Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER:

I do not read every book/author I spotlight or book tour I host!
Readers, Please research and use wisdom before buying

Saturday, August 30, 2014

#SaturdaySpotlight: @StacyJuba & Sink or Swim!

Good Morning and Welcome to the last Saturday Spotlight of August....Yeah hard to believe, right!

Today I'm pleased to welcome back to our spotlight, Stacy Juba with her book, Sink or Swim.

A fun beach read endorsed by contestants from Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race. Ambitious personal trainer Cassidy Novak has gained fame for starring on Sink or Swim, a hit reality show. Not only does she lose and have to walk the plank, but after the game show ends, the terror begins. Upon returning home, Cassidy discovers she has attracted a stalker masterminding his own twisted game. She struggles to focus on her health club job and celebrity endorsement opportunities, but her stalker has other plans. As her former competitors get knocked off one-by-one, Cassidy refuses to play by the stalker's bizarre rules. She's also being shadowed by hunky photographer Zach Gallagher, who has been assigned to capture her personal moments for a spread in the local newspaper. She wants to trust Zach, but fears he may not be what he seems. When the stalker forces a showdown, Cassidy must once again walk the plank...this time for her life.

 Excerpt:
"As you can see, you’re a big hit." Lynn waved toward the guests murmuring and sneaking glances from round tables festooned with drinks and appetizers. "You’ll sign autographs in here and our staff will be sure to keep the line orderly." 
Good to know, but Cassidy half-wished she’d jumped out of the limo a few miles back at Castle Island, a spacious urban park and her favorite spot in Boston. She loved walking or jogging around Castle Island and the peaceful Pleasure Bay, enjoying views of the ferries and vessels passing in the harbor, the low airplanes descending toward Logan International Airport, and the tourists milling about the historic Fort Independence. She’d give anything for a hotdog and ice cream at Sullivan’s, the popular family-run restaurant that serviced visitors. Alas, she’d get no relaxation today.
As Lynn conferred with a co-worker, Cassidy turned to her own personal news team. "Boy, does this beat the Atlantic Devil in the luxury department," she muttered.
"No kidding." Alison scrawled into her wire-bound notebook. With her sleek helmet of blonde locks and designer wardrobe, she looked more like a TV anchorwoman than a small-town newspaper reporter.
Zach Gallagher, her photographer, pulled his Nikon digital camera out of a padded bag and removed the felt Stetson from his wavy black hair. "I wouldn’t mind taking a trip on this baby myself." His flash blinked, triggering a half-dozen cameras from other parts of the ballroom.
"Cassidy! Cassidy!" An acne-scarred young man rushed over to them. Lank greasy blond strands hung ragged past his shoulders, limp as a used mop, and a torn tee-shirt with Cassidy's blurred likeness fell to the waist of his ripped jeans.
He cupped a camera to his heart. "Please, could I pose for one picture with you? I know this is a huge favor, but I can’t stay that long."
Lynn gave her a subtle nod. "Yeah, sure," Cassidy said.
She positioned herself beside the kid and Lynn snapped the photo with a cheerful "cheese."
His lip trembling, the kid stared at Cassidy. "You don't know what this means to me. You should have won. Reggie was a loser."

How could he say that? Reggie was dead. There were more important things than winning. Like living.

Sink or Swim is available at  Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBookstore, Kobo, & Audible

Stacy Juba loves to write stories about Characters at a Crossroads: individuals who are finding themselves and getting on the right life path after overcoming obstacles. Her goals are to entertain readers of all ages as well as inspire them. She has made numerous bestseller lists including GalleyCat’s Barnes & Noble Bestsellers and GalleyCat’s Mystery and Thriller Bestsellers. Stacy has written about reality TV contestants targeted by a killer, an obit writer investigating a cold case, teen psychics who control minds, twin high school hockey stars battling on the ice, and teddy bears learning to raise the U.S. flag. Browse her website for more information on her mystery, romance, and contemporary fiction books for adults, teens, and children, guest author features and resources on how to build your own “character,” and for her book/product reviews and advocacy relating to Type 1 Diabetes.

Connect with Stacy at the following places....


Hope you enjoyed the spotlight! Stay tuned weekly for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course Saturday Spotlight.

Until later... Take care, God Bless and Remember....Whatever you're believing for~believe with FAITH & PASSION!
  

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

#ThursdayThoughts: Spiritual Laws of Success

Good Morning Friends,

Although this post is mainly talking to writers, anyone can use it and apply these laws to any business!

Enjoy.....


                                      Spiritual (or Universal) Laws of Success for Writers/Authors




Artists have been living under the “starving artist” syndrome/curse for years. It’s time to put that old adage to rest! There is creative power in writing and speaking.

God said, “My word will not come back void” and “The power of life and death are in the tongue and he who indulges in it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Scientists have proven that sound goes into infinity then bounces back.

The bible tells us to “write the vision and make it plain upon the tablets...”
Success coaches tell us writing goals makes them 10x more likely to come true and that writing/speaking affirmations can change any circumstance in our life.  

Proverbs teaches us, “As a man believes in his heart, therefore he is.”  
The law of attraction states what you focus on you will get.

In light of all this, shouldn’t we be careful in what we say about ourselves and our work?

Speaking of which, what does your tagline and/or brand say about your vision of yourself as a writer? Your tagline is important because it is a written statement about you and your work, and every time someone reads or says it, those words are given power to create something in your life and career!
My initial thought for a tagline was “the Nora Roberts of Christian fiction.” Because I worried about what Nora and her ‘people’ would say about that (not realizing emulation is the highest form of flattery & the greatest compliment), I chose a different tagline. But I often I wonder where my career would be today had I stuck with my original thought.

Back in 2010 when I received my 4th qtr. royalty statement for 2009 I was devastated. I realized my husband’s illness and subsequent death hindered and halted my writing and promotional efforts but c’mon, that was ridiculous! Frustrated, I looked up to heaven and said, “God, I’ve always said my writing was about the message, not the money, but I don’t know the message is getting out if there are no sales! Just speaking that aloud caused an increase in sales for 2010, but not until 2011 did I put the theory of writing affirmations to the test.

Raised Catholic I knew the benefits of Lenten practices so I decided to write 1 page a day of positive statements such as I am an anointed and successful writer in my prayer journal for 40 days beginning March 9th. That year 1st & 2nd qtr. sales increased by 6 times the amount they were in the last qtr. of 2010!

I continue the practice to this day.

If you are doubting, belittling, or comparing your work to others and/or bemoaning your sales reports, take heed and take heart, because you can change those results by focusing on what you prophesy (speak and say) about your ability and success as an author. 


  Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!               
               
*References
                The Bible; The Laws of Thinking by Bishop E Bernard Jordan; The Secret by Rhonda Byrne; Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra; A Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Wayne Dyer; The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

#TuesdayTreasure: #RockingSummerRomanceRead with Joan Simon @JoanBSimon

Good Morning from Bandera, TX!

Yes, I am back at my home-away-from-home, the Silver Spur Guest Ranch! Just came up for a visit this week and am so happy and grateful for the friends I have here!

Today's guest, Joan Simon visited us with her book, Long Time Walk on Water here on June 28th but she's back with another great excerpt during our Rocking Summer Romance blog hop!

So without much further ado.....Here's Joan....

Joan Barbara Simon (Ph.D.); novelist, poetess, songwriter. Lecturer. Researcher. Trouble-maker. I write about dissent, the negotiation of the Self, the mutation from innocence to experience and  the brittle beauty of human relationships. Above all, my fiction is an appeal for tolerance and a homage to all who live their individuality with their head held high. Connect with Joan at the following links...joan-barbara-simon.com  facebook twitter 


Emily Thompson, Rose to her friends, emigrates to the motherland, England, in search of a better life. It will be hard work for the young mother in this rich man’s country; above all she must also come to terms with this unknown phenomenon; di Hinglish dem.

James Dunbar. Jack is what he answers to. Picking his way through the mucky incidents of life, he consoles himself that things will get better.

They happen to meet at a bus-stop, Emily and Jack.

A tale of how the humble live whilst waiting for their dreams to come true.

*

Letters were read and written with relish. In the novel they provide further glimpses of an Outsider view of England:


London, April —, 19—

Dear Junie,

How are you? I’m sure you are fine and One-foot is fine. I hope Marlene is fine and Leroy is fine. Give them my love.

I cross over safely. England is very cold. It’s raining all the time and there’s no good sunshine. With weather like this the people bound to be miserable. I already miss Jamaica. The address I had is correct when I get to England. The houses are really small and squash up together. Never mind. A roof is a roof. I am so tired after the journey, but I think, let me sit down and let you know I reach safe. Tomorrow I must go and look work. London is so big there must be work for everyone. As you know I have a job promised to me. I hope him don’t forget. You know how them say the streets of London are paved with gold, well, there’s not one word of truth in it. But I hope all the same that things work out how I planned and that I don’t come here for nothing.

Hear this. I get off the plane go to customs or immigrations or something like that. Him ask me, is this your passport? What a stupid question! Me say, of course is me passport. Whose passport it suppose to be? Hear him; it could belong to anybody for all he know, we all look the same. I glad One-foot wasn’t there or him would box off him facety head. Generally the white people friendly enough. So many of them stop and ask me if they can help me at the airport. I didn’t know what to do. All I had was the slip of paper with the address. Some of them look at me a bit funny but is ignorant them ignorant. One woman take me to the taxi and tell the taxi driver me is a friend so him not to drive no long route but take me direct. Me nearly die laughing! The English taxi them peculiar you see! Big and black like a bug and you got room for a whole heap a luggage in the back with you. Them even got one clapdown seat if is more people. We drive a long long time before we get to London. Them got one big red bus them call double-decker. Take you everywhere you want to go, the taxi driver tell me. The taxi driver nosey you see! Him want to know where me come from and how long me going to stay. I just smile and tell him little bit. You can’t be unfriendly. Tell One-foot I still got my head.

I am very tired and I’m going to sleep a little bit. I will write you soon. I’m surprised, I see quite a few black faces here in London. Say hello to everybody for me and let them know I reach safe.

Junie, Marlene, Leroy, One-foot, goodbye and God bless.

Yours,
Rose.


Rose Thompson, the protagonist, epitomizes the strong, funny, suspicious nature of the Outsider daring to go for a new life in a foreign country. She epitomizes the strength of dreams. She’ll reveal to us a lot about how the Jamaican family works and although she'd never use the word feminist it’s still true to say that she is all about independence, equality and betterment.
(Joan Barbara Simon, interviewed by Sezoni Whitfield for Writer’s Kaboodle)


If you, too, enjoyed reading this, here’s where you can read more:


Saturday, August 23, 2014

#SaturdaySpotlight: Ashley York & The Saxon Bride

Good Morning from Nacgodoches, TX!

Yep I'm visiting with my son today and tomorrow I will be Bandera bound for a week of visiting friends at my home away from home LOL!

But today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Ms. Ashley York with her book The Saxon Bride.

Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Her newest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in the Norman Conquest series.


When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.

Find out more about Ashley by visiting her Website.

About the Book...

In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. The Saxons must fight for everything they have in the hopes of winning their country back from the Normans who are determined to break their resistance. 

Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot but her nobility and grace make her an ideal pawn in the Norman King William’s play for power with the Saxon people. When he decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. The handsome soldier with the kind brown eyes and gentle touch is a threat to her determination to defy the interlopers. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?

John of Normandy wants only to prove himself worthy of the king's trust. He is rewarded for his service and loyalty with land, titles and a Saxon beauty for a bride. John balks at the marriage, driven by the secret guilt of knowing Rowena's father died by his sword. However, John's reluctance is soon replaced by a burning desire to please this woman and win her over as well as her people.

 As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?

Excerpt: Pacing the small area like a confined animal, she finally paused to look out the window. The dreary day reflected her feelings, rain threatening at any moment. "Do you know when my husband will be returning?"

"I am back now."

John stood in the doorway handsomely dressed as befit the new Lord of Essex. Rowena's breath caught in her throat. She looked away before the immense pleasure she felt at his return showed on her face.

Joan quickly gathered her sewing and removed herself from the room, closing the door behind her.

"Will you attend me, my lady?"

Rowena went to him and helped him remove his surcoat before seeing to the heavier chainmail. He smelled like horses and leather. Manly. Rowena tried not to close her eyes as she drank in the intoxicating smell of him. Why would a dirty, sweaty man make her feel so light headed? She stepped away when she realized why, the chainmail slipping forward off his arms. His hooded eyes told her that he knew what she was feeling.

"Is there a problem?" His deep voice seemed to reverberate through her body.

Quickly putting the heavy material down, she headed to the door. "I will order a bath for you."

"Wait."

Rowena froze with her hand on the latch and heard him coming closer to her. He stood close behind her, his breath soft against her cheek.

"Yes?" Be done with this. Her body yearned for his arms to pull her against him, to feel his kiss again. She licked her lips.

"Why are you leaving in such a hurry?" His hand lightly touched the side of her head as he spoke, pushing her hair away from her face. He leaned in closer to her exposed ear. A responding shiver ran down her body. "Are you afraid of me?"

She backed up to the door with a thud and faced him. Her pulse was racing as she lied. "No, my lord. Methinks you have a rather strong odor about you and I would have you take a bath before the evening meal."

John backed away quickly, his eyes flying open. "I am sorry if I offend you. Please see to the bath."

Rowena felt only slightly guilty when he turned away from her, standing like a lost little boy in the middle of the room.

Wow...sounds like a great romance! 

The Saxon Bride can be purchased at Amazon in Print and for Kindle along with Ashley's other book, The Bruised Thistle which is also available in Print and on Kindle


Well Friends, I sure hope you enjoyed meeting Ashley! Stay tuned next week for more Rocking Summer Romance on Tuesday Treasure as well as Thursday Thoughts and of course another Saturday Spotlight!

Until later.... take care, God Bless and remember..... Perfect love casts out fear – ask God to fill your heart and mind with Himself who IS perfect love

 Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

#ThursdayThoughts: Fatigue & Happiness

Well Friends, it's one of those rare days when I don't have much to say LOL!

I'm too tired to think and have way too much to do to mull over it, so.....

I'm just going to leave you with this upbeat song and I pray by the time you leave my blog you'll be in a happier frame of mind......




Oh and while you're getting happy, here's something to think about....We should never be too tired to spread a little joy so bless somebody today!



 Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge! 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

#TuesdayTreasure: Fallen Leaves Another #RockingSummerRomance by Tina Gayle!

Good Morning Friends!

Well August is moving right along as is the Rocking Summer Romance blog hop. Today I'm pleased to bring Tina Gayle back today with another of her books....

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.


Excerpt:

“How long before you install the new cabinets?”

He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.

“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.

“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.

“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”

“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”

“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.

He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”

With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”

Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”

After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task of convincing her great grandmother’s ghost to cross over?

Purchase Fallen Leaves at Amazon or Smashwords & All Romance Ebooks  

Now a little about Tina....


Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books.

After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing and hope to incorporate the joy of being a mother into her books.

Currently working on a series about four executive wives, she is excited about combining elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. The first three books have been released and the last one is coming out in 2014.
She’s  also started a paranormal romantic mystery series called the Family Tree series. With a family of spirits guiding the lives of their keeper, Amber has a number of tasks to accomplished like solving a two hundred year old mystery.

Married twenty-five years, she and her husband love to travel and play golf.  She can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do more of both.
Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.

Find Tina everywhere!


Home - www.tinagayle.net
Blog - www.tinagayle.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle
Goodread - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_Gayle
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle
Google + - https://plus.google.com

I asked Tina a few questions....

Which comes first, characters or plot?  Most of the time plot or open scene comes first. 
Plotter, Panster, or somewhere in between?  Trying my best to become a plotter but I find I'm somewhere in between
What is the one question you wish interviewers would ask (answer)
My favorite question - Among those that you’ve written, which is your favorite book and why? 
Summer's Growth because I wrote while trying to recover from the loss of my mother. In many ways, it felt as if she helps me write it.

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this Rocking Summer Romance read and interview! Stay tuned as the blog hop will continue through Sept 23rd!

Until next time...take care and Be Blessed!
PamT

Saturday, August 16, 2014

#SaturdaySpotlight: Seraphina Nova & Another Stone to Carry

Good Morning and Welcome!

Today our spotlight is on a brand new author (to me) and her debut title!

Seraphina Nova is a published fiction author and playwright. She received her BA in English/Theater from Concordia University in the Twin Cities, and went on to earn an MFA degree, in Dramatic Writing, from Smith College in Massachusetts. She also received a second MFA degree, in Directing, from the University of Idaho. She has travelled all over the world, worked as a volunteer teacher and AIDS worker in South Africa and Kenya, and she’s had several of her plays produced across the country. She currently teaches graduate Literary Theory at Tiffin University and Composition and Film and at several other colleges. She resides in Minneapolis. Find out more by visiting her website, connect with her on Twitter @seraphina_nova, FaceBook, LinkedIn and Pinterest!

In the small Midwestern town of Bear River, soft-spoken, shy, Kassandra Hayes lives a very sheltered life governed by the church and her goal to become a missionary. Things drastically change when she is sexually assaulted and her life begins spinning out of control. 

To numb the pain she runs away and finds herself homeless in Chicago. For years, she embraces a life of exotic dancing, drugs, and sexual bartering until an unexpected encounter with an old friend lands her back home where she is brought back to the fold. 


Her congregation embraces their prodigal daughter, and she acts and dresses the part, but her story is just beginning. Torn between desire and conventional morality, she goes on another journey of self-discovery and finds love in the most unexpected place, shocking the town and herself. 

Another Stone to Carry can be purchased at Amazon!

Well friends, keeping this week's Saturday Spotlight short and sweet!

See ya next week!

IMW, be Blessed...
PamT

Thursday, August 14, 2014

#ThursdayThoughts: Guest Post by Cami Checketts!

Good Morning Folks...

Well school has started here in SW Louisiana so things will hopefully slow down a bit and get into routine once again. 

This morning I'm pleased to bring to you a guest post by friend and fellow author, Cami Checketts. Cami has visited before so without much further ado, I'll turn this post over to her as she talks about The Desire to Create....


“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.” Dieter F. Ucthdorf
We all can create something whether it be a beautiful garden, a drawing, a fun game for a child, a poem, or a loving home. When I have the opportunity to create characters and stories it fulfills a need in me and makes me a happier and more loving mother and wife.
I hope all of you will take the chance to create something. It doesn’t have to be a breathtaking painting. It could be a pan of brownies or a napkin folded into a monkey. Whatever you create, enjoy it and share it with others. Passing on something you create, even if it isn’t as perfect as we would like, will bring joy to you and those you share it with.
Thanks Cami! 
Now here's a look at Cami's latest creation..... Shadows in the Curtain

Every stage actress wants fans, but what happens when one goes too far?
Emmy has the perfect life— a house on the beach, a successful career headlining the local theater, and love. But when a brutal murder brings unimaginable grief, Emmy’s world comes crashing down. As she tries to pick up the pieces, she can’t seem to avoid Josh, the new fireman in town.

Emmy does her best to fight the sizzle in her chest when Josh is near. But with the stalker still out there, terrorizing her and those she cares about, she can’t fall for anyone—especially Josh, a suspect in the murder investigation.
If Emmy allows a man to get close, it’s not just her heart she puts at risk, it’s her life.

“Cami Checketts can spin a tale like no other. Love, suspense, thrills, she has it all, and Shadows in the Curtain is no exception. What a thrill ride! I highly recommend this book. 10 stars!!”Sherry Gammon, author of the Port Fare Series

“I’m a sucker for the exciting parts, and this book has scenes that had my eyes racing my heart to the end of each page!” Amanda Tru, author of the Yesterday Series

Excerpt from Shadows in the Curtain

Timothy stuck to her side while people surged passed with compliments, hand squeezes, and the occasional hug. Emmy searched every eye, but only saw excitement from a fun performance or weariness from sitting too long. If anyone had murder in mind, he was as good at putting on a fake face as she was. 

No one piqued her curiosity. Until he came. She had no clue what his name was, but the past few weeks she’d seen him almost every morning at the gym. He was much too good-looking, with his rippling muscles and deep blue eyes. She always avoided looking directly at him, though she knew that was as obvious an indicator of her attraction as staring would be. She couldn’t avoid him now. 

The wide entryway, which featured plush, faded carpet and wood-planked walls, shrank as he drew nearer. The babble of the crowd faded. He reached for her hand, staring deep into her eyes. Her hand fitted itself into his like he was a magnet. Her entire body leaned toward him. 

“You were amazing. So passionate.” He smiled and the room swayed.

Emmy was quite sure the passion she experienced right now had nothing to do with singing or acting. She should draw away but couldn’t force herself to. “Thank you,” she managed, embarrassed by the huskiness of her voice as she tried to catch a breath.

The crowd pressed forward, and he was forced to release her hand and move to the side. His blonde date gushed over Emmy for a second, and then they were gone. 

Emmy continued greeting other patrons but couldn’t forget the allure of his blue eyes. He didn’t seem like the creepy stalker type, but she had to wonder. Could he be the one sending the notes?

Shadows in the Curtain - Clean romantic suspense is available at the following retailers:

Buy it in print here!



Find out more about Cami by visiting her Website  and connecting with her on Twitter  & Facebook 

Oh and BE SURE to check out her Rafflecopter giveaway!!

Well friends, I hope you enjoyed this edition of Thursday Thoughts and like Cami, I encourage you to open your heart and mind and express yourself through the creative gifts you posess!

Until later.... take care, God Bless and remember: Your creative abilities are a God given gifts & a talents, don't bury your talent or hide your gift!

 Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

#TuesdayTreasure: @KimHeadlee #RockingSummerRomance!

Good Morning Friends and Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Treasure and another Rocking Summer Romance read!

Today's guest is Kim Headlee with her book, Snow in July.......

Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre has been granted what every man wants: a rich English estate in exchange for his valiant service at the Battle of Hastings. To claim this reward, the Norman knight must wed the estate's Saxon heiress. Most men would leap at such an opportunity, but for Alain, who broke his vow to his dying mother by failing to protect his youngest brother in battle, it means facing more easily broken vows. But when rumors of rampant thievery, dangerous beasts, and sorcery plaguing a neighboring estate reach his ears, nothing will make him shirk duty to king and country when people's lives stand at risk. He assumes the guise of a squire to scout the land, its problems, and its lady.
Lady Kendra of Edgarburh has been granted what no woman wants: a forced marriage to an enemy who may be kith or kin to the man who murdered her beloved brother. Compounding her anguish is her failure to awaken the miraculous healing gift bequeathed by their late mother in time to save his life. Although with his dying breath, he made her promise to seek happiness above all, Kendra vows that she shall find neither comfort nor love in the arms of a Norman…unless it snows in July.

Alain is smitten by Lady Kendra from the first moment of their meeting; Kendra feels the forbidden allure of the handsome and courtly Norman "squire." But a growing evil overshadows everyone, invoking dark forces and ensnaring Kendra in a plot to overthrow the king Alain is oath-bound to serve. Kendra and Alain face a battle unlike any other as their honor, their love, their lives, and even their very souls lie in the balance.
EXCERPT

FIFTEEN THOUSAND MEN and horses writhed across the valley below, appearing as toys in a children’s game.
Many might consider war a game, but Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre, knight of Normandy bound to the service of Duke William and commander of a unit in the cavalry reserves, did not number among their ranks.
Edward the Confessor, King of England via his Saxon father but Norman by his mother, was dead. This battle, raging near the coastal hamlet called Hastings, would decide the right of one man to wear the English crown: William the Norman, acknowledged by Pope Alexander to be Edward’s lawful successor; or Harold the Saxon, brother of Edward’s wife, the man alleged to be Edward’s deathbed choice.
Stroking his war horse’s glossy charcoal neck to calm her, Alain pondered Harold’s claim. It had to be true. This many men would not sacrifice their lives for a lie. Yet the vast majority of Harold’s supporters were Saxons harboring no wish to bear the Norman yoke. Perhaps such men might be desperate enough to fight for a lie that promised to restore Saxon rule.
A trumpet blared. He signaled his men forward, couched his lance, and spurred Chou to send her careening into the melee.
Harold’s shield wall, which had seemed impregnable, began to crumble under the onslaught of Alain’s unit, hastened by the desertion of men who no doubt decided they weren’t quite so willing to die. Their lord stood exposed just long enough for a Norman archer to sight his mark. Harold fell, screaming and clutching an arrow that protruded from one eye.
Harold’s supporters closed ranks around him, blocking Alain’s view and giving him more than enough to do as the Saxons redoubled their efforts to guard their lord’s body.
A familiar whirl of colors caught Alain’s attention. The saffron leopard prowling on a green field—Étienne! A Saxon knight, with a blue arm and fist blazing defiance across his gray shield, bore down upon Étienne with leveled lance. Étienne tumbled from his horse. He scrambled to his feet and retrieved his sword, putting it to good use on the Saxons surrounding him, although the knight who’d unhorsed him had already ridden in search of other targets.
Lance long since discarded and sword now rising and falling with fatal precision, Alain surged to reach his brother’s side. Protection of her youngest son had been their dying mother’s wish, and he had sworn on his own life to keep Étienne safe.
Before he could close the distance, another Saxon knight fought past Étienne’s guard to thrust a war-knife into his throat. Through the visor the knight’s eyes gleamed with startling, fathomless malice. Alain could only watch in stunned disbelief as he laid his hand upon Étienne’s chest for a few moments. Uttering a soul-freezing howl, the Saxon yanked out his seax and disappeared into the press with Étienne’s shield, denying Alain vengeance.
Shame and grief rent his heart asunder.
He had failed the two he loved most; failed them so utterly that he could never beg their forgiveness in this lifetime.
Pain slammed into his shoulder, toppling him from the saddle. Étienne’s body broke his fall. He tried to roll clear, but a spear through his chest pinned him to Étienne. His gut convulsed, and bile burned his throat. Blinding agony killed his struggle to free himself. Death’s stench invaded his nostrils.
He closed his eyes and waited for his final journey to begin.

Snow in July can be purchased at the following places....

About Kim.....

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, and assorted wildlife. People & creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins -- the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-20th century -- seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim is a Seattle native (when she used to live in the Metro DC area, she loved telling people she was from "the other Washington") and a direct descendent of 20th-century Russian nobility. Her grandmother was a childhood friend of the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia, and the romantic yet tragic story of how Lydia escaped Communist Russia with the aid of her American husband will most certainly one day fuel one of Kim's novels. Another novel in the queue will involve her husband's ancestor, the 7th-century proto-Viking king of the Swedish colony in Russia.

For the time being, however, Kim has plenty of work to do in creating her projected 8-book Arthurian series, The Dragon's Dove Chronicles, and other novels under her new imprint, Pendragon Cove Press. She also writes romantic historical fiction under the pseudonym "Kimberly Iverson."

YouTube video interview: http://youtu.be/DV5iKrEIROk

FOLLOW KIM:

Kim answered some questions for us! 

Ice Tea or Lemonade? Depends on how hot I am, and whether I feel in the mood for spicy or sweet. :D

Lake or ocean? Ocean, then lake. Any open body of water will do, really. Just call me “Ariel in reverse.”

Sandals or Flipflops? Sandals with a toe thong, but not the real blingy kind.

Sit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch? Oh, here is where you bump me off and take my real estate. I have a second, fully appointed house on my hundred-acre property called The Retreat—with a second-story screened porch off the library. The nearest neighbors are the horses & chickens on an adjacent farm.

Ball cap or floppy hat? Ball cap. With or without a Seattle Mariners or University of Washington Huskies logo.

Q: Which comes first, characters or plot?

A: My characters’ features, choices, flaws, fears, dreams, desires, and foibles always define the plot.

Q: Plotter, Pantser, or somewhere in between?

A: Depends on the work. My first novel, Dawnflight, was definitely seat-of-the pants. Morning’s Journey (sequel to Dawnflight), Liberty, Snow in July, and my forthcoming Twain sequel, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court were all developed using detailed outlines. I have an outline for Raging Sea (sequel to Morning’s Journey), but I’m not entirely happy with it and have been toying with the idea of going back to seat-of-the-pants to finish that one. So, to answer the question in a single word: Yes.

Q: Among those that you’ve written, which is your favorite book and why?

A: King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court (ebook edition forthcoming in November 2014; fully illustrated print edition November 2015), hands down. In 2007, when my (now ex) literary agent sent a blanket message to his client list stating that he had met a publisher who was actively seeking sequels to 19th-century authors’ works, I got the green light to develop a sequel to A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, providing that I updated my story for the 21st century. Which I did, in spades, and dove right in. After about 50 pages, however, the thought hit me: who did I think I was, trying to emulate Mark Twain, for heaven’s sake? That single doubt stopped me…for three years. Not just that project, either, but all of my fiction projects. If “writer’s block” has a dictionary entry, there’s where you’ll find my picture. Finally, in early 2010, I exercised (literally—treadmill, Wii Fit, etc.) my way out of my depression, strapped on a pair, decided that with my background and talent, I might be the only one alive who could pull this off, and finished the first draft. It became the single most important project for me to reclaim my writing mojo, because if I could write this, I could write anything.
  
Q: Have your characters ever taken over the story and moved it in a direction totally different than you had in mind? What did you do?

A: Let me think…no, not really. Not yet, anyway. :D

Q: Do you have a "must have" book for writing?

A: Yes, but which book it is depends upon the project. When working on my Arthurian series (Dawnflight, Morning’s Journey, etc.), my Scottish Gaelic-English dictionary is my go-to reference for developing character names, endearments, epithets, etc. With Liberty, I had a book on Roman culture that was absolutely indispensable.

Well friends, hope you've enjoyed this Rocking Summer Romance spotlight! Stay tuned every week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course Saturday Spotlight!

Until later....take care & God Bless!
PamT