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Catherine Castle

~ Romance for the Ages

Catherine Castle

Tag Archives: contemporary sweet romance

A Groom for Mama is a Raven Award Winner!

04 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by Catherine Castle in A Groom for Mama

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

A Groom for Mama, Catherine Castle, contemporary sweet romance, Raven Award Winner, romantic dramedy

 

I just received this in my email!

 

My sweet romantic dramedy, A Groom for Mama, is the winner of the Contemporary Category in the Raven Awards!! Thanks to everyone who voted for my book.

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.

You can read more at Amazon

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Love in Pictures by Alexis A. Goring

15 Wednesday Aug 2018

Posted by Catherine Castle in books, Devotions, Wednesday Writers

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Alexis A. Goring, book excerpt from Love in Pictures, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, contemporary sweet romance, devotion, Hinckely Yachts and Heavenly Homes, Love in Pictures

Today Wednesday Writers would like to welcome Alexis A. Goring to the blog. Alexis will be talking about yachts and Heavenly homes. I have to admit that she piqued my interest with the yacht, especially when I read the excerpt and discovered the hero owned a Hinckley Talaria 48. So naturally, I went searching for the Hinckley yacht mentioned in the book excerpt. Made me wish I could afford one. She’s also sharing an excerpt from her book, Love in Pictures. Welcome, Alexis!

 

Hinckley Yachts and Heavenly Homes

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

I wrote a book called Love in Pictures. My story’s hero, Logan, is quite the character. His parents are wealthy and generous, so for his college graduation gift, they bought a Hinckley yacht for him to live on.

Hinckley is known as perhaps the best yacht company in America. Its design is smooth, sleek, luxurious and comfortable. If you love the water and you live on it in a Hinckley then you really have it made.

I found out about these alluring details during my story research for Logan’s character. I spoke to a Hinckley representative, told him that I was writing a fiction story, and explained how Logan’s parents bought a Hinckley for him to live on as his college graduation gift. When I shared this, the representative asked me, “Are they adopting?” He asked because he wanted parents in real-life who would give extraordinarily good gifts to him like Logan’s.

All of this inspired me to think. The Bible says that God as our Father in Heaven wants to give good gifts to His children (you and me). Let’s read about it in Matthew 7:11 (NKJV). The Scripture says, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

As our Heavenly Father, God wants to give us good gifts—dare I say Hinckley’s included? But above fancy homes to live in on the water, He wants to give us more than the worldly possessions that we desire; He wants to give us eternal life!

The Bible says that this world is not our home. As Christ followers, we are strangers passing through a foreign land. Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 in The Message Bible (MSG). The Scripture says, “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.”

The Bible also says that in Jesus Christ’s Father’s House there are many mansions. Read John 14:2. He is preparing a place for us to live and it is out of this world, literally because that place is Heaven.

Living on the water in a Hinckley boat here on Earth sounds amazing but living in Heaven and being in the presence of God for eternity sounds so much better!

The Bible advises us to store our treasure in Heaven not on Earth, as Scripture says in Matthew 6:19-21. Therefore, I am setting my sights on my heavenly home. What about you?

~*~

Love in Pictures

By Alexis A. Goring

Wedding photographer Michelle Hadley has a passion for diversity and believes that love comes in all colors. So, she’s working hard to convince editors to feature her clients’ images on the covers of the mainstream bridal and wedding magazines.

Despite having a career that focuses on celebrating forever love, Michelle has never actually been in a romantic relationship, and she’s not looking for love, until she meets the one man she cannot forget.

Since his fiancée broke his heart, Logan Emerson’s focus has been on his career. He’s won awards for his work as a print journalist and dreams of greater success on television as a broadcast journalist. But his personal struggle presents many challenges that might prevent his dreams from coming true.

Michelle doesn’t date often, and since his heartbreak, Logan has shied away from the dating scene. But something about Michelle awakens Logan’s desire to love again.

 

~*~

Chapter 7

(Story Excerpt from Love in Pictures by Alexis A. Goring)

Michelle tugged at her snug top and pale-blue skinny jeans as she strolled down the dock to the boat Logan had described. She hoped that she wasn’t overdressed—or underdressed. A cool breeze blew through her hair, and the fresh scent of the bay refreshed her soul on this sunny, early summer day.

Though she’d lived here all her life, this was her first time in the marina. She’d never met someone who lived on the water. This was a new experience.

She stopped when she reached a boat that resembled the one in the picture Logan texted her yesterday. It was more gorgeous and expansive in real time. Clearly this was more than a boat. Not knowing much about yachts, Michelle lacked better words to describe this sleek, smooth creation painted in white with blue and gold trimmings. As she reached out to touch it, Logan emerged from the lower deck.

He waved. “Hey there.”

“Hey.” She smoothed the cool fabric of her comfortable boat-neck top, hoping it wasn’t too much. “I didn’t know what to wear. This is my first date on a boat.”

He gazed at her with his beautiful sea-blue eyes then encircled her waist and drew her in for a hug. “Don’t worry. You look beautiful.”

Michelle’s heart somersaulted. He steadied her in his embrace. “You okay?”

Michelle gathered her wits and focused her attention on the horizon. “Does she have a name?”

Logan chuckled. “Yes, she does. Her legal name is Talaria 48. She’s a Hinckley.”

“Hinckley?”

“Yes. Only the best boat maker and yacht experience in America.” He stepped ahead of Michelle on the slip then turned and reached for her. “Come aboard, my lady.”

Michelle’s neck warmed. She placed her hand in his and stepped onto the swaying boat.

She allowed him to continue holding her hand until they settled into the cockpit where he had prepared a light dinner. The aroma of apricot-glazed baked chicken mixed with the scent of fresh salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and sweet sparkling apple cider. By the looks of it, he was a very talented chef.

He moved so that Michelle could take a seat then settled across the table. He reached out and took Michelle’s hands into his. “I’d like to pray, if that’s okay.”

Michelle’s heart warmed. He was a man of faith in God too? In a world where it looked like most men threw chivalry out the window, Logan was slowly but surely becoming her knight in shining armor. Not that she believed in fairy tales and happily ever after romances . . .

~*~

Want to read more? You’ll find Love in Pictures at Amazon

 

 

About the Author:

 

Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart who loves the arts with a passion for the color purple and an affinity for the serene color blue.

She earned her B.A. in Print Journalism and her MFA in Creative Writing. Alexis is an established author, blogger, editor, writer, and photographer who enjoys exploring matters of the heart.

Love in Pictures is her second book published by Forget Me Not Romances.

Alexis hopes that her writing will connect readers with the forever love of Jesus Christ.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennedbyAlex

Website: https://alexisagoring.jimdo.com/

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Theresa Lynn Hall

18 Wednesday Jul 2018

Posted by Catherine Castle in Book Reviews, Christian fiction, Romance, Wednesday Writers

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

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.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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

 

 

Through A Writer’s Garden with Erin Bevan–Black Thumbs and Roses

05 Thursday May 2016

Posted by Catherine Castle in A Writer's Garden, Through the Garden Gates

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

A Writer's Garden, contemporary sweet romance, Erin Bevan, Gardening blog, roses, Wedding Day

 

IMG_0350

Black Thumbs and Roses

by Erin Bevan

I’ll be completely honest. I’m not much of a gardener. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy pretty flowers as much as the next person, but when it comes to making them grow and thrive, that job is best left to someone else.

My husband and I have owned two houses in our life. Both have come with enormous amounts of flowerbeds. Living in our first house should have tipped me off not to buy our second home. Our current house has fence-to-fence flowerbeds, and we live on a corner lot. Pretty much every single side of our home, and all the edges of our land are covered in flowerbeds. The only things I can keep alive are our roses, and we’ve gotten several compliments on them. Maybe there is hope for me yet!

Everything else is left to God. If it survives great, if it doesn’t, well let’s just say I keep some of the local landscaping services in business.

But, despite my black thumb, I turned my spare bedroom upstairs into an office, and I positioned the desk just so I can see out the window and into the garden. Our kids love to play in the small garden path in our back yard, and there is something about sunshine and flowers that is medicine to my soul.

 

About the Author:

wedding day covererin bevan picErin Bevan is a wife and mother of three. She enjoys filling her kitchen with fresh flowers, and loves the inviting and sweet aroma they release. An avid reader, one day she decided to try her luck in writing stories of her own, and the idea paid off. She spends her days deep in the heart of Texas, fighting mosquitoes, cleaning dirty faces, and writing contemporary romances when the kids nap. The heat levels of her books range from her super sweet book Text Me to sensual romances. Wedding Day, an edgy, sweet, closed-door romance, with some mild language, is her newest release.

 

 

 

 

 

Glimpse Eternity by Ryan Jo Summers on Wednesday Writers Today

17 Wednesday Feb 2016

Posted by Catherine Castle in books, Guest Authors, Wednesday Writers

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

book excerpt Glimpse Eternity, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, contemporary sweet romance, Glimpse Eternity by Ryan Jo Summers, romantic novella, story about Multiple Sclerosis. sweet romance

GlimpseEternityFINAL(1)I’m excited to have Ryan Jo Summers back on Wednesday Writers today. A while back she briefly mentioned the inspiration for Glimpse Eternity on an earlier Wednesday Writers post, and I’ve been waiting to read this story. So, today she’s going to elaborate on that inspiration. I think you’ll find it interesting.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Many years ago I was driving home from work on Valentine’s evening. It was rainy and around eleven PM or so. In the middle of the residential road was a cellophane bouquet of red roses, complete with ferns and baby breath. It looked to be in fine condition. My mind turned over all sorts of scenarios of why it was lying on a rainy street so late at night. Lover’s quarrel? On Valentine’s—that seemed so sad.

The next day, while returning to work, I saw they were gone. The unanswered question stayed with me for several years. Finally, I wrote the story. First, it was begun as therapy, with no intention of publication. I had been experiencing some physical limitations and my frustration was an all-time high. To cope, I created a heroine and gave her a disease with physical limitations. And a love interest to challenge her. The memories of the roses in the road resurfaced and became a pivotal part of the story,

I told my friend about the roses and she commented how crazy I could find story lines anywhere. Not much later she called me to say she went to the park she frequents with her Sunday paper, and on one of the seats was a single rose bud, perfect and just opening. Odd it would be left behind. Not much later she came across another set of roses left behind in her travels. We found it odd there are so many roses being discarded, and I have to wonder why.

One more scene is the hero walking, with his guitar case and duffle bag, into town after his truck breaks down. Again, true story. I spotted a man walking into town from the expressway, with a duffle bag on his shoulder and swinging a guitar case.

Great story, Ryan Jo. Now let’s take a look at an excerpt at Ryan Jo’s latest book:

Glimpse Eternity

By Ryan Jo Summers

Kasey Griffin is determined to prove a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis isn’t going to ruin her life or define her expectations. She is dedicated to her pregnant sister, her pets and operating her bookstore, ‘The Next Chapter’. She has everything she needs to have a full and satisfying life–the daily challenges of her condition notwithstanding. 

         Then hunky musician Ben Salem rolls into town. Ben’s subtle charm quickly reminds Kasey she is more than a woman with a disease, she is also a woman with a heart. And Ben wants it.

         Will Ben still desire her once he learns the terrible details of her condition?

 

Excerpt:       

It should not be this difficult, Kasey Griffin decided, taking aim at the nail head once more. Missing, she nicked her thumb again and dropped the hammer. Swallowing another oath, she sucked tenderly at her bruised thumb, cursing the wave of dizziness that lead to making this such an impossible task. Honestly, hammering a few nails in the wall was all she wanted to do.

Well, not today at least. Temporarily admitting defeat, she returned the tools to the box and shoved them aside. Heading to the freezer, she withdrew a small bag of blended vegetables and a pint of ice cream. Sometimes chocolate chunk caramel ripple can have medicinal benefits.

Four bites later, the phone rang. Tempted to ignore it, she waited for the monotone caller identification.

“Call from Abbie,” the automated voice announced.

Setting her ice cream aside, she swept the phone up from the cradle. “Hey, Sis, what’s up?” She hoped her tone sounded cheerful.

“Not much, thought I’d call and chat. Do you have a minute?”      “Yeah, of course. Everything okay with you and the baby?” Abbie was six months pregnant.

“Fine, a few less kicks today. How about you? You sound tired. Are you having a bad day, sweetie?”

Kasey sighed. Sometimes it was hard to tell. “I guess so,” she admitted, opting to tell her about the most recent failure.

“You know Bobby would have come over and done that for you.”

“Yes, but I want to be able to do things for myself.” She needed to be able to do things on her own, if only to prove to herself she could. That was one big difference between them. Abbie had no problems asking for help, whereas she’d rather swallow a toad than ask anyone for assistance. Character flaw? Probably. Did that make it necessarily bad? No. Just stubborn. But that was how she ran the daily affairs of The Next Chapter bookstore. And how she planned to keep running them.

Want to read the rest of the story? Glimpse Eternity is now available for pre-order for only $.99 on Amazon  and Smashwords.

About the Author:

Me 4-25-2015 choice 1Ryan Jo Summers is a North Carolina writer who likes to pen romances with a twist. Love stories blended as inspirational, with paranormal, suspense or time travel–or several at once. She also writes non-fiction for regional periodicals. Her dad is a songwriter and his aunt wrote poetry, so Ryan came by the writing gene honestly.

Her hobbies include poetry, bird watching, houseplants and gardening, gathering with friends, hiking in the forest, painting canvas and ceramics, and working wiggly word find puzzles, mah johngg or chess.  She lives in a 1920 cottage with a menagerie of pets. She often daydreams of the shore and frequently uses water as settings in her stories.

 

Contact Ryan and learn more about her other books at: WEBSITE: http://www.ryanjosummers.com   BLOG: TWITTER: FB:  ROMANCE REVIEWS: GOODREADS: Proud author with Soul Mate Publishing & Melange Books

Text Me by Erin Bevin Today on Wednesday Writers

03 Wednesday Feb 2016

Posted by Catherine Castle in books, Guest Authors, Wednesday Writers

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

book excerpt from Text Me, contemporary sweet romance, Erin Bevan sweet romance author, humorous romance, sweet romance novella, Text Me

 

Author Erin Bevan is back with me today on Wednesday Writers. Today she’s sharing an excerpt of her newest sweet romance, Text Me. BTW, Erin, I love this cartoon cover! If this book is as funny as your first, I know readers will like it, too. But before we get to the excerpt, let’s hear  a bit about Erin’s take on female leads. Welcome, Erin!

 

Thank you, Catherine. perf5.000x8.000.indd

I’m pretty sure I can be a bit snarky at times. I mean it in the best of ways, truthfully, I do. But, I have to admit; because it’s a character trait of my own, my female leads tend to be a bit snarky too.

Another thing about me, I love to laugh. Who doesn’t? If something I write doesn’t have humor anywhere at all, well then, it’s considered a waste to me. Reading is a past time to take you away from your everyday. You should enjoy a laugh or two while you’re escaping, and I hope with my slightly snarky characters, and their silly antics, you get a good, hearty snarky laugh!

Happy Valentine’s Day, ya’ll!

 

Text Me

By Erin Bevan

 

Dumped by text, Erica’s text-dating a new man. She’ll get the surprise of her life when she discovers who’s on the other side of the keyboard.

 

Excerpt:

 Valentine’s Day.

She sank deeper into the couch. What was she going to do? She couldn’t show up alone to the company dance. Not with the chance of Grayson being there. No way.

“Maybe go to another speed dating session?” She grabbed a tissue off the coffee table and wiped the excess slime from her fingers.

“My hairdresser’s single. You want me to ask him?”

“Your hairdresser’s gay. I don’t think he’d be interested in me.”

“Really?” Megan gave her a funny stare.

“Really.” Erika snorted. “Have you not seen the picture of him and his ex-partner at his station?”

“That was his partner?” Her friend’s mouth gapped open. “I thought it was his brother.”

She shook her head. Her friend was one of the smartest people she knew, but common sense eluded the girl.

Megan popped more hearts in her mouth. “That explains so much now,” she mumbled around the candy. “No wonder my hair always looks good.”

“Yes, it does.” Erika sipped her wine.

Her friend swallowed. “Well, I’m sorry, honey. I don’t know any single guys. If I did, I’d try to date them myself.”

“That’s okay.” She sighed and slumped back onto the sofa.

“Is Grayson single?”

“I don’t know. Why are you asking?” She narrowed her gaze. “You want to date him?”

“No.” Her friend said “no” as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

“I’m thinking about you. You wouldn’t go back out with Grayson again, would you? Please say no.” Megan’s shoulders sagged.

Go back out with Grayson. She never thought she’d be given another chance. Would she go back out with him after the way he treated her? Of course not. She deserved better, despite how wonderful he had been.

“I don’t think so. He really hurt me. I can’t give him that privilege again.”

“Good for you.” Her roommate perked up and patted her on the back. “Stay strong. You’ll find someone.”

“You’re right. I’m going to have a date for that corporate Valentine’s dance, even if I have to search the classifieds.”

“Surely, it won’t come to that.” Megan held up her glass for a toast.

Erika clinked hers with her friend’s. “Yeah, surely.”

Her roommate sat her glass down on the table and reached for more hearts.

“Here, give me one of those.”

“I love reading the little sayings.” Megan passed her a heart and tossed her dark hair behind her shoulder. “What’s yours say?”

She flipped over the candy to see the phrase. Bright pink letters stared back at her. Oh, you can’t be serious. “‘Text me’. Seriously?”

Megan burst out laughing.

“You would find that funny.” Erika popped the heart in her mouth and obliterated the little saying she had grown to hate so much.

Want to read more? Click here. Want to learn more about Erin from this website? Click here

 

 

headshot Erin BevanAbout the Author: 

Erin Bevan is a wife and mother of three. An avid reader, one day she decided to try her luck in writing stories of her own, and the idea paid off. She spends her days deep in the heart of Texas, fighting mosquitoes, cleaning dirty faces, and writing when the kids nap. If it’s a really good day, she even finds time to brush her hair.

 

Connect with Erin at  her website:  Facebook:  Twitter:   Twitter @ErinBevan

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Erin Bevin

23 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by Catherine Castle in books, Guest Authors, Wednesday Writers

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

a writer's zen, Author Catherine Castle's blog, contemporary sweet romance, Cupid's Angel, ebook giveaway, Erin Bevan, voices in my head, Wednesday Writers

 CupidsAngels200Today Wednesday Writers welcomes author Erin Bevin. Erin will be talking about something we writers understand all too well—disembodied voices.

She’s also giving us a peek at her recent sweet contemporary release Cupid’s Angels  and providing an EBook giveaway of Cupid’s Angels to one lucky winner. Giveaway will run today through noon Tuesday, September 22. To be entered in the drawing, leave a comment or like Erin’s post. You can also tweet the following phrase to be entered in the drawing. #SweetRomance Cupid’s Angels #EBookGiveaway @AuthorCCastle Wednesday Writers Blog series

Winners will be announced on Tuesday September 22, after noon EST. Winner will have one week to leave a comment on this post so I can contact you about your prize.

 

And now, Erin, tell us about those voices!

 

 I hear voices in my head. Well, not really, but I guess I kind of do. Not crazy voices that tell me to harm people, but funny lines and jokes that have to be written down on paper and told from a character’s point of view.

I also hear these voices at the weirdest times. I could be blow drying my hair, lacing up my sneakers, or washing the dishes. Strange, how doing the most mundane tasks can unlock a part of my brain that is begging to be released. My neighbor, who is a psychiatric nurse, informed me that I have to be in a Zen like state in order for the creative process to flow. She also explained to me why when I’m on the treadmill, in a spin class, or cleaning the house it’s understandable for characters, scenes, and plots to pop into my mind. What I’m doing is monotonous, doesn’t require much thought. The “Zen” state is met. I find it a little upsetting that I seem to be my most “Zen” doing house chores. What kind of boring life do I lead?

I suppose that’s why I live through my characters. I put them through exciting, silly adventures because the most excitement I get in my day is figuring out what stain removers I’m going to mix to get the spitty Fruit Loop dye off my son’s shirt. And, that’s okay. I’ll leave the excitement to the page and enjoy my Zen or monotonous reality. But, honestly, with three kids, it’s never that Zen.

Have a great day, everyone!

 

 

Cupid’s Angels

By

Erin Bevan

 

Ellie Childs isn’t looking for love. She’s looking for an AC technician for the Forest Wood Senior Center. But, when the repairman happens to be tall, dark, and handsome, he has the goods to make her change her mind. Unfortunately, he’s taken by a blonde Barbie.

 David White moved to Cupid, Arkansas, to be closer to the woman he loves, his grandma, and away from his ex-fiancée. Believing his broken heart would never work again, he’s proven wrong. Ellie’s shimmering auburn curls and compassionate nature sends his heart thumping. His mind soars with thoughts of giving love another shot. But as luck would have it, she’s taken, and the guy she’s seeing is a real jerk.

 When David’s grandmother sees how perfect Ellie would be for her grandson, she gathers the troops. She and her three friends form Cupid’s Angels. Their mission, to bring David and Ellie together. Despite their best efforts, the Angels’ plans backfire, pushing David and Ellie farther apart and into the arms of others. Or, so they think.

 Will the Angels’ good intentions win out, or will their plots and schemes undermine what could have been the love of a lifetime for David and Ellie?

 

Excerpt:

She opened her office door ready to face the damages. Expecting another sweat covered Neanderthal in Bib Overalls, her mouth fell slack at the sight of a handsome man at the end of the hall. She gasped and gripped the folder tighter, blinking to make sure she was seeing clearly. The only attractive men that ever walked into the Center had been over the age of fifty. To see one so young, so striking, made her light-headed.

A tight white undershirt gripped sculpted bicep muscles and broad shoulders. His jeans hung low on his hips and sported holes in the knees. His suntanned skin accented his bronze hair, and an easy smile spread across his face. He carried a toolbox in his left hand and held a bouquet of roses in his right.

Everything about him caused her knees to go weak.

“Hey, Grandma.” He kissed Mary’s cheek and placed the roses into her small hands. “These are for you.”

“Oh, David. You shouldn’t have. They’re lovely. Come over here. I want you to meet someone.”

Before Ellie could get her wits about her, the two walked toward her. She straightened her blouse again and wished she would have taken the time to do something more with her hair, or maybe apply a little lip-gloss. Her ginger curls were a frizzy mess, and her blouse still had the coffee stain right on her breast.

“Ellie, I’d like you to meet my grandson, David. David, this is Ellie. She’s the Center’s Executive Director and a dear friend.”

“Nice to meet you.” He extended his hand.

“You, too.” She slipped her clammy hand in his. Rough calluses scratched her palm and his touch sent a shiver through her.

“Gran tells me you’re having trouble with your air. You mind showing me where the unit is?”

She saw his lips move, but didn’t understand a word he said.

“What?” She asked dumbly.

“The AC unit. Is it outside?”

“Oh, yeah. The unit.” Ellie wondered if her voice sounded as shaky as her knees were. He flashed her another smile that made her want to grab his hand and go find a utility closet somewhere. His strong build, handsome face, sparkling green eyes, and the fact that he brought his grandma roses had her heart beating like a nineteenth century drummer boy heading into battle. She fanned her face with the folder. Her sweaty palms had caused the thick Manila paper to go limp.

 

Want to read more? Check out Cupid’s Angels at Amazon.

 

headshot Erin BevanAbout the Author:

Erin Bevan was born and raised in Southwest Arkansas. She spent her teenage years working for her aunt at the local gas station flipping burgers and making milkshakes dreaming of the day when something better would come her way.

Fast forward ten years later, she found herself stuck inside an apartment in South Korea while her daughter went to preschool and her husband went to work. Alone and unable to speak the local language she turned to books for a friend. After reading a few hundred in such a short time, she decided to try her hand at writing one.

That first one sucked, but by the fifth and sixth book, Erin started to get the hang of this writing thing. Getting the first contract in the mail was a dream come true. Now, with three babies at home, she squeezes in stories one word at a time, one sentence at a time, one day at a time. She’s a full-time mom, a full-time wife, with a little writer sprinkled in whenever she can get the chance.

 

Connect with Erin at her website  Facebook Twitter: @ErinBevan

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Elizabeth John

06 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by Catherine Castle in Author interviews, books, Wednesday Writers

≈ 21 Comments

Tags

Author Elizabeth John, contemporary sweet romance, Juding Joey, SMP author Elizabeth John, sweet romance books

JudgingJoey coverWednesday Writers welcomes author Elizabeth John today. Elizabeth writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Elizabeth, please tell us about the book you are showcasing today.

Judging Joey is a sweet contemporary romance with a hint of a mystery. Madeline is a new teacher who struggles with a secret that jeopardizes her job and links her together with the school’s Safety Officer, the man who broke her heart in high school. The story opens where she is dreading a painful reunion with Joey at the school’s carnival. Her principal asks her to work at the same booth where Joey is volunteering. Madeline has been dreading this day for ten years and is shocked when Joey doesn’t seem to remember her. I’ll leave it at that. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next. J

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

The hero in this book actually started out in another book as the kid brother of that heroine. I decided Joey needed his own story and wrote him into a completely different book. Joey and Madeline are polar opposites. He’s fun-loving and she has a serious nature. They just had to meet.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

Judging Joey is now available in ebook format on Amazon and through Soul Mate Publishing. It will come out in print in a few months. The book I’m working on now is about one of three sisters whose family owns a bridal dress shop. Each sister will have her own story and each one is a romantic suspense.\

Are you a panster or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

I am in between. First, I write as a panster. I like to learn the story as it happens, but later I might plot out some scenes. When I have a mystery or suspense there are a lot of clues and red herrings that I need to keep track of. I also write scenes out of order and then tie them together. It’s not efficient and takes me forever, but that’s my creative process. When a scene pops in my head, I have to write it down. If I had to wait until I got to that point in the book, I’d get frustrated and lose interest. I have always written that way and had never heard of anyone else doing that until Diana Gabaldon spoke at my local chapter. When she said she wrote that way too, I felt validated.

I wrote my first book that way and found it extremely difficult, but we all have our own processes. Are you pen and paper writer, strictly computer, or some combo of the two?

I write mostly on the computer, but I’ve been known to write whole novels with pen and paper. I truly believe when I hand-write, my brain uses a different part of itself and unleashes a more creative side. I will write at the beach this way a lot of the times. With this process, I’m able to automatically turn off the inner editor because there’s no delete or backspace button. It’s fun to do writing exercises that way too since it’s more freeing. I have to input whatever I’ve written into the computer, which sometimes leads into revising and editing. When I use a pen and paper, I also write in a completely different location than my normal routine. I think that makes it exciting and helps stir my muse.

I think you’re right about the handwriting. I just read some research that says just what you stated. Most of my poetry is handwritten. I just create I better than way. I also tend to write in stages: dialogue first, then go back and put in the different layers—sensory, visceral, emotional, settings. What is does your writing process look like?

That’s so funny! I write that way too. Dialogue comes first and I will write that part fast. Then I add in the other layers. Since I tend to write romances with a mystery or suspense, I’ll go back and add romantic elements. The suspense elements usually spew out and sometimes I forget and have to remind myself, “Wait! I’m writing a romance. Where’s the romance?” So I must go back and add that in. I usually try to use the setting almost as a character. That requires a layer too. Right now, the book I’m writing takes place at the New Jersey shore in the fall during storm season. The fog, cooler sea air, and wind, all play a part. Of course, I’m going to use a storm in that story! Next I look for the emotional aspect. Did I make my reader laugh, cry, tug at their heartstrings? If I don’t cry or laugh when I reread the story, then I know my readers won’t either. By this time, I’m in the revision process. I’ve seen writers using highlighters or color font to highlight these layers. For example, they’ll use pink for dialogue, blue for setting, green for sensory details, etc. I haven’t tried that yet, but I plan on trying it for the book I’m working on now. I’d have to add a color for suspense and romance too!

That’s so funny about forgetting the romance. I can totally relate, especially with the suspense elements. So, how have your reading (and writing) tastes evolved over the years? Do you still read the same genre of books you did as a teenager?

My first real job was working for the New York Public Library as a page at the age of fifteen. That’s where I discovered the gothic novel. I still love that whole idea of the creepy old house on a hill, a heroine who doesn’t know whom to trust, a mysterious hero, and a story filled with romance, mystery, and suspense. I think that’s why no matter how many times I try to write a straight contemporary romance, a dead body shows up! When I wrote my book Judging Joey, I thought it was a contemporary romance until I had a critique partner tell me something about the mystery. Huh? I thought. What mystery? I realized that even though I thought it was a romance, a mystery peeked through, so I decided to add a bit more of a mystery. Today, I search for similar kinds of books. I like to read romances with suspense that’s not too graphic, but eerie.

What’s the book you are reading now?

Right now I’m reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. When someone in my book club recommended the novel, I voted for it as the pick of the month. I’ve read a couple of her books and really loved them. Between Sisters is still on my keeper shelf. I’m about half way through so far of Firefly Lane. If this book is anything like the others I’ve read, I’d better get the tissues ready. She’s a great writer and a lovely lady. I met her once at the New Jersey Romance Writers conference.

What do you do for relaxation?

Read of course! I have books and magazines all over my house. I never want to be without the option of reading something if I have a moment to unwind. I even have tons of books on my Nook and iPad. I do tend to watch lots of TV and movies when I need to relax. Walking on the beach is another thing I do for recreation. The sun, sand, and sound of the waves do wonders for me.

Speaking of television…do you like reality shows? If so, what’s your favorite one?

Reality shows are like potato chips to me. I can’t have only one. If I see a bag of chips, my waistline beware! It’s the same with reality shows. I watch almost all the Real Housewives. Married At First Sight. The Bachelor and Bachelorette shows. Survivor. Oh my, this is embarrassing. I like the home and garden shows, anything with the word Millionaire in the title. Dare I go on?

Quickies:

Favorite food?

Macaroni and Cheese. I rarely have it because it’s so fattening, but who can resist creamy cheese and pasta? Not me.

Favorite singer or band?

This is almost as difficult as choosing my favorite book. The older I get, the more I love Karen Carpenter. She really had a beautiful voice. I listen to her on Pandora when I write.

Favorite season?

Summer! Flowers, beach, nice weather…all fabulous things.

Favorite flower?

Yellow roses. They make me feel happy.

Favorite color?

Green. It’s a peaceful color.

Mug or teacup?

Mug for sure. When I’m having a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, I need a serious serving. Teacups are nice for company.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

Thanks for having me! I have this tiny antique porcelain book that belonged to my grandmother. On its open pages in gold letters is part of The Serenity Prayer:

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

I keep it on my dresser like my grandmother did and look at it every day. Sometimes I worry about things I have no control over. The prayer grounds me and I appreciate that!

 

Judging Joey

By

Elizabeth John

Madeline White must return to her hometown to help her uncle, her only family. She gets a job teaching and sees the man who broke her heart back in high school. Then she discovers he’s the school’s Safety Officer and his nephew is her student! Madeline’s determined to clear the air with him and hopes they can be civil to one another. When she builds up the courage for a painful reunion, she is shocked that he doesn’t remember her.

Officer Joey O’Neill is committed to his job, so after the beautiful redhead accuses him of the contrary, he takes offense. When Madeline informs him they’ve met before, he insists she’s mistaken. Although his family wants him to settle down and judges his carefree bachelorhood lifestyle, it doesn’t mean he forgets the people in his life. Past or present.

Like years before, people begin to whisper about her when things go missing in the school. Joey starts to wonder if what they say is true. As the past comes back to haunt Madeline, she struggles with a secret that jeopardizes her job and hopes she can trust Joey. Has he finally out grown being a wise-cracking jock?

Buy links for Judging Joey:

http://amzn.com/B00V596R2A

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth John’s love of reading and writing began in her early childhood and blossomed throughout her teenage years. Her first real job was working in a library, and it was there that the cover of a gothic romance intrigued her. She read it and has been hooked on romances ever since. Elizabeth has published many newspaper and magazine articles and several short stories. For a few years, she enjoyed writing ceremonial resolutions for her state’s senators and assembly members. When she’s not penning contemporary romances and romantic suspense novels, she’s teaching elementary school children how to read and write. Admittedly, she’s a TV and movie junkie and has noble intentions to practice yoga daily. Her day job, family, and writing life keep her busy! In her spare time, she can be found walking her dogs, sharing a meal with friends, gardening, or relaxing at the beach with her nose in a good book.

You can connect with Elizabeth at:

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