Seeking safety and comfort offered by her beloved Aunt Vonnie, Victoria Ansley flees to Sea Grass Cove to escape a violent blackmailer. Moments after her arrival in the small tourist town, the no-nonsense town sheriff informs her Vonnie has gone missing. Almost immediately, random events suggest the building which houses her aunt’s home as well as her popular bakery might be key to Vonnie’s disappearance. While waiting for her aunt to be found, Victoria takes over the running of the business and starts learning the intricacies of pastry making. She and the sheriff begin a methodical search of the building—and discover dead bodies, a hidden speakeasy-casino, and a desiccated skeleton.
Blake Morrison’s job as the
local sheriff would be a breeze—if not for Victoria Ansley. The woman
attracts trouble like bears to honey. While he doesn’t believe she
has any part in the kidnapping or murders, one ‘accident’ after another proves
to be too much for his comfort level so he moves into the house as a bodyguard.
Knowing his attraction to her will only complicate matters, he maintains a
strict hands-off posture.
As pressure from local politicians and
townspeople mounts, suspects start coming out of the walls, putting both
Victoria and Blake at risk—not only for their very lives but for their hearts.
Today
it is our pleasure to feature long time Wild Rose Press author Evelyn
Timidaiski and A Hero’s Heart, a contemporary romantic suspense set in
Maine. With Evelyn is Blake Morrison, sheriff of Seagrass Cove who will go
first.
Good
morning, Blake. Thanks for joining us. Let’s begin with where you are from. I’m from Sea Grass Cove
though I’ve travelled quite a bit.
What did you think the first time you saw Victoria
Ansley. The
first time I laid eyes on her, I knew she’d be trouble. I also knew that
something shifted inside, and a feeling of anticipation swamped me.
What was your second thought? My second thought was that
I had my work cut out for me if I was going to solve her aunt’s disappearance and
win her heart.
Do you
feel it was love at first sight? No, I believe that love grows, but you can
recognize your soulmate at first sight.
What do you like most about her? I like Victoria’s can-do
attitude. She doesn’t give up when faced with obstacles.
How would you describe her? Victoria is secure in her
own skin, though she’s had a jolt with that stalker back when she lived and
worked in New York City. She’s the kind of person who makes you feel good in
her presence.
How would she describe you? She’d probably describe me
as strait-laced with a hefty dose of arrogance thrown in. She’d also say I’m
stubborn.
What made you choose law enforcement for a
career? Coming
from a military background, it was natural to lean toward law enforcement.
Townspeople like to feel their sheriff can keep them safe. I enjoy the
work.
What is your biggest fear? That my past will
jeopardize my life with Victoria. The things I’ve seen and done have left more
than scars. I don’t want that ugly side of me to hurt her.
How do you relax? Not that I get a lot of
time, but when I do, I like to hike and fish to relax. I live in one of the
most beautiful states in America, and I would like to explore it more.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Without a doubt, it would
be Jean Luc Picard. The character epitomizes the old-fashioned explorer and
peaceful emissary.
What is the best piece of advice you ever
received? When
I left for Afghanistan, my father advised me to keep an open mind and tread
softly. His advice has taken me through many dangerous situations and still
helps me as a sheriff today.
Thanks for taking time out of your schedule,
Blake. We appreciate it very much. Now we’d like to chat with Evelyn, beginning
with . . .
What movies or books have had an impact on
your career as a writer? Since high school, I’ve grown up with the royalty of
romance. Kathleen Woodiweiss, Victoria Holt, and Violet Winspear, among many
more, hooked me into the world of romance. As for movies, the old Carey Grant
movies like A Touch of Mink, Operation Petticoat, and Father Goose
all influenced me to write.
Is there an event in your private life that
you were able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel?
I
have faced several personal traumas this past year. I believe the way I had to
learn to move on helped me to write about Blake Morrison's struggles with his
past and what he considers his ugly side.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did
you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I heard about The Wild Rose
Press from research online. I liked what I read about them and decided to
submit.
What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile?
Silver
Creek Fire by
Lindsay McKenna
Last, what's up next and when can we expect
to see it on the shelves? I am currently working on a Sci-Fi Romance on a Space
Station. I’m hoping to have it ready for next year.
A Bit More About our
Feature Author: Evelyn Timidaiski is a Golden Palm
winner, Winter Rose finalist, and author of the new series Brandon’s Brigade.
Her current book is a mystery—a first for her. Her sense of adventure,
deep-rooted values, and love of romance enliven her fast-paced novels. Ms.
Timidaiski lives with her Pomeranian, Chloe and her Terrier, Abby, in
Mississippi, where she writes romantic suspense, contemporary, and fantasy.
When she isn’t painting or taking nature photographs, you will find her at her
computer, crafting her newest novel. She loves to hear from readers. You can
visit her online at her website www.evelyntimidaiskiauthor.com and
www.evelyntimidaiskiauthor.com
http://www.facebook.com/emtimidaiskiauthor/
www.evelyntimidaiskiauthor@goodreads.com
https://amazon.com/author/evelyntimidaiski
A Hero’s Heart can be
purchased at:
Amazon https://a.co/d/2fVpvYV
Barns &
Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-heros-heart-evelyn-timidaiski/1149201584?ean=9781509264568
Books A Million https://www.booksamillion.com/search2?query=Timidaiski
Evelyn brought an excerpt
for us:
Victoria tried to smile, but it hurt too much to move any part of her head.
Dr. Forrester flicked
his light at each eye and gave the universal hmm that all doctors probably
learned their first day of med school. “What’s your name?” The doctor’s gaze
remained riveted to her face as he waited for her answer.
Dryness caked her
throat when she tried to swallow. “Victoria Ansley.”
A smile greeted her
words and the doctor turned to the man at the door. “All right, sheriff, you
have ten minutes. I’ll be sending a nurse in with a shot for her pain. You
better say what you need to say before then.”
After Dr. Forrester
left the room,
Blake Morrison approached the bed. “Victoria, I know
you’re in pain, but I have some questions.”
“It’s okay. Where are
my rolls?”
“What?”
“You promised me
lobster rolls. I’m starving.”
He laughed, relaxing
some of the frown lines on his face. “I’ll get you some fresh ones when you get
out of here.” He fell silent for a moment. “I’m so sorry, Victoria. I should
have checked the house before I left.”
“Don’t. Just ask me
what you need to ask. I’m seriously looking forward to that shot.”
“What happened after
I left?”
“I pulled my bag to the bedroom and turned the
knob”
Beep, beep, beep.
Blake looked at the
heart monitor before he sat on the edge of the bed. He took her hand and rubbed
her fingers. “Shh, I’m right here. Don’t get me thrown out.”
“I’m okay,” she
assured him before continuing. “The door opened about six inches, and it hit
something solid. Before I could shove my shoulder against it, the door slammed
into my face, and I fell backward over the suitcase.”
“That accounts for the large bruise on your
temple.” She raised her hand, but he took it before she reached her face.
“What happened next?”
“I ran into the
bedroom and saw someone sliding out the window. Whomever it was wore men’s work
boots.”
“Fisherman type work
boots?”
“No, more like what a
construction worker would wear. I yelled at them to stop and looked out the
window. That’s when something hit me. I-I screamed and fell backward.” She
looked up into Blake’s kind eyes. “I’m sorry, that’s all I remember.”
“Did anyone besides
your aunt know you were planning to come here?”
“No. It wasn’t
anyone’s business where I was going.”
He moved to the
visitor’s chair, giving her one of those take-no-crap looks that all the TV
cops use. “Why did you leave New York? Were you in trouble?”
She looked away from
those knowing eyes. She’d been in Sea Grass Cove less than a day and already
her secrets were catching up to her. If her aunt went missing because of her
foolish mistakes, she’d never forgive herself. “I’m positive my reasons for relocating
have nothing to do with Aunt Vonnie.”
“How can you be so
sure of that? Are you running from the law?”
“I’m being
blackmailed.”
