I've Moved!

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Saturday Sidebar ~ Don't Blink.

Twenty-six years ago, a boy and girl, living the carefree life only the young are afforded, entered the lobby of a hospital just north of Boston. Family, friends, weekends on the lake or skiing the slopes in New Hampshire – oh yeah, life is meant to be enjoyed and those kids were very good at it!  

Thirty-six hours later, those carefree kids were transformed. They’d become parents! Spontaneous getaways fell victim to diapers and two AM feedings, but they soon discovered the diamond trails of Attitash couldn’t compare to gummy smiles and giggles full of love.

 

Today our first-born turns twenty-six. I don’t know how it happened. Ten minutes ago we were cheering on his first wobbly steps. Six minutes ago, I was biting my lip, sure a trip to the hospital emergency room was in the making. Four minutes ago, hubby and I held hands as our little boy, suddenly a man, married the love of his life, and two minutes ago, we thrilled as we watched him welcome his own babies into the world.

The carefree girl and boy now have a few gray hairs and wrinkles, and they’ve been transformed yet again, into grandparents. And they’ve learned that the saying is true. Time does fly when you’re having fun. So, happy birthday, baby, and my advice to you? Enjoy every moment, and don’t blink.     

Behind The Book Mania ~ Author Spotlight on Isabella Macotte

Hiya Folks,

Please help me welcome the lovely and talented author, Isabella Macotte. She has embraced the mania today to share a bit about herself and her Victorian fantasy from The Wild Rose Press. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Isabella. What was germ of the idea behind The Heart Gem?

As a romance reader, I thought how intriguing it would be to know, really know, if someone is meant for you as a soul mate. How many of us have wished we could be assured the person we choose is the right one? So my story presents The Artifacts of Love, a group of mystical objects which can lead a person to their true love. The Heart Gem allows the holder to see a vision of the future. But of course, no magic is perfect.

Oh, that pesky magic, but perfect is boring anyway. Intriguing premise. What was the first book you remember loving?

So many books I’ve enjoyed along the way, but I’d have to say Janet Eyre stuck with me. The tortured hero and heroine in a gothic setting got me from the first page. I was hooked on romance novels from that point.

*Sigh* A classic, and responsible for hooking many of us, I'm sure. Where is the oddest place you’ve ever pulled out a book?

I frequently have a book or Kindle, with me in the car. Sometimes caught by a long train, I’ll pull out something to read. I’ve had some strange looks from other drivers probably thinking I’ve been reading the whole time.

LOL I'll bet. What is your typical writing session like?

I tend to snatch bits of time where I can. On a good day, that’s usually a little in the morning and late afternoon, followed by some evening writing. Sometimes sending the family out of the house for a few hours gives me the quiet time I need to finish a project.

Hmmm. I wonder why that never works with my family? Do you have a favorite character of those you've written?

Hallie Pinefoy of The Heart Gem is definitely a favorite character. She’s smart, driven, and has a great sense of humor. She attractive but doesn’t fuss about her looks. Hallie has a plan for her life, to own a business as a custom doll maker. Bremen Tyler comes along and offers to help her venture. As long as she goes along with his own plans.

Isn't that just like a man? Since becoming published, what was the biggest 'Woot' moment you experienced?

I wrote The Heart Gem for readers to enjoy. So, I’d have to say when a person who has read the story tells me they loved the book, it’s a ‘Woot’ moment for me. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

Amen, sister! Where can we find you, Isabella, and The Heart Gem?

Please stop by my website at http://isabellamacotte.blogspot.com/ I’d love to hear from you!

Great. Can you tell us just a little bit more about you, the woman? And give us a taste of The Heart Gem, of course.

Biography

Isabella Macotte grew up in Chicago and now lives in the Midwest. Ever since she can remember, she was reading. Not just fiction but everything she could get her hands on. Science, romance, history and paranormal. Especially paranormal...anything scary, creepy, or gory, she loves it. From light paranormal elements to terrifying monsters, she'll make up a story to amaze or scare you.

Isabella Macotte writes the kind of romance she loves to read: a story with delicious dialogue, seductive encounters, a dash of the paranormal, and an irresistible hero you will never forget.

Passionate about books, Isabella keeps busy reading, writing and working in a library. But if a few moments remain at the end of the day, she spends them with a wonderful family and sweet bichon pup named Daisy.

BLURB:

In 1885, a proper Victorian woman's place was in the home. Convention never appealed to Hallie Pinefoy.

But plans for financial independence through a successful doll-making venture have one impediment. She's inherited a curiosity shop and a handsome business partner who's proving to be a delicious distraction.

When Bremen Tyler inherits a shop in coastal England, he breaks from the mystical Ancestral clan to live a normal life. The only way to guarantee a permanent break is to marry his Heart Match, a perfect soul mate. Bremen recognizes the captivating Hallie as his true love, but she isn't cooperating with his courtship.

If he can retrieve the stolen Heart Gem, an Artifact of Love, he can use it to prove their match. The surface of the Gem reflects the essence of a couple's future life, but the risks are great. More importantly, will Hallie realize true love doesn't need proof?

EXCERPT:

Hallie’s bottom shifted from Bremen’s lap onto the cold stone garden bench. Why was he stopping just when the moment was getting interesting? Then she heard the footsteps in the distance, rustling along the garden path. Her head still blissfully dazed, Bremen’s possessive hands moved to straighten the aquamarine gown’s bodice, which had drawn away completely from her breasts.

Clay’s face was an angry red, even in the dark night. She jumped at the intrusion and attempted to yank her hand out of Bremen’s, but his firm palm held on without releasing.

“Bremen Tyler, how dare you encroach on our relationship? Hallie and I have a long-established agreement among our families. You must honor this arrangement and withdraw your presence.” The shrillness of Clay’s voice reverberated through the grounds.

“I haven’t been informed of a promise or understanding. In fact, I have heard from the lady she is uncommitted. A state I’m determined to reverse.” Bremen’s deep voice was low and controlled.

“She would be committed to me if it were not for you. You are confusing her; she loves me but you are filling her head with promises and nonsense.”

“I have given Hallie neither false promises nor nonsense. She knows my true feelings.”

“She also knows my feelings and has said she will consider my offer.”

“If Hallie tells me it is you she wants, I’ll say no other word.”

“Hallie, tell him you will marry me. I believe my request was clear at supper,” Clay demanded.

“My love, make your wishes known, and we will visit the reverend directly,” Bremen countered.

Both men stared, waiting for a decision.

Pick Bremen, Hallie!!! LOL Nice, Isabella, can't wait to read the rest. Thanks so much for visiting today. 

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Saturday Sidebar ~ (a few days early because...woo hoo!)

 

Don't you just love when life hands you an unexpected reason to smile? Come on, you know you do. Life handed me one this morning. 

 

My first 'official' author interview is up at Still Moment's Publishing

Saturday Sidebar ~ Are We There Yet?

Are we there yet? How many of us have uttered those words at one time or another? On a recent road trip to Dallas with my family, I know they crossed my mind at least a dozen times. Because, let's face it, whether you are counting the miles, checking off days on the calendar, or simply standing in line, waiting sucks. But what, after all, is the human experience, if not a waiting game? We all spend our lives in anticipation of the next big milestone or event, so why is it some people smile through experience while others grumble and complain? My theory is, the happy people of this world have learned to make the most of the wait.

That's easier said than done, I know. Two hours in the DMV can feel like a life sentence in solitary confinement, while that same amount of time in the cue for that for the roller coaster you are about to board is spent in excited anticipation while making friends with those around you.

So, which am I, the smiler or the grumbler? Before being diagnosed with breast cancer, I admit I was a bit of both. Believe me, every second spent waiting to rid myself of the tumor was excruciating, but the experience also taught me to appreciate every moment, to chase after every new milestone and enjoy the pursuit for the adventure it is. 

This week, my book, Gift of the Realm, has finally shown up in the coming soon section at The Wild Rose Press. I'm stoked, but I'm not there yet. I still have weeks more to wait, and so much more to do and learn before my release. However, I choose to look at the hours spent on promotion and marketing like time in the cue for that roller coaster, and not a life sentence in the DMV. 

That attitude, my friends, is my wish for you. Are you there yet?

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Behind the Book Mania ~ Author Spotlight on Jillian Chantall

Hiya folks, so glad you could stop by. My friend, Jillian Chantal has embraced the mania today to tell us a bit about herself and her title SEBASTIAN'S SALVATION. And she's brought along a free copy for one lucky commenter. So without further ado, help me welcome the lovely and talented Jillian Chantal. 

Hi there, Jill. Thanks so much for visiting today. What was the germ of the idea behind Sebastian's Salvation?

I wanted to write a story with a less than perfect-bodied hero. I also wanted to write an interracial relationship. I combined both in Sebastian's Salvation.

I'm impressed. Writing can be difficult enough without adding extra challenges. What is the first book you remember loving?

A tome of The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes. I learned to read at an early age and was reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by the 3^rd grade. I carried that book everywhere.

Holy cow! 3rd grade? I guess you've always been an overachiever. So, where is the oddest place you’ve ever pulled out a book?

Good question and I really don't know an answer to this one. I read in all the normal places, like the loo and airplanes but I'm also very social so I can't see myself pulling out a book at a college football game like someone I know did. 

Ahem. I’m not going to say anything, other than, I love that you say loo! That’s so European! Anyhoo … Most authors begin writing because they love to read. Is this true of you and if so, did you write your first book because you were inspired, or because you thought, hell, I can do better than this?

None of the above. LOL. I wrote a lot as a pre-teen and teen. Then I went to college and law school and other things took precedence. I returned to writing as a way to decompress from a high-stress job as a lawyer. I found writing fiction helped my active mind wind down and kept me from fretting about the next case.

Yep, overachiever. I feel so unworthy! Okay, besides a critiquing partner, is there someone you let read your ms before submitting?

I have a beta reader who I have do a read through of the story to see if there are plot holes or if it doesn't hold together. She's super and a big reader.

Hmmm. I need to get me one of those. Which of the characters you’ve written most resembles you, and why?

I've only ever written one lawyer heroine and she is definitely a part of me. My paralegal read the story and said she could totally hear me saying some of the things Evangeline says. This story is not out yet but is being shopped right now. It's a romantic suspense on an international scale.

That's so cool! I've never written myself into a character. Can you say booooring? What is one thing your readers would be surprised to learn about you? 

I have a great sense of adventure. I love, love roller coasters and I have been skydiving. It's a super experience.

Oh gosh. I'm with you on the roller coasters, just did my first free hanging one last week in fact. But skydiving? I would hold your coat for you ... on the ground. You're nuts! Tell us a bit about Sebastian's Salvation?

Blurb:

Three lives intertwine—a former Green Beret, now a painter of nude portraits tormented by the death of his comrade, an earl’s daughter, and a crazed stalker. Will the acts of the stalker force the soldier back into the life of violence which he sought to avoid?

Sebastian Hughes, wounded on a mission in Afghanistan, discovers a talent for painting nude portraits while in a rehabilitation center learning to walk again after losing part of his leg. He becomes the toast of London society and women clamor to be painted by him.

Lady Joanna Gresham, nursing a broken heart and used to getting what she wants, sets her sights on having her portrait painted by Sebastian. Once she meets him, she wants him for herself. She pursues him, intent on winning him. What she didn’t count on was a stalker who wants to harm everyone Sebastian holds dear.

 Excerpt:

 Joanna Gresham passed Margaret in the hallway of Bast’s building. Margaret carried a saddle under her arm.

Margaret stopped her and hitched the saddle to a more comfortable position. “You one of the many?”

“Many what?”

“Clients of Bast’s?”

Joanna shook her head. “No. But I’m thinking about it. I was at his show last night and am very impressed.”

“With the man or the artist?” The woman smiled coyly

“The artist of course.” Joanna stood tall and looked down her nose at the impertinent woman. The nerve to ask me such a thing. As if I’d be interested in a hoodlum.

“Don’t have to get huffy, Lady Joanna. All the women in town are swooning over the man. Some are even commissioning portraits just to tempt him with their bodies. No harm meant.”

Joanna ran her hands through her hair. “Sorry. Just moody, I guess.”

“No problem. Enjoy your session.”

“I don’t have a session. I’m just going to talk.”

“Good luck then. I think you’ll like Bast. I gotta go. Late for a practice run.”

“Good luck with practice. Ta, Margaret.” Joanna waved good-bye and approached the door to Bast’s atelier. Why am I so nervous? He’s just a man I want to hire. Why should I feel so skittish?

Joanna knocked lightly on the door.

The door burst open, and the man asked, “What did you for—”

He stopped short. “Uh. Sorry, I thought you were Margaret, come back for something she forgot. She always leaves something behind.”

“Is that why you were already at the door?”

He smiled. “Yeah. I give her about three minutes after she leaves to come dashing back. I thought I timed it right.” His smile got larger.

Why does his smile have to be so spectacular? He’s gorgeous even with that scar across his face. “Sorry, it’s just me. I’m not sure if you remember—”

“Of course, I do. You’re the lady in the alley, the one that needed no help with her aching feet. Come on in.” He opened the door wider to allow her access to the loft.

Once they were inside, he showed her over to a client chair. He took a seat behind the desk, leaned across the top, and asked, “What can I do for you?”

She put one hand on the desktop and scraped her nail across the surface. “I was at your show last night—”

“Yeah, I know. I saw you, remember?”

“I recall.” She frowned. Was the man determined to make her feel stupid?

“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. Go on.” Bast nodded his encouragement.

“I was thinking I might want a portrait of myself. Your work is impressive. Very tasteful. I know it seems like I’m just jumping on a trend, but I really am in awe of your abilities.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate it. I’m a little full right now. The show last night garnered me a lot of commissions, and I’m afraid I don’t have time to add one more person to my schedule. I’ll be glad to put you on the waiting list.” He pulled a pad out of his top drawer.

She stood, and the chair teetered and fell back against the wall. “I know what you’re doing. You jerk.”

He leaned back in his chair and looked at her. His face showed no emotion. “What’s your problem, Lady?”

“Lady? You say it that way because you know who I am? You think you can be a sarcastic bastard to me?”

“Ma’am, you came in here, didn’t introduce yourself to me, and now you’re offended? I can’t figure that out. All I said was I have to put you on my waiting list. How you think that’s something offensive, I don’t know.” He sat forward in the chair.

She glared. “I’m Lady Joanna Gresham. I don’t do waiting lists.”

He stood up and walked around the desk to her. He got in her face and said, “I don’t do snobby Ladies. So, I suggest you get out of my studio.”

Joanna pushed his chest. “I just bet you don’t do ladies.” She looked around and took in the whole room and nodded toward the fainting couch under the window. “I bet you do the ladies right over there.”

Enraged, he grabbed her arms and shoved her against the wall. He pressed against her. “If I wanted to do a lady, I’d do her right here against this wall.” He lifted her off her feet as if she was no larger than a toy doll and pulled her over to the other client chair. He sat in it and pulled her on top of himself. “Or here in this chair.”

She jerked off his lap and stumbled backward. “How dare you touch me, you arrogant—”

“What? Black bastard? Is that what you want to call me, your white holiness? Lady Joanna Gresham that doesn’t do waiting lists? Huh? Huh? That what you want to say?” He stood up.

She continued to back up. “You’re crazy. You know that? You’re insane.”

He stalked toward her. “And you’re all alone here with me. A crazy, scar-faced, big black man who isn’t intimidated by a title. Now, what are you gonna do?”

“I’m leaving.” She flounced toward the door.

Just as she got to the door and opened it, he slammed his hand on it and shut it. His body leaned against hers. He pressed against her and whispered, “I bet you always leave. When the going gets tough and you don’t get your way, you leave. Right?”

He let go of the door and stepped back. “Thank you for coming by, ma’am. I’ll be sure to not add you to the waiting list.”

       She jerked the door open and left.
           

Mmmm. Sounds like a couple of handfulls. That always makes for a fun read in my book. Thanks so much for visiting, Jillian. Before you go, where can we find you? And Sebastian’s Salvation?

Visit me on the web here: jillianchantal.com

twitter: JillianChantal

Book trailer: youtube

Buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/sebastians-salvation

Don't forget to leave your email address so Jillian can contact you in case you are her winner today.

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Saturday Sidebar ~ Top Of The Morning To You

     In this melting pot we call America, unless you've recently arrived from far away shores, you probably claim a mix of fascinating heritages. But every year on the 17th of March, every American carries a bit of the blarney. The day's historical and religious roots aside, to me, St. Patrick's Day represents that uniquely American phenomenon where peoples from all over the world stand together as one. Whether you thrill to a river running green, set up your lawn chair to cheer on a local parade, or gather with friends to swill green beer, today, like me, you're Irish.

     Considering the divisive world we live in, figuratively linking arms to celebrate the joy of life doesn't happen nearly enough. Ah, if only every day were St. Patty's Day. 

    This year, my Irish heritage has brought me many blessings. My dream of becoming a published author is about to come true, with two titles to be released in the coming months. Gift of the Realm is a fantasy romance, appropriately set in an Irish village, while That Dating Thing is a humorous contemporary taking place in New York. 

(Yes, I know. Shameless plug. *wink*)

     

     But, I've also reached four years of survival this year, and my oldest son and his lovely wife presented me with my very own leprechaun. Now I ask you, who needs a pot of gold when they are greeted each day with a smile like this?

     

     So, my friends, as you search for your own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I offer you my favorite Irish blessing:

May those who love you, love you,

and those who don't love you,

may God turn their hearts.

And if He doesn't turn their hearts,

may He turn their ankles...

So you'll know them by their limping.

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