Tuesday, September 27, 2016

CRUSHING ON LOVE
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Melissa Foster

Monday, September 26, 2016

Meet Arthurian Author Kim Headlee and Read About her New Title, KING ARTHUR'S SISTER IN WASHINGTON'S COURT and #RomanticTravel idea

My friend and fellow author Kim writes books after my own heart--after all, I fell in love with Camelot, the Broadway play, when my mother went to see it in 1960 and met Richard Burton backstage. She carried his autographed photo in her wallet for years. I still have the album to this day. He and Julie Andrews as Guinevere were magic together.

Kim lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, Great Pyrenees goat guards, and assorted wildlife. People and creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins—the latter having been occupied as recently as the midtwentieth century—seem to be sticking around for a while yet.
Kim has been an award-winning novelist since 1999 (Dawnflight, Sonnet Books, Simon & Schuster) and has been studying Arthurian legends and literature for nigh on half a century.

Meet Kim and read about her magical books.

About KING ARTHUR'S SISTER IN WASHINGTON'S COURT

 “Solidly entertaining.” –Publishers Weekly
Winner, 2016 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal for Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Winner, Summer 2016 NABE Best Fantasy Book.

Written as though by the old master himself, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court by Mark Twain as channeled by Kim Iverson Headlee offers laughs, love, and a candid look at American society, popular culture, politics, baseball… and the human heart. Whatever is a time-displaced queen of magic and minions to do? Why, rebuild her kingdom, of course—two kingdoms, in fact: as Campaign Boss for the reelection of American President Malory Beckham Hinton, and as owner of the London Knights world-champion baseball franchise. Morgan le Fay, sixth-century Queen of Gore and the only major character not killed off by Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, vows revenge upon the Yankee Hank Morgan. She casts a spell to take her to 1879 Connecticut so she may waylay Sir Boss before he can travel back in time to destroy her world. But the spell misses by 300 miles and 200 years, landing her in the Washington, D.C., of 2079, replete with flying limousines, hovering office buildings, virtual-reality television, and sundry other technological marvels.

Excerpt:

ALL CALL ME Queen. For my unparalleled skills in leechcraft, most call me “The Wise.” No man dares call me “le Fay,” lest he die.
I hight Morgan.
That is to say, my name is Morgan, so chosen by my mother, Duchess Igraine, to honor the Great Queen of the Old Religion, Mór Rigan, goddess of war. My mother never knew how prophetic her choice would prove to be.
I am the daughter of Duke Gorlois, the sister of Queen Margawse and Queen Elaine, the wife of King Uriens of Gore, and the mother of Sir Uwaine of the Table Round. Blessed good fortune made me all of these things.
By the capricious hand of ill fortune, King Arthur became my younger half brother, spawned upon my most virtuous and blameless mother by that demon in man’s raiment, Uther Pendragon.
I despised Arthur from the very hour of his birth.







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Kim's #RomanticTravel Idea



I love to travel but I also love to find great deals on lodging and transportation so that I can use the rest of my vacation budget to splurge on activities. My husband and I began a tradition a few years ago to make a beach getaway in November, which is the off season for many Northern Hemisphere beach destinations. We love sharing dawn and sunset beach walks, usually with a meal afterward because we’ve worked up an appetite. We’ve enjoyed Cancun and several other Caribbean destinations, though our current favorite fall beach retreat is Myrtle Beach, SC. That region’s restaurants can be pricey, even in the off season, so getting an outstanding deal on hotel reservations is a must! Wherever we travel, we’ve found there’s nothing more romantic than the sound of the surf wafting through the balcony window on a mild fall evening.


Thursday, September 22, 2016

Meet My Guest Margaret Egrot, Author of Young Adult Novels


About Margaret


I have lived in the UK all my life, but now my son lives in Thailand, I keep finding excuses to spend time over there.

I have worked with the Probation Service, the Police Authority, as a charity boss and as a freelance child protection consultant. I currently sit on the boards of two charities: one that runs assessment centres for families experiencing problems, and one providing services for the elderly (well you've got to think ahead)...

I am married with one grown up son.

I wanted to be a writer from about the age of eight, as well as being an actress, a mountaineer and having ten children.  I have never acted - not even as an amateur (though I do sell tickets and programmes at the local community theatre); my ambitions to be a mountaineer faded after a scrap with an ice sheet in North Wales in my teens which the ice sheet won; and somehow I found one child was quite enough...

I did though keep writing, mostly work related stuff but more and more fiction over the past few years.

'And Alex Still has Acne' is my first published novel, but I have had several short stories published, and a growing number of plays performed by amateur groups.

When not writing I enjoy reading and going to the theatre.

I try to keep fit by swimming and racing my cairn terrier around the park. He usually beats me, though his enthusiasm for long walks wanes somewhat on dark and icy winter mornings. Can't say I'm sorry!

An Interview With Margaret

What is the title of your latest book? What is it about?

My latest YA novel, Girl Friends, was published by Solstice in May 2016. Essentially a story about the friendship between two girls and their search for boyfriends, it also tackles child sexual exploitation, and how easy it is for a vulnerable girl to get sucked into this. And how hard it is, even for a best friend, to realise what is happening, or do anything about it. Fortunately Courtney is a resourceful young lady and, with help from new friends, realises what is happening in the nick of time.

What are the most challenging aspects of being a writer? And the most rewarding?
I find sticking with my intended plot outline quite a challenge – the characters often decide to do something completely different. Usually, unless it would mean completely re-writing the book (and that has happened!) I go with the flow and tweak the plot outline accordingly.
My most rewarding experience was when my son read the first draft of my first published YA novel, And Alex Still has Acne – and said it was quite good! Praise indeed from him; he wouldn’t have hesitated to tell his mother she was writing rubbish if that was what he thought. He did make a few useful suggestions as well, after all he had been a teenager a lot more recently than I had.

What is your top tip for an aspiring writer?
Read plenty of novels, especially from the genre you want to write in. Read for pleasure, but then think about what worked / didn’t work for you in that particular book before you move onto the next one. Write for pleasure too. Try your very best and don’t expect to make a fortune.

What are you working on at the moment?
I have a short play on at a local festival, so I’m working with the cast and director on this at the moment. I have a short story appearing in a Solstice anthology, Realms of Fantastic Stories, on the 16th September, and a short story appearing in a Christmas anthology, Festive Treats, to be published in a couple of months by a Birmingham based group of writers.
For the past year or so I have been working on a series of short stories using female characters from Shakespeare’s plays – but not as they appear on stage! Solstice has already published a few of these and my story in the latest anthology, The Ghost Queen, is based on Hermione in The Winter’s Tale.

What do you like to read?
I will read almost anything from cereal packets to dictionaries rather than sit and do nothing. I like the classics (Jane Austen, George Eliot) but will also read new novels (Anne Tyler – A Spool of Blue Thread, Gillian Flynn - Gone Girl). I like non-fiction too and have not long read two books by Bill Bryson: A Short History of Nearly Everything and Mother Tongue. I love the way he conveys so much information with such a light touch. I have just started to read Francis Wheen’s How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World. I enjoy reading books and articles about the origin of words and language and often write short articles about these on my blog www.writingandbreathing.wordpress.com


Nearly all my published work is available from my



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Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Meet Award-winning author Pamela S. Thibodeaux in our #RomanticTravel Exchange


Award-winning author Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”



Pamela on Romantic Travel:
When I think of Romantic Fall Travel, something about the mountains in Washington call to me…rich colors, snow capped mountains. Cozied up in a blanket in front of a roaring fire.

I’ve been to Seattle and Mt. Rainier and let me tell you, driving along those winding roads, dodging waterfalls and hiking in the snow can be very romantic. Even the view from an airplane sends shivers of excitement through the soul.

Add to that, the highest point one can drive on Mt. Rainier is Paradise Point… how much more romantic can that be?
About THE INHERITANCE
The Inheritance is about the chance we all long for…the chance to start over. Widowed at age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is overshadowed by grief and loneliness.  Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she has no idea what God has in store for her now.  Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again? 

US Postal worker Raymond Jacobey has been in love with the little widow since he first set eyes on her.  A wanderer searching for the ever-illusive soul mate, Ray has never stayed in one place too long. Raised by self-centered, high-power executives, he’s longed for the idyllic life of residing in a cozy house in a small town with the love of his life. Will he gain the heart of the lovely widow or will he lose her to the wine country of New York?   
Excerpt: Rebecca’s heart fluttered at the charming, boyish grin he bestowed on her. She knew he’d spoken more than mere words; he’d spoken his heart. Tears filled her eyes and clogged her throat when she thought about what the future might hold. Standing on the threshold of that great unknown, she had never been more acutely aware of anything than she was of this moment, this man. 

He was looking at her intently. His thumbs caressed the back of her hands, chasing the chill from her blood. Lethargic warmth stole over her. As though in a fog she watched him lift her hands to his mouth and press his lips to her palm in a caress so tender it sent shivers down her spine.

She lowered her gaze, and he lifted her chin with his finger and waited until she looked at him again. “I want to kiss you, Becca, here in the midst of Paradise,” he whispered, his lips covering hers with devastating tenderness. 

Rebecca heard his primitive grunt of satisfaction when he let go of her hands and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. An answering purr escaped her as tiny pinpoints of pleasure bathed her senses with light and color. Never in her life had she felt so alive, so consumed with sensations. 

Whether a moment or an eternity, she had no idea how long they stood there, his mouth in sweet possession of hers. All she knew was that when the kiss was over she was plastered against his hard body, her breathing was sharp almost painful and her fists were clenched in his thick, sandy-colored hair. Appalled at her wanton response and the needy way in which she clung, Rebecca flung away with a startled cry of distress, and began to run. 
Purchase THE INHERITANCE

CONTACT PAMELA

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Meet Devon McKay, Author of Contemporary Romance with a Western Flair, for the #RomanticTravel Exchange


Devon writes contemporary romance with a western flair. If she's not writing, she's busy with chores on her small ranch, working on a stained glass project or walking one of her three dogs through the woods. Her greatest joy is putting a smile on a readers face and hearing from fans. 

Devon says, "My romantic getaway would be Alaska. I lived there for 27 years and have yet to find a more beautiful place, which is one of the reasons I wrote Staking A Claim."


About STAKING A CLAIM

For most people, seeing Alaska is a dream come true. For Miami Beach resident, Samantha Held, it is merely a job assignment. Creating an advertisement for vacationing in the state gets her one step closer to achieving her career goal—partnership in Kolinsky’s Advertisement Agency. 
Blake Langford is not willing to accept any exploitation of his beloved state, no matter how desirable the striking, southern blonde bombshell with fiery green eyes is, and he’s determined to sabotage Sam’s goal in every way. Falling in love with the enemy, however, was never part of the plan.

Excerpt:

     Fuming, Sam held his gaze as she considered his offer. She couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to be dropped into her lap. She could learn everything she needed to know about Alaska and have a handsome, but overly protective, guide of the state to show her. Not to mention what his knowledge could do for the brochure.
     It would also mean more time in his temperamental company.
     Sam considered her options. She had gotten lucky finding Carlton Landing, but what about locating her elusive hotel? As proven last night, it was more than evident she couldn’t even read a map correctly. So, what real choice did she have?
     She pictured her new office…the view of the ocean…the partnership. She was willing to take the chance. Besides, she’d never been the kind of girl who shied away from a challenge. Hell, so far, her life had been a series of challenges.
     “It’s a deal.” Her voice came off cool and professional despite the quickening of her heartbeat. She offered her hand to shake on the agreement. “We haven’t officially met. Samantha Held. I go by Sam.”
     “Blake Langford.” He extended his, grasping her hand and repeating the name she already knew by heart. He held onto her grasp for a minute longer than necessary. “I go by Wolf.”
     Again, the breathtaking grin resurfaced, and an odd pulsation spiked through Sam, leaving her insides quivering like a bowl of gelatin as she second guessed her decision.
     What kind of fool makes a deal with a man called Wolf?
Purchase STAKING A CLAIM 

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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Meet Anita Philmar in our #RomanticTravel Exchange


About Anita

Anita likes to create stories that push the limit. A writer by day and a dreamer by night she wants her readers to see the world in a new way.
Influenced by old movies, she likes to develop places where anything can happen and where special moments come to life in a great read.
Naughty or Nice?
Read her books and decide.


Anita on #Romantic Travel – I believe visiting wineries is a great way to have a short romantic escape. Almost every state has a few and most are affordable, running anywhere from free to $20 for a tasting.



While in Nebraska where McKee’s Ghost story takes place, I had a chance to visit a few. As you can see by the picture, it’s a great to unwind and relax.

About McKEE'S GHOST




His fiancée called off their engagement after being accosted by a ghost in his house.      
Now, a beautiful ghost detective has shown up at his ranch, saying his brother has hired her to take care of the unwanted spirit. 
Konnor McKee is more than happy with PSI Agent Ruth Oliva Wilson. One look and he was hooked. Now, if he can only get some help from a ghost, he might be able to secure himself a bride after all. 
With the return of his ex-fiancee, his life is turn upside down by an angry ghost, a vindictive woman and a sexy medium. Konnor doesn’t know which way to turn. 
Can he get everyone out of this alive and marry the PSI Agent? 
Or has he lost all hope of a happy future because of the ruthless ghost of one of his ancestors?    
 Excerpt:
Taking his anger with himself out on the young man, Konnor grabbed the glass. “And when exactly did you see Miss Wilson?”
Henry shuffled backward. “I saw her around the corner of the house when I was heading home. But then, I couldn’t leave.”
“Why not?”
“Well, I figured you might want me to be close by. Maybe act as a chaperone or something, so she doesn’t hogtie you into marrying her.”
Konnor set the full glass of water on the kitchen table next to a bowl of apples. “I’m not a young buck like you. I can have a woman visit without taking advantage of the situation. Now, skedaddle.”
“Are you sure? Because I don’t mind staying a while longer if you need me to.” Henry edged along the counter to the back door and pointed to the table. “I also cut up some meat and set out the biscuits you made this morning.”
“Thanks. Now get. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.” Konnor waved the boy out of the house and surveyed the food. With the table set with plates and silver, they wouldn’t have to wait to eat.
Nevertheless, what would Ruth think? Would she be happy with a cold meal? Or should he heat something else up?

Contact Anita




Friday, September 9, 2016

Meet Romance Author Angela Rosati, 87 Years YOUNG and Still Hard at Work

Angela M. Rosati (nee Russo) was born (8/22/29) in Long Island City, NY and grew up in Astoria, NY. That's just across the East River from Manhattan. "I worked in my father’s Italian Dairy business for years. I worked hard and read a lot. I loved going to the Broadway Shows, Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. I purchased my first computer when I was 70 yo, or something like that. I began writing because my family was sick of hearing my historical/hysterical family stories. Later I took an online writing course; I was a 76 yo college girl! I don't want to be rich and famous; I just want to be rich, rich, rich."

Angela and I have been dear friends for over 20 years when we met through CompuServe's Italian Forum. She's the daughter of Italian immigrants and writes delightful, sweet romance novels with her unique touch of wit.


Angela calls on her life experiences for her books, which is why they are so authentic--they read like true memoirs rather than fiction.

She told me one of her many engaging stories the other day, and graciously allowed me to repeat it here.

"Maybe, this one will cheer you up...and I should include it in one of my books. I was 10 yrs. old and was going to make my First Holy Communion. (how do you like for formality!) The tough head nun told us girls we had to buy our missals, rosaries and VEILS from the church. The veils looked like the netting mothers used to put on the carriages to protect the sleeping babies from flies. I told my mother but she had already bought white satin for my dress (pattern Snow White) and my veil. The veil was the frilliest thing you could imagine. I, stupidly, went to the tough nun and told her my mother's actions. She asked me to describe the veil and I eagerly described it. (Any bride would have been happy to wear it.) When the nun heard, her lips thinned out and she told me to bring my mother in to see her. My mother, less than five feet tall, feared no living or dead human being. She was afraid of mice; that's all. Nancy, (mamma) and I went to see the nun; who asked about the veil. My mother, in church, facing the nun and said in her broken English, "Oh, is veddy plain, notting. I veddy poor. My Comara give to me." At the time, I was shorter than mamma and looking up at her, LYING in CHURCH to the NUN, face to face, her hands moving as Italians do. The nun, no fool and a daughter of Abruzzese knew my mother was lying. I saw smoke coming out of her ears. Her lips completely disappeared. She was beaten. On Communion Day, I was the only girl in a beautiful veil. The nun looked at me and I knew she wanted to not only kill me but my mother, too. Ha, she could have tried but Nancy would have floored her. And all the other girls in their raggy veils were jealous, even the rich ones."

Some of Angela's romances: She has more on Amazon

THE UNMATCHED LOVE MATCH


WANTED: HUSBAND

Visit Angela on Facebook


Tuesday, September 6, 2016

The Touring Rodin Exhibit

Yesterday I visited the last day of the Rodin exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. It was amazing to see so much of his work. I became interested in Rodin when I read NAKED CAME I by David Weiss, when I was 14. It became one of my favorite books of all time, and I've read it at least 3 times since then. I took this photo of the small version of The Thinker.





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