Having a backlist of 2-3 stories will make life a lot easier.

My #Romantic idea:

Roasting marshmallows together around a campfire!

Tell us about your latest release.

The blurb for PERFECTLY PLANNED:

Perfectly Planned

She has it all Perfectly Planned . . .

Chloe Keay is on the hunt for the perfect sperm donor, but who knew it would be this hard? So many things to consider in a father – sure height and hair color are important, but what about the real issues. How does he feel about bagpipe music? Does he buy the extended warranty? Skittles or M&Ms? She doesn’t want an average Joe. She’s narrowed it down to two candidates and has the perfect plan to pick the heir and the spare.

Staff Sergeant Rip Logan, head of the elite Tactics and Rescue Unit, has a gut feeling that Chloe Keay is trouble. She’s a sexy little spark plug who radiates innocence, but it doesn’t jibe with her suspicious behavior and probing questions. The fact that he’s attracted irritates him. What exactly is she after? And should he go with his gut or follow his heart?

Planning for love – what could possibly go wrong?

Excerpt from PERFECTLY PLANNED:

For pretty much everything her parents needed, from house repairs to health questions, they had a child on speed-dial. And bonus, funds flowed freely to pay for their place in a retirement home.

Perfectly planned.

That’s the kind of retirement plan she was after. Maybe not six kids. Six was a bit of a handful, especially flying solo. But she could handle one, at least to begin with.

It would’ve been easier with Roger, but oh well, on to Plan B.

Sperm bank.

She had been poked and prodded and deemed a healthy receptacle.

But, oh how to choose which little swimmers to let loose? She needed smart (had to earn the big bucks), features similar to hers (hair color notwithstanding), family oriented (obviously had to love their momma), and not too nasally a voice (very annoying). They needed to be screened for reverse traits—ones that would make her wish she could reverse the whole process.

She needed more than the measly amount of info available online.

No problem. She had applied for a job as a weekend receptionist at the sperm bank, interviewed quite successfully (naturally), and waited patiently while they narrowed down their selection.

She had started three weeks ago.

The job was straightforward, certainly not as creative as painting. In fact, it was kinda slow. She liked the music in the waiting room, though, especially with her mouse clicking. She could get quite a beat going. Left click. Right click. Left-right-right click. She could see it catching on. In fact, it should be posted on YouTube because it’d give her something to watch at work, too.

She hadn’t lost sight of her plan, but it wasn’t obvious where all the data was stored. She had opened several files, but it wasn’t until she rocked and clicked to The Jaded Gentlemen, that lo and behold, the folder popped up.

Now, she wasn’t a computer genius or anything, but who uses 1234 as their password? You’d think all that confidential information about sperm donors would be behind a bigger firewall. Nope.

So, her two top matches now had names.


4652 Ripley Logan


2485 Jared Clayton


A few social media clicks later, and voilà, she set up friend requests with both.
Even better, it looked like Ripley’s baseball team had a rain-date game on Friday, seven o’clock, right here in Rivermede at Fairfield Park.

He was sporty. She clicked a happy beat.

She could go to the game and check him out. Try to learn more about him, but keep it quiet, fly under the radar.

She spun around in her chair and smiled. Perfect.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Planned-Linda-OConnor-ebook/dp/B017GGC346

How can readers learn more about you?

Website:  http://www.lindaoconnor.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LindaOConnorAuthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lindaoconnor98

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Linda-OConnor/e/B00S7CNLEA

Linda O’Connor started writing a few years ago when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at HomeSense. It turns out she loves writing romantic comedies and has a few more stories to tell. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic (well, even when she is writing she’s a physician, and it shows up in her stories J). She hangs out at www.lindaoconnor.net.

RACHEL LAINE BY JENNIFER PEEL -- HUNDRED DOLLAR BLAST

Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton #3) by Jennifer Peel

Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life.

Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family's insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s.

Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father, Andrew Turner, into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will Andrew's fame and ambition ruin their chances?






RACHEL LAINE Excerpt:

Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely, but unnecessary, I texted. Maybe that wasn’t the politest, but really, he didn’t need to keep giving me flowers. Besides, no amount of flowers or compliments were going to make this okay for me.

I set my phone down and took a deep breath. I went back to the unpleasant task of dealing with overdue accounts. It was the least favorite part of my job, and my head was already pounding.

Thirty minutes later my cell phone rang. I answered it in resignation, but not before I lay my head down on my desk and put him on speaker. “Yes?” I grumbled.

“If I didn’t know better, I would say you’re not happy to hear from me.”

“So, maybe you’re smarter than I thought.”

“Hey, I sent you flowers.”

“I said thank you.”

“But you didn’t call and thank me for them personally.”

“Is that required?”

“Maybe not required, but definitely warranted. I don’t think anyone has ever texted me a thank you when I’ve sent flowers, or told me they were unnecessary.”

“Do you regularly send women flowers?”

“Define regularly.” I could hear the laughter in his voice.

“You know what? I don’t even want to know.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

“Great, now that we agree on something, thank you again. I should probably get back to work.”

“I know you don’t have to go so soon. Tell me how your day is going.”

If anyone could see me with my head on my desk, they wouldn’t have had to ask. “Well, let’s see. For starters, I’m living off caffeine since someone kept me up way too late. And to top it off, I have the unpleasant task of contacting people to let them know I will be canceling their policies unless they pay.”

“Sounds like maybe I should come up there.”

I popped up. “Why in the world would you think that?”

“Well, that way I can make dinner and take care of Drew for you.”

“Andrew, believe it or not, we’ve functioned just fine without you for a very long time. I’ve even spent my fair share of sleepless nights taking care of Drew, only to have to be up the whole next day, too.”

“That’s why you’re amazing, but you don’t have to do it all alone now.”

But what if I wanted to?








Praise for the Book


"You nailed it!!! These books keep getting better and better each time! I looovvved it!"


"How is it possible that you just keep getting better? I swear this one is my favorite."


"I literally got lost in Merryton again. It is one of my favorite places to visit."

Author Jennifer Peel

Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash


Ends 7/28/16


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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ENGLISH PROFESSOR GONE WILD BY DAKOTA MADISON!

Gone Wild

by Dakota Madison

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Romantic Comedy

MY REVIEW OF THE WILD WAY BY DAKOTA MADISON
By Caroline Clemmons

Like tenured English professor, Bly Daniels, I don't like the outdoors and would prefer being indoors reading a book. Unlike this character, I do NOT read while driving (although I've witnessed  other drivers doing so). When Bly is caught and appears in court, she is sentenced to thirty days of community service that for her is comparable to the seventh level of Hell. She must work at the Wild Way, a therapeutic wilderness program for troubled teens. Or, as Bly thinks of them at first, little hooligans.

In only these few sentences, you can see there are certain to be funny circumstances and difficulty for Bly, can't you? Wait until Bly meets Turner Wild, owner and operator of the program. She hates him instantly! But, sexual tension electrifies the air around them. 

I liked Bly from the start even though she appeared a bit stodgy and pedantic. Maybe that's because I'm a bit that way myself. In GONE WILD, Bly makes a giant character arc. I'm still working on mine.

Dakota Madison writes great, witty dialogue and internal musings that keep the story moving forward at a fast pace. A reader simply can't help laughing out loud in places at Ms Madison's clever writing. And, I couldn't stop reading until I'd reached the end. This is my first Dakota Madison book, but now I'm compelled to read each of her books. Yes, she's that good. An easy 5 stars for GONE WILD.

GONE WILD Blurb:

Tenured English professor Bly Daniels believes the short walk from her campus office to the university library is too much exposure to the harsh elements of the outdoors. She would prefer to spend her days (and nights) comfortably seated indoors reading classic literature.

When Bly is arrested for reading one of the great books while driving home, a judge sentences her to thirty days of community service with The Wild Way, a therapeutic wilderness program for troubled teens.

There she meets Turner Wild, the owner and operate of the wilderness program. Turner is everything Bly despises: rugged, unrefined and outdoorsy. For Bly a trip to hell sounds more desirable than spending an entire month with Turner and his band of hooligans as they traverse the woods of rural northwest New Jersey communing with nature.

Bly certainly never expects to form a bond with the troubled teens she’s been assigned to mentor and forge an unlikely relationship with their fearless leader, Turner Wild.

GONE WILD Excerpt:

“This is as far as I go,” the crusty old cab driver barks as he stops in front of a long dirt road that disappears into the woods.

“How far is it to the wilderness camp?” I ask.

“Pretty far, I would imagine. It’s not visible from the road at all.”

“And how am I supposed to get there?”

“I guess you’re just going to have to walk.”

I laugh until I realize he’s not joking. He expects me to walk into the woods on a dirt road that is God knows how long.

Then I realize I’ll also have to carry my bag as well. I could barely carry my suitcase to the front stoop for him to place in his truck.

“I can only take the cab on paved roads,” he tells me. “Company rules.”

Is that supposed to make me feel better? It doesn’t.

I heave a huge sigh. “How much do I owe you?”

“Thirty.”

I hand him three ten dollar bills, plus a five dollar tip.

“Let me get your bag out of the trunk.”

When he exits the cab I take a moment to compose myself. I’m already so far out of my comfort zone I feel like I’m having a panic attack, and I haven’t even made it to the camp yet.

You’re an intelligent woman with a doctoral degree, I remind myself. You can do this.

By the time I exit the cab my bag is already on the side of the road waiting for me.

“Good luck,” the cab driver says.

“Thanks.”

It probably wasn’t the smartest idea I ever had to wear a dress and pumps. In my defense I don’t have much else in my wardrobe. Work attire and lounging outfits for around the house are about it. When I teach I always wear a dress or a suit with dress shoes. I wouldn’t be caught dead outside of my home in one of my lounging outfits.

Calling the dirt pathway a road is extremely generous. The trail is much rockier and uneven than I initially thought. The shoes I’m wearing are not even close to being appropriate for the conditions. I’ll be lucky if I don’t turn an ankle.

My suitcase is another problem entirely. I can barely make it a few feet before I have to set it down. The muscles in my arms are already throbbing and I haven’t even made it far enough to spot the end of the trail yet.

Luckily it’s still early in the day. I’ve got many hours of sunlight left. Even if it takes me several hours walking a few steps at a time I should make it there before dark.

Unless it’s a few miles to the camp, then I’ll be in a bit of trouble.

Two hours and thirty seven minutes later I’ve had about all that I can take. My feet are blistered and aching. I’m afraid when I finally remove my shoes my feet will be bloody as well.

My arms are so weak I don’t think I can lift the suitcase again.

And I’m on the verge of complete exhaustion.

What was I thinking packing so much stuff? I was thinking I’ll be here an entire month and I need reading materials.

Here is no water but only rock

Rock and no water and the sandy road.

Those words from T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’ seem appropriate right now. I take a seat on my suitcase and wipe the sweat from my brow with a tissue that I just happened to have shoved in my pocket. I can’t even remember the last time I sweated. It may have been in high school when we were forced to play those utterly horrendous sports in our Physical Education classes.

I was supposed to be at the apex of my career this year. I was finally promoted from Associate to Full Professor. Edgar had been hinting that when he retired I was first in line to take over as Chairperson of the English Department. I was just a few months away from paying off the mortgage on my house.

Now it looks like I might lose everything, and I’m sitting in the middle of the woods helpless to do anything about it. Edgar was not happy when I told him I needed to take a month of personal leave and he’d need to find a substitute to teach my classes. That coupled with the fact that my arrest and conviction has tarnished the reputation of the institution does not bode well for me still having a career upon my return from this journey into the wilderness. 

The sun is starting to get higher overhead, and it’s beating down on me. I’m not sure how much of the blistering brightness my pale skin can take. I should probably edge closer to the tree line where it’s shaded, but I’m too exhausted to move. 

I’m just about to fall asleep seated on my suitcase when a large pickup truck whizzes by. I try to raise a hand to wave the driver over, but to no avail. My arm won’t lift high enough.

Instead I choke on the dust left in the truck’s wake.

Then to my surprise the trucks comes to a screeching halt, reverses and heads back towards me.

When I rise to greet the driver my legs feel like cooked noodles. They’re so weak I can barely control them as I move towards the truck.

My eyes go wide when I see who has hopped out of the vehicle. The driver is a young, petite woman of Asian descent.

From the neck up she’s beautiful, with long silky dark hair and perfect features. From the neck down she’s dressed like a man. She’s wearing well-worn jeans, black combat boots and a green Army jacket.

“Are you lost?” Her tone is accusatory, definitely not friendly.

I shake my head.

“You know this road leads to a wilderness camp for troubled teens.”

“I do.”

She looks me up and down. “You don’t look like you’re ready for the wilderness, and you’re definitely not a teenager.”

“I’m aware of that.” My voice is weary. “I’m court ordered to be here. Community service.”

She rolls her eyes. “Lucky us.”

“Unfortunately the cab driver wouldn’t take me beyond the main road. I’ve been walking for hours.”

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Wild-Love-Midlife-Book-ebook/dp/B01DSH1CBC

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-wild-dakota-madison/1123693969

Dakota Madison, Author, with husband

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

USA TODAY Bestselling author Dakota Madison is known for writing new adult, love in midlife, and contemporary romance with a little spice and lots of heart. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.

Where to find DAKOTA...

Website: http://www.karen-mueller-bryson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMuellerBrysonAuthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/karenmbryson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmbryson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenmbryson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Dakota Madison will be awarding 3 eCopies of STILL FINE AT FORTY by Dakota Madison to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SOPHIA, LATEST OF THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO SERIES

I’ve been fortunate to make the acquaintance of and work with Cynthia Woolf. I think I’ve read each of her books and can hardly wait to dive into the latest in her Brides of San Francisco Series, SOPHIA. I hope you’ll enjoy learning about this book and will purchase it, too.

SOPHIA Synopsis:

Working long hours in a New York City bakery is not at all what Sophia Hayes had planned for her life. When her fiancé breaks their engagement her to marry her thinner, blonder, more beautiful sister, Sophia knows it is time to do something drastic, something completely unexpected. All she's ever wanted is to have a husband and family of her own. Agreeing to be a mail-order bride seems the perfect answer.

Robert Langley has been a sailor his entire life. As Captain of the Sapphire of India, his last cargo made him a very wealthy man, but his time at sea cost him much. His wife was killed in an accident while running away with another man leaving him a widower with four young children who barely recognize their own father. A mail-order bride seems to be the ideal solution. He simply needs a willing woman to warm his bed and a compassionate woman to raise his children. Love is not an option.

Sophia's sister is not content to leave well enough alone. When her husband dies unexpectedly, she makes her way to San Francisco to do what she has always done...take what she wants. And the moment she sets eyes on her sister's new family, what she wants is Robert Langley.

Sophia has always believed her stunning, talented sister deserved the best in life. But this time Sophia is in love, and she's not going to surrender without a fight.

SOPHIA Excerpt:

        Robert Langley stood in the lobby, waiting for Miss Sophia Hayes, the woman who would be his bride and the mother to his four children. And they definitely needed a mother. From the stories his own mother told him, his wife Marybeth hadn’t cared much for the children since baby Harry was borne. Robert Jr., tried to take care of the younger children—Rachel, Sara and Harry. Rachel wouldn’t have any of it and was likely to be the toughest on a new mother because she’d taken to mothering Sara and Harry. He wasn’t sure how easy it would be to wrest that responsibility from her. He hoped Miss Hayes was up to the task.

Movement on the staircase caught his attention and Robert looked up as a woman appeared. She was a vision in purple. A lovelier sight he hadn’t seen in a long time. She had raven black hair, pale skin and was curvaceous. He loved women who looked like women.

The woman started toward him. A child of about three was running in the lobby laughing at his parents trying to catch him. He tripped and fell in front of the woman. He started crying. She picked up the child, soothed him, brushing his tears away. His mother stopped and reached for the child. The woman in purple smiled and talked to him for a moment before letting him go. Then she began walking again…toward Robert.

       No, she couldn’t be. He couldn’t be that lucky, could he?

“Mr. Langley?”

“Yes, I’m Robert Langley,” he told the vision with the voice of an angel.

“I’m Sophia Hayes.”

“I’m pleased to meet you Miss Hayes. My carriage is waiting if you’re ready to go to dinner.”

“Certainly.”

He held out his arm to escort her to his carriage.

She daintily placed her hand in the crook of his elbow.

He put his hand on top of hers, wishing she were not wearing gloves and that he could feel her skin, soft and warm against his bare hand.

“You look quite charming, Miss Hayes.”

“Thank you. That’s kind of you to say.”

“There is nothing kind about the truth.”

She blushed prettily.

He hadn’t thought she could get any more beautiful, but when she blushed, the color was not just in her face but her neck and chest, too. He wondered if she blushed all over and what he wouldn’t give to find out.

“I’ve a favorite restaurant to take you to. It’s called Cliff House and it sits above the city on a cliff. Obvious name, but wonderful cuisine. The ride is about thirty minutes, so we’ll have a chance to get to know each other a little.”

“That sounds delightful.”

He helped her into the carriage and as much as he wanted to sit by her and perhaps kiss her, he took the seat across from her. He would restrain himself until after they were married. Soon. They would be married soon.

Amazon buy links:

Print https://www.amazon.com/Sophia-Brides-San-Francisco-4/dp/1938887786/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

E-book https://www.amazon.com/Sophia-Brides-San-Francisco-Book-ebook/dp/B01HQTWDDY?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc

Author Cynthia Woolf

Cynthia Woolf is the award winning and best-selling author of twenty-one historical western romance books, one short story, and one novella in the anthology LOST IN A KISS, with more books on the way. She was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.

Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.

Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance TAME A WILD HEART, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia’s father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although TAME A WILD HEART takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy not a bounty hunter and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she's made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

As C.A. Woolf, she has six titles of space opera romance. Connect with Cynthia Woolf/C.A. Woolf:

Website: http://www.cynthiawoolf.com


Facebook - https://facebook.com/CynthiaWoolf


Twitter - https://twitter.com/CynthiaWoolf


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Cynthia_Woolf 

NEWSLETTER - http://bit.ly/1qBWhFQ

Email: cindy@cynthiawoolf.com

ELAINE PINTER PROVES THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE!

Eternal Mercury by Elaine Pinter

Chelsee Taylor has been in love with her boyfriend, Max, since they started kindergarten together. She has no idea that high school graduation will be the last perfect day of her life. After a tragic car accident, she refuses to accept Max's death because she can still feel his presence. No one believes her and she is completely alone. But all of that changes the moment she meets Blake Andersen. It's not just that he believes her . . . or even just that he's so understanding . . . but why is Max's presence so strong when she's with Blake?

Eternal Mercury is two intertwined books in one. Book one follows Chelsee’s bittersweet journey and book two uncovers Blake’s story of redemption. In the end, it is Max who will inspire them both to trust fate, live life, and finish well.





Praise for Eternal Mercury


“Overall, this novel made me really think about how life can change so completely in the blink of an eye. It was an amazing, life altering story.”


“I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry but most of all it made me feel like there is always hope in this world.”


“I could not put this down. What an amazing story of love, tragedy, strength, triumph, and family.”



Guest Post: Eternal Mercury, Organ Donation, and Cellular Memory


When I first realized that I wanted to write a book, I knew that I wanted it to be different. Shortly after I began brainstorming for that unique idea, a car-crash scene on a mountain highway started playing in my head. Not only was I looking for a unique story idea, but I was also looking for a positive message. I began to wonder if, instead of something scary like a ghost, could something good be left after someone died? The answer became clear to me: organ donation. What could be more beautiful than that? And what could be more romantic than true love that could survive the boundaries of death? To my surprise, the idea turned out to be more realistic than I expected. Through research I discovered the phenomenon of cellular memory. Cellular memory is when people who receive transplants take on traits of people whose organs they receive. It’s rare, but when it does happen, it can come in the form of food cravings, changes in musical taste or hobbies, and sometimes even glimpses at other things about the donor.

Although the level of cellular memory I portrayed in Eternal Mercury is fictional, the need for organs definitely isn’t. It’s hard to think about death, and the common misconceptions about organ donation don’t help. But by understanding the facts and then making your decision known, you just might be able to bring something good out of the bad. That part of Eternal Mercury isn’t based on fiction.

Here are the facts:

Over 100,000 people, including kids, are in need of transplants. Over 20 of them die waiting each day.

One person can save up to seven lives by donating their heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and small intestine. That same person can improve the lives of many others through the donation of tissues such corneas, skin, veins, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

You won’t receive less medical care if you decide to become a donor. Doctors and nurses make every possible effort to save their patients’ lives and will not even consider organ donation unless a person dies.

Income, social status, and race are not factors in deciding who receives organ transplants. You’ll be helping people who need it the most and your family will not be charged for the procedure.

Most major religions support organ donation. I’m not sure that there could be a more loving or selfless gift, but don’t be afraid to check with your spiritual advisor.

Almost anyone can be an organ donor. Age and/or medical history don’t necessarily disqualify you.

The most important thing you can do is let your family know whether or not you want to be an organ donor. No matter what you decide, telling your family will save them from the pain of trying to guess your wishes at a time when that’s the last thing they need. And if the choice is right for you, to let someone else continue on when you’ve reached the end down here, don’t think about what it means for you; instead think of the incredible gratitude you’d feel if someone did it for you or someone you love.

Author Elaine Pinter

Elaine Pinter lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and son. When she’s not hanging out with them, she’s jotting down ideas for her next novel in the tattered notebook she carries everywhere.

Her writing journey began in June of 2012 when a reading spree set off an unexpected chain of events. After poring over the pages, her own ideas began to appear and she found herself glued to her laptop after her family went to bed every evening. The late nights continued until her first two YA romance novels, Eternal Mercury and Between the Starlight, were published.

She’s one of those hopeless romantics who believes love always wins and that the best stories are the ones that drag you through the tears and reward you with a smile when all the pieces fit together perfectly in the end.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 7/26/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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CELEBRATE WITH YANKEE DOODLE DANDY!

All over the USA today, people are planning fireworks displays, outdoor barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. As you celebrate Independence Day, remember the joyous occasion for the celebration. Throughout the ups and downs of our nation’s history, we remain true to our founding fathers' vision of one great nation, under God, indivisible.

However, should you get too serious, here’s something to lighten your mood:

James Cagney as "Yankee Doodle Dandy"

CHASING FIREFLIES REMINDS READERS TO BELIEVE!

Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean


My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.





Praise for Chasing Fireflies

It was like Taylor Dean left a trail of chocolate chips leading to a plate of delicious cookies at the end. Yummy! I had to eat every single one and now I’m full and feasting on the satisfaction of a well written story.
-Author Charissa Stastny


Taylor Dean is such a creative and skilled author that she has the ability to make the unusual and the unthinkable seem real.
-Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer


As always I loose myself in Taylor’s books, experiencing rather than reading the story, from that first glance and butterflies in my belly, to the inevitable heartache, to the amazingly captivating events that lead us to the blissful happily ever after.
-Mylissa's Reviews and Book Thoughts





FIRE FLIES Excerpt


My sisters stare at me with wide eyes, perhaps shocked at my show of assertiveness.

“Besides,” I continue, slowly looking them each in the eyes, “you know why I have to go. I know he’s there and I have to find him.”

“Please tell me you are not going on about that Paul business again. Searching for him is ridiculous.” Sadie folds her arms across her chest as if sulking. “It’s a fool’s errand.”

Saige avoids my eyes. “That’s crazy talk, Savannah. You won’t find him.”

“Is it? Every single thing has come true and you know it. If I don’t find him, I will lose everything.”

“Don’t overdramatize the situation. It’s just a coincidence,” Samantha spouts heatedly. “There’s no proof.”

“Really? What about the Red Bird?” I ask.

That silences them. Simultaneously, their eyes lower and they hunch down in their seats.

They have nothing to say about the Red Bird. The Red Bird Incident remains to this day, inarguable. Admittedly, it still leaves me speechless too. I’ve often tried to explain it away as coincidence, to convince myself it couldn’t possibly be true. It’s no use. The Red Bird defies all reason and common sense.

As their silence continues, I say, “It’s not crazy. It’s my future. Miss Pearl was right, you know she was. She told me I would receive tragic news and I did. She told me to watch out for the Red Bird and I did. She told me to search far and wide for Paul . . . and I need to do it.”

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blast Giveaway Details
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 7/21/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway