Wednesday Writers–An Elf’s Lament Upon Leaving by Carol Browne

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An Elf's Lament Upon Leaving, anthology of poems and short stories, book excerpt, Fantasy, Wednesday Writerss. Carol Browne

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author Carol Browne, from England, will be sharing a review of her newest release, An Elf’s Lament Upon Leaving, a collection of short stories and poems. Carol also has an excerpt from one of the book’s short stories. Welcome, Carol!

High praise for Carol Browne’s latest book that is a beautiful anthology of poems and short stories.

No one says it better than an Amazon reviewer who describes the book as “atmospheric”:

“The poetry is steeped in a love of nature, magic and mythology. The short stories hold interesting twists. No spoilers! The Boomerang Effect (dabbling with a love spell, Martin Nevis finds himself having second thoughts) A Force to Be Reckoned With (an outcast with thoughts of being “destined for something great” wants to join the police force) and Transformation (once bullied, Patricia attends a school reunion and emerges victorious) were my favorites.

Give this anthology collection of short stories a read, you won’t be disappointed.”

BLURB

An elf laments a passing era,
But truth and beauty will survive,
For they live on in stories and verses,
And in our imaginations thrive.

Nature, nostalgia, mystery and magic,
In twisty tales and poems that rhyme,
Are here, with myth and fantasy blended,
To capture another place and time.

Here’s an excerpt from the short story The Boomerang Effect.

Martin found just the spell he needed. It was in a very old book, wedged among countless other volumes at the rear of the occult bookshop.
He pulled the book from its hiding-place. Eight Ways to Magic, proclaimed the title. The book cracked in protest, as Martin pried it open. His eyes flicked hungrily down the list of contents and widened as they reached Chapter Six – “Love Spells”.
Martin glanced warily around the shop, as though fearful of discovery, but, apart from an elderly lady squinting at a book on flower magic, he was quite alone. And the proprietor, a raw-boned man whose fuzz of grey hair ringed the summit of his skull like a helm-cloud, was engrossed in a book catalogue at the counter, his long nose like a spike of bone wearing spectacles.
Martin’s fingers fumbled their way through age-thickened pages until they reached Chapter Six. And there it was, spell number eight: How to attract the lover of your choice.
He closed the book, hugged it to his chest and made for the counter, his heart quickening with excitement.
Now, Debbie Starsmore, he thought, you shall be mine.
Leaving the shop moments later, his purchase thrust into his holdall like a guilty secret, he made for home.
Home was a grubby ground-floor flat in the cheaper part of town. Martin had lived there alone for 25 years since leaving school in the summer of ‘63 with an ‘O’ Level in Art and the complete indifference of his teachers. His parents hadn’t minded his leaving home. His mother, in fact, had been quite cheerful at the prospect of doing less laundry, while his father had wondered how many lodgers they could legally cram into Martin’s old room.
So Martin set off on his lonely journey through life.
By day, he vacantly occupied the position of sales assistant at B. Fleet Footwear, and for 25 years grew a paunch, while his hair receded vaguely towards the crown of his head. These signs of maturity never seemed to earn him the right to promotion, but Martin was content with his lot.
Little did B. Fleet know how much it suited the ageing assistant to be lowly and anonymous because, by night, Martin was a wizard.

BUY LINKS

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Once upon a time a little girl wrote a poem about a flower.
Impressed, her teacher pinned it to the wall and, in doing so, showed the child which path to follow.
Over the years poems and stories flowed from her pen like magic from a wizard’s wand.
She is much older now, a little wiser too, and she lives in rural Cambridgeshire, where there are many trees to hug.
But inside her still is that little girl who loved Nature and discovered the magic of words.
She hopes to live happily ever after.

Stay connected with Carol on her website and blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Musings from a Writer’s Brain–Take Time to Unplug by Catherine Castle

Statistics I found on the internet suggest that on the average people pick up their cell phones about 58 times in a single day. The top 20 percent of users spend more than 4.5 hours on their phone just on a weekday.  Although many of those pick-up times might only be, at a minimum, only a couple of minutes to check email or delete scam calls or texts, they add up.

I don’t know how many times  a day I pick up my smartphone, but if I’m being honest, I’d say I look at it a lot. Whenever an unknown-caller rings me, I pick up the phone after it stops plinking and delete the number so I don’t accidently hit redial the next time I remove the phone from my pocket. I do the same with spammy texts and emails. I check and answer my email several times a day. I text my daughter and best friend several times a day, and answer when people I know call me. I go the “Fount of all knowledge”, aka the internet, anytime hubby and I have a conversation and I wonder about a word, or have a question, or when I’m writing something and I need to answer a research question.  Sometimes I peruse Pinterest while watching television. Most of the time I keep the phone in my pocket, a habit I got into when I was home alone and wanted to have the phone close by because I’m a klutz  who falls a lot. The phone on my hip or in my pocket was my “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” security blanket. The one thing I don’t do, however, is look at it during a dinner conversation lull while eating with friends or family ocasions. I also spend as little time as possible on social media and that’s all related to my job as an author.

Hubby and I are just back from a lake retreat where we were unplugged from social media. Our mornings at home at the breakfast table often include our cellphones while we check our emails, blogs, and social media stuff before we begin the rest of our day.  

While we can look out at our hillside garden and hear muffled bird calls as they land on the porch railings and trees outside, we are essentially cut off from nature’s sounds and sensations. Here’s the view at our house from the breakfast nook.

The garden view from the breakfast nook

Our long, lingering breakfast on the screened porch at the lake looked like this.

Breakfast at the lake

Trilling bird songs entertained us all day long, the breeze blowing through the screens ruffled our hair, kissed our cheeks and cooled us as the sun crept into the porch, and the lapping of the water against the docks soothed our souls. I wish my blog had the ability to show videos, because I recorded at least 2 minutes of birdsong to play when I came home. I loved listening to the birds!

Our phones may have been sitting beside us, but the scene in front of us and the songs of the birds overwhelmed any urge to bury our heads in the tyranny of social media. Instead, we sat back and only used the phone to record the birdsong and photograph the beautiful, serene lake in front of us. The only screens we spent time on at the lake were our computer screens as we were working on our WIPs. The uninterrupted time was fruitful, too, as plot problems were ironed out and manuscripts reworked.  

My peaceful time on the lake porch reminded me of my youth when I’d take an armload of library books onto the front porch of my home and read all day long while the breeze rustled the leaves of the trees shading my summer reading nook. Back then, there was no internet, no computers, and no cell phones. If you wanted to communicate with someone you visited them or called on the landline telephone. If you lived too far away to visit or call without incurring long-distance phone charges, you sat down and wrote a letter. We did have a landline, but we didn’t even have an extension phone, just a long cord on our only phone. I would drag the phone into another room so my parents and sisters couldn’t hear my conversations. There wasn’t even call waiting, so Mom would often yell, “It’s time to hang up! You’ve been on that call too long now! Someone might be trying to call us.”

Yep, our six days at the lake were a bit of heaven for more than one reason.

Then we came home.

I have a mountain of emails on my smart phone. Honestly, I’m dreading slogging through the list. However, I will dig into the emails and do what must be done.

But I have to tell you, I can’t wait to unplug again!

What about you? Have you unplugged recently? Do you want to do it again?

About the Author:

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems. In addition to writing she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

Check out Catherine’s romantic comedy A Groom for Mama available on Amazon and  Barnes and Noble in Ebook or Print.

What readers are saying about the book:

Four stars Dec 03, 2017 Cyrene Olson rated it really liked it

Uncaged Review: Allison’s mother is very ill but in order for her to try out more tests, to find a cure – Allison must find a husband. As fate would have it her ex-boyfriend Jack runs an online dating service, but finding a groom won’t be that easy as Allison first thought.

I really enjoyed this book and even if the subject matter is a little sad. It is still a very romantic story. I loved Allison as a character as I felt I could identify will her and what she was going through, due to similar c Uncaged Review: Allison’s mother is very ill but in order for her to try out more tests, to find a cure – Allison must find a husband. As fate would have it her ex-boyfriend Jack runs an online dating service, but finding a groom won’t be that easy as Allison first thought.
I really enjoyed this book and even if the subject matter is a little sad. It is still a very romantic story. I loved Allison as a character as I felt I could identify will her and what she was going through, due to similar circumstances. I hope to read more by this author in the future. Reviewed by Jennifer (less)

A Groom for Mama

by Catherine Castle

Beverly Walters is dying, and before she goes she has one wish—to find a groom for her daughter. To get the deed done, Mama enlists the dating service of Jack Somerset, Allison’s former boyfriend.

The last thing corporate-climbing Allison wants is a husband. Furious with Mama’s meddling, and a bit more interested in Jack than she wants to admit, Allison agrees to the scheme as long as Mama promises to search for a cure for her terminal illness.

A cross-country trip from Nevada to Ohio ensues, with a string of disastrous dates along the way, as the trio hunts for treatment and A Groom For Mama.

Catherine’s Comments–Five stars for Sally Brandle’s new book Sapphire Promises.

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5 star book review, Catherine's Comments, enhanced memoir of a POW survivor, Japanese POW, Sally Brandle, Sapphire Promise, WWII romance

I recently had the pleasure of reading author Sally Brandle’s new book Sapphire Promise. I must admit I’m a fan of Sally’s writing and have read a couple of her Romantic Suspense books from her Love Thrives in Emma Springs series books. So when I got the chance to read her newest book, which is an enhanced memoir based on the true story of a coming-of-age Dutch girl whose homeland was taken over by the Japanese during WWII, I was all in, and, once  again,  Sally did not disappoint. She deftly switched from her Romantic Suspense based books to a memoir-based book that kept me engaged in the story and devouring the pages when I should have been doing other things. A job well done on a book you don’t want to miss!

Sapphire Promise is a sweet WWII romance set in exotic Batavia, Java, in the Dutch East Indies colonial era. The heroine Annika Wolter is a young woman from a well-to-do family with dreams of becoming a nurse—dreams that will serve her well when the war comes right to her doorstep and turns her life upside down. Most of the stories I’ve read and films I’ve seen about WWII focus around the European war arena and the atrocities of Hitler. I found Annika’s story of loyalty, love and courage in the WWII Pacific war arena to be unique and informative. The author Sally Brandle weaves a love story that transcends the years and is suitable for a young adult or a more mature reader. You will not want to miss this beautifully crafted, inspiring and uplifting enhanced memoir of the romance, courage, loyalty of WWII  Japanese POW survivor Annika Wolter.

Sapphire Promise

By Sally Brandle

Loyalty to family. Trusting instincts. The will to survive. These virtues are deeply embedded in a mature Dutch teenager, Annika Wolter. Her attributes prove useful as she navigates typical coming-of-age insecurities and a blossoming romance with a handsome lieutenant in 1939 Batavia, Java.

Nothing prepares her for the distress of Hitler’s attacks on European countries followed by Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor, toppling her idyllic life in the Dutch East Indies colonial society and separating her from the man she loves. Uplifting events from a true story showcase how determination, nursing basics, and language skills keep a young woman and her mother alive in the worst Japanese internment camp in the Pacific. If you admire clever women and unfailing love in a tropical wartime setting, you will be captivated by Sapphire Promise.

You can find Sally Brandle’s book Sapphire Promise on Amazon

About the author/reviewer Catherine Castle:

Multi-award-winning author Catherine Castle loves writing, reading, traveling, singing, theatre, and quilting. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances and both of her books have won awards. You can find her award-winning books The Nun and the Narc and  A Groom for Mama on Amazon. Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

Tasty Tuesdays- No-Tomato Crockpot Chili from Catherine Castle

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arthritis menu, Catherine Castle, entrée, food, nightshade-free recipe, No-Tomato Crockpot Chili, Tasty Tuesdays

Recently tomatoes have been cut from our diet. I love tomatoes and many of the recipes I cook are tomato based. Here’s the issue: tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, along with a few more of my favorite foods such as peppers and eggplants. In some people the nightshade plants make arthritis worse and eliminating nightshade foods can help keep arthritis at bay.  The problem comes when one family member loves tomatoes and the other one now has to avoid them.

There are very few, if any substitutes for tomatoes, so I’ve been on the hunt for ways to make my favorite dishes without tomatoes for the non-tomato eating half of our family, yet please the tomato-loving member. It’s been tough, especially with chili season upon us.

So, I set out to conquer the problem. Here’s one of the recipe I came up with: No-Tomato Crockpot Chili. I hope you’ll enjoy it. 

photo from the kitchen of Catherine Castle

No-Tomato Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can beefy mushroom soup (I used Campbell’s soup)
• ½ large onion, diced
• 2 cans of beans with the canned liquid. The bean liquids help make up for the loss of the volume of the tomatoes. You can use seasoned or unseasoned chili beans, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or lentils. Your choice and you can mix and match beans types.
• 1 small can diced chilies, if the non-tomato eater can eat them without issues
• One garlic clove, diced (optional)
• Chili powder to taste
• ¼ cup water, or less if you want a thicker chili
• Salsa, your heat preference for the tomato-eating family members
• Cheese for topping (optional)
• Spaghetti (optional)

Directions:

1. Break up ground beef in a large skillet and brown along with the diced onion and garlic.
2. Add beans and bean liquid, diced green chilies, soup and water to crock pot. Stir to mix well.
3. Drain beef mixture of fat and place in a crock pot. Stir to mix
4. Cook on high for 2 hours or until hot, or on low 4-6 hours or until hot.

At serving time, place spaghetti in bottom of bowl and add beef chili.  For those who can eat green chilies and tomatoes, top their bowls with ¼ to ½ cup of salsa and 1 teaspoon of green chilies to each cup of the beef-soup-based chili.  Stir lightly to combine.

While your chili is cooking settle into a comfy chair and check out Catherine’s multi-award-winning, inspirational romantic suspense book, The Nun and the Narc. It’s not your usual inspirational romantic suspense. Here’s what one reviewer said:

“You know that you aren’t supposed to laugh during a romantic suspense book, right?  And it’s a different kind of Inspirational Romance, too.  There were times in this book that I was rolling with laughter.  We needed the laughter considering that Maggie and Jed were dealing the Mexican drug cartel, trying not to get killed in the process and coming to terms with their faith and each other.  Oh and falling in love…

… Ms. Castle wrote some the most dramatic scenes that I’ve read in a while.  She could write an action/thriller movie with no problem.  I really felt like I was the fly on the wall and actually cringed, ducked and held my breath.  I will also say the James Bond references were spot on.  Jed Bond!  LOL!  Priceless and needed when you are dealing with the cartel.  Also, the humor that she writes helps with the tension and action sequences, too.

Don’t worry about the book being “preachy” or heavy handed.  Ms. Castle wrote a book that everyone can relate to in one way or another…” From Harlies Books.

The Nun and the Narc

By Catherine Castle

Where novice Sister Margaret Mary goes, trouble follows. When she barges into a drug deal the local Mexican drug lord captures her. To escape she must depend on undercover DEA agent Jed Bond. Jed’s attitude toward her is exasperating, but when she finds herself inexplicable attracted to him he becomes more dangerous than the men who have captured them, because he is making her doubt her decision to take her final vows. Escape back to the nunnery is imperative, but life at the convent, if she can still take her final vows, will never be the same.

Nuns shouldn’t look, talk, act, or kiss like Sister Margaret Mary O’Connor—at least that’s what Jed Bond thinks. She hampers his escape plans with her compulsiveness and compassion and in the process makes Jed question his own beliefs. After years of walling up his emotions in an attempt to become the best agent possible, Sister Margaret is crumbling Jed’s defenses and opening his heart. To lure her away from the church would be unforgivable—to lose her unbearable.

The Nun and the Narc is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems. In addition to writing she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

Catherine’s Comments–When Valleys Bloom Again/ Book Review by Catherine Castle

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Book Review of When Valleys Bloom Again, Catherine's Comments, Christian fiction, clean romance, Pat Jeanne Davis, Sweet romance

WHEN VALLEYS BLOOM AGAIN

BY PAT JEANNE DAVIS

Forced to leave her parents and home before WWII breaks out in England, Abby Stapleton is ripped away from family and friends she loves and sent to her aunt’s home in America.

Feeling isolated, angry that God allowed her parents to send her away, and worried about her loved ones facing mortal danger in London, Abby wonders if she’s losing her faith along with her family. Just as she begins to adjust to her new normal in America Pearl Harbor is attacked.  The U.S.A. enters the war and Abby’s world is turned upside down…again.

Author Pat Jeanne Davis paints a great historic picture of WWII, in both England and America. The details of events showed the author had done her research. Battle scenes were intense without being over the top or graphic. I loved the touch of the censored letters from the battlefields. It gave a measure of the frustration family at home must have felt when precious words from their loved ones were blacked out in their correspondence.

The antagonist is very sneaky and evil. He had me on the edge of my seat as he tried to sabotage Abby’s relationships and life. I anxiously awaited his demise, wondering how he was going to get caught.

Although listed on Amazon as Christian fiction, the book was not preachy at all. Given the subject matter of war and worrying for your loved one, the faith element was naturally woven into the story.  I think even non-Christians would enjoy this book

The one thing that bothered me was that I wanted to see the plot thread between Abby and her aunt tied up, but maybe the author has another book planned for that. I’ll wait and see.

All in all this was an enjoyable read, clean of language and sex, and suitable for YA and adult readers. The author has a nice writing style, making the book easy to read. I received a complimentary copy and was under no obligation to leave a review. I just liked the story so much I wanted to tell others about it.

Great job. Pat!

ABOUT CATHERINE

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems. In addition to writing she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

Catherine’s Comments—The Marital Bargain Book Review by Catherine Castle

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Book review of The Marital Bargain, Catherine's Comments, Eris Field, The Marital Bargain

An excellent and well researched contemporary romance that captivates the reader from the first page through the last. Readers who like novels with characters who must find strengths within themselves to overcome their difficulties will enjoy this story. They’ll learn different cultures’ approaches to families, marriages, and finances, about the Kurds who fought beside Americans in Iraq, about refugees, and about abuse. They will also learn about the power of love.

For Laury, growing up on American Naval Bases in the Middle East resulted in a fluency in languages and a wariness of men. Now, after completing a psychiatric nurse practitioner program, she faces a mountain of student loans. While waiting to learn if she’s been accepted for her dream job, she works as a private duty nurse caring for Roberta, an elderly matriarch living alone in a 30-room mansion on Billionaires’ Row. Roberta’s granddaughter had agreed to stay with her while she recovered from eye surgery, but she has disappeared along with Roberta’s money and credit cards.

Damon, Roberta’s grandson who is volunteering with Doctors Without Borders, requests emergency leave to fly home from Iraq. After his wife divorced him, Damon had vowed never to marry again, but with only days to find a way to safeguard his grandmother, he offers Laury a bargain—a five-month marriage. She will protect Roberta while he returns to perform reconstructive surgery for child refugees and he will pay off her student loans. What could go wrong?

My Review:

What could go wrong? Plenty, and it does. Left alone to care for her new husband’s grandmother and teenaged daughter, Laury risks her own safety to insure their well-being.

I loved the flavor of the Middle Eastern culture the author wove into the book. Knowing she had a background in this culture made those touches in the book real for me.
Well-written and engaging The Martial Bargain-Wife for Five Months fulfills all the expectations of romance readers with suspense and danger thrown in. I loved the heroine as well as the secondary characters, especially the hero’s grandmother.

The one caveat I would add (for readers of completely sweet romance)  is that while the book is clean there is one short open-door love scene, not graphic or too sensual, between the hero and heroine after they are married.

This was a great story!

ORDER on AMAZON

 

Eris Field was born in the Green Mountains of Vermont—Jericho, Vermont to be precise—close by the home of Wilson Bentley (aka Snowflake Bentley), the first person in the world to photograph snowflakes. She learned from her Vermont neighbors that pursuit of one’s dream is a worthwhile life goal.
As a seventeen year old student nurse at Albany Hospital, Eris met a Turkish surgical intern who told her fascinating stories about the history of Turkey, the loss of the Ottoman Empire, and forced population exchanges. After they married and moved to Buffalo, Eris worked as a nurse at Children’s Hospital and at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

After taking time off to raise five children and amassing rejection letters for her short stories, Eris earned her master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing at the University at Buffalo. Later, she taught psychiatric nursing at the University and wrote a textbook for psychiatric nurse practitioners—a wonderful rewarding but never to be repeated experience.

Eris now writes novels, usually international, contemporary romances. Her interest in history and her experience in psychiatry often play a part in her stories. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Western New York Romance Writers. In addition to writing, Eris’s interests include: Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders; Eradicating Honor Killings, supporting the Crossroads Springs Orphanage in Kenya for children orphaned by AIDS, and learning more about Turkey, Cyprus, and Kurdistan.

Learn more about Eris Field on her website. Stay connected on Facebook.>.

Wednesday Writers–My Fair Guardian by Suzanne G. Rogers

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book review for My Fair Guardian, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, clean romance, My Fair Guardian, Suzanne G. Rogers, Sweet romance, Victorian Romance

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Suzanne G. Rogers,

via Catherine Castle.

 

I don’t usually post for someone else on Wednesday Writers, but I had a vacancy and I’ve just finished reading Suzanne G. Rogers Victorian Historical Romance My Fair Guardian. So, when this post came through on a promotion group I belong to, I decided to share my thoughts on Suzanne’s book.

Victorian Historical Romance at its finest is what you get with every Suzanne G. Rogers book. My Fair Guardian, Rogers newest release, is perfect for everyone from teens to seasoned readers. Her writing carries you back to a gentler era, but make no mistake, Ms. Rogers’ heroines are strong women who know exactly what they want in life and how to achieve it.

The title My Fair Guardian put me in mind immediately of the classic story My Fair Lady, one of my favorite musicals. While the story resembles the classic trope found in My Fair Lady, turning the sow’s ear into a silk purse, it’s not. And, yes, I know I reversed that proverb which normally means you can’t accomplish such an act, but the reversal fits my needs here. Suzanne’s book is not a just remake of My Fair Lady with a male character taking the place of Liza. He’s a complex, diamond in the rough male surrounded by lots of intrigue and secrets. I loved watching him grow and yet keep the edge that makes him attractive to the heroine, even when she doesn’t want to be.

The book departs from the classic tale of My Fair Lady in that the heroine isn’t the one who transforms the hero, another male character takes on that role, conforming to the Victorian era traditions. I liked that about the book. It kept the balance of power between the two main characters.

Suzanne is true to the language and mores of the era. It wasn’t hard to immerse myself in Victorian England. It was hard to close the book when life intruded. This was the first book of Suzanne’s I’ve read. Her clever title drew me in and she is now on my TRB list for clean, sweet historical romance.

I’m sorry I don’t have an excerpt for you to read, but you can go to Amazon and download a sample on your Kindle. For now, enjoy a peek at the blurb.

Five Stars for My Fair Guardian!

My Fair Guardian

by Suzanne G. Rogers

Can she polish him up enough to fit into society…without falling in love?

When Bethany is saddled with an unwanted, unrefined, and decidedly common guardian, she must polish him up before he’s fit for good society. As for Willoughby Winter, all that stands between him and his inheritance is to marry Bethany off. Can he succeed in his efforts before his past becomes known or will she manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?

AMAZON BUY LINK

 

About the Author:

Suzanne G. Rogers lives with her husband and son in romantic Savannah, Georgia, on an island populated by deer, exotic birds, and the occasional gator. She’s owned by two Sphynx cats, Houdini and Nikita. Movies, books, and writing are her passions.

Learn more about Suzanne G. Rogers on her historical romance blog and her fantasy blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out the website for the Sweet Romance written by Suzanne G. Rogers.

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Theresa Lynn Hall

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book excerpt Ransom in Rio, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary sweet romance, Inspirational romance, Ransom in Rio, Theresa Lynn Hall

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Theresa Lynn Hall to the blog. Theresa will be talking about her book Ransom in Rio and how it came about. She also has a cliffhanger excerpt, so be sure to read to the end. Welcome, Theresa!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Ransom in Rio was so much fun to write that I hated to write “The End”. What started as a small idea rolling around in my head suddenly became Lexi’s story. My publisher, Pelican Book Group, put a request for submissions page on the website asking for novellas with international settings that include 3 items and a passport. The three items for Rio, Brazil were an emerald necklace, a formal event, and a family secret. As luck would have it, my husband had just returned on a business trip from Rio. He’d spent two weeks there completely immersed in the culture. He brought back a lot of pictures and many stories to tell. He also brought back coffee and chocolate—my favorites! I wish I had been able to accompany my husband on his trip, but one thing he did tell me was how scary the driving is! Apparently, I would fit very well in Brazil with my driving skills! He was also there on Easter Sunday and decided to rent a car to drive to visit Christ the Redeemer.

I had no idea how massive the statue really is. It’s an iconic symbol of Brazil that many tourists visit on Easter. I was so jealous but I loved that he was able to experience something so amazing. His pictures made me feel like I was able to be there with him.

With my husband’s help, a little internet research, and some brainstorming the story came to life. To my surprise, it won First Place in the 2017 International Digital Awards (IDA) Contest for the Oklahoma chapter of RWA! I hope you enjoy reading Ransom in Rio as much I enjoyed writing it.

 

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Ransom in Rio

By Theresa Lynn Hall

Private Investigator, Braden McCoy wants nothing more than to finish out the week doing a little fishing from his boat. The ex-special ops vet enjoys his peaceful life and loves his new career. He’s learned to put his past behind him and enjoy his blessings. Until a mourning redhead walks into his office and changes his plans.

Lexi Ramos always knew her family was dysfunctional. Until the sudden death of her brother, she never knew exactly how much. Consumed with questions surrounding his accident, she seeks the help of a private investigator. What starts out as a murder investigation in Cozumel, quickly crosses borders and escalates into a race against time to save them both from Brazilian kidnappers, who somehow know more about her family secrets than she does. Lexi soon realizes that life comes with a price.

 

Excerpt

Her worst nightmare had come to life.

Now, the fear of what she would do if it ever happened was over, but the loss of her brother came with a burden she hadn’t foreseen. It left her to deal with her family alone. To carry the legacy. To protect the empire. To convince everyone to believe the lies.

“He was always so careful,” she muttered to herself as she drove.

Snow had started falling as the last “Amen” was said at the cemetery. The heavy white powder made the pale yellow lines on the road fade in and out of sight. Lexi tugged her sweater tighter around her body with one hand and gripped the steering wheel with the other. The funeral had drained her of what little emotional strength she had left. It was crazy, but several times throughout the day she’d found herself picking up her phone to see if Jace had messaged her. He used to text or call every day. Silly stuff sometimes, like never walk the dog with no shoes on. Once he’d texted that he had the hiccups.

“I just can’t believe he’s gone.” Lexi glanced at her friend. She didn’t expect Kristy to say anything. Nothing she could say would make the pain go away.

Jace had been the perfect big brother, Lexi’s best friend. From an early age, they learned that sticking together in a dysfunctional family was their only hope. One thing Lexi knew for certain was that Jace wouldn’t leave her here alone. He would not have put himself in danger for a stupid fishing trip. His chance to break free of their crazy family was finally around the corner. He’d just bought his girlfriend an engagement ring. They had plans to move to New York as soon as the wedding was over. Now he was gone. None of it made any sense. Why was she the only person who could see that something was wrong with ruling the cause of death as accidental?

Lexi brushed at her red hair with a careless hand and caught a glimpse of her swollen, blue eyes in the rearview mirror. She hardly resembled her brother at all—a fact that had always bothered her, but she’d never questioned it the way Jace had. He had always asked where he’d gotten his blonde hair.

“Lexi, why don’t you stay with me tonight?”

The sound of Kristy’s voice startled her. “I’m sorry. I’m really out of it.” She smiled and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “Thank you for everything. You’ve done more than enough for me over the past few days.”

“You know I’m always here.”

“I know.” She swallowed hard. “Kristy…”

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t stop thinking…I just don’t think this was an accident. It couldn’t be. Jace didn’t even like to fish. He wouldn’t charter a boat to go fishing in Cozumel. He liked nice restaurants, museums, theaters. Not fishing. And then there’s the fact that he didn’t take Selena with him. He always had Selena with him. Why doesn’t anyone else seem to think this is odd?”

“I don’t know. Now that you bring it up, Jace wasn’t much of a risk-taker.”

“Exactly. The strangest thing is that Selena said he told her he would be back in an hour. He only left for one hour. Who charters a fishing boat for only an hour?”

“Did Selena tell you why he didn’t take her?”

“She didn’t say, and I didn’t want to ask her a lot of questions. Not yet.”

Kristy nodded. “I saw her today. She’s really not handling this well.”

“No one is.” She pulled into Kristy’s driveway. It was a relief to be off the snowy roads.

No matter how she looked at this, her brother’s death could not have been an accident. Somehow, she would prove that he didn’t drown on a fishing trip. She would prove Jace was murdered.

***

Going back to work hadn’t been easy. Jace’s empty office was a constant reminder of her loss. Somehow, she’d made it through the first day and knew her brother would be proud of her. Now that she was home, a hot bubble bath and early bedtime sounded like a great ending to a long day.

She stopped at the mailboxes. It had been days since she’d checked her mail. Unlocking the box, she frowned when a manila envelope fell to the concrete. She groaned as she bent to pick it up. All the stress and lack of working out was beginning to take its toll. As her eyes scanned the writing on the front of the envelope, a chill raced down her spine, and her free hand flew to her mouth to stifle the guttural sound working its way out. She stared at her name scribbled in blue ink.

In Jace’s handwriting.

Her keys fell from her hands and jingled against the sidewalk. She fought to steady herself as she studied the postmark. It was dated this Thursday. A day after his funeral.

Lexi scrambled to pick up her keys and unlock the door. She stumbled inside and fell into the nearest chair. Her vision blurry with tears, she studied the handwriting. Touching her name, she traced the L.

“Oh, Jace…” she whispered.

She pulled open the envelope, reached in, and pulled out a flash drive. Was that it? No note? No explanation?

A flash drive? She ran to the bedroom, slid into the black leather office chair at her desk, and flipped open her laptop. She stared at the small piece of plastic as she waited for the computer to boot up. Her hand shook as she plugged it in.

Ten minutes later, she stood staring into the bathroom mirror gripped by nausea. She covered her face with a cold, wet towel. Her worst fears were coming true. And she needed help.

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Want to read more? Check Ransom in Rio out at

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.kobo.com

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/

www.amazon.com.

 About the Author:

As a native Texan, Theresa loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s an elementary teacher and mom to two boys—the oldest being in law enforcement, which comes in handy when she’s researching. When she’s not teaching kids or writing, she loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog. She also loves to hear from readers who enjoy Christian Fiction and can be found at http://www.theresalynnhall.com,  Facebook, and @theresalynnhall.

 

 

 

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.kobo.com

www.pelicanbookgroup.com

 

 

Tuesday Wedding Tales–The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid by Kassy Parris

Tags

Catherine Castle's Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, clean romance, Excerpt from The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid, Inspirational contemporary romance, Kassy Paris, The Bridesamaid Got Waylaid, Wedding Themed Romances

Welcome to Tuesday Wedding Tales blog series, where wedding themed stories are the fare.

It’s week four in the Trying Out for Love promo and giveaway. Each week readers can enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post’s book excerpt for a chance to win one of six books in the Trying Out for Love boxed set or the complete boxed set of six books. Seven chances and seven winners! Be sure to read to the end of the post for an excerpt  of The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance at a free ebook.

Today’s featured book in the boxed set is The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid, by Kassy Paris.

 I’m not sure if any of the original bridezilla’s bridesmaids got waylaid, but I do know from the news article the sister of the bride, who refused to bid on a bridesmaid slot, got plenty of flack from the bride-to-be and the mother of the bride as well, according to the article that started this whole series idea. The sister of the bride took to her social media outlets and asked the opinions of others about the bridesmaid auction. I’m wondering what you all think of the bridesmaid auction. As for those of us who chose to write about it, we think it sparked some grand book ideas.

 Here’s Kassy, who will talk about her Inspirational Contemporary Romance The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid.

Thanks, Catherine.

The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid was a struggle to write, until I decided to send Colleen on her journey to the bridesmaid auction in California by way of Wyoming. After that, the story wrote itself.

I’m Texan through and through and wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else, unless it might be Wyoming. I have a spot picked out in Hoback Canyon, which is just south of Jackson, Wyoming. From that point north, you drive through some of the most beautiful landscape God created. My best friend, Elaine, and I drove through Hoback Canyon about seven times either going to or coming from Yellowstone National Park.

One time we left Yellowstone out of the northeastern exit and headed east along Highway 14. When we got to where Highway 14 splits into the scenic route, Highway 14A, we decided to take the high road and drove into the Big Horn Mountains. As we reached the highest point on our drive, Elaine announced that the car had no power.

We stared at one another for a few seconds, prayed over her car, and put Carmen’s praise CD into the stereo. With no other help near, we depended on God to get us through the pass, singing along with Carmen as we drove. Five minutes later, the engine returned to normal, and we continued on our way.

A short time later, we drove around a hill and a valley stretched out in front of us. A rainbow arced across the sky and touched down in the middle of the open space. God’s way of telling us everything was okay. When you read the part in The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid about Colleen and Drew seeing a rainbow, you’ll know the incident could really have happened.

So after abandoning the first version of the story, struggling with the second and getting nowhere, God reminded me of that trip through Wyoming, and I had my story.

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The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid

By Kassy Paris

Colleen Decker sets off for California with her camera to participate in a bridesmaid auction set up by an old friend. She has an idea for two photo spreads she can pitch to her editors. The road trip will give her the opportunity she’s always wanted—to see Wyoming and take loads of pictures.

The bridesmaid auction is unique. Leave it to her friend to come up with such a crazy idea, but the auction will give Colleen a fantastic, unique photo essay to sell. What she doesn’t anticipate, though, is car trouble and a rockslide around the Big Horn Mountains.

Drew Murphy, a veterinarian living with his mother and brother in the Big Horn Mountains, rescues Colleen, not once, but twice, and risks losing his heart to the young photographer who is just passing through his mountains and his life. He refuses to open his heart to love anyone because it hurts too much to lose them.

 

Excerpt:

Colleen needed music to wipe Drew’s face from her mind. Her CDs lined the front of the console. Carmen’s praise album occupied the front slot. Perfect. She could get lost in singing along. Music filled the interior, and she joined her voice with his. Once she arrived at the highway, she headed toward Cody.

The overlook came into view, and she decided to pull over to take a few pictures. She wished she had thought to take some while she was with Drew’s family. Wasn’t too far. She could go back. But then what would she tell them? They would think it silly to go back to take some pictures of a family who had lent her a helping hand and she wouldn’t ever see again.

Her camera bag rested on the back seat close enough to grab. She unzipped it and took out her digital Nikon. The wide-angle lens would be best to capture the vast expanse spread out before her. When she had snapped a half dozen shots, she switched to the standard lens and took some pictures of the rugged rock wall behind her.

She’d love to sit here until sunset and gets some pictures from this high vantage point of the valley down below. But she remembered her promise to Drew about not driving down the mountain in the dark. Back in the SUV, she repacked her camera then headed west. Two hundred yards later, she noticed a sign warning of falling rock. She glanced up the rocky bluff beside her and decided that could be another problem driving in the area in the dark. Thirty seconds later a loud rumble cut through Carmen’s voice. Huge boulders bounced down the side of the mountain, hit the roadway, and tumbled off the side.

She slammed on her brakes. The SUV fishtailed and slammed into a car-sized boulder. The momentum bounced Colleen’s head against the window, and for the second time that day, she blacked out.

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Want to read more? Enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win the book. No purchase necessary. Or if you can’t wait, The Bridesmaid Got Waylaid is available on Amazon. Winners will be announced February 20 at the end of the Trying Out for Love author guest posts. Remember, all six authors are giving away an ecopy of their book in the series. A boxed set of Trying Out for Love is also in the giveaway. Seven chances and seven winners! Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win.

 Click on the Rafflecopter link below to get entered in the giveaway!

 

 

About the Author:

Kassy Paris is a retired elementary teacher. She began writing toward publication in 1997 when her best friend, Elaine Powell, passed along a message from God that they two of them should write books together. Being published had been a secret desire Kassy had not shared with anyone, even Elaine.

The pair of them had four books published together as Kasandra Elaine before Elaine moved to heaven in May 2015. Their fifth book, Murder in Maggie Valley, was published in March 2017. The rough draft had been completed before Elaine changed addresses.

Kassy has also been writing independently of Elaine since 1997. Kassy is concentrating on her writing and editing businesses, specializing in mentoring writers new to the writing business.

You can connect with Kassy on her Social Media links below:

Facebook: Blog: Website:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–The House That Inspired the Novella Hidden Dreams by Rose Allen McCauley

Tags

Barbour Publishing, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Hidden Dreams, historical romance, Inspirational romance, Rose Allen McCauley, The Courageous Brides Collection

Welcome everyone! Today Rose Allen McCauley is on the Wednesday Writers blog. Rose will be talking about her novella Hidden Dreams which is part of The Courageous Brides Collection from Barbour, and she will also give us a glimpse of the real house that inspired her novella. Welcome, Rose

Thanks, Catherine.

I am happy to report my 2^nd collection for Barbour is now out! The Courageous Brides Collection contains nine novellas about courageous women during the 19^th century. Here’s what Amazon says about the whole collection: Ride into adventures alongside nine determined women of yesteryear whose acts of compassion and bravery attract male attention. Marcy helps displaced Indians. Emmy tends wounds at Fort Snelling. Ronnie stows away on a cattle drive. Daisy disguises herself as a Pony Express rider. Elinor becomes an abolitionist. Mae tames wild horses. Hannah gets help for accident victims. Lucy’s curiosity unnerves criminals. Kate nurses soldiers on the battlefield. Will real dangers douse the sparks of love?

My novella is entitled “Hidden Dreams” and is about a young woman who becomes involved in the Abolitionist movement in Cynthiana, Kentucky. I named the heroine Elinor after my granddaughter who actually lives in the Pre-Civil War home where the book is set. When her grandparents remodeled the house, they discovered a hidden room in the cellar, so some have ventured it might have been part of the Underground Railroad. That was the inspiration for my story. The house is real and still standing, and Harriet Beecher (later Stowe) did go to Washington, KY in 1833, but the rest of the story is fictional. Elinor had to trust God to give her the courage to surrender her safe lifestyle to join the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. Here is a picture of the house that inspired the story.

A hidden room. How cool is that? Thanks, Rose. And here’s the blurb and excerpt from

Hidden Dreams

By Rose Allen McCauley

 

In 1833, Elinor Peck, a wealthy and sheltered daughter of a Kentucky lawyer is introduced to the abolitionist movement by her uncle’s new apprentice. Soon, her family loyalty, reputation and heart’s desire are put to the test.

 

Excerpt:

 

“Shug and I found a hidden room in the cellar when we were little. Only the slaves and I know about it.”…

His face scrunched into a frown. “I don’t want to ask you to do anything you don’t want to do. This could get us all in deep trouble.”

“I’ve been praying for courage to do what God wants me to do to help the slaves. You’re an answer to that prayer.”

***

And you’re the answer to my prayers in many ways, Elinor. He wanted to pull her into his arms, kiss her, and tell her he loved her, but that would have to wait. “We both better get inside. We have a lot to do tomorrow. Tell Shug to come to the back of the hotel where I’ll be building an addition.”

“I will. I’m sure Dottie and Joseph will help, too.”

“Would he know where we could borrow a buggy? I won’t risk involving your uncle by using his.”

“I’ll ask.”

“Thank you.”

“Pleasant dreams.”

“You too.” William nodded, although he doubted he could sleep…

As the afternoon wore on, his energy lagged with each nail he hammered. Shug’s appearance behind a tree at the edge of the house bolstered his strength. He walked in her direction, then turned his back and sanded a piece of wood as he spoke. “Did Elinor tell you what I need?”

“Yes sir, Mr. Chandler. We’s all willing to help—me and my mama and daddy. I’ll leave this note from Miss Elinor behind this tree, and my daddy will be back with a buggy and food and water as soon as it’s dark.” She slipped away before he could thank her.

Grabbing his water jug, he sat down on the backside of the tree, then unfolded the letter and read:

My friends are all willing to help and are cleaning out the room. You may bring the package tonight. Send a note when you know further plans. E

William marveled at Elinor’s astuteness. He’d been too tired to think of telling her to disguise her message, but she’d done so anyway.

Want to read more? Hidden Dreams, part of The Courageous Brides Collection can be found at Amazon.

 

About the Author:

Rose has been writing for over a decade and has five books published. A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for over forty years, they enjoy their growing family of three children and their spouses and five lovely, lively grandkids! She loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or twitter @RoseAMcCauley and Facebook