The Source Behind Mags’s Memorial Stones

Hearts of Stone 1 (3)

I used to see these stones and wonder what they represented. Were they memories shared by just one person? Did they represent those who had passed on? Or, those cherished times that you and that special someone never wanted to forget?

In my new small-town contemporary book, Hearts of Honeybrooke Cove, Margaret Ellington, affectionately known as Mags, kept similar stone towers. They weren’t just for herself, but for those who needed that little extra something to help them over the hump of despair that comes upon some of even the most courageous.  She made sure those in need invested blood, sweat, tears, and tender memories. Everyone who set their hand to the stone towers recalled the good with the bad, the sour with the sweet, and then the healing more often than not, slowly arrived.

Sadly, by the time Victoria arrived in Honeybroooke Cove, her great-aunt Mags had passed on. But not even death will keep the irrepressible Margaret Ellington down. She still reaches out from the great-beyond and nudges ever so gently those she cares about, to remember and perhaps change their direction. However, in her own caring, slightly meddling way, she may have fiddled just a little bit too much with the lives she’d left behind.

When the tornado hit Honeybrooke Cove, those notes blew up and out across the lakeside community, and settle in some unwelcome places. To Victoria’s dismay, the truth about Mags’s straightforward observations about her neighbors may be too much for the quiet, idyllic lake town. Thankfully, she has Barrett Collins, her new love, to keep her busy and steady her hand as she navigates small-town living.

And that, my friends, is how it all started…and will hopefully continue on.

Available in E-book and Print

 

Cha-cha-changes!

How has your life changed lately?

It’s been nearly ten months since my accident, and in that time I’ve learned to make a few changes. I’m excited to reveal the gorgeous cover for my latest writing endeavor. I can’t wait for the world to meet the wonderful citizens of Honeybrooke Cove!

Cover Reveal!

Welcome to Honeybrooke Cove!
The best darn place in Wisconsin!

Victoria Banning’s perfect California life falls apart when she loses her job and boyfriend, all in the same day. Finished with controlling men and broken hearts, she decides it’s time to rewrite her story. New Chapter. New life. All on her terms. When she learns of her great-aunt Mags’s financial distress, she decides to make a road trip. But she’s not in time, and trouble follows her every step of the way when she moves into her late aunt’s rundown cottage in Honeybrooke Cove. Thank heavens, there’s at least one capable handyman in the small Wisconsin lake town to help her put the house on the market. Too bad, he’s overly bossy for her tastes.

Surgeon, Barrett Collins, should have let someone else take his last case. When everything went wrong, he left the big city and rebuilt his life as a handyman in Honeybrooke Cove. He’s up to his tool belt in repairs on Mags’s house and everyone else who needs him. When Barrett learns Mags left her cottage to him and her headstrong niece, he’s ready to ship Ms. Banning back to California. But there is something to be said for sharing a cottage with a beautiful woman. Especially when she desperately needs his help.

Life in Wisconsin’s North Country can be harsh, and when someone wants Victoria out of Honeybrooke Cove, life is unforgiving. As Barrett helps Victoria navigate the elements, they learn to open their hearts and live again.

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein

 

The Fall

When a writer takes a tumble, we do our best to chant the mantra ‘tuck-and-roll’ then pop up and figure out a way to replay that scene in our next piece. Or is that just me? I admit that I’m easily distracted by the next task or flitting butterfly, resulting in a few bumps, bruises, scrapes, and stumbles. Until a few weeks ago, five to be exact, that is all they were.

Five weeks ago, I made the fateful decision to water a few ferns that I had recently planted before heading to my office to work on my manuscript, Duncan Graham’s Fallen Angel.

And then, Contact Gardening. Face. Head. Right elbow. On a collision course with the stone steps.

The main results? Concussion. Fractured right orbital shelf. And, per the wisdom of several of the hospital medical staff, they felt the need to advise me that I did a really good job of destroying my elbow. I’ll save the gory details for another day. Two days later, I have a partial elbow replacement.

Five weeks. Five weeks! This post is the first thing I’ve written since The Fall. Is it the concussion or pain meds slowing my brain down, or both?

Five weeks, and we’re thrilled that I bent my thumb. Because, hey, there are nerves, tendons, muscles, skin, and several broken bones that have to heal. My pen is forced to grow silent while I recuperate. Hunting and pecking the keys with my left hand is a slow and tedious job. PT hopefully can start next week. Holding onto a toothbrush or fork has now become a goal.

For now, my latest WIP will have to wait unless I learn how to write from voice to text. Any recommendations on how to get through this hump in the road?

Kindle Countdown Deal: Knight Dreams Only .99 cents for a limited time


Would you give up your vengeance to save someone you love? 

The skilled archer, Terrwyn ap Hew, lost her young brother to the English years ago. Now, her night visions reveal that he is alive and she intends to bring him home. But the English soldiers have returned to her Welsh village in search of the famed archer to take on their campaign against France. If Terrwyn is to reach her brother in time, she’ll have to outwit the soldiers and infiltrate their army. This time, no one is going to stand in her way not even King Henry V’s spy, Sir James Frost. 

The charming Sir James Frost captures the likeness of his prey with charcoal and parchment. This time, a plot to kill the king is uncovered, and it leads to Terrwyn’s family. When he discovers the maiden hiding amongst the archers, his attention is divided between protecting his king and the woman who pierced his heart with her passion.

Will their budding love overcome the danger that threatens to steal all they dare to dream possible? https://amzn.to/2QvnDnq

Don’t Miss the Newest Releases

Knight Treasures: Knights of the Swan #3

In 15th Century England, alliances can be deadly for a Knight of the Swan. Especially those made in the heat of passion…

Knight Treasures #3

Fleeing for her life after a savage attack on her homeland, Lady Sabine of Clearmorrow finds sanctuary on the windswept shores of southern England, praying that her family reaches her before her foes. When Sir Darrick of Lockwood shows up in a swirl of raging wildfires, Sabine is not willing to trust the dark knight, though he may be her last hope.  And when she learns of his urgent quest to locate his sister, she realizes she may be his, too…

Lady Sabine is the last woman who saw his beloved sister alive, which is the only reason Darrick demands she join him on the perilous journey to bring Elizabeth home. But even as he shelters Sabine from their powerful enemies—and savors the sweet passion between them—he wonders if the brave beauty will bring him all that he desires, or draw him deeper into danger….

Amazonkindle Apple Google Kobo Nook

Coming January 22, 2018: Knight Dreams

Would you give up your vengeance to save someone you love?

The skilled archer, Terrwyn ap Hew, lost her young brother to the English years ago. Now, her night visions reveal that he is alive and she intends to bring him home. The English soldiers have returned to her Welsh village, searching for the famed archer to take on their campaign against France. If Terrwyn is to reach her brother in time she’ll have to outwit the soldiers and infiltrate their army. This time, no one is going to stand in her way, not even King Henry V’s spy, Sir James Frost.

Charming, but dangerous spy, Sir James Frost, captures the likeness of his prey on charcoal and parchment. This time, a plot to kill the king is uncovered and it leads to Terrwyn’s family. When he discovers the maiden hiding among the archers, his attention is divided between protecting his king and the woman who pierced his heart with her passion.

Available on Amazon

Read, Review & Recommend!

 I’d love to hear from you. And, please, be sure to leave a review. 

 

Knight Quests: Knights of the Swan #2 is on tour!

 

20258349_1560913337272363_4631801217787460427_nFollow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts, and a giveaway!

July 26
kickoff at The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Mythical Books – GUEST POST

July 27
Jazzy Book Reviews
Book Lover in Florida

July 28
Romance Novel Giveaways
The Book Town

July 29
Up ‘Til Dawn Book Blog

July 30
The Authors Blog

July 31
CelticLady’s Reviews
AC Squared Book Blog

Aug 1
U.S. – Brazil Book Review
Spunky N Sassy

Aug 2
Just Books-GUEST POST
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read

Aug 3
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Wonderful World of Books

Aug 4
The Reading Diaries
Books Dreams Life

Aug 5
Mello & June

Aug 6
Readeropolis – GUEST POST

Aug 7
Book Bangers Blog
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom

Aug 8
3 Girls Who Love Books – REVIEW
BB’s Book Reviews & Promotions

Aug 9
Books and Spoons
Teatime and Books

Aug 10
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
Traci Hayden

Aug 11
6 Feet Under Books
Queen of All She Reads

Aug 12
Paranormal Romance and Beyond

Aug 13
The Avid Reader

Aug 14
Always Love Me Some Books Blog
Sylv.net

Aug 15
Must Read Faster
Circle of Stalkers

Aug 16
Bound 2 Escape
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Aug 17
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
A Mama’s Corner of the World

Aug 18
The Bookworm Chronicles
Turning Another Page

Aug 19
Breaking Genre

Aug 20
Susan Heim on Writing

Aug 21
Ourbookstars
For Love of Books4

Aug 22
SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’

Aug 23
My Book and Music Obsession
The Blackwood Blog

Aug 24
Yah gotta read this
Lisa-Queen of Random

Aug 25
Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, GUEST POST
Rabid Readers – REVIEW

Aug 26
Anna Del C Dye
Indie Wish List – GUEST POST

Happy Book Birthday, Knight Quests: Knights of the Swan #2!

Today is the book release day for Knight Quests: Knights of the Swan series.

KNight Quests_FINALThis is Drem and Brigitte’s story.

Orphaned as a young girl, Brigitte de Marnier has learned to live by her instincts. Which doesn’t explain why she accepts protection from a soldier in the service of the enemy crown. But something about Drem Ap Dafydd has her leaning into his strength, and surrendering to his intoxicating kiss, even knowing he is duty bound to destroy her . . .

As a newly appointed Knight of the Swan, Drem is eager to prove his allegiance to the English crown in the battle against France. But in his sheltering arms, beautiful Frenchwoman Brigitte arouses in him another instinct—to love, honor, and protect. Then Drem discovers his beloved has a price on her head and he must choose between his vow—and his heart’s desire . . .

Special Feature:

His kiss made her head spin, stealing her thoughts and leaving her with desire for more. Tears slid past her lashes, trailing down her cheeks.

He sighed over her mouth. Brigitte prepared to feel the onslaught of loneliness whenever they were apart. Sir Darrick would wait only so long. They had tested his patience long enough. Drem surprised her by lifting her off the floor. He cradled her in his arms and marched toward the bed.

Her breath caught. “Drem. What about…”

“Hush.” He nipped the corner of her mouth. “We have much to celebrate.”

Brigitte drew back to see if he was serious. “I have not agreed to wed you.”

Drem grinned down at her as he lay her on the bed. “Then I shall have to persuade you.”

Available at: amazonkindle, Apple, Google,Kobo, Nook Watch for the next book in the series, Knight Treasures: Knights of the Swan #3

Coming in November 2017

The BarkBox has Arrived!

IMG_4813 (Edited)

Treat Time for Levi, Clive, Pepper, and Georgia

It arrived! Woof! This month the theme of the BarkBox was all about CHEWRASSIC BARK. I kid you not!

IMG_4938IMG_4936

All these yummy goodies. Note the paper wrapped around the treats? All keeping with the theme, because they can read. Am I right?IMG_4935IMG_4937

This is our second shipment and the fur babies are loving it.

The Woolly Mammoth is fluffy and squeaks. Airborne Archie is The Pterodactyl. It’s made to make a crinkle sound and also has a squeaker inside.

With four dogs, one who is a puppy, (Levi) we need all the busy toys we can acquire to keep him busy.  Momma needs to write!

Here are some incredible BarkTastic Industry facts:

According to American Pet Products.org, the U.S is spending $BILLIONS every year in the Pet Industry Market!

Pet Industry Market Size & Ownership Statistics 

U.S. Pet Industry Spending Figures & Future Outlook

“The following spending statistics are gathered by APPA from various market research sources and are not included in the organization’s biennial National Pet Owners Survey.

Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures

Year                 Billions of dollars

2017                 $69.36 Estimated
2016                 $66.75 Actual

Estimated 2017 Sales within the U.S. Market

For 2017, it estimated that $69.36 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.

Estimated Breakdown:
Food                                                               $29.69 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine                           $14.93 billion
Vet Care                                                        $16.62 billion
Live animal purchases                              $2.01 billion
Other Services                                           $6.11 billion

As you can probably tell from the photos, my family and I are helping to contribute to this figure. How much are you willing to spend on your beloved pets?

 

Hurry! Tickets for 3rd Annual Utah Readers Luncheon are selling fast

 

The Heart of the West, Utah Chapter Romance Writers of America is hosting the 3rd annual Readers Luncheon on October 14, 2017.

2017 Readers Luncheon Flyer (RGB)

I know, you’re asking yourself. “Why is she telling me about this so soon?”

I have to. Please, hear me out on this.

I know, it’s spring and the event takes place in the fall. I know, we all have busy schedules, but it’s also important to do something kind for ourselves. It’s time to be good to you, right? Come to the event! There will be prizes and gifts. Great food. And wonderful speakers, like the amazing Jill Shalvis. And did I mention free books? A LOT of FREE BOOKS!

If you happened to sit at my hosted table last year, you would have received this goody bag. IMG_4785 (Edited)
I added a custom candlIMG_4789e that is linked to my Knights of the Swan series. A mystical blend of rosemary, sage, lavender, and sweetgrass.

Since the series has to do with a secret brotherhood and they use the symbol of the swan, I added a sterling silver necklace created by Kevin N Anna. IMG_4790AIMG_4791nd who doesn’t love coloring in medieval themed books?

And of course, BOOKS!

So raise a glass to honor your loved one, or yourself with a toast for eternal love. Read a book that offers hope and celebrates the power of love. And treat yourself to an afternoon of romance.

And that, my friends, is only the tip of this fun event.

Most of all there will be authors who want to say, “Thank you for reading our stories, loving our characters, and allowing us to carry you away for just a few moments.”

The Davie Conference Center is located in Layton, UT. http://www.davisconferencecenter.com/   If you want to spend the evening you don’t even have to step outside to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/utah/hilton-garden-inn-salt-lake-city-layton-SLCLAGI/index.html

But don’t wait too long. I have to tell you that the tables are filling up. Our readers know this is a great event and they are clamoring to claim their seat. Won’t you join us?