Tag Archives: #readromance #readroses The Wild Rose press

November 30, 2020 · 12:00 am

SIlver Dagger Tour for ROCK HOUSE GRILL by D.V.Stone #booktour #rafflecopter

 

My WIld Rose Press sistah, D.V.Stone is on a huge book tour for her novel ROCK HOUSE GRILL ~ The Impact Series, and today she’s joining me. We’re talking about every little thing, including the book!

 

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He’s rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.
Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.
Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/pzSAPGLf_Ls

 

Aden scratched his head. The woman could climb into a shredded car and deal with lives in the balance. Hard to believe the thought of cooking a piece of chicken made her melt down.

His angel was close to the edge of breaking down. The teacher in Aden took over. “Of course you can.

You’ve helped with the basic menu for weeks now.”

“I know, but…”

“No buts. Eli and the line-cooks have already begun. My people know their jobs.”

“You’ve got this, Shay.” Gloria sidled up next to her. The smaller woman smiled, and shoulder bumped her. “And chica, we’ve got you.”

Shay released a ragged breath and turned to the staff.

All the kitchen workers were smiling and nodding with encouragement.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

Aden scratched his head. The woman could climb into a shredded car and deal with lives in the balance. Hard to believe the thought of cooking a piece of chicken made her melt down.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/rock-house-grill-book-tour-and-giveaway

 

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors? 

Wow, that’s a tough question. My reading is quite varied, depending on my mood. And this isn’t in any particular order just as they come to me. They also encompass books I fondly remember from my childhood up.

Black Beauty, Heidi, Misty of Chincoteague

Thea Harrison, CL Wilson, Jan Karon, JRR Tolkein, C.S. Lewis

The Hiding Place, Hinds Feet On High Places

That was easier than I thought. I didn’t even get to Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Francine Rivers.

Pretty eclectic, huh?

Do you see writing as a career? 

Absolutely! This is my next stage in life. I’ve been so many things and had so many jobs. But writing is the place where I’ve found my creative outlet. I’ve tried painting, sketching, music, jewelry making, and photography. I still enjoy these things, but writing is my passion. I’ve even come to enjoy the editing process. When retirement rolls around next year, I hope to finish all the works I have in progress. To continue with creating new stories. I have a very active imagination.

A day in the life of the author? 

Right now, I’m on a hamster wheel. The country band Alabama has a song that goes.

I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

It seems to be my life these days. After returning to work from Covid furlough, my hours changed. I used to have the whole morning to write before heading off to work. But now I only have a short time in the morning and then off to my full-time job in a medical office. I get home around 7ish and try to wrap up anything that needs to be done. In addition to my writing and marketing, I also do two blogs a week on my website. Welcome To The Campfire is on Saturdays, and A Peek Through The Window is on Wednesday. I love talking to other authors and highlighting their books. Also, on the 1st of the month, my newsletter goes out. In addition to sharing about my life, I also review books I’ve enjoyed throughout the month and what’s on my TBR (to be read) pile. I just exhausted myself writing that.

Describe your writing style. 

Life is hard. I’m sure many of you agree. That said, my writing style can take serious situations, maybe inject a little humor, always hope. My stories are about family, and not only blood relations but the larger family of friends. I write what could be called sweet or clean. All sex is behind closed doors, but intimacy is there. I try not to curse in my real life and my writing reflects that. I want my readers to walk away fulfilled, and thoughtful.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Research. I tend to follow the rabbit trails and get lost in whatever I’m interested in. One website leads to the next, and before you know it, hours have passed. Social media is also a significant time drain.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Despite Rock House Grill being first drafted in thirty days, I’m not a fast author. I have no idea how some can put out multiple books a year. 2020 was a big year for me. I had both Rock House Grill and Rainbow Sprinkles release and, hopefully, my second Agent Carter book by the end of the year. But both RS and AC are short. RHG took several years from writing to publication.

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.

D.V.’s career path varied from working with the disabled to become a volunteer EMT, which in turn led to working in hospital emergency rooms and then in a women’s state prison. After a few years, she took a break from medicine and became the owner of Heavenly Brew, a specialty coffee shop in Sparta NJ, and a small restaurant in Lafayette. Life handed some setbacks, and she ended up back in the medical field, but this time in a veterinary emergency hospital.

During the poor economy, she was laid-off from a long-time position she cared about. Devastated, D.V. wondered what to do with her life. Finding comfort in her love of reading, she realized it was now time to follow her dream of writing. It’s been a long road but worth every minute of it. Now a published author, she also works in a people medical office again.

“Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Each time you open the pages to one of my books, I hope you’ll be swept away by the story and find encouragement in your own life, never to give up on hope.”

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon *

 

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November 24, 2020 · 12:00 am

#Teasertuesday 11.24.2020 BAKED WITH LOVE ( A Match Made in Heaven, bk 3)

Since BAKED WITH LOVE is due out in less then 3 week ( I’m not freaking out.I’m not!) I figured a teaser from the book would be good for today. This scene is Maureen’s first indication Lucas may feel something for her more than friendship…

“What were the three of you talking about?” I asked Lucas once the others left the kitchen.

Before answering me, he closed the dishwasher and wiped his hands on a dishtowel.

He leaned back across the sink ledge and crossed his arms over his chest. The material on his dress shirt pulled against the bulk of his biceps, and my mouth went dry as unprocessed baking flour.

“Mac’s bachelor party. Cathy said she’s busy next weekend finalizing some wedding stuff with Colleen, so they’re both free. We’re gonna do something Saturday night.”

“What? Heaven’s not exactly the place where three guys can run amuck as a last hurrah to bachelorhood. Not that you’d ever run amuck, but still.”

His right eyebrow rose on his forehead. “Run amuck?”

I shrugged. “You know what I mean.”

When he dropped his chin to his chest, I got the distinct impression he was laughing at me and didn’t want me to see. When he shook his head, I was certain of it.

“I should pay you to help Robert with his SAT prep. Amuck. Good word.”

“And accurate. So, what are your plans? Getting out of town for the night? Driving into Concord or Manchester? Hitting a few bars and drinking your weight in beer?”

He angled his head to one side as he regarded me through half-closed eyes. His entire stance as he leaned against the sink, arms folded, ankles crossed and pushed out in front of him, radiated a calm, cool, and disinterested façade. I knew he was anything but. Lucas Alexander was never so focused, so intense, or so stealthy as when he appeared exactly the opposite.

His ability to remain calm and unreadable was another facet of his personality I loved.

“Why do you want to know?” he asked me. “What are you worried about?”

“I’m not worried.”

“You say one thing, but your body language says another.”

I rolled my eyes. “My body language says nothing. There’s no reason for me to be worried about anything since Slade and Mac are going to be with you, Lucas. Whatever you wind up doing, I know they’ll be safe. I’m asking because, like my sisters are fond of saying, I inherited Nanny’s nosy gene.”

His brows pulled together between his eyes and that head tilt shifted.

“What do you mean you’re not worried because they’ll be with me? And what did that crack about me never running amuck mean? Jesus.” He unfurled his arms and swiped his hands through his hair at the temples. “I’ve said amuck more times than I’ve ever said it in my life.”

“That’s a dumb question, since you’re the chief of police.” I held my hands up at my sides. “You’re the most responsible and trustworthy human being I know. You don’t do anything that crosses a line either morally, ethically, or legally. I’ve seen you drunk once in your life after Danny’s funeral, and you deserved to be since you’d just lost your best friend. You’re dependable, Lucas. Completely.”

It was a wonder he didn’t get a headache from the way the skin over his forehead puckered inward.

“Dependable and trustworthy? You make me sound like a cub scout, or an unemotional robot with a stick up his ass. Dull and boring. Like I don’t know how to have a good time and never do.”

“I’m sure you do, but I’m also sure since you became chief, you’re more aware than ever of the small minds and big mouths living in this town. You can’t be seen doing anything”—I shook my head again— “questionable or unseemly, like getting drunk in public at a bachelor party. You need to be on the safe side of gossip at all times. And you are. It’s what makes you such a good leader.”

“Unseemly? Lord, Maureen. Now you’re making me sound like a modern version of Josiah Heaven. You gonna accuse me of having a God complex next?”

How the heck had this conversation veered into him thinking I was comparing him to our town founder?

“What?” I fisted my hands on my hips, well and truly confused and getting irritated by the second. “Weren’t you the one who told my sister in that very breezeway”—I pointed behind me—“not more than two hours ago you weren’t going to condone anything illegal because, quote, you’re the chief of police, unquote? I don’t think I imagined it, Lucas.”

It was as if he hadn’t heard me.

“I’m not old and tired and worn out yet, you know.” He started pacing back and forth, his hands slung in his trouser pockets.

“I never said you were. I—”

“I’ve got responsibilities to this town and its citizens, Maureen. I’m on call twenty-four hours a day for the city. Never a day to myself, never a night to call my own. Christ. I had to promise Pete Bergeron three weekends in a row off in order to be free Saturday night.”

“Lucas, what—”

“I haven’t had a vacation in six years. In addition, I take care of a man who wants nothing more than to die and finds it amusing to take pot shots at my son.”

For the first time in my memory, Lucas’s voice rose. He was always the proverbial calm during a crisis, the one everyone gravitated to for guidance, the man people regarded as a natural leader.

It dawned on me he wasn’t simply tired, but exhausted. And not only physically. The weight of all the responsibilities he carried on those strong, broad shoulders was taking its toll, and he had no one in his life to help shoulder them.

Placing myself straight in front of him, I barred his pacing. I reached out, wrapped a hand around his forearm, and pressed, forcing him to pay attention to me.

He blinked hard a few times, as if coming awake after a deep sleep. The confusion in his eyes worried me.

“Lucas. Stop.”

He focused in on me, then to where I held his arm. When he lifted his gaze back to me, his forehead was furrowed. “Maureen?”

I squeezed his arm again. “Are you okay?”
 He tilted his head to one side while he continued to stare at me for a few beats.
“I’m worried about you,” I told him.

“Worried?”

“Yes. You’re being”—I shrugged then shook my head—“weird. And you’re scaring me.”

He blinked a few times. “You’re worried about me?”

“Yes, dammit.” I stamped my foot, frustrated and getting mad, now. “I care about you, and I’m worried because you’re acting so out of character. What about that is so hard to comprehend?”

I removed my hand from his arm, only to have him grab it back with his own.

“Let go of m—” I stopped dead. One look at the expression on his face and any and all words were forgotten. The confusion reeling in his eyes shifted, cleared, then flew completely to be replaced by a piercing, all consuming…hunger.

Intrigued? I hope so. You can preorder your ecopy here, now: BWL

And if you’d like a PRINT version before the book is released, I’m selling them on my website store for a drastically reduced price, here: STORE

And not to brag ( even though I am) Long and Short Reviews gave BAKED WITH LOVE a BEST BOOK RATING.

Love that!!!

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November 20, 2020 · 12:13 am

A #BestBook Review from @LASR for BAKED WITH LOVE

I’m not gonna lie…when I woke up the other day and found the email from Long and Short Reviews about BAKED WITH LOVE   concerning the review on their site, I was worried. This was the first professional review for the book, and considering it’s still in the preorder stage, I was concerned a bad review would effectively kill sales.

Hey. I’m a writer. We live and die for reviews and sales.

When I first clicked on the the link my heart sank because the very first thing I saw next to the book copy was 1 star.

1 star.

Think about what that means to an author to see 1 little star next to a book review and then multiply that feeling by a quadrillion and then square it and you know how I felt.

But then the review page opened and I saw that the 1 star had the words BEST BOOK written inside of it.

Okay, say what?
My eyes slid down to the start of the review and by the time I got to the end I couldn’t see my computer screen clearly any more because tears of joy clouded my vision. To mis-quote Sally Field, “She liked it! She really liked it!”

In fact, I venture to say, she loved it. Loved the entire Match Made in Heaven series, in fact.

Here’s the review:

I’m just going to be blunt and get right to the point. This is the best series I’ve read in a long time. It’s right up there with the Drake Sisters series by Christine Feehan and the Mackenzie Family series by Linda Howard.

When reviewing, there are many components in a narrative that I’m looking for. How developed and relatable were the cast of characters? Did the plot maintain my interest and flow at a reasonable pace with unexpected twists while keeping its realistic integrity? How was the chemistry between the hero and heroine? Did they receive their happily ever after? Were there any loose threads? Particularly from my point of view I want to laugh and feel a book glow for hours after finishing the book. It’s a bonus if I can add another hero to my list of book boyfriends. When I’m reading a series I want to feel that “coming home” sensation. The heartwarming feeling of being reunited with cherished friends and family.

It’s not often I can claim that a book meets all my criteria for what I consider a best book or best series. It is my honor to claim Baked with Love by Peggy Jaeger hit all my feel good spots. The Match in Heaven series has left a lasting impression on me. Yes, each book can be read as a standalone but I would not recommend it. The three together put any Hallmark show to shame. I’d like to see the series put into a movie.

I wish the characters were real and that I could meet them. I want to go stay at their inn. I’m a huge fan of Peggy Jaeger after reading several of her books.

The romance in this story is between Maureen and Lucas. I was waiting to read their story and I’m thrilled it was worth the wait. I can’t rave enough about how much I loved this book and the series. It’s a perfect Christmas present for your friends who love to read romance. This book will join my others on my book keeper list.

See why I was crying now??? That line about putting any Hallmark show to shame just about did me in!! In a good way.

She’s reviewed all the books in the series and has given me great reviews on each one. But a BEST BOOK review? Well, that was one that made me realize that maybe, just maybe, I was starting to get the hang of this writing career!

Here are the other reviews from L&SR for A Match Made in Heaven:

Dearly Beloved

Today, Tomorrow, Always 

And you can preorder BAKED WITH LOVE, which releases 12.9.2020, here: BWL

Also, because writers live and die for reviews AND sales, if you want a PRINT copy of the book now, instead of waiting for December, I’ve got copies at a very reduced price available at my website store, here: PJBS Just follow the instructions on the page.

Until next time, peeps ~ A-still-floating-on-air Peg

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November 16, 2020 · 3:00 am

#ReleaseDay for Amber Daulton’s new Deerbourne Inn Novella HARMONY’S EMBRACE

WIld Rose Press sistah, AMBER DAULTON, has a new addition to the Deerbourne Inn series and today’s the release day!!! Check this out: Isn’t the cover gorgeous?? ( And hot, LOL!)

Harmony’s Embrace

 

Blurb

Reuniting with the man who broke her heart has never felt so right.

Divorced dad Birley Haynes is too busy raising his children and running his family’s music academy to start a relationship. Then Harmony Holdich, his high school sweetheart, returns home to Willow Springs, Vermont for Christmas and falls into his bed. She brings light and fun back into his life, but he can’t brush aside the threatening incidents around his workplace.

Harmony hadn’t expected a complication like Birley, especially so soon after the death of her unfaithful husband. With her life a mess, she plans to move across the country and start over. All she can offer him is a fling, but her heart yearns for more.

When the threats rise, how will Birley keep his children safe and convince Harmony to give love another chance?

 Excerpt:

He sighed heavily. Snapping at her wouldn’t convince her to stick around. “Have you thought about me over the years?”

Her bottom lip trembled, then she sucked it between her teeth. “Of course I have. High school was a long time ago, and our dreams clashed. You wanted a laidback life, even though you cut loose with Susannah in college. I wanted big-city living, and I got it. I like it.”

“So a rich-ass condo means that much to you? You want a new job slaving away five or six days a week for some major corporation until you’re exhausted?” He silently cursed. Not only did he slave away at his job, he was growing more tired of it by the day.

Good job, man. Way to control your temper.

In the back of his mind, he’d always believed he and Harmony would find one another again. Susannah and Claude didn’t compute. How crazy was that? Did he marry someone so different from himself because, subconsciously, he didn’t want the relationship to work?

A frown creased her brow. “I don’t need or want expensive things, but I like to work, to feel useful. My dream home is a little yellow bungalow with a big yard in a suburb.” She rocked in the chair as though she longed to jump up and run out the door. “I don’t want to argue. Let’s finish eating and hit the slopes.” She polished off her chips in a handful of loud crunches.

“What did you expect?” His throat constricted. “We’ve never hashed this stuff out since Susannah and Claude were always stuck up our asses. It’s time we deal with it.”

She scowled, then finished her grinder.

Birley gritted his teeth. Why had he been so stupid all those years ago? He’d wanted her to attend the University of Vermont with him, but she balked at another lengthy stint in school. He never should’ve walked off, leaving her crying on the porch of her parents’ house. She wanted time to think about her future—they’d only graduated from high school that morning—but her refusal didn’t mean she’d stopped loving him.

Too bad he hadn’t realized the truth at the time. She’d hurt his pride and broken his heart. Nothing mattered but hurting her in return. They avoided each other for the rest of the summer, then he headed off to the university.

God, how he’d missed her. She’d continued to work for her uncle while earning her accounting degree at a local community college and later moved to New Jersey for her job. Any chance of repairing their relationship had left with her, but by then, he was with Susannah.

Birley ate the rest of his sandwich, which slid down his gullet like cardboard. “No matter what you decide, I’m happy you’re home now.” The hope in his chest deflated. He stood and tugged on his gloves. “Let’s hit one of the blue squares. You okay with that?”

She nodded and followed him up. After they threw away their trash, they left the lodge.

Add it  Goodreads 

Check it out on BookBub

Get your copy here:

 Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble~  Apple/iBooks ~ Universal link

Now Taking Sign Ups for my Newsletter, Amber Daulton Romance:

https://emailoctopus.com/lists/9d60a166-f2ea-11ea-a3d0-06b4694bee2a/forms/subscribe

A little about Amber:

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.

Follow Amber here:

Website ~ Facebook Author Page ~  Twitter ~ Pinterest~ Goodreads~  Amazon Author Page ~  Book Bub ~ Instagram~

 

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November 7, 2020 · 12:00 am

SWEET SENTIMENTS – a One Scoop or Two delicious pairing!

It’s so exciting when a publisher does something – just because! – that makes your day. Recently, THE WILD ROSE PRESS paired several of the One Scoop or Two books up into print anthologies, and I was blessed enough to be one of the authors who had their book put into this format!!

Vanilla with a Twist was my addition to the One Scoop or Two series and now it’s paired with WRP sistah AMEY ZEIGLER’s book, SUMMER OF SUNDAES. Both are in this lovely print version, titled SWEET SENTIMENTS. You can only purchase the book from the WILD ROSE PRESS – or from me ( I am offering a discounted price!!!!) I have copies that I am selling direct to readers who want them. Just reach out to me via Facebook Messanger at Peggy Jaeger, Author

Here are the blurbs for both books:
VANILLA WITH A TWIST

Tandy Blakemore spends her days running her New England ice cream parlor, single-parenting her teenage son, and trying to keep her head above financial water. No easy feat when the shop’s machinery is aging and her son is thinking about college. Tandy hasn’t had a day off in a decade and wonders if she’ll ever be able to live a worry-free life.
Engineer Deacon Withers is on an enforced vacation in the tiny seaside town of Beacher’s Cove. Overworked, stressed, and lonely, he walks into Tandy’s shop for a midday ice cream cone and gets embroiled in helping her fix a broken piece of equipment.
Can the budding friendship that follows lead to something everlasting?

SUMMER OF SUNDAES

After dropping out a semester short of college graduation, Bailey Madison inherits the management of her family’s struggling ice cream shop in Seward, Alaska. When Kingsley Tours needs her prime location to expand their business into the Last Frontier, Bailey must use her wits and creative ice cream recipes to save her shop.

Usually carefree and self-centered Brahms Kingsley must prove to his father he can buckle down and lead Kingsley Tours as the company grows. But how can he close Bailey’s shop when she still holds a place in his heart?

Brahms must choose between pleasing his father and earning the love of a woman he never forgot.

Get both books for the price of 1!!

And just as an FYI – books make GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS to the romance reader on your list!!! Heehee

 

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November 5, 2020 · 3:00 am

A new #DeerbourneInn novella by Roni Denholtz: Meet Me At The Inn

 

My friend and writing sistah RONI DENHOLTZ, is the latest WRP author to have a book in the DEERBOUNE INN series. MEET ME AT THE INN is the second Deerbourne Roni has penned!

Here’s why Roni decided to do a second book in the series:

“At the end of “Enchanted Vermont Nights,” Tarren is dumped by her boyfriend, Chad, who attempts to go back to his old girlfriend, Tarren’s cousin Brianna.  I felt sorry for Tarren when I finished that novella, and decided she deserved a happy ending, too!  So I wrote “Meet Me at the Inn!”

Just look at the gorgeous cover:

 

Blurb

Actress Tarren Reilly is still smarting from being dumped by her former boyfriend–whom she stole from her cousin.  Reeling from the pain she has caused, she agrees to a fake relationship for publicity reasons.
Country singer Clint Jackson has wanted Tarren since they first met,  Together, they visit the Deerbourne Inn for the Thanksgiving holiday, where he plans to suggest they take their phony relationship to the “friends with benefits” level.
Both Tarren and Clint are dealing with personal issues from prior entanglements.  As they draw closer, can Tarren and Clint deal with their pasts and turn a pretend relationship into the real deal?

Excerpt  

   “We should enjoy a comfortable night at the inn.”  She replaced the phone, meeting his eyes.  “Everyone thinks we’re sleeping together.”
   It popped out of his mouth.  “We could be.”
   Tarren stared at Clint as a shimmer of excitement swept up her spine.
    They could be?  Yes, they could be sleeping together, but–
    “What I mean is,’ Clint continued, his eyes gleaming, “everyone thinks we’re a couple, for real.  We’re already friends.  We could be–friends with benefits.”
A little about Roni Denholtz

Roni Denholtz is the award-winning author of 20 romance novels and novellas; 9 children’s books; and over a hundred short stories and articles. She lives in beautiful northwest New Jersey with her husband and adopted dog.

She has volunteered with school organizations, her local animal shelter, and served as President of New Jersey Romance Writers. She collects girls’ series books like the Nancy Drew mysteries. She enjoys traveling, photography, and most of all, reading!

Connect with her here:

 

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November 4, 2020 · 3:00 am

#authorInterview with Debby Grahl

 

I so love it when one of my Wild Rose Sistah’s lets me interview them, especially when they’ve got a new book out!

Debby Grahl is a fabulous writer and I can’t believe this is the first time I’m interviewing her!! Let’s get to the questions, and stick around because afterward she’s giving her a glimpse into her new book MOUNTAIN BLAZE.

So, Debby….As a Writer …

What drives you to write?

Writing is something I’ve always wanted to do. I come from a family of artists. My grandmother, aunt, and uncle all painted. My cousin was an art teacher, and I have family members who are graphic designers. I have a disease of the retina called Retinitis Pigmentosa which causes gradual vision loss. I lost the ability to read print in my twenties. I honestly believe since I can’t be creative with my eyes, mine comes out in words.

What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why?

I write both contemporary and paranormal romance. I’ve always liked reading books with ghosts and witches. I like using them because they’re so versatile. You can have nice or mean ghosts. You can have those who can be seen or not. I also enjoy using ghosts of historical characters. My witches are normal people with different degrees of power. With contemporary books, I always have some kind of mystery and like to set them in interesting places. His Magic Touch is set in New Orleans. Mountain Blaze takes place in the beautiful mountains outside of Asheville NC.

What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why?

Again, I love paranormal books with ghosts and witches. I’m a history nut and love visiting England, so regency books are a must read for me. I love reading the queens of mystery cozies, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, and Dorothy L Sayers. I also enjoy stories that take place in the twenties. Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple is one of my favorite characters.

What’s your writing schedule? Do you write every day?

I’m a creature of habit. I try to write each day. I do my best writing early in the morning. I usually get up around five thirty, work out, then start writing. If the words are flowing, I’ve been known to write nonstop until dinner time.

Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table?

A few years ago I had back surgery. Recovering at home, I found my desk chair too uncomfortable. I discovered sitting in the love seat with my feet up worked best. I got so used to this, I still write with my feet up.

Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds of the day and use your tunnel-vision?

Not at all. I find I can easily get distracted, so I have to have quiet.

Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not?

LOL! If I listened to music, I’d be dancing not writing.( Peggy here – me, too!)

Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why?

I’d say plot because I choose my location first. Then my characters and story line.

What 3 words describe you, the writer?

Relentless, determined, and imaginative.

Debby – just between us…

Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing!

Except for bathrooms, I actually don’t mind cleaning house.

Who was your first love and what age were you?

I was thirteen and his name was Vinnie. He had no interest in me at all. Now, fifty years later, he’s a friend on Facebook and cheers me on with my writing.

If you could relive one day, which one would it be? Think GROUNDHOG DAY, the movie for this one – you’ll have to live it over and over and….

This is a hard one, but I’ll say, the first time I held my first printed book in my hands. It had taken so long for me to get to that moment in my life, it’s worth reliving.

What’s one thing you love about your significant other?   He likes to cook.

If you had to give up one necessary-can’t-live-without-it item, what would it be?    Going to the hair salon.

What three words describe you, the person?  Friendly, honest, and loving.

If you could sing a song with Jimmy Fallon, what would it be?    New York New York.

If you could hang out with any literary character from any book penned at any time line, who would it by, why, and what would you do together?

This would be Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple. Daisy lives in London during the twenties. I’d love to ride around in her two-seater car and tour London during that time period.

I love the Actor’s Studio show on Bravo, so this is my version of it:

 

  1. Favorite sound — ocean waves.
  2. Least favorite sound — water dripping.
  3. Best song every written — Center Field.
  4. Worst song ever written — Don’t worry be happy.
  5. Favorite actor and actress — Dennis Quaid and Katharine Hepburn.
  6. Who would you want to be for 1 day and why? (It can be anyone living or dead) — Agatha Christie. I’ve love to be inside her brain.
  7. What turns you on? — My husband.
  8. What turns you off? — Arrogance
  9. Give me the worst 5 words ever heard on a first date (here’s mine: “Is that your real hair?”)— Can you get the check?
  10. What’s your version of a perfect day? — Laying on the beach, shopping and lunch with my girlfriend; and leaving for England with my husband.

Mountain Blaze

 

Can Dillon and Diana elude a killer while their newfound love grows?

Disillusioned by his wife’s betrayal, rodeo star Dillon McCoy comes home to the mountains of North Carolina to lick his wounds. When he agrees to take over the family ranch, the Lazy M, he’s unaware danger waits.

Diana Thompson is having doubts about her engagement to Trent Sawyer. She agrees to leave Chapel Hill and spend Thanksgiving with her friend Jenn at the Lazy M. When Diana and Dillon meet, neither can deny their attraction, but both must resolve past relationships while fighting their growing desire.

After Dillon turns down an anonymous offer to purchase the ranch, attempts are made on his life. When a body is found, Dillon sets out to discover who wants the McCoy land enough to commit murder.

Excerpt

Dillon smiled and Diana thought it the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. There was a slight cleft in his chin, and fine lines formed at the corners of his eyes. Diana inwardly groaned. The butterflies were back.

“I’d hold onto you. I wouldn’t let you fall,” he softly said.

With his slow southern accent, the words sounded like warm honey rolling off his tongue. The depth of his eyes and the sound of his voice mesmerized her.

The horses stood side by side. Her and Dillon’s legs touched. He leaned toward her, and the light aroma of wood smoke, hay, and his spicy cologne filled her nostrils. Diana knew what he was about to do but had no willpower to stop him. He cupped her cheek and their lips met.

Gentle at first, his lips glided over hers. He increased the pressure until she opened her mouth and his tongue slipped in. Diana moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms around her waist, he deepened the kiss. Before she realized what he was doing, without breaking their kiss Dillon lifted her from Flora and placed her across his lap.

Cradled in his arms, Diana clung to him, delicious sensations filling her. Her body came alive in a way that surprised her. The only thing that mattered was this man and this moment.

Flame moved, bringing her back to reality. Diana’s eyes fluttered open, and she stared into Dillon’s, deep with passion and need.

Intrigued? You can get your copy here:

Amazon — B&N

A little more about Debby…

Award winning author, Debby Grahl, lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach and a glass of wine at sunset. Her favorite places to visit are New Orleans, New York City, Captiva Island in Florida, the Cotswolds of England, and her home state of Michigan. She is a history buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and, of course, romance. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books. His Magic Touch, a paranormal romance, was released by Wild Rose Press December 5, 2018. Her latest book, Mountain Blaze, will be released November 2.

You can find Debby at the following:

Website — Facebook — Bookbub — Twitter —Goodreads

 

Peggy here- thanks so much for visiting me today, Debby, and for letting me grill you!!!

 

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October 29, 2020 · 2:00 am

Welcome to…REDFORD FALLS and Darlene Fredette

My Wild Rose Press sistah, Darlene Fredette – has just had 4 books released, all about the wonderful town of Redford Falls. Take a gander at these lovely books…

 

His Candy Christmas

A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 1

Who knew returning home would contain a cool nip in the air, irresistible chocolate, and a Santa suit?

It’s going to take more than a few pieces of chocolate to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer. Luckily Candy has a whole shop full.

Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but now Jackson is angry and looking for answers, and standing on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.

Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only. So, he’s not sure how he ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.

 

Kissed By Winter

A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 2

A woman who knows what she wants and a man who knows what he needs.

She’s been on a flight from hell for over eight hours, lost four hours of daylight, and arrived in temperatures twenty degrees lower than accustomed to. Disliking winter for a reason she refuses to discuss, Danielle Lerato would rather be anywhere than in Redford Falls. She needs to get the job done and return home before getting caught up in the small town’s charm—and the arms of the handsome, brown-eyed restaurant owner.

Andrew Bailey’s first encounter with the buttery blonde didn’t go so well, and he well-remembers the chill of the glass of water she dumped over his head. Now, nine months later, a raging storm drops Danielle back into his life. She’s determined to leave, but he’ll do whatever it takes to convince her to fall in love with Redford Falls…and him.

Under The Apple Blossoms

A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 3

This spring the blossoms aren’t the only thing blooming in Redford Falls.

A tragic accident tore them apart. She left him behind and broke his heart. I

s he strong enough to risk it again?

Police officer, Tyler Kringle, keeps his heart locked behind bars. His first and only love, Maripier Nadeau, left Redford Falls many years ago after a family tragedy. She moved on, leaving him to pick up the shattered pieces of his heart. But now Maripier is home to care for her father and to attend a dedication ceremony in her mother’s honour. Her return rattles Tyler’s cage, causing old emotions to resurface. Once he discovers the truth from the past, can he reclaim the love of his life and lock-down their future before she leaves again?

A Recipe For Forever

A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 4

She has one last hope – a small, family-run bakery that might just be baking up second chances.

Dwindling finances has Jess Robinson running out of options. With a past filled with failures, she longs for a new beginning. Applying for a job she isn’t qualified for may be another crazy mistake, but at this point Jess has nothing to lose.

Juggling two jobs, Travis Cooper has absolutely no time for a relationship and isn’t looking for one. But when his mother hires an unqualified baker, he has more to worry about than three-tiered wedding cakes and fighting fires. Will he break his own no-dating-employees rule and make a little room in his life for love?

About Darlene Fredette

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Darlene’s favorite pastime is taking summer day-trips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.

You can connect with Darlene, and find the links for all her wonderful books,  here:

Author Website // Blog // facebook // Twitter // Amazon // Amazon. Ca // Barnes & Nobel // Google Play

The Wild Rose Press

 

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October 22, 2020 · 3:00 am

A new #DeerbourneInn novella from #Author Maria Imbalzano; A SONG FOR ANOTHER DAY

 

 

I’ve been so excited to feature my Wild Rose Press sistahs who’ve written for the Deerbourne Inn series. Today is no exception. I met Maria Imbalzano at the New Jersey RWA conference a few years ago and I knew the moment I met her she was gonna be a fab writing friend to have!! I’m so pleased to spotlight Maria today  here, along with her new addition to the series, A SONG FOR ANOTHER DAY ( and isn’t this cover, divine!!!!)

Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career.

Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright.

When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Will their love for each other ever guide them to the same path?

Excerpt

“Are you ready to run screaming back to the city?”

Jason’s voice curled around her from the left, and she turned to see him planted on a bench beneath an old oak tree, his long jeans-clad legs stretched before him, arms snaked over the wooden back, as if to hold him up. He was too attractive for her own good.

She strode over to him. “So you think I’m a lightweight? That I can’t handle a hundred forty-nine participants in a community revue?”

The lazy grin on his mouth did funny things to her insides, and she couldn’t contain her growing smile.

“Once you shed your glossy outer layer, you’ll fit in better. People will warm up to you.”

She lost the smile. “People here don’t like me?”

“I didn’t say that. I just heard some comments around town today that they were looking for this revue to be fun. But the city woman in charge was all business, focusing on commitments and rules.”

She straightened her spine and clenched her jaw. “How can we have a successful revue if the townspeople don’t hear from me that their commitment to rehearsals is key, especially since we’re throwing them together to do something they’ve never done before?”

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’m just suggesting that you tone it down a notch. Make it fun. Exciting. The participants are already committed.” He unfolded his long, lean body from the bench and stood. “And get rid of the suit and heels.”

He ambled away, heading toward Main Street.

And here she’d been thinking Jason might be as attracted to her as she was to him.

Clearly, she needed to stop thinking.

You can get your copy here:

Universal Link   Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Kobo     Apple    Google Play

A little about Maria Imbalzano…

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.

Visit Maria at www.mariaimbalzano.com

And to check out all the Deerbourne Inn Novellas, visit the Wild Rose Press page for the series, here: DEERBOURNE INN

As an added bonus – here’s my review of A SONG FOR ANOTHER DAY. (Hint: I loved it!)

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October 12, 2020 · 1:00 am

HOME IN YOUR ARMS by Charlotte O’Shay – A Deerbourne Inn Novella

I’ve got one of my favorite authors – and people – visiting here today. CHARLOTTE O’SHAY is a one-click author for me for so many reasons, not the least of which is her amazeballs story telling talent. We are Wild Rose Press sistahs and I have been honored to meet and get to know her at several RWA conferences. Today, she’s visiting because she has a brand new release out, her second addition to the Deerbourne Inn series titled HOME IN YOUR ARMS.

I was lucky enough to read this book before it went into release and I can’t say enough about how much I loved the characters, the storyline, and the way Charlotte just draws me in every single time to one of her stories. I’m gonna turn the mic over to her now…

Charlotte, take it away.

When I asked Peggy Jaeger about visiting her blog to talk about my new release HOME IN YOUR ARMS, and after she delivered her enthusiastic, typically Peggy yes! we had an inevitable moment catching up with our lives and our families, virtually, of course because that’s the way we do everything these days… sigh.

We talked about our families—weddings and funerals, parents and grandchildren, the seasons, the weather, how we’re always looking for time, striving for more and trying to be better.

And when we got to the end of our exchange, and I thought about what I would say about my latest release, I realized our chat was exactly what HOME IN YOUR ARMS is all about.

HOME IN YOUR ARMS is a romance but it’s also about finding one’s life and one’s self again. It’s about recognizing grief must have its time but if you let it, love will find a way back into your life. It’s about forgiving people—family and friends who mean well and accepting they are only being themselves with their own burdens to shoulder. It’s about mourning but recognizing it’s okay to dance again, it’s okay to hope, to look forward, make plans, create a future.

Karla & Zane are two people who meet when the time is finally right for them. They fight their attraction, they’re united in their loyalty, believing all sorts of things, but mainly that they’re undeserving of another chance at happiness. HOME IN YOUR ARMS is about how they understand, eventually, it’s okay to open themselves to love and romance, that it’s okay to be happy again.

It’s no wonder I felt compelled to quote from Ecclesiastes in one of the last chapters of the book. “To everything there is a season…”

Check me out on social media and let me know what you think of Karla and Zane’s story.

BLURB

After her sweetheart Joe dies in a road accident, twenty-four hours after he returns from Army service, grieving Karla Payne slams the door on love.
Five years later, Karla’s tavern business is booming, and she owns her home, but she knows forever love has no part in her future.

Headed to interview for his first civilian job, retired career Army 1st Sgt. Zane Blackthorne can’t resist visiting his late buddy’s beloved Vermont hometown. He also can’t resist looking up Joe’s sweetheart, Karla, who is an alluring mix of brains, beauty, and bravery.
Loyalty to his brother-in-arms demands Zane fight his attraction to Karla. Besides, even if Karla wants him, she’ll never love him.

Can Zane say goodbye to the woman he has no right to call his own?
Even if his only true home is in her arms?

Excerpt: 

He’d neglected to make a reservation for dinner at the inn which would have been handy given his hunger, but he was inclined to want something faster than a three-course meal anyway.

He took a quick look at the town map the desk clerk proffered, but he didn’t need it. It was all as Joe described. Setting the map back on the desk, he proceeded into town.

The Stone Hearth Tavern was filled to bursting with people, the jukebox blaring Roy Orbison. Not in the mood to converse with the throng at the bar, Zane made his way to an empty back table. After he gave the teenage server his order, he did his best to melt into the background—no easy feat given his size, but it felt good to stretch his legs and cross booted feet under one of the tables backed against the rear wall.

There she was—Karla. Exactly as Joe described her and yet more so. A strawberry blonde who commanded the area behind the bar, her staff, and the entire tavern with a simple flick of her capable hand and an impatient lift of one dark auburn eyebrow.

It was a busy night for a Tuesday in early March. Winter had barely loosed its grip on this part of the country, but nevertheless it seemed in the small town of Willow Springs, people socialized. Socializing was as foreign a concept to him as smiling. Two months after his retirement from the service, two months back on American soil, and he was as wary of people as a monk emerging from a twenty-year vow of silence.

This felt weird. No, it was weird because he didn’t belong here. Did he belong anywhere? Zane squashed the intrusive thought because he reckoned he belonged here as much as anywhere else. Even if his mind knew the truth of it, it would take some convincing before his body unwound from its tense coil in the hard seat at the back of the tavern. Wary and on watch, he was the furthest thing from relaxed or social. Cheeseburger and fries consumed, he stood, casting one last look behind the bar. Karla stood at the old-school register, hair gleaming bright under the pendant light, pencil tight between her white teeth as she rang up a customer. He dropped some cash on his table and found the exit.

What a mistake. Zane shook his head at the absurdity of the ridiculous plan prompting him to stop at the tavern Karla owned, and to visit Willow Springs at all.

You can get your copy here: Barnes & Noble Nook// Amazon Kindle // Apple – I Books //

Add it to your  Goodreads/ and Bookbub Pages

A little about Charlotte O’Shay

Award winning, NYC author Charlotte O’Shay is the middle child of a big family who married into another equally boisterous large family. Arguing, er…negotiating skills honed at the dinner table led her to a career in 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 challenges her heroines and heroes with a crisis then watches them figure out who they are while they fall in love.

You can connect with, and follow Charlotte here: WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER  // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // PINTEREST // FACEBOOK PAGE  // BOOKBUB

 

 

 

 

 

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