It’s my turn over on Romancing the Genres this month and we’re celebrating Children’s Book Month.
If you know me, you know my favorite kid’s book of all time, hee hee. Stop by and find out if you’re correct, here: RomancingtheGenres
Tag Archives: #writersonwriting #writerswriting
#LongandShortReviews #WednesdayBloggingChallenge 6.24.2020
I’ve been M.I.A. for a few weeks because….life. But today’s topic got me back in the blogging challenge saddle.
My “go to” book or movie for a pick-me-up. Easy peasy and I’m gonna do both!
Book first:
I’ve mentioned this book dozens of times on this blog – and others – but whenever I can’t find something new and intriguing to read, I pull out my copy of NEW YORK TO DALLAS by J.D. Robb from my book case. It is without a doubt my favorite Robb addition of the In Death Series to date, even though they are all excellent reads. This one, though, is so packed with emotion, suspense, and love, plus the way Robb really gets to the meaning of marriage, that it’s worth a re-read every now and again. The last three pages are my absolute favorite in the book and even though I’ve read the book numerous times, I always cry when I re-read them.
When I need a movie pick-me-up there is no better feel good, make me laugh until I cry movie than MOONSTRUCK starring Cher ( in her Academy Award winning role.)
The reason I love this movie isn’t only because it’s just the funniest, tenderest, loveliest movie about family that I’ve ever seen. I have a more personal reason for watching it when I need an emotional lift.
The movie was released in 1987, the same year I got married. Directly after saying our “I’do’s,” hubby and I relocated to Wisconsin for my husband’s job. He’d been there already for 6 months, coming back home so we could get married. And while he’d already gotten acclimated to the town and the people, even making new friends, I knew no one.
Not a soul.
I had no job, we lived in a tiny basement apartment and hubby was gone all day long at work. It was December/January 1987-88 and where we lived, on Lake Superior, the daily temps were in the negative 20’s. Every day. All day. So I couldn’t really go out and do stuff. I was lonely, missed my old life and was inching towards depression when it should have been the happiest time in my life.
One day I decided to get out of the house and go to the movies. The local mall-theater had Tuesday matinees so I figured at least I’d get dressed, get out for a few hours, and maybe, just maybe, feel better. Once I saw MOONSTRUCK was playing I purchased my ticket, got my tub’o’gross movie popcorn and settled into my seat.
I was the only one in the theater. Seems everyone had a life in Superior except yours truly.
Two hours later I left the theater with my spirits lifted, a huge smile on my face, and feeling so much better. Watching the antics of Loretta Castarini ( Cher) and her crazy Italian family made me feel like I’d been teleported back to NYC and my own crazy family. That was a turning point in my new life.
If you need a lift either emotionally, spiritually, or even physically, this is the movie to see. I just may watch it again tonight!
Now, let’s see what some of the other authors in this challenge read or watch to make them feel better. L&SR
I would be remiss if I didn’t do a little self promo here. I’ve got a new book releasing on July 1 titled WOKE. It’s an updated version of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, but in my book, Beauty doesn’t wait for love’s first kiss to bring her back to the land of the living!!
Waking up each day is a gift….
On her 21st birthday, someone slipped a potent drug combination into socialite Aurora Brightwell’s champagne putting her in a coma for the next ten years. It’s been a long road back, and it’s time to reclaim the life she lost and find out exactly what happened on that fateful night.
Financier Kincade Enright has his own reason for helping Aurora discover who poisoned her, but for the time being he’s keeping that – and his true identity – to himself. What he can’t keep hidden though, are his growing feelings for the one-time paparazzi darling and party-girl.
When this prince of finance joins forces with the former sleeping beauty, nothing can stop them from finding the answers they seek…or prevent the powerful emotions developing between them as they search for the truth.
Until next week, peeps ~Peg
Filed under Long and SHort Reviews
When you’ve got nothing, do you punt…or go home?
I’m chockfull of weird and wacky blog titles this week, eh?? Hee Hee
What it boils down to is that I’ve been living a very boring life of late, self isolating and writing/editing my next indie book, and reading other books for review on Netgalley. In addition to taking care of home and hearth and my parents. And their home and hearth.
I have no new news, no witty stories, no personal revelations with which to fill this blog up. I even missed the last two Long and Short Reviews Wednesday Blogging challenges because I was immersed in writing.
If you open the dictionary and find the definition for “pathetic lifestyle” you will see my picture.
Not kidding. Not even a little.
So…do I try and make something up that will delight and titillate you? Do I – once again – try to get you to buy any of my books by putting up snippets to intrigue you? Do I comment on current events? I am truly at a loss of what to write today.
I could tell you about the DIY wasp traps my husband discovered on the Internet to fight our growing wasp problem, and which he made all by himself. I’m truly happy all my empty liter Diet Mountain Dew bottles didn’t die in vain. Nothing in the traps yet, though.
I could tell you about my wonderful summer vacation plans….but I don’t have any.
I could share how I’ve started yet another diet in the attempt to fit into my dress for my daughters wedding – the one she has had to postpone twice now due to the pandemic – and how I’m literally starving most of the day. I might even admit that I bought two boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the grocery store yesterday and WHAM!!! Gained 6 pounds by the time I got home. But that seems too…depressing and self revelatory.
I could share how happy I was when I finally – after 12 weeks – got my hair colored last week. But then I wonder: did you know I color my hair? Did I just ruin your opinion of me??
Truthfully, when I read all of those things back they are really pretty pathetic and boring….
Kinda like me.
So, I guess I’ll go do some more editing and then maybe take a walk…on the treadmill of course, because…you know….social distancing and the pandemic.
Le sigh…
Until next time, peeps, when I sincerely hope I have something to write about ~ Peg
Filed under Uncategorized
For The Love of You by Claire Marti. #newbookrelease #authorvisit
I’ve been so lucky to meet writers during my writing journey who astound me with their talent and inspire me with their bravery. When I decided to publish my very first indie romance, it was to writers like today’s guest, Claire Marti, to whom I looked and learned.
Claire has a new book out today, the third in her Pacific Vista Ranch series, and she graciously allowed me to talk the book ( and it’s predecessors) up !!!
FOR THE LOVE OF YOU by Claire Marti
For a French soccer icon, and a gifted artist, a fake engagement is the perfect solution for their current dilemmas. But when last summer’s fling slips from lust to love, their pretend relationship becomes too hot to handle.
Gabriel DuVernay is heir to one of the oldest wineries in France, but his passion is playing soccer, not tending vines. When he signs a multi-million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, he’s able to postpone his unwelcome duties and help his younger sister convince their old-fashioned father she should be their family’s first female winemaker. Another bonus of moving to California is reuniting with the striking redhead who snuck out of his apartment after the hottest night of his life.
Last summer, artist Dylan McNeill’s life on her family’s Southern California horse-breeding ranch was thrown into chaos and she escaped to Paris. One electrifying night with a gorgeous playboy athlete helped her forget her problems. She’s never forgotten Gabriel, but aspiring artists trying to break into the elite art world don’t have time for romance. She’s determined to get discovered without trading on her family’s famous name.
When Gabriel suffers a career-shattering injury, he needs to buy some time to figure out how to remain in America and choose his own future. His influential mother can open important doors in the art world and help Dylan fulfill her dreams ––for a price. A fictitious engagement seems like the simple answer until living at Pacific Vista Ranch and pretending to be in love starts to feel real.
Can last year’s one night stand and this year’s fake engagement turn into true love forever?
Get your copy here: Amazon // Kobo // Apple books ( ibooks) // B&N
EXCERPT:
Hands linked, they ascended a single flight of broad wrought iron stairs. When he opened the large door, her lips parted in wonder at his home’s simple classic beauty. Wide honey-colored plank flooring set off the soaring ceiling, stark white walls, and midnight navy couch and loveseat. Nothing distracted from the main attraction: enormous glass doors revealing the unobstructed view of the wide golden sand beach melting into the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean.
“Wow. So I guess you signed on the dotted line the minute you saw this view?” Dylan drank in the beauty of the late afternoon sky.
Gabriel’s laugh was a low purr in his throat. “Exactly. Come.” He slid the French doors open and led her out to an immense deck.
Immediately, the warm, salty breeze caressed her skin and the shriek of seagulls filled the early twilight sky. Streaks of mauve and raspberry and tangerine turned the horizon into a watercolor tableau worthy of its own canvas. She leaned against the white wooden railing and sighed with pleasure.
“This is amazing. When did you arrive and do you get to spend much time here?” The Major League Soccer season ran from March to December. Professional athletes didn’t get much downtime, even in the off-season.
He was close enough that the clean fresh scent of soap and shampoo tickled her senses. His hair held a hint of curl and glints of chestnut and caramel. He angled his head toward her. “The transfer came through a few months ago, but I finished up my contract with Barcelona. I was at practice the morning after I arrived. So, no, I haven’t spent enough time here yet.”
“Thanks for sharing it with me.”
He reached for her hand again, lacing their fingers together. “Let’s have some wine and choose something to order for dinner. What are you in the mood for?”
“Italian or maybe French?” Her cheeks flamed. No innuendos there at all. Nope, not a one.
He waggled his eyebrows. “That can be arranged.”
Before she could react, he pulled her into his arms and lowered his head. He paused a few inches from her lips and slid one hand up her back to clasp her head. His minty breath mingled with hers and her lips parted in anticipation. His pupils dilated, his eyes black. With a growl, he captured her mouth and stroked and swirled his tongue with hers.
She melted against him, her knees buckled, and only his powerful embrace saved her from sliding to the deck in a boneless heap. She wove her arms around him, gripping the thin material of his t-shirt.
“Get a room!” A shout from the boardwalk below doused them like a bucket of freezing water. Gabriel’s hold softened and Dylan stepped back.
She exhaled a shaky breath and smoothed back her hair. Worked to slow her thundering heartbeat and gather some composure. When she’d agreed to come over to his house, she’d been anticipating flirtation and conversation, but nothing could have prepared her for experiencing the intensity of their chemistry again. They’d only spent one night together, but he’d left an indelible impression on her. Apparently, it was mutual.
Gabriel flashed a cheeky grin. “I’ve got several rooms inside, care to join me?”
“Aren’t you the clever one? Maybe we should slow things down and have that drink. And I am hungry.” Everything about him was seductive and she was inexorably drawn to him. If she didn’t at least gently tap the brakes, they’d be in bed before dinner. Or instead of dinner.
A little about my friend, Claire Marti:
Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.
Her award winning debut novel, Second Chance in Laguna, was a Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance in the prestigious Stiletto Contest, won best unpublished contemporary romance in the Heart of the Molly and third place in the Maggie. Book two in the Finding Forever in Laguna series, At Last in Laguna, and Book three, Sunset in Laguna, are available everywhere. Sunset in Laguna was a Golden Quill finalist.
Claire’s exciting new Pacific Vista Ranch series set on a horse-breeding ranch in exclusive Rancho Santa Fe, California, launched in September 2019.
When Claire’s not writing, she’s teaching yoga. You can find her teaching at studios in sunny San Diego or enjoy fifty online classes on the international website www.yogadownload.com. A breast cancer survivor, Claire is a sought-after speaker on the power of yoga and meditation. She’s been published in numerous magazines with articles on wellness and is the author of a memoir, Come Ride with Me Along the Big C, on her experience beating breast cancer.
Claire is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Contemporary Romance Writers, and the San Diego Romance Writers.
You can find Claire here:
Website // Facebook //Twitter // Instagram // Goodreads // Bookbub // Amazon
Read books 1 and 2 in the PACIFIC VISTA RANCH SERIES now
A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them.
She’s avoided Hollywood for years…
When an arrogant Hollywood stuntman struts into Samantha McNeill’s breeding barn, sparks fly. She doesn’t care how mouthwateringly gorgeous he is, not when he assumes Pacific Vista Ranch’s resident horse breeding manager must be a man. Not to mention his job threatens to pull her family back into the paparazzi filled world they escaped from over a decade ago.
Now it’s at her door––wearing faded jeans and a wicked grin.
Holt Ericsson can tell the beautiful redhead hates him on sight and the feeling is becoming mutual. But he will call in a favor and convince Sam’s legendary director father that Pacific Vista Ranch is the only suitable place left in California to film an epic Western. Holt’s invested all his savings in the movie and his entire career is riding on it. No way will he allow one irritating, sexy woman to stand in his way.
Sam intends to fight him at every turn…if only her heart didn’t race when they’re together. Holt does his best to steer clear of her…except all he wants to do is hold her close. The sizzling attraction between them is either going to burn up the sheets or burn down the ranch…
A perfectionistic equine vet. A gorgeous fireman. An unrequited high school crush blazes hot twelve years later.
Reliable Amanda McNeill’s world toppled last summer when Hollywood invaded her family’s horse breeding ranch. Everyone’s moving onward and upward, but she’s in a massive rut. Weary of her label as the dependable older sister, she yearns to throw predictability to the wind and embrace spontaneity. She can be impulsive, even wild, and a hot fling with Jake Cruz might be the sizzle she needs to jumpstart her life.
When firefighter Jake Cruz rescues a dog from a hit-and-run, the nearest vet is none other than his high school tutor, Amanda McNeill. Face to face with his former crush, he finds her to be even more beautiful than he remembers, and her charming blushes and heated glances tell him she notices him this time around. While Jake longs to discover if this Amanda matches the girl who starred in his adolescent fantasies, his desire to become fire captain, and earn his family’s pride, requires he focus on work, not passion.
Could his dream woman become his real love or will his professional ambitions extinguish their chances? Once the smoke clears, will Amanda realize Jake isn’t a fling but her hero after all?
Filed under Romance
Happy Valentines Day 2020!
As much as I like learning about how things came to be, I really didn’t want to do a deep dive into the history of Valentine’s Day for today. I’m sure it’s amazeballs stuff, but…no.
Instead, this day of the year more than any other solidifies in my mind why I love writing romance so much – to the exclusion of all other fiction genres I could pen.
If you know me you know I always say everyone deserves their own HEA ( Happily Ever After) story. I really believe this with all my heart – no VDay pun intended!
This past Wednesday I had the honor to speak in front of a Woman’s Group at a local church. It was their monthly luncheon meeting and their annual Valentine’s day celebration. Over 65 beautiful women of all ages from their 40s to 90s gathered together in fellowship and love to enjoy one another’s company and to hear me speak. I was told by the program director that this was the largest group they’d ever had for a luncheon. No pressure there, folks!
My talk was titled MY SECOND ACTS JOURNEY but it was really a treatise on why it’s important that we show love, give love, and share love with one another, especially in the times we live in, which can be so dark for so many.
I made them laugh with the ridiculous tales of my journey to publication and my crazy family stories. I made them think about their own lives when I explained why it’s important we all have that one person whom we can trust beyond all else to “cover our 6.” And yes, most of them did get the NCIS/GIBBS reference (!) I talked about the gift of words to express our feelings to one another and why it’s important we tell those we love that we do. Often. And with meaning. I explained my love of journaling and why I felt it was so necessary. I even told them that story about my first lock and key diary, the little book that solidified in my mind I wanted to be a writer. After the luncheon, one of the women came up to me and told me she was going to buy a diary/journal for her 8 year old granddaughter because of what I’d said. I have to tell you, that warmed my heart is ways too big to express.
Laughter, nodding heads, smiling faces and eyes staying open and not drifting off in boredom when you look out at a sea of faces, is something every speaker wants to see from behind the podium. Luckily, I did! No one fell asleep; no one didn’t appear engaged.
Win for me!
These beautiful women, most of whom I’d never met before and who didn’t know me as me, Peggy Jaeger- mom and wife – or as a writer, Peggy Jaeger, Author, were accepting, open with their questions, and receptive to what I had to say. True fellowship on display on this day devoted to love.
I guess the real purpose of this post is to simply state that although it’s Valentine’s day, a day typically devoted to candy hearts, Hallmark cards, and flowers, the concept of love, the act of loving one another, and being there for those you do love, is something that should be a daily, if not hourly thing.
Jesus’s entreaty, Love one another, is one request I think we can all, and should all, get behind, and practice without thought, argument, or discussion. Actions speak louder than words, but the words are so important to say and hear, too.
So on this day devoted to love, tell those people in your life you love them, that you have their 6, and that they mean the world to you.
And then do it again tomorrow, the next day, and the next……
Until next time, peeps ~ Peg
Filed under Romance
#longandShortReviews #Weeklyblogchallenge 2.12.2020
This week’s topic is another goodie and I’m sure it’s gonna be controversial. Not is a bad way – but in a get people talking way.
This week, we’re talking about BOOKS I REREAD OR WANT TO REREAD.
I have several friends who typically say once they read a book, that’s it. Done. Fine. Put it on the shelf and forget about it.
Whenever I tell these friends that I’m rereading a book they look at me with horror slashed across their faces and the first question out of their mouths is, “You couldn’t find anything new to read??”
Well, yes, I could. And I’ve got my next new book lined up on my Kindle, thank you very much. But I wanted to reread this book.
Curiosity ensues and it never ends well, believe me.
I’ve reread GONE WITH WIND 5 times. The last time I was especially cognizant of how racially horrible the book is since we are living in the time of socially consciousness. While it is a terrible book about hatred and racism, it is at it’s heart a love story between Rhett and Scarlett, unfortunately set in the most heinous time our of American History.
Pride and Prejudice is another book I’ve read at least 10 times and each time I do I fall in love all over again with the English language.
I’ve reread every single IN DEATH novel 5 times, starting a marathon read each time with the first book and moving all the way to whatever book is current. Right now, that’s number 50 – Golden in Death. Reading these books is enjoyable, yes, but it’s also a masterclass in how to write a fictional series, character development, world building, and a marriage/love story between two people who are wrong for each other but are sosososos right! My favorite ( and I’ve read it 10 times) is NEW YORK TO DALLAS ( the only book without the IN DEATH moniker.) And yes, every single time, even though I know it’s coming, I cry my eyes out at the last 5 pages.
That’s it for my list. List see what some of the other authors in this blog hop have to say about re-reading. I bet we’re gonna get some really diverse opinions and books! L&SR
And don’t forget I’ve got a brand new ROMANTIC SUSPENSE out, the first in a new series titled, A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK.
Until next week, peeps ~ Peg
And if you’re looking for me I’m usually here:Tweet Me//Read Me// Visit Me//Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me// Triber// Book Me // Watch me
Filed under Long and SHort Reviews
Long and Short reviews Weekly Blog Challenge 1.22.20
Three weeks in, peeps! Yay. Today’s topic is one I struggled a bit with: New Hobby I’m trying or would like to try.
Most of the hobbies I currently have all involve some use of my creative brain. I love refurbishing and decoupaging old steamer trunks; I’m a wiz at scrapbooking; I paint; I design greeting cards, and I embroider, knit, crochet and do needlepoint.
That’s a whole heck of a lot right there because there are only 24 hours in a day!
One thing I’ve always wanted to try, though, is quilting.
I love a good looking quilt. A trip through Amish country decades ago started my love affair and appreciation with hand-sticked quilting.
It’s not easy, not by a long short and I think you have to be good in math ( which I’m not) in order to have all the little pieces and squares the same size, and be able to make sure the pattern fits properly together. Plus, it’s takes time – a lot of time – to make one and I’m the type of gal who, once she starts a project, get’s a tad obsessed with finishing it. I know this would lead me down a rabbit hole of time management problems with regards to my writing schedule.
But it sure would be satisfying to know that the quilt/comforter covering me and hubby at night was made by my own two hands, so maybe….
Let’s see what some of the other authors in this challenge are currently thinking up: L&SR
Until next time, peeps ~Peg
And if you’re looking for me in 2020, I’m usually here:
Tweet Me//Read Me// Visit Me//Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me// Triber// Book Me // Watch me
Filed under Long and SHort Reviews
#RomanceGems and #LifeLessons
It’s my turn over on the Romance Gems. This month’s topic: Life Lessons. My addition? TRUST
Until next time ~ Peg
Filed under ROmance Gems
A day trip, A snuggle-worthy read, and a book sale: my Saturday
Today I have the great pleasure of presenting a workshop to the Maine Romance Writers group. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive for me and you all know I’m not the best person for long drives in the car. But I’m sucking that up because I love this group of talented, warm, and fabulous authors and women and can’t wait to see them!.They are streaming the talk live to those members who can’t attend in person, so YAY for that!
Today, I’m also a guest on NN Light’s Snuggleworthy Readathon and A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS is featured as the snuggleworthy rad of the day! Love that. The fact the book is also on sale right now is perfect for all of you haven’t read it or are thinking of gifting to a romance reader on your gift list this year.
With Christmas just a few weeks away, Gia San Valentino, the baby in her large, loud, and loving Italian family, yearns for a life and home of her own with a husband and bambini she can love and spoil. The single scene doesn’t interest her, and the men her well-meaning family introduce her to aren’t exactly the happily-ever-after kind.
Tim Santini believes he’s finally found the woman for him, but Gia will take some convincing she’s that girl. A misunderstanding has her thinking he’s something he’s not.
Can a kiss stolen under the Christmas lights persuade her to spend the rest of her life with him?
Buy Links: Amazon // Apple // Nook
Reviews for A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Read a preview of A Kiss Under The Christmas Lights
Enjoy your Saturday, kids.
Until next time ~ Peg
