Montana Belle Is Here!

I'm proud to announce that Montana Belle, my western Rosette, is now available!

Sent to Boston for a proper education after her mother's death, Augusta Springer loves her cultured life there, helping the headmistress and planning a teaching career. But when her brother dies unexpectedly, she is summoned home by her headstrong father and ordered to marry the only man for whom she has ever cared— Joshua Bradley.

Joshua has planned for years to win Augusta's heart. Building a life to share with her has been his ultimate goal, but she has learned to despise ranch life and all that goes with it. Can he persuade this independent woman to stay and share the dreams he has for both of them?

Buy it here:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/montana-belle-p-4353.html

Free Cookbook - Only TWO DAYS LEFT

There's only two days left to get your FREE copy of A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE COOKBOOK. 27 mouth-watering recipes....available through December 31, 2010.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://www.annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Beth Caudill - Author blog: Time Flies - 2011 Goals

Beth Caudill - Author blog: Time Flies - 2011 Goals: "In a little over two weeks the New Year will be here. I can't believe 2010 is almost over. After the holidays are over, I need to get back..."

Last chance to win

Today is your last chance to win with the Wild Roses Christmas blog tour. The ten participating authors are discussing their favourite Christmas traditions. Please drop by and share yours.

For links to all the blogs, visit our communal blog at http://rosestour.blogspot.com, or you can start at mine and follow the circuit around.

Each of the ten blogs is running a tour contest. A full list of prizes up for grabs is available at The Roses Tour Blog, which is also where the winner announcements will be posted early next week. Signed books, gift vouchers, popcorn and Christmas ornaments .... you'll find prizes here to suit all tastes.

Good luck, and have a wonderful, joyous holiday season!

BOOKSIGNING

Saturday, December 18

12 - 4pm

Linda Mooney

Anna Kathryn Lanier

Skhye Moncrief

Anne Marie Novark

Elizabeth Pina

5 multiple genre romance authors

at

Boomerang Books

Come Join us for Snacks and Fun!

Boomerang Books

907 W Main St (FM 518)

League City, TX 77573

281-316-1404

Avenue Of Dreams novella.

Molly Daniels is summer holidaying in a small town in the country to recover from a broken marriage. She’s hurt, disillusioned and unsure of her future. She last thing she is looking for is a man. Sebastian Lord is the town’s most eligible bachelor, a title he hates. Having given up on a successful career in the city he now owns a small farm and is content to hide away there, away from the real world that has hurt him in the past. Since his fiancé was killed four years ago, he’s refused to enter the dating game again.
They’re an unlikely pair, but Seb’s wayward dog has a habit of bringing them together. They give into their attraction and share a hot summer together, but can they let go of the past enough to embrace a future together?
 
Excerpt:
Why was he asking her out to dinner? This wasn't what he did. Dates, women, and the whole relationship business weren't his thing anymore, hadn't been for many years.
Molly stopped and turned. "No, thanks."
He frowned at her refusal. She was as prickly as a thorn, but quite stunning. "I'm only trying to be friendly."
"I'm sure you are, but I'm not interested."
"What can it hurt?" He shrugged with a smile. Normally, he wasn't one to be pushy, and didn't really believe in chemistry and all that nonsense, but something about this woman affected him. He wanted, very much so, to spend time with her. It had been so long since a woman had stirred the latent embers of his interest. Some instinct told him to not let this one go.

Miniature Rose 
Hot
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/avenue-of-dreams-p-592.html

Review for ADAM'S TREASURE by Diane Wylie

Siren Book Reviews

Rating: 4 1/2 siren stones


"Adam’s Treasure was a wonderful cloak and dagger style story set among the upheaval of the aftermath of the Civil War. James Bond style his and her spies, Adam and Marilla penetrate a secret society, Knights of the Golden Circle, who are bent upon restoring the South to its former glory and ousting the current government of the United States of America. Pinkerton agents, Adam and Marilla, must decode a treasure map and discover the hidden gold before the Golden Circle can use it to buy their way back into power.

Ms. Wylie’s story was great fun and a good all around read. Anyone that favours conspiracy, treasure hunting, mystery novels will enjoy Adam’s Treasure. The story flowed nicely from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it."

Reviewed by Rhonda Callum-King

http://sirenbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/diane-wylie-adams-treasure.html



http://knights-of-the-golden-circle.blogspot.com/2010/12/adams-treasure.html

Night Owl Reviews - 3 1/2 Stars for A Gift Beyond All Measure

Night Owl Reviews has given A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEAUSRE 3 1/2 stars and a grade-A review.


"A seasonal read, A Gift Beyond All Measure delivers on it's title. If you are looking for a heart warming story and don't mind a hero that needs to be taught a thing or two about tenderness, then I think you will like this story. Tessa is a character that steps right out of the page and into your heart. She's a tough cookie that you want to find love and happiness." ~ Talina

Buy A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE now.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
http://www.aklanier.com/

A Gift Beyond All Measure

Blurb


Arriving home for Christmas, the last thing Jacob Scott expects in his house is a sexy, shotgun-toting stranger. Worse, his attraction to her bothers him even more than the gun. Still reeling from the deception of his long-time girlfriend, he’s not looking for romance.

Tessa Jones has learned one hard lesson—when everyone in your life has failed you the only one you can trust is yourself. Facing the whispers of the townsfolk and an arson charge, Tessa unexpectedly finds herself trusting Jacob with more than her legal troubles.

Struggling between the promise of the present and the hurts of the past, can these two lost souls overcome their pain long enough to discover a gift beyond all measure?


UNEDITED EXCERPT:


Jacob Scott raised a brow, then broke away from her hypnotic stare to glance at the shotgun pellets embedded in his wall. “You could have killed me.”

“You broke into the house in the middle of the night.”

He reached into his jeans’ pocket and pulled out his keys. “I didn’t break in. I have the damn key to my own front door.”

She put a hand on her hip and cocked her head. “And how was I to know it was you making all that noise? You’re not supposed to be here.”

Irritation boiled inside his gut. She was treating him like a criminal for entering his own home.

“Well, I am here and this is my house. And just who are you?”

She drew in a breath and glanced to her left. “Tessa Jones,” she mumbled.

The name rattled around in his brain. It was familiar. She was familiar, but he didn't think he'd actually met her before. He sure would have remembered that thick auburn hair and lush body if they'd been introduced. So, why did he know the name?

Oh, no. Not that Tessa Jones.

“Tessa Jones? The cook for Baxter’s Diner who burned down half of Spencerville after she started a kitchen fire last month?” Thrusting a hand through his hair, he shifted his weight “What are you doing in my house?”

Her face reddened as she glared at him. “I’m the cook for the cowboys here on the Triple H.”

What was Christina thinking? Hiring an arsonist as a cook?

What he thought must have shown on his face, because the hand on her hip fisted, bunching the flannel and inching it up to reveal more of her lovely thighs. Fire blazed in her eyes. “You know, things aren’t always what they appear to be.”

With that, she strode down the hallway to a bedroom and slammed the door behind her.


A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE available now at The Wild Rose Press.
 

Christmas Memories

I have so many over the years, but a post on another blog reminded me of how my brother and I used to sneak downstairs very early Christmas morning to take a peak at our presents, only to be twarted when we found our dad asleep on the couch. We'd take a quick took, then sneak back up and go back to our beds.

To me, the decorated Christmas tree, family dinners, cookies and homemade fudge all bring those childhood memories back, even though, now, my own children are all young adults.

In closing, I'd like to leave you with an excerpt from my American Civil War set novella, The Christmas Ball, from the American historical Christmas anthology, An American Rose Christmas.

Excerpt:

Sara closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Doc Ellison's kiss had scattered her senses. For months she'd dreamed of being in his arms. As he reached for the buttons on her shirt, her breath caught. His hands on her body thrilled her. She'd never felt like this before.

After loosening the buttons, he opened the shirt and gazed at her bosom.

She studied him, wondering what he was thinking. Did he like what he saw?

He dropped his hands and half-turned away.

"Please," she gasped. "Don't stop."

Turning back, his gaze roved over her. She tried to read his expression. Was that desire she saw, or disgust?

"We should be going now," he said. His gaze dropped to the hay strewn ground.

"No!" Boldly she reached out and fingered the buttons of his coat. He didn't move as she slowly undid them and parted the material. Her fingers tingled as they brushed over his shirt, feeling hardened muscle beneath.

His breath hitched, but he gently pushed her away. "Miss Brewster, we mustn't..."

"Doc!" A shout from outside, startled her. She jerked away from the doctor and scanned the barn opening.

"Yes," Ellison called. He eyed her. "You'd best go."

She nodded, hurriedly fastening her buttons. One of the other stewards approached. His dark eyes slid from her to the doctor. "They don't need me in the hospital tent, and told me to come on over and give you a hand."

Ellison glanced at Sara. "We're about finished here. I was on my way back."

"All right, Doc," the soldier said. "I'll head back with you."

She swallowed, not sure she could find her voice. "Ah... I'm off duty, so I reckon I'll head back to my tent."

Ellison reached up and gave her shoulder a squeeze. "I'll see you tomorrow."

She caught his gaze, trying to gauge his thoughts. Would he have allowed her to undress him if they hadn't been interrupted?

An American Rose Christmas, available at The Wild Rose Press and discounted for the holidays http://www.thewildrosepress.com/an-american-rose-christmas-p-3807.html?zenid=fbfeb2eb47f18b45e780e54c46f21563

new review for Muddy Waters!

Exciting news!!!
I just received a glowing review for Muddy Waters, my October 2010 romantic suspense release from The Wild Rose Press. Perhaps the most poignant phrase was what the reviewer said in her remarks before the email.

"Muddy Waters was a great read, and I can't help but think of it time after time even after I'm done. " Steph Burkhart, author of science fiction and suspense

Here are snips from her review:

"Toussaint crafts an edge of your seat romantic suspense with Muddy Waters."

"Toussaint's writing is crisp and easy to read. The plot is tight, filled with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes. One of the most endearing aspects of the story is how Toussaint captures the authenticity of small town America, giving delicious depth to the setting and characters. Mossy Bog is full of wonderful characters and the supporting cast shines. "

"Muddy Waters is a thrilling kayak ride full of suspense and romance!"

I couldn't be more pleased with her thoughts on Muddy Waters!

Maggie Toussaint
http://www.maggietoussaint.com/
http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/

Coming December 8 - A Gift Beyond All Measure

Blurb:

Arriving home for Christmas, the last thing Jacob Scott expects in his house is a sexy, shotgun-toting stranger. Worse, his attraction to her bothers him even more than the gun. Still reeling from the deception of his long-time girlfriend, he’s not looking for romance.


Tessa Jones has learned one hard lesson—when everyone in your life has failed you the only one you can trust is yourself. Facing the whispers of the townsfolk and an arson charge, Tessa unexpectedly finds herself trusting Jacob with more than her legal troubles.

Struggling between the promise of the present and the hurts of the past, can these two lost souls overcome their pain long enough to discover a gift beyond all measure?

UNEDITED EXCERPT:


“You could have killed me.”

“You broke into the house in the middle of the night.”

He reached into his jeans’ pocket and pulled out his keys. “I didn’t break in. I have the damn key to my own front door.”

She put a hand on her hip and cocked her head. “And how was I to know it was you making all that noise? You’re not supposed to be here.”

Irritation boiled inside his gut. She was treating him like a criminal for entering his own home.

“Well, I am here and this is my house. And just who are you?”

She drew in a breath and glanced to her left. “Tessa Jones,” she mumbled.

The name rattled around in his brain. It was familiar. She was familiar, but he didn't think he'd actually met her before. He sure would have remembered that thick auburn hair and lush body if they'd been introduced. So, why did he know the name?

Oh, no. Not that Tessa Jones.

“Tessa Jones? The cook for Baxter’s Diner who burned down half of Spencerville after she started a kitchen fire last month?” Thrusting a hand through his hair, he shifted his weight “What are you doing in my house?”

Her face reddened as she glared at him. “I’m the cook for the cowboys here on the Triple H.”

What was Christina thinking? Hiring an arsonist as a cook?

What he thought must have shown on his face, because the hand on her hip fisted, bunching the flannel and inching it up to reveal more of her lovely thighs. Fire blazed in her eyes. “You know, things aren’t always what they appear to be.”

With that, she strode down the hallway to a bedroom and slammed the door behind her.

Available for FREE December 8-31, 2010 at http://www.aklanier.com/, 27 mouth-watering recipes from Tessa Jones Scott and friends.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/ 
Holiday Cheer Dec. 1-31

Take a Trip to the Rainforest

LAZULI MOON, now available!

Three people search for the legendary Lazuli Moon in the Valdivian Rainforest.
Two of them will find a treasure they never expected.
One won’t live to see another day.

Archaeologist and professor Dr. Nivia Charu can’t let the Lazuli Moon remain hidden forever. With her teaching position threatened and no funds for an expedition, Nivia fears the blue diamond fabled to have healing powers will never be unearthed.

Physician Dr. Benjamin Forrester wants to cure his uncle’s cancer. His attempts at manufacturing a remedy, however, have failed. Desperate and out of options, Ben needs a miracle, and Nivia may just hold the key.

Up against a crazed boat captain and ancient curses, Ben and Nivia join forces to seek the Lazuli Moon. What waits for them in the depths of the rainforest will either make them famous or kill them.

Click here to download today!

Visit me at http://www.christinedepetrillo.blogspot.com/!


Happy Holidays,
Christine

The Roses and I are going on tour...

And today my first stop is with Maya Banks. Please join me as I talk about my holiday "To Be Read" pile. It's lengthy and has something for everyone. http://mayabauthor.com/

Want to know about our other tour stops? You can check out our tour dates here: http://rosestour.blogspot.com/

Nana

Nana Malone
Game, Set, Match, Available now from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon
www.nanamalone.com
www.thepopculturedivas.com
Facebook
Twitter

Multi-Author Booksigning - Houston TX - Nov 20

Join authors Skhye Moncrief, Anne Marie Novark and Anna Kathryn Lanier in Houston (well, Pasadena) Texas on Saturday, November 20th at Absolute Hair, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Snacks, door prizes and lots of books!

Anna Kathryn Lanier

http://www.aklanier.com/

http://www.annakathrynlanier.com/

FREE Cook Book

Want a cookbook with 27 mouth-watering recipes, including Cheesy Biscuits, Son-of-a-Gun Stew, Green Beans with Basil, Chocolate Cherry Cake, Apple Strudel, Tortellini Soup, Taco Casserole, and Italian Cream Cake?

It can be yours....for FREE, when you purchase my upcoming book A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE.

Sorry, you will need to wait for both the story and the cookbook....A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE doesn't come out until December 8th from The Wild Rose Press. But I wanted to give everyone a heads up....if you purchase the book between December 8th and December 31st, 2010, you can get the book for free off my website. More details will come on how to obtain the A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE COOK BOOK.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://www.annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Adam's Treasure by Diane Wylie

Excerpt from Adam's Treasure by Diane Wylie

Never, in her wildest dreams, did she imagine witnessing something like this. Seeing the four naked Indians toss Adam off the bank and into the river had frightened her beyond measure. When she saw that he could not swim, she had considered saving him, but the Indians had pushed past her.

In moments she realized that they had decided, for some unknown reason, to teach Adam Skelding to swim. The rest of the afternoon she sat under the oak trees and watched the antics of five very naked men.

Now, the man who captured her attention the most lay next to her. Water glistened on his olive skin. She couldn’t keep her gaze off the hills and valleys of the muscles across those broad shoulders, back, and tight rear end. He breathed hard, making everything ripple just slightly. Entrancing to witness.

With effort she focused on his face, but he had closed his eyes.

“Adam?”

“Mmmph?”

“Why did they do that?”

The Indians had also emerged from the water and donned their loincloths and moccasins once more. The eagle, which had remained perched in one of the trees nearby during most of the day, lifted from its leafy shelter and circled the group of Indians.

First one blue eye opened and then the other. Rolling on his side to face her, Adam propped his head on his hand, resting his elbow on the ground.

“Because I could not swim. Black Wolf and the others knew this.”

“How did they find out?” Marilla hoped he would confide in her enough to tell his story. Curiosity just about ate her up.

He sighed and rolled onto his back, totally distracting her once more. His manhood grew stiff…and big…and swollen, unlike the Indians. She swallowed hard. He appeared not to notice her interest and seemed very comfortable lying nude.

“During the war, my partner, Pamela, and I worked in Richmond. We discovered that the Confederates had built a secret weapon. We had to get that information to the North. But after learning about this weapon, Pamela disappeared. One of my agents saw her leaving town with a Confederate officer. I thought she had been kidnapped, so I rode to the rescue, fool that I was. In the struggle I ended up in the river. Black Wolf and his friends arrived in time to pull me out of the water.”

Sitting up, Adam reached for his shirt, which Marilla had spread to dry on the grassy bank, and started to dress. She found herself wishing he wouldn’t cover his magnificent body, but said nothing to stop him. The idea would be unseemly.

Adam turned away and headed toward the Indians, who had gathered around the wagon to feast again, feeding scraps to the bird on Black Wolf’s arm. Marilla watched him walk away. He had loved Pamela. His obvious pain said so.

A combination of guilt and self-doubt hit her hard. Her Carl was gone, too. It had hurt at the time to lose him in the war, but her grief had faded quickly…too quickly. Maybe she didn’t really know what love meant.

____________

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt. Adam's Treasure is for sale at the following places:

Purchase Adam’s Treasure from Amazon

Purchase Adam’s Treasure from Barnes and Noble

Purchase Adam’s Treasure (ebook) from The Wild Rose Press

Purchase Adam’s Treasure (print) from The Wild Rose Press

Have a great weekend,
~Diane

MISTLETOE EVERYWHERE Release Day!

Mistletoe Everywhere, my Regency Christmas comedy, is here!

BLURB:
A man who sees mistletoe everywhere is mad--or in love.

Charles sees mistletoe. Not surprising, since he's spending Christmas at Mistletoe Manor. But why does no one else see it? And why does it always appear above Penelope, the despised lady who jilted him after their last meeting?

Penelope wants nothing to do with the faithless Charles, the man who cried off after she accepted his marriage proposal. But he still stirs her heart--and he stares at her all the time. Or rather, he stares at the empty ceiling over her head…What does he see?

According to folklore, mistletoe is the plant of peace. Can Penelope and Charles, so full of hurt and anger, heed the mistletoe's message and make peace?

EXCERPT:

After Charles had heaped his plate with more food than he wanted, he took one of the empty chairs at the table bottom, as far from Penelope as possible.

His tensed muscles eased as he joked with his friends. Smythe made a comment and Charles turned to answer. He caught sight of Penelope…and a monstrous bunch of mistletoe above her.

"Gordon? What is it?" Smythe swiveled in the direction Charles was staring. He looked up and down, and from one side to the other. "I say, with your mouth hanging open like that, you must see something spectacular, but damned if I know what it is."

With an audible click, Charles clamped his jaw shut. "I thought I saw…" He forced his gaze back to his companion. "Nothing. I imagined I saw mistletoe."

Smythe's eyebrows rose. "Mistletoe?"

"Yes. The house is named 'Mistletoe Manor', so the place is filled with mistletoe decorations. Pictures, wall hangings, ceiling trim, whatnot."

"Indeed." Smythe's eyebrows rose higher. "That 'mistletoe' you saw is over that Miss Lawrence. Lovely little filly." His lips curved into a knowing grin. "My jaw dropped the first time I saw her, too."

Charles stiffened. "I was not looking at Miss Lawrence. I believed I saw mistletoe over her."

"'Mistletoe'." Symthe's grin widened. "Of course."

And I hope you will get what you want for Christmas, too!

BUY LINK: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/mistletoe-everywhere-p-4295.html

CONTEST: Leave your name and email in the Guest Book on my website, http://www.lindabanche.com, for a chance to win a PDF copy of Mistletoe Everywhere. Contest runs through December 15. I will use the names for my newsletter. Note, all of you who entered my Pumpkinnapper contest are already entered to win a second copy of Mistletoe Everywhere.

Thank you all,
Linda
Linda Banche
Welcome to My World of Historical Hilarity!
http://www.lindabanche.com

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Do you love spooks? What about eerie and scary?

It's the day for things that go bump in the night.

I have two books that fit in perfectly this time of year.

The Witch Within:



A scream echoes over Witch's mountain. A three hundred year old carving attacks for no reason. Widow Glory Sinclair fights against an unknown evil as she struggles with her growing attraction for Sheriff Will Moore.

Link to view

Here's another one for a good chilly night!

Hearts' Reunion:



After attending her great grandmother’s funeral, Sabre Nichols assumes she’ll stay a week at the old homestead on Witch Mountain and then return to her job as a paranormal researcher. But strange events on the mountain wreak havoc with her plans. Even her late Granny’s tenant seems to hide something eerie behind his brilliant blue gaze...

Micah McGregor seems so familiar to Sabre, and he definitely gets her heart racing. But can she trust him to help find the source of the spectral activities? Or will he believe the tales of her witch heritage? If she puts her faith in Micah, she may find answers... and lose her heart.

Here's the Link

So if you love books with a Gothic feel and enough eeriness to give you goosebumps then be sure and check these out!

Click to Give @ The Breast Cancer Site

This is the last day of their 500 mammogram 'click to give' challenge. And the are WAY behind. Please follow the link below and just 'click' to help them meet the challenge.


http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2&link=ctg_bcs_home_from_ars_thankyou_sitenav


Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
http://www.aklanier.com/
http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/