Late for the Wedding by Barbara Edwards - Twelve Brides of Christmas series

Today I happily welcome Barbara Edwards to my blog as part of the Twelve Brides of Christmas blog hop! She comes to us with her contemporary romance, Late for the Wedding! 


From Barbara...


During the last Nor'easter, we were cut off for six days by the snow. It gave me an idea for Late for the Wedding. 

Blurb:

Heather Green will do anything to make her twin's wedding perfect. Despite an impending nor'easter, she sets out with the wedding dress, cake, favors and cake topper in her car. As the snow piles up, her car is wrecked and she barely misses injury in a major accident. Nicholas Burnes would rather be ensconced with his latest cuddle than drive a tow truck, but his brother needs his help. He reluctantly agrees to help Heather find a way to the wedding locale, but when the storm closes the roads, he ends up offering her shelter in his penthouse. Warm and rested at last, Nick and Heather explore their powerful attraction to each other, only to part when he delivers her, on time, to her sister's wedding. But weddings breed weddings...

Excerpt:

     She strained to see past the broken windshield. Her throat hurt when she swallowed. Other vehicles lay tangled in a  mess, not just the truck and her car. She prayed another car wouldn't hit her again and inhaled to calm her racing pulse. She finally got the seatbelt lock to release, forced her door open and stood. Her knees shook and she had to hang onto the sagging door for support. She stared around. Headlights glittered like monster eyes. Her vehicle was at the edge of a horrendous multi-car pile-up.

     Sirens wailed like lost children. Blinding red and blue lights flashed everywhere as emergency personnel rushed by. Her hands shook as she dragged on her cashmere coat. Time squeezed and expanded like an accordion being played. A fireman asked if she was okay and ran on at her nod.

     She brushed moisture from her face and realized she was crying. She pillowed her head on her arm, the roof supporting her as she wept.

     "Hey, lady, you okay?" A gentle hand gripped her shoulder.

     This time the questioner stopped to listen.

     She looked up into scorching blue eyes so bright they could've been a propane flame. Her skin warmed and her pulse leaped as if it recognized the message in them. They promised heat and comfort and strength like the hand on her shoulder. He'd pulled his knit had down over his forehead and his lower face was covered with dark stubble that matched his thick black eyelashes. His hands were splotched with grease and he smelled like oil and fuel fumes. His quilted jacket was stained and patched, his boots wet and cracked, but he exuded strength and caring.

     She swallowed. Her mouth was suddenly dry. Another fixer-upper, like her ex, she briefly thought, although with those gorgeous eyes he might be worth the trouble. 

Barbara's bio:

     I'm Barbara Edwards and a native New Englander. I'm a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Master's degree in Public Administration. I write poetry for myself and novels when I need to tell a longer tale. I'm fascinated by the past so naturally turned to writing historical romance. The dark paranormal stories evolve from nightmares. The romance comes from my belief in people's basic goodness and longing for love.

     I lived in Florida for several years and am past president of the Central Florida Romance Writers and a member of Romance Writer's of America.

     When I returned to Connecticut, I founded the Charter Oak Romance Writers, a Chapter of Romance Writers of America, along with several close friends.

      My husband is a retired Police Sergeant. We share an interest in Civil War re-enacting and travel the Eastern states to participate in events. I love visiting museums, galleries and battle sites, gathering information for my stories.

     I taught Romance Writing at Manchester Community College for three years.

     I'm fond of gardening and growing antique roses with limited success.

     Most of my exercise is when my Belgian Shepherd, Dixie, demands a walk. 

     Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.


Buy links for Late for the Wedding:

Amazon:

 http://www.amazon.com/Late-Wedding-Twelve-Brides-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00OWLKDY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418245121&sr=8-2&keywords=Late+for+the+Wedding

The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_143&products_id=5937


You can follow Barbara here:

Blog:  http://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpress.com

Website:  http://barbaraedwards.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraEdwards.Author

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/Barb_ed

Amazon Author's Page:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F6ZK1A

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards

It's a joy to welcome, Sharon Saracino!

It's a joy to welcome back, Sharon Saracino. She visited when Undiscovered Angel (book #1 in her Earthbound series) was released back in August. Today she's here to celebrate the release of book #2 - Angel Unbound.

  

Sharon Saracino

All roads lead to happily ever after, some just have a few unexpected turns!

Sharon, I'm so excited for the second installment in your series. Book #1 - Undiscovered Angel was Katrina (Kat) Shepard and Kassian McCallister's story. They had a strong supporting cast of characters so logically two of those amazing people get their story in book #2. Can you share who they are? 

This is Callista McAllister and Luca Fiorelli's story!

Can a ghost from his past be his promise of a future?

Would you treat us to the blurb and a small excerpt to whet our appetites for more?

Happy to share both. Thank you, Jan!


Blurb:

Earthbound angel Callista McAllister is finally free from over a century of captivity when everyone believed her dead. Now she struggles to adapt to a world that has moved on without her and a man she's never forgotten. Defensori Luca Fiorelli's icy detachment is legendary; a trait valued by his allies and feared by his enemies. But Luca's cold facade is a disguise he wears to hide his fear of trusting in love. She was once like a sister, but now that Calli is back, Luca realizes his feelings for her are anything but fraternal. Luca believes that love is simply a precursor to loss. Is Callista the woman who can change his mind?

Excerpt:

     "You're up early," Luca observed, once Piero was on his way to the hospital and he finally stepped inside and closed the door. He helped himself to an espresso from the pot still simmering on the stovetop. It was already half empty. Callista had obviously been up for a while.
     "You're up late," she snapped back sinking into her chair and pushing the box of baked goods toward him.
     Luca shrugged, flipped open the box, and snagged a cornetto before dropping into the chair opposite her and stretching his legs out in front of him. He took a nip of the strong, fragrant coffee and sneaked a glance at Callista from under his lashes. The threat of tears had passed, but it was impossible to miss the dark purple smudges beneath her thickly fringed blue eyes and the dampness spiking her lashes. Since they'd come to Rome, he'd heard her cry out in her sleep more than once. He also frequently heard her walking the floors well into the morning hours. Maybe he'd been a little hard on her earlier, but she needed to start using her head.
     "Nightmares?"
     Her eyes darted to his face in surprise then narrowed.
     "Trollop?"
     "What?"
     "I assume you're asking if nightmares are the reason I'm up so early. I'm merely asking if a trollop is the reason you're up so late."


You can continue reading Callista and Luca's story here --

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Unbound-Earthbound-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00PKXKESK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416521595&sr=8-2&keywords=sharon+saracino


The Wild Rose Press:  http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5968

About Sharon...

Sharon Saracino resides in the anthracite coal country of Pennsylvania with her long suffering husband, funny and talented son, and two insane dogs. When she is not reading, writing, or enjoying photography and genealogy, she brews limoncello, dreams of living in Italy and works as a Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse.


You can friend and follow Sharon here...

Website:  http://www.SharonSaracino.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Saracino-Author/309710765720741?ref=br_tf

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073851.Sharon_Saracino

Twitter:  @SharonSaracino

'Not a partridge in a pear tree kind of girl...'

Sometimes finding out who you are and what you need to make you happy entails stepping out of your comfort zone. For Cassie Newman, she had to take a giant step -- from Los Angeles, California (population: 10 million) to Woodstock, Vermont (population: around 3000).

Amazon

Blurb:

Born to free-spirited, convention-shucking parents, Cassie Newman thirsts for normal. Leaving L.A. with a secret, she finds herself in Woodstock, Vermont - a town rich with Christmas tradition. She's not big on Christmas but Woodstock feels like the perfect fit. Landing a job with Stennett's Hardware, she tries to forget the world she knew, but Luke Stennett's small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.

Luke Stennett has his hands full with running the store and caring for his dad. He's attracted to Cassie but he doesn't have time for a relationship. Things are starting to go right but he harbors a secret of his own that has the potential to turn everything upside down.

Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to L.A.? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?

Opening scene:  (snippet)

     “I’m not a ‘partridge in a pear tree’ kind of girl. I don't do tinsel. Or twinkle lights. And eggnog makes me barf." Cassie Newman bit down on her bottom lip when her boss raised a dark, bushy eyebrow.
     “Grinchin’, are we?” Luke Stennett stacked another box next to the counter.
     “I’m not being grinchy. I just can’t wrap my head around eggnog.” Cassie shuddered for effect. “Who came up with that concoction anyway? Did someone at a party say, ‘Hey, why don’t we throw a few eggs in the rum and see what it tastes like?’”
     “It also has cloves, vanilla, cinnamon… Never
mind. We’re more about wassail than eggnog anyway. So you’re safe.”
     “Doesn't the traditional recipe for wassail include eggs?”
     Luke gave her a who-are-you look, and Cassie
pressed her lips together to stifle a grin. She was
Cassandra Rosalyn Newman from L.A, according to her resume. The part about California was completely true. 

Side note:

Cassie knows the meaning of Christmas but she doesn't get the excessive hoopla associated with the holiday. She also doesn't get why everyone in Woodstock wants a white Christmas. Will she get an epiphany?

Wishing you all a joyous CHRISTMAS filled with love and peace!

~ Jan

                                         

www.authorjanromes.com

  

An interview with Cindy Davis!

It's my pleasure to welcome fellow author and friend, Cindy Davis, to my blog.

Cindy Davis

A little bit about Cindy:

Cindy comes to us from The Granite State - New Hampshire, where she puts her love for the written word in the form of mystery. When she's not spinning stories for us to read, she's ferociously editing those we write. She's definitely a multi-tasker as an author, freelance editor for The Wild Rose Press, and has her own editing side business known as The Fiction Doctor.

So settle in with a cup of coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, while I grill (I mean...ask) Cindy about her fascinating and busy life.

Cindy, a big part of your life revolves around writing and editing, so you obviously have loved books forever. Is there anyone or anything that influenced this amazing passion?

I have always been an avid reader. I think I cut my teeth on the Bobbsey Twins. I graduated to Nancy Drew and then Agatha Christie. At one point, I owned all her books.

Being a professional in the industry, do you completely outline your story beforehand or are you a chapter-by-chapter writer? If you outline, did that structure automatically fall into place or did it develop over time?

I like to outline. It's very rough and subject to change, but it gives me a layout for the clues and specific timelines in the story. My plots tend to be kind of complicated - two or three plots woven together - so it's easier for me to keep things straight. Because things are subject to change, I do though, only outline a few chapters ahead.

Your genre is mainly suspense and intrigue. Have you written in any other genre?

I think I've tried them all. My first paying job was as a contributor to a local magazine doing interviews and historical themes. Next job was a weekly column for a local newspaper, an Erma Bombeck style look at raising children. I co-authored a YA fantasy trilogy. I wrote a 5 book MR adventure series. And a very well accepted non-fiction compilation of hikes in southern New Hampshire. I think I finally found my niche in mystery/suspense though. Phew!

You've recently released, A Lethal Dose of Love. Can you tell us a little bit about the book?

Lethal Dose, as readers will learn in the dedication, had a very auspicious beginning. We were in our motorhome traveling toward lake Ontario in upstate New York. I spotted the Welcome to Sackets Harbor sign. In that flash - the single nanosecond, an idea came to me. In four days I had the entire outline completed. Special note:  Lethal Dose of Love will be free from Dec. 5th to the 7th.

Would you like to share with us any books from your backlist? Or comment on any series you have?

I am quite proud of a brand new series -- Smith and Westen Mysteries. The object was to combine a truly mismatched couple in high-end insurance investigations, finding objects other investigators failed at. The result of the first book, On The Hook, I hope is humorous and fast-moving. Book 2, Just Smashing, has just received a contract. Book 3, Bank on It, is in the works.

Here's the blurb and a small excerpt from On the Hook...

Blurb:

A Picasso painting, worth a hundred million dollars, disappears en route from Chicago to New Hampshire. En route is to be taken literally because it happens while the truck is moving. The painting is there, then it's not. It's gone, but it can't be.

Kendra Jean Valentine, underwriting agent for the policy, is on the hook. She scrapes together enough to hire two women to work the case.

Westen Hughes owns a failing pet shop. With creditors phoning daily, she jumps at the chance to earn a bundle of easy money, even though the offer comes from high school nemeis KJ Valentine, who stole everything in high school: head cheerleader, homecoming queen and the star quarterback.

KJ pairs her with Westen's total opposite: Phoebe Smith, a snake-loving, underwear-hating, tuba player with more baggage than Logan Airport.

Ten percent of a hundred million is...well, it's a lot so Smith and Westen join forces on a rollercoaster ride to find one of the world's most valuable paintings.

Excerpt:

     Kendra Jean Valentine's eyes were burning and her back was aching. Not to mention she was about to have a pee-gasm. Nine hours of staring at the rear end of a semi can do that to a person. Her entire reputation was wrapped up in the contents of that twenty-foot trailer. If anything happened to it she hated to think what her future would look like. Worst case: she'd end up in jail; lesser case, she'd have to pay back the insurance companies. No problem -- at her current salary, repaying a hundred million dollars would only take two or three centuries.

     "What are you laughing at?" asked Theo, one of the guards helping with the transport. 

     "What?"

     "You laughed. I wondered what was so funny."

     "Nothing. I am so glad this trip is almost over." They'd stopped at an intersection less than a block from the Concord Art Museum.

     "Just a minute more."

     "Good thing. The curator's got to be freaking out. We're almost an hour behind schedule."

     "You couldn't predict there'd be an accident on the highway."

     Up ahead, the left blinker of the big truck came on, flashing red inside their car. As he'd done all day, Theo kept their car within twenty feet of the trailer as it turned into the driveway of the art museum and maneuvered down a graded lot and around the building. "Hey Phil," Theo called to a second guard dozing in the back seat. "Rise and shine."

     For the first time since leaving Buffalo, KJ lost sight of the doors of the trailer as the truck swung forward, stopped, then eased back to the loading dock. She'd said she was glad the trip was over. He had no comprehension of how glad. This was the first thing she'd done entirely on her own -- that she'd dared to do. Pretty sad when you think about it -- taking thirty-eight years to grow some balls.  


When the words all start to run together, it's time to take a break. What do you like to do to disconnect for a while?

I love gardening, anything physical that gets me away from the desk. I tend to work long hours. I spend a lot of time with my two daughters and granddaughters who live nearby. I love knitting and crocheting, though admittedly I've run out of drawer space for my sweaters. The good news -- I've lost 22 pounds and a few of the sweaters are way too big. They have found a new home so I have room for more...


If you could go any place in the world to recharge your batteries, where would it be?

One place is Italy -- Florence, Tuscany area. A friend and I are actually doing it in July! Can't wait. I'd also like to spend a week (or a lifetime) in a cottage overlooking a nice, warm ocean. That's the last thing on my bucket list.


Thank you so much for being my guest, Cindy! Wishing you tons of success with your career and I can't wait to hear about your travels to Italy. Keep writing, my friend!


You can connect and follow Cindy here:

Website:  www.cdavisnh.com or www.fiction-doctor.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cindy.davis.5623

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/954151?shelf=read

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/inbox/#messages?trk=nav_utilities_inbox

Amazon author page:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&fieldkeywords=cindy+davis