Don’t you love a book sale? My girl, D.V. Stone, a fellow WRP sistah, is having one righ now on her One Scoop or Two book RAINBOW SPRINKLES
Here’s D.V. with a little about the book and the sale:
Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream. A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he’s lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop. With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?
Excerpt
“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”
“No, you’re welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”
Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”
When he disappeared into the hallway and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”
Bio
Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter, and their cat, Baby. Certain threads appear in her books, like Heavenly Brew the coffee shop, Taylor Egg and Cheese, and in Rainbow Sprinkles, her time as an ice cream shop owner is evident. Even the basset hounds are part of her past.
My WILD ROSE PRESS sistah, TENA STETLER, has just added to the growing – and delicious – One Scoop or Two series with the publication of her novella CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MAGIC.
Tena and her book’s hero, Paul, are stopping by today for a little chat…
Tena – take it away…..
Thanks for having us Peggy. Paul had a few minutes before he had to get to work. So here we are. Ask away.
Hero in Chocolate Raspberry Magic: Paul Thorpe
Tell us about the real you—
I was in the Special Forces for several years until the most recent assignment in the middle east went south. Most of us didn’t survive. Until recently, I wasn’t sure survivor was what you’d call me. My world consisted of flash backs, nightmares and PTSD. The VA’s prescription drugs were of little help. Self-medicating with alcohol wasn’t the answer either. Then one of my buddies hooked up with a place called Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehab. He claimed a the former Navy SEAL co-owned the place worked with veterans to help us cope with what happened to us and found jobs we fit in. That’s how I came to be security and computer support for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a job I excel at and working with the traumatized animals is somehow soothing to me. They don’t judge, they listen, eventually they trust and get better and so do you.
How would people physically describe you?
Tall, muscled, shaggy straight black hair with startling blue eyes. My mom was Native American, my dad was of Irish descent. In a low voice, he said. Trinity likes my dimples. He shrugs.
What is the most inspirational thing you’ve ever done in your life?
I served my county for the right reasons, after that… I got kinda lost. Joined the ranks of Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and helped with the rescue and fund raising for Puffin Cove Rescue. Participating in things like that changes a person in ways you’ll never understand unless you’ve been there.
If you could map out the next five years of your life, what would that look like?
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I want the stable home, family and relationship in which we understand and support each other. I also plan to remain with the Salem Wildlife Sanctuary.
What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?
Not even going there. Next question.
What do you do for fun? Hiking with the pup I adopted. Spend time with Trinity. Oh she’s the assistant manager at Salem Sanctuary. We learned a lot about each other during the Puffin Cove rescue and fund raiser.
Life advice for the masses?
Believe in yourself and always be willing to help another human being. Never know when you’ll be the one needing help. Pay it forward.
Everyone is made up of both good and bad elements. What are your best qualities and what are your worst qualities?
Best – would be willing to help-out where needed. I’m very mechanically inclined. So there is very little that I can’ fix, design or build. Which comes in handy in my line of work.
Worst. – Way too many to mention. But coping with PTSD and my temper are the two main ones that come to mind. I’m working on both.
Lastly, tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed? Lots of dust bunnies.
Tena,Tell us a little about writing this story.
Chocolate Raspberry Magic was a blast to write. Who doesn’t love a hunky hero, a strong heroine, adorable animals, and a feel good tale? It’s kinda a continuation of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC, but still a stand-alone. I knew Trinity and Paul would need their own story and tying it into where they met was just fun.
Do my characters act as I expect? Heaven’s no. Probably because I am a write by the seat of my pants author. LOL
Tell us about Chocolate Raspberry Magic:
Prim and proper Trinity Shiloh is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. She hasn’t had much luck in the boyfriend department, but the new employee Paul is different. Deep and brooding she sees something special hidden below the surface. Besides she has secrets of her own.
Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. He’s fought hard to keep his demons in check and for the first time feels he is ready for a real relationship.
When a fire breaks out at Puffin Cove Rescue, they are called in to help with the recovery and ice cream social fundraiser. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and neither are people. When magic is unleashed, will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?
A sneak peek between the pages of Chocolate Raspberry Magic:
As Trinity walked through the aftermath of the fire, she lifted the yellow and black caution tape and carefully stepped inside the building. Her gut clenched and that feeling of foreboding washed over her again. The farther she ventured into the burnt building the stronger the gut-wrenching feeling became. Something needs my help. This was a new sensation. She took a small flashlight out of her backpack, directed the beam over the scorched debris, and moved the rubble with her toe. Nothing.
One more sweep of the light and she’d return to the others. Probably not supposed to be here anyway. A weak squawk emanated from the far corner of the building. Picking up a scorched stick, she poked at the debris. A puff of smoke rose as she made her way to where the sound came from. Shining the light into the corner, she saw movement. She knelt down and carefully shifted the charred rubble. Laying on its side, head slightly raised, and using a wing in an attempt to right itself was a small parrot. Its little eyes locked on her for a moment before its head lowered to the ground.
Frantically, she glanced around, but there was no one in sight. How far had she ventured without telling anyone? The structure overhead groaned in warning. No time. “Okay little one, it’s you and me. I don’t have much experience at this, but I’ll do my best.” Shrugging out of her backpack, she unzipped it completely. “I’m going to scoop you up in my backpack and get help.” She didn’t raise her voice to call for help for fear of scaring the poor thing.
Clearing as much debris away from the bird as possible, she scooped up the parrot in her bag. Slowly she stood, so as not to jostle the little creature. Holding the bag gently against her chest, she picked her way across the downed wooden braces, charred remnants of cabinetry, and broken glass.
“Trinity, Trinity, where are you?” Paul’s worried voice pierced the air.
“Over here,” she called with relief directing the flashlight beam toward his voice. The wind shifted the burnt skeleton of the building emitting a squeeing sound of swaying twisted, wet wood. This section of the structure was in danger of collapsing.
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
I love day’s like this. I get to shout out about one of my favorite books of the year, one of my favorite authors, and a dear writing pal!! Charlotte O’Shay, one of my ubertalented Wild Rose Press sistahs, has a new book releasing today, titled ALWAYS, ALMOND FUDGE. It’s part of the wonderful One Scoop or Two series from WRP and I was honored to read the book prior to publication. You can see my review at the end of this post, but here’s a hint: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I’m gonna give it over to Charlotte now so she can tell you a bit about this wonderful story.
Absolutely. I’ve only written contemporary romance so far. This story is a 20th century historical starting in 1941. (Can you believe we are twenty years into a new century already?)
It’s also a sweet romance. I typically write steamier stories.
Why write historical?
I want to stretch myself as a writer and historical romance is a challenge. Language, lifestyle, dress, and the drama of the WW2 era— I had to get myself into the proper head and research to get details and the atmosphere right.
How does this fit into the One Scoop or Two series?
Summertime (in the northern hemisphere), seaside, and ice cream are what link all of the stories in this series. When I thought about those words my immediate vision was of a sweet, in name and deed, romance that starts on the eve of America’s entry into World War Two.
What inspired the characters of Merry and Anthony?
My parents. Like Merry and Anthony, there’s an age gap between them. My father had to ask my mom’s employer if he could ask her on a date. (She had a summer job as a waitress in a resort.) He was very much like the character of Anthony— a city kid, a stellar natural athlete, whether baseball, swimming, horseback riding, ice skating, you name it. He loved to sing and cook, too! Just a happy go lucky guy who always told us when he met our mom for the first time, “I fell like a ton of bricks.”
On a lengthy car ride to their annual seaside vacation, a mother recounts the true story of a sweet family tradition.
It’s the summer of 1941 in the seaside town of Langford, Rhode Island, and seventeen-year-old Meredith Franklin works as a server at Seymore’s Ice Cream Shoppe. When aspiring baseball player Anthony Fanelli strolls into the ice cream shop, his teasing banter leads to romantic sparks and dreams of forever love.
Their whirlwind courtship comes to an abrupt halt on December 7, 1941, when America enters World War Two, forcing the couple to put their future on hold.
Decades later, a treasure trove of wartime letters details the romance of Merry and Anthony and the sacrifices of a generation.
(click above link for Amazon, Kobo, Apple/IBooks, Barnes & Noble Nook & Google)
Excerpt:
But jeepers, if anything could sidetrack a girl it would be Anthony Fanelli. If anyone could turn a determined woman’s head in the direction of romance it was this handsome fellow who’d smiled big and placed his hand over his heart when he saw her sitting in the stands. Merry had blushed to the roots of her hair, hair that was pinned to the side in deference to the ninety-something degree heat. She’d worn a navy skirt and a simple white polo—Rockets colors. A few of the Langford folk had looked her way at Anthony’s public display but Merry simply smiled and tilted her chin in response. It didn’t matter what stories they might carry back to her parents. Nothing would ever mar the memory of the first time she saw Anthony play.
A little about Charlotte O’Shay
Award winning Author Charlotte O’Shay was born in New York City into big family and then married into another big family.
Negotiating skills honed at the dinner table led her to a career in the law.
After four beautiful children joined the crowded family tree, Charlotte traded her legal career to write about happily ever afters in the City of Dreams.
Charlotte loves to challenge her heroines and heroes with a crisis and watch them figure out who they are while they fall in love.
The ONE SCOOP OR TWO series are all novellas by Award Winning and Bestselling Authors of the Wild Rose Press. See a complete list of the books available in the One Scoop or Two series at The Wild Rose Press, here: OSOT
Pssst… more books are planned for 2021!!!
My review of ALWAYS, ALMOND FUDGE is here( Hint: I LOVED IT!) : AAF
Summer is just exploding today on my blog!! I’ve got fellow Wild Rose Author and One Scoop Or Two contributor, Maria Imbalzano with me and she’s giving me a little peek at her addition to the series, THE BLUEBERRY SWIRL WALTZ. I’m in lovelovelove with this cover:
Here’s Maria with the research she did for the book – and I think you’re gonna love this story!!
This book came about when my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, put out a call to their authors for submissions for an ice cream themed novella to be published this summer, The rules were simple. The story must take place during the summer and center around or have something to do with an ice cream parlor/stand. It should take place near water, a beach, or a resort town, and the title had to contain an ice cream flavor.
Memories of my grandmother’s ice cream and confectionery shop in Roebling came to mind. Since I was only five or so when my grandmother sold the shop, my memories were vague. So I peppered my mother with questions and a new story was born.
Not only did I set the story at an ice cream and confectionery shop in Roebling in 1951, (before my time, and due to the year, this book is considered historical romance) I also based the heroine loosely on my mom, who was an Arthur Murray’s dance teacher for several years in the 50s.
This novella was a joy to write and I loved having my mother available to answer questions about the town of Roebling back then, the shop specifically, the Roebling Steel plant, and of course dance lessons.
To read the two interviews with my mother, here are the links.
After a family crisis, Katie Hathaway must return home to help out in the family’s ice cream shop. She leaves behind her dream job of teaching ballroom dance to spend her summer scooping ice cream and mixing milkshakes.
Chaz Hollander, Katie’s high school crush, has also returned to town to work in his family’s business. After Katie treats him to a blueberry swirl sundae, he invites her to the town’s upcoming dance. The only problem is he has two left feet.
When Katie starts giving Chaz dance lessons, their chemistry ignites, and the postponement of her dream doesn’t seem as ominous. But financial woes and a suspicious business deal cast a shadow on their budding relationship.
Maria Imbalzano is a retired matrimonial lawyer who now writes full time. Instead of drafting motions, legal memoranda, and briefs, although fascinating, she now spends her days creating memorable characters and taking them on their emotional journeys through her contemporary romance novels.
In addition to writing fiction, Maria is on the Friends of Thomas Edison State University Foundation Committee and is still involved with Dress for Success Central Jersey, having been a founding Board member. She also serves on the finance committee for The Present Day Club. She has received the distinguished Family of Edison Award for her work with The Thomas Edison State University Foundation, the Iron Mike Professional Achievement Award from Trenton Catholic Academy and was inducted into the Italian American National Hall of Fame.
Her novel, “Unchained Memories,” won the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers’ Award and the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award. “Sworn to Forget,” the first of the four-book Sworn Sisters Series was a finalist for the illustrious RONE award as well as the Book Buyers Best Award.
Today I’ve got a great treat for you. Fellow Wild Rose and One Scoop or Two sistah JULIE HOWARD is here, talking about her addition to the fun series, Sea-Salt Lavender for Aphrodite.
Don’t you just love the cover!!??
I’m going to turn it over to Julie to tell you all about it..Julie...
Thank you, Peggy, for hosting me and my latest release on your blog today. I’m very excited to see this new book come out. As you know, it’s part of the One Scoop or Two series published by The Wild Rose Press just in time for summer reading.
I like to think of these books as “beach reads,” although I’m not sure how many of us will have an opportunity to go to the beach this year. Regardless, we can bring the beach to us. Isn’t that the beauty of reading books – they take us to new and different or favorite places in our imaginations. Reading this series is one way of going to the beach without getting sand in every crevice.
The central coast of California is one of my favorite places to go. It’s usually less crowded, has interesting rock formations, and has great tidal pool areas. I’ve never been one to lay on a beach. I love to stroll right at water’s edge and let the waves lap at my ankles. I watch for whales and seals and those little sandpiper birds that dart about and peck at tiny morsels at the shoreline. I set this book in a fictional central coast town and, all the time I was writing, my imagination gave me a mini-vacation to this favorite place of mine.
I’m a little sorry to be done with the story, but now more than ever am looking forward to the day when I can truly visit the central coast in person. I can almost taste the salty air.
Here’s more about this new release:
Sea-Salt Lavender for Aphrodite
A case of murder with sweet complications
Rosella Rivers enjoys the perfect life, loving her new ice cream food truck business featuring exotic flavors. But her beach view parking space is not so lovable when she finds an acquaintance stabbed to death in the boardwalk bathroom.
Detective Mark Pruitt knows murder is bad for small-town Olympus Bay. He must find the suspect before he strikes again. When he first sets eyes on Rosella, the only witness, he is smitten. However, there’s no time for romance when danger lurks.
Together he and the lovely ice cream maker must discover the killer before he turns his sight on Rosella.
Excerpt:
The echo of a drip-drip-drip resonated from within. Rosella glanced around, wishing a man would pass by, someone she could send inside on her behalf. On this side of the structure, though, the beachfront was hidden from view and the building backed by sand dunes. Unless someone needed to use the facilities, they wouldn’t approach.
“Mick?”
A distant chime from the town clock made her heart sink. Ten a.m. Opening time. She had to get back to her truck. A fresh round of anxious yips sounded. She scooted to the corner of the building and peeked toward her truck. Aphrodite stood at attention, straining at the leash. The dog barked twice at spotting her and renewed efforts to break free of the tether.
She returned to the doorway. “Mick, I’m just going to step inside since I’m a little bit worried, just to make sure you’re okay. Let me know if I shouldn’t come in.” No response sounded. “All right, coming in.”
The odor hit her first. Heavy, sweet, sickening. Then her eyes registered the scene. Mick lay face down in the middle of the tile floor, a steady stream of deep red blood winding its way toward a drain.
Julie Howard is the author of the best-selling Wild Crime and Spirited Quest series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. Now she edits an online anthology, Potato Soup Journal, and spends many delightful hours writing her books.
Have you heard about the Wild Rose Press’ s newest novella series ONE SCOOP OR TWO?
One of the books in that series is by today’s guest author and fellow WRP sistah SYDNEY WINWARD
Sydney agreed to share a little about what led to her submission ROOT BREW FLOAT for the series for you all, so take it away, Sydney….
When I heard of the call for submissions for The Wild Rose Press One Scoop or Two Series, I just couldn’t pass up such a fun opportunity! But what to write about? I drew a blank. When you think of ice cream, you think of contemporary, of beaches, of summer. Hmm…well…I’m not usually a contemporary writer, so this had me stumped.
When in doubt, ask the husband!
Who knew an engineer could actually have great, creative ideas for books? He helped me brainstorm, and we came up with a semi-satisfying idea about witches and ice cream. So I sat down and wrote my synopsis.
But when I took it back to him, he turned to me and said, “This is way too dark for a light-hearted beach read.”
Dejectedly, I went and pouted for a little while, and then back to the drawing board! Or rather, the clacking keyboard. I smoothed out the idea and set it aside for a week, letting my brain do its thing. I come up with most of my scene ideas at night when I finally climb in bed. I didn’t write for an entire week. Oh, what torture! But the novella came together nicely, all the kinks smoothed out of the twists and turns.
And finally, I started writing! My husband has yet to read my novella. And my first book too. And anything I’ve written, really. But I’m satisfied with my submission for the One Scoop or Two Series, and I’m so excited that it’s released!
Watch out, world! Josephine Brevil has landed in Massachusetts.
Blurb:
Josephine Brevil has lived hundreds of years haunted by the horrors she experienced during the Salem Witch Trials. She takes great care to hide her powers, though serving a Root Brew Float laced with a magic potion now and again never hurt anybody. The Order sends her to Massachusetts to deal with a paranormal threat, and she meets the young and handsome widower, Clarence Watts. However, being with him comes with a choice. How can she choose between the man she loves and the magic she holds dear?
Excerpt:
“There’s a reason we’re inside the circle. Nothing can touch us in here. Now close your eyes and listen to my voice.” She paused for a moment to take a deep breath, channeling the magic swirling within her core. “Clarence Watts, our task here is to send your deceased wife into the afterlife, beyond the door and into the next realm. If you have done as I previously instructed, you have gotten rid of many of Heidi’s earthly belongings, which is a crucial step to letting her go. Now, imagine a rope that connects you to Heidi. Cut it and sever the tie.”
“It can’t be that simple.”
“It’s not. It’s symbolic of freeing her, but the act of letting go is another story altogether.”
“I’m not sure how I’m supposed to let her go.”
“Cling onto something else you care about. It usually helps.”
His hands tightened around hers. She cracked her eyes open, her heart racing as she stared at their conjoined hands. The word home echoed in her mind again, and when she tried to push it away, it slammed back into her stronger than before.
Sydney Winward was born with an artistic brain and a love of discovery for new talents. From drawing to sewing to music, she has loved to explore every opportunity that comes her way. At a young age, Sydney discovered her love of writing and wrote her first book at twelve years old, and since then, she hasn’t been able to stop writing. Her active imagination and artistic mind take her away to different worlds and time periods, making every new story a fantastic adventure. When she is not writing (or fawning over animals in the neighborhood) she spends time with her husband and children at home in Utah.
Wednesday has rolled around again and it’s time for the weekly blogging challenge from Long and Short Reviews. Today’s topic is My silliest pet peeves.
I’m a writer so is it any wonder ALL my pet peeves involve words and mis-pronunciations?
I think not.
So…
It’s pronounced supposEDLY not supposUBLY.
It’s pronounced MOOT ( like in moot point), not MUTE ( like in shut up!!)
It’s pronounced MIS-chuh-vus ( mischievous) not Miss-CHEE-vee-us. ( this pronunciation drives me to drink!)
It’s pronounced TENTERHOOKS not Tenderhooks. It’s so far removed from tender, folks, as can be.
And for the love of Mike, it’s REGARDLESS not Ir-regardless ( which, in my opinion, isn’t even a word!!)
Okay, rant over. Let’s see what some of the other bloggers in this weekly hop have to say: L&ST
Hey, did you hear? I’ve got a new book releasing on 5.20.2020! VANILLA WITH A TWIST is part of the One Scoop or Two new summer series from Wild Rose Press. And if you PREORDER before the 5.20.2020 release date, it’s only 99cents!!! the price rises on release day and thereafter, so lock in the sale price today!
And check out the great book trailer a dear friend produced for me:
My good friend Nancy Fraser is not only a great writer, but a graphics gal, too! Here’s the book trailer she just made me for my upcoming 5.20.2020 release of Vanilla with a Twist, available for preorder right now at the sale price of just #99cents here: VWAT
What to know a little about the book? Check out this great trailer!
I’m so excited about the Wild Rose Press’s new summer series ONE SCOOP OR TWO. I’ve got a book in the series and so does my guest today, WRP sistah Sydney Winward.
Sydney very graciously allowed me to join her in revealing the cover of her OneScoopOrTwo addition, ROOT BEER FLOAT…tadaaaa…
I think this cover is perfect for the story!!!
Here’s a little about the book…..
Josephine Brevil has lived hundreds of years haunted by the horrors she experienced during the Salem Witch Trials. She takes great care to hide her powers, though serving a Root Brew Float laced with a magic potion now and again never hurt anybody. The Order sends her to Massachusetts to deal with a paranormal threat, and she meets the young and handsome widower, Clarence Watts. However, being with him comes with a choice. How can she choose between the man she loves and the magic she holds dear?
Doesn’t that sound delicious!!!?
And now, a little about Sydney…
Sydney Winward was born with an artistic brain and a love of discovery for new talents. From drawing to sewing to music, she has loved to explore every opportunity that comes her way. At a young age, Sydney discovered her love of writing and wrote her first book at twelve years old, and since then, she hasn’t been able to stop writing. Her active imagination and artistic mind take her away to different worlds and time periods, making every new story a fantastic adventure. When she is not writing (or fawning over animals in the neighborhood) she spends time with her husband and children at home in Utah.
Peggy Jaeger, Author 