I've Moved!

Yep, I've shuffled on over to mackenziecrowne.com  See you there!

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