Throw caution to the wind!

Have you ever had a story in your head that begged to be told even though it wasn't your genre? I can honestly say I have -- No Sweat Pants Allowed - Wine Club. For well over a year I had the story, the characters, and the title. I casually mentioned it to the group of ladies I walk with. I also ran the idea past my husband. Their reactions? A few smiles of encouragement. (Although I have to admit, my hubby crinkled the corners of his eyes at the title) I still wasn't convinced I should step out of the romance genre to write a women's fiction story. Those of you who write will understand why I finally gave in to the constant pokes of Elaina Samuels - the main character. 

I threw caution to the wind and Voila! 

NO SWEAT PANTS ALLOWED - WINE CLUB is no longer just a compilation of thoughts in my head. It is now an e-book and print book! 

Elaina Samuels' story would be nothing without her fellow characters: Tawny Westerfield, Stephanie Mathews, and Grace Cordray.

These four ladies are bright, sassy, sarcastic, and sometimes a bit crass. They're also warm and entertaining. And they don't always make the right choices. 

   Cover art by Tugboat Design

Amazon

Blurb:

Suddenly single, in her forties, and eager to do what it takes to start over, Elaina Samuels meets three women with similar circumstances at a cash-for-gold event. They quickly become friends and form the No Sweat Pants Allowed - Wine Club. This newly found alliance brings about some humorous escapades, a few tears, and a bond so strong no man can break as they try to cling to the past and finally step out of their comfort zones to find a happiness they thought they'd never feel again.

I do hope you'll check it out. You might find Elaina's story to be just what you needed to lighten your day (or night). 

Hugs!

Jan

www.authorjanromes.com

Sometimes you just get lucky...

I love this snippet from LUCKY DUCKS...

(Claire's about to take on her first day working for Kasen Isaak)


Claire held the elevator door for two women who were running full throttle to make it.

"Thanks," they said in short-winded unison, then basically ignored her by falling into conversation with each other.

"You can do this," Clair mumbled under her breath. At least she should be able to fake her way through day one. After all, she'd stuffed her head with so much information it was almost too heavy for her neck to hold up. 


She'd been repeating that pep-talk since she woke up. Instead of boosting her confidence, it made her edgy. The two cups of half-cappuccino, half-coffee she downed the second she got off the subway weren't helping either. In truth, she was as jittery as a field mouse being stalked by a tabby cat. Only instead of orange fur he was wearing a hideous suit and tie.

To distract her anxiety, Claire focused on the stray blonde hairs attached to the sleeve of her black wool blazer. She pulled them off one by one. Then she rubbed her other arm over the coat sleeve -- the arm her father pinched before she left this morning. She shook her head. Only her father would do something bizarre, like pinch her to see if she'd grown a thick skin overnight. Not surprising though since he referred to her as his "little recruit." He expected things out of her that most fathers would never dream of -- like this job. She was to latch onto to it. Embrace it. Own it.

Claire sighed soundlessly. At twenty-four she was still trying to please him. She sighed again. At the rate she was going, her father would be pushing daisies before he was truly satisfied with her chosen path in life.

The two women riding the elevator with her either forgot she was there or didn't care because they didn't hide their discussion. The stick-thin brunette with short, spiky hair bet a dollar the new girl wouldn't last a week. The other woman, a bottle-blonde in serious need of root-touchup, pulled a crisp bill from her pocket. "Five says she won't come back after today." They knuckle-bumped at the exact moment the elevator opened. They raced out leaving Claire a few seconds to ponder the comments. She had strong feeling she knew who they were betting on. Her lip curled. "Ten says you're both wrong."

Air in. Air out. Simple. At least breathing was supposed to be simple. But the sight of Kasen Isaak coming toward her with an unyielding look of annoyance made her breath catch somewhere between her lungs and windpipe.

The closer he came the more she felt like she was going to choke. 

* If you'd like to continue Claire Stone and Kasen Isaak's rocky but fun journey to happily-ever-after, you can find their story here: (Just click on one of the links below)

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

The Wild Rose Press

An interview with the awesome, Doreen Cox!

Give a warm welcome to author Doreen Cox, affectionately known as Dody!

It's great to have you here, Dody! You're a good friend, a talented writer, and someone I greatly admire. I'd like to share a little bit about you before we get to the interview.   

Dody's bio:

Born with a sense of wanderlust, Doreen (Dody) Cox had a somewhat convoluted career path, working in various business-related and mental health occupations. When dementia began to debilitate her mother, Dody resigned from her job as group counselor at an alternative school in order to take on an unforeseen endeavor: become her mother's care bear. It was after her mother's death that Dody's path took another unexpected turn. She chose to honor her mother's long-held wish: for her to write a book. ADVENTURES IN MOTHER-SITTING is Dody's first publication, a memoir that emerged from the pages of her journal. Writing was a steadying outlet throughout the three years that dementia took her and her mother on an unpredictably tumultuous, yet heartwarming adventure.

Currently, Dody lives in her native Florida and works part-time, teaching a GED class comprised of multicultural adults in one of her favorite places: a library. She continues to write and has recently published A SACRED JOURNEY, a fictional short story with themes relating to nature, spirituality, hope, and dignity in death.

From Dody...

Thanks so much, Jan, for inviting me to your flavorful, interesting blog. Do you think some of your great romance-writing abilities will rub off on me? Hope so.


Okay, folks, grab a cup of coffee (or beverage of choice). It's time to pose some questions to Dody.


First, I'm going to ask you the questions most authors get asked. What inspired you to become a writer? Who's your favorite author from the past?

When I left home for college and then afterward, on to Washington, D.C., I wrote many letters to my mom. They were descriptive ones about my work and social activities, and about my thoughts and opinions about life. For years, she'd nagged me to write a book, but my life was too full for me to settle down and write...until after she died. I discovered that she'd kept every letter that I had written to her. So I wrote "Adventures in Mother-Sitting" to honor her wish.

As was my mother, I'm an avid reader of a variety of genres so determining a favorite is impossible. The main criterion for a story to be a favorite is that it "hums" for me; the author crafted the story so well that a tonal quality streams beneath the storyline. Take a look at my Goodreads page and you'll see many of my favorites.


You've written both fiction and non-fiction. Can you tell us which genre was the most difficult? And why?

For either form, getting me to sit down is the most difficult task. There's always something else to do, people to see, places to go, or tweets to check out. One author friend told me to put glue on the seat, metaphorically speaking, of course! Once I do sit down, however, I often get lost in the experience. The most difficult aspect of writing the memoir was handling my emotions; there are no windshield wipers for glasses. I even threw drafts into the garbage can on several occasions -- they always got retrieved. Writing fiction is difficult when a tug of war ensues between my muse and the critic in my head. The critic likes to be in charge, and when she is, it's difficult to turn her off. Creating a flow within the story then becomes a challenge. That's a job for my muse, and she's very patient with me. Overall, though, I love playing with stories; there is never a dull moment.


Your books are packed with emotion. I laughed and cried when I read them. Would you like to tell us a little bit about your stories?

I'm glad to hear that you reacted, Jan, to the emotion in my books -- thank you. Adventures in Mother-Sitting, is a memoir of the three years I spent as full-time caregiver to my mother. I was working as a group counselor at an alternative school when her physical and mental condition deteriorated. It was difficult to let go of a job that I enjoyed (and the income), but I didn't hesitate -- the bond with my mother had always been strong. It became my ultimate adventure for her dementia challenged me in so many ways. The unpredictability regarding the daily care habits and reactions of my mother was a daily challenge. And there were a lot of embarrassing moments when I literally erupted, had such intense meltdowns. It was like being run over by a runaway train as I couldn't stop myself from erupting. But my reactions taught me a lot. The last year of my mother's life -- when she was "my child" and approaching death -- was incredibly tough yet so amazingly rich, both emotionally and spiritually. To stay sane, I kept a journal. It was after she'd died that I saw being her care bear as a final gift from her. I expressed my gratitude by fulfilling her long-held wish: for me to write a book.

My first short story, A Sacred Journey, was fun to write though also got to me emotionally. It's transformational in theme, a fantasy with a touch of paranormal. My mother's bout with dementia acted as fertilizer for the plot. During the end phase of her dementia, she'd often woken during the night, caught up in delusions. Since her death, I'd often wondered about what was going on in my mother's mind during those delusions: who was there...where was she going, who was she? All I had gotten from her episodes were pieces. So this story depicts a fanciful yet profound possibility of an end-time. The story embodies four major themes that are central to my outlook on life: first, be willing to see everything and everyone around me with fresh eyes. Second, stay open-minded as to the element of mystery that exists in our world. Third, affirm the sacredness inherent in the time of dying -- beyond specific religious views. These three themes are enfolded in threads of humor, the fourth theme.

Dody, can you share more about Adventures in Mother-Sitting and perhaps your favorite passage?

I've just completed a revision of my memoir and published a second edition. It's been a few years since the first publication, and I'm less emotionally distressed than I was back then. Of course, the story itself is unchanged. It's had a face lift (lovely cover) and a tummy tuck. I did some deleting of redundant passages and a refinement of some of the experiences. I think my descriptions are more vividly expressed in this version because of the way I've learned to craft my words, thanks to help from several author friends and my job as a GED teacher.

     (Excerpt from chapter: As the End Nears) On another day as our verbal exchange danced along its familiar path, I experienced an epiphany. Instead of remaining frustrated, I calmed as a sense of curiosity took over. Lightly stroking her arm, I did not speak another word, merely nodded and smiled directly at her. Mother calmed down, too, yet continued to babble. I was fascinated, watching the animation on her face shift to glee instead of the often-seen display of agitation. Though I remained attentive to her, aware of her animation and tone of voice, I drifted into my own stream of thought.
     My fascination turned inward, thinking about how everything I did each day was so linked to Mother's needs. My focus had gotten so caught up again in deciphering her ramblings in order to determine her needs that I neglected what she really needed: merely to be heard. I continued to nod and grin at Mother yet scenes from the recent past held my attention. When my memories floated back to the times Mother and I handled her issues together as a team, I got blind-sided by a huge wave of sadness.
     The ache to see my mother in front of me again, the person whom she used to be, was intense. It felt surreal, as if I had drifted into some dream. The oddest thing, though, was that I didn't feel unsettled at all. I could see myself still nodding and smiling at a mother who was physically beside me, yet also aching with sadness because she wasn't here anymore. It felt like I was two people: one was smiling, attentive to Mother. The other was struggling to handle strong pangs of grief because she missed her mother. I kept breathing through this strange experience of yearning, until finally the pangs calmed enough for me to know what to do -- turn on the TV.
     Instantly, Mother turned her attention from me and onto Clifford, the Big Red Dog. Although I continued to watch with her, my attention stayed inward yet turned in a more personal direction. Do I still miss the person whom I used to be? I took some time to consider this question. Three years had almost passed -- I was older. And there was no doubt that my care-bear adventure would soon be over. I did still miss the freedom to come and go and do what I wanted in any given moment, but this missing was usually fleeting. As far as my counseling job at the alternative school, the yearning to return and again step into those shoes was gone. It would have been  nice, though, to walk out the door and go for a swim, a hike, or a bike ride.
     Mother grabbed my arm then, jolting me back to the present. She was pointing at the TV screen and babbling excitedly, so I bent down and gave her a kiss. Laughing along at Clifford's antics for a few minutes satisfied her, so I let my attention wander back into reflection.
     There would be life after caregiving, but this experience had changed me. Did I define myself differently now? I was still a sports enthusiast, nature lover, movie nut, book and music lover, and I was a care bear. Before Mother-sitting, my life had seemed full and rewarding. My basic character was still fairly defined: friendly, funny, caring, trustworthy, dependable, honest, a generally nice person. Chuckling to myself, I also admitted to being stubborn, perfectionist, overly analytical, and sometimes too much into dreaming and procrastination. Perhaps not much had changed. Then I recalled that people who had known me before I became Mother's care bear had never thought of me as someone who lost their temper, or someone who had a lot of unresolved anger.
     Shaking my head, I laughed and muttered, "If only they could see a video of me in action during these last two years." My temper had shown it's behind no matter how much I had tried to contain it.
     I sighed contentedly then and grinned at Mother, enjoying listening to her garbled words of glee when Clifford got a big goofy hat put on his head. Laughing along with her, I nodded to myself in acknowledgement that a large chunk of emotion during this passage through grief had involved the loss of me in the life that I used to live. I also realized that I no longer missed that life. My life had taken its own turn, giving me a different kind of experience. That person was still around though her self-perception had changed. In her place was someone whom I had come to like, very much.
     I looked over at Mother still babbling away, fascinated by the animation on her face as she watched the antics of cartoon characters that were dragons. "I love her," I whispered, and my breath caught in my throat as tender affection welled up within me.
     When the sensation eased, I leaned toward Mother and gave her a long hug then whispered, "I love you, babe."
     She turned her head to look at me, grinned then kissed my cheek and responded, "Grzt jru." In the next moment, she turned back to the TV and pointed at Clifford prancing along the screen.
     "Yes, look at Clifford," I said, squeezing her hand.
     And then I joined with Mother completely. We became two little kids in grownup bodies, pointing and laughing at the characters on TV, blurting out any word that caught our fancy. Words became unimportant to us. We were two grown-up kids frolicking together in gleeful companionship. Such instances of spontaneity cannot be planned. I haven't experienced that level of carefree joy since, yet my memory of this moment with Mother reminds me that other spontaneous bursts of joy might just be around a next corner.

Dody, it would be great to hear more about A Sacred Journey, and perhaps a favorite passage as well. 

I'm quite proud of this story because it came from my heart as well as my imagination. I hope that readers experience the reverence with which I hold all aspects of our world and our passages through life towards death.

     (Excerpt) Merlin soared effortlessly through the trees, leading Leah and two deer who had volunteered to serve as escorts. During passage through the densest brambles that bordered the trail, the deer used their bodies to hold back the undergrowth for Leah. The trees along the way sang softly, their leaves rustling in time to a gentle breeze. Periodically, Merlin lit upon a branch, giving Leah time to catch up and take a moment to breathe in the energy of the forest; he knew that the forest scents were restorative to her tired human spirit.

     When he reached the mightiest oak in the woods, Merlin settled himself upon a branch as Leah gratefully sat down on a well-worn spot, upon a branch that dipped low to the ground. 

     "Thank you, Merlin," she said, gazing at his splendor. Humming happily, she stroked the two deer and whispered, "thank you," to each one.

     The deer stayed near yet moved to graze on tufts of new grass. Leah breathed deeply, enjoying the musty fragrance of fallen leaves and the artistry of limbs as they twisted and turned, creating a maze of forest delight.

     She had named this stalwart oak, Majesty, for its branches reached high to the sky yet sprawled out low to the ground; it had become her favorite place for communion during her last few visits to this part of the forest. Leah felt safe whenever she reached this place...safe enough to forget about those who searched for her.

     By the time she usually reached Majesty, the residual, discordant noises from her day-time world had receded. Several nights ago, it was here that Leah had received the message that it was imperative for her to come into the forest tonight; that she was to meet someone who had once been with her on earth, a beloved. After hearing the news that night, it had been hard for Leah to return to the game trail, allow the trackers to find her.

     But I'm here now, she thought.

     Breathing in the energy of this forest, Leah felt the welcoming brush of a tiger moth's wings. She felt the earth beneath her bare feet pulse with life as tiny creatures carried out their many symbiotic tasks. "I am at peace here... Thank you, Majesty; your presence always gives me comfort," was Leah's words as she lovingly touched the branch upon which she sat.

     And then, she stilled -- the peaceful energy was shifting. The two deer stopped grazing and raised their heads to stare over at a dense copse of bushes -- a slight rustle of leaves ensued as they were pushed aside and a cougar silently emerged. She was beautiful, sleek and powerful-looking.

     Leah smiled and rose from her seat as the cougar padded towards her; she leaned down, touching the cougar's forehead with her own. "Hello, Kat," Leah said, as she straightened up, her hand stroking the cougar's body. "I was hoping to see you; that it would be you who brought my message tonight."

     The cougar's deep-throated purr exuded comfort as she leaned into Leah and spoke:  "For tonight, a special one, I am merely your escort; we go to a sacred spot."

     The vibrato in Kat's purrs strengthened and reverberated in consonance with her next words, infusing in Leah a sense of renewed confidence.

     Kat glanced towards Merlin, emitted a soft growl, and continued: "Danger lurks in some parts of the forest, Leah; we must ensure that you complete your journey unhindered. Two skunks have already thwarted the advance of those who track you. However, their efforts to outwit the four-legged creatures that search by smell are waning. We need your help. Do you have something with your scent that can be used to further their deception?

     With no hesitation, Leah reached into the pocket of her cloak and pulled out an old cotton handkerchief, embroidered with the letter E. "Will this work?" she asked.

     Kat flicked her tail and an odd shaped creature named Rosie flew down from Majesty, paws outstretched. The flying squirrel snatched the handkerchief from Leah, scrambled back up the oak and jumped off a topmost branch, beginning a flight from tree to tree, on her way to set up another part of the deception.


Dody, you have an adventurous spirit. Whose lucky genes did you inherit to have that kind of gusto for life?

Both of my parents, Jan, had the spirit of adventure in them. My mother had four girls and was widowed just after my youngest sister was born. She used to say that she lived life vicariously through my adventures since my life was so different than hers had been. I didn't get to know my dad since he died when I was three. Everyone said, though, that I took after him in spirit. He died when a safety line broke while he was at one of his favorite places to be: the top of a grand old oak tree, trimming limbs from around electrical wires. I went on a sabbatical to find myself in my late thirties, heading out West to camp and hike. I loved it when my mom shared a piece of this adventure; she flew into Utah and spent two weeks with me exploring the five national parks in that state.


Not only do you write, but you also help those who need a little extra help with their education. That is so important and remarkable. Can you give us some insight into what you do?

Some of my favorite stories to hear are about serendipitous encounters -- ones that lead a person to an unexpected place, externally or internally. (Meeting you through Twitter falls into this category) I ended up with a part-time job as GED teacher of adult students after meeting my good friend Aaron. He was friends with the man who hired me. My class is held in the meeting room of a library located about 45 minutes away from me. The drive is worth it, though, for I love the multicultural mix of students that I get to enjoy. I get to be a teacher, a cheerleader, and a coach. My students are part of my inspiration to continue to write. This is my third year in this job.


I've enjoyed finding out more about you and your books, Dody! Please come back anytime.

It was a pleasure, Jan. Your questions made me think and appreciate even more the depth of experience regarding writing that I share with others. See you in the stream!


Amazon links for Dody's books:

Adventures in Mother-Sitting

A Sacred Journey


If you'd like to follow Doreen (Dody) Cox, you can connect with her here:

Blog:  http://doreencox.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DCoxAuthor

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mothersitter

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7510684-doreen

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