Saturday Spotlight - Wendy Davy!

Hi Friends,

Please welcome back to our Saturday Spotlight, Wendy Davy with her newest release, New Beginnings.

Before we share a blurb and excerpt, here's a little about Wendy in her own words......

I've been hooked on reading romances ever since I picked one up over twenty years ago. That's also when my own imagination started to roll and it hasn't stopped since. But, it wasn't until I realized that it was God who put it in my heart to write, that I knew my dreams of becoming an author could turn into a reality.

I am a member of the Romance Writers of America and continue to be an avid reader. When not writing, I spend my energy chasing around my beautiful young children, enjoying my own real-life hero, and watching movies with friends. 

Now let's find out about this new book!

Blurb: Security expert Adam Peyton wants a second chance with the woman who captured his heart and walked away with it several months ago. When he agrees to be her bodyguard on a Caribbean cruise, he takes the opportunity to do much more than just protect her.


When the man who has been haunting Cora Andrews' dreams for months walks back into her life, she must choose to release the pride holding them apart, or risk losing him forever.

Will Adam have the new beginning with Cora he has been praying for?

Excerpt:

Cora swept past him and out the door. She sensed him following behind her as she pressed the button to retrieve the elevator.

"You never know. It could turn out to be fun." Adam's familiar voice sent a wave of memories crashing into her.

"Fun?" She turned her wide eyes to him. "You mean like when you lied about who you are? Was that fun?"

"I didn't lie," Adam's voice lowered as he stepped into the elevator.

"You kept the truth from me. That's the same thing."

"Do we have to go through this again, Cora?" he asked with a sigh.

"Not if you leave me alone. But you won't do that will you? Harry asked you to go, so you will. Just like that?"

"I have to. It's my job."

"You've made that clear," Cora said with crisp, clipped words.

The elevator began its decent from the top floor toward the lobby. Adam's tall, masculine presence made the small room feel even smaller. She faced the doors and watched the numbers light up with each passing floor.

"Is it really that horrible that I'm coming with you?"

Cora met his eyes. "Harry has no right…"

"Let's not make this about Harry okay?" Adam's gaze seared into hers as he added, "Like you do everything else in your life."

She gasped. "I do not."

"No?"

Cora ground her teeth and fisted her hands. She turned and sucked in a breath. Before she had a chance to say a word, Adam placed a warm, calloused finger on her lips, stepped close and whispered, "I'd like to do a lot of things with you. Fighting isn't one of them." He gently traced his finger along the contours of her lips as his eyes followed. The elevator chimed, and the doors opened. Adam stepped back. "I'll see you next week."

New Beginnings is available NOW from White Rose Publishing.


Well friends, hope you've enjoyed this new release from Wendy whose tagline is "Adventures of the Heart." You can find out more about Wendy and her many titles through her website.

That's all for now!

Until later....take care & Be Blessed!
PamT

Calling all Readers and Writers!

Hello Friends,

As you know I am working as an associate for Premium Promotional Services and I'm so excited to share this news with you.

Beginning March 2nd on their 1 yr Anniversary, PPS will launch a NEW promotional avenue for authors - Virtual Book Blast!

Similar to a blog tour but more intense, Virtual Book Blast offers authors a chance to get massive exposure in a short amount of time (1 week).  Find out all the details here: http://virtualbookblast.blogspot.com/

Readers, here's your opportunity to mix and mingle with authors and find out about their books! Join us on Face Book, Good Reads and join our Yahoo! loop for the party on the last day of the author's virtual book blast!

Our FIRST client is Deborah McCarragher, author of the religion/Christian Women’s Issues, Mission Possible: Spiritual Covering (Alabaster Box Publishing), as she virtually blasts into the social-media-sphere in March 8th-12th.

Well, friends, not much else going on right now. Still trying to settle in with my new venture. I've discovered it seems to take longer to get organized and actually ACCOMPLISH something when working from home LOL but I sure love it!

Until later....take care, Be Blessed and remember....there is a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1)

Saturday Spotlight - Kim Watters!

Hi Again Friends!

Today's spotlight is fellow author Kim Watters with her FIRST Love Inspired title, On Wings of Love.

At twelve years old Kim Watters fell in love with romance after she borrowed a romance novel from the bookshelf of her older sister. An avid reader, Kim was soon hooked on the happily ever after. For years, Kim dreamed of writing her own romance novel, but she never seemed to have the time. After graduating from college, she moved into Chicago to pursue another dream of being an actress and a model. Tired after six years of the hustle and bustle of the city, she relocated to a small town in Arizona north of Phoenix where there are no sidewalks or public transportation and the cowboys still ride their horses around. There, Kim finally found the time to write. Four published novels and short stories later, she still lives in that same town, with her husband, two children, two dogs and two hamsters. She’s a member of RWA, NINC, PASIC, ACFW, Desert Rose RW and Valley of the Sun RW.

Find out more about Kim and her other books by visiting her website and/or blog.

Blurb: Ruth Fontaine's job is to deliver lifesaving organs to those urgently in need. But the gruff pilot of her charter plane has no kind words for her work. And then she discovers the heartbreaking reason why. Noah Barton lost his wife and young son. Grieving, he gave in to pressure to donate his child's organs--a decision he regrets. He's bitter against those who "take advantage" of people's anguish. Yet he still flies her on her missions, with his beloved dog, Houston, as his copilot. Now Ruth will have to show Noah he has two other copilots: the Lord and her love.

Excerpt: Noah had come for her.

Ruth stepped toward the plane and the man standing near the doorway. She gazed at Noah, at his muscular chest, at his firm lips. The cold, remote look etched across his features signaled that his attitude about her profession hadn't changed.

Sighing, Ruth grabbed the plane's railing and pulled her tired body up the steps. At the top, she held out her hand to his waiting one. "Thanks for coming, Noah. I didn't think anyone would be able to get through in that storm."

Her fingers tingled as they remained connected with his. Without his sunglasses on, Ruth noticed his blue irises deepened to the color of the clearing sky before theydarkened like the receding monsoon clouds.

Her need to soothe away his anguish intensified, but somehow she sensed that Noah wouldn't appreciate her attempt.

On Wings of Love is available at your favorite book store or online sources such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders.

I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it~I'm sure you will too!

Oh - before I forget - Kim is running a contest for subscribers of her newsletter and the winner will receive a beautiful necklace! See her website for details.

Well that wraps up another edition of Saturday Spotlight. Check back weekly for another great book and author.

Until later...take care, Be BLESSED! and remember....God protects us beneath His wings of love.

Egg-Cerpt Exchange with Tina Gayle

Hello Friends,

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Catholic faith and the first of two egg-cerpt exchange posts with Tina Gayle. She'll post excerpts of two of my novels on her blog - one on the 19th of Feb, the other March 10th.

First, a little about Tina in her own words......

Growing up, I didn't know what I wanted to be. Once when someone asked me about my dream job, I said I wanted to be a pretender. That's why writing is the perfect job for me, because it allows me the flexablity to become a new person in every book.When not writing, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling around the country. I haven't hit every state yet, but hoping to some day.

Find out more about Tina and her books by visiting her website!

ISBN: 978-1-935348-58-0

Genres: Fantasy Romance
Book Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy

Blurb: With rock-hard fortitude, Marohka Taunton battles to maintain her position as top mineralogist and refuses to see why she should marry even if the law requires she take a mate. Fighting her attraction for Stihl Fermesium, she struggles to save her father’s company.


Stihl, determined to win her as his mate, is faced with the commission deal of a lifetime and needs the money to save his family land. He wrestles with her emotional resistance and discovers someone other than Marohka is unhappy about their union. In fact, they want to separate them in the most basic of ways, death.

 Excerpt: Staring straight ahead, Marohka Taunton avoided eye contact with every man she passed. Moving along the edge of the dance floor, she wove her way back and forth across the assigned path. Her steps, jerky and clumsy, she hid her natural smooth gait. No man, in his right mind, craved an ungraceful wife. At least, she hoped not.

With the stairs a few steps ahead, she tasted victory and allowed herself a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

A masculine voice in front of her chuckled. "It’s not over yet, princess."

Marohka paused to inspect the stranger. The laughter reflected in his warm brown eyes—surprised, the intelligent focus—intrigued, and the dark spark of interest—captivated.

A foreign response slithered through her chest. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Her heartbeat rang in her ears. Her hands turned clammy. Awareness of the man claimed her senses.

His face, framed by dark brown hair, showed rough lines of strength and fortitude. A crooked nose, a square jaw, and a chiseled chin marked his unique personality. Added together, the sum indicated the man rarely backed down from a fight. He’d stand up for his beliefs and defeat his opponents. His lopsided grin with a dimple at the corner of his mouth teased her.

A silly feature on such a stern face. The little mark claimed her heart and spoke of a rare sense of humor, a trait absent in most men.

A tingle ran down her spine. Her toes curled. Either as an appealing partner or a worthy adversary, the man presented a dangerous combination. Right then, without question, Marohka decided never to cross paths with him again.

"It is for me," she responded to his comment. She lifted her chin a little higher and repaired the chip in her armor with a sassy comeback. "But you’re welcome to any of the girls behind me. I’m sure they’ll enjoy your charm."

Marohka lifted her skirt and swept up the stairs. The sound of his laughter spoiled her intended snub.


Mating Rituals is available now @ Amira Press!

Wow, sounds very intriguing. Hope to see you Saturday when we Spotlight Kim Watters with her new book!

Until later....take care, Be Blessed! and remember.....Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving - however we should do this more than 40 days out of the year!

Saturday Spotlight - Cate Masters!

Well this week you're in for a real treat - first the VBT and now another Saturday Spotlight.

This week's guest is Cate Masters with her book, Design for Life (part of The Flower Basket series from The Wild Rose Press)

Cate Masters writes fantasy/dark fantasy, historical, contemporary and speculative fiction, described by reviewers as “so compelling I I did not want to put it down,” “such romantic tales that really touch your soul,” “filled with action scenes which made it a riveting story,” and “the author weaves a great tale with a creative way of using words that makes the story refreshing to read.”

The proud mom of three adult children, she currently lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Lily the dog, their dictator-like cat, Chairman Maiow, and dozens of characters inhabiting her imagination. Visit Cate's website or blog or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Becca Lyndon puts her dreams on hold by leaving art school to care for her ailing mom. Working full time at The Flower Basket leaves precious little time, but she squeezes in night classes at the local college. When Mike Hunter fills in as a substitute teacher, she worries about a repeat of the critical reviews he gave her work when he substituted at her high school three years earlier. His reason comes as a complete surprise, but can she trust him? Or will he disappear like her father? When that possibility looms all too real, she’s determined never to let the design for her life unravel again. Following her bliss requires work, but pays off in more ways than she ever imagined. She also learns that one door might close, but another can open—and lead to unexpected opportunities.

Excerpt:

“Morning, ladies!” Becca took a moment to inhale the scent of fresh flowers permeating the air.

With a smile, Steffie waved as she talked on the phone.

Hitting a series of keys, Grace turned. “Hey, Becca.”

Donica Laurent entered from the back of the shop. “Good morning!”

The homey atmosphere in the shop always unraveled Becca’s wound nerves. Walking to the counter, she reached into her handbag, oversized to double as a briefcase to carry her art supplies. Her presentation last night had gone well, but she hoped this morning’s would surpass it.

“If you have a minute, can you take a look at these designs and let me know what you think? I used them for my class project last night.”

Grace laid a hand on her arm, her face alight. “Did you wow them?”

With a grin, Becca pulled out her sketch pad. “Not exactly. But Mr. Hunter said they were good.”

Her brow furrowed, Donica stepped next to her. “Who’s Mr. Hunter?”

“A substitute teacher.” Her words came out in a sing-song tone.

Steffie clucked her tongue. “Something about the way you say that makes me think he’s kinda cute.”

Becca couldn’t help but smile. “Not kind of. Very.”

At home last night, she found herself sketching Mike Hunter. His dark hair, tapering to the top of his collar, made her want to run her fingers through its waves. She wanted to remove his black rectangular-framed glasses, peer into his dark brown eyes that sparkled when his gaze met hers. Press her lips against his and push his corduroy jacket from his shoulders. Drawing his features gave her a sense of intimacy, one she wanted to experience.

Hoping the women didn’t notice, Becca fanned the warmth from her neck.

Thank goodness they were too busy laughing. Since she’d been hired at The Flower Basket, the three co-owners had come to feel like her sisters. Warm. Supportive. On the days she had to bring Mom to her doctor appointments, all encouraged her not worry about them, even though the shop had attracted so much new business, they sometimes put in sixteen hours.

Becca hoped to give something back. Something worthwhile.

Design for Life is available now from The Wild Rose Press!

Well friends, that wraps up another edition of Saturday Spotlight - Hope see you again soon!

Until later....take care & God Bless!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Virtual Blog Tour - Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

Good Morning Friends!

Today is our first virtual blog tour of the year brought to you by Kathy Carlton Communications.

Lisa lives in central Texas were she is a popular inspriational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books. When not busy dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time speaking to numerous groups about writing, family relationships, generational connections, community ties, writing and rural nostalgia. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women's literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system used Tending Roses to help volunteer mentors teach adults to read. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. Find out more about Lisa and her many books by visiting her website.

About the Book:
Paperback: 352 pgs

Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: Feb. 1, 2010
ISBN-10: 0764204920
ISBN-13: 978-0764204920
Retail: $12.95



Blurb: Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence. And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the wind blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.

Interview with Lisa Wingate!

1. How did you develop the initial story idea/plot line for this book? Some book ideas you search for, and some just blow in on the wind. For the past several years, dating back to Hurricane Katrina, we in Central Texas have been the recipients of massive hurricane evacuations. These massive exoduses of people, pets, and belongings are frightening, frustrating, challenging, and at times oddly wonderful. When so many are on the road seeking shelter, the worst, but also the best qualities of humanity come to the surface. Hurricane evacuations truly provide times when we ask the question, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" In answering that question, we’ve enjoyed amazing moments of friendship and fellowship, family reunions, and chances to share a food and space with strangers from other parts of the country. We’ve traded stories and recipies, laughter and tears.

One thing we’ve learned about hurricanes, living here, is that the paths are never predictable. Storms waver, hesitate, speed up, slow down, and sometimes change course unexpectedly. Evacuations needs can change and develop quickly. What better way for the beauty shop girls to find their inner strength and to show Daily hospitality, than for their cruise plans to land them smack in the middle of a sudden and chaotic hurricane evacuation?

2. Almost every author puts a little of themselves into their stories—what did you put of yourself into this one? (personality traits, life events/jobs, settings, characters based on people you know, likes/dislikes, etc.)
There’s a bit of me in the setting, of course. I love Texas, in all its variety of cultures and landscapes, but, living in a small town, I have a particular affection for little bergs like Daily, where the coffee’s always hot, and a good slide of pecan pie can cure most ills. Having watched our little town mobilize to take in hurricane evacuees several times now, I’ve been reminded that sometimes the worst things that can happen bring out the best in people. Given the opportunity and faced with the need, regular people can rise to the occasion in amazing ways, as do the citizens of Daily in the book.

Some members of the Wingate family might also claim to recognize themselves among the citizens of Daily, Texas. I would offer the disclaimer that any resemblances are completely unintentional, but that would be a bald-faced lie. When you come from a family of great storytellers and colorful characters, there’s nothing to do but make use of what you’ve got.

3. Did you encounter any interesting challenges while writing/researching for this book? Please explain if so.
The most difficult part of working on Never Say Never was researching and reliving the devastation left behind on the Texas gulf coast last year after Hurricane Ike. While interviewing family members about their experiences during the evacuation and return, we shared laughter and quite a few tears. For those who have lived in southeast Texas all their lives, talking about familiar landmarks, heirlooms, and old family places that were washed away forever, knowing some things will never be the same, is both difficult and devastating. For those of us who have so many memories of family gatherings and vacations there, it’s hard to believe we’ll never visit the old places again.

4. Why is this book/story relevant today?
Despite our best-laid plans, we all experience storms in life—whether those storms be of a weather-related nature, or due to an illness, death, or in recent months, job loss and financial misfortune. When the parameters of life and our ability to control fate suddenly change, we’re confronted with our own helplessness and need to rely on other people and God. In a culture that values independence and self-sufficiency, it’s important to remember that we all have a common need and a common responsibility for each other and that without faith we really are alone in the storm.

Never Say Never is available now at your favorite bookstore as well as online resources such as Amazon.com!

Leave a comment ~ one lucky person will be picked and their name sent in to KCC for a chance to win a grand prize: Donetta and Imagene's Texas Road Trip Basket (approximate total value over $150)!

Good luck and God's Blessings!
PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Emma Lai

Good Morning Friends,

Can you believe it's Feburary already & the first week is over?!

Today's guest is fellow TWRP author, Emma Lai with her novel, His Ship Her Fantasy.

Emma likes nothing more than a challenge. First,she tackled the male-dominated field of engineering. Next, she expanded her understanding of the world by studying international relations. Finally, her husband dared her to use her experience and knowledge and devote herself to writing. She accepted his challenge and has been writing ever since.

Writing keeps Emma sane. Her characters demand their stories be told and nag her incessantly until she complies. The characters are very insistent about her remaining faithful to their individual adventures. As a result, Emma writes a range of genres and levels of heat. She never knows what the next set of characters will demand! Find out more about Emma and her writing by visiting her website and/or blog.

Ellie Woods is in love…with a ship. When an argument with the ship results in a bump on the head, she finds herself in the strong arms of Alastair. But, who is he, and where did he come from?

Alastair has loved Ellie from afar for years, but duty has kept him from revealing himself to her. When a grave threat reveals his true identity, he hopes that Ellie will choose reality over fantasy.

Excerpt: She fought to stay aware by focusing her gaze on the intriguing cleft in her rescuer’s chin. After a few moments, she tried to tilt her head back to get a look at the rest of his face, but the action made her dizzy once again. She gave up with a sigh and relaxed against his firm, broad chest.

She shrugged. Chances were she would not recognize him anyway. Over two hundred people served on the ship. She knew the dozen or so engineers who worked the first and third rotations and maybe another dozen crewmates by sight, others who worked the same rotation and happened to eat their meals in solitary silence at the same time she did. She would guess from the fact that he had to ask her name that he was not any of those two dozen individuals.

Maybe she should not have told him her real name. At least that way, when he talked about finding a woman helpless in the bowels of the ship, no one would have known who it was. Yeah, right, whom was she trying to fool? She was the sole person assigned duty to this area during fourth rotation. Her breath caught, and she stiffened in his arms. Who was he, and what was he doing in a restricted area?

“Relax,” he said.

“Who are you?” She tried to sit up in his arms, determined to get a look at him and an answer to her question.

He lifted her higher in his arms, which wedged her head between his head and shoulder and prevented her from getting a good look at his face. “Alastair.” His warm breath fluttered against her forehead and cheek.


His Ship, Her Fantasy is available now from The Wild Rose Press.


Well Folks, that wraps up this edition of Saturday Spotlight. Tomorrow is Superbowl Sunday and for the first time in NFL history, the New Orleans Saints have made it in the game! Not sure how I feel about this. Of course I'm happy but that joy is tempered by sadness - You see, Terry and I used to sit and watch the Saints play ball every week during football season - we'd cheer and laugh and well, curse those darn players when they goofed off instead of playing ball! And now, the first year they actually make it to the biggest game of the year, he isn't here to watch with me. Who knows, maybe the've finally made it because he has a seat in the VIP box up in Heaven and his cheering finally reached the ears of One who could make a difference on the field of players. Nice thought anyway :-)

That's about all for now. Until later... take care, God Bless and remember....Sorrow may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)




Tempered Joy is available now in Ebook & Print. Read an excerpt here!

I Just LOVE Staying Home!

Hello Friends!

If you've followed me very long, you'll know that beginning Jan. 1, I embarked on a new venture - staying home.

Many factors played into this decision - the main one being the death of my beloved in August. The goal for this new venture was/is to move this whole writing business (writing, editing, promoting, speaking, book signings & sales, etc) into a new level but most importantly - take time to heal.

Last week I talked about settling in and gave an idea of where I stood in implementing my plan and hope to have a much better report by the end of this month.

Well, instead of waiting, I think I'll fill you in on what I actually accomplished up through yesterday 2/2 and see what you think.....

#1 - I signed up as a Business/Finance Contributor for Associated Content which requires 3 articles on the topic per month - Done for Jan!

#2 - Continued working with Premium Promotional Services as an Associate in helping others promote their books - took on 1 client's continuing promo pkg - took on 2 individual client pkgs - Completed 1 and will complete the other this week! The continuing pkg is for 6 months so....more on that later.

#3 - Started calling Louisiana Libraries in hopes of getting my books in each Parish - have contacted 14 - 1 bought 6 books (3 titles 2each)!!!

#4 - Started setting up speaking engagements - have 3 lined up - Feb 23, March 9 & Oct 9.

#5 - Started setting up book signings - 1 lined up for April - Attended one with a fellow author in Jan and sold a few books!

#6 - Though not finished yet, I've continued writing a short story I began last May for White Rose Publishing's Hearts Crossing contest - since the contest is over and the winner published - I've changed the name and certain elements of the story and will submit it to WRP once complete - only 2 scenes left (less than 2k words to go!)

#7 - Submitted an essay to Chicken Soup for an upcoming anthology on Grief & Recovery

#8- Collected all necessary info for taxes, sorted and prepared spreadsheets, prepared & filed Fed & State returns - also did this for my daughter.

#9 - Set up guest blog events - 1 in March, 1 in May along with eggcerpt exchanges with Tina Gayle on Feb 19th & March 10th and a couple more that I don't have dates for yet.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something LOL- but along with all of this, I've babysat one or both of my grandchildren at least 1 day each week I've been off (funny how that happens) :-)

I prepared a new flower arrangement for Terry's grave (combination Valentine's Day & Easter), kept my house cleaner than it's been in a while LOL and still managed to find time to visit with friends and family & get out of the house at least 1 day a week!

As for the healing part - today I can honestly say I believe healing has begun. My days still range between the good, the bad, and the ugly but the good are well ~ good, the bad aren't as bad, and the ugly just as agonizing but not as frequent.

So there you have it - They say working from home takes discipline & dedication and most folks work twice as hard as those with a regular job - I must say after nearly 5 weeks of this new venture I agree ~ But let me tell you - I LOVE staying home!

Until later...take care, Be Blessed & remember....Starting over or beginning a new venture after major life change (marriage, child birth or empty nest, death or divorce) takes Courage and Faith!

The Inheritance is about the chance we all long for....the chance to start over. Read an excerpt here!