Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Interview with Sadira Stone

Please welcome Rhonda Gilmour, who writes as Sadira Stone, my fellow Wild Rose Press Author!


1.   What is your writing style or schedule?

I tumble out of bed around 7:30—a great luxury after so many years of rising at 5:30 for my teaching job—pull on comfy loungewear, pour a mug of coffee, and get to work. Morning is my optimal focus time, once the coffee kicks in. I’ll usually write until mid-day or early afternoon.

2.  Where do you actually write?

I have a sweet little office painted celery green, with overstuffed bookshelves, an overloaded corkboard, and a stand-up/sit-down desk. My cushy floor mat from Costco is heaven for my feet.

3.   Do you write linearly or not?

Kinda/sorta. I plan the major plot points and dive into the first draft, but somewhere around the one-third mark I circle back to weave in new plot threads.

4.     What sort of other activities keep you from actually writing? 

Besides social media, you mean? I’m retired, but most of our family live elsewhere, so family visits make it difficult to write. Promo/marketing can eat up a huge chunk of actual writing time; I’m working on balancing that important aspect of the writing biz.

5.  Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?

Hubs is very supportive, bless him. Ditto my RWA Olympia, Washington chapter and my weekly critique group. Online writing communities prove a lot of emotional support as well.

6.  How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

So far, I tend to write long, around the 90K mark. From start to final edits (by me and beta readers), it takes me 9 months to a year. Many in the writing/publishing community advocate writing fast and releasing frequently. While I’m working to improve my speed and write shorter novels, I’m not going to subject myself to burnout. This is supposed to be fun, right?

7.  Who or what are your inspirations?

I learn so much by reading the romance greats who write at my heat level, whether contemporary or historical. Writing courses and critique partners help too, but there’s nothing like watching a masterful performance from the likes of Alisha Rai, Allysa Cole, Lauren Dane, Damon Suede, Tessa Dare, Victoria Dahl, Joanna Shupe, Penny Reid, Sarah MacLean…

8.  If there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?

Promo, I guess. It’s a part of the business, but I grumble about how much time it takes away from actually writing. Also having to defend the romance genre to those who see it as nothing more than “Mommy Porn.”

9.  Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?

How about a plush office with a view of the sea. Behind me, a yoga mat and treadmill for quick exercise breaks, and a mini-fridge full of healthy snacks. Don’t forget the coffee machine!

10.     Tell me about your latest book.

Runaway Love Story, Book Two in the Book Nirvanaseries, is set in/around an indie bookshop in Eugene, Oregon, a lovely college town with a lively arts scene and a strong counterculture tradition dating back to the hippie era. 

Doug Garvey is a divorced high school history teacher who featured in Book One of the series, Through the Red Door. Tall and lanky, with a shaved head and blond scruff, he spends long, lonely hours running along the Willamette River trail—until he runs into Laurel Jepsen. 

A new employee at Book Nirvana (and also a runner), Laurel’s in town to help her beloved great-aunt Maxie, age 90, move into assisted living. But this is just a detour. As soon as Maxie’s settled, Laurel will pursue a job lead in San Francisco. Lacking confidence in her own artistic talent but deeply in love with the art world, her dream is to run a glamorous art gallery.

Dazzled by Laurel’s spirit, honesty, and beauty, Doug pursues her on her terms—just a temporary friendship, though he’s hoping to persuade her to stay. 

Laurel is torn: her connection with Doug feels like the real deal. But damn it, her career plan has been her emotional anchor through years of false starts and failures. Aunt Maxie always said, “A woman with a plan is unstoppable.”

Unable to leave Eugene because he cares for his dementia-afflicted mother, Doug’s only hope is to convince Laurel those big-city lights have nothing on her inner sparkle.


11.     Where did you get your inspiration for your book?

(Spoiler alert) After Through the Red Door, it broke my heart to leave Doug lonely—so of course I had to create his happy ending. Laurel carries a bit of my own story in that she doesn’t get family support for her artistic dreams. Instead, they urge her to settle for “sensible.” Rather than squashing her ambition, their disapproval only sharpens her determination to show them, and the world, what she can do. 

12.     Do you have a favorite character and if so, who and why?

Ninety-year-old Great Aunt Maxie is by far my favorite character. Tiny, birdlike, with wispy henna-red hair and outrageous outfits, she charges through life leaning on her bedazzled cane. An artist herself, she’s also a foster-grandmother to many young artists in Eugene. She’s lived a big, sparkly life, and her loving encouragement keeps Laurel’s dreams afloat.

13.  What are you working on now?

I’m writing Book Three of the series, which features Elmer, a muscly, tattooed, ginger-bearded ceramics artist introduced in Runaway Love Story, and Margot, the youngest staff member at the Book Nirvana bookshop. A university student and aspiring graphic artist, Margot’s an important secondary character in Books One and Two. (Notice my fascination with artistic characters?)

Thanks so much, Jennifer, for hosting me on your blog and giving me the chance to meet your readers!


Back-Cover Blurb: 
She hates average...he's as average as they come.

High school history teacher Doug Garvey is trying to enjoy his last few weeks of summer vacation, but receiving his final divorce decree hits him harder than expected. After a brief fling fizzles, he fears love just isn't in the cards for him. If only he could find someone who's real, someone interested in something beyond herself…maybe a new running partner who can keep up with his more carnal appetite. When sexy, straight-talking Laurel runs across his path, he dares to hope again.

He's done with social-climbing posers...she's ambitious and has big dreams.

Fired from an art gallery, Laurel Jepsen shelves her pursuit of an art career in San Francisco to help her beloved great aunt Maxie move into assisted living. While out on a morning run, she's harassed by a group of teens until a tall, broad-shouldered hottie steps in, pretending to be her boyfriend with a kiss that makes her wish it were true. But she's only passing through, not looking for a relationship.

Their fierce chemistry burns up the sheets—and the couch, the shower, the forest—but falling in love would ruin everything. Laurel can't stay in Eugene, and he can't leave. Doug's only hope is to convince her the glittery life she's after could blind her to the opportunities already in her path.

Excerpt: 
                  “I’m sorry she called you the S word.” 
                  “Huh?” 
                  “Sensible.” 
                  She laughed. “Yeah. That’s a curse word, as far as I’m concerned.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.  
                  “I’ll strike it from my vocabulary. Your S word is sparkle.” He traced her jawline with a feather-light touch. “Look at you, Laurel. You’re blinding.” His twilight-blue gaze made her heart dance—a steamy tango with swirls and dangerous dips. He kissed her, and, for a moment, she forgot all about caution, about cutting things off before they became too serious, about San Francisco. Her focus narrowed to his lips on hers, his nearness heating her whole body, opening her like a blossom, soft and willing. Ripe for the plucking. 
                  “God, I’ve missed you.” He scooped her legs across his lap. One hand cradling her nape, the other gripping her thigh, he kissed her senseless. His velvet tongue teased her lips apart. He tasted of sugary coffee. The world around them faded—just two bodies, calling and answering, breathing in sync, their pulses beating the same rhythm.
Another Excerpt
                  Laurel’s conscience nudged the grin off her face. The customer was right—Doug was a natural with kids. He deserved a nice woman who’d stay in Eugene and build a family with him. She was just distracting him from his true path. If it weren’t for the chemistry pulling them together like an industrial-strength electromagnet, she’d never pick a guy like Doug. Sweet, dependable, generous, outdoorsy… 
                  Shit. Except for not being an artist, he’s pretty much perfect. Leaving him in December is going to be damned painful.
                  Still, she’d been honest with him. He knew about her plans, and he wasn’t holding back. Why should she? Why deny herself his friendship, and a physical connection of volcanic proportions? 
                  Because she was messing with his heart, that’s why. And her own.
Book tropes and themes:
Seasoned romance (hero is 39), beta hero, teacher hero, artistic heroine, opposites attract, indie bookshop, unsupportive family, dealing with dementia, caretaking for elderly relatives, social media, small-town vs. big-city, ambition vs. family obligations, feisty old lady, heroine with commitment issues, divorced hero, running, inconvenient attraction, irresistible chemistry
Pre-order Links:

Monday, June 24, 2019

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Michigan just might kill me.

Banana Girl had college orientation last week. We timed it perfectly. She was exempt from all final exams and had 4 days of school free. She was to fly out Saturday night, attend orientation Sunday through Tuesday, fly back Tuesday night, graduate Wednesday and leave for camp Thursday. 

As they say, man plans, God laughs.

First of all, she was attending orientation by herself. As a second-time college mom, I was okay with this, as was she. Since she is seventeen, traveling alone, and coming all the way from New Jersey, the school granted her special permission to stay in the dorms an extra night—essential, since legally she’s too young to stay in a hotel by herself.

We were all set, or so we thought. Thirty minutes before we were to leave for the airport, we heard it was closed to all incoming and departing flights due to a plane that had skidded off the runway. We checked, her flight was still on time and they were in the process of clearing the runway. So we left. Drove her to the airport. Checked her in. Checked her bags. Kissed her goodbye. Watched her get in line for TSA. Left the airport, and found out her flight was delayed, due to both the cluttered runway and storms in the Midwest (hello, Dorothy).

Great.

We spent the rest of the afternoon monitoring her, the flight and alternatives. Because she was staying in the dorms, her check-in time was supposed to be by 10 pm. When we realized that wasn’t happening, I went onto the parent page on Facebook to see what other parents could tell me. Not only were they helpful—the orientation team would be on hand, regardless of what time she arrived (poor, sleepy suckers)—but one of the moms was in the airport with her own daughter and roommate, in the same situation. They all became good friends.

The plane she was supposed to board was rerouted to Philadelphia. The flight was so delayed, they gave away the plane. The pilot was still in Philadelphia, though, so they Ubered him to Newark (seriously??). The plane was coming from Pittsburgh. My husband and I were watching the clock, calculating exactly when we’d have to leave to drive to the airport, pick her up, drive to Michigan and make it in time for orientation to start at eight thirty the next morning (who needs sleep). Finally, six hours after it was supposed to take off, it did. With her on it. They landed in Michigan and checked into the dorm after one in the morning.

Great.

Three days later, we were at it again. Only this time, her flight was cancelled. For rain. Apparently windshield wipers are overrated. Up and down the entire East Coast. The airline people at the airport weren’t helpful. They gave her a card with a number to call. Did I mention she’s seventeen? And needs to get home in time to graduate the next day? So my husband booked her on a later flight and I emailed the high school principal in a panic. But my panic didn’t stop there. Because if the East Coast flights were cancelled, I wanted to make sure she got on a flight that was going to make it home, regardless of airline. So after multiple calls to airlines, we had them rebook her on another airline that arrived in Philadelphia, where her grandparents would pick her up. I’d meet them at their house and drive her home. Perfect.

Ha.

She had luggage that was checked. Into her original flight. Where it went after that is anyone’s guess. She landed in Philadelphia. It didn’t. Both airlines blamed the other. Neither wanted the lost luggage claim filed with them. They gave her the runaround. Did I mention she’s seventeen? Finally, they gave her forms to fill out and sent her on her way, leaving us to deal with the “my luggage is gone forever” hysteria (thanks for that!). 

We got her home. She made it to both graduation practice and graduation. She went off to the all-night graduation party sponsored by the school.

My phone rang at two forty-five the next morning. It was the luggage delivery guy. Calling me from outside of my in-laws’ house to tell me he had her suitcase. It took me entirely too long to figure out he was in Philadelphia and not outside my house, but it was dark, early, and I was awakened from a sound sleep. 

Problems solved. Eventually.

Needless to say, we’re driving out to Michigan this fall. But Thanksgiving? Oy.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Welcome Back, Mary Morgan

Blog Post DESTINY OF A WARRIOR by Mary Morgan
***GIVEAWAY***  (June 5 – July 15) 

Hello Jennifer! 

I’m thrilled to be on your lovely blog today! Destiny of a Warrioris the fourth and final story in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors series. With this final book, I must confess to a bit of sadness on ending another series. However, knowing these mighty warriors, I’m confident there’ll be more over the years. 

Let me share a preview into the greatest Fenian Warrior from my fictional Fae realm... 

The great Aidan Kerrigan was a tale I feared to write. When he first appeared in the story, DragonKnight’s MedallionOrder of the Dragon Knights, Book 2, I panicked. I did not know he was a Fenian Warrior until he walked through the crowd of people at the airport to greet his daughter, Aileen. His presence loomed mighty and grew with the previous stories in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors. Regardless, I knew then that his and Rose’s love story had to be told. 

With each Fenian Warrior’s story, I shared a layer about this Fae. Little did I know when I penned his first line of dialogue that he was the leader of the Fenian Warriors, came from royalty, and his sister was Queen of the Fae realm.

He chose not to reveal any of this to me. And this is why I became terrified. What more could he share? Well, dear readers, Aidan made it simple. He told me to write a love story, stating, “For you see, love is greater thanall the power attained in the world—be it human orFae.”

Therefore, I took you back in time to when he was the leader of the Brotherhood—Fenian Warriors. To when this great warrior had no blemish to stain his life and love flipped his world upside down.

And the lovely Rose MacLaren was a perfect match. As he professed to her, “I saw beauty inside the depth of your soul. Your intelligence would rival any Fae in the herbal gardens, and you possess a wisdom that sparks from a desire to learn more. You challenge me, leannan.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse behind the scenes of this powerful love story. Here is a piece of music that helped to inspire my writing for this couple:

CELTIC GATE - INTO A MAGICAL FOREST. 
Youtube: https://youtu.be/GlPF-CSCf2o


In addition, don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win this lovely gift package of a signed print copy of Destiny of a Warrior, Celtic jeweled bookmark, and a $5 Starbucks gift card (Open to U.S. and Canada only).  



MEDIA KIT – DESTINY OF A WARRIOR, Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 4
By Mary Morgan
Release date: June 5, 2019
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Fantasy, Celtic Mythology, Folklore
Length: Novel


Tagline:When an ancient law is broken, a warrior must choose between immortality or his soulmate.


Blurb:

"You met him in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their greatest legend!”

As leader of the Fenian Warriors, Aidan Kerrigan’s accolades are many and his loyalty to the Fae unwavering. When an unexpected mission sends him to the human world and a chance encounter with Rose MacLaren, he’s tempted for the first time in his existence to discard duty and claim what is forbidden.

Rose MacLaren, a Society of the Thistle member, yearns to expand her botanical knowledge with her love of history. After her rescue by a handsome stranger, she is compelled to look beyond what her rational mind comprehends and unravel the secret of the standing stones, as well as the man who captivates her.  

In a mystical world ruled by ancient laws and edicts, can a fierce warrior choose a path destined for love? And will a woman honoring the ways of the land believe in a myth only spoken of in legends? If they do, will their love be enough to defy death’s punishment? 

Excerpt 

Her sister’s words of warning echoed within her. “Help me to see,” she whispered her plea to the Goddess.

“Whom do you wish to see, Rose?”

She turned so fast that her hand toppled two cups on the table to the floor. Aidan’s eyes blazed like the starlight she’d witnessed, and she fought a wave of dizziness.

He stepped around her and placed the bowls of soup on the table. Grabbing her by the shoulders, Aidan drew her near him. Her instincts were to curl up in his arms. Safe, warm, and seductive.

Rose lifted her head and braved the storm she feared would come with what she would do. He ignited a firestorm just by looking at her. Standing on her tiptoes, she cupped his face and brought his full lips down upon hers.

Aidan tried to throttle the dizzying current racing through him as the first brush of her lips touched his mouth. The heady sensation left him spiraling. His warrior instinct screamed at him to push her away. Spurn her advance and stop this insanity. Yet, he found himself eager and erratic as a summer storm on his home world. His whole being seemed to be waiting for this moment, and Aidan was lost in the euphoria of holding her in his arms. Her kiss was one of exploration—hesitant and unsure, and his calm resolve shattered with the hunger for more.
Grasping her firmly around the waist, Aidan crushed her body to his. Desire ripped through his veins. His tongue sought entry into her soft heat, and he inhaled her scent. Rose returned his kiss with reckless abandon. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he groaned deep within her mouth. 
He let loose the lustful beast demanding control and took possession of her. 
Aidan lifted her with one arm, as their kisses became a frenzy of passion. Moving along the table, he came to a halt before the large chair. Shoving it around with one foot, he sat down and cradled Rose on his lap.
She twirled her fingers in his hair while he gazed into liquid pools of desire that mirrored his own. He trailed a path across her lower lip with the pad of his thumb and to the base of her throat where the pulse beat as though her heart had risen from its resting place.
He brushed away strands of silver blonde to cascade over her shoulder so he could bury his face against her neck. “You smell of spices and exotic flowers.” Aidan felt her tremble under his touch as he trailed a path along the vein running up her throat with his tongue and then recaptured her lips, devouring their softness. 
He drank in the sweetness and passion of the kiss, exploring, teasing, and tempting him beyond all reason. Rose banished the darkness, and in its place there reigned starlight. 
One kiss should have been enough. However, his soul cried out for more, and the Fae warrior became the man, yearning to experience what he had been denied.
Aidan banished all rational thought, except one. Conquer and possess the woman in his arms. 

Buy Links: 
Legends of the Fenian Warriors:



About the Author: 
Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy 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. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.

Connect with Mary at these places:





***Rafflecopter Giveaway***


HTML Link:

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Monday, June 17, 2019

I Am Becoming...

Despite some back and forth crazy scheduling this week, for all intents and purposes, my “Empty Nest” starts now. With one daughter abroad for the summer and one at camp, we’ll have about two and a half weeks of them home before they leave for college.

While one or both of them were home, my schedule and my activities revolved around them. Even when they were old enough to pretty much come and go as they pleased, there were meals to plan, cars to make available and just bodies to be aware of—and hopefully talk to. But now that they are essentially on their own for long stretches of time, it’s back to just my husband and I.

I haven’t been in this position since I was twenty-eight years old. And technically, I haven’t planned out my life since I was eighteen with a million possibilities before me. At that time, it was exciting and scary. Now, well, it’s kind of the same. Sure, I’m married and have a career that I dedicate myself to, but I also have extra time to focus on me.

Just me.

And for the first time, I don’t have to feel guilty about that self-focus. I’m not bound by school-time or kid-time. I don’t have to think about what I need to be doing for everyone else rather than myself. I don’t have to divide myself into a million different pieces.

That division has helped to destroy my focus. Multi-tasking is an art, but only when it’s used for benefit, not when even the simplest of tasks takes forever because I stop mid-stride to do something else. Boundaries can be set and stuck to. Plans can be made in non-erasable pen. And distractions can be kept to a minimum.

So for the first time in years, I’m going to set a schedule for myself. I’m going to plan the next stage of my life. And I’m going to include self-care.

Time to start a new chapter.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Welcome Charlotte O'Shay

A rose by any other name….
Thanks, Jennifer for the invitation to appear on your fun blog to talk 
about the choice and significance of character names. For me naming 
my characters is one of the most significant parts of my story 
planning. Most times after I name my characters, a lot more of the 
plot and their character arcs falls into place.
In my latest contemporary release, Their No-Strings Affair,there’s a “meet-cute” of 
my enemies to lovers hero and heroine that revolves around her name.

“Yeah, right. Full name, H. Hill.” 
“You want my full name?” Now she was playing for time in part because she noticed the tiny device in his ear. Was he a cop? Security? So what if he was? There was no law against taking a waitress gig for a sick friend. 
“That’s what I said,” came the irritating rejoinder. 
Cocky. Obnoxious. And definitely the boss. 
“Honey. It’s Honey Hill.” She braced for the inevitable. 
“Honey Hill. You’re telling me your name is Honey Hill?” His gaze slid over her body in a way she was ashamed to admit didn’t bother her nearly enough. “I don’t want your exotic star alias. Give me the one that’s on your driver’s license.” 
And there it was. Nope, he didn’t disappoint.And she hadn’t even given him her full name.Her blood boiled just the same as it had the first time that joke was made. The way it boiled every time. 
“In your dreams. Here’s what I’ll give you.”
She let go and sent the tray crashing onto his shoes. “Oops,” she said. 

In reality, Honey’s full name is Honeysuckle Hill and I had a very specific reason for choosing her name.
Aside from the comedic/sexy aspect of her name that led to the exchange she has with Jake at the beginning of the story and lots of teasing when Honey was a kid, I chose her name to show an aspect of her personality. My heroine Honey comes into Jake’s life at a time when he’s wounded emotionally and resigned to a life he wants no part of.
Honey, full name Honeysuckle, is a soothing, vibrant yet relaxed, nurturing person who embodies the healing Jake needs in his life.
Both honey and honeysuckle have natural, calming, anti-inflammatory properties, both are good for you substances. Both are much more than simply sweet smelling and tasting. Like Honey Hill, there’s much more to honey and honeysuckle than meets the eye.
Jake Ricco, my hero is ex-military, but his psychic wounds stem from his childhood. He goes so far as to change his long, unwieldy Italian name in an effort to distance himself from his past and his future. Jake Ricco is who he wants to be but he has to deal with his past to claim his future.

“I hear you. My full name is Giancarlo Teodoro Silvio Boniface Riccobono. Man, that name was rough. Soon after I started school here in the states, I decided I was gonna be Jake Ricco.” 
At first, he was tormented mercilessly at the Connecticut prep school where he landed after Francesco died, after his parents split. Though broad and tall compared to other twelve-year-olds, he was no match for the seniors who ruled the campus. He’d quickly renamed himself Jake Ricco and ditched the refined cadences of his Anglo-European English into something more All-American. Very quickly during his six years there, he became the protector. Every kid he met—even the nasty ones—was a stand-in for Cesco, and he never failed to help anyone smaller or weaker. He earned a reputation as a defender, and even the older, bigger guys respected his physical prowess and the way he, as he grew tougher and stronger, never used his size against them. 

Honey and Jake bond and share a lot of their childhood struggles in the conversation about their names.
Are you more fully invested when you like a character’s name? Are you turned off when you don’t like a character’s name? I confess it’s a big irritant for me if I find a name too difficult to pronounce in my head when I’m reading.
  
Bio

Author Charlotte O’Shay was born in New York City into big family and then married into another big family.

Negotiating skills honed at the dinner table led her to a career in the law. 

But after four beautiful children joined the crowded family tree, Charlotte traded her legal career to write about happily ever afters in the City of Dreams.

Charlotte loves to challenge her heroines and heroes with a crisis and watch them figure out who they are while they fall in love.



Social Media Links:








Blurb:


Honey packs everything she owns and heads to NYC to jumpstart her art career. Her cheating boyfriend is history, and she finally acknowledges the truth of her mother's mantra: Careers are forever and happily ever after isn't in their DNA.

All she needs is a job and a place to live. What she doesn't need is a taciturn, sexy, ballbuster but she's woman enough to know the difference between need and want. Isn't she?

Jake's childhood was marred by tragedy and his future hijacked to a promise born of guilt. His failure drove him to a career as a SEAL and a security expert.
But it's not enough. Now he'll give up his freedom in reparation for the life he lost. Honey may be the last sweet stop on the road to a joyless future. If it's what they both want, where's the harm in a no-strings affair?
 Buy links:
Their No-Strings Affair











Monday, June 10, 2019

Goodbyes

It’s a week of goodbyes for us. 

Today is the Senior Clap-Out for Banana Girl. Unlike some clap-outs, this one takes place at each of the four elementary schools. She and her friends boarded a bus to go to their elementary school, where the students line up and clap as the former students walk through the halls celebrating their soon-to-be graduation. The school will look smaller, the teachers older and the kids tiny.

I moved several times in my childhood, and while I always returned to my elementary school to say hello to favorite teachers—even when pregnant with my own kids—I never had this continuity experience. But I imagine it’s strange and poignant, especially for the parents who show up to watch.

Tomorrow we say goodbye to College Girl for the summer as she heads to her internship in Jerusalem. She’ll be working at a humanitarian organization as an intern for eight weeks there. It’s her third trip to Israel, so I’m not particularly nervous this time around (finally!). But I’ll definitely miss her, even though I’m so proud of her for doing this and I know how great an experience it will be for her.

And then Saturday we say goodbye to Banana Girl as she heads to college orientation alone. Alone! This shouldn’t be a big deal to me. She’s flown on an airplane many times alone before. She’s made arrangements with the school to provide special lodging for her since she needs to arrive the night before orientation starts, and she’s too young to stay in a hotel by herself (that freaked me out). She’s more than ready for college. But it is a big deal, because she’d going alone and hearing about what happens isn’t going to be the same thing as seeing it for myself. And she’s my baby, going to college! 

There’s a lot of change, a lot of next steps and a lot of adjustments coming up. They’re exciting and scary and sad and happy, all at the same time. I’m looking forward to hearing about all of them. In the meantime? Someone send me chocolate!

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Welcome Back, Peggy Jaeger!

When I was younger ( read: all those years beforemenopausal, hee hee) my favorite thing to do in the summer was to head for the nearest beach, spread out my blanket,  and read. This was waaaaay before ereaders and I had to carry the actual print book with me while lugging all my other beach gear. It’s easier these days to have 1000+ books with you anywhere you decide to go. Love that!

I don’t worship the sun as much as I used to these days…wrinkles, you know? But I still do love a good “beach read”, even if I’m reading it on the deck of my house. 

This year, one of my Romance books is on sale for just 99cents for the ecopy, so if you’re like me and enjoy a fabulous summer/beach read for not a lot of money, you’ll enjoy DEARLY BELOVED ( A Match Made in Heaven, bk 1)

Happy summer and Happy reading ~Peg

Dearly Beloved, A Match Made in Heaven Romance, book 1


Blurb: 

Colleen O’Dowd manages a thriving bridal business with her sisters in Heaven, New Hampshire. After fleeing Manhattan and her cheating ex-fiancé, Colleen still believes in happily ever afters. But with a demanding business to run, her sisters to look after, and their 93-year-old grandmother to keep out of trouble, she's worried she’ll never find Mr. Right. 

Playboy Slade Harrington doesn’t believe in marriage. His father’s six weddings have taught him life is better as an unencumbered single guy. But Slade loves his little sister. He'll do anything for her, including footing the bill for her dream wedding. He doesn’t plan on losing his heart to a smart-mouthed, gorgeous wedding planner, though. 

When her ex-fiancé comes back into the picture, Colleen must choose between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now.

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Excerpt :

I stared at him for a moment, mulling over how I wanted to ask him what I’d been dying to ask since we’d been in my office. 
Finally, because there was no other way to get around it but bluntly, I said, “I feel like we need to discuss your father. Come to a decision about where he fits in the wedding.” 
When the warmth in his expression shifted to ice, a weaker-willed person might have stopped there. Since I’m not weak and my parents have always told me I have a real problem with knowing when to quit, I pushed on. “It seems to me as if Isabella wants him to be included. Whether in a father-of-the-bride role, or simply as a guest, I really do think she’d like him to attend, but, for whatever reason, she’s reluctant to press you on it.” 
Did I say ice? What’s colder than ice? Because whatever it is, that was the expression floating in Slade’s eyes right then as he glared at me.
Warning bells blared in my head, but that thing about me not knowing when to quit? Yeah, it’s real. 
“I think Isabella’s afraid of upsetting you if she tells you how she feels or asks your permission. She loves you so much and respects your opinion.” 
“You don’t know anything about my sister. Or me.” He lowered his hands from his hips, kept themfisted at his sides. “Or our relationship with our father.” 
“True, but I get the sense—”

He barreled over me as if I hadn’t said a word. 
“You’ve been hired to do a job, Miss O’Dowd. I suggest you do it and keep your thoughts about my family to yourself. You’re a wedding planner, not a family counselor.” His voice dropped a level, deepening as it became softer. The cadence became clipped, the tone more...lethal. 
If this was the way he acted in business, it was a wonder he hadn’t been convicted of corporate homicide yet. 
“Look, I’m not asking simply to be nosy,” I said, my voice rising in opposition to his. “I really do have to plan all this out. There’s still the rehearsal and the dinner after it left to deal with. Then there’s the reception seating. Plus, if he is included, I’ll need to make sure he has a room, a tuxedo, and find out if he’s bringing a guest.” 
“What aren’t you understanding about this, Miss O’Dowd?” Slade asked, taking a step toward me. If he’d thought to intimidate me with his height, he’d miscalculated. Retreat wasn’t a word in my lexicon. I simply lifted my chin and stared right back at him. 
“I understand a lot more than you think, Mr. Harrington. About all sorts of things. Arrogant and pigheaded men included.”
When he continued to stand like a plank of wood in front of me, his mouth turning down and creasing the sides of his jaw, I knew—knew—I should stop. 
But... 

Bio:
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes Romantic Comedies about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. If she can make you cry on one page and bring you out of tears rolling with laughter the next, she’s done her job as a writer!

Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, she brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she’s created the families she wanted as that lonely child.

When she’s not writing Peggy is usually painting, crafting, scrapbooking or decoupaging old steamer trunks she finds at rummage stores and garage sales.

A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, Peggy is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.

As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"

Social Media links:

Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/


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