Friday, July 31, 2015

Friday Spotlight: Rhea Rhodan #romance #paranormal #magic


Two haunted souls seeking peace find each other instead
 

Kidnapped by human monsters, Grace Thorne was ripped from her quiet intellectual life and left deeply scarred. She’s hidden herself for five years, but there’s no escape from the nightmares of the past, or visions of the future. When one foretells tragedy, she gambles her fragile defenses on a haunted man to prevent it—only to discover love is the biggest risk of all. 

Jack Daggery doesn’t need a mirror to know why people avoid him, nor does he care. After years working deep undercover, immersed in betrayal and death, all he wants is some peace and the quiet security company he co-owns.

Dagger has no idea why the foul-mouthed little server of questionable gender bothers him. But he does know that living with the ghosts of his past was hard enough without being tormented by the mysterious thorn in his side. Or finding how much he needs her.

 

Finding Grace - Excerpt

 

 “Someone’s going to die.”

Dagger was already late. He didn’t have time for this shit. Especially not this pint-sized, purple-haired shit. The voice was surprisingly rough coming from the small frame, and the way the kid moved didn’t quite…well, there were a lot of those in the catering business. Thank God he’d finished getting dressed.

 He’d thought the employee coat room would be a safe place to make a quick change, what with the party being well underway and all. Why would a server be in here now? They should all be busy. 

Wait, that raw voice had been responsible for some damn creative cussing he’d heard a minute ago through the not-so-thin door. If he’d heard it, everyone else in the place must have, too. It had followed the loud crash that could have only meant the brutal end of a lot of glass. Someone had barked something after that, but the only word that made it through the door to Dagger’s ears was "fired."

Okay. So, not just short and queer in at least one way, but foul-mouthed and currently unemployed, too. Dagger shook his head.

"What do you mean, ‘someone’s going to die’? Is that supposed to be a threat?” Not that Dagger could blame the kid. He took a step closer anyway. "And why tell me?"

The little purple head cocked to the side. “You might be able to stop it. You're security, right?"

If Dagger had been expecting an answer, that wasn’t it.

“Actually, I'm a guest," he said through gritted teeth.

He and his partner had been invited to the charity ball by a prospective client. The CEO was only in town for the night. He’d refused to give Blackridge his business until he'd met both of them. So here was Dagger, squeezed into the biggest tux the rental place had buried in the back, making his best attempt to be presentable so they could land the account. The kid wasn’t buying it and he doubted anyone else would, either. He knew who he was, or who he’d been, anyway. The way he looked on the outside wasn’t the half of it.

The kid thrust up his chin about a foot and half below Dagger’s and glared at him through large, dark-tinted glasses. Brave little shit, anyway.

"Yeah, right. And I'm Paul-fucking-Bunyan. You fit in with these mothball penguins like Babe The Blue Ox in a goddamn china shop. I just don't want anyone to get hurt, okay? Look for a green van. I gotta go." He pulled a wool cap over his ears, shrugged on an over-sized ratty jacket and ducked past Dagger’s grab, fast. Damned fast.

Dagger hesitated a moment before following. Yes, he was late. But no, he really didn’t want to be here. And what if the tip was solid and he ignored it? There was that, after all. 

When he stepped out the back door, he could see the kid stomping sneakered feet under the streetlight at the bus stop in the falling snow. That thin jacket didn't look like it was going to make it through the winter and now the kid was out of a job. The pang of empathy he felt caught him off guard. It had been a long time, but he still remembered what it felt like to be cold and broke, if not queer and undersized. 

A green van rounded the corner just as he was about to step back inside and face the party. When he looked back at the streetlight, the kid was disappearing into a bus.

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath and stepped into the shadows, watching while it pulled into the parking lot and cruised slowly through.

His eyes roamed the rows of late-model, high-priced German cars and a few even pricier imports, then back to the green panel van. That didn’t mean the piece-of-shit on wheels didn’t stick out here as bad as he did, tux or no.

The van moved back onto the street and Dagger turned to go back to the party again, fighting his disappointment at the loss of a reprieve. Then he stopped. It wouldn’t hurt to wait five more minutes, just to make sure the van didn’t come back. He really kind of had to, didn’t he? Just in case the kid wasn’t some whack job trying to get someone in trouble or something. He moved inside the door, leaving it open a crack, and checked his watch.

Five minutes and there it was again, cruising even slower this time, positively skulking. He pulled out his phone and called Farley, his next-in-command at Blackridge, told him to bring whoever was in town and available ASAP.

By the time he’d clicked off, the van had driven out of the lot and was sitting at the stoplight. The back plate was visible, but the number was obscured. It could have been due to the gray slush spattering up from the street, but Dagger didn’t think so.

He waited and watched through the slit in the door until his men pulled up. He filled them in, deployed them to observation points and checked his watch again.

And grimaced. Paul wasn’t going to like this, not at all.  

Finding Grace is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple/iBooksAll Romance ebooks, and other fine e-tailers.


Rhea Rhodan resides in Minnetonka, Minnesota and has been telling herself stories since long before she could write. She attended the University of Minnesota with a focus on Journalism, then Brown Institute for Broadcast Journalism. After many adventures, misadventures, and a couple of short marriages, she found the love of her life in Regensburg, Germany, and has been living happily ever after since. 

She journaled those adventures extensively (some might say rabidly) beginning in middle school, but didn't combine her writing and story-telling until several years ago, when one of the stories grabbed her by the throat and shook her like a rag doll until she gave in and wrote it. Having tasted freedom, her muse refuses to return to the confines of her head, and has successfully turned the tables, keeping her at the keyboard to appease it.

Her stories always contain at least a touch of magic or a twist of the paranormal. Why the romance? Because she believes in happy endings, and helping people imagine them inspires them to create the magic for finding their own. 

She welcomes feedback and fan mail rhea@rhearhodan.com  You can join her on Facebook and Goodreads, too. Rhea is always happy to meet new friends. 


 For (very) occasional updates with great drawings, subscribe to Rhea's newsletter by sending an email to: rhea-subscribetonewsletter@rhearhodan.com with the word "newsletter" in the subject line.

 

 
 
 


 
 
 




 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

WednesdayTravel, etc. - A Birthday to Remember #travel #Gunniness #cruise

 

 
This year celebrated my birthday in one of the best ways ever. Most years there is a family get together to mark the occasion and friends may call and set up coffee or lunch, but mostly a quiet day doing what I need to do like any other day.
Not this time! The cruise my husband planned over a year ago also included my birthday, so the actual date found us in Dublin. When we were looking at things to do in Dublin’s Fair City, though it wasn’t fair that day, and he wanted to go to Guinness Brewery and that was fine with me. I enjoy a good pint.
The day started off on the ship and with a surprise from the cabin staff.
 


What I saw when we walked into our cabin after breakfast!

 
 
Then I saw this.
 
Husband insisted on taking a picture.

 
After lunch we headed off on our adventure to Guinness via a ship excursion. Interesting tour and our guide was fun. After the tour we ended up at the top lounge for our free pint. The young man pouring our pints offered to take a picture and I commented we definitely needed a birthday picture to share with the family. He wanted to know if it really was my birthday and did I have ID. Showed him my driver's license and that led to another free pint. We continued to talk with him while drinking our brews and once the free one was finished he offered another on him. By that point, pounding a couple of pints so quickly due to our time schedule, I felt a little tipsy and declined. What a shame!
 
Hoisting a pint on my birthday at the source with the delightful Sergueri! Don't you love the no makeup look I'm sporting!



Windjo and I with the flower.


 
Back on the ship, dinner produced a birthday cake with the crew staff and a lot of our fellow passengers signing me Happy Birthday. After dinner we did our usual stop in the lounge outside the dinning room and the server came over before we left and presented me with a paper flower he had made with a paper towel and a straw.
                       
                                   And a BIG thank you to my honey for making this birthday so special!

 
And that's it for the best birthday yet!

 
Last Wednesday post this month...if you want to enter the drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate Follow this blog and comment on any Monday/Wednesday posts. Winner will be announced Monday as well as the drawing for August.

 
 
 
 
 

 



 

 

 
 

Monday, July 27, 2015

Monday Update: New Things Coming and Drawing Closing #contest #changes


I discovered the July cruise/trip was much needed. The schedule was hectic with no sea days, but there were a number of excursions with long bus rides and time to think and I did a lot of that.
Arriving home to broken air conditioning and 90+ temperatures has been no fun, but in spite of all that, I feel better than have in months. Come to think of it, more like over a year. My mind has cleared and decisions have been made on what to do work-wise.

 
There will be books in new genres. And the almost concluded rework of a previously published series novella will sent off for edits next week. I would say this week, but edits for the re-release of DEAD Awake with a new publisher are arriving today or tomorrow.

Today, I’m heading to a coffee shop to concentrate on setting the work schedule and deadlines for the rest of this year and into 2016. This will include book writing time, research time and social media time.
In addition, I will look at events around releases (of which there will be at least two before the holidays) prize drawings and blog ideas. Yes, those entered the wee brain on the trip too!

So here is to a productive rest of the year for me and I hope for you too!
July is almost over and so is the entry time for the $20 Amazon Gift Certificate! Comment on the Monday and Wednesday blogs during the month to enter!!!! Winner announced next Monday. Remember you must be a Follower on this blog to enter!
 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Friday Spotlight: Sharon Ledwith #YA #Fantasy

Canadian author and my dear friend Sharon Ledwith has created an amazing middle grade time travel series, The Last Timekeepers, that triggers fond memories of ancient tales and chilling thoughts of what could possibly be. Book 1 is The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis and just released. Here is a little to wet your appetite for a exciting summer read, no matter what your age.

Children are the keys to our future.
 And now, children are the only hope for our past.
 When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
EXCERPT
Amanda Sault silently studied the words she just scrawled: May 1st, 1214—Games and songs and revelry, act as the cloak of devilry. So that an English legend may give to the poor, we must travel to Nottingham to even the score.

She frowned. She was the Scribe. Amanda knew that meant she was supposed to understand what this riddle meant. But she didn’t have a clue. All she knew was that she, her four annoying classmates, and two offbeat adults were standing in what was left of the lost continent of Atlantis and they were supposed to be the Timekeepers, the legendary time travelers handpicked by destiny to keep Earth’s history safe from evil. But no one had told them how they were supposed to do it.
Their problem: no matter what happened—good or bad—they weren’t supposed to mess with the past. Period. Dot. End of story. Amanda felt hot liquid build in her throat. Her thumb traced the words of the arcane riddle. Their first Timekeeper mission. Amanda knew this wasn’t the end of the story.
This was just the beginning.
To read more of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis or purchase a copy, please click a vendor's name

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, available through Mirror World Publishing, and is represented by Walden House (Books & Stuff) for her teen psychic series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, exercising, anything arcane, and an occasional dram of scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, one spoiled yellow Labrador and a moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog.  Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter, Google+, and Goodreads. Look up her Amazon Author page for a list of current books.
Check out THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS TIME TRAVEL SERIES Facebook page.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Wednesday - Travel Question #contest #prizedrawing

Remember the rules...Follow Lizzie's Way and leave an answer to be in the July drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate:




Where in the world have been that you would love to go again and spend several months?

Monday, July 20, 2015

Monday: A Blog Written by a 90 Years Old

Came across this recently and as I grow older it gave me food for thought in a lot of areas, though I confess a number of them already apply to the way I try to live my life.

Written by a 90 year old

This is something we should all read at least once a week!

Make sure you read to the end!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time.. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come....

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Wow, she did have some words of wisdom, but my question is "What sort of life do you plan to live in your senior years?:

Friday, July 17, 2015

Friday's Spotlight: Sloane Taylor #recipe #Italian

Today's Spotlight focuses on Sloane Taylor. Her Magnificent Men of Munich Box Set will be releasing soon, so be sure to keep watch for the release date.

Not only is Sloane a terrific author, but she's pretty handy in the kitchen!


A Taste of Italy
This dish may seem like a lot of work, but it really isn’t. Besides, you will love the beautiful blend of flavors. This recipe serves 2, maybe 3, people. Double it and freeze for a later meal. Serve with a Caesar salad and a crisp white wine. 
Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Casserole with Noodles and Mushrooms


Chicken
2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 medium onion, peeled and halved
1 whole clove
1 stalks celery, including leaves
1 bay leaf
1 medium-sized carrot
5 cups chicken stock
Combine chicken and all remaining ingredients in a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce temperature to low and simmer, partially covered for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender but not falling apart.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
Strain the cooking liquid through a fine sieve set over a bowl. Press down hard on the vegetables with the back of a spoon, then discard them. Skim and discard the greases that rises to the top. Reserve the stock to use later in this recipe.
Noodles and Mushrooms
½ pound broad egg noodles
6 tbsp. butter
½ pound baby Portobello mushrooms, sliced 
Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan. Drop in noodles and boil for about 9 minutes or until just barely tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Melt butter in a small skillet set on moderate heat. Stir in mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, or until barely tender. Set aside off the heat.
Sauce
6 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. flour
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup dry sherry
2 egg yolks
½ tsp. Frank’s Hot Sauce
Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan set on moderate heat. Whisk in the flour and mix thoroughly. Gradually add 2 cups of reserved stock, cream, and sherry. Cook over high heat until this blend comes to a boil. Reduce heat to moderate.
Whisk the yolks in a small bowl. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot liquid while whisking constantly.  Now stir this egg mixture into the saucepan. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes, then stir in hot sauce. Remove pan from heat.
To Assemble and Bake
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Coat the bottom and sides of a 8-by-10-by-2-inch baking dish, or a dish as close as you can get, with the butter. Pour in 1 cup of sauce and scatter half the noodles over the bottom. Spread on half the mushrooms, then cover with half the chicken. Repeat the layers and top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle cheese over the dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
This recipe freezes beautifully. Thaw and add a little cream to the leftover. Bake for 15-25 minutes at 325°F.
Mangiare Bene! 
May you enjoy all the days of your life around a well laden table!
Sloane Taylor

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Wednesday - Travel Question #contest #prizedrawing

Remember the rules...Follow Lizzie's Way and leave an answer to be in the July drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate:




If you could travel any place OUT of this world, where would you go?

Monday, July 13, 2015

Monday's Question- Regrets #contest #monthlydrawing

Remember the rules...Follow Lizzie's Way and leave an answer to be in the July drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate:




Do you have something in your past you'd like to have a "do over" for? Sharing is optional...

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Friday Spotlight: Leigh Goff #YA #Paranormal


Disenchanted’s Bewitching Main Character, Sophie Goodchild

by Leigh Goff

 Sophie Goodchild is a sixteen-year-old half-witch and the star of my new release Disenchanted from Mirror World Publishing. She lives with her eccentric aunt in the small town of Wethersfield, Connecticut—the sight of the first American Witch Trials. Sophie is descended from a powerful black witch, but struggles with her erratic white magic. All the while she is forced to deal with a nasty group of full-blooded witches known as the Glitterati. These evil beings love to make Sophie feel like she is less than they are.

 Sophie is a natural beauty with long, unruly waves of sable-colored hair, dark blue sapphire eyes, and heart-shaped pillowy lips. More importantly, she is beautiful on the inside, although she hides it well behind her impatience and impetuousness, which makes her easy to relate to.

Those heart-strong characteristics are what lead Sophie into trouble and, since she is ruled by her heart, she’s always finds trouble. She is fiercely loyal, determined, and fearless and there is nothing she wouldn’t do or sacrifice for the ones she loves. That hold even more true when she learns of the true love curse her ancestor cast on the Mather family.

Things become more dangerous for the beautiful half-witch when Judge Mather, a descendant of the man who condemned Sophie’s ancestor to hang, learns his son has fallen hard for her. The mysterious, handsome young man recently returned to Wethersfield. His sexy British accent and face that could melt a black witch’s heart, sweep Sophie off her feet. Dark secrets come to light and impossible choices are made as Sophie sacrifices everything, including her soul, to save her true love.

Here is a brief intro to my novel that appeals to people of all ages. I hope you like it, too.

Disenchanted

A forbidden love. A dark curse. An impossible choice...

 Descended from a powerful Wethersfield witch, sixteen-year-old Sophie is struggling to hide her awkwardly emerging magic, but that’s the least of her worries. When a dangerous thief tries to steal her mysterious heirloom necklace, she is rescued by the one person she’s forbidden to fall for, a descendant of the man who condemned her ancestor to hang. He carries a dark secret that could destroy them both unless Sophie learns how to tap into the mysterious power of her diamond bloodcharm. She will have to uncover dark secrets from both of their families' wicked pasts and risk everything, including her soul to save them from a witch's true love curse, but it will take much more than that.

Buy Links:





Leigh Goff loves writing young adult fiction with elements of magic and romance because it's also what she liked to read. Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Maryland where she enjoys the area's great history and culture.

Leigh is a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College and a member of the Maryland Writers' Association and Romance Writers of America. She is also an approved artist with the Maryland State Arts Council. Her debut novel, Disenchanted, was inspired by the Wethersfield witches of Connecticut and was released by Mirror World Publishing. Leigh is currently working on her next novel, The Witch's Ring which is set in Annapolis.

Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Wednesday - Travel Question #contest #prizedrawing

Remember the rules...Follow Lizzie's Way and leave an answer to be in the July drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate:




What are the top 5 countries on your bucket list that you have not been, but dream of going?

Monday, July 6, 2015

Monday - Question: Changes #Contest #monthlydrawing

Remember the rules...Follow Lizzie's Way and leave an answer to be in the July drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate:



You find out today is the first day of the rest of your life which is only going to last 10 years. What changes do you plan to make, or do you continue as you have been?

Friday, July 3, 2015

Friday Spotlight: Emma Lane #recipe #historical #romance

Creative author Emma Lane is here to share her latest culinary creation that can be served hot or cold and her new Regency release. The kitchen is all yours, Emma.

 This recipe is only a guideline for making a delicious lunch or main dish during harvest time when fresh vegetables are available. The list of vegetables is easily amendable to whatever your harvest brings. (Not beets!)  Be sure to add nurturing bread like corn bread or crackers for a more substantial meal. (Okay, I used corn chex mix, but that was an emergency) A green salad is always a welcome addition.
FRESH VEGETABLE SOUP





1 diced onion (not mild and NOT garlic.)
½ diced green pepper (sweet)
2 chopped celery stalks (all sand removed)
1 fat carrot peeled and chopped
Corn kernels (1-2 ears fresh)
1 can diced tomato or 1 lg. chopped fresh
1½ cups fresh green beans chopped (strings removed)
1 can Campbell’s Chicken and Rice soup or 1 cup soup stock, beef or chicken
½ pound hamburger (I use ground chuck) or left over 1 cup chopped meat or chicken*
1 med. potato chopped into small cubes (or 2 small)
1 beef or chicken bullion cube (or 2 if stronger broth is desired.)
Sprig fresh thyme or pinch or two dried
Sprig of oregano or pinch of dried
Small sprig of basil or pinch of dried
Sprig of parsley (flat not curly)
Optional Veggies: okra, green peas, yellow squash, small can chick peas
Optional herbs/spices: pinch of chili pepper, tiny clove of garlic, sprig of cilantro.  
Tip: if you use fresh herbs tie together with kitchen string to make removal easier.
*Omit the meat if you plan to serve the soup chilled.
Sauté meat and set aside. 
Wash and chop vegetables. 
Fill large pot halfway with water (more or less as needed, but NOT at the last minute as it weakens the broth). Add onions and celery. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. 
Add carrots, corn, tomatoes, potato, soup stock or Campbell’s, bouillon cube, sprigs of herbs (remove before serving). Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. 
Add meat. Simmer for 10 more minutes. 
Veggies will be somewhat crisp. As it sits the flavor will increase. 
If serving hot, refrigerate if it’s going to be longer than a few hours before serving, and then reheat.  
To serve cold, refrigerate and chill for several hours. Just before serving add thinly sliced cucumber.
Sit back and enjoy a brief introduction to my new release.


Can an arrogant duke overcome his prejudice against a beautiful but managing female in time to find true love and happiness?
Miss Amabel Hawkins acknowledges her unusual upbringing, but she thinks James Langley, the Duke of Westerton, might be a tad unbalanced when he protests her efforts to right his badly managed properties. The duke, who has been away on the king's business, demonstrates no respect for the beautiful but managing Miss Hawkins. Amabel has taken refuge at Westerton, fleeing from a forced marriage to a man who claims to be her relative in order to gain control of her young brother's estate.
The Duke arrives home to find his estate under the firm control of a beautiful but managing female. His suspicions are fueled by his recent task of spy-hunting and he wonders if Amabel Hawkins is just who she seems. While a dastardly spy lurks, a wicked man poses as her cousin threatening to take over the guardianship of her young brother. Amabel might be falling in love, but she knows for certain the duke would never approve of a meddlesome woman, and she decides to flee his estate. Will the duke finally realize the true value of the woman he loves or will his prejudice ruin his chances forever?  
EXCERPT
Fatigue and the effects of the brandy on top of the ale now gave his gait a distinct wobble. He chuckled, amused at his condition.
As he reached for the portrait of great Uncle Barney, he lurched into the back of the red leather sofa in front of the cosy fire. “Deuce take it,” he exclaimed when a rounded arm rolled into view. He spotted the gentle curve of a hip and walked around to the front, where he spied a tumbled haze of dark curls hiding a face. It is indeed a female—a sleeping female.
Who was she? The gown was too rich for his household staff. Curious, he knelt beside the sofa.
“Only one way to find out,” he whispered and moved one dark curl. He sat back, satisfied when a handsome face swam into view. She sighed and rolled over, revealing a generous figure and a pair of rosy lips. She might be Sleeping Beauty—but not one of my relatives. He leaned over and kissed those tempting lips.
As he lingered there, she sighed and came partially awake. He could not resist. He deepened the kiss and sounds of satisfaction like yum and umm came from those delicious lips. Her hand stroked his face, then reached around his head to pull him closer. Delighted with this turn of events, the Duke of Westerton complied enthusiastically and extended an arm around a slender waist. How much of the ale and brandy had he imbibed? Dizziness overcame his senses as he slid down on the floor and knew no more.
Amazon buy link
Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes under several pen-names. She  lives with her patient husband on several acres outside a typical American village in Western New York. Her day job is working with flowers at her son’s plant nursery. Look for information about writing and plants on her new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.
Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter.  

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Wednesday - Changes in the Wind #Announcement #Contests

Hi everyone.

Yesterday got away from me...let's just say, not the best day and leave it there. But here goes what should have gone out yesterday.

Have decided to make a few changes here at Lizzie's Way.

Instead of a weekly Monday post there may be a question for you.

Wednesday may have a recipe or another question for you.

Friday will still have an author in the Spotlight, so not to worry. You won't be on the hot seat again for that one.

As you scratch your head and wonder what I'm up to, let me explain. Changes are coming to the blog in my sharing a few 'moments' from current WIPS, as well as other things. The main issue for me right now is WHICH book to work on. Three are currently bouncing in my head and demanding attention. Three is a bit of an issue though...two are not Lizzie books, but one of my other personas. Yes, I'm a multi-personality kind of gal!

But while the various 'MEs' battle for writing time, you benefit!!



From July 1st through December 31, 2015 anyone who  FOLLOWS this blog, and responds to a post on a Monday or Wednesday is entered into a monthly drawing!

Prizes will vary from month to month and to celebrate the kick off, the July prize is a $20 Amazon gift card.

Remember...You have to be a Follower of Lizzie's Way and comment to enter!