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No place does it like the South! Death Southern Style by Beverley Bateman

Death Southern Style by Beverley Bateman

Blurb for Death Southern Style:
When Perrine Dupré dies under suspicious circumstances her daughter, Julie Ann Dupré, returns to New Orleans to find the truth about her mother’s death. She uncovers a family secret, hidden for years. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will the little dog who appears after her mother’s death help her? Is the sexy detective out to help her, or is he part of police corruption?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans, comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. His father may have died as part of that corruption. He meets Julie Ann, checks out her mother’s death and finds it was badly handled. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to find it for her.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And can their relationship survive?

Excerpt:
Perrine Dupré hurried down the street. She needed to get home. Dark New Orleans clouds hovered overhead. Thunder rolled. Large drops of late May rain pelted the streets of the French Quarter. It sounded like hail as the fat globs bounced off the pavement behind Perrine. The ozone mixed with the scent of magnolia and the smell of shrimp and fish cooking in the area.

The older African American woman struggled against the wind. It whipped her umbrella inside out. She clutched it tightly so not to lose it. Rain blurred her vision. Thunder crashes caused her to jump. She stumbled up the three steps to her front door. Her daughter was coming home for a visit. Perrine’s pulse increased and a smile sneaked out.

Perrine loved her New Orleans. She hated to travel, but two years ago she’d gone to New York to see Julie Ann and her new business. It was a mass of busy airports and crowded flights, but she’d enjoyed seeing the city and staying in her daughter’s apartment. Her daughter had showed off her new interior design business, introduced Perrine to a few of her friends and dragged Perrine to some of the typical tourist activities. Julie Ann had been getting her designing business established then and had a challenge taking time off to leave and come home. Recently she’d taken on a partner. It freed up a little extra time. Tomorrow Julie Ann would be home in New Orleans and Perrine could give her a big hug.

Juggling her parcels, umbrella and the key Perrine jabbed it in the direction of the lock. Finally, the key found the opening and turned.

Thunder rumbled a little louder, sounding like pins crashing in a bowling alley.

Perrine turned the doorknob and froze.

One of her psychic visions flashed in front of her. Her shoulders sagged. A man stood inside. Her visions didn’t lie. She wasn’t going to see Julie Ann after all. And she’d miss their regular telephone call tonight, too.

She wasn’t prepared to die. A single tear shimmered down her cheek. Her heart pounded. She clutched her parcels to her chest. Why now?

Lightning flashed. Thunder crashed again.

He waited for her to come inside.

The vision showed her crumpled on the ground in front of the house. She’d run, but obviously she wasn’t going to get far. Even if she managed to escape, they would kill her eventually. And after tonight Julie Ann would be home. She would also be in danger.

The family was too rich and powerful. They didn’t care about collateral damage or anyone who might get hurt. Had they killed off all the other people involved? Was that why the documentation wasn’t important anymore? The birth certificate should have been enough.

There was so much she should have shared with Julie Ann. At least then she would be aware of the threat.

Perrine didn’t want to die in the house. It would leave a permanent stain and memory. Julie Ann might never enter the house again if Perrine’s body was found inside.

In her mind, Perrine stared into the depths of the house, hands trembled, freezing cold filled her chest. She had to make a decision. He was getting ready to make a move. Perrine dropped her parcels, turned and raced down the steps.

The skies opened wide and lightning flashed across the sky, turning it an electric white. Perrine crumpled to the street. No one heard the shot. An icy shroud of death enveloped over her.

The front door closed. The lock clicked.

She felt no pain, not even when a boot kicked her sharply in the ribs – twice.

The feet moved away.

A gate squeaked.

A car engine roared to life.

The phone rang. No one answered it tonight.

Her spirit prepared to leave.

Perrine regretted that she’d never shared any information about Julie Ann’s real mother with her daughter, or how her mother had been murdered. She’d tried to protect her baby.

Julie Ann’s birth mother had kept records and passed them to Perrine, to be used for blackmail purposes for everyone’s protection.

It hadn’t saved Elizabeth, Julie Ann’s birth mother. She’d been killed before Julie Ann was a year old. That had been an ominous sign. Perrine had spent years looking over her shoulder, but there had been no issues. No one ever threatened them. Even today, there had been no demands or threats.

To the best of Perrine’s knowledge, no one else had been in danger since. Although she had never looked up any of the people involved at the time of Julie Ann’s birth. Now, for whatever reason, death had reared its ugly head. The documents hadn’t saved her. There’d been no threats, just the shooter.

What had changed? Why now?

She wished she’d at least told Julie Ann about the documents. It might help save life.

Perrine’s mind dimmed. She prayed to her god to help her keep Julie Ann alive. Her spirit gradually left her body and floated away. Using her fading power, Perrine pulled on the power of the Priestess to allow her to remain on earth, in any form.

Julie Ann would be at risk. Perrine might still be able to protect her. She needed to be there, at least in spirit, for her daughter.

Buy Links:
eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089VRC1WR
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777262410

Interview time!

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
BB: I like to use a little paranormal in books and I decided that New Orleans was the perfect place for a setting with a paranormal twist and a history of voodoo. Then I came up with the first scene of having a murder occur and the victim had a psychic vision of it abut to happen. After that I had to figure out why. I added and subtracted ideas, changed them and eventually came up with the complete plot for the book.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
BB: I researched New Orleans, districts, houses, funeral homes, voodoo, police departments and fight scenes.

NA: A fun fact about writing your book.
BB: I was in New Orleans with friends before I wrote the book. We stayed in a very old brick hotel in the Bourbon Street area. Our room had brick walls on the exterior. On the way back to our room one night we bought pralines. I had mine in the paper bag on my bedside table. During the night I was wakened by someone trying to get the pralines out of the bag. There was no one there. I believe t was a ghost trying to get at it. That same night my roommate said she woke up because someone was flicking the plaster from between the bricks at her as she lay in bed.

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
BB: I don’t have a day job any longer. Previously I was an administer for a government childcare and adult care program.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
BB: I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. I’d write plots and locked in a room stories. After I developed breast cancer for the first time I decided if I was going to do anything with my writing, I needed to get serious. So I wrote my first book.

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
BB: My family and my friends that aren’t writers are very encouraging but if you start to talk about t, their eyes glaze over.

NA: Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
BB: A bit of both. I get a feel for the plot and my characters and I write maybe one sentence per chapter as to where the story is going. Then I start writing, but I don’t always follow my one sentence outline.

NA: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?
BB: The wonderful people I have met over the years, both online and in person.

NA: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
BB: Before or after Covid? Before I liked to travel, do glass fusion, eat out, and play my Native American flute. Now I putter in the garden and walk my rescue dog – and still play my flute.

NA: Why did you choose the shirt you have on?
BB: Okay, that’s funny. Because of the Covid virus I spend most of time at home and I slouch around in leggings and t-shirt. I love pandas and today I’m wearing my panda t-shirt.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?
BB: I’m one of the lucky ones, although with Covid there might be a lot more people, but I don’t wake up to an alarm. So I wake up when I’m ready to face the day.

NA: Strangest place you’ve brushed your teeth?
BB: I’m not sure it’s that strange but it would be in my car, (at a stop light).

NA: What are you working on now?
BB: I’m working on two things at the moment. Book 2 of The Foundation – Liability Wife – Lydia’s Story, and a novella.

NA: Did you enjoy writing Death Southern Style?
BB: Yes. It was a fun book to write. While there is murder, attempted murder and corruption, there’s also paranormal elements which I love and were fun to wind into the plot. And the research, for example the funeral, were fascinating to research. I enjoyed writing this book.

Meet Beverley:
Beverley BatemanBeverley Bateman now lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She recently moved from the Okanagan Valley in BC, Canada. Instead of vineyards, orchards, lakes, and mountains she has ranches, farmers and a close community. She lives there with her husband and her Bichon-poodle rescue dog. During the cold Alberta winters, she snowbirds to Arizona and does glass fusion, watercolor painting and plays the ukulele besides working on her latest romantic suspense. Hunted, Missing and Targeted are part of her Montana series. She also has her Holly Devine series: A Cruise to Remember, and a Murder to Forget. Don’t Go is her darker romantic suspense.

Author Links:
Website – https://www.beverleybateman.com
Blog – http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Twitter http://Twitter.com/kelownawriter
Facebook Authorpage – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverleyBateman?ref=hl

Pinterest  http://pinterest.com/okwriter
Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Beverley-Bateman/e/B008M01F5E

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/beverley.bateman.18?fref=ts
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7052567.Beverley_Bateman

LinkedIn – babateman@shaw.ca
Instagram – Beverley.Bateman

Whatever the kind, give me chocolate! #MFRWauthor

It used to be a tradition in Jack’s family to give Whitman’s Samplers at Christmas. Ooo! I loved that gift! And it was a sign of Jack’s love for me that he used to let me have all the caramels. However, other than chocolate covered caramels, and some candy bars like Baby Ruth, I’m not much of a chocolate lover. Jack could consume his weight in chocolate and be a happy camper, but not me. A piece of cake that he could eat two servings of, I can handle a couple of bites and I’m done.

I guess I’m that rare (strange) woman who isn’t a huge fan of the treat that has such a great effect on emotions and well-being. I had a feeling, though, that someone has matched personalities to chocolate, and I was right. I found two sites that explain how which chocolate we pick from the box shows something about us. For me, I’m an introvert (I pick the squares and rectangles), and I’m happy (caramel). Since it doesn’t matter whether the chocolate is dark or milk—as long as there’s caramel inside—I can be either a hard charger up for a challenge (dark) or relaxed and romantic (milk). It depends on the day, I suppose.

Here are two sites I found fun to read: The Westbridge Hotel blog and Charbonnel et Walker blog. Have fun deciding which personality fits your chocolate preferences! How accurate were your choices?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist: old letters put the lie to Sara’s life. Now, mending her past mistakes while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Chocolate – milk, dark or light? Jan Selbourne #MFRWauthor

I don’t care if its milk, dark or light, its chocolate and should be enjoyed – anytime – anywhere.

As a dedicated chocolate lover, I decided to check some chocolate facts and look what I found.

The cocoa beans grow inside the cacao fruit. It takes about 900 cacao beans to make 1 kilo of chocolate. We cannot turn our backs on such effort.

More important, here are some of the benefits:

  • It is good for the heart and circulation.
  • It reduces risk of stroke.
  • Its mineral rich.
  • It reduces cholesterol.
  • It’s good for your skin.
  • It can help you lose weight.
  • It’s good for mothers and babies.
  • It may prevent diabetes.
  • Chocolate is good for the brain.
  • Chocolate makes you feel better.

While checking these invaluable facts I learned Napoleon loved chocolate and demanded it be available at all times, including his military campaigns. (I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn his chocolate was stolen by the Duke of Wellington before the Battle of Waterloo.)

Chocolate plays an important role in society. Grandma’s birthday. Valentine’s Day. A thank you. A peace offering, often accompanied with flowers. What better housewarming gift than a chocolate and wine hamper? Heck, any excuse will do.

‘Ah’, some righteous souls will say. ‘It can be addictive.’ Of course it’s addictive! One look at a box of chocolates and I’m an addict and a thief. I can be trusted with someone else’s money, car, wine but I freely admit, I cannot be trusted with their chocolate.

It has just occurred to me that the characters in my historical novels have enjoyed wine and good food but not chocolate. That unforgivable omission will be rectified in my current novel under construction. One character might just gorge on it to justify my bad habits.

So, now we know milk dark or light is good for our health and well being we can indulge without any guilt. – and the witty sign at climate rallies puts it in a nutshell. “Save the Earth – It’s the only planet with chocolate.”

What do you think?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Jan 

The Woman Behind the Mirror 
The Proposition
Lies of Gold—Silver Historical for 2019: Coffee Pot Book Club

Saturday’s Child: historical fiction by Rosemary Morris

Saturday's Child by Rosemary Morris

Saturday’s Child works hard for a living…

After the Battle of Waterloo, motherless ten-year-old Annie travels to London with her father, Private Johnson. Discharged from the army, instead of the hero’s welcome he deserves, his desperate attempts to make an honest living fail. Without food or shelter, death seems inevitable. Driven by desperation Johnson pleads for help from Georgiana Tarrant, his deceased colonel’s daughter.

Georgiana, who founded a charity to assist soldiers’ widows and orphans, agrees to provide for them.

At Major and Mrs Tarrant’s luxurious house, Annie is fed, bathed and given clean clothes. Although she and her father, her only relative, will be provided for there is a severe price. Johnson will work for Georgiana while Annie is educated at the Foundling House Georgiana established.

Despite the years she spent overseas when her dear father fought against the French, the horror she witnessed, and recent destitution Annie’s spirit is not crushed. She understands their separation is inevitable because her father cannot refuse employment. Annie vows that one day she will work hard for her living and never again be poor. It is fortunate she cannot foresee the hardship and tragedy ahead to be overcome when she is an adult.

Buy link:

Prologue and excerpt

An interview with Rosemary:

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
RM: While reading historical non-fiction I found out that after the Battle of Waterloos many former soldiers were destitute.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
RM: I studied the politics, economics and social history of the Regency era and as Saturday’s Child is set in Brighton on the Sussex coast, so I visited the town.

NA: What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?
RM: I want my readers to be immersed in the era and for the story to linger in their minds after they have reached the end.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
RM: I can never remember a time when I did not make up stories. I developed a passion for reading historical fiction, biographies and much more, as well as a passion for history.

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
RM: My family are very proud of me. My friends, who know how hard I work, are pleased for me.

NA: The biggest surprise you had after becoming a write.
RM: How generous other authors are with advice

NA: Do you outline your books ahead of time or are you more a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
RM: Before I begin a novel, I know what the theme and the plot are, and have completed profiles for the main characters, but I don’t make detailed plot plans.

NA: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?
RM: When I began to write novels, I was amazed by how generous established authors were with their advice; and I am very grateful for the praise in many reviews of my intriguing, classical romantic novels

NA: Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write? Action, dialogue, sex?
RM: I would find it very difficult to write sex scenes but have no wish to include explicit sex in my novels. I prefer to write about intense emotion and desire.

NA: What do you like to do when you are not writing?
RM: I enjoy visiting places of historical interest, having a holiday by the sea, working in, and enjoying my organic garden where I grow herbs, fruit and vegetables, and making delicious vegetarian meals

NA: A pet peeve?
RM: Characters in historical novels who behave as though they are 21st century men, women and children who have modern attitudes. An extreme example is of a medieval knight in full armor who scaled the walls of a castle to rescue a proverbial maiden in distress. The window was too small for him to enter her chamber, but she asked him. “Would you like a nice cup of coffee?”

NA: Why did you choose the shirt you have worn today?
RM: I chose a tatty old T shirt suitable for working in my organic garden.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning.
RM: What will happen in the next scene or chapter?

NA: What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
RM: If he had not left his body, I would like to dine with His Holiness, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who founded The International Society of Krishna Consciousness, translated Classical Sanscrit literature and inspired George Harrison.

NA: What are you working on?
RM: Grace, Lady of Cassio, the sequel to Yvonne, Lady of Cassio set in the reign of Edward III.

NA: What is your attitude to writing?
RM: It is extremely hard work which requires dedication and perseverance, but publication of my novels is the reward for so much self-discipline.

Meet Rosemary:

I am a multi-published, best-selling historical novelist.

There is a gigantic canvas for a me to choose from.

My novels are set in the reign of Charles II’s niece, Queen Anne Stuart, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and the ever-popular Regency era, and in the reign of Edward II’s reign. I chose those periods because they changed the course of history.

The more I read about my chosen eras the more fascinated I become, and the more aware of the gulf between the past and present. Those who lived in the past shared the same emotions as we do, but their attitudes and way of life were in many ways very different to ours. One of the most striking examples was the social position of women and children in in bygone ages.

 The characters in my novels, are of their time, not men, women and children dressed in costume who behave like 21st century people. 

Research of my chosen eras sparks my imagination. The seeds of my novels are sown, and from them sprout the characters and events which will shape their lives.

I was born in Kent. As a child, when I was not making up stories, my head was ‘always in a book.’

While working in a travel agency, I met my Hindu husband. He encouraged me to continue my education at Westminster College.  In 1961 I and my husband, by then a barrister, moved to his birthplace, Kenya, where I lived from 1961 until 1982. After an attempted coup d’état, four of my children lived with me in an ashram in France.

Back in England, I wrote historical fiction, joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association, The Historical Novel Society, Watford Writers, and on-line groups including Facebook.

Apart from writing, I enjoy classical Indian literature, reading, visiting places of historical interest, vegetarian cooking, growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and creative crafts. 

Time spent with my five children and their families, most of whom live near me, is precious.

Discover more about Rosemary and her books on her website.

Best price, all the way! #MFRWauthor

Buying a carJack and I have only bought two new cars in our nearly 50 years together. But whether we buy new or used, we aren’t “brand” buyers. I know people who would only buy a Ford or Chevy, but we’re equal opportunity buyers. If the car is right and the price is right, we’ll bite. Frankly, I don’t care who built the car I buy. I want it to go from point A to point B with the minimum of trouble and discomfort. If it does that, I’m happy.

The two new cars we bought were a Datsuns (later Nissan). That was 1984, I think. We kept that new Datsun over 13 years, and it was still running well enough for a man to buy for his daughter to drive back and forth to college.

The other new car was a Jeep Eagle. A friend of ours in Kansas City said he had test driven one while visiting his parents in Florida. He raved about it. Because he wanted to go and see one at the Jeep lot in KC, we went along out of curiosity.

We all went for a test drive, and I drove first. We’d been truckers, remember, so I wasn’t afraid to put the car to the test. We found an empty parking lot. I took it into tight curves, did a sharp U-turn, hit the gas and then hit the brakes hard, went slightly off pavement and then back on. The salesman paled with the first hard stop, but Jack assured him I knew what I was doing. The car performed flawlessly. Plus, it had a small exterior that hid a very roomy interior.

We went back to Virginia for a visit, just for kicks stopped by the Jeep Buying a new cardealership in Richmond. When we returned to KC it was with a brand new Jeep Eagle. They didn’t make many of them or for very long, more’s the pity. We loved our Eagle, and only gave it up when we moved to San Francisco and having a car—any car—was so very impractical.

Other than those two cars, we’ve owned a Ford, two other Jeeps, a Volkswagen, a Chevy van, and a Subaru. Jack’s normal way of buying a car is to find a local very small dealer, or to ask a dealer about a decent car they had taken in on trade but hadn’t spent the time or money to repair or clean up. That’s how we got the Subaru, and it turned out to be a great car.

As in anything, brand doesn’t guarantee quality. Only quality guarantees quality, and you can get that with a brand or not. Have you developed a brand loyalty for vehicles?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Daisy play–Love Me, Lust Me Not by Brittany Boykin

Love Me, Lust Me Not by Brittany BoykinLove Me, Lust Me Not

Blurb:
Enjoy this must-read romance novel based in the heart of New York City as you walk with Beverly through a whirlwind of emotions. It’s amazingly intriguing and full to the brim with tons of drama, sex, and betrayal. Who does she fall for? Is it love? Is it lust? What about her crazy business partner? Is he going to ruin her life and their business all at once? Her best friend Sheila is a hoot and a half as well, but can she keep her nose out of Bev’s love life? So many unanswered questions! So little time!

Excerpt:
“Good Morning,” I say shyly as I press floor twenty-five.

“Good Morning, Bev,” Davis says as he reaches across me to press floor thirty-two.

I don’t know what angel died and fell from Heaven, but my heart sings every single time I see this dark, handsome, Armani suited, green-eyed, married hunk. Yes, sadly, he’s married, so untouchable. A girl can dream, though, right?

It takes everything in me not to inhale the delicious fragrance of Davis’ expensive cologne as the elevator starts to move. Oh my gosh, he knows my freaking name! WAIT! Did he just say my nickname? Davis is the only man on this Earth who can bring my giddy, little girl, high school thoughts back into play just by standing by my side. And, oh, what he would look like naked! I stand there, awkwardly, face flushed, as we wait for the elevator to reach my destination.

Praying my knees hold me up right just a little longer, the elevator bell finally dings at my floor. “See you, Davis,” I mutter shakily as I step out of the elevator into the bright reception area.

Buy links:
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089RB3L3N
IBooks App Link: https://books.apple.com/us/book/love-me-lust-me-not/id1517244923
Nook e-book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-me-lust-me-not-brittany-boykin/1137146217?ean=9781735013404
Author Website: https://bboykin.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrittanyboykin

Love Me, Lust Me Not by Brittany Boykin

Let’s Meet Brittany:

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
BB: Honestly, I just sat down and started typing. Every time my best friend read a chapter and anxiously awaited the next one, she would beg me to tell her what was going to happen. I literally had no clue, though. So, my answer was always I don’t know yet. Then, the next day I would start typing again it would all just come to me.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
BB: I had to research a lot of setting information. The book is set in New York City and I have never been. I know risky, but it was fun! I also had to research some NYC law and court system information. One of my characters gets themselves into some trouble, and I wanted the punishment and process to be realistic.

NA: What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?
BB: I want my readers to know that you can find your true love. You do not have to put up with being treated poorly in any aspect of your life. You are worthy, and you should NEVER settle. Live life, have fun and everything will fall into place when you least expect it to!

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
BB: I do have a day job and I still currently work full-time. I also am currently going to school for my bachelors in accounting. I could not do any of this without my supportive husband and my amazing kids, though. I know: busy, busy.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
BB: Honestly, boredom. I quit smoking about 6 months ago and I needed something to keep my busy. I got a random idea for the main characters and the plot and just started typing away. My best friend and dad read the first chapter and thought it was just amazing, so I kept going. I don’t think I would have been able to finish without them!

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
BB: Everyone seems to be supportive so far. I am not sure how my mom will react when she actually reads the book, though. Disclaimer: there are curse words and sexy scenes.

NA: Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write? Action, dialogue, sex?
BB: Action and description. I can see it in my head but putting it to paper is hard. I probably rewrote certain settings/scenes 4 or 5 times because I kept rereading it and thinking that is not how it was in my head. Dialogue is the easiest, I think.

NA: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
BB: Spend time with my husband and kids. We are usually at sporting events regularly, but thanks to COVID, sports were mostly canceled. We have been going to the lake a lot now that it is hot. We love to go out on the boat and fish. We also love to go camping. In fact, I did my first round of edits sitting outside a cabin at a picnic table at a lake in Texas while camping with my family.

NA: What are your top three favorite books of all time?
BB: My all-time favorite series hands down is Harry Potter. I could read it over and over and never get tired of it. I know I am going to get some hate for this one, but I also LOVE the Twilight series. Then, I think it would have to be the Hunger Games. How did I get caught up writing a romance novel? LOL.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the morning?
BB: UGH. Work. I just want to write all day. HAHA. Maybe one day I can be a full-time author. That is the dream anyways. For now, I will keep my day job and daydream.

NA: What errand/chore do you despise the most?
BB: DISHES. They are the devil! I hate the icky feeling of gross soggy food. EW. Thank goodness my husband hates laundry. We traded – he does dishes, I do laundry. He is forever my soulmate.

NA: What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
BB: JK Rowling of course. I would love to pick her brain. I have so many questions!

NA: What are you working on now?
BB: Book two of course. I need help naming it, though. I don’t think I picked a very good title for a series… Love Me, Lust Me Not 2 seems so LAME! Any contenders want to help name book two? Send me a message on Facebook with your ideas!

How can we find out more??

Britanny BoykinBrittany Boykin is a down home Texas gal, born and raised! She loves to play with her 3 beautiful children and hang out with her amazing husband. She was born in Waco, Texas and grew up in Dallas most of her life. She moved back to Waco eventually and ended up graduating high school from Bruceville-Eddy. She is currently attending college to get her Bachelor’s in Accounting. Brittany has always loved business and has been in the business world most of her career.

Brittany has many hobbies and her kids keep her busy. But when she is not busy doing kids activities, you can find her with a coffee and a book in her hand. Brittany has a newfound love for writing. She is a romance author and just published her first book. Follow her blog for excerpts from the book and to learn more about her day to day life! If you love a good romance novel, then stick around for Brittany’s book release to be announced this year! Don’t forget to follow her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter for all of the latest updates!

Facebook link: www.facebook.com/authorbrittanyboykin

Twitter link: www.twitter.com/AuthorBoykin

Website: www.bboykin.com

Book Links: www.bboykin.com/order-books/

Re-reading—a rarity #MFRWauthor

I love (love, LOVE!) reading. Some books haven’t been really great, but a lot have been. So many stories have occupied my mind long after reading them, for the characters or the lyrical writing or something I can’t quite put my finger on. But it’s not very often I go back and re-read them. In fact, off the top of my head, I can only think of two books I’ve re-read. Well, four I guess, but three are of the same series.

The first I thought about was Diane Gabaldon’s Outlander. I did love that book! The romance was strong, the historical aspect was interesting, and then (of course!) there was James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser. He’s what kept calling me back, not Claire, the witch, with her nose in the air. I also re-read books 2 and 3, when a friend and I decided to read the entire series. I still have not read the final book (is there an actual final book out?) because I don’t want Jamie to die. I was ready for Claire to die by the end of book 4, to tell the truth, but that’s neither here nor there.

The other book that came to mind is one by Emma Holly called The Demon’s Daughter. I absolutely lost myself in that book!! I really like Emma Holly’s writing style, but then she wove a tight, exciting sci fi/fantasy adventure romance that kept me glued to the book from start to finish. In fact…I kinda want to read it again now.

I just finished reading Ed Hoornaert’s The Saint of Quarantine Island, and I think it has the quality of a book I could read again. There’s so much happening and so many quirks and twists that I think I could discover things the second time around that I might have missed the first. I really enjoyed it!

And I could also re-read Jan Selbourne’s Perilous Love (or Behind the Clouds if you prefer a cover without the naked chest!) In that book, Jan wrote a real love story—more than a romance—and set it against the opening chords of WWI. It is very exciting, and she brought the romance out slowly but surely. Wonderful book!!

Which books have you re-read?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist
One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Seeing stories as a journey: Amber Polo

Every Story Is a Journey

The Pharaoh and the Librarian by Amber PoloAfter writing for twenty years and publishing eight books, I finally figured out my brand—journeys. A road trip across country, a trip back in time, or a peek into a character’s mind, words take us on journeys. We don’t always know where we’ll end up, but sometimes we sit back and enjoy the journey.

The Pharaoh and the Librarian started as a prequel to a series. I rewrote. And rewrote. Along the way I asked for critiques. Editors said many nice things and some things I ignored. I sent the last version to my dream editor through Reedsy. She told me the same things. And finally I listened. She said the manuscript had an intriguing theme and series of events with an episodic life story kind of feel. And that it wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

I told her that her comments mirrored my life as well as my writing and, if I hadn’t been so shocked at the revelation, it would be funny. Yes! Intriguing theme? Series of events? Check. If I drew a map of my life it would be a maze of cross country travels. Yet episodic worked for me. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Looking back, I see each of my books as a journey. I even included some maps to help the reader follow along. Recovered, the third in my shapeshifter librarian series, my favorite and the most episodic, featured villains chasing my protagonists across the country. Looking even further back, my first romance novel “Hearts in the Vortex,” had a traveling-around-Sedona episodic feel.

So what’s next? It’s time for me to pull out a manuscript that’s as close to autobiographical as I’ll ever write. And, no surprise, my protagonists jump all over the country living episodic lives. Over a 20 year period they stop at many of the places I loved on my own cross country adventures, not knowing the other is also there. (Yes, I do believe in coincidences.)

What’s most fun about a journey? Sharing the beloved places with friends and readers. Hope readers will join my two Egyptian girls and their journeys to a new world.

The Pharaoh and the Librarian by Amber PoloBlurb:

What if Cleopatra faked her death and escaped on a pirate ship? While her sister sailed for Wales with the most valuable ancient books from her Library of Alexandria? And they both landed in an imagined new world filled with crypto-creatures and historical humans?

Trekking to the desert of 1st century New Mexico, Cleo from the Yucatan and Alex from Nova Scotia, they’d need bravery and help from friends and lovers to evade inner demons and determined villains across an uncharted wilderness.

Alternate history- Fantasy-Romance – Adventure!

Map: The Pharaoh and the Librarian by Amber PoloExcerpt:

When Alex emerged from her hut the next morning, Dylan lay in wait. She looked up into his glowering countenance. “What do you want?”

“My sister told me you plan to accompany your books on the voyage? She must be mistaken.”

“She is correct. That is my plan.”

“Are you mad?”

She shrugged and walked on, facing forward, ignoring the giant Druid at her heels. “Perhaps.”

“Alexandria, wait. The journey is long and dangerous. And very cold.”

“So be it.” She kept walking.

He grasped her arm and made her stop and face him. “I’m not talking about ordinary danger. Entire ships do not survive the three-month ocean journey. The crossing is treacherous. Filled with hardships. A ship is no place for a woman.”

Her body stiffened. “No place for a woman! You told me Viking women captain ships.”

“You are no Viking.” He stepped back and rubbed his head.

Her face reddened. “I am Alexandria Ptolemy of Egypt. I will accompany the most valuable library in the world to its new home. If you refuse to go, then stay.” Alex turned on her heel and marched to the caves to continue preparations for the journey. She might not be as courageous as Cleo, but she could be as stubborn.

***

Months later, Alex furrowed her brows against the bitter cold wind. If this was what Vikings called spring, they were truly mad. The ships she’d purchased with Egyptian gold had arrived. Her library, now well-protected inside shells and sealed in skins, was packed into their holds. And, with word that the ice had cleared from their chosen route, Dylan and the Viking captain Skrymir, a giant man with a mustache curled like the horns of a wild mountain sheep, were ready to sail.

Gwynne led them, blue cape furling, to the standing stones for a Druid ceremony. Alex smiled, for the Druid queen no longer appeared ferocious. Her friend’s blue-stained face was lined with kindness and concern.

“Are you determined to make this voyage, dear daughter of the pyramids?”

Alex nodded. “I must go with my books to see them to a safe land.”

“Dylan is an adventurer, but a good sailor and navigator. Many have trusted their lives to him.”

“My library is more important than my life.”

Gwynne embraced Alex. “I have enjoyed your company and wished for you to stay here in Wales, but I understand your dedication. I, along with my librarians, will fight off the Roman wolves as long as we can, so none will know you have left. We have our swords, shields, and magic caldrons. My second, Boudicca, is most formidable. And Y Draid Goch, our Red Dragon, defends Wales.”

Alex held her friend tight. She would miss the Druid Ovate. She’d learned much from her and spent many days with books and tea of lemon balm and peppermint, and many evenings with mead and stories.

Gwynne’s eyes closed. “I have seen a vision. Your books safe in a valley where you will build a new library.”

“Thank you. I will do my best to make that happen.” As comforting as Gwynne’s vision had been, fear of the unknown filled Alex’s heart. Cleo had often called Alex an obsessive introvert who shunned life. Now she must prove Cleo’s words wrong.

Gwynne stepped to Alex and removed Alex’s cape. Then with a flourish took off her own blue cape and placed it over Alex’s shoulders. “May this keep you warm and safe with Druid magic.”

Alex felt the weight of the cape like a comfort and her eyes teared with gratitude. Through the blur she saw Gwynne point to the sky. She looked up and saw a crimson flash soar over the standing stones, then circle back. Flames burst from the dragon’s jaws. It flapped its sharp forked tail. The people below cheered.

“There is one more gift.” Gwynne waved Dylan to her side. “Come to the Circle.”

Alex and Dylan followed Gwynne to the center of the standing stones.

Gwynne’s eyes shone with tears as she took Alex’s left hand and placed it in Dylan’s right. “Alexandria of Alexandria, daughter of Pharaohs, I give you my most precious gift, my brother Dylan, Prince of the Anglesey Druids, and Lord of Ynys Môn.”

Alex’s mouth opened letting in a gulp of frigid air. “What do you mean?”

Dylan squeezed her hand. “My sister is giving me to you.”

Gwynne smiled. “My brother understands it will be a long and dangerous voyage. With Dylan as your husband, you will have protection.”

“No,” Alex protested, attempting to pull her hand back from Dylan’s warm grasp. “This cannot be. I have vowed never to wed.” She looked into Dylan’s sea-blue eyes. “Tell your sister she is mad.”

Dylan held Alex’s hand fast. “I bow to the authority of my Druid queen. Gwynne, make haste with the ritual. My bride and I sail with the tide.”

Alex opened her mouth to protest but only a very un-royal sputter escaped.

With that, Gwynne spoke quickly in the dialect Alex had not yet mastered, and in minutes Dylan had transferred a gold ring from his finger to hers and clasped her in a warm embrace. She stood stunned when Gwynne ordered, “Now circle the stones. Then all will be complete.”

Dylan’s voice was gentle. “Come with me three times around the stone circle and it shall be done. I promise you shall not regret what my sister has decreed.”

 Available: Amazon print and ebook

Bio:

Amber PoloAmber Polo, constantly asking “What if…?” has a hard time writing in one genre. Best known for The Shapeshifters’ Library urban fantasy series which asked what if librarian dog-shifters faced book-burning werewolves, she shares her love of libraries and fascination with creatures and places, real and not-so-real, in The Pharaoh and the Librarian.

Author of award-winning fantasies and Arizona romances, Amber relaxes stressed writers and readers. Her book, Relaxing the Writer offers a catalog of suggestions and simple exercises while her calming CDs help almost anyone relax and find restful sleep.  Heads in the Clouds won Best Romance in the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards and her essay “Trick or Treat” won the national Story Circle Network Susan Wittig Albert LifeWriting Competition.

To learn more about Amber and her books, find her at:

Website and Blog

Facebook Author Page

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

Raising children #MFRWauthor

Values to teach childrenI can’t think of any job in the world more important but harder to do well than parenting. When you think of the million of things a parent can do wrong, it boggles the mind. And even if you do most everything right, the kid can decide to screw it all up and leave parents wondering where they went wrong. The good news is, no one does it perfectly, and most kids turn out okay and grow up to have their own kids so they can worry about doing things wrong. It’s a beautiful circle.

So, when we think of the most important value to teach a child, it’s impossible to narrow it to one. We want our children to be honest, self-sufficient, loving, hard-working, trustworthy, etc. Sigh. But if I have to pick one, I’ll say that teaching your child to love is the most important.

When parents teach their children to love—not just others, but themselves—they are also teaching respect for life. Loving means they don’t hurt others purposefully and that they learn to say “I’m sorry” when they do it accidentally. It means they learn to share and give to help those who can’t help themselves. It means they grow up trying to do the right thing and not to cause harm.

How do we teach kids to be loving? One way—the best way, I think—is by Parents and childrenexample. If parents show love for each other as well as for their children, they demonstrate what a good relationship is. It builds a web of love that can’t help but extend to outside the family structure.

Perhaps I make it all sound easy. It isn’t. As a parent, loving means being consistent, so the child learns. It means correcting behavior that doesn’t show caring, even when correcting is hard to do. It means taking time to be loving, even when it seems there is no time. It means doing your regular job, but never forgetting that parenting is the real job.

We’re going through a crazy, topsy-turvy world right now, and we could use a lot more love. If we teach our kids to love themselves and each other, I think the ideal will spread from generation to generation, keeping everyone’s little corner of the world a better place.

What do you think is the best value to teach?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist: old letters put the lie to Sara’s life. Now, mending her past mistakes while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

New! Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Cynthia Terelst

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Cynthia TerelseLet Sleeping Dogs Lie

Blurb

Will one of the treasures they find be each other’s heart?

It’s been five years since Tara walked out of Shepherd’s life without a word. Since then he’s spiralled through drugs, alcohol and empty relationships, with Tara on his mind the whole time. Now he wants to win her back, and what better way to do it than by creating a fake scavenger hunt? He knows she won’t be able to resist.

Tara’s lost enough loved ones and she didn’t want to see Shepherd added to that count. So, when she saw him high at graduation, she did the only thing she could – she walked away. When she’s teamed up with him for a million dollar scavenger hunt, the feelings reignite. For a second chance at love to work, she needs to be brave enough to open up to him, to tell him everything she withheld the first time around.

Shepherd didn’t realise how much winning would mean to Tara. He now needs to come up with $3 million for her foundation before the hunt is over. If he can’t he will need to tell her it’s all fake, and he doesn’t know if he can risk that.

Will secrets destroy them a second time around?

Excerpt
Tara
Shepherd and I sat on the couch side by side and watched The Martian while we ate dinner. The warmth from where our arms touched seeped through me. I should have moved away, but I didn’t want to. The spices from the tacos radiated off him. What would they taste like when mixed with the sweetness of him? My eyes were drawn to his lips, the curve of them. I could practically feel their softness.

Shepherd turned his face to mine. My eyes lingered for a moment as I imagined his soft breath brushing my face as he bent his head toward me. My breathing shallowed to the point that it was nearly non-existent, as if I were a starfish. I turned my face away and resumed watching the movie, making sure my hands kept to themselves and my thoughts remained on the man saving his own life on the screen. Matt Damon may have been the most attractive astronaut I’d ever seen, but he was nothing compared to Shepherd.

The movie ended and I sat there while the credits rolled. Our closeness suddenly made me feel like we were in a flux capacitor. Time—five years of it—had been starved, and now it was swallowing me whole. Everything about Shepherd felt like home. Everything. And if I allowed it to, this feeling wouldn’t just swallow me, it would become me.

I jerked away from him, my heart racing, my skin cold, while I broke into a sweat. I couldn’t allow this to happen. Shepherd was no longer my solace. He never truly was because he never knew my grief. My grief over my brother. The feelings of loss at my parent’s death.

No, Shepherd was not my solace. Not then. Not now.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Cynthia Terelse

Cynthia Terelst and Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
CT: Ideas come in the most mysterious ways. My daughter had just moved to a new town for work. She told me about how there was a top pub and a bottom pub and at bottom pub people remembered your name. I made a random post about it and one of my friends said it sounded like a puzzle. So I thought, why not write a book revolving around a scavenger hunt.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
CT: You can’t have a scavenger hunt without places where to find the treasure. So after I decided where I would set the book I needed to figure out where the treasure was going to be hidden. Then I needed to come up with clues to direct the players to that place. It sounds easy. But trust me it’s not. You need to provide enough detail for them to get to the answer but still be vague enough so that can not guess straight away.

NA: A fun fact about writing your book.
CT: Many of the places mentioned in the book I have visited personally, and the ghostly encounter was real!

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
CT: I don’t write full time, yet. My aim is to be a full-time author at the end of 2023. That is when the project at my day job is scheduled to complete. I intend to write two books a year and build up a loyal fan base in between.

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
CT: I have very supportive friends and family who like to say they know a published author. They might get sick of me talking about my launch, the book that I’m working on, but the never say so. And I appreciate that.

NA: The biggest surprise you had after becoming a writer
CT: The support in the writing community. People are open in sharing what works for them and what hasn’t. Many are there to extend a helping hand to you and share their infinite wisdom.

NA: Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
CT: I know where my books starts, what I want to happen in the middle and what the ending is. My planning does not go much beyond that. For this book I wrote out index cards for each scene but I only looked at the first few and then my writing just went on its own merry little way.

NA: Do you have quirky writing habits?
CT: Not really. Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I don’t. I hand write my first draft and then type. I guess that is something not all writers do. It helps me think clearer.

NA: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
CT: I don’t have much spare time. I usually just veg out in front of the TV at the end of the night for an hour or so.

NA: Why did you choose the shirt you have on?
CT: Because it was clean and it fits. I’ve put on a bit of weight and not all of my clothes fit at present.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?
CT: How much longer I can stay in bed for because I MUST get up.

NA: What errand/chore do you despise the most?
CT: Cleaning is not my thing. When I got a pay rise the first thing I did was get a cleaner.

NA: What are you working on now?
CT: My next novel is a royal romance, with a smattering of polo, rambunctious kids and I’ll throw in a spider and snake, because Australia. Lol.

Teasers

“You’ve got ketchup—” His thumb reached the side of my mouth and wiped across my lips, leaving them heated. It was such a Shepherd thing to do, so natural, I thought nothing of it at first. But we weren’t Shepherd and Tara anymore. We were no longer a consist that couldn’t be separated, that would be useless apart. We were separated, and for good reason. Just because my lips yearned for his in that moment, it didn’t mean I needed to act on it.

***

I looked up at Shepherd. I wanted him to kiss me. My lust was a coiled snake, lifting its head, stretching out towards him. I knew what his lips felt like. I knew what he tasted like. I’d remembered it for five years and now I yearned for it more than ever. Musk from his cologne was sexy as hell. My skin tingled as I breathed it in deeper, drawing it deep into my lungs.
I took a step toward him. As he reached out and curled his hand around the back of my neck, heat surged through my body.

***

So, as much as I wanted to stay away from Shepherd, I couldn’t. The chance of winning three million outweighed my wants. How much I once loved him did not matter. I couldn’t afford to think about it. And I needed to rein in any residual feelings…for eighteen more days.

Buy Link

Author Bio

Cynthia TerelstCynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.

Read Cynthia’s previous blog post, The Cat’s Out of the Bag!

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