Linda Weaver Clarke's New Release & Giveaway!

Linda will give away one download of her book at the end of the above mentioned hop ending Sept 12th. To enter her drawing just leave a comment with your contact information.  Good luck!

Title: Desert Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans (2012)

Author: Linda Weaver Clarke

Website: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Synopsis: Mystery…Adventure...Romance...Humor...Intrigue! When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder. John and Julia quickly head to Mesa, Arizona and discover a few mysterious events. Will they find out who is behind these disasters before Uncle Kelly’s dude ranch is ruined?

Reviews: Romance, Mystery, and Regional History Collaborate to Create a Satisfying, Intriguing Story! It was difficult to put this one down. I cared about the characters, I cared about their ranch, and I was brainstorming right along with this delightful family, figuring out how to either remove the curse or solve the mystery that threatened to destroy their way of life. There are children flirting with romance, relational complexities, and a wedding in the works that just won’t seem to come together. The writing is clear and lively, never calling attention to itself or getting in the way of the story. The touches of humor and inclusion of regional history tie it all together to make a satisfying story all the more fascinating. Highly recommended! –Steve Miller, Author

This book can be read safely by anyone, and the romance scenes are absolutely delectable! The mystery in the book is probably the best I have seen from Linda Weaver Clarke. She gave subtle details, but even I did not have it all figured out by the end. –My Devotional Thoughts

I loved the first three books in this series, but I actually loved this one even more. I didn’t think that was possible. The characters are so well written and I absolutely adore each member of the Evans family. They grab at your heartstrings and won’t let go. As for the story, talk about a fast-paced story. Desert Intrigue is that and more! It’s a book that will leave you with that “warm fuzzy” feeling. Linda Weaver Clarke has outdone herself with this book! I'm sure it comes as no surprise that it's getting my Socrates' Great Book Alert. –Socrates Book Reviews

Desert Intrigue is an entertaining and joyful book, my favorite in this mystery series by Linda Weaver Clarke. I love the sparks of romance in this adventure--they spice things up and add much interest to the story. The book has a handful of surprises that I did not anticipate, and the mystery fuels much of the action. –Suko’s Notebook

As a guy, it was really great to see a man, check that men, being shown as strong not only physically, but emotionally as well. I've read a lot of books where the guy in the book isn't shown as being connected to his wife/girlfriend through anything other than surface thoughts. With John and his brother-in-law Kelly, though, I saw them as "men's men", and ones that also were invested in the life of the women around them. The story moved quick enough, there were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing, right down to the ending of the book. –Rick Estep, Reviews From A Man's Perspective

Missing in Mexico by Stuart Gustafson

Book Details:
Publisher: AITE Publishing
Published: May 2011
Genre: Mystery Tourism
Website:Missing In Mexico

Blurb:
Sarah Johnson is a 19-year college freshman who, along with her roommate Mary, spent an extra week in Los Cabos, Mexico after a family vacation over the Christmas break. Unexpectedly, Sarah's not on the plane back to Seattle, and her parents hire Stan, a seasoned Private Investigator, to locate her. Even with local help and some promising leads in the town of San Jose del Cabo, he's unable to find her, and he returns to Seattle to inform the parents. Months later he receives a mysterious letter from someone who says she can help him locate Sarah, and he jumps on the next plane to Los Cabos. Will this be the lucky break he needs to find her? Or will she remain missing -- Missing in Mexico?

Excerpt:

Chapter One/Uno



Flight # 1476 from Los Cabos to Seattle



Saturday, January 5th



     The voice over the intercom system announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we trust you had a good time in Los Cabos, but it’s now time for us to take you back to the States. The cabin doors have been closed, and Alaska Airlines flight 1476 with nonstop service to Seattle-Tacoma is ready for departure.”

     “Hey, wait. Sarah’s not here; we can’t leave without her,” the girl in seat 14A yelled in a frightened voice. Mary reached up and pushed the flight attendant call button even as the flight attendant was already headed toward her seat. “We can’t leave yet; Sarah’s still down there,” Mary continued, now reaching the point of hysteria.

     “Please calm down, miss. Everyone’s already onboard. You can look for yourself,” the flight attendant said in a calm voice as she pointed to the window.

     “What do you mean everyone’s onboard? Sarah’s not here; she should be sitting right here!” Mary pulled her tearing eyes away from the empty seat and looked out and saw that the boarding ramps had been pulled away from the airplane, but what she didn’t see scared her. How come Sarah’s not out there, running in a panic toward the plane? “Where’s Sarah? She was just there with me. Where is she? Don’t leave; Sarah’s missing!” Mary cried out as tears began flowing down her cheeks.

     The annoyed passengers felt a jolt as the plane was being pushed back. They were ready for their flight home from Los Cabos. But Sarah wasn’t on board; she’s missing – Missing in Mexico.





familia (fă•mĭl’•ē•ă) – family. Hay cuatro personas en mi familia. There are four persons in my family.

Author Info:
Stuart Gustafson began writing in earnest after taking early retirement from the corporate world in 2007. His professional life involved travel and so it was natural for him to want to continue traveling once he didn't have to travel as a job. Now when he travels, it's for fun; it's for pleasure; it's to see new places in the world. The way he has chosen to combine his love of travel and writing is to write mystery novels set in exciting locations around the world where he likes to go.

His debut mystery novel Missing in Mexico is set in San Jose del Cabo at the tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, a charming location where he has spent 2-6 weeks each year for the past eight years. This is how Stuart researches his books, by immersing himself into the culture of the area, and getting to know the people and their charm. The best compliment Stuart has received was at a local event in San Jose del Cabo and some of the residents told him that Missing in Mexico was indeed about their town and would he please consider writing another book about San Jose or at least about Cabo.

His second mystery novel, set in Sydney, NSW, Australia, is already underway, and Stuart took five trips to Sydney in 2010 to conduct research of the area to once again ensure that the book, even though it's a fictional mystery novel, would still contain authentic details. Publication date for that book is set for early 2012.

Stuart has been married for thirty-seven years to Darlene and they have one daughter and one son. Stuart and Darlene live in Boise, Idaho.

Connect With Stuart:
Facebook: Facebook
Twitter: Twitter

New Reviews for Fire and Ash

Onedesertrose's Blog—Christian Book Reviews
Initially misidentified by Police Chief Quinn Harrington at the scene, the sparks of romance hit the Police Chief upon introduction to Sadie. Though strong-willed and opinionated, she is an accurate fire investigator–and that special someone whom Quinn hadn’t met since the loss of his wife. However, her first impression of Quinn was that he was a klutz. Sadie’s wit and ability to banter back and forth with Quinn makes for a fun read amidst the tragedy.

As a forensics show enthusiast, I found that Anne Patrick, in her book, Fire and Ash, goes into great, minute detail of the fire investigation, that puts you on the scent of a perpetrator. Her unique ability to incorporate multiple plots to throw you off course makes the pages fly by to connect the dots. The suspense builds as Sadie’s life is endangered. Someone wants her quieted, but who?


4.5 Stars from Manic Readers - "Fire and Ash turned out to be a heartwarming sweet romantic read. The sweet romance woven together with family, suspense, loss, grief, faith, God and masterpiece characters make this story real and believable. And with the characters, first of all, the author creates genuine unique characters that blend together, perfect for each other. And she uses these characters in real life situations, their problems, hurts, and struggles and teaches us how the Lord can work in any situation, using people that come into our lives to draw us closer to Him. I really like the way the author weaves the Lord and the Christian parts of the story into the characters everyday lives, fitting it right in with the rest of the story."

You can purchase Fire and Ash from Desert Breeze Publishing, or at Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble.

Montezuma’s Treasure and Family Secrets are Themes for Mystery Novel

Mysterious events, the search for Montezuma’s treasure, a good-looking rogue, and family secrets! How important is it to learn about the past? Will it make a difference in one’s life and the choices we make? To April, it makes a big difference. Knowing about her parentage changes her perspective of life.

With a blend of mystery, adventure, humor, and sweet romance, Linda Weaver Clarke creates a story based upon the adventures of a married couple and their three daughters in “Montezuma Intrigue.”

When a leather parchment of Montezuma’s map is found in great-grandfather Evans’ old chest, April and the twins know this summer is going to be a memorable one. The girls want to search for it but their father is against it for some mysterious reason. With Julia’s help, she and the girls convince John to go on a treasure hunt. Is Montezuma’s treasure a legend or reality? Whatever the case, John insists on keeping their little treasure hunt a secret. If certain people find out about it, the family could be in danger.

Suko’s Notebook wrote, “In the latest book by Linda Weaver Clarke, Montezuma Intrigue, the mysteries continue as this author entrances us with life-like characters and electrifying adventures. The search for Montezuma's treasure is both exciting and memorable--I am spell-bound!”

While searching for Montezuma’s treasure, Matthew is trying to get the courage to tell April how he feels about her. How does he tell his kindred friend that she means more to him than just a friend? Oblivious of Matthew’s feelings for her, April is gradually learning the importance of her heritage. Who were her ancestors and why has the family kept a certain “secret” all these years? This mystery series includes Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, and Montezuma Intrigue.

Book Trailer:



Book Release Celebration for Mystery/Adventure Novel! Book Giveaway May 23 – June 1: To win a mystery/adventure novel with a touch of romance, leave a comment at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com. But that’s not all! You may also be eligible to receive two free e-books as part of this contest.

Charade of Hearts by Sharon Donovan

IT’S SHEER MAGIC!
IT’S SHEER SUSPENSE!
IT’S SHEER ROMANCE!
IT’S CHARADE OF HEARTS!
STARRING THE ONE AND ONLY OLIVER!

In a Jewel of the Night Mystery by The Wild Rose Press!

Blurb

While scuba diving off the coast of Diamond Head with her diving partner on a quest to find a family heirloom, underwater photographer Dominique St. John witnesses his brutal murder and photographs it, ensnaring her in a deadly jewel ring. And when the investigating officer turns out to be her partner’s identical twin, a man she knew nothing about, her life becomes a Charade of Hearts.

Welcome to the world of greed, intrigue, deception and murder. And at its core is a blue diamond worth millions.

As honest as his twin was corrupt, Honolulu Homicide Detective Oliver Carvalho must convince Dominique that her diving partner and best friend was a crook. In a race against time, Oliver must rescue Dominique from a ruthless killer. But his biggest challenge proves to be mending a broken heart torn by betrayal that can only be redeemed by love.


I am thrilled to announce the release of Charade of Hearts, the book you’ve all been waiting for. In my latest romantic suspense by The Wild Rose Press, our very own Oliver fights off the villain to save his lady love from harm’s way. With this handsome knight in shining armor in mind, I chose gorgeous Hawaii for the setting. Why Hawaii you ask? Because I vacationed in the beautiful tropical paradise once upon a time and fell in love with the miles of breathtaking beauty.

At night, velvety skies open into a kaleidoscope of shooting stars that glitter like diamonds. In the distance, the jagged peaks of Diamond Head shroud the island like an iron fortress. Frothy white waves gently lap ashore the shimmering white sand, while balmy palm trees sway lazily in the hibiscus-scented evenings. Myna birds whistle and love doves coo, their lyrical singing softly floating across warm sultry nights. The lush landscape encompassing the exotic island invoke a feeling of tropical relaxation. Truly paradise!

A huge fan of the original Hawaii Five-0, not to mention my massive crush on Jack Lord, you have no idea how I hoped and prayed for a glimpse of the hottie detective! When the pulsating theme song would start. They would flash several beach scenes, including native Hawaiians paddling outrigger canoes in the peaceful ocean waves, women wildly gyrating their hips to the hula, then end it when Jack Lord turned around and smiled. My heart be still!

As the best books written are those well researched, I knew that one day one of my books would feature the wild and majestic tropical isle of Hawaii as the setting. I walked along these miles of sugary white sands, swam in the ocean blue, sailed out to the desolate waters off the coast of Diamond Head where Dominique and Roberto scuba dive. And, just as I describe in Charade of Hearts, although the Pacific Ocean is peaceful, that far off shore, the waters are quite choppy and definitely rock the boat. Native Hawaiians warned of the nasty sea predators I use in my book. Tiger sharks swim in these off shore waters and are deadly man eaters. One of these killer sharks devours Roberto, Oliver’s evil twin brother in the opening scene. Creepy moray eels are a frightful sight, and the villain of the story, The Dragon, has one of these chilling snakes as a pet and sicks it on the lovely Dominique. Oliver to the rescue!

So when The Crimson line of The Wild Rose Press presented a challenge for the captivating Jewel of the Night, with the parameters being intrigue, romance, danger and suspense, the raw beauty of Hawaii came to mind for the setting, and sexy Oliver fit the bill for the hottie detective. I’ll leave you with an excerpt. Aloha!

Excerpt
With an abrupt bang, the line went dead. Dominique sat staring at the phone cord dangling in mid air, polarized. She felt the tremor from deep in her gut, rising high in her chest and through her throat. Her mouth was wide open but nothing came out. But when she heard a sharp wrap at the door, she erupted like a quaking volcano and let loose with a piercing wail that rattled the chandelier.

“Dominique, open up. It’s the police, Detective Oliver Carvalho. Let me in.”

Racing to the door, hands trembling as her fingers fumbled to undo the dead bolt, she flung the door open and thrust herself in the detective’s arms. Her voice came out in jumbled fragments. “He…the attacker…” she jabbed her forefinger over her shoulder toward the bedroom phone where the receiver dangled. “Said he’d call back…twenty four hours. Wants them, diamond and camera. Feed me to the sharks if I call the cops.” Her voice broke, tears streaming down her face and onto Oliver’s shirt collar. “He knows my name…saw me take pictures…he’s…”

“Easy,” Oliver’s muscular arms draped around her waist. Then he walked her backward to the bedroom, giving her a gentle shove onto the bed. Then he snatched up the receiver from the rug, clapped it to his ear. Lips puckered, he slammed it back into the cradle and stared at her.

His fiery gaze was scorching hot. A slow heat burned in her belly as his eyes rake her long, slender neck, stopping to linger on her exposed cleavage. Then lower still to her bare legs where the cherry red silk robe rode high on her upper thighs. Then that penetrating gaze seared into hers. His words came out, laced with enough heat to have her quaking at full throttle.

“Tell me what he said, word for word.”

Dominique licked her lips, reached for her cocktail. The ice cubes had melted and beads of moisture had seeped onto the teakwood night stand. She took a sip. “He told me he knew I had the diamond and he knew I took pictures. He said I had twenty-four hours to hand them over, that he’d be in touch. He said no cops…or…” her voice broke off, lips quivering. “He threatened to feed me to the sharks, said they were hungry. He said Roberto, he called him lover boy, just wet their appetite for dessert.”

The detective nodded, prodding her to go on. “What else?”

“Nothing, the line went dead. Then you knocked at the door. I thought it was him, the caller. I thought he came to…”

Detective Carvalho waved off what she was about to say. “I went to the Honolulu Clinic this morning because I had more questions. They informed me you’d been discharged and had been transported by taxi to this hotel.”

Dominique stared at the detective, mute. His eyes were identical to Roberto’s. It was disarming. How could she possibly accept the fact this man standing less than a foot away from her with desire burning in his eyes wasn’t Roberto? She couldn’t. Her mind refused to accept it. She had to send the signal to her brain because her heart sure wasn’t getting the message. But when his scorching gaze raked her body, evoking feelings in her Roberto never had, her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to reach for him, coil herself in his strong embrace, feel his heart beat with hers. And she wanted him to rip off her sexy lingerie and devour every inch of her body. She bit her lip, mortified. How could she be thinking about sex at a time like this? And why was Roberto’s twin brother stirring her blood to liquid heat with his burning gaze? Not once had Roberto evoked such feelings in her. She reached for her drink with such swiftness, she felt her silky lingerie slither past her shoulder and down her arm. And then

Charade of Hearts

Oliver’s story!

AVAILABLE NOW!

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/charade-of-hearts-p-4346.html


Sharon Donovan lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her family. Prior to the loss of her vision, she was a legal secretary for the Court of Common Pleas where she prepared cases for judges in Domestic Relations. Painting was her passion. When she could no longer paint, she began attending creative writing classes and memoir workshops. After a long and winding road, a new dream arose. Today, instead of painting her pictures on canvas, Sharon paints her pictures with words.

Sharon writes stories of inspiration and suspense. She has certificates in business and medical transcription. Echo of a Raven, a narrative non-fiction about her struggles with diabetic retinopathy, received a CTRR award for outstanding writing, and The Claddagh Ring is a 2009 CAPA nominee for best inspirational of the year. Other books by Sharon Donovan are Mask of the Betrayer, Touched by an Angel, Lasting Love and Her Biggest Fan. Charade of Hearts is her latest romantic suspense. You can visit Sharon at http://www.sharonadonovan.com/ or write to her at: sharonad@comcast.net

Check out her blog where the one and only Oliver will mix your favorite cocktail with a wink and a smile!

http://sharondonovan.blogspot.com/

Fire and Ash receives Best Book ratings from LASR!

Fennel at Long and Short Reviews gave Fire and Ash its highest rating. Here’s a snippet - "This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with, and ensures you’ll keep it on your shelf permanently and re-read often, which is why I have given it a Best Book rating." Read the whole review here: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/fire-and-ash-by-anne-patrick.html

Thank you for the awesome review, Fennel!

For those of you who have been curious about my progress on A Familiar Evil, I finally finished the first draft. Whew! And it’s going to be a doosy. A funny note – I had to change my heroine’s name three times *grinning*. The reason being I’d already used the name Kate, well Katie, in Sabotage. So I changed it to Morgan...then I realized I’d used that name in Journey to Redemption. The heroine’s name is now Jordan. And yes, I’ve checked, I haven’t used it before. Tip to future writers out there, always keep track of your character’s names. I now have a chart with all the ones I’ve used.

All my edits on coming releases are finished too. Yaay! Now I can get started on the second book in my ‘Wounded Heroes Series’. I’m really excited about this series. Most of the books take place on a fictional island off the coast of Maine called Dauphine Island. No, I’m not joining the paranormal frenzy *grin*. You won’t find any vampires or wolves. All of my characters are human. Each book will be a stand-alone with previous characters making cameo appearances. For instance, Hope & Nick from my Christmas short story (coming in Dec) will be in the series. Each story is about a wounded hero. For instance Deadly Foe is the story about a former army medic struggling with PTSD who has someone trying to kill her. Not all are military heroes, though, some are in law enforcement or other emergency services.

Well, that’s all the news I have so I’m going to get off here and get back to work. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week.

Happy reading!

Anne

Check Out My New Book Trailers!

Journey to Redemption – Available now at most online bookstores!



Sabotage – Coming in November!



Christmas with Hope – Coming in December!

Author Interview w/Miss Mae

Author Bio: All of Miss Mae’s romantic mysteries, “Said the Spider to the Fly”, “When the Bough Breaks”, “Dove Island”, and “See No Evil, My Pretty Lady” are award winning best sellers. Her latest, “Catch Me If You Can” has already received a top rated five-star review. Tantalizing trailers, and more information, is readily available at her website: www.missmaesite.com Miss Mae also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Besides her monthly contributions to the ezine American Chronicle, some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and WritersWeekly. Her alter ego, M.M. also has her first children’s/humor book, “The Mishaps of Gum Drop Island” available in digital download at Smashwords, and now in print at Amazon.

[Anne] Tell us about your latest book.

[MM] My newest book is “It’s Extraordinary, My Dear Winifred”. This is the latest version of my previously titled, “It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred”. I removed it from the market for a short time while I re-edited. In the process I also changed the title.

Here is its blurb:

Do bizarre and unusual mysteries only occur in imaginary tales?

Amateur sleuth Winifred Merryweather, along with dashing newspaper reporter Remington Hawthorne, find themselves in the throes of a real life mystery when they’re plunged in the bowels of a dark and ancient castle. Booby-traps abound with disappearing floors, hidden sliding panels, and spider-webbed shadowy corridors.

Danger threatens to steal Winifred’s very breath -- or is that the annoying allure of Remington’s flirtatious charms?

[Anne] What inspired you to write this story?

[MM] I absolutely adore mysteries, always have since I was a young girl thrilled with the secrets of the Nancy Drew stories. Maturing more so in my teens, I discovered the Victorian tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I’m a great Sherlock Holmes fan. So, with the Winifred story, I contrived to create a puzzler set in the times and days that Doyle created.

[Anne] How did you go about researching your book?

[MM] I have a wonderful crit partner, author Hywela Lyn (her website). Since she lives in England, but was born Welsh, she provided all the gems and details I needed with regard to scenery, certain phrases, etc. Also, I’d like to mention that when I needed detail for the clothing of the period I questioned Brian L. Porter, author of “A Study in Red -- The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper”. He’s an expert on such matters.

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[MM] A novella titled, “Miss Penelope’s Letters”. It’s about halfway written.

[Anne] If you could be anyone of your characters, which one would you chose to be and why?

[MM] I love all my heroines, of course, but if I could only be ONE of them, I’d have to choose Darlene from “When the Bough Breaks”. And you ask why? Hmm, you’ve not read about her love interest, Parker Shane? Ooh, la la, I’d LOVE to be in Darlene’s shoes when Parker makes his moves! LOL

[Anne] You’ve just been informed that your latest release was a NY Times bestseller and Hollywood wants to turn it into a movie. What actors would you choose to play your main characters?

[MM] Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow, where do I sign the papers??? LOL Shew, this is hard as I’m not knowledgeable about today’s stars. Who would portray Winifred? Let’s see…she may be a bit old for the part, but someone as attractive as Julia Roberts. Robert Downey, Jr. (too old as well, I guess) for the part of Remington. But at least you can get some visual of how these characters should look. 

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[MM] I love James Herriott’s books. They’re wonderful, and so delightfully amusing.

[Anne] Name three things you can’t live without (excluding spouses and family because that’s a given).

[MM] Chocolate, decaf coffee, my pets!

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[MM] I am at all sorts of places. My website (for both Miss Mae, and M.M.), Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Coffee Time Romance, LinkedIn, etc.

[Anne] Where can we purchase your books?

[MM] They are all in print I’m happy to say. You can purchase them off Amazon, though I’m also offering autographed copies straight from my website. For digital ebooks, some of them can be found at Smashwords.

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[MM] Yes! Please let your readers know that I am a huge animal lover. Because of this, I have a regular Monday feature called “Doggy Tales”. That’s the title, it doesn’t mean all the articles are about strictly dogs. I share little anecdotes about my canines because that’s the only animals I currently have. But I would love for others to contribute stories about their wonderful friends. If they want the world to know about that special companion in their life, please write me and I’ll get it on my blog ASAP.

Thanks for having me, Anne!

Author Interview with K.J. Dahlen

Please join me in welcoming mystery and thriller author K.J. Dahlen. Here’s Kim’s bio: Kim lives in a small town (population495) in Wisconsin. From her deck she can see the Mississippi River on one side and the bluffs, where eagles live and nest on the other side. She lives with her husband Dave and dog Sammy. Her two children are grown and one has children of her own and for that fact she feels blessed. She loves to watch people and that has helped her with her writing. She loves to create characters and put them in a troubling situation and just sit back and let them do all the work. They surprise even her at times. They take on a life of their own and the twists and turns become a story. She found she liked mystery/thrillers the best. She likes to keep my readers guessing until the very end of the book. Kim writes under the pen name: K.J. Dahlen

[Anne] When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

[Kim] I grew up a reader. I read everything and anything to discover what I enjoyed the most. The only problem was I enjoyed everything. When the plots all started to become the same, I thought I could write a more intriguing story and that’s what I did.

[Anne] Tell us about your latest book.

[Kim] The Prophet, I got the idea for the Prophet from a simple question… “Has he asked you to convert yet?” I filled in the rest of the book from that question. I filled in the outline in one weekend and the book came together quickly.

[Anne] What inspired you to write this story?

[Kim] I had the first part of this story done but I realized it needed something more, I wasn’t quite finished. Then I realized I needed to continue the story so I wrote the second part and everything came together nicely.

[Anne] How did you go about researching your book?

[Kim] I do the outline first then if I need any questions answered I look it up. Questions like, what is the area like where the stories take place, or how to forge a sword, or police procedure.

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[Kim] Yes I actually have more than one something in the works- Whenever I get an idea for a new book I have to write it down. I have several more books in the works that I hope to get the chance to work on.

[Anne] What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantster?

[Kim] I am a plotter, but the plot can and often does change as the story unfolds. At some point the characters take over and I never know what they will come up with. Sometimes they take the story in an all together different track.

[Anne] If you could be anyone of your characters, which one would you chose to be and why?

[Kim] I can’t choose just one, but if I had to I would choose to be Zoey, a forensic anthropologist. She can take a skull and create a face of the victim. She speaks for the dead in a way no one else can. She is in a couple of my books yet to be placed with a publisher.

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go? (Okay so maybe this isn’t very likely to happen but since I’m asking the questions…)

[Kim] I would go to St. Augustine, Florida. I’ve set a book up down there and I would like to see the place for background research. The internet has the facts but I’d like to get the feel of the place. That’s just as important if not more important.

[Anne] You’ve just been informed that your latest release was a NY Times bestseller and Hollywood wants to turn it into a movie. What actors would you choose to play your main characters?

[Kim] The Prophet- Michael Weatherly- he has charm like the character.

Michael Roanne- I’d like to see David Boreanaz- he’s a strong character.

Rheta – Angie Harmon- she can be a bitch when she wants to be yet soft when she needs to be.

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[Kim] I like anything with a good plot.

[Anne] Name three things you can’t live without (excluding spouses and family because that’s a given).

[Kim] I would have a hard time giving up my coffee, Dove Chocolates; and a good idea for a story

[Anne] What advice would you give to any aspiring writers out there?

[Kim] Never give up and take a critique as another way to help you grow as a writer. Sometimes what the critic is telling you will work, sometimes it doesn’t but at least try.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[Kim] www.kjdahlen.com My books can be found at www.roguephoenixpress.com and www.buckscountypublishing.com and at www.avalon.com You can also find them on Amazon

[Anne] Where can we purchase your books?

[Kim] at www.roguephoenixpress.com; www.buckscountypublishing.com; www.amazon.com; and in December @ www.avalonbooks.com

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[Kim] I love being a writer and the feeling I got when I became a published author was something I’ll never forget. When I held my first book in my hand the feeling only intensified. By the end of this year I’ll have ten books out there and I hope next year I’ll have even more.

Susan Page Davis Interview & Book Giveaway!

Joining us today is award-winning, multi-published author, Susan Page Davis. Susan is the author of thirty novels in the mystery, romantic suspense, romance, and historical genres. She lives in Kentucky with her husband, Jim, who is an editor, and the youngest two of their six children.

[Anne] Welcome Susan. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today. Will you tell us how long you’ve been writing and how difficult your journey was to publication?

[Susan] Thanks, Anne! I seriously began writing fiction in 1999. It seemed like I would never be published. I sold a few short stories, and then in 2003 my first book was contracted. It came out in late 2004. It seemed very hard and frustrating at the time, but looking back, I can see that I was blessed with less hardship and waiting than a lot of people.

[Anne] You write in a variety of genres. Do you have a favorite in which you like to write?

[Susan] I love writing historical novels with mystery or suspense in them. These—with a little romance thrown in—combine all the elements I love.

[Anne] You and your daughter, Megan, have collaborated on an exciting mystery series from Heartsong Presents, will you tell us a little about them?

[Susan]Megan and I wrote the Mainely Mysteries series about two years ago, and it recently came out in a one-volume edition. We set the three stories in a fictional lakeside town in northern Maine. Emily Gray returns to the shores of Blue Heron Lake and finds mystery, romance, and a new direction in life.

[Anne] How does collaborating with another author work? Do you take turns writing scenes or chapters, or work together throughout the book?

[Susan] Megan and I alternated chapters at first, but the third book got a little crazy, as our deadline was the day before her wedding. So for Impostors at Blue Heron Lake, whoever was the least squeezed at the moment wrote the next scene or chapter. Overall, I think we still wrote about half each.

[Anne] You have a new release, The Crimson Cipher, will you tell us about it?

[Susan] Set in 1915, this book features a young woman recruited to solve ciphers for the government. Her father is murdered in his college office, and the Navy officer who had wanted him to join the Signal Corps in Washington instead invites Emma, who had been helping her father on a cryptography project. When she accepts the job, Emma does not realize that the people who killed her father now want her out of the way. As she fights the German-Austrian contingent that is promoting sabotage and labor unrest within the United States, Emma makes a personal enemy of the saboteurs’ leader—known only to her and her coworkers as “Kobold”—the German word for goblin.

[Anne] Ah, sounds intriquing.  And I love the cover!  So, how many books do you usually write in a year?

[Susan] About four or five. I am keeping pretty busy, and I’m thankful for that.

[Anne] Do you have a strict schedule to adhere to?

[Susan] No, I work when I need to and knock off for fun now and then. Right now I’m on a deadline for one book and doing revisions on another, so I’m at my desk nearly all day.

[Anne] I read that your husband, Jim, edits all your novels before you submit them. Do the two of you ever disagree on your work?

[Susan] Sometimes we’ll disagree on a minor thing—a word or phrase. Rarely on a plot point. He has said that a few things in my books made him uncomfortable. Usually I say, “Good. That was supposed to make the reader uncomfortable.” But I always consider what he says seriously and take a hard look at the passage he’s referring to. Sometimes it needs to be reworked.

[Anne] What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a publisher, editor, or fellow author?

[Susan] Don’t measure your success by that of the people around you.

[Anne] If your publisher agreed to send you anywhere in the world to research your new book, where would that be?

[Susan] Well, if it’s winter, how about Tahiti? Seriously, I’d like to see and write about Wales.

[Anne] Great choices!  Okay, you’ve just woke in the middle of the night with a fantastic idea for a book, what do you do?

[Susan] scrawl notes I won’t be able to read in the morning on a notepad I keep on the nightstand.

[Anne] LOL.  I suppose I’ve picked your brain long enough, Susan. I could go on you know. I have tons of questions I’d love to ask, but I’ve taken up enough of your time. I do hope you’ll consider coming back sometime. Thank you for allowing me to interview you. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks, Anne. I’ve loved visiting with you. We’re giving away a copy of The Crimson Cipher here today, and I also give away a couple of books on my website every month: http://www.susanpagedavis.com/. You can also find me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Page-Davis/139580589399172?v=wall

[Anne] How generous, Susan, thank you.  Okay, friends, start commenting.  And be sure to leave an email address or some way for us to contact you.  The drawing will take place Friday, August 6th!  

And the winner is....Carol Wong.  Congratulations, Carol.  I'm sure you'll enjoy The Crimson Cipher.

Sandra Sookoo Interview & Giveaway

Author Bio: Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances. She loves to blend genres and spice them up and often times will add humor as well.

After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, she’s gone on to grow her unique writing style. She’s a regular contributor for the Paranormal Romantic’s blog and blogs bi-monthly with a great group of women at Embrace the Shadows.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. That suits her just fine.

Writing is her ultimate dream job.

[Anne] When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

[Sandra] Since I was 10 and wrote my first “epic fantasy” book featuring the kids in the neighborhood. LOL

[Anne] Tell us about your latest book.

[Sandra] My book DEAD RUBY SLIPPERS is my first attempt at doing a mystery. It’s a sweet romance as well. At the time I wrote it, I was exclusively reading cozy mysteries and thought I’d take a chance. Turns out, it’s way harder than I thought so I’m not sure if I’ll write another one LOL Of course, I wanted to put my own special spin on it, too.

Blurb: Dancing may be hard…but no one expected it to be murder.

When sexy tap dancer Abigail Carlton, a.k.a. Ruby Slippers, is found dead and arranged in an artistic fashion on her coffee table, it’s up to Special Agent Quentin Banks to solve her murder.

But nothing is ever as it seems. Not only is Quentin a FBI career man, he doubles as an officer for the Institute of Magical Instruction…and the dancer’s death has super natural energy written all over it.

Quentin must find who murdered Abigail, and he only has 24 hours to do it before it’s taken over by his superiors.



[Anne] Sounds interesting! What inspired you to write this story?

[Sandra] I just wanted to see if I could try a new genre.  Always stretch the wings.

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[Sandra] LOL I always have something new. Two days before DEAD RUBY SLIPPERS came out, I had a fun, foodie vampire novella release called ROCKET’S RED GLARE. It’s Fourth of July themed and I’m pretty excited about it.

Works in Progress though, I’m writing a full length historical romance novel as well as a full length fantasy romance piece. If I thought writing mysteries was hard, fantasy is probably even more difficult

[Anne] What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantster?

[Sandra] Definitely a plotter. It cuts down on rewrites during the editing process and I like referring to the outline while the book is in progress. It’s kinda like a road map with a general overview of where I’m going. Surprises always happen in between but the end goals are the same.

[Anne] If you could be anyone of your characters, which one would you chose to be and why?

[Sandra] LOL Well, the contemporary heroines are pretty much modeled after me so I already live their lives in a roundabout way LOL So I guess it would have to be one of the heroines in my historical novels.

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go? (Okay so maybe this isn’t very likely to happen but since I’m asking the questions…)

[Sandra] Hmm, I’d love to visit any venue in Italy or perhaps London to visit the sites for historical purposes. Barring that, I have no idea LOL

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[Sandra] My reading tastes run the gauntlet and I love to jump genres, depending on my mood.

[Anne] Name three things you can’t live without (excluding spouses and family because that’s a given).

[Sandra] My e-reader, my laptop and my washing machine LOL

[Anne] What advice would you give to any aspiring writers out there?

[Sandra] Don’t give up, no matter what happens in your career. This industry is hard and mean and disheartening a good portion of the time. Believe in yourself and your ability and you’ll weather the storm just fine.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[Sandra] I’m on Facebook and Twitter. My website is http://www.sandrasookoo.com The links for the others are on the first page of my site.

Where can we purchase your books?

Buy link for the publisher: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=154

Buy Link for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Ruby-Slippers-ebook/dp/B003HF0N2U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1276179637&sr=8-1

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[Sandra] Thanks so much for having me! I will be giving a random commenter a romance-themed pizza cutter and a goodie bag so be sure to leave an email address!

[Anne] That’s awesome! Thank you for joining me today, Sandra. Your new mystery sounds intriguing. I wish you the best of luck with it and all of your writing endeavors.

New Excerpt from Lethal Dreams & Last Week’s Winner Is....

*drum roll* Joye! Congratulations, Joye, you’ve won a copy of Danielle’s book Turtle Soup. Yaay! I know you’re going to enjoy this wonderful ‘sweet’ romance.

Now for some extra treets.  First of all, have you heard that Long and Short of it Reviews is having an Easter Egg Hunt?  Be sure to check it out.  They have great prizes to give away, including a free copy of my book Journey to Redemption.  You'll find the link for it in the sidebar.

Also, in celebration of Lethal Dreams being released in eBook last week, I’m including an excerpt in today’s post. This is one of my favorite scenes in the book. It takes place on a basketball court between Erin and one of the kids from the shelter where she volunteers. I hope you enjoy it.

Erin decided to cut through the park on her way to the office. As she neared the basketball court she caught sight of one of the kids from the shelter. She was within a few feet of him before he saw her. His eyes widened. “Don’t even think about running,” she warned.

“I’m not.” He dribbled toward the goal post.

Erin dropped her backpack and snuck in to steal the ball from him. She dribbled the ball around her twice, trying to entice him to go for it before making a basket. “Running a little late for school, aren’t you?”

He caught the rebound and quickly turned away from her, using his left arm to block her advance. “I suppose you’re going to tell on me?”

“Depends on how good your excuse is.” She leaned to her right to get him to turn the opposite way. When he did, she reached out with her left hand to knock the ball away, then twisted around, her back to him, and regained control of the ball. A good three inches taller, she was able to make the basket with ease.

“I hate school, Mrs. J. I have nothing in common with any of the kids. My only friends are the ones who hang out at the shelter.”

She empathized with the boy. In the system since he was six, he’d spent the last nine years being bounced around from one foster home to another till Andy and Emma had taken temporary custody of him six months ago. “This is your first year going there. You have to be patient, Joey, let them get to know you.”

“It’s not that easy for me. I’m not as outgoing as you are.”

“Believe me, Joey.” She took his hand and led him to a nearby bench, “I know what it’s like to be an outsider, to feel you don’t belong. I was in and out of so many schools in the Sheridan Springs area that when someone asks me where I went to grade school I can show them the yellow pages and tell them to pick one, I’ve been there.”

He smiled. “Did it ever bother you because you were different than the other kids?”

“Joey, the only difference between you and them is geography. Yes, they may have a set of parents and a couple of siblings, but you have a whole shelter full of people who love you and think of you as family. I know that doesn’t ease the hurt. But what you have to realize is that, as bad as things seem right now, life is all about change. Right now you have no control over your circumstances, however, there’ll come a day that you will. Eventually, you’ll step into a place where you’ll feel that you belong.”

“So what do I do in the mean time?”

She smiled. This wasn’t the first heart-to-heart talk they’d had. Out of all the kids that came and went from the shelter, Joey held a special place in her heart. In the six months they’d known one another, a strong bond had formed between them. He was almost like a son to her. “You do the best you can, Joey, and remember that the past doesn’t dictate your future.”

He grinned. “I think I can do that.”

“I know you can.” She glanced at her watch. “If you leave now, you should be able to make your afternoon classes.”

“Will you write me note?”

“Are you gonna be skipping classes anymore?”

“No.”

“All right, but if Andy or Emma get word of this you’re dead meat.”

He leaned over and hugged her. “Thanks, Mrs. J.”


Lethal Dreams is available in print and now eBook. Coming up tomorrow, I have a very special guest who is very dear to my heart. Maggie from my book Reservations for Two will be popping in for a visit. I think you’ll really get a kick out of Maggie. She was inspired by some very special ladies in my life. I hope you’ll join us.

LASR Gives Journey to Redemption a 4.5 Rating!

Ivy at Long & Short Reviews gave Journey to Redemption a wonderful review. Here are a couple of snippets:


"Journey to Redemption is police drama that builds suspense while carrying a blossoming romance, all at a fast clip. The police work is believable and interesting. Morgan’s terror at her son’s disappearance and her efforts to rescue him are riveting. I found her steps to keep her relatives ignorant of the drama almost touching. She is definitely a lone desperado.

Journey to Redemption builds great suspense and has a creative twist to tie the loose-ends together. Ms. Patrick has developed a wonderful back story for this novel and it carries the plot along nicely. Her characters have the potential to carry another novel; her confident writing in this genre will make you want to pick up another one of her books. I plan to."

Read the whole review here!

Journey to Redemption has also been nominated as book of the week there. I'd really appreciate your support! Voting is Saturday 30th - Sunday 31st. http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

Thanks so much!

Author Kathleen O'Conner

Please join me in welcoming author, Kathleen O’Conner. Kathleen, grab a brownie or two and I’ll pour the coffee. Ahhh, nothing goes better together than chocolate and coffee.


Now that we’re all comfy, please begin by telling us when you first realized you wanted to be a writer.
I think I always knew. I started writing short stories in grammar school.

Were books a big part of your life growing up? If so, what books would you say influenced you most as a child?
I got hooked on Dostoyevsky’s Crime & Punishment and fell in love with the Russian novel as a kid. I travelled to Russia when I was twenty four because I wanted to see what I’d been reading about.

That’s neat! Will you share with us a little about your publication journey?
I sold a story to Seventeen Magazine when I was quite young. After that I got serious about my craft, started talking classes and went out to Iowa to attend their writer’s workshop.

Tell us about your latest release.
A Private Matter is romantic suspense where Detective Mitch Gallagher must solve a drive-by shooting where the killer left no clues.

Here is a blurb about it:

A Private Matter a Romantic Suspense from Whiskey Creek Press

Mitch Gallagher is obsessed with finding the killer of David Forjane. The young detective believes the murder’s proximity to the victim’s workplace is the key clue. Tess McConnell, a new hire, at the same corporation complicates the detective’s job though.

Unaware Gallagher is a recent widower, she comes on too strong and then feels terribly rejected when the grieving detective doesn’t respond. To get even, she ignores Gallagher and initiates some amateur sleuthing of her own. The detective suffers during this ‘cold shoulder’ treatment and eventually discovers he is more ready for a relationship than he realized. And it will take the efforts of both these characters to solve a murder where the killer left no clues.


Where did you get the idea for it?
From a newspaper clipping about an unsolvable crime.

Here's Katleen's other new release:

Men of Paradise, a Romance from The Wild Rose Press

Men of Paradise details what happens when two strangers inherit joint custody of an untrainable but adorable West Highland Terrier named Dudley. Lauren Pierce, owner of a gift-shop business, doesn't want to co-parent her dog with Yuma Hawk, the new Director of Security for the gated Florida community where she lives. She fears he will discover she is illegally raising her orphaned nephew in the age-restricted community. Also Lauren, disabled from birth with cerebral palsy, feels she has had enough rejection from men in her young life and doesn't need to meet anymore. Only Dudley, the dog, understands why this unlikely duo was brought together.


They both sound like great reads, Kathleen!  Tell us what most inspires your imagination?
Watching and listening to people.

Do you do a lot of research for your books? If so, how do you go about doing it (internet, books, one on one)?
Mostly on the Internet. My husband helps me with his firearms expertise. I don’t know a Smith & Wesson from a Sig Sauer.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started writing?
There will be rough patches where you feel as if you’ll never write again.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers out there?
I constantly read and reread Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way. It’s spiritual chiropractic for the artist’s soul.

Where is your favorite place to write?
In my kitchen with a full cup of coffee.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what are some of your favorite bands/artists?
I love it quiet.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
Shopping, reading.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
I publish novels with The Wild Rose Press and Whiskey Creek Press but I’m also a prolific short story writer and have had stories in Good Housekeeping, Liguorian, St. Anthony Messenger, Redbook, Seventeen and Woman’s World

Okay, say you’re at the checkout counter in your favorite department store and you’re purchasing something from the book, music & movie sections. What are you buying?
Mysteries – Michael Connelly, Jacqueline Winspear, Anne Perry

Are you an animal lover, if so, do you have any pets?
We rescued a Jack Russell and he is a sweetie

Aww, I love Jack Russell’s. They are so cute! Do you have a favorite TV show? What’s your favorite movie?
I like any Sandra Bullock movie – The Proposal, While You Were Sleeping. On the Tv I like the BBC mystery productions.

Where can we purchase your books, and do you have a website?
Men of Paradise is at Amazon and The Wild Rose Press. My other books are at Whiskey Creek Press and fictionwise. My website is http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/kathleenoconnor.html

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I blog at http://larkjournals.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for joining us today, Kathleen, and telling us about your books.  I've enjoyed getting to know you better and look forward to reading some of your works.

Mystery Author Susan Whitfield

Please join me in welcoming, multi-published, Mystery writer Susan Whitfield. Thank you for joining me today, Susan. Help yourself to a brownie, sit back and relax, and tell our visitors a little about yourself.

I am married with two married sons and three grandsons. We all live in eastern North Carolina within seven miles of each other, so that’s fantastic. I was an English teacher for thirteen years and a high school principal for seventeen years, writing my doctoral dissertation in 1995. Once I completed that, I knew my heart was really in fiction.

How did you get started in writing? How difficult was your journey to publication?

I’ve been writing since I was a little kid, always saying that one day I would write a book. I never really got serious about it until high school. I still have a 40-page outline for a mystery somewhere in my desk. After family and career duties slowed, I got down to business in 2004. I knew I wanted a smart, quirky female to investigate murders, and I wanted to set my book in my home state of North Carolina. Once I personally edited Genesis Beach 47 times, I began the queries, often getting rejections so fast no one could have possibly read the pages I sent. Even though I did my research and queried only mystery agents, I got nowhere. The journey was difficult and when writer’s block nearly did me in, I self-published it with iUniverse and finally moved on with the second novel, Just North of Luck. Fortunately I learned that some publishers would accept queries without an agent, and L&L Dreamspell published Just North of Luck and Hell Swamp.

Tell us more about this intriguing mystery series.

The Logan Hunter Mystery series was born by consequence. I started Just North of Luck when Logan kept presenting me with more adventures than I could put into one book. As I said, she’s gutsy and sometimes bends the rules to extreme, but she always solves the case. I like her because of her human-ness. She makes mistakes, second guesses herself often, but always stays focused on seeing that justice prevails. She interns at Genesis Beach under the watchful and suspicious eye of the police chief, then heads to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to join forces with local law enforcement and catch a serial killer in Just North of Luck. I take her back to my childhood home near Black River to solve a heinous murder in Hell Swamp. Gator Creek, which will be released in 2010, forces Logan back to the coast, specifically Wilmington and the Cape Fear River. The growing number of readers and fans tell me they like Logan. I’m so proud of her.

It sounds like a great series. I’m definitely adding them to my TBR list. Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?

I generally begin by writing snippets of ideas, people, personalities, flaws, etc. and write a tentative character sketch for each person, from protagonist to minor characters. I then place them inside a box that I’ve labeled with a tentative title. I collect whatever research is needed and just start writing. I normally begin with some sort of sketchy outline which is seldom followed, but it does help me get started. I prefer the character sketches to a typical outline. Then the characters take over and drive the plot. By the way, my setting is also a character. I want the reader to feel the humidity, brush off the snow, smell the fear. Once the book is nearly complete, I outline again to make certain I haven’t lost my way. Sometimes I end up deleting scenes or chapters or characters at this point. Then it all makes sense.

In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?

I have a fairly strong web presence and try to maintain that presence even though it’s time-consuming. I network with other writers all over the world and have a blog site where I interview writers of all genres. It promotes them and my work as well. I’ve done blog talk radio shows, local radio and TV shows, and readings and signings. I enjoy all of these events and hope to continue with them. Most are free and I find that writers tend to help each other. I love that!

What is one of the most memorable things that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author?

The library in the county I grew up in hosted a book signing when Genesis Beach was released. When the doors opened and over seventy people piled into the room, I nearly cried. I recognized many of them from my childhood. Over sixty folks bought autographed books. That was so awesome!

That would be awesome! Okay, inquiring minds want to know what snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?

Warm homemade cookies. Unfortunately I prefer those to carrots and apples. lol

What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?

Write with passion and abandon. Edit carefully. Never give up!

That’s very sound advice, Susan. Tell us where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?

I recently set up my website, so that folks can order my books there and have them personally autographed. Of course, they’re available at other online stores and brick and mortar stores as well but without the autograph.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just North of Luck won The Covey Book Cover Award for “Most Artistic Cover” and Hell Swamp has just won the Books In Sync “Video Book Trailer Award”. I interview authors at my blog and have just started compiling a cookbook of recipes from mystery writers, called Killer Recipes. I invite all mystery writers to submit a few recipes for the book along with their names, titles of books, and their websites. It’s another great, free, fun way to promote! Just email them to me at ssn.whitfield@gmail.com

I appreciate the opportunity to chat with you, Anne. I’m looking forward to turning the tables on you on January 4th. I wish you and everyone else an inspiring and meaningful Christmas!

Thank you Susan! I’m looking forward to your Killer Recipes cookbook and visiting your blog. It’s been fun today. I’m so glad you joined me. And I really like the sound of your books. They’re right up my alley. I’m definitely putting them at the top of my Christmas list! Do you hear that Santa?

Merry Christmas everyone!

My First Promo Video

It took me a few trys but here is the outcome. Let me know what you think.

Best Selling Author, Miss Mae

Please join me in welcoming mystery/romance author Miss Mae. Not only is she a great writer, she’s the co-founder of the Sweetest Romance Author’s Group. Thank you for joining me today Miss Mae. Can you please tell our visitors a little about yourself? Oh, but first is that a flask of your famous homemade lemonade I see sticking out of your pocket?”

Miss Mae grins as she pulls out her flask and I grab a couple of glasses that I just happen to have handy. “That is definitely some of the best lemonade I’ve ever tasted. Your grand pappy was a genius! Okay, now what were you about to say?”

[MM] I live in Georgia with my husband and three adopted female dogs. How’s that? (grin)

“Ah, a fellow dog lover. I love reading your Doggy Tales on your blog. And your recent addition is a real cutie. Will you tell us how you got started in writing? How difficult was your journey to publication?”

[MM] I was always pretty imaginative. When I was in fifth grade at school, I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries. I’d lay awake at night conjuring up my own ideas about a story. That drive, or hunger, stayed with me, and over the years I tried so hard to put my plots onto a typewriter page. (Anyone even KNOW what a typewriter is? LOL) I sent all these creative “books” to New York publishers and was rejected at every turn. Now, I understand why, but back then it almost devastated me. I first became published in 2007 when I sold a non-fiction article to The Front Porch Magazine.

“And now you’re an award winning, multi published, author with a new release. Let’s hear about it.”


[MM] That would be my YA romantic mystery, “When the Bough Breaks” released by Whimsical Publications Oct. 12. Here is blurb:
Darlene Moore’s reason for shunning Parker Shane has nothing to do with his reputation of being a playboy. She even dates him before the death of her mother forces her to move away. After a two-year absence from Dalesville, she returns home to find Parker exchanging wedding vows with her sister. Two months later, her sister dies.

Then Richard Ryan, head of Dalesville’s wealthy, prominent family, and Parker’s employer, goes missing. Could there be a connection to his disappearance and Parker’s unexpected promotion?

Danger and questions a plenty barrage Darlene with the deadly speed of a six-shooter. Who called down a representative from a Washington agency? Who later assaulted him? Who attacked Darlene at her friend’s apartment? And will Parker’s scandalous brand of playboy be changed to one of murderous culprit? Or, in the moment of Darlene’s greatest need, might he become her rescuing knight?

“Sounds like a wonderful read.” Anne pours a little more lemonade into her glass. “Where did you come up with the concept for your story?”

[MM] On one of those nights when I lay in bed “composing”, this story unfolded. All the characters, the setting, everything. I knew I wanted to tell it.

“That happens to me. I’ve lost track of how many mornings I’ve been late for work because of my musings. Do you keep a tape recorder or a pad and pencil next to your bed?”

[MM] Nothing except my trusty brain…heh heh.

“Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?”

[MM] Quite a lot. I keep asking myself, “Why?” Which means, “Why does Jim feel that way toward Sally?” or “Why can’t I hide the key in the shoebox?” I keep exploring and searching the twists and turn of the plot, trying to make sure each angle is plausible.

“Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?”

[MM] I’d have to say that “When the Bough Breaks” is probably my favorite right now, because I’m so in love with my hero, Parker!

“He does sound very interesting. Plus he’s hunk! Okay, now let’s get personal. What do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies? What do you do when you’re not writing your wonderful mysteries?”

[MM] I used to clog and line dance, and performed on stage with a team. Now I keep things less strenuous, like going for walks in the woods with the dogs and my wonderful hubby. Uh, maybe I should say I go on walks with my hubby and the dogs go along for company. *grins*

“Do you have a favorite food or snack that you absolutely can’t live without?”

[MM] Coffee and anything chocolate!

“Ooooh chocolate. I gain weight just thinking about it. Okay, what advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?”

[MM] If you truly believe in your story, persevere until you get it published. As Winston Churchill stated, “Never, never, never give up.”

“Great advice Miss Mae! Where can we purchase your book? And do you have a website we can visit?”

[MM] I’d appreciate it so much if interested readers would buy directly from the website of Whimsical Publications.
My website, or my blog:

“Thank you for joining me today, and for bringing along your delicious lemonade. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and hearing about your wonderful book.”

To learn about the Sweetest Romance Author Group, please look in the side bar. Links to all of our sites are located there along with how to get our newsletter.

Operation eBook Drop – Show your support of our troops!

Attention eBook authors. Now is your opportunity to show our brave men and women serving in the armed services how much you appreciate and support them. Operation eBook Drop is a program put together by Edward C. Patterson that puts our donated books into their hands. What a great Christmas gift to our troops! All you have to do is purchase some certificates from your publisher (or use your promotional ones) with download codes and then email Ed at ed#w#pat@att#.net (remove the #'s) and tell him you’d like to participate (over 200 authors are already!) and he’ll send you a list of troops that are participating. Once you have both, email the troop(s) and give them the code and a link to your publisher where they can go and download the book for free. It’s as easy as that!

Note: The Operation eBook Drop logo is from the Imagination and Graphic Artistry of K.A. M'Lady & P.M. Dittman.

In other news, be sure to drop back by on Monday. I’ll be interviewing the co-founder of The Sweetest Romance Author Group, mystery/romance writer, Miss Mae. Her books have received rave reviews and awards, and she brews up the best lemonade you’ve ever tasted. I believe her grandpappy past down the recipe *grin*. Anyway, she’ll be sharing a little about herself and her latest release, When the Bough Breaks. So be sure to drop by and show your support to this great writer and wonderful lady.

Journey to Redemption receives a 4.5 rating from Book Wenches

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

I was riveted by this physiological thriller from the moment I opened the book. I am hard-pressed to come up with a specific genre to put it in since it combines so many: from the mystery of a whodunit to the growing feelings between Morgan and Chase; there are so many other elements in between.

Morgan's strength is evident throughout the book, and I found myself drawn to her inner workings, and also I found myself relating to her as a mother. Morgan's depth of pain that she has experienced molds her life, and though I have never experienced the trauma she did in the book, the author does a wonderful job of evoking deep-felt feelings in the reader right along with the character. Chase on the other hand is a man of all seasons. I felt as if he could easily be the well-rounded man most women dream of finding, yet at moments we get a few glimpses of previous parts of his life that have left him bitter.

The entire book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what might happen. The story was fresh and memorable. Ms. Patrick is truly a talented storyteller. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good crime mystery.

Read the entire review here!

How cool is that? If you haven’t purchased it yet, the links to do so are located in the side bar. And a great big THANK YOU! to everyone who has already bought it!