Day 1 of Two Weeks of Romance

Today's feature is CYNTHIA OWENS and DEBORAH GRAHL.

First- let me introduce you to Cynthia Owens and her book. KEEPER OF THE LIGHT.

Keeper of the Light is the second book in The Wild Geese Series, which features five life-long friends who met on a coffin ship bound for America from famished Ireland. They grew up on the mean streets of New York City, and when war came, they joined up with Thomas Francis Meagher’s Irish Brigade. But now the war is over, and they’re ready to re-start their lives – and find new love.

The hero of Keeper of the Light, Cathal Donnelly, is a handsome, mercurial storyteller who has…well, let’s call them Fenian leanings, to use an Irish expression. It’s 1867, there’s something big coming up in the Fenian community, and you can bet Cathal is eager to be a part of it.

But…something goes wrong, and he finds himself on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, with no memory of who he is, where he came from, or why he was in a boat that capsized in a wild Atlantic sea storm. The only thing he knows is that he’s desperately attracted to his beautiful rescuer…even though she’s as English as the British soldiers who drove Cathal and his family from Ireland’s green shores during the hunger.

I loved writing Keeper of the Light because it allowed me to combine some of my favorite things: Irish history, Irish mythology, and a very important, but little-known piece of Canadian history. Call it a little Canadian pride!

BLURB-

Like the Wild Geese of Old Ireland, five boys grew to manhood despite hunger, war, and the mean streets of New York…
She was everything he despised…but he didn’t know it

Cathal Donnelly washed up on the shores of an Atlantic island one stormy night, with no memory of who he was or why he was there. But is his lovely rescuer his salvation…or his doom?

She dreamed of a very different life

Laura Bainbridge has spent her entire life on tiny Turtle Island, but she dreams of a Season in London and a presentation to Queen Victoria. Can a handsome Irish stranger with a golden tongue and a disturbing past change her heart and convince her to stay?

As Cathal’s memory slowly returns, both he and Laura must come to grips with his painful past…and fight for a future free of hatred and loss. 

Where to find Cynthia-
www.authorcynthiaowens.com

************

Now, to introduce you to Deborah Grahl. 

Hi, Sarah, and thank you for having me today.

I’d like to share a little about my romance, The Silver Crescent, from the Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House. Also I would like to give a signed copy away to one lucky reader who leaves a comment and contact information.

If you enjoy romance, mysteries, treasure hunts, and ghosts, The Silver Crescent has it all.

From the back cover:

Betrayal, murder and a stolen fortune bring Elise Baxter to Cedar Bend, Michigan, on a quest to solve a family mystery—and recover the missing treasure.

Max Holt impulsively buys a crumbling Victorian mansion and fulfills his dream of restoring it as a restaurant and inn. Aware of its reputation for being haunted, he adds to the mystique by building a garden path of old tombstones, one of which belongs to the original owner of the house, Cyrus Mosby—the man whose legacy Elise has traced, and who allegedly stole her ancestral share of a Colorado silver mine over a century ago.

Following clues gleaned from old diaries and a visit from the spirit of her great-great-grandmother, Elise seeks out Max and his inn. Not knowing if she can trust Max with her family secret, Elise pretends her interest is in researching Cyrus, whose own violent death remains a mystery.

An intense attraction between Max and Elise leads him to believe she may be the girl of his dreams. But when he discovers her true interest in him and his inn, memories of a past betrayal threaten to end their passionate relationship. Elise, finding herself falling in love with Max, fears her deception may cost her more than she is willing to lose.

Once persuaded the stolen silver is hidden somewhere in the inn, and captivated by the idea of a treasure hunt, Max and Elise begin the search together, aided by the resident ghosts, Cyrus and Virginia.

The treasure hunt seems like a harmless adventure until someone tries to steal the diaries. Unknown to Max and Elise, there are others—including an evil presence—who are driven by greed and will stop at nothing to unlock the mystery of the Silver Crescent.



Excerpt from the Prologue:

Cedar Bend, Michigan, Circa 1900

At fifty-two, his once thick, dark hair was thinning and now completely gray. Lines of age and sorrow creased his weathered face. His well-tailored, pinstriped suit fitted his slim frame to perfection. It’s been a long, hard road to get where I am today. And it all may have been for nothing. Resigned to meet his fate head-on, he opened the front door.

Cyrus narrowed his eyes as he took in his fastidiously attired brother-in-law Garrison and the unkempt older man at his side.

Garrison smiled. “Good evening, Cyrus. How are you this fine night?”

It took everything Cyrus had not to slam the door in his face, but without a word, he stepped back and directed the two men into his library. Concealing his unease, he took what he hoped was an intimidating stance behind his desk.

“All right, Garrison, I’m here. Now would you be so kind as to explain what this is all about?”

The smug smile Garrison gave Cyrus didn’t extend to his cold, green eyes. “Are you not at least going to give us the courtesy of inviting us to sit? Also, the offer of a glass of your excellent single malt would, I’m sure, be appreciated.”

Cyrus wanted nothing more than to throw the young reprobate out on his ear, but in deference to the older man’s frailty, he waved them into the two leather chairs facing his desk. He took his own seat, and with no attempt to disguise his disdain, addressed Garrison.

“I’m a very busy man. I don’t appreciate getting mysterious notes demanding my presence, so I suggest you tell me what this is all about. Then kindly take your friend and leave.”

Before Garrison could respond, a raspy voice said, “You don’t know who I am, do ya’, you son of a bitch?”

To Cyrus’s disbelief, the old man lurched from his seat. Reaching across the desk, he grabbed Cyrus’s coat by the lapels, bringing their faces inches apart, and said, through gritted teeth, “I’ve waited twenty years for this moment and here you sit in your fancy house, with your fancy new name, behind your fancy desk, wearin’ your fancy clothes, and you ain’t got a clue who I am, you lyin’, cheatin’, murderin’, thievin’ bastard.”

Icy fingers of fear began to run up and down Cyrus’s spine; his gut clenched with every word the old man spoke. He fought to maintain a haughty expression as he stared into those hate-filled eyes.

“Release me, sir, and control yourself,” he said before Garrison spoke.

“Yes, my good man, this kind of behavior will gain you nothing. We’re all civilized men here. I’m sure, after hearing what you have to say, our good friend Cyrus will be more than happy to atone for his past sins and give you your due.”

“He damn well better.” The old man sneered as he retook his seat.

In a gruff voice, throat gone dry, Cyrus demanded, “For the last time, what is this about?”

Garrison paused to light his thin cigar. “Well, Cyrus, it’s about a Colorado silver mine and murder.”



Please visit my website: www.debbygrahl.com


Where to purchase:

The Silver Crescent is available from Amazon in paperback or Kindle and Barnes & Noble in paperback or Nook.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Crescent-Debby-Grahl/dp/1612132081/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391261974&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Silver+Crescent

HERE IS HOW TO WIN and WHAT YOU WILL WIN!

Cynthia Owens is giving away a handmade ribbon and beaded bookmark, a beaded key chain, and a copy of DECEPTIVE HEARTS, book 1 in The Wild Goose Series. 

Deborah Grahl will be giving away a copy of her book, THE SILVER CRESCENT. 

All you have to do is leave a comment. Two winners will be chosen. One for each author. Check back tomorrow right here in this thread to see if you won! You will have two days to contact me at sarah-hoss@hotmail.com to claim your prize or I will have to choose another winner. 

Thanks for joining us today. I want to thank Cynthia and Deborah for participating! It's been fun and don't forget to check back each day in the next two weeks for new authors and prizes!

A special treat for you!

It's been a long and cold winter. You would think with all of the time off I've had, that I would be able to get a lot done on the computer, but as my poor blog shows, that is not the case.

Between cleaning the house and keeping my four kids entertained, I've been busy and I will admit a little stir crazy!

BUT- if I had had a fabulous book to read, I might not have been so bored. With the library being closed, I couldn't get one.

Winter isn't over. We have two more months of this snow and bitterly cold air and I know you are going to be stuck in side with nothing to do. Can't get to a library or a book store? Well then, I am going to bring it to you!!!

That's right! I am hosting TWO WEEKS OF ROMANCE here! From February 1-14th, you can come here and meet more than one author each day. They will will tell you about a new release or a series they have and they are giving away prizes! That's right....

LOT'S OF AUTHORS..... LOT'S OF BOOKS... LOT'S OF PRIZES!

All you have to do is come here each day. Leave a message with your email address. The next day, I will pick a winner. If I have two authors, there are two winners. If I have three authors, there are three winners. See how it works! To see if you win, you have to go back to that day and look in the comment box! You will then have 48 hours to contact me or I will have to choose another winner and I would hate to do that.

So... I'm so excited, can't you tell!!!

Be here on Feb. 1st to start the two week give away! Tell your friends. Blast it on Facebook! Tweet about it. We want everyone to know! See ya soon!

Oh-. who will be here you ask. Well, I can't give you every name, I want it to be a surprise, but how about Cynthia Owens, Dawn Chartier, and Veronica Wolff for starters?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I haven't uploaded pictures from this year but this is a good example to the beginning of our blizzard.

    Well, we are into January now. It's the 10th already. My children were home for two weeks for the Christmas break and we had a great Christmas and a New Year. Then the blizzard came. 13 inches of snow and the temperature was -13 with a wind chill of -35. Indiana hasn't seen weather like that in a while. I love winter, but I'm tired of the cold already! This weather also gave my kids an extra week off from school.

   I am lining up some new interviews for you this year. I will advertise some classes that are offered to you to help enhance your writing and research.

   I hope that you are blessed in this new year. I wish you joy and happiness and all the book you can handle!!!

Best wishes in 2014,
Sarah

NEW RELEASE!

INTERVIEW WITH Amy Jarecki

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.

Before college, I was a showgirl. I toured—singing and dancing my way around the world in a review called Follies on Broadway. Several years later, I dreamed up the plot for VIRTUE after I took a cruise to Belize...

How cool would it be to write a romantic suspense about a dancer who falls in love with a hot Belizean man and ends up in more trouble than Indiana Jones?



Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?

Virtue is a romantic suspense. My last six manuscripts have been Scottish historical romances, but they all have a strong element of suspense.



What is your writing routine like?

I’m a plotter. I roll out of bed every morning, review what I wrote the day before, look at my outline and plot the details of my next scene.



Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

I’m a member of the Celtic Hearts chapter of the Romance Writers of America. I’ve formed a number of friendships by being a member, but I like the online classes that are offered in the CHRWA as well as those offered by other RWA chapters.



What’s next for you?

The next two books under contract are Rescued by the Celtic Warrior (August 2014) and Celtic Maid (Dec. 2014).



BOOK BLURB

Sheltered, raised in rural Utah, Zoe Marshall has never heard of the Mayan Prophecy of the Golden Goddess—but she’s about to.

At the moment she just landed her dream job, dancing on a cruise ship where she meets Belizean Gabriel AhKin. The sizzling bartender stirs her passion.

When the ship docks in Belize, Zoe disappears—spirited into the bowels of a Mayan cult led by a reclusive fanatic. After the madman sees her, he divines Zoe is the Golden Goddess. She is “the one” to fulfill the prophecy. Now Gabriel’s driving obsession is to rescue the woman who’s captured his heart.



A little bit about the author

Amy has won multiple writing awards and lives in Utah with her husband and two Chihuahuas. For fun, she hikes, bikes and plays a mean game of golf. Born in northern California, Amy holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.



Excerpt

The first time the hero sees the heroine:

Long blond hair fluttered with the breeze, legs that wouldn’t stop, and a body so well proportioned, he’d only seen the likes in swimsuit editions of Sports Illustrated.

She looked his way and his breath caught. He quickly glanced down, busying himself with the glasses. Gabriel’s heart thundered in his ears as she approached.

“Hi,” she said, her American accent friendly, not bitchy like other incredibly beautiful tourists he’d encountered. “You think I could get a Diet Coke?”

Gabriel looked up. She smiled, white teeth, eyes that reflected the sea, flawless skin. “Ah. Sure.” He reached for a glass, one of the fancy plastic tumblers. He scooped in some ice and grabbed a toothpick umbrella, garnishing it with a lime and a red maraschino cherry. Holding up her special drink, he grinned. “Why diet?”

She lowered her extraordinarily long lashes. “I’m a dancer—always watching my figure, you know.”

“You’re a dancer on the ship?”

She took a sip. “Uh huh. Arrived last night.” When she leaned in, he caught a delicious fragrance like rain falling on orange blossoms. “I’m pretending I’m lost and taking a little self-guided tour on my way to the theater. I thought I’d have a look around before spending who knows how many hours tied to the stage.”

“Off to rehearse, huh?”

“Yep. Had to learn two shows in a week.” She pointed to her white flip-flops. “I’m wearing these to air out the blisters on my toes.”

He glanced down, but only made it as far as her well-muscled, slender thighs. Perfection. “Sounds painful.”

“It’ll be all right.” She leaned closer with the most adorable smile he’d ever seen in his life. “Know what?”

Gabriel hoped drool wasn’t draining out the corner of his mouth. “What?”

“The lead dancer is leaving the show after this tour, and I’ve been picked for the fan dance.”

God in heaven, why did that not surprise him? He’d choose her for any spotlight dance. He’d pick her just to stand center stage for hours on end. You want to drape those pegs across my bar so I can stare at them all day? Holy mother, she could do anything she wanted.





How can my readers buy your book?

You can find more information about me and my book, Virtue, by

visiting my website, www.amyjarecki.com or my blog, http://amyjarecki.blogspot.com



A few quickies if you don’t mind!

1) Favorite board game? Monopoly

2) Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi

3) Mountains or Beach? Beach

4) Denim or Leather? Denim

5) What’s your favorite thing about Christmas? Presents

6) What’s your favorite romantic thing your husband has done for you? Oh gosh, my husband’s the king of romantic. Hmm. He often leaves me love notes on my pillow. I think I like those the best.

7) What’s your favorite time of day? Morning.

8) What’s your favorite color? Pink.

9) What’s your favorite kind of chewing gum? Spearmint, Cinnamon, or Fruity? Wintergreen—as long as it’s sugarless.



Thanks for having me on your blog, Sarah, and good luck to you and all the authors out there. Write on!

IT'S ARRIVED!

ll I Want For Christmas is a Soul Mate . . .

This year’s delightful collection of Christmas short stories features a multitude of romantic genres all with one common theme: during the holiday season, nothing’s better than spending it with the one you love.

Twenty talented Soul Mate authors have put together an anthology that’s sure to please any reader who enjoys their romance with a splash of Christmas cheer:
A time-traveling Highlander brings comfort and joy to a young woman grieving her lost family . . .
Best friends, both widowed, suddenly see each other through new eyes during a snowed-in Christmas Eve;
A royal prince and a commoner fall in love despite their differences and a handful of untruths, thanks to a wreath that grants wishes . . .
An alien race understands the simple reward of giving, when their human captive does not . . .
Young lovers planning a Christmas wedding find their promise to each other is put to the ultimate test . . .
A ghostly groom refuses to stay away from the woman he loves . . .
For two modern believers, a magical, mystical visit to Bethlehem on the night of the Christ Child’s birth is both a joy and a responsibility . . .
And many more heartwarming, romantic stories celebrating ‘The Season To Be Jolly.’

Please join us as we tell a few tales, raise a glass of holiday cheer, and deck the halls with romance as well as boughs of holly!

BUY LINK

http://www.amazon.com/All-Want-For-Christmas-Soulmate-ebook/dp/B00GH2I458/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384609424&sr=8-1&keywords=All+I+Want+For+Christmas+Is+A+Soul+Mate

http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-soul-mate/

Halloween Special Day 4

I will be giving away an autographed copy of my novel, Dreams of the Highlander to one lucky commenter!

Enjoy this excerpt!


Chapter 1

“Love looks with the mind, not with the eyes.”

William Shakespeare



Newtonmore Scotland, 1701

“Mairi,” he whispered.

“I love ye with all of my heart.” The evidence of that love clung to her soft voice.

Alexander swallowed the lump of fear that rose in his throat. “I love ye, too.” He lowered his gaze to their beautiful son nestled in his arms. Brown hair dusted the little head and he gently ran his hands over the silky forehead as he fought back tears.

“I want ye to be happy, Alexander.” A blanket of confusion covered him as she turned away in sadness to stare out the window.

“What are ye saying, Mairi? Ye’re going to be fine.” He said it with as much conviction as he could muster. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb slowly brushing strokes back and forth.

Alexander readjusted himself on the bed. She turned then, to stare back into his eyes, her hand grasping his. The sadness had left and in its place, determination settled in.

“No, I won’t and we both know it.” She swallowed with difficulty. “Promise me, Alexander. Promise me ye willna grieve for me forever.” He watched, stunned, as her hand dropped from his.

Alexander heard his mother sobbing in the background as he sat there with his stillborn son held tightly in his arms and watched his wife slip peacefully from this world.


BUY LINKS

http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Highlander-Sarah-Hoss/dp/1619352974/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383219737&sr=8-1&keywords=Dreams+of+the+highlander

www.soulmatepublishing.com. 

Halloween Special Day 3

Hi, Sarah. Thank you for inviting me to your Halloween celebration! For the occasion, I’d like to tell you and your fans about Dearest Irish (Texas Devlins, Rose’s Story) – book three in my Texas Devlins trilogy. I will also give away a Kindle or Nook copy of this book to one lucky reader who comments and leaves a contact email address.

A story filled with adventure, romance and passion, Dearest Irish also contains a rather “spooky” element. Although the story begins and ends in Texas, much of this Native American/paranormal romance takes place in the Indian Territory, ca. 1876. Offering a glimpse of reservation life and the prejudice faced by mixed race couples, it features a uniquely gifted heroine.

Rose Devlin, like her older siblings, possesses psychic talent inherited from a hidden line of Irish Celtic Druids stretching far back in time. Rose is blessed with the extraordinary ability to heal with her mind, a secret gift which has caused her great pain in the past. She also keeps another terrible secret that may prevent her from ever finding love.

Choctaw Jack, a half-breed cowboy introduced in Dashing Irish (book two in the trilogy), straddles two worlds, dividing his loyalties between his mother’s people and the family of a friend who died in the Civil War. Like Rose, he keeps shocking secrets. If they ever come to light, he stands to lose his job, possibly his life. Yet, after his chance discovery of Rose’s amazing gift, he risks everything, kidnapping her from her brother’s Texas ranch in the belief that she can save his dying mother.

As Jack spirits Rose north to the Indian Territory, she comes to accept his reason for abducting her but fears the unwanted feelings he stirs within her. Along the way they’re tested by natural forces and individuals, both white and red, who revile Jack and scorn Rose for riding with him. However, far greater challenges lie ahead. Rose’s healing power and courage will be pushed to their limits, while Jack finds the greatest risk he faces is caring too much for his lovely paleface captive.



Book Excerpt: This scene is where Jack discovers Rose’s secret gift.

Jack eased past the open barn door and glided noiselessly into a dark corner where Miss Devlin wasn’t likely to see him if she happened to glance his way. Unable to sleep thanks to the aching gash in his back and his unwanted thoughts of Tye Devlin’s pretty sister, he’d gone for a walk. Moments ago, he’d been on his way back to the bunkhouse, determined to sleep, when he spotted the young woman leaving the main house. Curious, he’d followed her to the barn, careful to remain in deep shadows in case she turned to look behind her.

Now, he watched her walk quietly to the last stall on the left, where Tye had placed the troublesome stallion. She paused outside the enclosure, raised her lamp to see the horse, and began to speak in a soft tone. Jack crept closer, straining to hear what she said.

“Hello, darlin’. Come here to me. Ye needn’t be afraid. If you’ll let me, I’ll try to take the pain away.” She continued to croon reassuring words until, to Jack’s amazement, the horse limped over to her and extended his head over the stall gate. As docile as a pet pony, he allowed her to scratch his forehead and rub his muzzle. All the while, she kept talking to him in that soft, sweet tone.

Jack was fascinated by the sight, but when she lifted the latch, preparing to enter the stall, he tensed in alarm. He opened his mouth, ready to order her not to go in there with the dangerous stallion, but something stopped him, perhaps the horse’s calm behavior. Or maybe he was just curious to see what the fool white woman would do next. Edging closer still, he watched her enter the stall. She didn’t bother closing the gate, and Jack expected the mustang to make a break for freedom, but surprisingly, the horse didn’t move.

Setting her lamp down near the gate, Miss Devlin slowly approached him, offering her hand. He snuffled at it and allowed her to step close. She gently stroked his neck, causing a visible tremor to pass over the glossy brown surface. The stallion butted her with his head, obviously liking her touch. She giggled and scratched around his ears. Jack shook his head, hardly believing his own eyes. The woman sure did have a way with horses.

She went on talking to the big brute as she slowly stroked downward along his injured right foreleg. He gave no sign of fear or rebellion, although he did shift sideways when she touched the sore area. She said something Jack couldn’t understand, in Irish? – and the horse immediately settled. Then she squatted, rubbed her hands together briskly, and wrapped them around the swollen part of his leg. She bent her head and her lips moved, praying, Jack guessed.

All at once the stallion whinnied and danced away from her. Jack prepared to dash into the stall and drag her to safety, but she calmly rose and resumed speaking to the wary horse.

“There now, don’t be afraid. I’m sorry it hurt for a moment. ’Tis feeling better now, aye? By morning you’ll not know ’twas ever sprained.” She moved close again, patted the mustang’s neck and gave him another good scratch around his ears. He nickered softly in response.

“There’s a good lad,” she murmured. “Now, I’d best be getting back to my bed. Good night to ye.” With a final pat, she bent to pick up her lamp and exited the stall.

While she paused to latch the gate, Jack slipped out of the barn, not wanting to get locked in there. He hid himself in deep shadows again and waited while the young woman struggled to replace the heavy board that barred the doors. He would have helped but didn’t want her to know he’d been spying on her. He also didn’t want to frighten her.

Once she was safely inside the main house, he headed for his bunk. Sleep eluded him as before, this time because he was anxious for daylight so he could see the results of Miss Devlin’s midnight visit. As soon as dawn broke, he rolled out of bed, pulled on his boots and strode back to the barn. The brown stallion greeted him with a fierce neigh and charged the stall gate. However, he didn’t try to knock it down, evidently having learned his lesson yesterday. He stopped short, stuck his head out and bared his teeth. Smiling at the threatening display, Jack stayed well out of reach.

What interested him was the horse’s right foreleg. Crouching to look it over between the slats in the gate, he clearly saw the swelling had disappeared and the horse wasn’t favoring the leg at all. It appeared completely healed. Jack straightened and slowly retraced his steps to the barn’s open doorway. Crossing his arms, he stared at the house.

“So, Rose Devlin, you do have magic. You’re a medicine woman.” He chuckled. “You’re also a little liar.”

Purchase Dearest Irish here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CK9LGA2 (Kindle & paperback)

http://tinyurl.com/l64ctss (Nook at Barnes & Noble)