27 June 2014

Cover Reveal ~ Love Overcomes

Love Overcomes banner cover reveal
 
LOVE OVERCOMES
by Angela Schroeder
A romantic novel coming October 21 from Anaiah Press!
About the book:
Single mother Arabella Mackenzie never imagined that going to California with her sister Clara would have such a huge impact on her life. Since the end of a disastrous relationship, Arabella has been wary of wanting or needing anyone other than her family. But when she meets hunky actor, Jeremy Fowlis, she begins to have feelings for a man for the first time since her three year old son was born. Now, she needs to try to overcome her past and learn to trust again.
Jeremy is not used to women who don't want to date him, or at least show him off to their friends - he is an in-demand actor, after all. He is tired of the shallow, avaricious attention that he gets from the public, but when he meets intelligent, cautious Arabella, she doesn't even know his name. Arabella’s grounded beauty captivates him instantly, but, he is wary of getting involved with a single mother with a complicated past.
Can Arabella and Jeremy both overcome their doubts and fears in order to find love?

And here's the cover...
 
Love Overcomes 1600x2400


 
AngelaSchroederAbout the Author:
I was born and raised in Iowa. I am a single mother to three fantastic children. I enjoy attending church, playing games with my kids, and spending time with my parents and siblings. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I believe that a hand written letter will never go out of style.
 
 
Website     Twitter      Goodreads
 
 
 

21 June 2014

Midsummer Blog Hop

 
Thanks to I Am A Reader for hosting another fabulous blog hop...
 
Sunning your self on a warm sandy beach? Watching the rain pelt down your window pane? Or perhaps you are down-under and wishing for the sunshine to return?
Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, come and join hundreds authors who have goodies to share and gifts on offer.

 
...and the chance to share a little bit about my latest releases.
 
He's My Husky (published by EsKape Press)
Blurb:
All her life, Emma has shared a special affinity with dogs, communicated with them in an extraordinary way. A bond it seemed her son would share when an aging husky took on the role of his protector. But it’s been six months since Shane last had a dog in his life. With each day that passes, Emma grows increasingly anxious. While she doesn’t understand why, she knows it has something to do with the lack of a dog as Shane’s guardian. She certainly didn't expect Shane’s absentee father to return and solve the problem.
 
"This book took me by surprise and had a few unexpected twists and turned which I enjoyed. I loved the characters and the special abilities they had. The story flowed well, was fast moving and kept me hooked. If you're looking for a contemporary romance with a paranormal twist, this is a good short read."
 
"This is the first time that I have read anything by Gloag. I was not disappointed. I am not fond of novellas at all but I was very impressed with this story. It was well written and had strong characters. It was easy to relate to. I look forward to reading more of Gloag's work!"
 
and
 
http://www.amazon.com/Magpie-Chronicles-Sherry-Gloag-ebook/dp/B00KQLQZ4S/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401805224&sr=1-6&keywords=Sherry+Gloag
The Magpie Chronicles (published by EsKape Press)
Blurb:
 Sherry Gloag offers you thirteen enticing, mystifying and exciting mixed genre short stories, including romance, mystery, paranormal horror, and Regency, based on thirteen lines of the children's nursery rhyme that begins - One for sorrow, Two for joy...
 
"Each story was well-written and packed a punch for their size. Definitely a good read for someone who wants short, impactful stories and doesn't want to get stuck down with the same genre and topic for too long." 
 
" I did go through different emotions while reading these stories. It is nice to be able to pick up a book and read just a few pages when you only have a minute or two and not feel like you are missing something by having to put it down. (The stories are very short so you can read through one in only a few minutes). I did enjoy this book and will be looking for more from this author in the future."
 
Giveaway 
I am also offering 2 pdf copies of each of my Gasquet Princes series. (Four individual winners will receive one copy each.) All you have to do is leave a comment (including your email if you want a chance to win!)
 
Find out below what others are saying about My Gasquet Princes...
 
 From Now Until Forever (published by Astraea Press)
Blurb:
For Prince Liam, families meant bad news, unwanted commitments, and the loss of his personal freedom. Love spawned white picket fences, slippers at the hearth with a wife and kids making demands, so why did those images disappear when he met Melanie Babcot?

Melanie Babcot fought hard to escape the horrors of her youth and vowed to remain single and free, so when paid to protect Prince Liam from insurgents why did her personal pledge fly out the window?
"Ms. Gloag knows how to pack a punch. This sweet romance will keep you on your the edge of your seat. A romance filled with action and adventure while trying to stay alive"
 
"Sherry Gloag has a way with words and with characterization. I found FROM NOW UNTIL FOREVER to be fast and fun. I always enjoy lovers on the run and it was easy to get caught up in their story and root for Liam and Melanie.

This is quick read as it's a novella, but that doesn't mean it's lacking in plot. Ms. Gloag builds tension, drops in tight cliff-hangers and leaves us with a satisfying, romantic conclusion. I look forward to reading more from her."
 
His Chosen Bride (published by Astraea Press)
Blurb:
Prince Henri Gasquet is happy to let his father, the king, choose his bride for him, until he meets Monica Latimer.

Monica Latimer is not prepared to risk letting any man close enough to learn about her Gift. A gift that normally has men running for the hills when they find out about it.

What will happen when both mindsets are challenged? 
 
"I found "His Chosen Bride" a very delightful read and if you are in for a good romance this read is for you. This novel was one that I could not put down until I was finished."
 
"This was an outstanding read! Author Sherry Gloag really captured my attention from the beginning.
This story was about a future king who fell in love with an ordinary girl who had extraordinary powers. He was afraid that she would not be willing to give up the simple life and share the life that would be required of a future queen and all the pomp and circumstance that surrounded his position.
She, on the other hand, did not know how he would respond to the ability she had to foretell the future. All her other suitors had left her when she displayed herskill. She had the ability to see everyone else's future except her own.
Author Gloag kept me engaged throughout the entire story because the plot and characters were well developed. I can't wait to read more books from this author."
 
Don't miss the chance to meet/visit hundreds of other authors, to win M-O-R-E fabulous prizes, hop back to the list of participating authors HERE :-)
 
Thank you for coming by and sharing a few moments of your summer with me.
 
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20 June 2014

Heather Gray's Jackal ~Author Spotlight

JACKAL(Regency Refuge #2)
Back Cover Blurb:Hiding in the shadows just got harder.
When tragedy strikes, Juliana and her family must flee their home. Can they persuade a virtual stranger to help them? Juliana isn't so sure, especially after their chaperone threatens to cane him. Even as Juliana struggles to trust him, she finds herself drawn to this mysterious man. Surely all she wants from him is refuge…
Rupert is a man whose life depends on his ability to remain unnoticed. What, then, is he supposed to do with this family he's inherited?  His life is overrun with an ancient chaperone who would terrify a lesser man, two spirited girls, and the secretive Juliana – someone he comes to think of as his own precious jewel.
With this new responsibility thrust upon him, Rupert will have to make sacrifices – but will God ask him to sacrifice everything?
Excerpt:1810
A duke had been cut down in the prime of his life. According to the War Department, The Hunter was to blame.
Jackal had been put onto The Hunter's scent and told to ferret him out at all cost. It was his job, his duty to the crown, and he treated it with the seriousness it demanded. Evil could not be allowed to go unpunished, and people who took pleasure in destroying the lives of others would not walk away with impunity, not on his watch.
Jackal met with his contacts in the Austrian government and found no gratification in revealing they had a traitor in their midst. It had been a necessary move, and now the problem would be dealt with. The Austrians would put The Hunter down, and England's hands would remain clean of the mess, exactly as the minister wanted.
Grim foreboding furrowed his brow as he left the meeting with the Austrians. His lack of evidence mocked him. He'd done as ordered, and they'd believed him, but had it been his choice, he'd have gathered more proof first.
Jackal climbed into his carriage and slapped his hand against the roof, signaling the driver with his readiness to depart. A lengthy ride awaited him. He would leave the carriage and his current identity behind in Munich once he arrived there. New papers and fresh horses were waiting for him. The same would happen again when he crossed over into Stuttgart, and then again in Brussels. His task was clear: remain alive long enough to claim each of the new identities and return safely to his homeland.
Sitting back on the roughly cushioned seat, he accepted what he'd begun to suspect. This would be his last assignment for the crown. He was getting too old for the job. The time to retire was upon him. The younger bucks were willing – if not entirely ready – to take their place among the ranks of the unseen, unknown, and unnamed heroes of war. Jackal shook his head. Not too long ago, he'd been one of those young bucks. Ready for retirement at age thirty-two? The thought would be laughable in any other career. In his line of work, though, only those who retired young lived to be old and grey.
Lost in melancholy, Jackal barely noted the change from the raucous noise of a bustling merchant district to the quiet pastoral sounds that would accompany him on most of this journey. Europe was a large land with rich cities interspersed with vast emptiness dotted with small hamlets. Traveling by carriage would take weeks, but as long as he could report back that he'd done as ordered, it would be worth the time.
He settled into his seat. They were still days from their first sanctioned stop. As always, the best defense was to keep moving.
****
A change in the carriage's soothing methodical movement woke Jackal from his doze and alerted him that something was amiss. Awareness coursed through his veins, pushing away the remnant of sleep. A quick glance at the curtained window told him it was late morning. They'd ridden through the night to put as much distance as possible between them and Vienna – the current hub of Austrian government.
The carriage was moving with a wildness he'd felt only one other time in his life. Dread snaked through his middle as he accepted the truth. There was no longer a driver in control of his conveyance. Jackal crouched low on the floor for balance as he prepared to throw open the door and jump. Perhaps he should have sought retirement one assignment sooner.
Before his hand could touch the door, a jarring force threw Jackal against the seat to his left, shooting pain up his arm. They'd been boarded, then, and his driver – an agent he'd worked with for years – had likely not been alive to sound the alarm. Emotion would come later. For now, Jackal needed to focus on one thing: Survival.
The carriage gained speed under the skillful hand of whoever now sat in the driver's seat. I should have jumped when I had the chance. Jackal shook his head as he calculated the odds of survival.
Palming his gun, he pounded on the roof of the carriage, commanding the driver to stop. Surprise flared to life as his conveyance did indeed come to a standstill. Rather than slow to a gentle stop, the carriage halted its forward momentum in a skidding bone-shaking fashion. It was the kind of stop that guaranteed no beast would be able to walk away from it afterward.
Jackal jumped before the dust could settle. His best chance would be to go on the offence and catch the driver off-guard. Though he'd assumed the driver had a partner, nothing could have prepared him for the vicious attack awaiting him on the other side of the door.
Jackal no sooner touched the ground than he was trampled under the anxious feet of a high-stepping horse. He'd not even had a chance to gain his footing. As he lay on the ground, Jackal both heard and felt the breaking of bone in his left leg. A couple of his ribs surrendered to the heavy hooves as well. Rolling onto his side, he took aim at the perpetrator. The sun blinded him, and he could distinguish no features on the man whose gun dared him to move. In the split second it took for him to reassure himself he was not aiming at an innocent bystander – for they were indeed in one of the numerous modest hamlets that dotted the continent's countryside – the rider pulled the trigger, and pain seared through Jackal's already throbbing leg. It felt as if the lead had burrowed its way into his very bone.
He pulled the trigger of his flintlock pistol, and the man on the horse recoiled. Even as Jackal reached for the gun concealed at the ankle of his wounded leg, he knew it was futile. The rider had a second gun in-hand before his own fingers even brushed against the grip of his hidden weapon. Pain tore through his shoulder, immobilizing his shooting arm. Another ball of lead ripped into his middle. He felt his blood seeping out onto the street.
Accepting his fate, he asked only one thing. "At whose hand am I to die this day?"
Laughter vile enough to sour port met his question. "Today the Jackal shall meet his end at the hands of The Hunter."
The Hunter? The Austrians were supposed to have him by now.
"Your plan failed, and I am free. Prepare to die."
Blackness closing in around him, Jackal released the last thought held captive in his mind.
Why God?
Cold claimed his body as he slipped into darkness. He neither heard nor felt the next shot.
Author Bio:
Heather Gray is the author of the Ladies of Larkspur inspirational western romance series, including Mail Order man, Just Dessert, and Redemption.  She also writes the Regency Refuge series with titles His Saving Grace, Jackal, and the soon-to-be-released Queen.  But that's not all!  Interested in contemporary Christian romance?  Take a look at Ten Million Reasons and Nowhere for Christmas.
Heather loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order!  She writes approachable and flawed characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her.  And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict.  Some things just can't be helped.
Buy Links:
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19 June 2014

True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager ~ Book Blast

 
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
Tagline: A little competition can really bring out people’s true colors.
Back Cover Blurb: Every day I walked down the sidewalk to school and wished I were one of the interesting popular girls who ran up with exciting news. Just once I’d like to be one of those girls instead of the being the one who didn’t get invited to things because people “forgot” about me.
Landry gets pushed into trying out for the American Ingénue reality show modeling competition with her two best friends.  She doesn’t think she stands a chance, but she advances to the next level in the competition and her friends ignore her when they get cut. 
Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut and includes Landry in her clique. Devon becomes the perfect best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition?
Landry hopes her big break could come at any moment, but soon sees there’s much more to modeling. She begins missing out on being with friends and has the chance to have a boyfriend when she meets a boy named Vladi from another school.
Part of Landry wants to be famous (and have her hair look good for once), but part of her just wants to be accepted. She learns about friendships, being true to yourself, and that a good hair conditioner doesn’t hurt.
Excerpt:
The competition was for girls between the ages of thirteen and seventeen, but it felt like Ericka, Tori, and I were the youngest ones there. I only saw a couple of girls from school, and the lineup looked more like something you’d see on a music video set. All the girls were gorgeous, and they had these curvy womanly bodies. I looked like a skinny little kid next to them. The first girl walked out, and I heard the judges say she “owned the runway,” and, “walked like a gazelle.” I was starting to feel ill. I wasn’t sure which way it was going to come, but I knew I had to find a bathroom — fast. I started to get out of line when Ericka grabbed my wrist.
“It’s almost time,” she said. A tiny bit of spit flew out of her mouth and hit my cheek.
I wasn’t sure why she was so intent on me going through with it, but she had a death grip on my arm, so I didn’t have much of a choice. Her number was called and she walked out to the stage. One of the other girls said she walked like a kid with sand bucket stilts on her feet, but she came back with a smirk on her face like she knew she’d get chosen.
“They said they had never seen such long legs,” she said.
Tori was next.
“She walks like a gorilla at feeding time,” said the girl behind me. I went next, and I tried to focus on not tripping over my feet. My mom’s pumps had a rubber sole on the bottom, which probably wasn’t the brightest idea seeing as my shoes were making squeaking noises as I walked. I was so nervous I couldn’t stop smiling as I walked. I looked like the plastic clown who blows up balloons with its mouth at the Pizza Palace. When I got to the end of the runway, I tried to cross my feet to turn like the other girls had, but I over rotated and ended up doing a full spin which made my kilt fan out and gave the mall walkers a view of my blue underpants. I tried to act like it was intentional and did an extra turn. One of the judges put her hand up to stop me, and I held my breath as she started to speak.
 
To Buy Links:
Amazon        BarnesandNoble
 
Author bio: Krysten Lindsay Hager is an author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and also writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. Her debut novel, TRUE COLORS, will be out June 17th from Astraea Press. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows.
Links:

10 June 2014

Tuesday's Tales - Picture Prompt



Welcome to Tuesday's Tales

Welcome to Tuesday Tales and this week's picture prompt . This excerpt is taken from Megan's Story, the follow-on WIP from Duty Calls. [The large print version available at online outlets from May 29th] Luke Hawk is Rafe's half-brother (Duty Calls) and Megan's brother. (working title - Megan's Story) It is taken from an earlier scene than the one last week.
 

A couple of rings later Luke answered. “Vince? Hi, are you still intending to visit Megan?”

“Luke,” Vince ignored Luke’s question. “Listen to me. I’m with Megan now, and I think you should get here without delay, and call your parents and get them here too.”

“Hell, man. You’re scaring the shit out of me Vince. What the hell’s going on? If you’ve done anything to hurt her, you’ll regret it.”

“Luke, I’d never hurt her, surely you know that? I can’t discuss it on the phone, but she needs you all here now.” Vince waited long enough to hear Luke confirm he’s talk with his parents and get them and himself to Megan’s as quickly as possible before cutting the call.

Gently he eased Megan away from him and scanned the room for a comforter to wrap her in before taking off his Jacket and pulling it round her shoulders. He banked every cushion he could find around her before crossing the room to switch on the fire. Cheerful gas-induced flames leaped to life, creating an orange pattern of dancing flames on the opposite wall.

When he’d arrived, the summer sunlight filtered through a growing accumulation of grey clouds, now those clouds obscured it completely, darkening the normally cheerful room. Vince headed to the kitchen and filled the kettle with cold water. He opened cabinet doors searching for mugs or cups and saucers. The fourth try yielded up several cheerfully decorated mugs. He lifted two down and placed them on the counter top. Another search revealed tea, coffee and sugar containers.
 
 
Thanks for reading this week's offering. 
Please click below to enjoy more amazing reads at
 
 
 
  
 
 
Duty Calls is featured all this month by
Black Opal Books
 and all versions are on a special
15% off  offer

3 June 2014

Tuesday Tales 3rd June ~ bottom

 


Welcome to Tuesday's Tales

Welcome to Tuesday Tales where 'bottom' is the prompt word today. This excerpt is taken from Megan's Story, the follow-on WIP from Duty Calls. [The large print version available at online outlets from May 29th] Luke Hawk is Rafe's half-brother (Duty Calls) and Megan's brother. (working title - Megan's Story)

“I’m sorry, I came in as the last of your pupils departed. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Luke Hawk.”

With a nod Amy acknowledged his introduction. “Amy Fielding.” She reached for the rest of the books on her desktop and stuffed them haphazardly in with the others. “What can I do for you?” 

The sound of the clasp snapping shut sounded loud in the now silent room. Amy placed her case on the floor beside her feet, she didn’t fancy making any more of a fool of herself than she already had by dropping the now fully loaded case.

“You called my sister earlier today. Because she can’t make it today, she’s asked me to swing by and see what the problem is, and whether I can help in any way.”

“Well, I’m not sure you can.” How did you describe a feeling, a concern? Careful never to show favouritism to any students, nevertheless, Amy was fond of Tammy and her normally outgoing personality. The girl always had time for others especially new students and those who lacked self-confidence. She had a way that soon had shy students participating fully in all the events both in and out of school.

“Try me.” Luke Hawk hitched a strong muscle thigh onto the corner of her desk, his smile zeroing in on her solar plexus like an exorcet missile. 

Amy leaned back against her desk and hitched her bottom onto the cool surface. 

“I first noticed something was bothering her about a week ago.”

“What happened” Luke leaned against the other end of the desk.

“Nothing tangible. You have to know Tammy to understand…” Amy’s voice faded with realisation her uncle would know the girl as well if not better than her teacher. “I mean…”

Luke leaned across the desk and with a smile rested his hand reassuringly on her arm. “Please, go on.”


“Well, as I was saying, it wasn’t something I could put into words. More a look in her eye when she didn’t know she was being watched. You have to understand she’s like a little mother to the other students who are not so outgoing as many of her other classmates. Tammy has the rare capacity of being liked by all her classmates without garnering jealousy.”

“Her mother was just the same.” Luke smiled at the memory. Megan had been like a tigress in defence of her cubs if she’d seen signs of bullying. “Go on.” He repeated.

The sound of a bucket clattering against the door startled them both. They looked up in time to see the cleaner’s face peering through the glass panel in the door.

“Let’s get out of here.” Amy shifted off the desk and picked up her bag from the open drawer.
 
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2 June 2014

Author Spotlight on Allyson Carter and her Book Wounded Hero

Blurb

After a bitter divorce, Shelby Johnson is looking to rebuild a life for her and her daughter, Hannah, while avoiding the thing she mistrusts most: men. Her resolve is tested, however, when her brother’s best friend, Mark, moves in across the street and her long-buried feelings for him return. Can she possibly open up her heart again? Is she willing to let herself love? When someone threatens her life she quickly realizes that her heart isn’t the only thing on the line and she turns to the only man she feels she can trust.

Reliving everything he lost overseas, Mark Daniels goes back to his hometown to try and live a peaceful life but instead gets caught up in Shelby’s troubles.. He knows she needs someone to protect her but can he be that man? Except, being near Shelby again is making him feel things he’d rather never feel—again. When his past comes to haunt him in a way he never excepted, he vows to protect Shelby and her daughter until his last breath. 
Excerpt 
“Stay right here, sweetie.”
Reaching in, she picked up the paper. At first the words written on the thing didn’t register. She had to re-read them twice.
Keep quiet or else.
Her hands shook. A lump formed in her throat. When Mark walked out to the car, their gazes met. She noted the concern on his face as he stared at her.
“What’s the matter, Shell?”
She tried to talk, but nothing would come out. When he rushed to her side, she gave him the note. The words had been created with letters out of magazines or something, glued to the paper. She tightened her hold on Hannah. Someone had put the paper there when they were a few feet away. Why?
“Take Hannah and move to the sidewalk.”
Shelby nodded then moved to where he told her. He pulled out his cell and punched in a number. Mark moved with determination as he talked on the phone with the police. Within moments, a squad car showed up. So much for not having attention on her while she was out with Mark. Who had put the note in her car? Better yet, how did they get in when she’d locked the car?
“Shelby, do you have someone mad at you?” Detective Moore asked as he shut the door to his car and made his way over to her.
You can buy Wounded Hearts here. 
 
DB5-u8O6Author Bio
Allyson writes in the sweet, suspense, and Christian romance genres. In her books, you’ll find emotionally stirring story lines, as well as suspense with faith mixed in. She resides in Missouri with her loving husband and four wonderful children, and three cats. When not spending time with her family, you can find her knitting, and watching way too many suspense shows and reality TV



Allyson can be found around the internet at Facebook, Twitter and her website.  

1 June 2014

Sunday Snippet ~ 1st June ~ Duty Calls

 Duty Calls (15% off all versions) is one of Black Opal's Books featured books throughout June. 
 
 
Here is another snippet from Duty Calls, which is now available in large print as well as print and kindle editions.
 
He resurrected images of the first time he’d seen Cadmore’s fake sister. She reminded him of a long term druggie, with her lank, shoulder-length, dyed hair, cheap white cotton blouse, and black skirt. Her scrawny, flat-chested body repulsed him, and he wondered why Cadmore presumed he’d accept the woman over his twenty grand. Then Rafe had wondered why he’d accepted the bet. He’d seen her unsuccessful attempts to disguise her fear when he’d handled her like a piece of meat on a butcher’s slab during the card game.
 
He hadn’t gone to the decrepit house to play poker. He’d gone to learn more about the man who claimed to be the rightful heir to Lord Kinsale’s estates. And to do that, he’d
accepted Cadmore’s invitation to join him in an evening’s poker game. 

Then he remembered the woman’s old scars, small and round running down her arms, and across her chest mingled with new bruising from their brush with death. And the crisscrossed welts on her back, he’d assumed she received while immersed in the raging river.

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