Happy Women's Fiction Day!

CELEBRATE THE FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S FICTION DAY ON JUNE 8, 2019

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The Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) is pleased to announce the first ever Women’s Fiction Day on June 8, 2019, in celebration of women’s fiction authors, novels, publishers, book sellers, and most importantly, readers who appreciate women’s fiction and the power of a great story.

What Is Women's Fiction?

Women's fiction includes layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey. The stories occur across genres: contemporary or historical, and may have magical, mystery, thriller, romance, or other elements.

The Women’s Fiction Day logo represents the organization’s inclusivity, the joy of reading, and the infinite number of stories that fall under this vibrant genre.

In honor of this celebration, I am giving away my book!

ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED PAPERBACK or E-BOOK COPY OF

WILL RISE FROM ASHES:

(make sure to hit the right arrow if you wish to enter for the E-BOOK giveaway)

I write across genres including historical romance (with paranormal elements), contemporary romance, and women’s fiction. The stories all weave a similar thread. Love (parental, partner, or sibling), spirituality, hope, journeys & nature tend to be my threads. Will Rise from Ashes is a story of heartache, healing and hope that takes the reader on both a physical and emotional journey with AJ Sinclair and her son, Will.

I would love to hear from you!

What are some of your favorite Women’s Fiction stories or authors?

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Is living more than mere survival?

Young widow AJ Sinclair has persevered through much heartache. Has she met her match when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, leaving her separated from her youngest son and her brother? Tens of thousands are dead or missing in a swath of massive destruction. She and her nine-year-old autistic son, Will, embark on a risky road trip from Maine to the epicenter to find her family. She can't lose another loved one.

Along the way, they meet Reid Gregory, who travels his own road to perdition looking for his sister. Drawn together by AJ's fear of driving and Reid's military and local expertise, their journey to Colorado is fraught with the chaotic aftermath of the eruption. AJ's anxiety and faith in humanity are put to the test as she heals her past, accepts her family's present, and embraces uncertainty as Will and Reid show her a world she had almost forgotten.

Will Rise from Ashes is Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Google Play

Into the Wild: An Extroverted Introvert's Day Out

I’ve been delinquent in keeping up with my blog posts as of late, while on the heels of three new book releases. I still have a topic floating in the back of my mind about “Life on Plan B.” That one will come. Today, something different stirred me. I was going to post about the “writer’s life” as I work from home and juggle family, house, and all the stuff life slaps at you. Instead, I want to write about being out in the wild. As in…home-bound authors who venture out! (p.s. yes, I’m talking to you other writers who hole away in seclusion for too long…I personally go a bit nutty being home with just me, myself, and I most days.)

I’m an extroverted introvert meaning I prefer to stay home for some R&R with family, gardening, writing, TV, or books but I do love to go out and talk with other humans. I miss the camaraderie of an office (but not the drama). Not big parties or loud events (though I can navigate those just fine), but rather if I do go out, my #1 place is to enjoy nature either by boot, paddle, or pedal. If needed, I can also rock it in the extroverted world. Hence I’m an extroverted introvert. I write in cafes, waiting areas, doctor’s offices, coffee shops, bookstores, libraries, my car during parent pick-up at school or at the bus-stop….the list is long. If I can tote my computer with me and I have some down time, I write…with or without noise and distractions. I can filter them out (or pop in earbuds).

I also observe in the wild.

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Newborn baby crying next to me…momma ushering her two or three little ones through the door: both tug at the heartstrings because I have been there (and I’m still there sometimes). They aren’t distractions to me (perhaps because I’ve been writing around the “chaos” in my house for the past ten years). Instead, they are reminders of life. My observations of the world outside my house.

Out in the wild today…I visited a new mechanic’s shop to deal with a recurring problem. I was at my wit’s end with this ongoing issue with my SUV. At 180K miles, it has kid stickers plastered on the windows, stained seats, and ground goldfish on the floor (okay, those were vacuumed up yesterday). It has also seen many years in my family’s life. I arrived at the mechanic’s shop with Plan B: I wore my sneakers in case I needed to go for a walk while waiting, and I brought my laptop in case the shop had a waiting area. Score! My first choice prevailed (writing).

I sat, dug into edits, but soon found myself chatting with the mechanics. One talked all things books. He loves to read and I am a writer: instant chitchat! The other one and I conversed about travel…we’ve ventured to a few similar places such as Yosemite and Yellowstone. Though I came prepared to work (or walk), I ended up working for just a fraction of the time, carrying on lively conversations instead. Car fixed, I now have a new mechanic’s shop to go to. And for a writer who spends most of her time at home or talking to her children, it fed my need to socialize and connect with others.

What finally spurred me to write the post today was what I saw today at lunch. After the mechanic detour and some errands, I needed to eat before heading off to an appointment. I stopped at a fast food joint (nicely remodeled with comfy chairs and service). I located a cozy spot (watching the door) and prepared for a 45 minute editing power session.  

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Beside me sat a middle-aged man with his two senior parents. Maybe it’s because I am a mom to two sons, but I found myself drawn to their interaction. Part of being in the wild is people-watching. The man tenderly, lovingly took care of his mother and father. Answered their repeated questions. Treated them with respect, nurturing, and compassion. I’ll be honest, I got teary-eyed. It tugged at my heartstrings. I can only hope I will raise my sons to be the same gentle-spirited, kind adult souls.

[Side tangent: My 12-year-old son with special needs patiently taught me how to ride a bike this weekend after he just only got his training wheels off at age 11 this fall—wow, he is a sweetheart! And what a humbling, heart-squeezing moment. “Mom, this is how you change gears…” he said as I made him promise to not let go of my handle bar while he walked beside me. The display of the older man with his parents reminded me of my son and fed my wish that he will grow up to be that type of human being.]

Where am I going with this disjointed ramble? Not sure. All that I know is some days, when we are harried by frustrations like overbooked schedules and missing our editing deadlines and dealing with the same old car issue, life shows us the beauty of the wild. Friendly chats, tender adult sons, snapshots of life among the chaos.

My power session flew quickly and I wrote this blog post instead of editing. Then I rushed off to the appointment, dealt with the kid after-school-hustle, yada yada. I hope to snatch a few crumbs of time here and there to keep editing this evening (around the chaos).

Did I enjoy my venture into the wild, away from the isolation of home? Yes, yes I did. And I highly recommend that we all take a break from the workload, even if we need to force it (I know this can be more difficult for some people) and get out into the wild.

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I’d love to hear from you. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or some mishmash between? How do you get out into the wild, explore the world, and feed your soul?


Highlights of the Deerbourne Inn series

I’ve been diligently reading all the books in the Deerbourne Inn series put out by The Wild Rose Press and my, oh my…I’m happily sucked into this fictional town of Willow Springs, Vermont! The stories, the people, the romance…ahhh!

Novellas (stories 40,000 words or less, and typically 75-150 pages long) are a great escape from the grind. I write full-time but also love to read, and I’m limited by my reading speed. I do enjoy full-length novels, but I have to say that novellas are my new secret passion! I can finish in one or two sittings and feel a lovely sense of accomplishment (and enjoyment).

Welcome to the Deerbourne Inn, a lovely B&B in the heart of the Mad River Glen, Vermont.

Welcome to the Deerbourne Inn, a lovely B&B in the heart of the Mad River Glen, Vermont.

What’s interesting about this series is the stories span genres…mystery, suspense, paranormal, romance…and time (historical and contemporary). Since many, but not all, have romantic elements, the heat level is a spectrum from sweet to spicy to hot.

Willow Springs is in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. All the stories revolve around the townsfolk and visitors. Each story has at least one character staying as a guest at the Deerbourne Inn, a rustic, renovated B&B in the middle of town. There is no need to read them all in order. I’ve jumped around. Each story is its own. But as you read more, you may have little moments like me where you go “Ah! I remember him/her from the other book.” Each story adds flavors and layers and depth to this town.

P.S. I enjoyed researching for my own book in the series. For a few pictures from the Mad River Glen hop over here.

I’ll keep updating this page as more books are released. Without further ado, may I present the Deerbourne Inn:

Note: My own sexy scale is indicated: [sweet - behind close doors, sexy/spicy - love scenes, or hot - very detailed love scenes]

By Reservation Only (Barbara Edwards): [Mystery, Sweet]

The first book in the series sets us up with the Inn, and we learn about its owner, Nate, a former NYC chef. Along comes a mysterious woman searching for clues to her past. And…there is a mysterious arsonist among the townsfolk! HIGHLIGHTS: Lovely set-up, and mouth-watering meals! A wee bit of mystery tossed in.

Hope’s Dream (Peggy Jaeger): [Romance, Sweet]

A delightful winter cozy! Hope lives in town and works the ski slopes and at a bar to take care of her ill mother, though medical bills prevent Hope from pursing her career dreams. Along comes lawyer Tyler, who needs to get her to sign some estate papers that would be a windfall of income to Hope. Love strikes, and the more he is with her, the more muddled his situation gets (he hasn’t exactly told her the reason why he is in town). Well, you guessed it! Love. HIGHLIGHTS: I enjoyed Ms. Jaeger’s writing style and the sweet, slow burning romance that built up between Hope and Tyler. The imagery made me envision the crisp, powdery slopes of Vermont and warm cozy firesides.

Freedom’s Path (Linda Carroll-Bradd): [Historical Romance, Sweet]

This is the first (I hope of many) historicals in the series. 1855. Freedom-fighter Sidonie works as a maid at the Inn. An Army Corporal, Colin, comes to town under the guise of salesman to root out abolitionists. The cause is personal to Sidonie, as her grandmother escaped bondage years ago. Love builds between these two, opposites, but Colin has an empathetic heart. Then another slave-hunter comes town. Will Sidonie be caught? Will Colin turn her in if he learns of her involvement? HIGHLIGHTS: I enjoyed the suspense, Sidonie’s bravery (she hangs special quilts as “code” to other abolitionists), and the spark between her and Colin. This book was a pleasure to read and I liked the ending.

Spirited Quest (Julie Howard): [Paranormal, Sweet]

Paige runs the town newspaper, a dying art, and she is still figuring out what to do with her life in the wake of a divorce. In her early-50’s, she has spunk and a strong personality. Her niece, an acclaimed blogger and “ghost whisperer” comes to town to visit with the Inn’s local ghost. This story is paranormal meets suspenseful mystery (is the ghost real? Is somebody stalking her niece? Is she in danger?). HIGHLIGHTS: I loved the perspective of Paige and that she never really believed in this ghost nonsense. Well-polished writing kept me turning the pages.

Lyrical Embrace (Amber Daulton): [Romance, Sexy/Hot]

Erica is on the run from an abusive ex in NYC, with a load of his cash in her bag, and her violin at her side. The last thing she wants is a romance. Enter Dylan, former rockstar and player. But Dylan wants a quiet life back home in Vermont, teaching kids music. Sparks fly fast with these two. Enter trouble: has her ex found her? Is Erica ever going to be safe and find a happy ending? HIGHLIGHTS: I liked that Dylan was not your typical bad-boy. This story is hot and heavy, but well-written and believable. I liked the secondary character development as well.

Soul of the Storm (Jean M. Grant): [Romance, Sexy]

Not sure I feel justified to review my own work! A quick summary: Charlotte is haunted by a past: a sister lost on a hiking adventure but her friend persuades her for a week away in VT to rest, not dwell on a mistake. She blames herself and her lying/cheating ex-husband. Matiu is aching to return his restless spirit back home to New Zealand, and works many jobs in town to pinch pennies. Neither are looking for love but both can’t deny their attraction and shared love of the outdoors. When the Search & Rescue team falls ill and a snow storm blows in, can Charlotte help Matiu on a rescue? Will love help her summit one last peak? HIGHLIGHTS: Flavors of Matiu’s Maori upbringing and a fun story for outdoor enthusiasts (hiking, kayaking).

Lion Dancing for Love (Laura Boon): [Romance, Sexy/Hot]

Caitlyn is in town visiting her friend, while on a year-long “holiday” trying to find herself and avoid going home to California in the wake of a bad break-up. Corey is a wholesome (adorable!) young widower. The two have an instant (well, they try to deny it) connection. Their romance is believable and enjoyable. Is Corey ready to move on, and can love keep Caitlyn in town? HIGHLIGHTS: I enjoyed both characters’ backstories (Caitlyn is Chinese-American and let’s just say she gets this widower to dust off his dancing shoes to help her in a special Lion Dance). I learned a bit about this important ceremonial dance and I adored Corey. This is another hotter romance when it comes to love scenes.

Forever in a Moment (Charlotte O’Shay): [Romance, Sexy]

Sam’s fiancé dumped her days before their wedding and she’s looking for an escape from her too-serious, too-predictable life in NYC as a lawyer. Enter her “honeymoon” for one in Vermont at Christmas, a broken down car in the snow, and a ruggedly reclusive dairy farmer named Jed. These two can’t fight their attraction, but with Jed’s painful past and her own secret, can these two get their act together for a HEA? Can Sam say goodbye to the routine and start anew in small-town VT? HIGHLIGHTS: The fresh, first person/present tense style by the author really highlights the voice of the characters, brings them to life on the page. I loved Sam’s candidness and Jed’s sincerity (Ah, a hot, sensitive farmer!). The love scenes are sexy but not too hot. A fresh, keep you in your seat read!

Witches’ Cliff (Peggy Chambers): [Paranormal, Sweet]

Penny’s returned to town after leaving with her mother after her birth and the stigma of being witches. She descends from a family of witches and lives in Salem, MA. On the heels of a marriage proposal she is uncertain about (he’s a bit slimy), she comes to town to seek guidance of a different kind…from an ancestor. This requires climbing the Witches’ Cliff (where witches were tried and tossed off) on Halloween and summoning her great-many times over-grandmother. Oh, there’s also a handsome electrician who has eyes for her and another local witch she is skeptical about: is she friend or foe? HIGHLIGHTS: I enjoyed the paranormal elements, Penny’s down-to earth attitude, and the overall story line.

Mystic Maples (Tena Stetler): [Paranormal, Sexy]

I enjoyed digging deeper into the mystical history of Willow Springs. Mercy is a modern day witch with unique ties to the land and flowers (I love flowers!), who travels to Willow Springs to get away from some bad stuff life threw at her in Colorado. Sil is a local maple harvester in Willow Springs who has a tarnished family tree filled with treachery, witches, gypsies, and fae/faeries. Toss in time travel, and it's a sexy story of romance, family, and maple syrup. HIGHLIGHTS: paranormal elements and a spicy farmer.

Love Calls You Home (Donna Simonetta): [Romance, Sexy]

I liked the concept of this book right off the bat...a gal who left her sleepy, cold New England town for a bigger sunny career and life in Miami...but work calls her back home. Stephanie and Donald hit the ground running with sparks: from former childhood buddies to a blooming adult romance. And Donald's a charming librarian to boot! This is a great summer read to load into your Kindle. Bring it poolside! HIGHLIGHTS: A sexy librarian.

Love Proof (Luanna Stewart): [Romance, Sexy]

Fiona is a bakery shop owner (oh so many sweets in this one!). In comes Raynor, her former high school classmate/crush/and oh, yeah, she did something awful back in the day that tarnished his rep. And he doesn’t know SHE Is the one behind it all. The sweetness piles up when these two get closer while he is in town, he garners a new job as a photojournalist, and has to highlight her bakery. Engaging, great voice, and kept me turning the pages. Delicious baked goods (and sexy scenes) made me want to go home and bake something! HIGHLIGHTS: So much bakery yumminess. Made me hungry!

A Bean, a Pea, and a Mammoth (Eve Dew Cook): [Mystery and Romance, Sweet]

History and science meet with the finding of a mammoth tusk in the Green Mountains. The Bean and Pea? Well, that has to do with a Twelfth Night king and queen celebration at the Deerbourne Inn. Toss in a gentle, sweet principal (Stephen) and a humbly-raised cop (Meghan), budding friendships, planning, and a small-town mystery as they celebrate the Christmas holidays and decide what to do with this massive museum find in the woods of sleepy Vermont. HIGHLIGHTS: A mammoth tusk (cool!) and a lesson on Twelfth Night.

Rekindling an old Flame (Samantha Gentry): [Erotic Romance, Hot]

A very hot read. Skylar's car breaks down in Willow Springs and she happens to run into her old fame, Cameron, who is as hot as ever and now an accomplished author. Sparks fly immediately and these two pick up where they left off. But resentment bubbles beneath the surface about how their highly physical courtship 14 years ago ended. Both have matured, but both have their own lives: hers far away from Vermont, his he can pick up anywhere and move but the small town is now his home. Do they have what it takes to rekindle that flame...but for the long haul? HIGHLIGHTS: Autumn in Vermont!

Enchanted Vermont Nights (Roni Denholtz): [Romance, Sexy]

I liked Brianna and Kyle right away. Both seemed down to earth and found a kindred friendship in exploring Willow Springs, night photography, and friendship together while spending a Thanksgiving away in the homey small town. Both need an escape: Brianna from an ex and her family’s meddling, and Kyle from the rush of fame. But will Brianna pull away when she learns of Kyle’s fame? She’s been hurt before and still needs to work through healing a broken and betrayed heart. HIGHLIGHTS: Starlight walks, photography, natural chemistry of the two leads.

Ciara’s Homecoming Christmas (Carol Henry): [Romance, Sweet]

A sweet romance between Tad (the mechanic/garage owner we’ve encountered in numerous previous books), widower with twin 4-year-old girls, and Ciara, military nurse home on leave. Can they rekindle the romance they’d left years ago when she left? Matchmakers abound: the twins, Tad’s mother, Ciara’s great aunt Noelle. I enjoyed this cozy, sweet romance, just in time for the Christmas season. HIGHLIGHTS: Christmas events, sweet twins, spunky matchmaking great aunt, and a up front story line for one of the town staple characters.

My Past, Your Future (Gabbi Grey): [Romance, Erotic Romance, Hot]

Ms. Grey lured me in with her polished voice and vivid storytelling as a Civil War ghost and modern day history professor fall in love. In this m/m romance, Scottish Callum is visiting Willow Springs and sees the ghost, a former slave/Civil War soldier named Elijah inhabiting (haunting?) the town cemetery—Callum is the first person ever to see Elijah since his death. They spend a snow storm and hot night together. Is Elijah reappearing in his human form? Find out. HIGHLIGHTS: history, vivid writing, compelling characters (I loved both the Scottish vernacular of Callum, and Elijah’s 1800’s dialect). Note: the heat level is hot level. Not my usual, but I did enjoy Grey's storytelling and writing and found that compelling, plus her take on ghosts was interesting.

He is Watching (Denise Carbo): [Suspense, Romance, Sweet]

Where to go when you have a stalker haunting your every move? Julie gets "out of Dodge" (alright, Boston...) and just drives, until she finds herself in my favorite (fictional) small town in Vermont: Willow Springs. She meets charming Joe and quickly finds herself feeling safer and protected by him and other small town folk. But is it enough when her stalker shows up? HIGHLIGHTS: Suspense with a sweet twist.