Blog Archives

Inspiration for My Palate And My Writing #winetasting #Inspiration

4/27/2016

This past weekend I visited three vineyards with my girlfriends and left inspired to write a new series featuring...yup, you guessed it--a winery. Or is it vineyard? I dug around a little, asked a few questions and learned the obvious (that didn't seem so obvious at the time while tasting over twenty varieties of wines from three different places).

A vineyard grows the grapes--seems' obvious--but doesn't necessarily make the wine. Some do, some don't. A winery has a permit to squash those little pieces of fruit and turn them into what we love so much. Wine. The places I visited grew their own grapes (and had some shipped in, this is wintry New England, folks) and also made their own wine. So, technically, I suppose we visited wineries.

What I love about the New England wineries is their infusion of fruits. I'm a sweet girl (insert snicker here). I love crisp, sweet wines and many of the fruity varieties please my palate just so. Some of the wines I sampled weren't even made with any grapes, just fruit. Yum!

One of my favorites was a sweet blackberry wine. We were given a lovely suggestion to mix it with vodka and pour over ice. Doesn't that sound heavenly? All I need now is warm weather.

And in the midst of sampling, touring and asking questions, an idea for a new series centered around a New England winery came to life. I haven't decided if it will be based in New Hampshire (where I toured) or Maine. The wheels are spinning. First, I need a location. A fictitious town or winery.

I'd love to hear your name ideas. If I use your suggestion I will recognize you in the acknowledgements of the first book. 

5 Comments

How Copper Faucets, Neil Gaiman, and a Rainy Night in Portsmouth Led to Copper Girl @parthalan

4/25/2016

0 Comments

So here’s what happened:

It was 2011, and Neil Gaiman was touring for the tenth anniversary edition of American Gods. Being a huge fan of all things Neil, I had to go. Unfortunately, the closest stop was Portsmouth, NH, which is about two hours away. Which means, I needed to enlist a co-conspirator.

Enter Trisha Wooldridge, my always-willing partner in crime. Being that she’s a die-hard Neil fan, she was game. So I picked her up, enjoyed some of the best Mexican I’ve ever had (in Worcester, MA, of all places) and headed north. During the drive, I fished a bracelet out of the center console; it was green marble with a copper clasp. I gave it to Trisha (hey, she paid for lunch) and commented that copper was my favorite metal.

Once we reached Portsmouth we met up with another writer friend, one Justine Graykin. After dinner at a British-themed pub, we trekked over to the Music Hall, listed to Neil speak, read from American Gods, and be interviewed by the local NPR affiliate. We also scored some signed hardbacks.

Right now, you’re wondering why I’m telling you all of this, and what this possibly has to do with Copper Girl. Patience. It’s coming.

After the event at the Music Hall was over, Trisha, Justine and I went to a local restaurant (for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of it – Portsmouth Brewery, maybe?) for drinks and dessert. (Side note: the common theme to all of my and Trish’s adventures seem to be drinks and dessert.) We hit the bathroom before we left, and let me tell you, that was one of the nicest ladies’ rooms I’d ever seen. It had granite counters, a terra cotta tile floor, and the most gorgeous copper sinks and faucets. While washing my hands, I remarked again that copper was my favorite metal.

“You keep saying that,” said Trisha. “Maybe you should write a copper story.”

And, I did.

The point behind my ramble is this: I was lucky enough to be with two creative individuals, talking and laughing and generally going on about the sorts of things I don’t normally get to talk about, like my love of Charles Dickens, and literary tropes, and why libraries don’t have more funding than the defense department. I had the opportunity to be exposed to Trisha and Justine’s creativity, and I borrowed a bit of it.

Take away lessons:
Creativity does not exist in a vacuum – if you isolate yourself, you will never open yourself to new ideas. Place yourself with other creative individuals, and soak up their brilliance.
Inspiration is everywhere – even in a bathroom sink.
Have drinks and desserts with friends often – you never know where it will lead you.

Book Title: COPPER GIRL
Author: Jennifer Allis Provost
Series: Copper Legacy #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Spence City, an imprint of Spencer Hill Press
SYNOPSIS:
Sara had always been careful.

She never spoke of magic, never associated with those suspected of handling magic, never thought of magic, and never, ever, let anyone see her mark. After all, the last thing she wanted was to end up missing, like her father and brother.

Then, a silver elf pushed his way into Sara's dream, and her life became anything but ordinary.

Cover Designer: Lisa Amowitz http://www.lisaamowitz.com/

About the author: Jennifer Allis Provost writes books about faeries, orcs and elves. Zombies too. She grew up in the wilds of Western Massachusetts and had read every book in the local library by age twelve. (It was a small library). An early love of mythology and folklore led to her epic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Parthalan, and her day job as a cubicle monkey helped shape her urban fantasy, Copper Girl. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975887.Jennifer_Allis_Provost
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/copperraven/
WEBSITE: http://authorjenniferallisprovost.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/parthalan

0 Comments

House Hunting-The Ultimate Research Guide #WritingTips #Research

4/22/2016

0 Comments

I started writing a new book today for the Dallas Fire & Rescue Kindle World. So far all of my books have taken place in Maine and New Hampshire, where I've lived for the past twenty years. Writing about an area I know so well is pretty easy. But writing in a new local required research.

The only time I've been to Dallas was on a layover, and that doesn't count. So where did I go for help? Google, of course. I knew I wanted my heroine to live in an uppity neighborhood in a refurbished 1920's home. She needed a nice backyard and the convenience of being close to the city. In order to describe her home and neighborhood, I went on an online house hunt. I shopped around, compared prices of homes, fixer uppers and the newly built. I investigated the median salary and average age; some neighborhoods are more...established where others are filled with singles and young families. I found my heroine the perfect home, saved the link for future reference, and then searched area restaurants and bars.

I wouldn't want a native of the area to call me on any erroneous facts when describing these establishments so I created new places, using existing eateries and stores for inspiration. Styles, colors, and even food choices are vastly different in Texas than in Maine and I want to make sure every detail in my story is true to the Dallas culture.

Nowadays, it's super easy to cross-reference with the Internet. No one wants to read a book that takes place in their neck of the woods only to have the local area described in an atypical fashion. We natives tend to get territorial.

My quick tip: Go online and explore neighborhoods, homes, schools, businesses, restaurants and even the economy in the area you're writing about. It doesn't take a lot of time and you're sure to learn something new.

0 Comments

La Vie en Rose Hot #AMustRead @Lydia_Michaels

4/13/2016

0 Comments

I'm in love with Lydia Michaels's new cover. Isn't it gorgeous? La Vie en Rose is now available. One-click today!

BLURB
Emma Sanders has always dreamt of being a bride, wearing fancy gowns, pretty pearls, and—of course—falling madly in love. Then life happened. Finding herself one fiancé short of her happily ever after, she leaves the fairytales behind. Some days are simply too perilous for pink gowns and pearls.
Riley Lockhart is the sort of man who can make a woman lower her gaze with only a smile. That he doesn’t realize his charm makes him all the more enchanting. Determined to save Emma the pain of her breakup, he steps in as a friend, but soon finds himself wanting more.
She was just a girl, but she somehow winds up being the strongest woman he’s ever known. Losing her is not an option and when life can’t be tied neatly in a pretty little bow, he holds tight to all that he loves—his Emma. His hero.
Sometimes the greatest scars are worn on the inside.

Sign Up for Lydia Michaels Newsletterwww.LydiaMichaelsBooks.com/newsletter/
Buy Links:Websitewww.LydiaMichaelsBooks.com
Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Lydia-Michaels/e/B0071ZV41G
B&Nhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lydia-michaels
iBookshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lydia-michaels/id577453828?mt=11
Kobohttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?query=Lydia%20Michaels&fcsearchfield=Author
ARehttp://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Lydia+Michaels

Social Links:Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/LydiaMichaels
Twitter@Lydia_Michaels
https://twitter.com/Lydia_Michaels
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428994.Lydia_Michaels
Pinteresthttps://www.pinterest.com/Lydia_Michaels/
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/lydiamichaels2011

Lydia Michaels is the award winning author of 23 romance novels. Her novels from the darkly compelling Surrender Trilogy were iBooks Bestsellers and her work has been featured in USA Today. In 2015 she was the winner of The Best of Bucks Award and she has been nominated as Best Author in the Happenings Magazine two years running [2015 & 2016]. She is a four time nominee for the prestigious RONE Award. Her books are intellectual, emotional, haunting, always centered around love. Lydia Michaels loves to hear from readers! She can be contacted by email atLydia@LydiaMichaelsBooks.com
Webpage: www.LydiaMichaelsBooks.com

0 Comments

Her Deviant Lord #NewRelease #HistoricalRomance @LaynaPinentel

4/11/2016

0 Comments

Her Deviant Lord by Layna Pimentel

Series: Pleasure Garden Follies, Book Three

Release Date: April 11, 2016

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Genre: Erotic Historical Romance

Her Deviant Lord from romance author Layna Pimentel, is the third installment of the Pleasure Garden Follies series. This historical romance features a sexy earl, second chances at love, and plenty of kink for good measure.

Bastian Wycliffe, the Earl of Wendelhem, has finally moved on…or so he thought. En route to a hunting trip after over-indulging the night before, he endures a frightful and terribly embarrassing swoon. He’s seen a ghost and her name is Cordelia Waite, the Duchess of Downsbury.

Mrs. Weylen, formerly a duchess, has a secret. All it took was the chance meeting in the inn that fateful night for her memories to come back and haunt her. She makes haste returning to London incognito with the intent to clear up misconceptions and to deliver an ultimatum to her former lover.

Yet, when a newfound obsession refuses to accept the truth, and her imprisoned husband discovers she’s still alive, their lives and relationship may be in danger. Second chances have never been more precarious.

Liquid Silver Books – Amazon – Kobo

Barnes & Nobles – Google Play – iBooks

Excerpt:

Cordelia nodded as the marquess ran through her instructions. The beautiful, dark blue gown that he and his wife had gifted her with was reminiscent of the style of gown that suited her the most. Since having Matthew, although she had kept her hourglass figure, she was a bit more top heavy as she was still nursing him. The black velvet cape that Isabel had loaned her covered every nuance of her body that would make her recognizable to the ton.

The marquess stepped out of the carriage and helped her down. Cordelia kept her gaze on the cobblestones leading up to Bastian’s door.

“My lord, ma’am. If you will follow me to the library, I will see if my master is up for a visit,” the butler declared with a scowl.

“I hope he is not too busy? We have much to discuss, and it is very important. Let him know that an audience with him is imperative.”

Overly tall and lean, the man had to be near ancient. He furrowed his brows, squinting for only a moment, as if discerning how to deliver—or more accurately, interrupt, Wycliffe. “Very well, sir, please wait here in his library.”

“That went well.”

“That is only the beginning. I wonder…Cordelia, if you were to stand in the corner by that bookcase…” He pointed to the opposite side of the room where it was dark.

She nodded and made haste before anyone walked in on them.

“Perfect,” the marquess commented a short moment before the butler entered.

“His lordship will join you momentarily. He only needs to dress. May I offer you and the lady some refreshment?”

“No, that will not be necessary. I do not plan on staying long.”

The butler bowed and left, Bastian arriving soon after. Cordelia noticed that his hair was mussed at the back. Has he been entertaining a woman upstairs? Has he truly moved on and found another lover? Her heart sank at the prospect. How could he replace me so…so…so…soon? It has not even been a full year.

Her hands trembled beneath her cape, and she could barely stand on her own. How she wanted to throw her arms around him and tell him how much she missed him.

“Thompson! What is so important that it could not wait until morning? Has anything happened?”

“Be easy, man. I assure you, Isabel and Emily are fine. I simply came here to escort a woman who desperately wanted to see you.”

He scoffed. “If this has anything to do with Mary Elizabeth, I—”

The marquess nodded, and Cordelia stepped forward into the glowing light of the fireplace. Bastian turned toward her, and when she lifted the hood of the cape, his eyes widened and his mouth gaped before he crashed to the floor from swooning.

“Oof! I have to admit, I did not quite expect that response.”

Cordelia abandoned her cape where she stood and ran over to him, dropping to her knees. Good heavens! What have I started? The man probably thought he was staring at a ghost. “Wake up, my love!” she whispered as the butler walked in.

“What happened?”

“He just swooned. I have it under control. If he was entertaining upstairs, can you see to the lady and have her sent home immediately? He will need some rest, and I am certain he will want some privacy.”

“Certainly, sir. I shall have her removed immediately.”

So, he was entertaining another woman. How could he… Fury simmered beneath the surface of her calm facade. Why had he never come to confirm if the reports were true? She always knew Richard would never waste a minute on her, but Bastian…They were so close. Kindred spirits. He should have been able to feel, somehow, that she was alive.

Disappointment washed over her. Instead of fawning over his swoon, Cordelia jumped to her feet, walked over to sideboard, and grabbed a bottle of port. Then, she returned to him and began to unscrew the cork.

“Cordelia, what are you doing?”

“Getting him to come out of his swoon.”

“With that?”

“Yes. Do you take issue with my course of action, my lord?”

The marquess stepped away and waved for her to continue.

“If you would rather leave, I am quite capable of waking and caring for him.”

“I will leave the two alone once I am assured you can stay. Though we should not stay too late.”

“And I assure you, my lord, once I have said what I have to say, he will probably want me removed from the premises immediately.”

“In that case, I will wait in the hall for you.”

Once his lordship closed the door behind him, she dumped the bottle of port over Bastian’s face. He sputtered at first, and when his eyes opened wildly, followed by oaths being muttered, he stared at her and jumped to his feet.

“Damnation, woman! You are alive!”

He practically collided into her to embrace her, and all she could do was slap him. Her hand stung from the impact. She instantly regretted her action, but how else was she to express her displeasure at his courting another woman?

Bastian growled at her. “What in the world was that for?”

“That was for not looking for me! And if I were you, I would stay back. I am liable to slap you again for entertaining other female guests.”

“Cordelia…please!”

About the Author:

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. She’s a bestselling author at All Romance eBooks, and multi-published author of historical, paranormal and contemporary erotic romances. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.

For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:

Website - Twitter - Facebook - Newsletter

0 Comments

No Rules. No Protection. No Law. @CamilleTaylorAU

4/8/2016

1 Comment

Title: No Law

Series: Law Series Book Three

Author: Camille Taylor

Genre: Romantic Intrigue

Release Date: April 5, 2016

At just twenty-four years old, Carey Madigan was made a widow—by the Russian Mafiya…

Years after her husband’s murder, Carey relocated from Russia back to U.S., where she works as an assistant curator for a prestigious museum. Her past seemingly left behind, she no longer looks over her shoulder or jumps at shadows. That is, until her boss is murdered—by the Russian Mafiya.

Carey’s past comes back to haunt her…

When the police discover the nature of her husband’s untimely demise, Carey becomes the prime suspect. But worse, the Mafiya is again pursuing her, and now that she’s seen their faces, they’re out to silence her for good. Frightened, she turns to an old friend—CIA agent Elena Gates.

Dmitry Ivanov is a tech legend in the hacker underworld…

Russian born and raised, Dmitry uses his skills to help the CIA. Filling in for his sister Elena, he is intrigued when Carey walks through the door. When he sees her reluctance, he realizes he has to win her trust before he can help her. And if anyone has a chance of clearing her name, uncovering the motives behind her boss’ murder, and protecting her from the men determined to end her life, it's him.

Together, Dmitry and Carey uncover a trail that leads them to the discovery of a priceless artifact. Now they must fight to keep it—and themselves—out of harm’s way, and convince the authorities Carey is not a cold-blooded killer.

When the Mafiya is out for blood...No law will keep them safe.

Carey plopped her purse down on Dmitry’s kitchen counter as if she’d always done so and carried her overnight tote into the open living area. She stopped short and took in the wall of computers and expensive equipment.

“Holy crap,” she whispered, moving over to the station. She was no expert, but what she saw looked like state of the art systems.

“What exactly do you do at the CIA?” she asked. Without waiting for an answer, she continued, “I’m almost afraid to know. It looks like a space shuttle in here. I have an overwhelming desire to say, ‘Houston, we have a problem.’” She giggled and shook her head at her silliness. Even to her own ears her voice was a pitch too high, probably just short of hysteria.

Without warning, Dmitry drew her to him, holding her close. She closed her eyes at the sensation of being enveloped in his arms. Immediately, she began to feel lighter. It was amazing how much better she felt knowing she was no longer in this fight alone. That she had help and maybe she would get out on top, alive, and free of all charges. She breathed in his scent and her stomach fluttered. She could get used to this.

“I’m fine. Really.”

“Lean on me, Carey. I can take it.”

She sighed, melting into his body, her head burrowing against his hard chest. Listening to the steady thump of his heart, she took the comfort he was offering, soaking it up. Goodness, he was solid. All muscle and male perfection. He smelled delicious too.

How had she ever believed this man to be affiliated with the mob? He was as steady as they came, kind and caring. He’d been nothing but nice to her despite her obvious reservations back in Elena’s office.

“Thank you. I appreciate all your help.”

Dmitry’s arms tightened around her and he rested his cheek against the top of her head. “What are friends for?”

“We’ve only known each other for a few hours.”

“Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

Something inside her shifted. “Well, thank you anyway. It’s nice not to be alone.”

“I know how you feel.”

Pressed against him, she felt every inch of his body. Her knees buckled as she imagined him naked. Thankfully, Dmitry’s arms around her waist kept her standing. She was much too dependent on him but right at that moment she didn’t care. She allowed herself to enjoy the comfort he provided. His skin, like hers was pale. A hereditary gift. That and lack of sunlight. Something they had in common. They both seemed to hide away from the world. He with his computers, she with her job. Despite that, she felt the defined pectoral beneath her cheek and knew there would be some abs lower. If only she was game enough to run her hand over his abdomen and confirm her suspicions. Her clothes had become cumbersome, her nipples pebbling as desire zinged through her blood stream.

She pulled back, hoping her flushed face didn’t give her away. She rubbed the back of her neck with her hand. A yawn surprised her and her jaw cracked from the intensity.

“Sorry.”

“You’re exhausted. I’m amazed you’re still standing. Come on.” He took her hand and led her down a short hall and stopped outside an open doorway that revealed a basic bedroom, with a queen sized bed covered with a plain black comforter, a four drawer bureau and two side tables, one with a lamp, the other a clock radio. To her, it was heavenly.

“It isn’t much.”

“It’s fine. Thank you.”

“The bathroom is across the hall. Don’t fall asleep. If you’re not out in twenty I’m coming in after you,” he warned.

An image burst into her mind. Naked skin. Entwined limbs. Soapy suds sliding down an alabaster chest.

She’d never had an instant response to a man before, not even her husband. She trusted Dmitry, felt attracted to him. It was crazy and scary. She’d only known him a few hours but as he’d said earlier, sometimes that’s all it took.

She resisted the urge to invite him into the shower with her, even though it was out of character for her, and Dmitry left. She took a shaky breath as he shut the door behind her. His presence was seriously detrimental to her mental health. She didn’t need this right now.

Or did she?

Only the other night she’d been thinking how nice it would be to have strong arms wrapped around her, providing comfort. She still felt the aftereffects of being so close to Dmitry. Was it simply attraction, a need not to be alone, or could it be the beginning of something more?

Forgetting about Dmitry for the moment, she looked within herself. Would her heart allow her to fall in love? Lust, yes. But love?

A cold sensation gripped her heart and squeezed. She wasn’t sure that was possible. She was terrified of letting another get close, and it was one of the reasons she hadn’t dated in all these years. Guilt for the hand she had in her husband’s death was one. That, and she didn’t believe she deserved a second chance at happiness. She might be in lust with Dmitry, but she could never love him. Even if he was so inclined to give it a try, there could be nothing between them.

She wasn’t about to start something that would end in heartbreak for either of them. Resolved, yet feeling shattered, cold and teary-eyed she crossed the hall to the bathroom. It was better if she didn’t give in to her desire to taste Dmitry and know what it felt like to lay beneath him. That was the safest course and she was always cautious.

Camille Taylor is an Australian author who resides in the Nation’s Capital with her small dog. She was the typical 90’s kid and was raised on Goosebumps, Roald Dahl and Paul Jennings. In her teens she began reading the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie and in later years found Christine Feehan, Janet Evanovich and Julie Garwood.She started writing at sixteen and enjoys spending time with her family, doting on her nieces and nephews, writing the many stories floating about her head and working on her genealogy where she can trace her heritage to England, Scotland, Ireland and Russia.Her other interests include, anything creative—such as scrapbooking and drawing and has travelled across Western Europe, New Zealand and the UAE, after spending a year living in London. She’s also dabbled in tae kwon do.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

1 Comment

authors in Bloom #BlogHop

4/7/2016

44 Comments

Thank you for stopping by!

My gardening tip is quick and simple. If you're like me, you can't wait for spring...and are often anxious to get the garden going. I don't have a ton of little pots to start my seedlings, but did you know you can start them in citrus peels? Cut an orange, lemon or grapefruit (I found this to be the easiest) and start your seedlings in the half "shell". Super cute, isn't it? I must give credit to My Roman Apartment for the idea.

My favorite herbs are basil and rosemary and thyme. And what a coincidence that the heroine in my latest novel is Thyme.

I'm giving away a copy of Then Came You to one of my newsletter subscribers.You can sign up here: http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html

You've probably heard we're giving away some pretty cool prizes in this Blog Hop, including a Kindle Fire, or Nook--winner's choice--and a $25 Amazon gift card. To enter, LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST. Only visitors who visit EACH and EVERY stop are eligible for the grand prize ereader and gift card. Eligibility will be verified by hop’s end. Please leave your contact email in the comment section otherwise we have no way to contact you if you win. Winners will be posted on both the first (Dianne Venetta) and last (BloominThyme) websites.

And here's a little taste of Then Came You...

Thyme Wilde doesn’t make long-term decisions—until she falls in love with one…

Easily bored and quickly distracted, Thyme enjoys her freedom, so being a temp at her sister’s company is the perfect job. But when she takes a position as a nanny, she instantly falls in love with the five-year-old princess named Maddie—and just two months later, Maddie’s parents are killed in a plane crash, leaving Thyme in an unfamiliar role of responsibility.

Multi-millionaire architect Grayson Montgomery lives in the lap of luxury—but at a cost…

Being the sole heir of his family’s fashion empire and his father’s architectural firm, Grayson has never lacked for anything. But in return, he must stay subservient to the matriarch of his family—his grandmother—and date the heiress of their largest business partner. The only freedom Grayson has is his architectural designs, which are his true passion.

One day changes Grayson’s future forever…

A lawyer summons Grayson to Maine for the reading of the will of a woman he once knew. He doesn’t expect to be named the father of a five-year-old orphan. Then he meets his newly-discovered daughter—and her incredibly sexy nanny.

While acting as Maddie’s loyal nanny, Thyme develops feelings for her new employer that are more than professional. And after several passionate nights with Grayson, it’s clear the feeling is mutual.

When it’s made evident Grayson sees her as a convenient placeholder, Thyme must push aside her desires and put Maddie above herself—even if it means sacrificing her heart to do it.

Amazon: bit.ly/thencameyou
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Then-Came-Wilde-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B01D10A52I/
Amazon CA:https://www.amazon.ca/Then-Came-Wilde-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B01D10A52I/
Amazon AU:https://www.amazon.com.au/Then-Came-Wilde-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B01D10A52I/

Be sure to visit these awesome authors and bloggers. They're sharing gardening and recipe tips, and giving away some pretty cool things as well.

44 Comments

This is How it Started...@Pennystales

4/6/2016

1 Comment

Good morning everybody. I’d like to thank Marianne for allowing me to barge in on her blog today. I have a series I am working on called the Thornton Trilogy. This is how it all started….

IN THE BEGINNING…..well, about 40 years ago, was when I actually started reading! I never read as a kid – had waaaaay better things to do! The big awakening came after I had my first baby and was up 24/7. Picked up my first…what did they call them…”smut” novels. I was hooked. Who knew reading could transported you out of your own reality to someplace other than dirty diapers and bottles! After reading that FIRST book, I told my hubby – “I can do that!” and started writing the Great American Novel. Took me 5 years on my electric Brothers typewriter. Almost 400 pages. I was going to be so rich! I wrote a few queries, sent them out and waited for all the offers to come in.
Reality hit as I ripped open the rejection letters. I packed up my novel, put it in a box and it lived in my closet for over 40 years.

Just before I retired from a school district, I wrote my very first tween fantasy and was thrilled when it was picked up. After getting several other kid/YA stories accepted, I decided to try my hand at writing for the older crowd. I was lucky enough to have a family drama and a few romances picked up by a few different publishing companies.

Then I figured the time had come. With shaky fingers I pulled out the Great American Novel I had written so long ago. It was HORRILE writing. Ugh! I practically rewrote the whole thing and gave it another shot! WOOO HOOO – Rooster and Pig Publishing picked it up! Revenge, the Cowboy Way was published. This is a historical western romance that tells the love/hate relationship between Joanna Simmons and Brian Thornton.

Now, I’m only telling you about my gut-wrenching, disappointing, rip your heart out story of rejection……(do any of you have your hankies out yet – LOL) because the story I’m spotlighting today is Gabe, The Thornton Trilogy, Book 1. Yep, you guessed it. Gabe is the #1 son of Joanna and Brian.
After all this – I hope you enjoy my blurb and excerpt from my newest book!

Gabe Thornton inherits the Double Bar Ranch from good friend and neighbor Bill (Pappy) Thomas, but there are conditions. Last Will and Testament states five hundred acres have been set aside for his only niece, or interested heirs. The property must be lived on for a year or said acreage will revert back to Gabe.

Molly Blackburn shows up in Bastrop, Texas, to claim the land her great uncle has left her. Though she knows nothing about cattle ranching, she has no other choice when her father passes away.
Gabe is sure she won’t last a month and he tells her so, but greenhorn or not, she swears she will be there till the bitter end, no matter what!

Will she give up her land or will she find more than just a cattle ranch in Bastrop?
http://www.amazon.com/Gabe-Thornton-Trilogy-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01CC4OAKM

Excerpt

“I happen to also own a hand gun but..well I didn’t think to purchase bullets for it.”
“Perfect!” Gabe said, shaking his head. “There’s also wood to be cut and hay and water to be hauled plus a million other things.” He laid the gun against the wall, opening the door. “You won’t last the week and if you had half a brain you’d know it!”
“Get out of my house,” she hollered. He walked out into the cold morning but she was right on his heels, taking his coat off. “Wait!” He turned and she threw his coat in his face. “Thank you for the use of your coat but I’ll thank you to stay off my property!”
Gabe advanced a step her way but a discreet cough stopped him. There were his mother and sister, sitting on their horses. He swung up on his horse, staring at his new neighbor. “See if you can’t talk some sense into her!” he ground out before riding away.

Bio
I write for all ages, from the early reader to adults. My books range from pictures books for the little ones, to fantasy, time-travel adventures for ages 9 to 13. I also write adult stories, including a family drama and contemporary, paranormal and historical westerns romances, under P. A. Estelle.
I was a school secretary for 21 years. My husband and I moved to our retirement home in Kingman, AZ, on very rural 54 acres, living on solar and wind only.

For more information about me and my stories check out the following links:
www.pennystales.com
www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY
https://twitter.com/Pennystales
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estelle
http://www.facebook.com/pennystales
http://www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

I have a newsletter that goes out for new releases or sales. If you would like to be notified, please sign up @ http://eepurl.com/388Xr

1 Comment

Chasing Dreams with @alisonmelloauth

4/5/2016

1 Comment

"He has no control with her...and she doesn't want him to..."

★★NOW AVAILABLE★★★

CHASING DREAMS by Alison Mello

★ SYNOPSIS ★

Young, gorgeous, and with the voice of an angel, Skyler Jones dreams of becoming a singer…

After the death of her parents in a tragic car accident, there’s nothing to tie twenty-five-year-old Skyler to the East Coast. But if she’s learned one thing, it’s that life is short. So with aspirations of landing a record deal, she moves to the land of champagne wishes and caviar dreams.

Sexy, rich, and wildly successful, Logan Michaels’ club is the hottest nightspot in Los Angeles…

While at his club, Logan spots a stunning woman ordering a drink. In L.A., beautiful women are a dime a dozen, but this one’s different—and so is their connection. He’s never been so infatuated, and he’s determined to know more about the striking stranger. After pulling some strings, he finds out where she works and asks her to dinner.

They find more than love—they find opportunity…

After a few dates, Logan convinces Skyler to perform at his club. But when Skyler dances with one of Logan’s connections, he’s unable to contain his explosive jealousy. However, his major screw-up with Skyler is the least of his problems. When a scorned ex-employee seeks revenge in the most deadly of ways, it puts both himself and Skyler’s life in danger.

Will Logan be able to protect Skyler from the growing threat?

Or will she run…and write off this chapter of her life as chasing dreams?

★★★ PURCHASE ★★★
Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/1Vharfx
Paperback: http://amzn.to/21XuLTf

★★★ ALISON MELLO ★★★

Alison Mello is a wife and stay at home mom to a wonderful little boy. She lives with her amazing family in Massachusetts. She loves playing soccer, basketball and football with her son.

After having her son, Alison started reading again and fell in love with Contemporary Romance. Reading made her happy and gave her something to do when she had downtime. As she started to read more, she started to noticed things she really enjoyed in a book and things she didn’t. She began to have ideas for writing one of her own. One day she literally woke up and started writing. She realized that if there was ever a time for her to write, it was now. She had a part time job to give her something to do. The hours at work were slow and she was bored with what she was doing, so while her son was off enjoying his friends over summer vacation she got started.

Alison finished the first book in two weeks and decided that she really enjoyed writing, so she kept going. She already had ideas in mind for books two and three, so she kept writing. That is how the Learning to Love Series was born. Somewhere along the line, one of my Beta readers convinced me that Michael, a character from Finding Love, needed his own story. That is when Alison added the fourth and final book. Alison hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.

She’s so glad she started this writing journey and hopes you will stay with her for the ride. Chasing Dreams is scheduled to release in April and the first two books of the Love Conquers Life series will be out this summer!

LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/alison-mello/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14429757.Alison_Mello

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/alisonmelloauthor

WEBSITE: http://www.alisonmelloauthor.com/