Announcing the Best Ever Summer Blog Tour! First Stop: Ann Tracy Marr

 

 

It’s the Best Ever Summer Blog Tour. Nine fabulous authors in mixed genres trading blog space for eight weeks for your enjoyment. It’s a chance to meet great authors and discover exciting new books. Someone on the blog tour is giving a prize every week – I’ll leave it for you to discover whose blog is featured – with more prizes to come at the end of the tour. What will the big prize be – a Kindle, a hefty gift certificate, a unique needlepoint Kindle cover? Enjoy the blogs and leave comments for the opportunity to be the grand prize winner!

 

Ann Tracy Marr is the world’s worst book promoter. She has published three, but when it comes time to promote – to urge someone to lay out money for her books – she falls apart.

 

Ann lacks promoting talent but she does have a gift for storytelling. She writes for the love of it and it shows. Her view of life is a little off the wall, sometimes class clown, but with an underlying thread of realism. She likes to read about real women looking for joy, so that is what she writes.

 

Knowing we wouldn’t learn much about her books, I asked Ann questions that would reveal something about her approach to writing and life.

 

Question: Who was the toughest character for you to “get right”?

Ann: The hero in Round Table Magician took a long time to evolve. Brinston started out as a conventional Regency hero, but when I added a paranormal twist to the plot, he demanded he be a magician. Magic fit with his reclusive tendencies, giving him reasons to hide his true nature from the ton. Other than that, I struggled to cleverly convey his motives in ignoring Martha. It was a matter of finding the best tailoring for the story. Once the jacket fit, Brinston himself filled it out.

 

Question: Is there a genre that you love to read but don’t want to write?

Ann: I love the Sookie Stackhouse novels. Funny and all about vampires, you know. But I doubt I will ever write a vampire novel. I don’t have anything to add to their mystique; they scare more than attract me.

 

Question: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Ann: I would make an excellent Rich Bitch. It’s a full time job, but I wouldn’t mind getting up at 10 am, donning the haute couture uniform, jetting past rush hour traffic in my Maserati on my way to a five star restaurant. I’d donate freely to charity and spend money all over the place to keep the economy going.

 

Question: Can you tell us about your books?

Ann: Awestruck published my three book series set in Regency England. King Arthur and Merlin are not myth, but history. They are traditional Regencies with the addition of a splash of magic.

 

Where can readers find you?

Website: www.AnnTracyMarr.com

Purchase the books (e-book or trade paperback) on Amazon.com:

http://tiny.cc/7p0xew

 

And where can readers find Lynn Hones this week?

Head to www.daviesromance.blogspot.com

And, you all can find moi at http://www.regantaylorsworld.blogspot.com

 

Excerpt from “Round Table Magician“: Short, to conserve space!

 

Brinston watched Martha, aware of her every breath. He couldn’t help but smile at the infectious levity. He could see his brother Michael with his beloved through the window. That silly Maria must have done or said something to make Martha laugh so. But when she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes, it shook him to his soul. Just so did the duchess leak tears when she was filled with mirth.

 

It was then he realized how much Martha resembled his adored mother. Brinston could almost feel his heart tightening. They were silken bonds, those bands clenching around his heart, not painful in the least. A man could get used to them, which was a good thing. They didn’t feel like they were going to dissolve any time soon.

 

He heard the echo of his father’s words. “I couldn’t resist the way she laughed.” It was always said with a chuckle and an underlying honesty that couldn’t be doubted. It was why his father had married his mother. They were devoted to each other, but it all started with her laugh.

 

Everyone, including Brinston himself, joked at how much the son resembled the father. He stared at the sky, silently begging Merlin to have pity on him.

 

COUNTDOWN: “Glory of the Heart” Releases Tomorrow, June 1st!

Very exciting news! Tomorrow, June 1st, is the release date for my newest book, “Glory of the Heart”. This Inspirational Romance is book number 4 in the nine-book Sterling Lakes Series from Desert Breeze Publishing. Here’s a blurb and a link. Tell me, what do you think?

 

BLURB

Perrin Stafford, a war hero, has based his life on the ideals of his father and pursued a livelihood in the realm of stonework and masonry. Returning to Sterling Lakes, he finds the truth about his past in the attic of CC Cogshell’s house – and for CC, who has started a new life in the rural New England town, this seminal move in her life as she leaves a terrible relationship may lead her to places she never dreamed of going. It is through the past that they will both be able to move into their futures…will it be a future that they can share together? 

 

Link to purchase: http://bit.ly/KJGz9S

 

Link to my website: bit.ly/hL9LlO

Welcome, Author Sid Frost!

Today I’m thrilled to share some time with award-winning author Sid Frost. Thanks for visiting, Sid! Here’s a blurb and an excerpt from his book, “The Vengeance Squad”. Enjoy!
The Vengeance Squad by Sidney W. Frost

Blurb

She smiled at me even though I knew she must be in extreme pain. “Thank you for loving me,” she said.
I was the one who should be thanking her for loving me. I couldn’t think about that right now. There was too much blood. I had to help her. “Tell me how to fix this.”
She coughed and cleared her throat. “Your love has fulfilled me.”
“No, please,” I said, “don’t talk like that. You’re in shock. That’s all. We’ll get help soon.”
“Chris,” Sarah said. “You have to let me go. I love…”
She sank into my arms as her life left her body.
“No! Please, God, no.”

When Chris McCowan’s fiancée, 24-year-old Sarah Eason, is killed during a bizarre robbery near Austin, Texas, an unlikely trio teams up to find those responsible for her death. The trio, Chris, a 31-year-old computer science professor, Percy “Tex” Thompson, a 40-year-old wheelchair bound ex-con student of Chris’, and 65-year-old head librarian Liz Siedo, pool their talents to find the criminals after local law enforcement agencies have given up.

Chris wants an eye for an eye even if it means giving up God and the church where he and Sarah were to be married. He sets out to learn the tricks of the trade from his ex-con student, all while continuing to teach and coming to terms with his grief. Angela, who claims to be an FBI agent, joins the Vengeance Squad to help the three find the killers.

Sidney W. Frost is a former computer science professor, ex-marine, and author of Where Love Once Lived, a prize winning inspirational novel.

Excerpt

Sometimes it worried me because I thought I must be wrong, but there were times I could read her mind. I’d heard stories about couples who had been married for years who experienced a level of silent communication, but Sarah and I had known each other for only two years. Perhaps it was the intensity of love for one another rather than the length of time together that made the difference. Quite honestly, the love we shared was stronger than I believed possible. It was as if God brought us together and blessed the joining of two faithful servants of the Lord. I thanked Him daily for that.

That day, for example, as I sat across from Sarah at the coffee shop’s outdoor table, I knew for a fact she was thinking about our wedding. I knew that didn’t prove I could read her mind. Any bride would be thinking about her wedding if it were coming so soon. But I recognized a deeper expression of happiness than was usually there. Realizing what she was thinking and knowing for sure I was right made me shiver. I took a deep breath and swallowed for fear I would tear up.

I watched as her eyes twinkled, her cheeks puffed out, and her lips quivered ever so slightly. Her lips. I forgot about reading her mind and realized all I could see were her stunning lips. I had to kiss her right then, so I leaned across the table and placed my lips on hers. She didn’t stop smiling as she kissed me back and just barely stopped talking. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was as I thought about how we’d soon be Sarah and Christopher McCowan.

Links

Website: http://sidneywfrost.com
Books:
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Love-Lived-Sidney-Frost/dp/1451511817/
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Love-Once-Lived-ebook/dp/B003ZHVE1O/
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/The-Vengeance-Squad-Sidney-Frost/dp/0983070814/
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Vengeance-Squad-ebook/dp/B005F6NBPU/
Blog: http://christianbookmobile.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sidney-W-Frost/131589900213725
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sidneywfrost

Grab a FREE Kindle

The Vengeance Squad (Kindle edition) will be free 5/23 and 24.
Where Love Once Lived (Kindle edition) will be free 5/25 and 26.

Welcome, Author Sid Frost!

Welcome, Author Anne Patrick!

Hi, friends! Today I am so happy to have award-winning author Anne Patrick visiting Romance Novels@reginaandrewsblog! Anne will be sharing a blurb and an excerpt of “Trespasses”, her exciting new release from Desert Breeze Publishing. Thank you so much, Anne, and best of luck with your newest book. Given all the wonderful books you’ve written, I know “Trespasses” will be absolutely fabulous. Let’s get started!

BLURB:

When the skeletal remains of three young women are discovered on the vacation estate of a U.S. Senator, the local sheriff enlists the help of Special Agent Gabe Sullivan and a local forensic sketch artist, to help him solve the murders. A profiler for fourteen years, Gabe knows his skills are useless until they discover the identity of the victims. That’s where the beautiful and talented Mackayla Kensington comes in.

Mackayla knows all too well the heartache of not knowing the fate of a loved one. The brutal murder of her own daughter is the driving force behind her determination to bring closure to families missing loved ones. Using her artistry skills, Mackayla works frantically to put faces to the skulls so that their identities can be revealed and the killer can be caught. When the killer realizes how good she is it appears she may be the next to die.

EXCERPT: 

Gabe scanned the departing passengers, wishing he’d thought to bring a sign or something with her name scribbled on it. The only description he had was she’s around five-eight, slender, very pretty, with long brown hair.

“Agent Landry,” a woman’s voice called out.

He turned to his left and saw a woman, or at least what he thought was a woman, approach him. She wore hiking boots, blue jeans, gray sweatshirt, and a backwards baseball cap. On her back, she toted a backpack almost as big as she was. She looked like she’d been trekking across the Himalayas. “They switched gates on us at the last minute.” She offered her hand, along with a beautiful smile. “Mackayla Kensington. It’s nice to meet you.”

“How’d you know who I was?”

“I phoned Adam from the plane. He told me a federal agent would be meeting me, and you G-men all look alike.”

“Do you have luggage?”

“I’m wearing it. I figured you wouldn’t be leaving without me so I saved you a trip to baggage.”

“Thanks. Appreciate it.”

The trip from the airport to the parking lot was filled with polite conversation, mostly consisting of how much cooler it was compared to El Salvador. Arriving at his rental car, a gray Crown Victoria, he helped her off with her backpack. As heavy as it was, he wondered if she had taken along her whole wardrobe. “Do you want to pick up something to eat on the way to the lab, or do you need to get some sleep first?” he asked, slipping the pack into the trunk.

“I slept on the plane, and I’m not hungry.”

Relieved of the pack, she was a lot smaller in appearance. A few inches shorter than him, he guessed she couldn’t weigh much more than one-thirty. She was still wearing the backwards baseball cap, her brown hair neatly braided, draped loosely over her left shoulder. She looked to be in her mid to late thirties, somewhat older than he’d expected.

“You’ve only been a forensic sketch artist for six years?” he asked as he maneuvered his way onto the interstate.

“Yes. I was an art teacher previous. Seventh and eighth graders. I like this job better, the skulls don’t talk back.”

Gabe smiled at her. He liked her sense of humor. “So how long before you can get started?”

“I can get started tonight if you have the forensic data and Forrester left me his notes.”

He liked her enthusiasm too. “Are you sure you’re up to it?”

“The sooner we get started the sooner we can get these women home to their families.”

“And the murderer behind bars,” he added.

Buy Links:

Publisher – http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-227/Wounded-Heros-Book-One/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Woubded-Heroes-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B008257TYK/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wounded-heros-book-two-anne-patrick/1110724657?ean=2940014408400

NEW cover art here for 6/1 release:”Glory of the Heart” I’m ecstatic! http://bit.ly/KJGz9S

Welcome, Author Jillian Chantal!!

Today, it’s a real joy to welcome author Jillian Chantal to Romance Novels @Reginaandrews blog! I am thrilled! Jillian, thank you for visiting and I can’t wait to hear what you have been up to. “The Gambler” is your first book in “The Gambler’s Inheritance” Series. How exciting, congratulations! You are always so much fun, so talented..and, wow! So busy! Let’s hear everything, now!

RA: As an author, what makes a book great in your eyes?

An awesome beginning, middle and end. LOL!  No, seriously, I think a book is great if the characters are fully developed and make me care about what happens to them. There are a number of books I love because the characters almost become friends. Friends that I miss when I finish the book. I think this is vital as I’ve read a few books where I didn’t care at all about the protagonist and I usually don’t finish those. I used to feel compelled to finish any book I started but as I got older, I decided that was ridiculous and if I can’t get invested in the story, I need to move on to the next one.


RA: Tell us a little about what you are working on.

I’m starting a new novel that has a hero with a disability. The working title is Moon Dance.  It’s a romantic suspense. I like to have a lot going on in my stories and as a lover of thrillers and mysteries, I love to add those elements to my tales. It’s a very new story and I’m not far a long in it at all but I’m enjoying the journey of Gabriel and Olga.

RA: What is the hardest scene you had to write in this piece?

The opening scene. I couldn’t decide whether to start with the hero’s point of view or the heroine’s. I have two openings to choose from and have still not decided which will actually be chapter one, scene one.  It’s driving me a little bit insane but it’ll all come together in the end. It always does.

RA: Let’s talk about the book you’d like to promote today.  How did you come up with the title and where can we find it?

Titles are sometimes hard for me and this book was really no different. The book had two prior titles. I changed once as I thought I had a great idea for a different title. When I pitched the book to an editor, she said I needed to change the title as the one I had gave away too much information. So, I decided to use the hero’s nickname as the title. As this book is a series, I left it to the editor in chief at Desert Breeze Publishing to figure out a series title. She gave me some ideas and the one I chose was The Gambler’s Inheritance.

You can find it here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-286/Gambler’s-Inheritance-Book-One-cln-/Detail.bok

RA: What was your first reaction when you got a glimpse of your cover art?

Interestingly enough, I went through about four mock-up covers on this one before we hit on the right look for the book. The initial cover was lovely but looked too western. This book is called The Gambler, but none of it takes place in the western United States. When the cover artist sent me the mock-up of the gambling room that looked right for the era (1937), I was thrilled with it.

RA: Please give us a blurb and excerpt!

BLURB:  In 1937, Dirk McSwain, known as The Gambler, makes his living on the turn of a card. When his family home is in jeopardy of being lost, he boards the Queen Mary ocean liner, playground of both royalty and the wealthy alike. He hopes to win big to save his property. He meets three beautiful, unchaperoned, Irish sisters the first day at sea and determines to deprive them of some of their fortune. What he doesn’t count on is an obnoxious passenger accusing him of cheating at cards and then dying the next morning. At the captain’s request, he teams up with one of the sisters to try to solve the mystery of the man’s death
and gets more than he bargained for in the process.

EXCERPT

The man grabbed her by the shoulders. “Whoa there, filly. This ain’t no horse race here, ma’am.” She jerked back from him as if his hands had burned her. “Sorry, sorry.”

He didn’t let go. If anything, his grip got tighter. “Where’s the fire? I want to steer clear of it.”

Eden tried to jerk away from him as her two sisters came off the elevator themselves. As soon as the man saw the twins, he abruptly let go of her. She staggered across the lobby, trying to catch her balance.

The man looked Lilith and Eve up and down. “My, my, what do we have here? Double my pleasure?” His grin showed his dimples. Very deep dimples that Eden tried to ignore.

“We’re Lilith and Eve McGill. Twins, if you couldn’t tell,” Lilith said. She simpered and struck a pose. She patted her small hat perched over her left eye.

“Lilith and Eve? How interesting.” He tipped his hat and bowed. “Your mum and dad disagree on who was Adam’s wife?”

Lilith’s smile got larger. “They almost caused the Reverend to have a heart attack when they named me Lilith. People think it’s sacrilege. Even though we aren’t Jewish, my parents are into studying the religions of the world. I’m surprised you caught the reference. Most people don’t.” She stopped and patted her hair. “And I guess the name Lilith fits me. I’m a little bit sacrilege myself.”

Eden had recovered herself and stalked over to Lilith. “Stop it, Lil. Mum will kill me if I let you go wild, child.” She took Lilith’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go and leave this…” She looked the man up and down.

“Gentleman,” she paused for effect, “alone.”

The man looked down at the shorter Eden. “Who are you? You’re too young to be the mother. So, who could you be?” He put his index finger to his chin and tapped it. “Hmm. Maybe the serpent?” He slapped his forehead with his hat. “No. You can’t be. The serpent liked to lead people into sin. You seem like the prude of the group.” He turned back to Lilith. “Who’s the wet rag?”

Eden gasped at his rudeness as Lilith laughed out loud. “That would be the big sister, Eden. Eden, bossy britches, McGill to be exact.”

The man laughed louder. “Eden? Really, your parents are a bit insane, aren’t they? They couldn’t get past Genesis?”

RA: Now for the fun stuff.  Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Yes, I do. My favorite comfort food is toast with butter and sugar on it. I can only make it when no one is home as they all think it’s gross. When I’m the only one home for dinner, I’ll make it for myself. My maternal grandmother who lived way out in the country always made it and it makes me think of childhood and cold winter days. Living in hot Florida, I sometimes need that escape to the past.

RA: OH, I love toast with butter and sugar, too! 🙂 Glad we share that, not many folks have heard of it, and it’s SOOOO good! Now, could you please name one (other) thing readers would be surprised to know about you?

I’ve been skydiving and I loved it. I was seriously considering doing it as a hobby until the friend who took me had an accident when his chute grabbed the wind the wrong way. He broke his pelvis. He was laid up for six weeks flat on his back as they can’t set a broken pelvis. I decided I’d better keep my klutzy self on terra firma.  BUT, it was amazing when I did it. I also love, love, love roller coasters.

RA: Yikes, thrill-seeker Jillian! So, if you didn’t have to worry about counting calories or fat, what’s the first food you’d reach for?

See above answer about the toast.  Also, an Oreo or two (or twelve!) would be good.

RA: Since you write romance, let’s talk.  Have you ever read the “Grande Dames” of the genre like Jane Austen, Barbara Cartland, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts?  What do you really think of their books?

Yes, I’ve read some of each of them. I’ve read all of Jane Austen’s work. Barbara Cartland and Danielle Steele not since middle school. Nora Roberts? I’ve read a few. I like the Eve Dallas books, which of course, are written under a pseudonym, but I’ve only read the first few. I’m actually more of a thriller/mystery reader. I do like romance but I want a lot more going on than merely the journey of the love story. I guess I’m an armchair adrenaline junkie.

RA: If someone hasn’t read any of your work, what book would you recommend they start with and why?

It would depend on what era the reader  is interested in. I have two historicals which are both with Desert Breeze Publishing. I’d recommend either of them. I love both of those stories. One is The Gambler and it’s a murder mystery. The other is Redemption for the Devil. That one is more of a romantic adventure.  For a contemporary, Sebastian’s Salvation is one that’s a romantic suspense and has a pretty wicked villain as does Surfer Bride, which is another contemporary romantic suspense/adventure.

Thanks for spending a bit of time with Romance Novels @reginaandrews’ blog, Jillian! Best wishes for your continued success.  Where can readers find you on the Web?
Thanks for letting me pop in. It was fun!
http://www.jillianchantal.com
https://twitter.com/#!/JillianChantal <https://twitter.com/%23!/JillianChantal&gt;

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/JillianChantal/Page.bok

Welcome and Welcome to Authors Sadie and Sophie Cuffe!!

Today, I am so doubly thrilled to welcome Sadie and Sophie Cuffe, authors of

Warrior’s Journey is Book 2 in the Blood Brothers in Christ Series, released by Desert Breeze Publishing!

Thank you both for visiting!

 

 

RA: As an author, what makes a book great in your eyes?

Sadie:  Characters that worm their way into my heart and my head so they take on a life of their own. I like a good suspense plot, too, but if I love the characters, I’ll read the book to the end regardless of anything else.

 

Sophie:  I like books that tug at my heart strings and make me cry, either tears of joy or sadness.  I just finished Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, written from a 15-year-old girl’s POV about her Lithuanian family deported toSiberiaduring WWII.  Gripping!

 

 RA: Tell us a little about what you are working on, please?

S&S:  We’re working on an inspirational romance set in the Unorganized Territory of Seven Pines (since we live in Unorganized Territory, this isn’t much of a stretch). Tentatively titled Hearts of Seven Pines, it’s full of small-town gossip, and features a garish quilt known as the Hearts of Seven Pines (of course!) that’s being raffled off to support the school. Kate comes to Seven Pines to hide from her problems, unaware that, while you can disappear in a city, you stick out like a sore thumb in a rural community where everybody knows everybody. And, like it or not (and she doesn’t), everybody comes to her rescue and sets her up again and again with the town doctor. It’s not “War and Peace” but it’s a fun read.

 

 RA: What is the hardest scene you had to write in this piece?

S&S: There’s a scene where Kate can’t talk and, according to some of our past editors: dialog, dialog, dialog, is the only way to go for active writing, so we tried to balance other characters’ dialog with the narrative of Kate clacking on the phone receiver with her fingernail. This explanation sounds like a snoozer (very passive); hopefully the actual scene is a bit better.

 

 RA: Let’s talk about the book you’d like to promote today.  How did you come up with the title and where can we find it?

S&S:  Warrior’s Journey is Book 2 in the Blood Brothers in Christ Series. Book 1 (Arrow That Flies) released August 2011. WJ is the story of bad boy identical twin Rand Adams, who used to be an eco-warrior, instigating sometimes-violent environmental protests around the globe. When he became a Christian, he left that lifestyle behind and he’s on a new journey, but his past catches up with him. The title seemed right because there’s a stalker known as “Warrior” in the book. After it came out, we learned Bruce Lee wrote an autobiography with that title. Who knew? (We are such non-martial art girls!)

 RA: What was your first reaction when you got a glimpse of your cover art?

 &S: Love at first sight! The waterfall is just as we imagined it.  We can’t say enough about Jenifer Ranieri!

 RA: Amen to that! Please give us a blurb and excerpt!

blurb WARRIOR’S JOURNEY

 

Molly Stuart knows there’s danger lurking nearby, waiting to take her son away from her. But her twelve-year-old refuses to talk about the stranger stalking them, and the only one who can help her is a man she doesn’t trust. Rand Adams may not have been directly responsible for her husband’s death, but he acts guilty. He cut out in the middle of the funeral and she hasn’t seen him in the three years since. Now he’s back pretending to care about her and her son, but he’s hiding something. Rand and her son share a deadly secret that will shatter Molly’s world and change their lives forever.

 

 

 

Excerpt, WARRIOR’S JOURNEY

 

Randdown shifted the truck as they worked their way up Gates Hill, easing off the gas when they crested the top. For a moment they were on the brink, balanced between summer and fall, between the hill country and the mountains, between the past and the future. He mashed the gas pedal under his hiking boot and flew down into the valley.

“I’d forgotten how much I love the view from Gates Hill.” Molly’s soft voice might as well have been a shout, the way it unnerved him.

Don’t say anything stupid. Keep it light, keep it friendly, keep it sane. “All the mountain ranges stacked one upon another, the whole world unfolding at our feet.”

“Except we both know those folds in the mountains can be dark places that swallow people.”

So much for keeping it light.Rand took a deep breath and plunged ahead. “They don’t have to, Moll. You’ll like Stellar’s Ford — small town, good people, its own universe.”

“Shut away from the real world? There you go again, spinning yarns about paradise and conning me into buying those pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. You may still be selling, but I’m not buying this time around. I don’t believe any of it. There’s no safe place anymore, especially when you’re involved.”

… “Look, Moll, let’s throw it all out here right now. Get it out of the way before we hit the mountain.”

 

RA: Now for the fun stuff.  Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Sadie: I like to watch The Good Wife and have a chocolate shake.

Sophie: I like to watch Once Upon a Time and have aRocky Roadshake.  Sometimes we watch them back-to-back.  We’re wild and crazy girls!

 RA: Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you, please…er. or two 😉

Sadie: I can sing a totally different tune and lyrics when Sophie is singing something else. It drives her nuts!

 Sophie: I can sing Alle Vögel in German passably well.  Something about birds…

 RA: If you didn’t have to worry about counting calories or fat, what’s the first food you’d reach for?

 Sadie: Sophie’s homemade brown sugar maple fudge, but I’m not particular — I like lots of different kinds of candy.

Sophie:  Sadie’s hot cinnamon/sugar soft pretzels. mmmmm. That’s why we’re BMW’s (Big Maine Women LOL)

 RA: Oh, you two are incredible! Since you write romances, fess up.  Have you ever read the “Grande Dames” of the genre like Jane Austen, Barbara Cartland, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts?  What do you really think of their books?

 S&S: We’ve read something from all of these wonderful ladies. We think, “What do they have that the Cuffe Sisters don’t? …bestsellers, style, class, and royalty checks!” Actually, we appreciate their writing styles (and even tried to imitate one of them once. Can you spell DISASTER?), but we like to think there’s always room for a good romance, even if we’re off-roading in the dust of their wake.

RA: I like that reply. 🙂  If someone hasn’t read any of your work, what book would you recommend they start with and why?

 S&S: Warrior’s Journey is as good a place as any to start. Although it’s Book 2 in the series, it’s a stand-alone novel and, to quote our 83-year-old mom, “the hero is a hunk!”

 RA: Sadie and Sophie, thanks for spending a bit of time with me at my blog Romance Novels@reginaandrewsblog!  Best wishes for your continued success. 

 

NOW VERY IMPORTANT:

Where can readers find you on the Web?

 

links: 

blog:  http://cuffesisters.com/off-the-cuffe/

website:  www.cuffesisters.com

facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sadie-and-Sophie-Cuffe/184904781607548

pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cuffesisters/

twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/SadieandSophieC

 

 Thank you both again for visiting today! Now, friends, let’s hear your questions!

Welcome, Author Tina Pinson!

Today I am so happy and thrilled to have author Tina Pinson visiting! I can’t wait to hear about her new book, “When Shadows Fall,” Book One in her brand-new “Shadows” Series, presented by Desert Breeze Publishing.

Regina, first, let me say thank you for inviting me to your page and making me so very welcome.

RA: As an author what makes a book great in your eyes?

A great book, a truly great book, catches a reader’s interest and imagination then carries them into the story. So far, one can almost feel themselves in the storyline. A great book, takes one on a journey, transporting them to new worlds, new realms, with characters they learn to love and sometimes hate. A great book stands the test of time and criticism.

RA: Tell us a little about what you’re working on.
I am, of course, editing to get the next installments of the Shadow Series ready for print. Shadowed Dreams is slated for release in Nov. So I am also praying readers fall in love with my characters and story in When Shadows Fall. I am also working on a sequel to Touched By Mercy, a take on Taming of the Shrew called, Tamed By Mercy and another little story, a speculative fiction, Demon Chronicles. I have a few other stories to work on, but that’s where my energies have been vested as of late.

RA: What is the hardest scene you had to write in this piece?
Death scenes can be tough, emotionally draining, but I also had an attack scene to write and those can be hard.

RA: Let’s talk about the book you’d like to promote today. How did you come with the title and where can we find it?

When Shadows Fall, the first in the Shadow Series, was actually the full title, but the book was nearly a 900 pages sooo, had to cut it down. But the whole idea behind the name has to do with the shadows that come into our lives and how we walk through them. The opening poem from the stories heroine, Rebekah, hopefully says a lot about the meaning behind the name.

Life is a mixture of joy and sorrows. Where darkness and light mingle to cast shadows upon your soul. These shadows, often fleeting, touch us far deeper than their hazy essence ever deemed possible.

Some bring a happiness that shelters one in peace like the calm after a storm. Others bring a distinct source of pain. Pain that envelopes the spirit in a fog. It holds you and drags you on a seemingly endless downward spiral of hopelessness and despair, oft times, wrought and nourished in your own mind.
There’s the shadow of a smile, the cooling shadow of clouds on a hot summer day; the shadow of tree limbs dancing on walls in the moonlight. The long shadow of a man cast across a barren land, carried on the wings of a prayer — like a dream he means to possess.
There’s the shadow of memories, some dear, some not soon enough forgotten. The shadow of sorrow and the shadow of death, boring your heart and mind — lingering long after the soul has been seared.
There’s the shadow of a kiss, and the shadow of a hand across a weary brow. Whatever they are, in whatever form, know that shadows will come, and fall where they may. However they touch you, it is my prayer that you will have a hand to hold, and a hand to guide, When the Shadows Fall.

RA: What was the first reaction when you got a glimpse of your cover art?
It was very pleased, my cover artist, Caina Fuller, really listened to my vision and brought it to life on the page.

Please give us a blurb and excerpt.

Blurb:

As the Civil War rages, Rebekah fights to keep her world intact. But loss and sorrow has seeped into her heart and mind. She sets her sights on Oregon, praying this new Eden will allow her a place of peace and a place to put her life, and that of her son’s, back together again. She travels to Independence, Missouri ready to take the train west, but is denied the opportunity to join the train because she is woman alone. Matthew battles his way through one fight after another, all the while thinking of Rebekah. The woman who holds his heart. He longs to help her west, but fears his biggest battle lies ahead of him. Will Rebekah open up her heart to him and allow him to be the one to hold her When the Shadows Fall?

Excerpt:
Matthew’s voice was soft, and appealing. Too appealing. His closeness, and the warmth radiating from his body, caused her heart to thrum. Rebekah decided to go in.
Robert had been gone and thought dead for over a year. How easy it would be to fall into Matthew’s arms. Let him comfort her like he’d done when she was a girl. They seemed like such strong arms. But she wasn’t a child anymore. She was a married woman with a child and a sick husband who needed her.
Her first love could be nothing more than a precious memory. Her heart grew heavy. She turned and was about to take her leave when Matthew asked about Robert. “If you’d rather not talk about it, I’ll understand. I only wanted you to know if you need anything, I’m here for you. I’ll help in any way I can.”
“That’s very kind. Things are okay for now. Besides, I couldn’t expect you to help the enemy.” She stood still, afraid to face him. Afraid of the concern he’d show.
“Rebekah, if you love him, and he cares for you, he’s no enemy of mine.” His reply was tender. He caught her shoulders, turned her to face him. “I mean that with all my heart.”
Rebekah nodded. He meant it. Her eyes misted. Her tears were building. If she fell into his arms, it was wrong to even think it, but… would he hold her close? Or had time changed everything? Still, she wasn’t his to hold anymore. In reality she never had been, though she wanted to be. Did he wish it were different? She wished they could go back, but they couldn’t. She had to accept that she would never be his, and be grateful for the chance to see him again.
“I should go. Can I walk you to the house?”
Raising her head, she found his gaze in the moonlight. “You go on. It’s such a lovely evening I think I’d like to stay longer. I’ll look for you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight then.” Her heart lurched as she considered him leaving. She wondered when he’d have to say goodbye. Perhaps for forever.
“Goodnight,” she whispered as she watched him cross the yard to his horse and swing his tall body effortlessly into the saddle.
“Goodnight,” he called again. She waved, and watched him disappear into the darkness — melding with the shadows on the road. Then she went to the bottom of the oak, and kneeling, tenderly brushed the ground where her old friend lay.

RA: Now the fun stuff; Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Oh my goodness, I have so many and if you found out about them I’d really feel guilty. LOL  Sometimes I like to get up and sit down with a cup of hot tea flavored with cream and honey, and watch the world go by. Sometimes I like to stay in bed and veg and might not get dressed til afternoon. Hot baths are nice and so are chocolate covered donuts, my hips especially thank me for those and pretty much any chocolate covered dessert out there.

RA: Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

I like to garden. If I could stop killing off some of my plants I might like it more. I can veggies and preserves. I like to sing and draw.

RA: If you didn’t have to worry about counting calories or fat, what’s the first food you’d reach for?

Hmm. The first? Well, I love homemade biscuits slathered with butter and honey. I love cheesecake and lemon tortes. And of course chocolate.

RA: Since you write romance, fess up. Have you ever read the “Grande Dames” of the genre like Jane Austen, Barbara Cartland, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts? What do you really think of their books?

I have read the “Grande Dames”. And must say they have their formulas down. So much so, I can pretty much tell you how it will turn out and that begins to take the thrill of story away for me. As for Jane Austen, though, I’ve only started to read her works.

RA: If someone read any of your work, what book would you recommend they start with and why?

Wow! Well, I would like to say the first one in print. But my first one in print was self-pubbed and riddled with errors. But the story was still good. I did go on to redo that after I’d learned a bit more. So, I’d have to say read any one of my books, I’m growing in my craft with each one. I hope. When Shadows Fall is the first book I ever finished. So it is very dear to me. I love the characters and want people to do the same. I hope they fall in love with the story.

RA: Thanks for spending a bit of time with me, and all of us at Romance Novels @ReginaAndrews’ Blog, Tina! Best wishes for continued success.

                       
And here’s a brief biography of Tina, plus all her links and contacts.

 

Biography, Links and Contacts
Tina Pinson resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of thirty plus years, Danny. They are blessed to have three sons, and five grandchildren with one on the way.

Tina started her first novel in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories.

In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy were published through Desert Breeze Publishers.

When Shadows Fall, Shadowed Dreams, and To Catch a Shadow, the first three installments of the Shadow Series about the Civil War and the Oregon Trail, will be available through Desert Breeze May 2012, November 2012 and June 2012 respectively.

My website — http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook– http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103

Purchase my books at:

Desert Breeze Bookstore.
When Shadows Fall http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a
Touched By Mercy – http://ning.it/9OJZ5r <http://ning.it/9OJZ5r>
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/we4ul

Amazon:
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/k5tgw
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/doc8w
When Shadows Fall

Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy— http://tinyurl.com/7ztzjno
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/oh767
When Shadows Fall

Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy – http://tinyurl.com/72p4pml
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/4u5h9
When Shadows Fall

Thank you again, Tina! Now, let’s hear from everyone out there.

“The Green Rose” by Stephanie Burkhart

Wow! Here’s my review of Stephanie’s new release, “The Green Rose”

 

<a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13583231-the-green-rose&#8221; style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img alt=”The Green Rose” border=”0″ src=”http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333848940m/13583231.jpg&#8221; /></a><a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13583231-the-green-rose”>The Green Rose</a> by <a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart”>Stephanie Burkhart</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/314572094″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Amazing from the First Page!!!!<br>”The Green Rose” by Stephanie Burkhart is a fabulous paranormal romance that will have you hooked right from the very first page. After a brief Introduction which author relates the history and context of the locale – the continent of Gaia and in particular the country of Ravenrock – as well as the significance of the title image, The Green Rose, the author launches into one of the most intense, exciting and imaginative opening scenes I have ever had the pleasure to read. <br><br>Suffice it to say this gripping scene includes action on every level: battling with wyldebeasts, a dragon-character named Draco, witches, and a hero and heroine with instant electricity and chemistry who are also mutually impressed with each others’ bravery. This talented author creates an atmosphere filled with sensory details that make the entire scene come alive – you the smells, you hear the sounds, you see the landscape and the materials used to make the swords and shields, you are right there in the thick of this fantastic, action-packed read. More than that, “The Green Rose” reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere – the sign of very good writing. My heart was pounding during this scene, and it didn’t stop until I finished reading the very last page. <br><br>Stephanie Burkhart has created an unforgettable romance here, too, creating her hero and the heroine with personality, depth and reader appeal as they travel through a teetering, uncertain world. The tone, tension, plotting and pacing are all wonderfully engaging and skillfully executed. Her facility with dialogue makes reading her work a pleasure, and her ability to paint a scene with words totally transported me as a reader. This versatile author’s has designed a whole world, which is impressive in itself. Since I am a relative newcomer to this genre, I was not quite sure what I would encounter with it. I read this book with a totally open mind and I have to tell you – I was delighted. It’s an exciting, well-written work which is satisfying on every level. Lucky me, to be initiated to this genre with “The Green Rose,” a high-quality, imaginative and engaging work by the very talented author, Stephanie Burkhart. <br>
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<a href=”http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2185171-regina-andrews”>View all my reviews</a>