Tag Archives: The Wild Rose Press

RELEASE DAY!!

I think it’s a little serendipitous that today is the last day of NaNoWriMo and the day my newest book gets released into the world from my publisher.

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A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS is here! I’ve been waiting for sosososo long to share Gia and Tim’s story. I’ve read it so many times over the past few months, waiting, just waiting until it could be released as a holiday novel that I’ve got pages of it memorized!! The San Valentino family is one I’d like to call my own for so many reasons. They laugh loudly, live broadly, and love unconditionally. Who wouldn’t want to be a member of such a clan??!!

SO if you like romance/love stories centering around family and you need a little comedic break during these busy holidays, you’ll love this story.

Here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin to whet your book reading appetites. Since I never had a sister to share with and learn from, I created sisters who mean the world to one another, Chloe and Gia:

Excerpt:

Sometimes living in such a close-knit family was a little suffocating and lot of claustrophobic.

How to be a good Italian, lesson 3: family comes first, last, forever, and you do everything together. Always.

“Gia,” Chloe said, breaking into my thoughts, “come and help me with your goddaughter. She needs to be changed.”

She rose, as did I, and grabbed the diaper bag sitting in the living room with one hand, her other hand holding her two-month-old. “Lorenzo, be a good boy for Nonna and Papa,” she told her two-year-old son with a kiss to his head.

Up in Gianni and Paolo’s old bedroom, which now served as an all-things-bambino warehouse, Chloe held the baby up to me and said, “Here. You do the honors.” Once she handed her over, she plopped down into the rocking chair Mama had rocked all six of us in and let out a sigh that tugged at my heart.

I laid Arianna down on the changing table Nonna had brought over from Italy with her seventy-five years ago and tickled her little belly. Her toothless grin stared up at me. She was already a heartbreaker and owned my own heart and soul completely.

“Okay, baby sister.” Chloe folded her hands across her stomach. “Spill. What’s up?”

“What do you mean?” I popped open the crotch of the onesie, pushed it up to Arianna’s tiny waist, and bent down to kiss her soft, swollen, little baby belly.

“Your face went the color of Mama’s tomatoes when they started discussing the new priest. What gives?”

Chloe is nine years older than I am and one of the smartest women I know. At times she’s been more of a mother to me than our own, like during the horrible two years Mama went through chemo treatments for breast cancer when I was eleven. Chloe was the one who helped me buy my first bra, taught me about my period, and listened to me when I had questions about boys, sex, and what constituted appropriate dating behavior for girls who came from families like ours: overprotected.

BUY LINKS: Amazon// Wild Rose Press//  B&N

 

 

 

 

 

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Thankful Authors

Since it’s the holiday season and it means so much more than just running around and trying to find the perfect gift, fellow author — and writing friend — Angela Hayes has invited me to post a blog to her ThankFul Authors website. Angela hosts a wide variety of authors each year who try to express just why they are thankful for all the blessings in their lives. Here’s the link to my post for today. It kind of explains why I write about the strong women I write about. And why I will continue to do so….hopeyou enjoy it.

here’s the link: THANKFUL AUTHORS 2016

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3 Christmas Stories worth reading and giving…

Today I’m giving you a real treat! Christmas is my favorite time of the year and it would take days to explain why. But one of the reasons I sososos enjoy the holiday time is because of the wonderful books that are published each year during the Holiday season, and about the Holiday Season, so today I’m giving you a gift: three new Holiday/Christmas books from The Wild Rose Press. My own Christmas novel, A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS releases on 11/30, but more about that later.

First….

May I present to you author TENA STETLER and her soon to be released book, A WITCHES HOLIDAY WEDDING.

Here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ about it:

Blurb:

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Elemental witch, Pepper McKay and former Navy SEAL, Lathen Quartz have built Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on enchanted McKay land. During a romantic interlude on Halloween night, Pepper happily agrees to become Lathen’s wife. What better day than Winter Solstice for their wedding in a town that loves celebrations and Christmas. However, planning a wedding and operating their wildlife center takes a toll on both Pepper and Lathen.

When the couple takes a much-needed break for Thanksgiving with family in Colorado, a Maine snowstorm fills the center with injured wildlife. Lathen finds himself drawn into a covert military mission, while trying to deal with issues concerning friends and family. Pepper wants to cancel the wedding. Is she having second thoughts? Will the nosy McKay ghosts, Lathen’s werewolf pack, Pepper’s parents, and her best friend help or hinder the wedding and holiday plans?

 Excerpt:

A strong arm whipped around her waist, the air whooshed out as she squealed. Pepper balled up her gloved fist as a large warm hand wrapped around her wrist. “I’ve seen you defend yourself. Not going to chance it.” A deep voice chuckled behind her.

“Lathen — I’m going to…”

He spun her around and covered her cold lips with his warm ones. Werewolves run several degrees warmer than most of the population, one of the many things she loved about him. She relaxed into him, their parkas making a wisping sound as the material rubbed against each other. “That’s better,” he murmured against her lips.

All at once the lights in the town square blinked on. Low positioned red and green laser light decorations sparkled over the snow-covered ground and onto the gazebo complementing the white lights. From the other direction, a blue laser sprinkled tiny snowflakes across the building. Evening fell quickly in December.

“This is absolutely beautiful,” She breathed against his chilled cheek and whirled out of his hold taking in all the lighted decorations not visible earlier. Then she pointed toward the bulletin board. “I’ve been reading the town’s holiday events, Lobster Cove really embraces Christmas.”

“Told you.” Lathen said smugly. “Even some of the boats docked in the harbor are decked out with colored lights.”

Peggy here: doesn’t that sound delicious??!!

Buy Links: Amazon// Amazon UK // Amazon AU// Amazon Canada// KOBO// ALL ROMANCE// The Wild Rose Pres

Some fun facts about Tena:

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Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance at the age of thirteen, 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-year-old box turtle. Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them.

Find and interact with Tena here:

website//blog//Facebook//Twitter//Pinterest//

 

 

Now meet author, K.K. Weil and read a little about her new book BETTER TO GIVE

Blurb

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For most people, the holidays are a time of warmth, happiness and celebration. But to Jenna Samuels, they mean only one thing. Mounting debt. A single mother, Jenna struggles to make ends meet and to her, it’s a season of excess and distress.

James Garrison is in over his head, too. His ex-wife said he wasn’t equipped to take care of his twins, and now that he’s got joint custody, he fears she was right. They’re wild, spoiled, and always fighting. When they knock Jenna’s daughter into the “Gifting Tree,”—a part of their town’s charity collection—the parents are immediately attracted to each other. But James has had his fill of cold women and Jenna won’t make the mistake of falling for another man who disappears when life gets too heavy.

As their paths cross, James and Jenna must decide whether first impressions are accurate, or if sometimes, people are not what you assume at all.

Excerpt:

I needed some air. I just attacked a man for no good reason. Sure, one of his kids almost send Nora tumbling into a tree, but I could tell he was overwhelmed and I pounced anyway.

While his kids fought, the guy covered his face with his hands – the international sign for losing parental control. As he removed his hands, though, an awful thing happened. I got a good look at him and heat ran through every crevice of my body. No one should be as handsome as that guy was. Plus, I always had a thing for guys who were in over their heads, and he was definitely drowning with those kids.

I hadn’t reacted that way to a guy in a long time and I didn’t want to. My life was on track. I didn’t need some annoyingly smoky-hot, anti-super-dad screwing up my plans.

It was a problem because he clearly enjoyed the view, too. I knew what guys were thinking when they looked at me, and spoke to me, that way. When I mixed the way he was engrossed in me with my reaction to him, plans got derailed and things like Nora happened. Those smouldery guys don’t stick around once the Noras of the world arrive. So even though they’re still scorching hot, they no longer act like you are.

They disappear.

At least that was my experience. One I didn’t intend to repeat.

Amazonhttp://Amzn.com/B01M16JTPS

Here’s a little more about K.K. Weil

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K.K. Weil grew up in Queens, but eventually moved to New York City, the inspiration for many of her stories. Weil, who attended SUNY Albany as an undergrad and NYU as a graduate student, is a former teacher. She now enjoys writing her own dramas and lives near the beach in New Jersey, where she is at work on her next novel.

You can find K.K. here:

website //Facebook // Twitter // Blog

 

 

 

 

My third introduction today is author Pam Binder and her new release Match Made in the Highlands.

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Blurb:  Logan Mackinnon, confirmed bachelor, has put his life on hold to help his father care for his mother and honor her dying wish to tour Stirling Castle. Sparks fly when Logan meets Irene Redmond on the tour, and they are both transported back in time to the thirteenth century. But their budding romance is tested when they learn the conditions needed for their return to the twenty-first century. The castle is enchanted and only a marriage between two people who truly love each other will break the spell.
 

Irene Redmond expected to unravel family secrets, instead she meets Logan Mackinnon, a man who awakens long-ago dreams of a happily-ever-after. But are their feelings strong enough to break the castle’s enchantment?

Excerpt:

Strong arms wrapped around her. “Don’t worry,” Logan said. “I’ve go you.”
    She clung to his neck as he gathered her closer. She could feel his heart beat against her chest, or was that hers? Random thoughts popped in and out. How had he reached her so fast? Did he think she was clumsy? Too heavy?
     Pathetic. He’d saved her, and all she could think about was her weight. Still…
     She squirmed in his arms. “Thank you, but you can put me down.”
     “And blow my one chance to rescue a beautiful damsel in distress? Not a chance. Besides, we’re almost there.”
     Although the bagpipes were louder and she could hear the haunting notes of a flute, the mist was as dense as ever. “How can you tell?” She said.
     She felt a rumble of laughter rise in his chest. “It’s a guess.  I haven’t a clue.”

Buy links: Amazon // Wild Rose Press

 
BIO:
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Pam Binder is an award-winning Amazon and New York Times bestselling author. Publishers Weekly has said: “Binder gracefully weaves elements of humor, magic and romantic tensions into her novels.” Drawn to Celtic legends and anything Irish or Scottish, Pam blends historical events, characters, and myths into everything she writes. Pam is also a conference speaker, writing instructor, and president of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. http://pambinder.com
So there you have it. 3 reasons this holiday season is going to be so much better!!
And here’s a 4th reason: my book A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS releases on 11/30 everywhere!
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Introducing author Kathryn Hills

You all know I lovelovelove finding and introducing you to fabulous authors. Author  Kathryn Hills is such a find!!! I met her through our mutual RWA chapter and the moment she introduced herself to me I knew we were going to be writing friends forever. Her warmth, humor, and love of writing shine through in her work. Kathryn’s debut novel, HAUNTING HIGHLAND HOUSE  releases tomorrow and she’s letting me give you a little taste of what’s to come,  today. I’m so excited for her. I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book and let me just tell you – it’s fabulous. When you read it, you’ll agree!

Here’s Kathryn:

Blurb- Haunting Highland House

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Take one lone woman from Manhattan. Add a sexy ghost and a secluded Victorian mansion. Stir often. Heat thoroughly. Enjoy! Fun Fact… Haunting Highland House was inspired by a real place.

Excerpt

Summoning all her strength, she stepped into the light before him. Her heart pounded as if it would explode right out of her chest. “Why are you haunting me?” she demanded in her bravest ghost hunter voice.

“Haunting?” He gave a bitter laugh though he still did not look at her. “Is that what I am doing? I believed you to be the spirit, sent to torment me.” Vacant eyes traveled up her body and then widened. “Samantha!” He jumped to his feet and snared her wrist. “Dear God, where have you been?”

“Let me go,” she cried, twisting in his grasp.

“But Samantha, it’s me.” He pulled her close.

“Help!” She yelled, though no one would hear.

“I’ll not harm you, I swear.” His arms encircled her. “How could I hurt the woman I love?”

“No,” she cried fighting with renewed strength. “I don’t know you.”

“You do, Samantha, remember. Remember me,” he commanded. He captured her face, forcing her to look at him. His voice dropped to a pleading whisper. “It’s just the doorway working its evil. You know me. You must.”

Sam went still. She dared to meet his gaze. He was sinfully gorgeous, like some dark fallen angel. Golden firelight flickered across his features. It was madness. She was alone in a far off mansion with a stranger, and yet… Sanity fought for a toehold.

“I’m not who you think I am,” she rasped barely able to speak.

He caressed her cheek. “I know everything about you.”

“Don’t,” she warned, looking away. She squirmed against him until he released her with a tortured groan.

“Then all is lost. There is nothing more.” Wavering as if about to collapse, he sank to the couch. “You are only a dream then, another hallucination. Fool doctors with their laudanum.” He shook his head as if to clear it. “I’ve longed for you, night after night, alone in the darkness. Prayed you would come back to me.” His gaze roamed over her. “I remember everything. Your hair falling over me, the smell of your skin, your sweet lips parting. How can you not?”

Mesmerized, Sam was powerless against the dark magic he wove. Solid ground crumbled beneath her feet. Her body pulsed where they had touched. The very air around them seemed electrified. With a low growl, he pulled her down into the space between his legs and wrapped his arms around her again. This time, she didn’t fight.

“You knew me once, took me deep into your body. Let me love you. If only we could travel back in time.”

Bio:

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The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for Kathryn’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts…all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. Taking it further – to have characters experience the past and present, opposite to “when” they belong – is the fun part. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories involve time travel. And ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure! When not writing, she’s taking photographs of the beautiful landscape that surrounds her. Kathryn shares her colonial home with those she loves most…her wonderful husband and daughter, and three crazy dogs.

When Kathryn isn’t writing or ghost-hunting, you can find her here:

Website // Facebook: // Twitter: //  The Wild Rose Press Author Page: //  Amazon Author Page: // Goodreads

My review of HAUNTING HIGHLAND HOUSE. Here’s a hint: I LOVEDLOVEDLOVED it! Click here – review

 

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A new book from Author Mary Morgan…

You all know I lovelovelove introducing authors to you who may be new to you but are so worth knowing and reading. Mary Morgan, one of my Wild Rose Press sistahs is such an author. Her newest book, DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING just released last week and already it’s gotten rave reviews. She’s sharing a little taste of her work here with me today. Read on and you’ll agree with me, she’s an author you want to get to know and read!

DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING by Mary Morgan

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Blurb:

Death destroyed their love. Yet, can a trio of Fenian warriors roll back time to reunite two lost souls?

Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy.

Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart?

Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights?

Excerpt:

Meggie brushed her fingers over the leather pouch. “It feels empty.”

“Are you not tempted to take a wee look inside?”

She snatched her hand back. “I’m not peering inside the man’s belongings. As soon as he wakes, he and his horse can leave.” Giving the horse a firm pat, Meggie walked out of the stall and away from her smirking cousin—only to run smack into her other cousin, Lena.

“Blast,” snapped Meggie, grabbing her cousin by the arm to help steady them both. “Sorry, didn’t see ye,” Seeing the excitement in Lena’s eyes, she stepped back. “What?”

“I hear you have a Highlander in the guest room,” she replied, giving Meggie a wink. “Are you going to share?”

Meggie placed her hands on her hips. “He’s not my Highlander. Feel free to have him, though as soon as he wakes he’s gone from here.”

Lucas strode out of the stables, wiping his hand on a cloth. “I think I’ll go introduce myself, since I think this man bothers you. You keep stating he must leave as soon as he wakes.”

Lena pushed her cousin aside. “No, Lucas. I will go check on him.”

“Ye are both crazy,” protested Meggie. “He’s just a man.” Stepping past them both, she marched away from the stables.

Approaching the entrance of the castle, her nerves tingled and the air cooled. Halting on the gravel courtyard, she slowly glanced up at the guest bedroom window. Gazing down at her was the dark Highlander. His hands were braced on either side of the glass, and Meggie could swear for an instant, she recognized him from somewhere. A dream, perhaps? The look he gave her pierced her soul, and she shivered.

“Impossible,” she muttered. “I don’t dream. And ye are leaving now.”

Breaking from his stare, Meggie entered the castle, almost running up the stairs. By the time she reached the guest room, her hands were shaking. Not even bothering to knock, she pushed open the door and stormed inside.

Her mouth became dry, unable to form the words to order this giant out of her home. His bulk blocked the light from the window as he leaned against the ledge staring at her. She was not one prone to swoon at men—any man, but this one made her a jumbled mess. Moving to the table, she picked up his sword and took it over to him. His eyes widened as she approached and she fell into their dark blue depths.

“I…um…” she stammered before continuing. “Ye should leave.” There, she got the words out.

Instead of reaching for his sword, the man lifted two fingers and caressed her cheek. She gasped, the touch searing her skin, and she took a step back. She could see the look of shock pass over his features, as if he felt the same reaction.

Meggie shoved the sword into his arms and ran for the door. Yet, when her hand touched the handle, she heard him speak.

“Dinnae leave me again, Meggie.”

Buy Links:

Amazon:  //  BN: //  Kobo://   Apple iBooks://   The Wild Rose Press://  All Romance eBooks:

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:marymorgan

Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

You can find more information about Mary Morgan here:

WEBSITE //   BLOG  // Twitter  // Facebook//   Goodreads // Amazon Author Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Preparation…or, How overwhelmed do I feel right now?

While I try on everything I own to see what fits and what needs major alternations in prep for my #RWA16 conference packing, I came across this great article on tips for preparing to attend a writer’s conference.

Apropos and timely? You betcha!

Packing is crucial to having a good conference. You not only want comfortable clothes and shoes because you’ll be schlepping hither and yon from workshops to editor appointments to publishing house spotlights, but you also want your clothes to be professional looking. Sweat pants and flip flops are not the way to make a good impression on potential readers or literary agents. You also need to dress for the weather where the conference is. This year it is in sunny California in San Deigo. Currently, wildfires are raging rampantly along parts of California, so I know it’s dry and hot. But….I’ll be in a hotel for 90 percent of the day. A hotel with air conditioning, so I know I need summer clothes with options of sweaters or blazers just in case it’s too chilly.

I’ll be attending my first book signing as an author so I want something pretty in case anyone wants to take a selfie with me (please, from my lips to God’s ears on this one!!!). I’ll be going to a publishing cocktail party so another pretty outfit is called for. Plus the Rita/Golden Hearts award ceremony. Now with outfits goes…shoes. I have many to choose from as you can see from just this one closet, and this can pose a problem. rwashoes

The way I usually rectify and deal with the problem of shoe selection is to develop a simplified color palette to bring with me for clothes. This year, it’s primarily black and white, which you can see here:rwaclothes

This narrows down the choices for the matching shoes. (You didn’t know this was a science, did you?)

Now, I also need travel clothes –  shoes I can slip in and out of easily at the airport security check-in, no pants with belts, and limited jewelry so I don’t set off the metal detector machine.

These are all the decisions that need to be made BEFORE I even pack, so today is devoted to clothing- choosing, washing, ironing, folding, packing.

Goodness, I’m mentally exhausted already!

This is the book I’ll be autographing at the Literacy Fundraising event.

SKATER’S WALTZ

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Figure skater Tiffany Lennox is busy with rehearsals for an upcoming ice show when the only man she’s ever loved comes home after a two-year overseas stint. She needs him to see her for the woman she’s become and not the child he knew to ensure he stays home, this time, for good. With her.

For all his wanderlust and hunger for professional success, Cole Greer comes home wanting nothing more than to rest, relax and recover. He is delighted in being Tiffany’s hero and has a special place in his heart reserved for her. But faced with the oh-so-desirable woman she’s become, he starts questioning his determination to keep their relationship platonic.

When forced by the television network to go back on assignment, Cole – for the first time in his life – is torn between his career and his heart.

Buy Links: If you’re not going to be at #RWA16

Amazon://   Barnes and Noble: //    The Wild Rose Press: //   I-Book:   //  Kobo:

If you need to find me while I’m away, you can:  Tweet Me// Read Me// Visit Me// Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me//Google+Me//

 

 

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An interview with author Charlotte O’Shay

I love when I can introduce you to new authors to me who are making their mark. CHARLOTTE O’SHAY is such an author. Her new book, THE MARRIAGE ULTIMATUM is garnering rave reviews. Recently I “sat” down with her (virtually, of course) and found out what makes her tick.  Stick around after the interview, because she’s got a treat for you in the form of an except from her new book. Here’s Charlotte:

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Part 1: The Writer Questions

  1. What drives you to write? The people in my head. It feels good to let them out. Romances of all genres got me through tough times when I needed a happily ever after. I want to give that escape to someone else through what I write.
  1. What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why? I write Contemporary because I live in NYC. I’m inspired by the energy of the moment, the fast pace, the right nowness of the city and I try to capture that in my stories. But someday I’d like to write an historical set in Colonial/Revolutionary era America.
  1. What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why? I read everything. Fiction, non-fiction, biography. I’ve read some great authors through my association with The Wild Rose Press. I now have more favorite authors in historic, paranormal and YA genres. I love suspense but not horror.
  1. What’s your writing schedule? Do you write everydayI try to even if it’s only a page at night. I seem to get a lot done during the cold weather months when there’s less to do outdoors.
  1. Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table? I write best at a desk in our family room on a desktop. The desk faces the wall with an old New Yorker poster and I have a bulletin board off to the side with motivational quotes and favorite photos.
  1. 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 tunnelvisionI’m very good at filtering out sounds or else I wouldn’t survive the noise of Manhattan. I like total quiet but that’s not reality.
  1. Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not? When I’m not writing I love music of all kinds and going to concerts. I always have the radio or Pandora on. I love to learn lyrics. I really admire lyricists who can express a wealth of emotion in a phrase or two. It’s a skill I’m trying to develop. But I never listen to music while I’m writing.
  1. How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP? As a lawyer I worked with families in crisis. I met lots of women who struggled to keep their families together against all odds. So my debut novel has those elements. My current WIP A Model Engagement came from a still ongoing news story I follow. I started playing the what if game and my heroine came from that process.
  1. Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why? That’s hard to say. My debut was definitely character driven. I saw both H/h very clearly from the start. But my WIP started from an idea I got watching the news so I had the problem or conflict first.
  1. What 3 words describe you, the writer? Introspective, curious, caffeinated

The Person Questions:

  1. Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing! This city girl didn’t get a driver’s license till age 29. Is that unusual enough?
  2. Who was your first love and what age were you? A third grade classmate. I wrote him a love letter.
  3. 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…. Any of the days I spent on the Amalfi coast with my family a couple of years ago. It’s my emotional and geographical happy place.
  4. Do you like a guy in boxers, briefs, or commando? Boxers!
  5. If you had to give up one necessary-can’t-live-without-it beauty item, what would it be? I could never give up my lipstick.
  6. What three words describe you, the person? Analytical, shy, stubborn
  7. If you could sing a song with Jimmy Fallon, what would it be? My Shot from the musical Hamilton
  8. 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? Jo March from Little Women. Jo is my book twin.

Bonus round

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

  1. Favorite sound ~ my dog snoring softly at my feet while I write.
  2. Least favorite sound ~ fire engine siren
  3. Best song every written ~Too difficult to choose one. Desperado (Eagles) Every song in the musical Hamilton
  4. Worst song ever written ~ Havin my Baby by Paul Anka
  5. Favorite actor and actress Liam Neeson, Emma Stone
  6. Who would you want to be for 1 day and why? (It can be anyone living or dead)or Fictional? Pippi Longstocking to be an adventurous little girl again
  7. What turns you on? Good smells: a sexy cologne, fresh mown grass, ocean air, chicken in the oven, jasmine, gardenia, hibiscus
  8. What turns you off? Lack of a sense of humor
  9. Give me the worst 5 words ever heard on a first date (here’s mine: “Is that your real hair?”) “I had onions for lunch.”
  10. What’s your version of a perfect day? Awaken when the sun comes through the window, coffee and newspapers, a long walk on the beach, cook dinner for family or friends, write until bed.

Charlotte O’Shay

Bio

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Charlotte O’Shay was born in New York City into big family and then married into another big family all of which provided her with enough drama, noise and inspiration for a lifetime of stories.

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 gladly traded her legal career to write about happily ever afters in the City of Dreams.

THE MARRIAGE ULTIMATUM

Blurb:

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Dead-end job? Dreary apartment? Disastrous love life? Check, check, and check. Toddler who makes it all worthwhile? Absolutely. Juggling work, college, and the care of young Alex was never Sabrina’s plan.

But Sabrina’s dreams are bigger than any curve ball life can throw at her. Her top priority is keeping her small family together, no matter what the cost.

Vladimir Grigory doesn’t believe in dreams. He earned his position at the top of New York’s corporate ladder with his own sweat. His empire is his baby, and he’ll destroy anyone who threatens it. Even the sexy employee who challenges him on every level.

When the New York tabloids and the world call him the baby daddy of Sabrina’s son, Vlad believes Sabrina is part of a plot to expose the secrets of his past. He threatens to destroy her future. But since Sabrina has secrets of her own, she has no choice but to agree to Vlad’s marriage ultimatum.

 

Excerpt

“What’re you doing creeping up on me like that? Who are you?” Her gaze narrowed in on him even as she took a step back.

He stared right back, sinking into eyes so mercurially gray then green, then gray again, it was like he’d fallen into the turbulent depths of the Atlantic. With her wild eyes, untamed hair, and skintight clothes, she was a mermaid and absolutely the answer to this sailor’s prayers.

She shoved an unruly swath of hair back over her shoulder, all attitude. One hand was on her hip and the other fiddled with the hem of her sweater. His gaze tracked her every move.

Her chin angled up. “Seen enough? You know what they say: Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

Buy Links

The Wild Rose Press: //   Amazon: //    Kobo:  // Barnes & Noble:

 

Find Charlotte here:

Website: //  Facebook: //  Twitter://  Author Page:

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Filed under Contemporary Romance, Life challenges, love, Romance, Romance Books, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

Summer reading – the beginning….

Someone who read a recent blog of mine blog asked me “why do you re-read your old writing texts and “how to” books over the summer? Didn’t you get enough out of them the first time? Did you miss important stuff? Instead of answering the question directly, I asked this instead: “Haven’t you ever read something – a book,or an article – that was just so good you read it again just for the pleasure of it?” The answer I got back was typical of most people: “No. Once I read something, that’s it. I’m done.”

A sad, but a very common occurrence among  people. Most people will see a movie more than once if they like it – this is evidenced based fact: look at how many movie DVD’s are sold each and every day, not rented. Or, they will listen to a song endlessly. But to re-read a favored book? Not happening.

I’ve read Gone with the Wind  13 times. Cover to cover. And I could read it again tomorrow if I had the time to devote to it.

I’ve read To Kill A Mockingbird 8 times. I can quote descriptions and dialogue when prompted.

Last year I re-read every “In Death” book by J.D.Robb again, starting with the first one in the series, Naked in Death and finishing with the most current one, straight out. I didn’t read anything else until I finished all of them. Re-reading the list in order, the way it was written, was very powerful for me.  I could see and watch how J.D.Robb grew her characters with each book, building on their personalities, using their individual backgrounds to advance the plot and the series characters themselves. It was  like taking a master class on how to develop character and plot arcs effectively. I gleamed so much valuable information and writing development wisdom from re-reading the series that has helped me enormously with my own writing.

To me, re-reading a favored book is more pleasurable than seeing a favored movie over and over again. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve seen The Birdcagat least two dozen times – and every time I laugh while I quote the dialogue! But to spend time to re-read a book, one that gave you such treasured hours of pleasure, one that, every time you read it, you learn something new, or find something new from, something you didn’t see before, is to me one of life’s most wonderful ways to spend a few hours.

Re-reading my writing craft books and texts brings me the same pleasure, because every time – EVERY TIME – I find something, some tidbit, some phrase of wisdom, I didn’t see when I read it the last time. And to me, that is time so valuably spent.

What’s your favorite book? When was the last time you read it? Why not get reacquainted and read it again? Believe me, you’ll be happy when you do.

here’s my current favorite book, and LOOK! – it’s mine! It was just recently voted THE BOOK OF THE WEEK over at AuthorShout

THE VOICES OF ANGELS

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Love is the last thing Carly Lennox is looking for when she sets out on her new book tour. The independent, widowed author is content with a life spent writing and in raising her daughter. When newscaster Mike Woodard suggests they work on a television magazine profile based on her book, Carly’s thrilled, but guarded. His obvious desire to turn their relationship into something other than just a working one is more than she bargained for.

Mike Woodard is ambitious, and not only in his chosen profession. He wants Carly, maybe more than he’s ever wanted anything or anyone else. As he tells her, he’s a patient man. But the more they’re together, Mike realizes it isn’t simply desire beating within him. Carly Lennox is the missing piece in his life. Getting her to accept it-and him-may just be the toughest assignment he’s ever taken on.

Buy Links: Amazon /// TWRP /// Kobo /// Nook

If you need to find me, you can:  Tweet Me// Read Me// Visit Me// Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me//Google+Me//

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Filed under Author, Characters, Contemporary Romance, Life challenges, Literary characters, love, MacQuire Women, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, The Voices of Angels, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

A stroll down romance book memory lane…

What was the first book you read that taught you about romantic love?

Pride and Prejudice? Gone with the Wind? Wuthering Heights? The Fault is in our Stars? The Notebook? Lady Chatterly’s Lover?

Okay that last one really shouldn’t be included because it was more about repressed sexual urges than really romantic love, but it is a favorite still with many people.

For me – as with a great deal of people – my introduction to romantic fiction was when I was 11 years old and I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time. I will admit at the time I didn’t know it was about romance, and as an 11 year-old I had some trouble with the flowery prose. But I thought it was a cool story about English history ( hahahahah) and that it had a happy ending, something I knew I liked in a book.

As I matured I realized the book was much more than a simple happily-ever-after story. It was a love letter to the time, craftily weaving a story of personal intrigue and discovery, social mores, and class distinctions. Through Elizabeth, we see the struggles of a woman feeling trapped between doing what is familiar and best for her family ( marry well) and wanting to have a life filled with happiness and joy that only a love match – she feels – will give her. The Bennets will lose everything when their father dies due to the archaic and misogynistic entailment of the property to only a male heir – something not present in the Bennet household. The five daughters must be married off, and married off to hopefully rich husbands.  Lizzy grapples with the idea her future is dependent on a rich man wanting her and a romantic notion that she will marry for love and not social and financial gain.

But it still had that happily-ever-after ending I was so found of.

When I began writing my own romantic fiction, the book became much more to me. I saw it as a blueprint- for lack of a better word – in how the classic hero and heroine must go through obstacle after obstacle before they can come together as a couple and find their joined happiness. The romance story must be layered with emotions and discoveries – not only about the love interest, but the hero and heroine themselves must find out who they are and what they truly want in love and in a partner. The story must be  peppered not only with situations that keep them apart but also characters who place impediments in their way to being together. Misdirection, unknown facts, secrets and the like, all add dimension and layering to the story to make it a page turner and not a snore inducer.

One of the reasons Pride and Prejudice, written over 200 hundred years ago, is still a favorite with romance readers today is because it is a universal story of boy meets girl/boy loses girl/ boy gets girl in the end.

And it has that wonderful happily-ever-after feel to it.

So, what was the first romantic book you ever read? let’s discuss……

here’s my current favorite romantic novel, and LOOK! – it’s mine!

THE VOICES OF ANGELS

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Love is the last thing Carly Lennox is looking for when she sets out on her new book tour. The independent, widowed author is content with a life spent writing and in raising her daughter. When newscaster Mike Woodard suggests they work on a television magazine profile based on her book, Carly’s thrilled, but guarded. His obvious desire to turn their relationship into something other than just a working one is more than she bargained for.

Mike Woodard is ambitious, and not only in his chosen profession. He wants Carly, maybe more than he’s ever wanted anything or anyone else. As he tells her, he’s a patient man. But the more they’re together, Mike realizes it isn’t simply desire beating within him. Carly Lennox is the missing piece in his life. Getting her to accept it-and him-may just be the toughest assignment he’s ever taken on.

Buy Links: Amazon /// TWRP /// Kobo /// Nook

If you need to find me, you can:  Tweet Me// Read Me// Visit Me// Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me//Google+Me//

Exciting news, people. I’m having a ‪#‎goodreads‬ ‪#‎giveaway‬ of THE VOICES OF ANGELS. Here’s the link to try and get a paperback copy plus one of my hand painted book boxes to house it in.https://www.goodreads.com/…/show/189562-the-voices-of-angels
And pssssst! Want an even greater chance of winning? I’m going to give 2 lucky winners the chance to get a free e-copy of the book if you do one of these things within the next week: ( remember, you must have a kindle in order to win!!)
1. visit my website on Tuesday 6/7 or Thursday june 9 and leave a comment and follow me on WordPress. Here’s my website link:
https://peggyjaeger.com/
2. Follow me on Twitter anyday! : https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
or
3. Follow me on instagram anyday!:https://www.instagram.com/mmj122687/

On June 12th I’ll pick two random winners (so make sure to check back here!) and I’ll get your email addresses, and send a copy of THE VOICES OF ANGELS directly to your kindle, via amazon.
Sound good???

 

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Writing Relationships…

During your writing career, just as in life, you will forge and develop many different writing relationships with people who will – hopefully- help you advance. Literary agents, Editors, Publishers, Book Promoters, Publicists, Marketing Analysts, and certainly not the least, Readers. All of these people are important to you, but in my opinion, one of the most important connections you will make is with your Editor.

My editor was instrumental in getting my first book published. She supported me, guided me, and encouraged me through the –at times – very daunting process of having a debut novel go to press. She was the voice of reason when I questioned “why” and the sounding board when I asked, “how come.” Together, she helped me give publishing birth to five works ( 4 books and 1 novella). During that time she wasn’t only my editor, but she became my friend. One I will treasure for the rest of my life.

It is a fact of the publishing world that editors come and go from publishing houses. Career advancement, the desire to take a different literary path, or even to have children and take care of  a family means a publisher – and a writer -will lose their favored editor.

This has recently happened to me. The void that is left behind in my heart is cavernous. This person was my very first professional editor. She was the person who saw something in my writing, who went to bat for me and basically helped make my dream of becoming a published author come true. With patience, professionalism, and kindness she guided me through that first thrilling but harrowing publishing experience, and she has been there championing me and directing my steps every inch of the way. She was the one I could turn to when a scene was not playing out the way I wanted it to. She was the one who showed me the light when the creative bulbs dimmed and I was stuck in POV nightmares. It was to her eyes I looked when something just didn’t sound as good on the page as it did in my head. In my professional writing career, I liken her to my fairy godmother. She, quite completely, made my wishes come true. I will miss my editor as I would miss a child who has left for college or a friend who moves far away.

The editor I am assigned to now is just as professional and kind. My relationship with my publisher is a wonderful, solid partnership and I look forward to many more professional collaborations between myself and my new editor.

But there is something about your first…..

My debut novel, SKATER’S WALTZ ,wouldn’t have come about if not for my editor. If you’re interested in seeing what a professional editing job she did, here’s the 411.

SKATER’S WALTZ

Figure skater Tiffany Lennox is busy with rehearsals for an upcoming ice show when the only man she’s ever loved comes home after a two-year overseas stint. She needs him to see her for the woman she’s become and not the child he knew to ensure he stays home. This time, for good. With her.

perf5.000x8.000.inddFor all his wanderlust and hunger for professional success, Cole Greer returns to New York wanting nothing more than to rest, relax, and recover. He is delighted in being Tiffany’s hero and has a special place in his heart reserved for her. But faced with the oh-so-desirable woman she’s become, he starts questioning his determination to keep their relationship platonic. When forced by the television network to go back on assignment, Cole—for the first time in his life—is torn between his career and his heart.

Available here:

Amazon //  Wild Rose Press //  B&N

If you need to find me, you can:  Tweet Me// Read Me// Visit Me// Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me//Google+Me//

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