6/27/2013 0 Comments FREE Today Only!Blurb: Nicholas Wiseman wanted a military career, but when his mother passes away from cancer and the bank forecloses on the family home, he gives up his dream in order to help his father. With no home and limited funds his father, Shane, takes a job as a ranch hand and Nicholas tags along. Ellie Pickett had dreams of leaving home and starting a career but when her mother dies she decides that life is too short and she would rather spend time close to home and her father. With new ranch hands on the way and her step-mother’s inability to take care of even the simplest tasks, Ellie knows her father, Jake, will appreciate her help. When Nicholas and Ellie meet there is an instant physical attraction. As they work together, they realize the bond of loss that binds them. Then the question becomes, will it be enough? Originally I wrote All I Have as a contest piece and when I didn’t win I worked with M.O.I. Publishing to bring this piece to life.
All I Have is a sweet novella about a young military man and a young college graduate who lose their mothers and come to realize how important remaining family really is. I hope you enjoy this simple, sweet, FREE story. And make sure to tell your friends. This is free on Amazon today only. I’ve even provided the link! Click here to be directed to All I Have.
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6/26/2013 0 Comments Summer Book Crush Hot sun, hot sand, cool drinks, dark tans. Ahhhh. But your summer won’t be complete until you land a new BOOK BOYFRIEND, right? Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered! SUMMER BOOK CRUSH offers 50+ titles in many genres. This means 50+ chances to (fictitiously) fall in love. And the best part? Each of these gems is only 99¢, but for a limited time only. The SUMMER BOOK CRUSH event starts on June 26th and ends (yes, even the best things in life end at some point) on June 28th. So don't wait up! Mingle with our BOOK BOYFRIENDS and invite all your friends to participate too. There are plenty of BOOK BOYS to share! Find your summer’s fling between the pages of a book. And don't stop on one - after all we have many BOOK BOYFRIENDS for you to mingle with. * HAPPY READING * HAPPY SUMMER * 6/25/2013 0 Comments The Enchanted by Elaine CantrellBlurb: Forced by his father into a marriage he didn’t want, Prince Alan soon finds that his bride isn’t the sweet, submissive creature he expected. Morgane has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she isn’t thrilled about the marriage either. When black treachery threatens the kingdom, Morgane and Alan embark on a perilous journey that has an excellent chance of ending in failure and death for them and all their people. Excerpt: Morgane advanced on her enemy with deadly purpose. "No!" Alan roared. "She has a knife." Morgane tried to retreat, but it was too late. Aili's knife caught her in her thigh. Blood spurted as if from a fountain. Renweard was closer to her than Alan. His sword rose. Aili breathed her last as Morgane swayed and slipped to the floor. Alan ran across the room and cradled her in his arms. In seconds he was coated with blood. "ʺWe must stop the bleeding!" he cried. "Where are the healers?" ʺI will find one." Renweard left the room at a run with King Bowdyn right behind him. Morgane's eyes fluttered open. "Your arms around me. No heaven can compare.ʺ Alan pressed a kiss to her hair. "I love you, my brave Morgane." Morgane sighed. "I could not let you face this battle alone.ʺ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Author’s Note: After spending most of the last ten years writing contemporary romance, I decided it was time for a change. So in the spring of 2012 I wrote my first romantic fantasy, The Enchanted. Several challenges immediately presented themselves. First, I knew that I didn't want the fantasy to overpower the romance which meant I'd have to balance my world building details with the romantic elements. Challenge two was finding characters who'd fit into my newly created world. I didn't want plastic, stereotypical characters. I wanted real people with warts and human imperfections, people whose lives and problems would draw you in and make you care about them. My third challenge was to craft a plot that included fantasy elements, yet at the same time allowed my characters to be in charge of their own destiny and in the process grow and change. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I enjoyed the experience so much I have another fantasy/sci fi romance in the wings waiting for December and its turn at publication. Given my new love affair with fantasy romance, will I write contemporary romance again? I sure will. I'm working on one right now, and I just love it. It will be my first full length romantic comedy. Author Links: http://www.elainecantrell.com http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/elainecantrell http://www.facebook.com/elainepcantrell The Enchanted is sold at most online retail outlets. Reviews: ~A sweet story, easy read, fairytale/fantasy/romance 5 stars. Teresa Cypher on Amazon ~A wonderful story that has swept into my heart. I will be remembering this one for a long time and reading it again. Tifferz Book Reviews on Goodreads While visiting family, (we all know this is the ultimate inexpensive vacation), I had the pleasure of visiting Louisiana’s state capitol building in Baton Rouge. We toured the lower floors, sat in the rooms were the State Senate and House meet, and even rode the elevator to the top of the building. That is thirty floors! Those below looked like ants and the cars like toys. Across from the capital was Battery Park which sported palm trees, not naturally to the area, and an armory museum. After touring the museum, we had lunch on the walkway between the state capitol and the state museum. A statue of Huey P. Long loomed over us as we headed to the museum. The Louisiana State Museum is a three story building that was full of history from the first explorer to that in Louisiana to the Louisiana Purchase and beyond. There were Mardi Gras costumes and samples of jazz music. There were replicas of military uniforms, submarines, and boats. Funny story…nothing was more entertaining about the museum than the security guard. My family and I believed the museum to be free. So when my aunt ask the front desk security guard the price, he said, “That will be forty-six dollars.” My aunt faced us and stared shaking her head. Of course we all look at each other in confusion because we know it is supposed to be free. Then the guard burst out in laughter, grabs a water bottle, and says, “Thank you. Thank you very much for this award.” Rightly he believed he deserved an Academy Award for his performance. Quite frankly I don’t think I can disagree! The total cost for this excursion: FREE My advice is if you live near a state capitol or will be travel to an area near one, take the opportunity to stop and explore. You never know what you might find! At this time I have no novels were someone visits a state capitol, kind of sad really. However, I do have a series in the works set in Louisiana before the Civil War. During the time of fancy gowns and opulent homes, this story is all about mistaken identity. Check back in the future for more information on Millicent. Also free feel to look at the Books page and Extra Books pages of this website to find out more about the works I’ve already published. Feel free to leave comments about what you've found when you visited a state capitol. I would love to hear your ideas! If you're ever in the beautiful county of Northamptonshire, England, then drop by Coton Manor. I've provided a bit of information below, so you can learn a little more about this treasure trove of beauty. The images are my own and were taken just over four weeks ago. Enjoy. Coton’s Website http://www.cotonmanor.co.uk/ Coton Manor lies in peaceful Northamptonshire countryside and enjoys beautiful views providing an ideal setting for the garden. Coton has recently been featured in The English Garden and Gardens Illustrated as well as local and national TV programmes. The ten acre garden, originally laid out in 1925 by the grandparents of the present owner encloses a variety of smaller gardens providing surprises and contrasts as it gradually unfolds. Beyond the confines of the garden there is a newly established wildflower meadow and a magical five acre bluebell wood usually in flower late April / early May. Coton has recently been featured in "The English Garden", Country Living Magazine and Channel 4's "Garden Party". The House provides a central focus for the garden with the walls supporting unusual climbing roses, clematis and shrubs, while the York stone terraces display numerous pots overflowing with pelargoniums, verbenas, heliotropes, salvias and agapanthus. Luxuriant borders will delight the plant enthusiast while other visitors will enjoy the charm and special atmosphere of the garden, with colour and interest maintained throughout the season. The Nursery propagates over 1000 different varieties of plants, all from the garden. Many are unusual and not easily found elsewhere. Located in the stable yard, the Stable yard Cafe serves delicious homemade lunches each day the garden is open and teas all afternoon either inside or in the stable yard in fine weather. Special arrangements for groups are available. The combination of exploring the Garden, visiting the Nursery and relaxing over lunch or afternoon tea (or perhaps both!) makes a varied and enjoyable day spent at Coton. Opening Times - 2013 Good Friday 29th March to Sat 28th September Tuesday to Saturday Also Bank Holiday Weekends and Sundays in April and May 12 noon - 5.30pm (last admission 4.45pm) Admission Adults : £6.00 Concession : £5.50 Blurb: Winter McAndrew is on the brink of divorcing her philandering husband, Philip, when he dies in a car crash. One year later and with unfinished business; Philip is still earth bound and interfering in his wife’s love life. Trying to make amends isn't always easy when you're dead. Not only has Winter fallen for her old crush, Jack Tobin, but he also happens to be Philip’s cousin. With more complications than a woman needs at Christmas, Winter tries to find peace at her holiday home in The Lake District. However, when she finds herself snowed in with Jack; ghosts, old and new cause quite a stir. Will Winter get her man, or will ghostly Philip put an end to all her festive fantasies? Excerpt: “Oh heck,” she muttered. Not only did the vase shatter, but so too did her sexy daydream. Would it ever be possible for her to get though one of these daytime fantasies without breaking something in the shop? Last week it had been a coffee mug, the week before, a china soap dish. It wouldn’t do to get her sister too suspicious. “Tut, tut,” came the voice she was fast learning to hate. “Not another one of your smouldering day dreams I hope.” She turned around to see Philip; floating somewhere between the fragranced soaps and bath bombs. “I’m starting to get annoyed at you just turning up here uninvited, Philip. Can’t you send out a psychic calling card or something? Or even better, leave me alone.” He grinned, displaying his still perfect white teeth. Sadly, death had done little to deteriorate his charming good looks. “I can’t leave you until the deed is done. Whatever it may be. You know full well I need to do my good act on earth before I can pass over.” “Well hurry up and do it. It’s been a full year already. I thought you would have figured it out by now. Haven’t you any idea what it is you need to do?” “No. I haven’t. Believe me, I wish I could. This situation is just as bad for me as it is for you. I didn’t ask for it. Or this.” He gestured towards his attire. “It’s bloody freezing at the best of times, but this week has been awful. The cold gets everywhere.” “Perhaps you should have thought about your appearance before you died in a hospital gown. I’ve no sympathy at all. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to tidy this mess before Summer comes in.” “Ah, yes. You wouldn’t want her to see the evidence of your day dreams would you? If only I could read your mind dear wife. I’d love to know who is occupying your thoughts these days.” “Well let me assure you, it isn’t you. Now go.” He folded his arms sulkily and vanished into the ether. “Good riddance,” she muttered, bending to pick up the pieces of the broken vase. Her occasional clumsiness could be explained away, but she shuddered at the prospect of explaining her dead husband’s haunting. Buy link; http://store.solsticepublishing.com/winters-spirit/ Author’s Blog ; http://deborahmelanie.blogspot.co.uk/ Author’s Facebook ; https://www.facebook.com/deborah.melanie Deborah Melanie About the author; I write romance stories, am the wife of a retired semiprofessional footballer, live in Northampton, like my wine cold and my chocolate nearby.
Hello, fellow readers! Ever wanted to take a daytrip with family or friends? How about somewhere peaceful… quiet and serene. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, spend the day hiking in the mountains and lounging in the sunshine with those you love. Sound good? It is. I’ve tried it. What many people don’t think of, or even consider, is doing a community activity that is actually…well…fun. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound like the kids or your bratty sister or best friend would like spending a day doing community service, but few people know of a simple, fun outing that benefits others. Equestrian. Spending the day around horses sounds like heaven to me, and to my book characters Katherine and Tristan. Horses are gentle giants, majestic and powerful while at the same time wonderful catalysts of emotions. No, I’m not suggesting you go to Montana and track down wild Mustangs… but spending the day at your local equestrian club volunteering with developmentally disabled children? That sounds pretty rewarding. Studies have shown that animal assisted therapy helped children with Autism or Asperger’s heal and grow in ways medicine and traditional therapy cannot. A day as a horse-leader helps you interact with the children and the horse while spending time outdoors in the sunshine, usually in a rural location. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of the city while bringing a smile to the face of a child, all the while learning a little more about yourself. Horses have a way of bringing out the best in you; they help you appreciate nature and the simplicity of serenity. So really, if you want to take a day trip somewhere for little cost? Walk a horse around a valley with a child whose heart is so pure, so happy, that they can do nothing but smile. Share that serenity with your friends, give yourself a sense of satisfaction that you are helping a child heal. In my book, Pieces of a Mending Heart, Katie and Tristan find solace and inspiration on the saddle of a horse. They put themselves together again, they find love, they discover things about themselves they would have never known. They open doors to the past and take a look into their futures, all the while following God’s path. In all honesty, I’m only seventeen years old so I don’t know what adults would find exciting for a day trip. I do know, that as a teenager myself, I enjoy nothing more than spending free time writing or, when I can, roaming through nature. Well, as much nature as I can find in Buffalo, New York. Take some time to help others. Teach your children, your friends, your coworkers or family that doing something for someone else is worth a trip to the equestrian club. Helping Autistic children find peace and enjoyment, at no cost to you whatsoever, is the ideal day trip, and it truly is a life changing experience. 6/15/2013 2 Comments Sweet Saturday SamplesToday's Sweet Saturday Sample is taken from Labor Of Love, Book Three in the Renaissance Hearts Series. If you haven’t visited then perhaps you missed the theme of my posts, but for the last three weeks I’ve shared excerpts from my Renaissance Hearts Series. You might want to go back and check them out. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Labor Of Love is a book that I wanted to write years ago but it didn’t come together until last year. The story is an age old story of persecution, and fortunate for the reader there is a rescue. We enter the scene after Grant has rescued Sorcha, I won’t give details on this—sorry, but she has been rescued and now they are being chased. Let’s listen in and see what happens… How did he expect her to lay flat? Sorcha twisted and turned, trying to do as he commanded, but it was of no use. She couldn’t lie on her stomach, or she would crush the babe. She couldn’t lie on her back, or the babe would be exposed. Rolling onto her knees, she began the slow process of getting up. When she reached a standing position, she was rewarded with one of Samuel’s brother’s most fierce frowns. Calling him “Samuel’s brother” in her head was taking entirely too much time. She really needed to formally introduce herself and have him do the same. Honestly, she hadn’t meant to forget the danger they were in. Once she thought about knowing his name that was all she could think of. She was headed toward him with a scowl of her own, wondering how such an irritating specimen could be related to Samuel, when he up and disappeared. One minute he was in her line of sight, and the next moment he was gone. Aye it was dark, but she could still see. How had he done that? Where had he disappeared to? She spun on her heel, doing a full circle of their camp. Before finishing her rounds, she was hoisted onto her tiptoes by a hairy arm lying across her neck. The desire to scream was stifled by lack of air. As the world spun around and around, little bursts of light appeared behind her eyes, then she was released. She slumped to her knees, and reached for her bruised neck. Why had the pain stopped? Before the thought completely went through her mind, she heard the crunch of bones. She flipped around on her knees and saw Grant. His arm was bent at the elbow and wrapped tightly around the stranger’s neck. He dropped the man to the ground; his head lay at an awkward angle. Offering his hand, he drew her to a standing position. “Are ye all right?” he whispered. She nodded. He led her to a tree with a small hollowed area. Silently, and with hand motions, he indicated she should hide inside. He wouldn’t catch her arguing this time. She slid into the hole and turned around. She didn’t understand what Grant had in mind, maybe he didn’t know either. As she glanced around the open area, she saw another stranger entering the camp. Again Grant was nowhere to be seen. As the intruder approached her hiding place, Sorcha clenched her teeth to keep them from chattering and giving away her position. The intruder edged closer and closer. She felt something on her skin. She looked and saw a snake crawling up the front of her ragged gown. Shock held her tongue. Where was Grant? Surely he hadn’t saved her from burning only to let her die from the bite of a snake, or let some stranger hack her to bits. As she kept watching for signs of life, a flash of light split her vision followed by a thud. Did she dare risk moving to get rid of the snake? The answer was taken from her when a hand appeared in the hole, grasped the animal, and flung it in a wide arc. “Are ye all right, lass?” How did he expect her to answer? She was trembling from head to toe, desperately needing to sit down and thought she might need a stiff drink. Perhaps then she would be all right. **** Oh, man! I wouldn’t want to be Sorcha. I hate snakes! :) Thanks for stopping by. I hoped you enjoyed this Labor Of Love excerpt. What to read more samples? Then head over to Sweet Saturday Samples. Also don’t forget to stop back on Monday for another sweet day trip idea. You can find out more about Labor Of Love and my other novels by checking out the other pages on this website. Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think will happen next. The “ice cream parlor” was once the thing to do for American families but the concept slowly began to fade away. However, there’s still those elusive few still lingering to nostalgia, and I love nostalgia. Plus, there’s the more modernized ice cream shops that are springing up across the globe. Besides, what’s better than ice cream in a cool shop on a hot day? Umm, I’m thinking nothing! Don’t know where to find a cool shop in your town? I’ll tell you what I tell my sister, “Google it, baby”. Corny, I know, but true. A quick search can help you find the coolest, most convenient shop in town. And if you’re not into ice cream, there’s always fro-yo. My suggestion to you: Take a group of friends or your family and make your way to an ice cream parlor in your city or town. After, take a nice walk and just enjoy the day. It’s fun, low key and doesn’t cost any more than you would spend at the ice cream truck. Psst. Don’t feel like looking? Then, find a Rita’s or Yolavie in the most scenic area near you, and have your ice cream filled fun day there, soaking in the sun and the sights. The best thing about this day trip is that it gives you quality time. Whether you’re with your friends or your family, the conversations should come naturally when you’re all enjoying your favorite, creative spins on ice cream. Now, put on your poodle skirts and hop on down to an ice cream parlor near you. While you’re there, enjoying the cool, tasty treat, whip out your Kindle app and check out my latest YA release, In My Face. In My Face is all about one Pablo Neruda loving girl, the guy she meets in front of her favorite ice cream truck, and the dreamy playboy driving the truck. Don’t worry. There’s plenty of ice cream and frozen yogurt in this story, as well as a yummy guy that’ll make you melt faster than your ice cream does. I can’t guarantee that Tatianna will be willing to share, however. Tati’s story is only $0.99 on Amazon. Synopsis: For Tatianna, summer meant ice cream, day dreaming, and countless hours of Pablo Neruda. She never meant to meet Mark, and she definitely didn't expect to fall in love. But when she meets the cute and alluring boy in front of her favorite ice cream truck, her idea of summer, boys, and love swiftly melts away. As school starts and summer steadily fades, Tatianna must ask herself several questions. The most important one: Is Mark the guy meant for her, or has there been someone in her face all along? In recent years going to the movies has become a treat for my family. Rising prices of movie tickets and concessions has caused my family to become extremely selective about the movies we attend. However over the hot summer months several theaters now offer kids movies at a fabulous discount. Of course the movies are older but it is still fun to gather with friends, stare at the big screen, and shovel bucket loads of popcorn into our mouths. Here is a list of theaters I found that participate in some type of kids summer movie program: Carmike price $4 for admission, movie tray with popcorn and drink, and a candy Regal price $1 for admission, no price listed for popcorn and drink Cinemark price 5 movies for $10 or $1 for each if purchased at the door, no price listed for popcorn and drink. Click on the theater name to find more information. Since most of my published works are written in the 1500s, my characters don’t generally visit the movies. But in The Painted Lady, Bruce and Elizabeth enjoy the cinema. The movie is great but afterwards leaves a lot to be desired. Elizabeth was one of my favorite female characters to write. Southern by birth she moves to a big northern city and masks her look until she meets the man of her dreams. Known around the office as Blue Eyes, Bruce Malone is way out of her league. Through a twist of fate she becomes his secretary and well let's just say sparks fly. I hope you'll consider reading more about this novel in the Books or Book Extra sections of this website. This book is available in print or ebook form. Thanks so much for stopping by and don’t forget to return on Wednesday for more inexpensive travel ideas. Feel free to leave comments. I would love to know what movie you look forward to seeing this summer. (Movie image taken from Microsoft Office Free Images.) 6/8/2013 3 Comments Sweet Saturday SamplesIntroduced in There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One in the Renaissance Hearts Series, Duncan is the quintessential Scotsman. Big, built, handsome, and confident, Duncan wields a sword in defense of friends and family. When I went to write his story, I knew he would need a special woman as his heroine. Not just any woman would impress him. Today we visit By God's Grace, Book Two of the Renaissance Hearts Series, this scene takes place after Duncan has been ordered by the council that he must marry and produce an heir. Various women have paraded before him but none were found good enough so a tournament is set to decide his fate. Knowing that approaching Duncan in the normal fashion would never garner his attention, Arbella Kincade poses as Aonghas, a young Kincade lad. In this scene Arbella has just won the tournament and is about to reveal her true identity. Let's listen in: “Laird Sinclair, I appreciate the privilege to compete in your tournament. I accept my right to name your bride from clan Kincade.” Duncan stood. The corner of his lip twitched upward. “Congratulations, lad Aonghas, on yer victory in these games on this St. Michael’s Day Festival. I am ready at yer convenience to hear yer choice for my future bride.” She cleared her throat. The need to be clear and concise when she spoke was of the upmost importance. Chaos would ensue after the unveiling, yet there must be no doubt as to what was said before the pandemonium ensued. Like a dream, the act was performed. Slow and deep breathing to calm the nerves, her hand was placed on the head covering. Now it was time for the speech. She’d rehearsed this part time and time again in Annot’s room of torture. If she closed her eyes, she could imagine herself back there. A pent-‐‑ up breath was released. “The Kincade clan chooses,” she paused, ripped off the fabric covering, and shook out her dark brown, waist-‐‑length hair. “They choose me, Arbella Kincade, as your future bride.” After the announcement the silence was deafening. Jamus’s eyes widened. Tavis and Tavish stood beside her in a rigid pose. All the men on the field held their breath. Duncan hadn’t moved. Then above the silence was heard, “Seize her! Throw her in the dungeon!” The nearest tournament participants grasped Arbella’s arms in a vice-‐‑like grip. In Jamus’s direction, she sent an awkward glance. “I told you this was a bad idea.” Men propelled her away. Grant asked Duncan, “My laird, was that necessary?” “Aye, it was necessary. Clan Kincade has made a mockery of these proceedings. Have Jamus meet me in the main hall without delay.” The last thing Arbella saw was Duncan as he stalked to the hall and left the gawking crowd behind. ******* Thanks so much for stopping by. Don't forget to check out the other Sweet Saturday Samples. Also if you are looking for some inexpensive summer day trip ideas feel free to keep reading. As always feel free to explore the Books page, Books Extra Page, or the Renaissance Hearts Series page, to find out more details about By God's Grace as well as my other books. Again thanks for stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment on your way out! |
Felicia RogersWriting clean romance with laughter and love. Archives
April 2017
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