Saturday, November 29, 2008

Finally, This Season




Hi all! Hope you enjoyed your holiday celebration. Now that the eating is behind us, and the shopping (for those of you who were brave enough to go out on Black Friday!), what better entertainment could we find than to settle in with a good read? Or two? Or three?

The following is an excerpt from Finally, This Season, my English Tea Rose short story. I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Saturday!

~Sarita
Sarita Leone
From the Heart

The blurb:

Alexandra can’t think of anything more annoying than being told she must choose a husband, and soon, but that’s exactly what’s happened. Her father has decided she’s of an age where marriage is appropriate—necessary, even—and has decreed she will choose her own husband this Season or he will do the choosing for her. What is a proper young woman to do in circumstances such as these? That is precisely what Alexandra is contemplating as she takes a walk in the park, and accidentally kicks a stone at a handsome stranger.

An excerpt:

Alexandra Parkington kicked random stones into the greenery beside the red-cobbled walk with the toe of a shiny black side-button shoe. The mildly violent action gave her some measure of relief from the vexing issues in her mind—although not enough.
Not nearly enough. There was no way to avoid the inevitable. Perhaps she’d have to give in and…
Accept it? Never, not while a breath remained in her, not so long as she possessed the wits to run, not even if all the powers of Heaven and—
“I say, have you some valid reason for this assault, or are you simply using me for target practice?” The words caught Alexandra unawares, and she stopped short, her sapphire blue skirts rustling as they swirled around her ankles.
The gentleman who stood before her bent to rub his shin, giving her a satisfying, albeit brief, look at his thick black curls and wide shoulders. When he straightened, she saw that his features matched his voice. Boyish good looks, dazzling smile and a sturdy physique comprised the man whom she’d had the unfortunate bad taste to mark with a stone. The offending rock lay on the ground between them, equal distance between Alexandra’s skirt and his polished shoes.
“A poor choice of weaponry on your part, if your intention was to kill me. But if it were merely to maim, then this was an excellent selection.” He pushed the stone forward a scant inch with his toe before bending to retrieve it. Tossing it into the air, and then catching it, he smiled. “So, which was it? Death or disarming? Because I assure you, Miss, I am completely disarmed by your charm, if not your projectile.”

To buy Finally, This Season clickhere .

Friday, November 28, 2008

A Train Through Time by Bess McBride is Out in Print Today!




A Train Through Time, a time travel set on a train to the late Victorian era of Seattle, is out in print today! I love the book and had a great time writing it. I hope you enjoy! The book trailer link is below as well as blips from a few lovely reviews!

Blurb: College teacher Ellie Standish thinks she’s on a sleek modern train heading to a conference on women’s studies in Seattle, but she awakens from a night’s doze to find herself on a bizarre historical train full of late Victorian era reenactors who refuse to come out of character. When the leader of the group—one handsome, green-eyed Robert Chamberlain—finally convinces her the date is indeed 1901, a skeptical Ellie decries any eccentric theories of time travel and presumes she is smack dab in the middle of a very interesting historical dream. She turns the directorial reins of her dream over to one smitten and willing Robert, only to realize that dreams cannot last forever. Someday, she must wake up to reality, though Ellie no longer has any idea what reality is. She only knows that Robert must play an important part in her future. But how can he...if he’s only a figment of her imagination or worse yet...a man who belongs to an era long past?

Excerpt:

“I’m not going to marry an eighteen-year-old girl, Grandmother.” Robert turned away and strode to the bay window. He stared down onto the city below.

“Robert, be reasonable. You need to marry sometime. Don’t you want a wife? One young enough to give you children? Any one of your sister’s friends would be quite suitable.”

“I’m afraid not, Grandmother. I’m waiting.”

“Waiting for what?” Mrs. Chamberlain muttered.

“The right one. She will come along. I know it.”

“For goodness sake, Robert. Where will you find her? You never appear even to look.”

Robert continued to stare out the window with his hands clasped behind his back. “I do not think I have met her yet, but I feel certain that I will know her when she does finally appear.”

“Robert, what nonsense! You are usually so sensible in all matters except when it comes to this subject. It seems my son’s wife raised a silly romantic,” the older woman muttered.

“Perhaps she did, Grandmother. Perhaps she did,” he murmured with a smile.

“Give me great-grandchildren, Robert. I cannot live forever.”

He turned away and grinned at the frail appearing silver-haired woman resting on the green velvet settee.

“Yes, you will, Grandmother. You will outlive us all.”

“Hmmppff,” she muttered looking away. “The house is quiet. We need children in it once again.”

“Perhaps my sister can do the honors in a few years, Grandmother. All she lacks is a suitable husband.” He consulted his pocket watch.

She eyed him with a piercing stare.

“Have you become a confirmed bachelor, Robert? Has time passed you by then?”

Robert laughed and bent to kiss his grandmother’s pale cheek.

“I hope not, madam. I did not intend to remain a bachelor for the rest of my life.”

“Then why do you wait? Give me a practical reason, none of your romantic musings.”

He straightened and grinned. “I can only assure you once again that I wait for the right woman. I know it sounds foolish, but it is the truth.” He turned away toward the door. “I must go into the office to see to a few things before we leave tomorrow. I look forward to riding the train. I always do.”


Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ifu1wIKlAs


Buy Link:

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=931&zenid=32dbbdc8c97221d858bda948d812dfd3

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Train-Through-Time-Bess-McBride/dp/1601543018/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226938299&sr=1-3


Five Hearts and a Recommended Read from Night Owl Romance!

"I would definitely recommend this pleasant time travel story to other readers and this is a definite keeper in my library. Don’t pass this one up!"


Here's a link to the rest of the review: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1967


A Fantastic Review from Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction

"You don’t want to miss Bess McBride’s perfectly titled, completely engaging, attention grabbing work. She’s on a professional roll."

Reviewed by Rebecca Savage

For the rest of the review, follow this link:

http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2008/08/30/wrdf-review-of-a-train-through-time-by-bess-mcbride.aspx


Four and a half books from Long and Short Reviews!

"A completely engaging story, A Train Through Time sucked me right away... You won’t want to miss this sweet, time travel romance filled with just enough sexual tension to make your heart skip a beat. Congrats to you, Ms. McBride! This is one I will be recommending to friends."

For the rest of the review, follow this link: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/1108/ATrainThroughTime-BM.htm


Bess McBride, www.bessmcbride.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Come share an adventure with me


I haven't posted here for a while so I thought I'd show you my latest offering to The Wild Rose Press, my Faery Rose, Jewels of the Sun. Currently in galley, I'm eagerly awaiting release dates for both Jewels of the Sun and my first book, Illusions of Destiny, another Faery Rose.

Blurb for Jewels of the Sun:

Born on the mysterious island of Ambrosia and whisked away to mainland Australia when only a few days old, Selena Lewis grows up hearing tales of unimaginable treasures and a floating island, trapped in the nineteenth century, which only appears every 25 years.

Now, the island has returned and Selena is determined to prove to the treasure hunting community that the island exists, as does the treasure. Kidnapped and blindfolded, she's held hostage by virile pirate captain, Saxon Ambrose, who piques her curiosity both sexually and emotionally.

Drawn into the very depths of Ambrosia, Selena finds the Jewels of the Sun, the diamond pillars that allow the island to survive, and the treasure she's waited all her life to find. However, the Jewels are dying, and so is Ambrosia. Her love for Saxon is the key but is it stronger than her struggle for treasure hunting fame? In the end, will love conquer all?

Excerpt for Jewels of the Sun:

Saxon stood and watched the woman, his eyebrows raised. She’s going to kill herself! “What are you doing?” he questioned. His amusement increased as he watched her trip on the step leading to the bed and land, arms and legs sprawled, on the crumpled blankets. He shook his head, bewildered, and studied her for a moment before a wicked grin spread across his face. “If you insist, I’d love to join you in bed.”

“No!” the woman cried, bolting upright. “Stay away!” She practically pounced to her knees, tugging the shirt down to cover her legs with one hand. The other hand shot out in front of her in a stop signal. “What do you want?”

Saxon thought about the question for a moment, all the time stroking his beard. He eyed the vixen admiringly, especially her long, shapely legs. If only she knew what he really wanted! “I want to sleep in my bed,” he finally replied, deciding to keep the conversation light. He felt it too soon to start with demands of the flesh, although he found her very tempting.

“Where will I sleep?”

Taken aback by her demanding tone, he could do nothing but stare at her. “Are you making demands?” he questioned, ensuring his voice held the hint of a warning. He saw the woman literally stop breathing, and her bottom lip lowered a little. He almost heard her mind struggling to find an answer that would get her out of trouble.

“No!”

“I’m relieved you weren’t giving me orders, Miss Lewis, otherwise you’d be flogged for insubordination.”

She bit her bottom lip. Saxon watched her closely, ready to pounce on her if she decided to run again. “So,” she began, keeping her voice light, “where do I sleep?”

“Right here... next to me."

I KNOW you'll all LOVE it! The hero's just scrumptious!

Kiss Carson
http://www.kisscarson.com.au/

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Predictions from Phoebe -


DEJA VU LOVER by Phoebe Matthews - a love story. April is caught between present day Seattle and 1920s Hollywood, and if she'd had a fortuneteller to guide her, she might have avoided heartbreak. He broke her heart in another lifetime and now he's back and what April needs is a someone to tell her what to do.

For fun, here are predictions for the next two weeks for you.

11/24 Monday: JUST WHEN EVERYTHING LOOKS SO SMOOTH, ALONG ABOUT WEDNESDAY A PUSHY TYPE POPS UP. HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY. ONCE YOU’VE SLEPT IT OFF, YOU’LL BE READY TO GO GO GO WITH RENEWED ENERGY AND IDEAS.

12/01 Monday: LEAP FIRST, LOOK AFTERWARDS, THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS THIS WEEK. EVERYBODY WANTS TO START SOMETHING NEW AND DO IT RIGHT NOW! THE MOON MAKES THIS A GOOD TIME TO START PROJECTS BUT MARS ADDS WAY TOO MUCH RASHNESS TO THE MIX. GO SOFTLY. HIDE THE BIG STICK.

Check out Phoebe's webpage for reviews, pictures, first chapter of DEJA VU LOVER and then order the book from TheWildRosePress or AllRomanceBooks or Fictionwise.

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Enchanted Faerie is here

The Romance Spinners are delighted to announce the arrival of The Enchanted Faerie.

To celebrate the launch of this anthology, the Romance Spinners have created a free companion ebook, full of recipes, excerpts, bios and strange tales. Download it here.

In 1678, six maidens seek happiness, love, and passion in the Highlands of Scotland. A land where myth and truth have no borders, where good shares a bed with evil, where spells can be made, and even broken.
Gypsy, Alishandra Orona, has the power and the magic to unleash their wildest dreams. But the price is high, if not nigh impossible.

Fall in love with the mystique, magic, and the forbidden in the world of The Enchanted Faerie.

The Securement Of Greggie Donald by Zara Penney
Playing to Win by E.J. McKenna
As Good As Gold by Heidi Kneale
The Strongest Magic by Judy Bagshaw
Night Of The Gray Sky by Lea Schizas
Beltane Faerie Of Fate by Holly Greenfield

Author Spotlight at LASR


Hi - just dropping in to mention that I'm featured in the 'Author Spotlight' at Long nd Short Reviews every day this week. I'd love it if you could pop in and learn a little about Wales, my animals, fantasy writing and a place that ispired me.. There will be a different short article every day - and you also have the chance to win a free download of my futuristic novel 'Starquest', by answering a simple question..

Here is a short Excerpt:

"I’ve loved the stars ever since I was a child. All I ever wanted was to travel to distant planets, visit new worlds.” She smiled a little sadly. “Like you, I thought my work and my love of travelling was enough. But space can be very lonely sometimes, however beautiful it is. I hadn’t realised how lonely.”

“How long have you been a pilot, Jess?”

“Seven years, allowing for the vagaries of Time-Dilation and FTL travel. I graduated at eighteen from the Orion Space Training Centre and then, after my two years practical space flight experience, joined the Sisterhood as a Missionary. Apart from a year’s intensive training with them I’ve been travelling in space since I qualified.”

“You went to Orion?”She nodded, enjoying the quick look of approval he gave her. Orion was notorious for the difficulty of its entry requirements and the rigorous training undertaken by its student pilots.

“Seven years is a long time,” he said softly. “I promise you Jess, while we both live, you will never be alone again.”

Don't forget you can win a free copy of 'Starquest' at LASR

Lyn

Photobucket

For your chance to win a Sony E-Reader check out my Books with The Wild Rose Press
Read my 'Freeread' 'A Bargain With Death'

STARQUEST: Available now
CHILDREN OF THE MIST - the sequel to Starquest - Coming Soon

DANCING WITH FATE: Available now
http://www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com
Visit my page at
Polkadotbanner.com

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Cover for Pumpkinnapper


I've just received my cover for my upcoming Regency Halloween story, Pumpkinnapper. Another gorgeous cover from Nicola Martinez, who also did the cover for my Lady of the Stars, which The Wild Rose Press will release on January 7, 2009.

Pumpkinnapper blurb:

Pumpkin thieves, a youthful love rekindled and a jealous goose. Oh my.

Last night someone tried to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe's pumpkins. She's certain the culprit is her old childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, whom she hasn't seen in ten years.

Henry, Baron Grey, who's never forgotten the girl he loved but couldn’t pursue so long ago, decides to catch Emily's would-be thief. Even after she reveals his childhood nickname--the one he would rather forget. And even after her jealous pet goose bites him in an embarrassing place.

Oh, the things a man does for love.



And an excerpt:

"Emily, even with Henry, formidable as he is--" Hank glared at the goose. The goose glared back. "--you need protection. I will send over some footmen to guard the place."

"No. Turnip Cottage belongs to Charlotte's husband. What will the townspeople think, with Baron Grey's servants about my house?"

Her refusal increased his fury. The sight of her hand on that damned goose's head didn't improve his mood, either. He balled his fists as his patience thinned and something else thickened. "I'll find you a guard dog. You must have some protection out here all alone."

"But I have Henry." She patted the goose's head and the bird snuggled into her hand. Again.

Heat flooded Hank, part desire for Emily's touch, and part desire to murder that damned goose, who was where he wanted to be. His insides groaned. "Very well, then, you leave me no choice. I will help you catch the culprits."

"But--"

He changed his voice to the voice that either melted a woman or earned him a slap in the face. "Who knows, mayhap we would enjoy ourselves as I lie in wait with you." I would love to lie with you.

Her eyes widened. Had she understood the innuendo?

"I cannot stay alone with you, and you know it," she said, her voice severe.

"You are a widow in your own home and no one will see. I will make sure of it."

"No." She marched back into her cottage and slammed the door. Henry smirked and waddled away.

Hank grinned. He would be back, whether she liked it or not.

Thank you all,
Linda
Linda Banche

Regency romance--most with humor, some with fantasy, and occasionally a paranormal

Lady of the Stars--Regency time travel, coming January 7, 2009 from The Wild Rose Press

Pumpkinnapper--coming /tbd/ from The Wild Rose Press
www.lindabanche.com

http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/lindabanche

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Seventh Taboo - a chance to win





I'm guest-blogging on Jenny Gillam's blog today about my upcoming release, "The Seventh Taboo".

For a chance to win a free copy of the book, please visit http://www.jennygilliam.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment.

Yvonne Eve Walus
http://yewalus.kiwiwebhost.net/
How far would you go to find The One? "The Seventh Taboo" (The Wild Rose Press) - out soon.

Got Another Contract!

I just sent off another contract for TWRP. This is my fourth and third in the American Rose line. My short story, Angel of My Dreams, will be part of an American Civil War anthology. I'm really excited about this project, since the other writers are all part of my critique group.

The hero of Angel of My Dreams is a modern day Civil War reenactor, who meets and falls in love with the ghost of a Civil War nurse. I had a great time writing this story and it turned out to be the easiest story I've written so far.


For more info on the anthology, visit my group blogsite: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/bragging-rights/

Proclamations, A Love Story

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love the way families gather close, bound by shared love and history. One of my favorite parts of the holiday happens after the meal has been eaten and the dishes cleared. We sit around the long table talking and laughing. Invariably the conversation shifts to a "Do you remember when...?" mode and we reminisce about days gone by.

Every family has a history. I love to hear about other people's family stories. As a writer I'm lucky enough to be able to create families, and histories for them. And I'm fortunate that I can put my characters in my favorite spots in history.

Proclamations, a short American Rose story I wrote a few years ago, combines my love of history, romance and Thanksgiving. It's a sweet story, and shows that while not every Thanksgiving was easy, they are all memorable in some way.

Click TWRP- Proclamations to find the story.

Here's the blurb:

The War Between the States has been raging for two long years. In Virginia in 1863 Jolene Crane misses her fiance, Nate, more than words can say. Every moment that she's not busy taking care of household chores or working at the hospital, she's consumed by her longing for the man who holds her heart.
When Abraham Lincoln signs a proclamation declaring the fourth Thursday in November a day to be celebrated joyfully and thankfully, Jolene is determined not to celebrate the day. After all, what has she got to be thankful for? And the only proclamations that come to mind have all to do with the losses they've suffered and little to do with celebrating.
But when a new wave of soldiers arrives at the hospital on the day before the holiday, Jolene just may find that she does, in fact, have something to celebrate.

And a short excerpt:

Virginia, 1863

The breeze held a chill as it touched her cheek.Shivering, Jolene Crane pulled the knitted cotton shawl closer around her shoulders as she rocked more vigorously on the front porch. Twilight deepened, the violet hues of the late October skyline pulling every house on the lane beneath its cloak.

If they were lucky the night sky would remain dark,free of the glare of distant gunfire. That had been the case for the past fortnight and every person in town hoped the silence would continue.
But she wasn’t thinking about any of that. No, she had different things on her mind, things of a more personal nature. Things that were more important to her than battles, gunfire, and food shortages. More important,even, than the threat that the war brought to the very existence of the only life she’d ever known.


Oh Nate, where are you tonight? What are you doing?

Where is the Army of the Potomac camped right now? If I knew the answers to those questions I’d find a way to come to you. To see you with my own eyes and to bring you home. I’d hide you in the root cellar or out in the barn—I don’t care anymore about who wins this rotten war. I just want you back here with me. Two years is such a long time to miss someone.

How much more can I bear?

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope it's filled with laughter and love. And I hope you make a few memories that will become part of your family's history!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Trail of Love by Bess McBride is Out in Print!




And yet more good news. My contemporary romance set in the majestic splendor of Glacier National Park, Montana, A TRAIL OF LOVE, is available in print tomorrow, November 21. Here's a bit about the book!

Blurb:
Kerrie is on the run from a painful past, and she hides in plain sight as a summer employee in the majestic setting of Glacier National Park. Lonely and isolated from the family and friends she left behind, she dreams of the day when a kind and gentle man will say to her: “I fell in love with you the first time I saw you across the room.”

Dace Mitchell could be that man! The handsome bear ranger rescues Kerrie from her own foolish behavior--more than once--and she finds herself drawn to him against her will...until she discovers he’s already involved with someone else.

When Kerrie begins to get mysterious silent phone calls, it seems the past has caught up to her. Can Dace save her from a violent man who will stop at nothing to have her?

EXCERPT:

A moose! Baby mooses! Was that the right word? Kerrie had never seen moose before in real life. They were magnificent! The dark brown mother so tall, her long stick-like legs seemingly incapable of bearing her great weight. The dark blonde youngsters, though lighter in color and smaller in scale, were perfect mirror images of their mother.
She turned to face an approaching vehicle, casting a last glance over her shoulder to make sure the moose cow and her calves did not reenter the road.
A large silver truck pulled up to the kiosk and Kerrie wished she could have slid down to the floor of her booth. The driver was Dace and he wore the same Smokey Bear hat as she, except as one of those outdoorsy men, it looked so much better on him. He worked for the Park Service. Her summer had just gotten much, much longer.
Kerrie’s heart tapped an excited rhythm against her chest. If this was any indication of what the summer promised, her hiding place suddenly looked a lot like Paradise.



Dace cleaned off the battery posts and reattached the cables. He got back in the truck and turned the ignition over. The truck started right up. Kerrie was sure she actually heard it purring under his care.
Dace unfolded his long legs from the small truck and got out. “There you go,” he said with a grin as Kerrie kept her distance.
“Thank you, Dace. I really appreciate your help. I should get one of those gizmos so I don’t have to stand by my dead truck like a helpless female.”
His eyebrows shot up, and he tilted his head inquiringly. “I doubt you’re helpless. I’ve discovered you women are pretty handy when you need to be. Goodnight, Kerrie.”
Dace climbed in his truck and watched Kerrie pull out of the parking lot. Her taillights disappeared into the night. What was with that woman? For that matter, what was with him? He had better things to do than stalk an unwilling female. Didn’t he? A vision of his sterile, lonely apartment in government housing popped into view. Okay, so maybe he didn’t have anything better to do.
Still, there was something in those beautiful brown eyes of hers that compelled him. Loneliness was turning him into a hopeless romantic, for Pete’s sake. Every now and then, he caught her looking at him with an expression of... What was it? Longing? Dace bit his lower lip. If anything, Kerrie acted like she would be happy to see the last of him. For the most part.
He smiled at the last thought. There was something about her, and he wasn’t going to be satisfied until he knew what it was...or she gave him firm marching orders. With a sigh, he pondered the night ahead, hoping he would be able to get some sleep...though that seemed unlikely. Images of the silky dark curls of a complicated woman had been interrupting his sleep for the past few nights.

Book Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TONFALG3rmU

Buy Link:
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=923
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Love-Bess-McBride/dp/1601542992/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226938299&sr=1-4

Bess McBride
www.bessmcbride.com

A Book Signing and I Heart Libraries



L-R, Anna Kathryn Lanier, Bess McBride, Betty Hanawa and Linda Mooney at Boomerang Books, League City, Texas

I'm bursting to tell someone the good news! The local public library where I'm spending the winter on the Gulf Coast of Alabama requested 5 copies each of LOVE OF MY HEART and A SIGH OF LOVE to give to their book club as a Christmas present! (I'd say the name of the library, but I'd better wait until they give their gifts out at the beginning of December.) Isn't that the greatest news? Well, it is for me, anyway. They were going to order them from Baker and Taylor, who don't carry any in stock but have to order them from the printer, so they contacted me, and I just happened to have some available, don't you know! :-)

In addition, I'll be meeting with their book club in February and doing a book signing at that time. Wish me luck!

I just returned from my very first book signing at Boomerang Books in League City, Texas, an 8 hour drive one way. I know, I know. Craziness, eh? But I had a great time...especially chatting and visiting with my fellow authors, Betty Hanawa, Linda Mooney and Anna Kathryn Lanier. And a few other authors from my publisher showed up to cheer us on. I loved it! I'm hooked on book signings, I tell you! Hooked!

Literary hugs and kisses to all!

Bess McBride
www.bessmcbride.com

STARQUEST NOW IN PRINT!

My dog went crazy when the delivery van pulled up ouside our home. The delivery man walked up the path, eyeing our loving but excitable little dog warily. He handed me a box - a big box. Guess what was inside......YES!

They've arrived. Crisp and fresh from the printers, the actual paperback copies of Starquest! It's impossible to express how I felt holding the actual BOOK in my hands! My very first novel, in print! Yes I was absolutely thrilled to get the print copies of the Muse series, and they're wonderful, but this is just me, mine, my novel! It was fantastic being e-published, but there's something so special about holding your first solo book - the actual feel of it, the glossy cover, the beautiful starry background that's on the back cover as well...amazing!

I have to admit I hadn't expected them to arrive so quickly. The offiicial print date isn't until the 5th December - but I'm taking advance email orders at Hywelalyn@hywelalyn.co.uk and I'm throwing in a matching bookmark - and for the first five - a special Starquest pen. I only had a few made, so they're kind of a collectable item! :)

Just wanted to share. I'm busy with edits for the sequel at the moment, but I wanted to take a little time out and post my news because time goes so quickly. I feel like a 'proper' auithor now!
I now find that they're also available on Amazon now -

Monday, November 17, 2008

Win a VERA WANG necklace in my NEW CONTEST!

Okay everyone! Here's your chance to win a nice Christmas gift for yourself! On Christmas Eve I will pick one person at random to win a Vera Wang necklace from her Lavender Label collection. The necklace, from Neiman Marcus, is purple with a black ribbon closure and very dramatic. I will post photos of it on my website later today. Two other winners will receive downloads of my e-book short story, Bonbons & Truffles.

How to enter: Check out my website at www.teriwilson.net and read all about my new release from The Wild Rose Press - Do You Hear What I Hear, Book One in my new Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series. Then email me at puppylove@satx.rr.com and answer the following question:

What is the name of the charity that will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series?

It's that simple! Would you like an extra chance to win?? To get an additional entry in the drawing, also answer this question:

To whom is the book Do You Hear What I Hear? dedicated on the dedication page?

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Blessings, Teri Wilson

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul

www.teriwilson.net

Win a VERA WANG necklace in my NEW CONTEST!

Okay everyone! Here's your chance to win a nice Christmas gift for yourself! On Christmas Eve I will pick one person at random to win a Vera Wang necklace from her Lavender Label collection. The necklace, from Neiman Marcus, is purple with a black ribbon closure and very dramatic. I will post photos of it on my website later today. Two other winners will receive downloads of my e-book short story, Bonbons & Truffles.

How to enter: Check out my website at www.teriwilson.net and read all about my new release from The Wild Rose Press - Do You Hear What I Hear, Book One in my new Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series. Then email me at puppylove@satx.rr.com and answer the following question:

What is the name of the charity that will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series?

It's that simple! Would you like an extra chance to win?? To get an additional entry in the drawing, also answer this question:

To whom is the book Do You Hear What I Hear? dedicated on the dedication page?

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Blessings, Teri Wilson

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul

www.teriwilson.net

Saturday, November 15, 2008

DEJA VU LOVER, had she but known -


Torn between a lover in present day Seattle and a lover in 1925 Hollywood, the DEJA VU LOVER heroine really needed advice. To read more about the book, check out my website at http://phoebematthews.com

As my readers know, I have this hobby/addiction to astrology-based fortune telling.  So the following article  is for your entertainment. 

12 months and Which is Your Lucky One?

Based on the hour of your birth, what months are luckiest for you? Check it out!

Midnight to 2 AM: Need to smooth out relationships with your lover? Or maybe with your children? Two months after your birthdate adds luck. Four months after your birthdate is good for improving all kinds of partnerships. And the month of your birth? You communicate well with anyone, especially siblings.

2 to 4 AM: Money problems? You handle money better than most people and in your birth month, your luck runs high. Two months after your birthdate adds luck to your homelife and you find ways to upgrade your nest. Four months after your birthdate may be the time to think health, start a new diet, add exercise?

4 to 6 AM: In your birth month you shine, look your best, attract others. Two months later can bring good news from friends or family or maybe a surprise message? Four months after your birthdate should brighten your love life or bring a better relationship with a child.


6 to 8 AM: Your birth month is lucky for close friendships and should create good memories. Two months after your birthdate can help expand income. Four months after your birthdate is good for improving your homelife, relationships with family and maybe your home itself.

8 to 10 AM: Two months after your birthdate adds luck to self improvement, so go for that new hairstyle. Four months after your birthdate is good for straightening out confused messages. And the month of your birth? Great for making new friends, or maybe you’ll meet someone new and special.

10 to Noon: Two months after your birthdate adds luck to some secret area of your life. Four months after your birthdate is good for improving your money situation. And the month of your birth? This could be a lucky time to look for a new job, if that’s what you want.

Noon to 2 PM: Two months after your birthdate adds luck to making new friends, and could this extend to your love life? Four months after your birthdate is good for improving health, you know, the diet and exercise thing. And the month of your birth? You always love to travel, right? Bon voyage!

2 to 4 PM: Two months after your birthdate might bring a career change for the better. Four months after your birthdate you could be making some fun new friendships, maybe give a party. And the month of your birth? Financial pressures could start to ease up.

4 to 6 PM: Two months after your birthdate can find you traveling or planning a trip. Four months after your birthdate is good for widening your circle of friends, maybe doing some entertaining. And the month of your birth? Time to give a little more time to your significant other.

6 to 8 PM: Two months after your birthdate could bring an invitation or a surprise or something else nice, and someone else is paying. Four months after your birthdate adds energy to career improvement. And the month of your birth? Stay healthy, take care of yourself, and do what’s best for you.

8 to 10 PM: Romance often lights your birthday month. And if you party too much, two months later is a good time to start a new diet or exercise plan, anything that improves your health. Four months after your birthdate you may want to take your mind or yourself on a trip to someplace new.

10 to Midnight: Two months after your birthdate can see an improvement in your finances and we all need that. Four months after your birthdate someone else is picking up the tab, even if it’s only for lunch. And the month of your birth? Do what you like best and enjoy the comforts of your home.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Booksigning - November 15

Join Anna Kathryn Lanier, Betty Hanawa and Bess McBride on Saturday, November 15 for a booksigning:

Freebies, Give-Aways and Contests, too!!!

NOON TO FOUR

BOOMERANG BOOKS
907 E. Main (F.M. 518)
League City, Texas
281-3161404
Exit off I-45 at the F.M. 518 exit

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Great review from ParanormalRomance.org!



I just got a great review from ParaNormalRomance.org for my new release Do You Hear What I Hear, Book One in my Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series. Do You Hear What I Hear was released a week ago today and has been on the Wild Rose Press bestseller list ever since. For more information, come see me at http://www.teriwilson.net/.



Now check out this great review!



"a lovely G-rated romance!"


Simone Littleton was considered mainly a quack by all the trainers at the racetrack. Being an Equine Massage Therapist, she used her skills along with a combination of massage oils and herbs to calm down even the most stressed- out horse. Her personal life was complicated and men usually didn't like her kind of complicated. While she did work for racer Trent Jones, everyone else laughed at her constantly.


Chet Wallace owned racehorses and was not looking for anything but a winning horse. No time for anything else but training and he is not about to put up with the "Crazy Horse Lady" tending to his prized horses. His dog, Pollock, has other ideas.


You see, Simone's little secret is that she can talk to animals. It has made her the laughing-stock of the track and has not been helpful in getting new clients. When Chet yells at her in front of everyone for not telling him her secret, it breaks her heart. The path to Simone's heart is through her work with horses and the path to Chet's is the same. Will they forgive and forget? You can never trust a scheming Jack Russell Terrier.


This book is part 1 of a series titled Hoofbeats and Heartstrings. Let's hope it is a long-lived series because this book is G rated, and a lovely story!


Nancy Eriksen, ParanormalRomance.org



To purchase the e-book version of Do You Hear What I Hear, just click here:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1043



And don't forget! The print version comes out February 13 and Book Two of Hoofbeats & Heartstrings - Love, Lilies and the Unbroken Straw - is not far behind!


Blessings, Teri

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Let Us Never Forget

glitter-graphics.com

Review: No Funny Stuff!- 5 out of 5 Tombstones!


What wonderful news for my #1 Bestseller No Funny Stuff!, my spicy Greek mythology novella, brought to you by The Wild Rose Press!

*Reviewed by Bitten By Books
Rating: 5 out of 5 Tombstones
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1210 <- Read the Review in its entirety!
…What do you get when you mix the Muse of Laughter, a calamity-ridden man, a fantastically eccentric red head, a Chihuahua with the heart of a rottweiler, and a task from the Gods? An utterly fabulous story filled with humor and depth, that’s what. This story practically flew off the pages and I had so much fun… I loved this spin on Greek Mythology…and the back story for Drew’s family curse was interesting. The interplay between the different deities was well done and a rather humorous version of what was said to happen rather frequently when Olympians take sides. I also got a real kick out of Thalia’s various shoe stores. I highly recommend this tale if you’re looking for a laugh out loud story that is the perfect remedy for a downer of a day or a long day at work.
Reviewer: Sarai
***

Here’s a blurb to whet your appetite:

Something's Rotten at the Gates of Heaven

Under conspiratorial inspiration of Olympian thrones,
Thalia, the Muse of Comedy,
sends a blessing of love and laughter to Drew Murphy,
a young man cursed to a short and miserable life.
But when her favorite messenger Daisy Sullivan
accidentally launches the magic
--wrong time, wrong place, wrong method, wrong everything!—
Thalia must force to light buried secrets
of a millennia-old family curse
and face down a most vengeful
Immortal on his own battlefield
if she wishes to free both Drew and Daisy
from an unJust fate.

Ares, the ruthless God of War,
loves only one thing as much as he loves bloodshed....
How's Thalia supposed to make THAT funny?
At least, she's wearing her best sandals!
***
Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=925
$3 for so many giggles! More fun than shaving a monkey!

Want more? Reviews, Excerpts, Book Trailer Here!
http://www.michelehart.com/b22-book.htm

NO FUNNY STUFF! is proud to be a
part of the Song of the Muses anthology,
9 Tales of Romance for the 9 Muses of Inspiration.
AVAILABLE NOW IN PRINT!
Meet the Muses!
Check out the other tales of the 9 Greek Muses of Inspiration in the anthology, Song of the Muses!
http://www.michelehart.com/songofthemuses.htm

Writing, Tragedy, Music!
Astronomy, Erotic Love, Dance!
History, Comedy, Glorious Praise!
Song of the Muses anthology presents
a tale of Romance for every muse,
both Historicals and Contemporaries for every taste.
Don't Miss Them!

Have a magical day,

Michele Hart
http://www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/

Sunday, November 09, 2008

blog on time-travel

Hello, how is everyone? :)
I created a little blog on my time-travel series, Romeo vs. Juliet, out with The Wild Rose Press. The second in the series is going through edits now.
My novel features a hero from Elizabethen England who searches the centuries for his true love. He finds her in America. The two of them travel time and visit many places. The catch is that after they marry, he does something really bad, and she chases him through the eras to try to stop him.
I invite you to have a peek at my blog.
http://traveltheages.blogspot.com/
Take care!
Sincerely, Laura Hogg

Saturday, November 08, 2008

5 Book Review for 'Dancing With Fate'

My book, ‘Dancing With Fate’ one of the stories in the Wild Rose Press ‘Song Of The Muses’ was reviewed by The Long and the Short of It this week and received a rating of Five Books. I was thrilled to have such a great review.

You can read it at Long and Short Reviews:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm



It's also up for 'Book Of The Week' just in case anyone is kind enough to want to vote!

Lyn

Lost in translation - this is the actual sign


('course unless you speak Welsh yourself it doesn't mean much! :) ) It actually says 'There is no one in the office at the moment. Please send any material for translation."

It's here!!!

Cost of Freedom is available at Amazon.com!!!

Roses Signing at Boomerang Books in League City Texas



I'm just tickled to announce that we're heading off to League City, Texas, next week for my first ever book signing! Whether I sell a lot of books or not doesn't really matter, I'm just thrilled to have the experience. I've got my pens, book marks, magnets, books and chocolate, and I'm ready to go! So, if you're in the Houston metro area, pop on down to see us. I'll be there with Betty Hanawa, Linda Mooney and Anna Kathryn Lanier, noon to 4 p.m.

Bess McBride
www.bessmcbride.com

Lost in Translation

I read this in the paper (Houston Chronicle, November 1, pg A26, to be exact). It seems that the UK wanted to put up some bilingual road signs in both English and in Welsh in Swansea, Wales. So, they sent off an e-mail to a translator. What was supposed to tell drivers that the 'road ahead wasn't suitable for heavy trucks,' turned out to say "I am not in the office at the moment. Please send any work to be translated." Huh?

Well, it seems the officials didn't realize that the reply they received requesting the translation wasn't the translation, but an automatic reply telling that, uh, the guy wasn't in the office a the time and to go ahead and send the work to be translated. So, the road sign people made the sign with what was sent to them. Town Council spokesman Patrick Fletcher said that the misleading sign was being replaced.

Have you seen any oddly translated wording?

~Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com

Friday, November 07, 2008

How Women Authors Can Sell More Books

By Mark Tewart


You have written a book and are now waiting for the book sales to pour in. Good luck. Writing a book is half the battle, marketing and selling the book is the other half. Unfortunately, unless you are a former best selling author, you may be amazed to find out many publishers will contribute exactly zero to your efforts to market and sell your book. It’s all up to you. The good news is that as a female author you have many opportunities to sell tons of books.

First of all, draw yourself a marketing web. Put your name inside a circle in the middle of a page and then begin to draw others circles all around the outside of your center circle. Each one of these circles consists of a different marketing approach or way to sell your book. Each marketing circle should contain subset circles that are different approaches to that form of marketing which make up your promotional web.

The idea is to create as many marketing circles and subset circles as you can to form a bigger and stronger web. I once heard it said beautifully, “Try to think of one hundred ways to get one customer rather than one way to get one hundred customers.” The more marketing media and approaches you create, the more synergy that will occur. Try to think of what my friend Nido Qubein calls Intentional Congruence. Make sure each marketing media and approach can in some way tie into or support the others to continue to build and strengthen your web.

Once you have created a strong beginning to your marketing web, you can ask questions that will help you tap into the resources available to you as a female author. Ask yourself the following question, “Who does business with who, that you want to do business with?” Look for people and resources that are currently either doing business with women or that have the attention of the female segment of the market. Once you identify these ringleaders and sources, approach them with a winning proposition for them. Think of their goals and problems and how you or your book can be a valuable resource to them. Caution; do not approach these ringleaders and resources with a “me attitude”. Think TLC – Think Like A Customer. In this case these people are your customers. What can you do for them?

Do your research. Find every blog, website, forum, magazine, article directory, newspaper column, product, service, business, association or media that has a high concentration of female customers or followers. Next, think of markets that typically don’t have a high percentage of female customers or followers and make another list. Ask yourself, is there a potential or an untapped market? Offer these resources or businesses a way to reach the female market by utilizing your book. You will want to create an idea for a product, service, premium, contest or giveaway surrounding your book or the target subject of the book.

Ask yourself the following questions. Who is my target audience for this book? What do they do? Where do they go? Where do they live? What do they want? What do they complain about? What are their fears? What are their fantasies? What gets their attention and who is getting their attention already? Is there someone who would buy this book in bulk for their company, group, target audience or members? Is there a company or group that would sponsor a book tour that would create a high profile campaign for their company, product, service or cause? What charities or non-profits would benefit by the affiliation with my book. Think synergistic win-win relationships and triangles. If you can form a two party relationship, there is a strong chance you can form a three party relationship or more.

Women make up more than half the population, they influence an even larger number of purchase decisions and create stronger emotional and logical bonds and relationships to products, services and associations than men do. Because of those factors a female author has huge opportunities to market and sell as many books as they desire.

Mark Tewart is a professional speaker, consultant and author of “How To Be A Sales Superstar – Break All the Rules and Succeed While Doing It” available in book stores and Amazon. You can reach Mark Tewart at info@tewart.com

Mark Tewart’s websites include: www.marktewartlive.com, www.marktewart.com and www.howtobeasalessuperstar.info

To read the first chapter of How to be a Sales Superstar and to receive several FREE bonuses from Mark Tewart, visit www.marktewartlive.com.

Full virtual tour details are posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html

Thursday, November 06, 2008

HERE’S THE PREVIEW, HOLLYWOOD-STYLE-


He broke her heart in another lifetime and now he is back.

April’s startling visions of 1920s Hollywood include silent film stars, roadsters, glamourous hotels and mansions, plus a handsome actor who pursues her.

April’s best friends think she is delusional.


And then she meets the actor’s charming lookalike in present day Seattle.

Torn between her memories and her new love, April is terrified that she will repeat her past mistakes. Is that her destiny, to love him and lose him throughout eternity?


Deja Vu Lover
by Phoebe Matthews
Vintage Rose, October 2008
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=145

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Two More 4-Star Reviews for Informally Yours

I'm happy to say Informally Yours has received two more 4-Star reviews.

Calla Lily at Long and Short Reviews gave Informally Yours a 4 Book Review

"The story is a fast paced, quick read. I love the way Beth Caudill writes such detailed passages...I would recommend reading this sweet and sexy Halloween tale."

For a complete review of Informally Yours, click here.

Megan at Fallen Angel Reviews gave Informally Yours a 4 Angel Review

"Beth Caudill has written a short and fast paced story that will leave you wanting more at the end!....Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Melinda and Connor’s romance and the confusion Melinda had over their situation."

For a complete review of Informally Yours, click here.

Excited and Humbling



To be honest, I stalk The Wild Rose Press site to see how my books are doing. I hate to admit it, but it's the truth. It's the writer crazy writer in me, but as of 11:50 p.m. on November 4, 2008, my debut novel, How Much You Want to Bet?, is #1 and See Megan Run is #2 on the Champagne (General) line on the bestseller list.

I can't put into words how I feel today about that. It's something about seeing your hard work get appreciation. It's really something about slaving over books, thinking your book is going into the black whole of publishing and realzing that...maybe it's not.

I just want to thank everyone for buying my books. It means so much to me that 1.) You bought my book. 2.) You must be telling your friends that my books are good.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is an author's dream. It may be on a small scale, but to me it means the world.

Monday, November 03, 2008

An April to Remember


I received the release date for An April to Remember. Both the e-book and print version will become available on April 3, 2009.

This book came about in October of 2006 when we went to Memphis to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Graceland was wonderful, Sun Studios, unforgettable, but if anyone travels to Memphis, I would highly recommend taking a river boat ride. During our trip on the Island Queen, the tour guide, “Rooster,” shared the remarkable story of the Sultana, a river boat which exploded near Memphis in 1865. More passengers perished in this accident than any other maritime disaster including the Titanic. However, due to the time of its demise, (the same month Lee surrendered and President Lincoln was assassinated) the story of this remarkable ship was swept into history along with many other Civil War tragedies.

Upon our return home, I couldn’t get the ship out of my mind, and began to research the Sultana. I was amazed and somewhat overwhelmed by all the information. While trying to hold as much history as possible, I began to create a romance story around the ship’s fatal voyage. It was my son Dallas, who gave me the title. He’s a history buff, and while discussing the story he suggested I change the name of my heroine to April and title the story An April to Remember.

The actual demise of the ship remains in controversy even today—some claim it was a coal torpedo, and some claim it was a faulty boiler. (You’ll have to read the story to see what happens in my version.)

I’ll be blogging at The Wild Rose Press Cactus Rose blog this Thursday, so please stop by and leave a comment to be entered in a contest for an e-book of Shotgun Bride that I will give away on November 14th.