DEJA VU LOVER by Phoebe Matthews

Your astrological fortune cookie for next week:
2/2 Monday - FEELING FRIENDLY? FEELING SMART? THIS IS THE WEEK FOR SOCIAL CONTACTS AND GOOD DECISIONS IF YOU’RE IN SYNCH WITH THE STARS. THERE IS STILL TIME TO START NEW PROJECTS. THIS COULD BE A LUCKY WEEK FOR MANY AND WOULDN’T THAT BE AN IMPROVEMENT!
- for videos, book reviews, excerpts, check Phoebe's website

In The Chapel

We didn’t know what to expect when we entered the adoration chapel on the grounds of St. James Church. A strange little building with a copper turret atop a cinder block structure it didn’t fit any notions we had of a place of worship. But our guide had inspired us with an anecdote about “what to do in an adoration chapel”, so we were excited at the prospect of worshipping there.

We should backtrack a little. Needing a guide and translator while on a pilgrimage in the village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzogovina – a long way from the suburbs of New York City and Chicago where each of us resides – we were especially grateful for her guidance that day. She related a story about Sister Elvira, the head religious at a resident rehabilitation center for alcohol and chemically addicted men. Working with one of her charges, Sister counseled him to spend time in the adoration chapel and he opposed the advice claiming he didn’t know what he was supposed to do to “adore” in the chapel.

Sister Elvira compared the prayerful time she wanted him to experience to sunbathing. “When you lie in the sun, you don’t do anything, the sun does all the work. I want you to go to the chapel and let the Son work on you.”

As we mentioned, we were excited to worship in the chapel. After a peaceful and prayerful time intent on hoping the Son would work on us, we emerged from the chapel into the glare of an early summer day. Kathie’s face was radiant, on fire with the spirit of the Lord. “I know what we’re supposed to do, Patti. Honestly, it was as if He spoke to me, the words were so clear in my mind. We’re supposed to write about what we’ve learned on our pilgrimages. I think we’re supposed to stop writing the book we’re working on and write an inspirational romance.” The Son had worked on Kathie in a profound way!

Our pilgrimage ended in late May 2007. By November we had completed our manuscript. Pat heard about The Wild Rose Press publishing company’s call for submissions in all genres and it seemed meant for us to submit a query. The talented and discerning Nicola Martinez rejected the book based on a partial manuscript submission for several good reasons. Normally we’d accept a rejection with grace and gratitude for the constructive criticism. This time we were compelled to act totally out of character. We “fixed” the flaws Nicola outlined and asked permission to resubmit to her. Once granted, we sent her the “prayed over” full manuscript.

On January 26, 2008 Nicola offered us a contract for Jewel of the Adriatic by K.M. Daughters. Our penname is dedicated to our parents (both gone to eternal life) Katherine and Michael. Thrilled, honored and blessed, we are privileged to be included with our fellow White Rose authors.

Jewel of the Adriatic is a story about a village in the Adriatic where millions believe the Mother of God appears daily to three visionaries. Here two souls find faith…and love. Historic and contemporary Marian apparitions around the world inspired our story. Places like church-approved shrines in Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France; and the yet to be approved Medjugorje, captured our imaginations and deepened our faith… as we listened in the chapel.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:10-12

Visit us at: http://www.kmdaughters.com
Or at The Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=860

I HEART Libraries!

I’ve been fortunate to spend extended periods of warm(er) winter weather along the beautiful Gulf Coast of Alabama for the past two years as what some might call a snowbirder. So, when the time comes to promote my new releases, I can’t really call upon “my community” for a press release or “my friends” to promote my books in the local bookstores. But, some time last year, I read a blip on one of the many loops (I cannot remember which one) from a writer/librarian who suggested we “donate” a copy of our books to the local library and ask them to catalog it, which ensures that it goes into a large library database.

And with that, I traipsed down to the local library in Gulf Shores, Alabama, donated a copy of my book and asked them to catalog it. I asked if they offered anything like a book signing, and I was fortunate enough to arrive at the correct library, because the warm staff there accepted my books gladly, cataloged them, and scheduled me for their book discussion club February 6th at 6:30 pm and a book signing to follow. Another local library down the road has failed to respond to my queries, so I know how lucky I am. In fact, I’m so fortunate, that the book club coordinator ordered copies of my first two releases for their book club! 

With that success in mind, I trotted up the road to another library in the town of Foley, Alabama, and popped in for a visit with the library director who was extremely enthusiastic about setting up a book “talk” and signing. In fact, having joined the local Gulf Coast chapter of Romance Writers of America, I actually invited several other local authors to join me, and we’re going to have a four-author event there on February 11th at 6 pm.

Moral of the story: Use your libraries for promotion. Even if the one closest to you feels they’re too busy to accommodate you, the next one up the road might be pleased to provide a venue for your sales. And be sure and donate a book to them while you’re at it. It seems only fair! :-)

Bess McBride, www.bessmcbride.com

Murder on the High Seas

Murder on the high seas. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? On a recent writer's conference at sea, we didn't actually murder anyone, but my friend JL Wilson plotted out a new story featuring a literary agent who played fast and loose with her appointments.

I, on the other hand, spent time avoiding the sun and trying hard to eat the right foods. The workshops were fun and informative, though many conference goers were distracted by all the activity on the ship.

Instead of going on and on about the cruise, I thought I'd share this pic with our cruise ship in the background. That's me in the black hat along with JL Wilson on the right. To my left is our own very delightful Rhonda Penders.

Lots of authors, lots of books, lots of fun.All in all, a good way to spend the weekend.
Maggie Toussaint
http://www.maggietoussaint.com/

A Daughter's Promise -- In Paperback!

If you enjoy a sweeping love story that grips your heart and leaves you breathless, I think you'll love the journey of Serene and Miles in "A Daughter's Promise".

Below is a blurb and excerpt, and here you can find the Trailer. For more info, please come by and visit my website at www.christineclemetson.com. I hope you enjoy the story!!! :))))

Thank you!
Christine


Blurb

Serene Moneto made a promise to her dying mother—-a promise so haunting that it directs the course of her life. But when Serene finds forbidden love with a soldier harbored in her villa, her world is torn apart. Among the backdrop of a war raging right outside her door, can she choose happiness? Despite the promise she made those years ago?

She has everything to lose. Nothing to gain.

Except a broken promise.


Excerpt:

Serene’s heart pounded as she peered around the silent restaurant, alive hours earlier but now masked with an eerie paleness. This room and her life would never again be the same. She whisked off the wetness around her eyes, sucked in a daunted breath, and remembered her purpose.

“Are you all right?” She hoped her English was still understandable.

No response from the American.

Leaning a little closer, she gently placed her hand beneath his, finding it warm and moist with life. “Can you hear me?”

Still nothing.

“If you can hear me, squeeze my hand.”

Serene checked behind her. She unbuttoned his coat, soaked in warm blood, and slid her hand inside, relieved to feel at least a slight rise and fall to his chest.

“I want to help you, but not now. I have to go, but I’ll be back. Can you hear me? I’ll be back.”

“Halten Sie!” Boots clicked toward her on the stone floor.

As she let go of the American’s hand, the slightest pressure passed her fingertips.

He had heard her.

Déjà Vu Lover By Phoebe Matthews

LongAndShortReviews lists DEJA VU LOVER as a Best Book candidate, and then gives it this wonderful review!

Phoebe Matthews’ ‘Déjà Vu Lover’ takes place in a current Seattle and an historic Hollywood.

April, tormented by a premonition she is convinced might become real, is befuddled from the start. Her best friend and roommate, Cyd and their close but only barely romantic friends Macbeth & Tom all comprise the elements of a family--what April has lacked. She is honestly attached to all. So, the horrible vision with portends of disaster to the only three members of her ‘family’ stops April cold, in the midst of job interviews.

That first vision is barely a taste of what is to come, and soon April is aware of another time. In fact – she is more than aware – she is there! And, the scenes describing this other life are beautifully written and described, so seem utterly believable to the reader. From the milling extras to the rolled up sleeves of the camera man, every detail contributes to April’s new reality; and her new/old love.

The historic setting is enthralling – to say nothing of the man! Matthews’ really nails this, with more than description; conversation and the mores of the day all contribute to the setting. When April’s attentive gentleman Lawrence, starts to select from the menu for her, you’ll have déjà vu yourself. Yet nothing is quite so easy as only making a choice; and you will be as torn as the main character. The intrigue only grows as we realize Lawrence faces problems himself.

The dialogue is snappy and believable. The main character adorable – with an unexpected inner core of strength. Written in the first person and unusually paced, “Déjà vu Lover” is unequivocally intriguing. In this thoroughly unpredictable romance, It just doesn’t matter if you aren’t much into paranormal or not into history – the story will take you there, as magically as it moves April. Treat yourself to a fast and very original read!

-  Review by Snapdragon, LASR

I Met Rhonda Penders!

The House of Ale in Hollywood, Florida, was mobbed. One one side of the restaurant, patrons ate with relish. Peoples voices ran into each other creating a cacophony of noise that filled your senses and made it hard to distinguish one persons words from another. I was able to finally get around people to ask where the Florida Romance Writers were having their pre-cruise party. A youngun directed me to the right and I saw a mob of people. One or two I recognized right away.

The first person I saw was Rose Letson. Rose is a generous and caring person who spent most of that night helping to sell books for those who brought them to sell. Or driving people back and forth from their hotel. Since I had to drive over an hour to get there from West Palm Beach, she offered to let me stay at her house. She even offered to come and get me. She is one of a kind....

Then I turned to Jianne Carlo, who is my critique partner. She is also treasurer of the FRW and devotes a lot of her time to the effort too. She was wearing heels despite a badly hurting foot. Women, what we do to ourselves. I am crazy about her. I took care of my cost business and saw Traci Hall. When I met her she was president of the FRW and dragged my butt to the place, kicking and screaming over my agoraphobia. Her husband Gregg was there, he is the most supportive guy I have ever met. Her long blonde hair shined in the dim lighting.

To me it was overwhelming. I am not a go to a bar kind of person and I don't think I have ever been to a place like the Ale House before.

Everyone sparked with life. An adorable lady wore a hat like Minnie Pearl. One girl looked awfully young and very Gothic, while the woman she was talking with could have been her grandmother. What an amazing mix, but then romance writers come in all shapes and sizes. The lovely and talented Patrice Wilton sat with me. Mona Risk came and spoke to me. I just love her accent, and she is such a warm and welcoming person.

Patrice pointed out a very young, handsome, guy to me. I have no idea who he was, but he looked young enough to be my grandson. He had hair like Prince and was apparently from some big New York publisher. The always lovely Heather Graham, dressed impeccably in a dark jacket spent a lot of time with him. So he had to be a biggie.

Dayana Knight was there, although she had a headache and left early, poor thing. She is such a sweetheart. Editor Callie Wolf came, hoping to meet her boss for the first time. The editors of TWRP are scattered all around the country, and other countries too. To me it looked like mass confusion. Toni Andrews was there, and poor Lyn Armstrong. Another person whose accent I love. Poor Lyn couldn't go on the cruise, she never got her Visa in time. A Visa she had applied for over eighteen months ago. She smiled, but I know she was bummed.

Then Patrice told me to come with her and meet Rhonda. We walked to the table she was standing by. Someone introduced me to the very nice and very talented, Liane Laverentz. Sharon, I forget her last name, a new member of the FRW sat there just thrilled to death, her eyes starstruck. I met the others at the table, but my partzeimers made me forget their names. I am so bad.

Then there she stood. A little bit of a thing wearing a Wild Rose Press t-shirt, even though it was in the fifties. She had short, light brown hair, and rosy cheeks. Her smile stretched from one side of her face to the other. The little pixie glowed. The very first thing she did when we were introduced was to give me a big hug. As soon as she heard you were one of her authors, the adorable woman would give you a huge bear hug. I didn't expect her. When you think of an owner of a thriving publishing company, you think matron. But she is just the opposite. What a wonderfully special lady!

Rhonda spent the evening, going from one of her writers to the other. Getting to know each one. At one point she came to our booth and was looking for our own Maggie Touissaint. Maggie happened to be sitting in the booth behind me. We all pointed her out to Rhonda, and Rhonda went to her table. Well Maggie, tall, slim, and elfen came alive. She literally leapt over the man sitting next to her, (her husband?), just to get that special hug from Rhonda.

It just shows you how much everyone loves Rhonda. I can't tell you how lucky I feel just to have been there. I couldn't afford the cruise, boy was I disappointed. I've been reading some of the emails from FRW people who had the time of their lives. I hear there was a lot of karaoke singing going on. And someone mentioned that Heather Graham was the queen of it all.

What a thrill it was for me to meet Rhonda. I'll bet RJ is just as fabulous. She truly cares about us all. And that my friends, is one hell of a great thing. Our press is the very best, and you just can't beat that! I feel so lucky!! Maybe next year I can go on the cruise, wouldn't that be cool!

Coming soon - Desires of the Heart

I'm pleased to present the book trailer for Desires of the Heart, a time travel short story set in post WWII England. It will be out March 4, 2009.

Here is a blurb.

When life today is filled with pain, look to the future – or past.

Loren Fairchild longs for children, but is barren. At a cottage in Carlisle, UK, she puts her divorce behind her and begins a new life. She’s interested in the former owners of the small house and about the woman who disappeared into thin air. The same week, according to local gossip, her husband took up with a dark-headed harlot. One morning, a simple minded woman wearing a white nightgown appears at the cottage and triggers events that change Loren’s life forever.

Miles Chapeau misses the wife, the mother of his two children, he’d known before the war. When he returned home in 1945, he learned she’d been hurt in an air raid and now had the mind of a child. He loves her like another child and would never forsake his duty, but misses the intimate side of marriage and having someone to share his interests and goals with. One day she disappears and his existence is turned upside down.

Thanks for watching.

Linda

Salvation Bride Debuts

"SALVATION BRIDE carried me away for an afternoon and I loved every word. From the beautifully written love scenes to the emotional turmoil each character experienced, I felt each and every sensation. This truly is a wonderful book." ~ Natasha at Romance Junkies, a Four Ribbon Review


The hot dusty town of Salvation, Texas has more than its share of secrets in 1873 when Laura Ashton's stage rolls into town. Sheriff David Slade has no idea what baggage his mail-order bride is bringing into his life. Throw in the nightmares from his Civil War days and he's got more than courting to contend with. Laura's a woman ahead of her time, a woman trained in medicine. And she's got a will that could move mountains. Unfortunately, the only mountains in Salvation are in Sheriff Slade's memory. Can the determined doctor heal his pain, or will the dark secret in her past turn up to steal his Salvation Bride?


Unedited excerpt:

“Sheriff.”
“Miss Ashton, I’m sorry I had to leave before the stage left, but I was called away on business.”
Frankly, she’d been relieved not to see the sheriff standing on the porch when she escorted Mrs. McGuire back to the stage. It meant she’d have a while yet before she had to face him.
“I’m sorry, too, sir, for leaving you so abruptly after we met. I don’t know where my manners went.”
He smiled then, for the first time, and his eyes crinkled. “I image, ma’am, that you were just as nervous as I was about meeting.”
She smiled back. “True. One has to wonder about the wisdom of agreeing to marry a stranger.”
His smile faded and lead dropped into her stomach.
He turned his hat in his hand and stared at his feet. “Ma’am, I’d hoped it wouldn’t have to be like this, but there’s something we need to discuss.”
Laura’s breath caught in her lungs. He didn’t like her. He was going to send her away. She’d be alone in the world.
“I…can I not change your mind, sir?” she whispered.
“I’m afraid not, ma’am. If I had an alternative, I’d suggest it, but the fact of the matter is the preacher changed his circuit route on us. I expected him to come in two months, giving us time to get to know each other. But he came early and he’s leaving tomorrow.” His hat made another complete turn in his hands. Blue eyes rose to meet hers. “The fact is, Miss Ashton, we have to get married tonight, before he leaves town.”
Her knees buckled. Strong arms gripped her and held her upright.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you and honest, ma’am, I wouldn’t force you into a marriage if it weren’t necessary. I don’t know when the preacher will be back and I learned last week that the Jacobs, they’re the people who have been taking care of Ginny and the ranch for me, are moving to Wyoming in a few days. That means I need to move out onto the Lazy S. I’ll need you there, too, so you can look after Ginny.”
His hands were strong, comforting. She wanted to lean into his solid form, forget the horror she’d barely escaped.
“It wouldn’t be proper for you to live there without benefit of marriage,” he said.
She licked her lips. Thoughts whirled through her mind. There was much she needed to tell him. She fisted her hands on his shirtsleeves. “I need—”
“Ma’am, I know you must be worried about the marriage bed, but I won’t take advantage of you in that way.” His fingers gripped her. “I need you only to care for my house and my daughter. I’ll expect nothing more of you.”
Intimacy between a man and his wife had been the furthest thing from her mind, but he must have taken her hesitation for fear.
She should tell him everything, but if he refused to marry her, what would she do? If the preacher wasn’t coming back to town for months she’d be alone. No friends, no family. No one. She swallowed to wet her throat. “I’d be honored to marry you this evening.”
His fingers dug into her arms. Had he expected she’d refuse his offer? She forced down a hysterical laugh. She was frantic to stay in Salvation, to have a family, to not be alone in the world.
He nodded and dropped his hands. “Fine. I’ll make the arrangements. We can be wed in the hotel parlor. Will seven o’clock be good for you?”
That would be just enough time to bathe and ready her dress.
She nodded.

BUY IT NOW - www.thewildrosepress.com

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com

Celebrate! SALVATION BRIDE

Release date - JANUARY 21, 2009

The hot dusty town of Salvation, Texas has more than its share of secrets in 1873 when Laura Ashton's stage rolls into town. Sheriff David Slade has no idea what baggage his mail-order bride is bringing into his life. Throw in the nightmares from his Civil War days and he's got more than courting to contend with. Laura's a woman ahead of her time, a woman trained in medicine. And she's got a will that could move mountains. Unfortunately, the only mountains in Salvation are in Sheriff Slade's memory. Can the determined doctor heal his pain, or will the dark secret in her past turn up to steal his Salvation Bride?

Come celebrate with me on my blog....all day long....and win prizes, including The Wild Rose Press gift certificates, copies of my stories, and more.

http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

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

Release date for Confederate Rose

I just got the release date for my second full-length American Civil War romance, Confederate Rose. It will be released in digital and print on September 25, 2009.

Here's the blurb and an excerpt.

Confederate Rose

Historical Romance

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.

Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.

Katie falls in love with the caring gentlemen stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is it possible to put aside her quest for revenge to save the man she loves?

Excerpt:

"What? Are you telling me you were kissing him?" His blood heated at the thought of her moving on to another man.

"I was tryin' to escape."

"By kissing him?"

"Aye." Anger flashed in her eyes. "And it was working until you came along and hit the poor lad."

He grasped her forearm and pulled her from the guardhouse. They couldn't stay here debating. "Come on, we've got to get out of camp. I fear I've compromised my cover."

"But what about Nate?" she protested. "You may have killed him."

Sighing, Alex knelt and felt for a pulse. The lad's breathing was regular, his pulse steady. "Reckon he'll be out for awhile, but aside from a nasty headache and some bruising, he should be all right." He rose and glanced into the guardhouse. "They’ll reckon you clobbered him when he came for your dinner plate." He caught her worried gaze. "Now, let’s skedaddle."

She nodded, but eyed him again. "Why are you dressed as a priest?"

"It's a disguise. I'm ministering to the Rebel soldiers." His eyes roved to the white vee of her bosom. "Button your shirt before we go. We don’t want to attract any more attention."

For more info, visit my website: http://susanmacatee.com/

Best of Intentions is available now...

Nothing like being sick on your release day! Yep, my latest story with TWRP entitled Best of Intentions actually released last week, but I've been under the weather and unable to do much in the way of promotion. Well, this week I'm back and feeling better, so to celebrate the release (better late than never, right) here's an excerpt I hope you'll all enjoy.


Tess tossed and turned, twisting the covers on her bed this way and that. How was she supposed to sleep when every time she closed her eyes all she saw was the day’s earlier events?

Blowing out a frustrated sigh, she threw the covers off her and sulked toward the bathroom. Maybe a hot bath and a glass of wine was what she needed to relax. She removed the bottle of sweet pea scented bubble bath from beneath the sink and set the taps. Quickly she headed downstairs to pour herself a glass of red wine. As she fumbled through the cabinets looking for her favorite wine glass she stumbled across a small bottle stored at the back of the top shelf. Her fingers wrapped around the container and she held it in the light. It had been years since she’d been tempted to invoke the visions which would allow her to connect with Devin. Now as she held the tiny bottle of belladonna in her hand, her subconscious waged war with her desire. Hell, she wasn’t even sure the ingredients were still good or if she would even remember how to use it.

Tess set the container on the counter and moved to retrieve a bottle of wine from the rack in the corner of the room. She poured herself a glass, then without giving herself time to think about it, she plucked the dropper from the top of the bottle and placed two drops of the concentration into the red liquid.

Careful to return the bottle to its original hiding place, she then picked up her glass and went back up to the bathroom. She shut off the taps and set the glass on the ledge above the tub.

Candles! How could she forget she would need the candles? Had she remembered nothing he taught her? Tess scurried across the hall to her room and extracted the container from the bottom of the closet. Inside she found the white pillar candles still attached to their bases and a small jewelry box. She lifted the box out of the container and sat back on her heels. She’d completely forgotten about the necklace. Slowly, Tess removed the lid and set her gaze upon the stone inside. Even without removing it from the safety of the box, she could feel the amulet's power radiating toward her.

When she thought she’d finally managed to put Devin behind her, she removed the necklace and placed it in the box, unwilling to rid herself of it completely. It was only after she’d packed away the very things that kept them linked that she finally felt their connection begin to wane. She’d been sad to let it happen, yet she knew she’d never be happy as long as she stayed joined to him.

Five years later, it didn’t surprise her to realize she still wasn’t happy. With shaky hands, she removed the necklace from the safety of its home and fastened it around her neck. She let out a gasp as a feeling of ardor flooded her body from the inside out, then picked up the candles and incense stick and headed back to the bathroom.

She lit the candles and incense, then switched off the light and stripped out of her clothes. Once her hair was up and out of the way, she picked up the glass of wine and stepped into the tub. The water rippled around her legs and splashed against the porcelain as she settled beneath the bubbles. She sipped the wine, leaned back and closed her eyes; her mind immediately began to wander. She thought about Eric; and how hard he'd worked to give her the life she always wanted. It wasn’t his fault he wasn’t Devin. If she were being completely honest with herself, she should have never said yes to his proposal in the first place. Still, in her defense, she’d been a lot younger and desperate for the ‘real life’ Eric promised.

Her next sip of wine was more akin to a gulp and she sank further into the water, relishing in the relaxed feeling slowly infiltrating her muscles. Would it really be so bad to fall asleep right here in the water? Besides looking like a Shar-Pei when she finally climbed from the tub, was there actually any harm?

Her head tilted to one side as she set the wine glass back on the small shelf above her and she stared blankly at the candle atop the counter. The flame danced and twisted, enticing her to come closer. Though she never stirred, it moved toward her. Her lips parted slightly on a gasp when a nearly transparent picture began to form behind the flame. It grew more opaque with each breath and continued to come closer, engulfing the room around her until she was completely ensconced within the image.

Devin stood next to a Japanese style bed, a smile plastered across his handsome face. “I hoped you’d come back.” He extended a hand for her to take. She wrapped her fingers around his and he slowly tugged her to him. “I missed you, Tessa.”


Don't forget Best of Intentions is available now at TWRP. And if you're one who still likes your stories in paper form check out my romantic suspense entitled Ransomed Heart, available now at www.barnesandnoble.com

Michelle Cary

Passion at an Exhibition - Most Artistic Cover!

Congratulations to our wonderful cover artist Nicola Marinez for PASSION AT AN EXHIBTION's Most Artistic Cover win over at The Covey Cover Awards!
I adore this cover with all my heart, it's perfect for my story and it's so nice to see Nicola get the recognition I know so many of us know she deserves!

Going with Gravity's release date!

Isn't it fun to find good news in your email? My Champagne Rose editor, Cindy Davis, emailed me with the release date for Going with Gravity - July 15. Wooot! I can't wait. This is my first release with the Champagne Rose line of The Wild Rose Press.
Here is the blurb and excerpt:
Blurb
Publicist Allison Morris plans her own life – what’s left of it – around the life of her boss Michelle McCarter, the ex-wife of a famous rock star. When Michelle needs emergency public relations patchwork in Hawaii pronto, Allison arranges a flight to the dream destination. At the airport, she meets Wes Hamilton, a six-foot-three sun-bleached blond whose blue eyes and dazzling smile rekindle her fizzled-out sizzle. A world-renowned surfer, Wes captivates her with his charm and wit, though his easy fame and on-the-edge lifestyle are the polar opposite of her own. When their jet loses its fuselage in mid-air, she takes advantage of what she thinks are her last minutes alive with Wes. The plane lands safely. Wes takes care of her when her carefully constructed life begins to unravel. When Michelle accuses Allison of using Wes to gain fame for herself, Allison’s world falls apart in an explosive confrontation. Wes is waiting with open arms when she has nowhere else to go, but can Allison learn to stop planning and go with gravity?

Excerpt
Allison pulled her portfolio from her laptop case and set it on her lap, afraid to open it. As soon as the articles had arrived on her fax machine, she’d shoved them into her bag, then hopped in the shower. Delay tactics only worked for so long. The moment of truth had arrived. She opened it and thumbed through. Eleven pages. Eleven. And these were only the newspaper articles from the past two days. TV and online news sites surely covered more. And then there’d be the inevitable blogger. Uncontrollable, overly opinionated and accountable to no one, they were the worst.
Michelle had arrived on Oahu with a bang, and then had the audacity to blame Allison for not doing her job to quell the media. She held up one photo of a topless Michelle prancing in the surf, laughing. Rumors and innuendo could be stopped with logic and tact, but to downplay this photo, she’d need a good explanation. When Michelle’s logic and tact failed her so obviously, Allison had to wonder about her mental state.
A hulking figure filled the aisle, stowing his bag in the overhead compartment.
Those shorts. That shirt.
It was him.
He checked his ticket, looked at her and smiled. His blond hair fell across his forehead as he sat next to her, his shoulder bumping hers. “Hello again.”
For two years, she’d rubbed elbows with stars of all magnitudes without so much as a blink, and fended off paparazzi following the wife of megastar James McCarter.
With two words, she’d been reduced to the rank of dreamy-eyed teeny bopper.
He smiled, raised an eyebrow.
She realized, then, she hadn’t responded. And her mouth hung open.
Make that drooling dreamy-eyed teeny bopper.
She flashed a smile. Think. Damage control is your business. Put it to good use for once.
“Hi.” Oh, yes. Very witty. What a deft deflection of his charm.
She turned back to her articles, but sensed the weight of his stare.
He frowned at her reading material. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to read over your shoulder. I take it you’re a closet fan of the poor little rich girl?”
“In the same way I’m a closet fan of train wrecks, I suppose. I guess you’re not a fan.”
“Of hers?” He chuckled. “God, no. She’s awful. Her publicist should be shot.”
Shot. Of course. Working fifty-five to sixty-five hours a week wasn’t enough to keep the spin spinning fast enough for the rest of the world. The one guy who’d interested her in the past two and a half years thought she made a good candidate for execution. Her life was in such a rut, she’d need mountain climbing gear to get out.
“If you’re a fan, I didn’t mean to offend.” Sincerity had wiped the smile from his face.
“Actually, I’m..” She turned and smiled, “…her publicist.”

Visit Cate Masters' blog and Ning site, or friend me on Facebook!

DEJA VU LOVER by Phoebe Matthews

"He broke her heart in another lifetime and now he's back." She thinks her memory of a lover in 1925 is all a dream.



Check out the video

And then order the book!

Deja Vu Lover by Phoebe Matthews, Vintage Rose

Buy Passion at an Exhibition and enter the Sony E-Reader Contest!

Hey Garden Enthusiasts!

PASSION AT AN EXHIBITION is a part of this season's Sony E-reader Contest!

It's easy!

Buy PASSION,
At a quite reasonable $3.00 I might mention, and send the order number to: sonyreader@thewildrosepress.com and you're entered!

Rating: Spicy!

Snapdragon at Long and Short Reviews had this to say about PASSION:

"Instead of Historical romance, read Hysterical romance! In "Passion at an Exhibition", Tori Anne's humorous approach to women and their empowerment is less about The Vote than one might imagine!

Lovely young Rosalyn sets about redesigning a gallery display at the MET, although she is tired and a bit disinterested. Dedicated as she is to the cause of the suffragettes in 1890, getting the vote is exhausting work, and it keeps her too late at evening meetings. She is, after all, chapter secretary, and can be forgiven for staying for every word... long after the 'official' meeting ends. To her very knowing friend Mrs. Crane, she must admit that sometimes indelicate things are discussed - things most definitely not political... but all that is quite beside the point when she discovers exactly whose new exhibit she is preparing the gallery for!

Loosen your corsets to take this one on! Rosalyn might seem prim and proper, but the contrast with her real self is the difference between the icy marble floor and the glittering-hot jewels of a Roman Intaglio gem, that grace the display.

Anthony Simms is absolutely the man for her, as she knows perfectly well, and assures her best friend Mary. She dreams about him nightly, hears his voice, and imagines... all of his majestic accoutrements. Of course, they've never met, so when Mrs. Crane casually announces he is due tomorrow, Rosalyn scrambles to prepare.

Will she give away her feelings, and worse - will they even matter? She struggles to find just the perfect way to present herself, from looks to attitude. She struggles with pretense, in one form or another. From the first blush, never mind will Anthony meet her expectations, what will he think of her? And, truly, this first meeting is only the start of the story.

Tori Anne has created an amazing, surprising, titillating story in the midst of a very unusual background. The window to the past is more like a frank window to passion. I give 4.5 books for this beautifully written, beautifully crafted - and crafty tale. Every surprise is more than the last... and quite a few of the scenes are... just plain Wow."

So check out PASSION AT AN EXHIBITION, send off your order number, and you just might win an e-reader! How neat is that?

COWBOY'S DREAM almost took "Book of the Week" at The Long and Short of It Reviews. I've heard it said that almost only counts in horseshoes and handgrandes. But I'm very pleased with my second place win and my 28% of the votes. And I thank all my friends and fans who voted to put me there. It was a double surprise for this week, first the wonderful review by Lilac, and then a second place win for the review. And congrats to The Wild Rose Press, who had two authors in the top four, Bess McBride's "A Trail of Love" took fourth place.

Find the results of the poll here: The Long and the Short of It

And here's the wonderful review that took second place:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/cowboys-dream.html

Thanks again to everyone who voted for me. I appreciate the effort.

Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/

DEJA VU LOVER by Phoebe Matthews

If you enjoy watching book videos, check out http://yourbooktube.com and search the Video section for Phoebe Matthews.



If you're looking for a heartwarming love story, order Deja Vu Lover by Phoebe Matthews, Vintage Rose, TWRP

4 1/2 books review for A COWBOY'S DREAM

A COWBOY'S DREAM earned 4 1/2 books at The Long and Short of It Reviews. Here's the link where you can read Lilac's review:

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/cowboys-dream.html

I'm also in this weekend's best review contest, so if you have a chance, vote in that as well. http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm




Anna Kathryn
http://www.aklanier.com/

"Fantastic" Review for Caribbean Dreams of Love by Bess McBride

I'm tickled to see that my recent release, a light paranormal/fantasy called Caribbean Dreams of Love received a Fantastic Review from Amy at Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction. Here is what she has to say:

"This is such a heart warming book! It tells a story of a woman who gets another shot in love and romance. The story catches my interest from the start and keeps me going till the end. It's just hard to put down this book and I just could not stop reading.

Bess McBride writes a fantastic story in Caribbean Dreams of Love....This is a must read for dreamers and to those who never stop looking for true love. Thumbs up!"

http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2009/01/08/wrdf-review-of-caribbean-dreams-of-love-by-bess-mcbride-2.aspx

Blurb: Daisy and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Lily, are embarking on a Caribbean cruise. She isn't looking for anything special on the cruise other than a pleasant break from her humdrum existence as long-time divorced single mother to a busy teenage girl. She certainly isn't prepared for an enigmatic man named Peter whose idiosyncrasies in dress and speech mark him as an eccentric person to avoid. But Daisy can't avoid him. In fact, she begins to obsess about him from the first moment she catches him staring at her in the cruise ship terminal. Peter remains elusive and mysterious throughout the cruise. She catches sight of him occasionally, never often enough to please her, and they connect one wonderful night as he sweeps her into his arms for a waltz. A waltz? On a Caribbean cruise ship? While Daisy's dinner companions share nightly tales of the legends of cursed pirates, Daisy dreams of the mysterious man who has captured her heart.

Excerpt:

Bjorn glanced at his enrapt audience and took a deep breath. Daisy cringed. Something was coming.

"And with his last ounce of strength, Captain Smith grabbed his sword and plunged it in Gentleman Jones' heart."

A stab of pain seemed to knife through Daisy's own heart, and she involuntarily put a hand to the painful spot just below her left collarbone.

Even Becky was speechless, her jaw hung open. Lily took a breath and asked the question uppermost in Daisy's mind.

"Did he...does he...?"

"They say he still wanders the Caribbean, alone and lonely, a ghost with no hope of dying or returning to the living."

Bjorn's voice drifted away. He scanned the faces of his audience solemnly.

He shrugged. "But it's just a silly story, one of many. Who knows if any of them are true?"

And in a surprise move, he picked up his fork and resumed eating. Johana smiled demurely and took a sip of water before she too resumed eating.

Bjorn's stunned dinner companions stared at him. Lily, Daisy and Becky exchanged saddened glances.

Jim broke the silence when he started laughing and clapped Bjorn on the back. Bjorn choked slightly and put his napkin to his lips.

"Well, you sure had us going. I'll give you that. So...no truth to the story?"

Bjorn leaned slightly away from Jim and shrugged once again. "I find the Caribbean folklore fascinating, but many of the stories are just that. Stories. I heard this tale from a man in a museum in Nassau once. I liked it." He gave the group a sheepish smile.

"So, it's just a fairy tale?" Becky asked.

"Not a fairy tale," Bjorn smiled slightly. "Just an old legend. If the story were true, we would have to believe in ghosts...and I for one do not care to think about such things." He picked up his knife and fork again and began to cut his food, seemingly no longer interested.

"Just a legend," murmured Johana. She shook her head in amusement. "A story. Bjorn has many."

"Mom, what are you doing? Are you okay?"

Daisy turned to meet her daughter's eyes. Lily nodded toward Daisy's hand still dramatically clutched to her chest.

She colored and dropped her hand. The pain had eased.

Such a sad story!

Video Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfgJ8Ng7lo

Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1083&zenid=158e2bb07c492a5af9aa0e192c694c7f

Bess McBride
www.bessmcbride.com

Release Day - Lady of the Stars, Regency time travel

Hi all,

Today is release day for my very first book, Lady of the Stars, a Regency time travel novella. I can't believe it's finally happened.

I'm promoting twice today--all day at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party yahoo loop, and from 9-10AM EST at The Wild Rose Press yahoo loop. I'll also be blogging at Kaye Manro's blog. Come to one, come to two, come to all three.

Blurb:

A legend spanning time, and the man and woman caught in it.

Caroline knows something is wrong the instant she steps into that unusual gazebo with two doors. But when a man she thought forever gone appears outside, she flings caution aside and plunges through the back door, crashing into the man--and 1817.

A voyage through time? Impossible. Richard refuses to believe the strange woman's outlandish tale. Still, the lady is lost and alone, and he helps the stranded wayfarer.

But as attraction flares between these two lonely people, Richard's family legend grinds to its ultimate fulfillment--will it bring them together, or tear them apart forever?

Excerpt:

She followed him into the room she knew was the kitchen and he stepped up to the banked fire.

Fire? Where were the stove and refrigerator? And all the chrome and stainless steel of the ultramodern kitchen she had seen only this morning? This kitchen contained a scarred wood trestle table with several chairs pushed under it. Pots and pans hung on wall racks and reflected the dim firelight. A cupboard stood against the far wall, next to a sink with a pump. A pump?

With shaking hands, she set the lantern on the table and pulled out one of the chairs. She was in trouble, very deep trouble.

As she sank into the chair, she turned her stunned attention to her host.

Unaware of her gaze, he busied himself at the fireplace. His back to her, he placed the candelabrum on the mantle above the hearth, then drew the fire screen to the side of the grate. Dropping onto his haunches, he pulled several logs from the nearby basket, then arranged the wood in a neat pile on the smoldering embers. Almost at once, the flames blazed to full roaring life.

Silhouetted against the light, he straightened, replaced the screen, then removed his hat and tossed it on the table.

Her jaw dropped. Good heavens, the aggravating man was gorgeous. Tall and slim, his broad shoulders tapered to narrow hips and long legs. But where had he found that outlandish outfit? He wore a top hat, out here in the middle of nowhere. His shirt collar was turned up and he wore a huge white tie. And his waist-length, double-breasted jacket had tails, like the one an orchestra conductor wore. Muddy black boots with the tops turned down came up to his knees. Skintight trousers, or were those breeches--of all things?--emphasized every well-formed muscle.

Now if his face matched his form...

What was she thinking? She hadn't felt anything for any man in a long time. Not since...

He turned, and for the first time she fully took in his face. She gasped. Had she seen a ghost through the gazebo's back door? "Richard?"

Puzzlement spread over those chiseled features she now saw only in her memories. "How do you know my name?"

Thank you all,

Linda

PROMO Release Passion In Paradise

PASSION IN PARADISE RELEASE YAH! Contemporary.

Passion In Paradise. Available from The Wild Rose Press, www.thewildrosepress.com Digital format tomorrow. US. 7th Jan 09 Oz 8th Jan 09

A new year, a new website, a new release. Please check out my web page, especially my Trailer page. I am also giving away free images. Flowers to my visitors. There is a link at the bottom of my Photograph page. The reason is on my web. http://www.suzannebrandyn.com
I'm also running a few competitions. Details on my blog.

Thank you
Suzanne :)

Pregnancy Plan

What's your plan for the new year?

Check out this story to read one woman's determination to achieve her goal of having a family.




Blurb-

“A pregnancy plan?” Derek’s words came from directly behind her. She could feel his breath on her neck, his eyes boring into her back.

“Yes, a plan on how to get pregnant.” The frustration and anger began to build within her. Jillian gathered her shaking hands around her cup and willed them to be still. “Look, Derek, I don’t mean to sound rude, but it really is none of your business what I do. I’m not involved with Jason.”

She saw his unwillingness to cooperate by the slight narrowing of his eyes. “You can rest assured that I am not going to break up your brother, Jason and Kelly.” Jillian glanced back out the window and took a sip from her drink. “And my plan is none of your concern.”

She jumped when she felt Derek’s hand on her shoulder. “What is it you’re afraid of?”

Jillian turned and pushed past him. She didn’t want nor need his sympathy. Out of space with the door in front of her, she pivoted on the heels of her Nikes. “I’m not afraid of anything. I know what I want and I have come up with a plan to get it.”

Visit my website www.tinagayle.net to learn more.
Or become a my friend on myspace www.myspace.com/author_tinagayle


Have an awesome day,

Tina Gayle
www.tinagayle.net

DEJA VU LOVER, had she but known -

He broke her heart in another lifetime and now he's back. DEJA VU LOVER by Phoebe Matthews features a heroine who could use some advice. Here's your astrological fortune cookie for this week:

1/5 Monday - YOU WOULD THINK THAT THE FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY WOULD BE PERFECT FOR BUSINESS, NEW PLANS, NEW STARTS, BUT NO. IF YOU HAVE APPOINTMENTS, CHECK THEM TWICE. DATES GET CANCELLED OR FALL THROUGH. NEXT WEEK LOOKS BETTER. - for more check http://phoebematthews.com

If you love a heartwarming love story, order DEJA VU LOVER at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=145

Broken Hero nominated!

If anyone has a spare moment I'd love it if you could vote for my World War II romance Broken Hero which is up for the best romance novel at Preditors & Editors website.
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml

Thanks so much!

Regards, Anne.~

http://www.annewhitfield.com/

http://annewhitfield.blogspot.com/

Nominated for Best Romance Novel!

Happy New Year! I'm excited to say that my historical romance COURTING TROUBLE is nominated for best Romance Novel of 2008, and Best Cover at the Preditors and Editors Poll! I am also up for best Author.

If you've read COURTING TROUBLE and enjoyed it, I would love for you to vote for the book:

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml



If you love the cover, vote here:

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml


THANK YOU!

Renee Knowles
Sensual, Sassy and Slightly Sinful
COURTING TROUBLE--Regency--Available Now!
"Renee Knowles is a brilliant author..." --Two Lips Reviews
www.reneeknowles.com

My First Book Tripping Through Time Is Released

Mr first book released by The Wild Rose Press is released today January 2, 2009 in digital format, and then on 3/27/09 in pring. It is a time -travel romance novel, a paranormal and part of the Faery Rose Line.
My story takes a young woman back in time one hundred years to the year 1869, when she puts on a Celtic ring with a spell on it. She finds the ring on the bottom of Lake Champlain, in Vermont. Finding herself in the past, she is immersed into the family of Ryan Wolf. My heroine Keealyn McCalley does her best to fit in and help, In the process she learns about herself, finds a family to help and to love, and a man who would help her overcome her fears and teach her that love is truly timeless.

Excerpt:

What the hell…? She knew this wasn’t still in
some part of that nightmare trip she’d taken. It was
too real, the place too old-fashioned. She heard
crickets and saw lightning bugs twinkle outside the
window. A fly buzzed over her head and she listened
to a mosquito or two, droning in their search for the
rich, red blood beneath her skin.
She didn’t hear the blast of car horns, tire
sounds on pavement, or the grinding noise from
trucks changing gears as they flew up and down the
hilly countryside. It was so quiet, no music, no
talking, nothing. Then she heard a latch lift and
something large and furry jumped up onto the bed,
knocking the breath out of her.
Anxiety left her speechless as the light from the
open door spilled into the room and onto the bed she
lay in. The dog lay next to her, warm and wild
smelling, doing her no harm. The large figure
approaching her now made her breathless, anxious.
She knew it was a man; his silhouette was outlined
by the light behind him.
When he reached the bed, he bent toward her,
only to pick up the tiny piece of candle still barely
burning. He lit a stained-glass covered lantern and
placed it on the bed stand beside it. Keealyn stared
into a pair of green eyes that reminded her of misty
mornings.
Clean-shaven, his thick, dark chestnut hair
flowed past the collar of his navy muslin shirt. It
was opened halfway down the front, to reveal a
smooth muscular chest. Very tall, lean, and brawny,
well-defined biceps, triceps, and pecs filled his shirt.
He had a slim waist and strong shoulders. His worn
blue jeans were held up with a handmade leather
belt, hung low on his hips. His skin seemed to glow
in the lamplight in a warm, bronzed tone.
He was gorgeous.


contact me at my website maryricksen.com