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I do not read every book/author I spotlight or book tour I host!
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Saturday, February 13, 2010

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

10 comments:

Sharon Donovan said...

Hi Cate and Pam. Wonderful excerpt, Cate. I felt as if I were right there in the flower shop, and it made me think of spring. Hope the winter snow storm we have been experiencing in PA hasn't been too rough on you. We lost power for 36 hours and it was frigid. This book is perfect! Best of luck.
Sharon

Cate Masters said...

Thanks so much, Sharon! Sorry to hear you lost power. We had a few feet of snow but luckily our power and Internet held. Whew! Stay warm!

Mary Ricksen said...

The excerpt is so good I can smell the roses!

Donna B said...

Nice! I've been waiting for the Flower Basket stories to start coming out. Sounds wonderful!

Cate Masters said...

Thanks so much, Mary and Donna!

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Cate,
Great excerpt for a great story.
Cheers
Margaret

Cate Masters said...

Thanks so much, Margaret! For everything. :)

Cate Masters said...

I somehow neglected to mention I'd be giving away a PDF of Design for Life. But I put everyone's name in a bowl and drew out.... Donna B! Donna, I will email you your copy. Happy Valentine's Day!

Tanya Hanson said...

Congrats on the great excerpt and blog, Cate and Pamela! Happy Valentine's Day...sorry to get here late. Babysat our three-year old grandson all day yesterday which made computerizing impossible LOL. Hugs...

Cate Masters said...

Happy Valentine's Day, Tanya! Thanks for stopping in.