Stone of Lust by Margaret Izard

 She finds true love in the past, but is his love worth risking her future?

         She dreams of a Viking warrior with Fae-blue eyes and a God-like body that makes her heart pound like no other. Trying to save her kidnapped sister-in-law, Ainslie follows her back to the Vikings of Scotland, where she faces the very man who has haunted her dreams.

When Jarl, Rannick MacRaghnaill meets the alluring Warrior Woman who helped steal his warship, she dresses in clothing so strange that every curve teases his senses. But is she, as she claims, a woman from the future or an irresistible lying thief?

She’d risk her life to save her sister-in-law. He’d risk his honor to win her heart. Can both hardened warriors save the realms from the evilest of Fae’s minds combined with the most dangerous of humans?

 Wild Women Authors focus on: Stone of Lust, a Scots time-travel, a current release out of the Wild Rose Press, written by Margaret Izard.

 Excerpt:

She placed her sword at his throat. “Yield?” The warriors gasped, then cheered for her.

Rannick’s eyebrows rose as Ainslie helped the youth to his feet and patted him on the back. Rannick rubbed his neck and looked over his warriors. He called upon another warrior. “Gunnar, come fight the She Warrior.”

A large older warrior moved from the crowd, a grin on his face. As Gunnar passed, Rannick patted his back and whispered something, but Ainslie couldn’t hear what was said. The warrior nodded as he moved toward her. No matter. She’d fight anyone.

Both took their ready stance, and Rannick signaled for them to begin.

They circled, weighing their opponent waiting on who would take the offensive first.

It was Gunnar, with a slice of his blade on her shoulder. Ainslie blocked him well, but he stepped forward and slammed his shoulder into her knocking her down. Ainslie somersaulted backward to stand, her blade out and ready to defend the next block.

Gunnar glanced at Rannick, who nodded toward Ainslie.

They circled again, waiting to see who would advance.

Ainslie led the next attack with an overhead slash. Gunnar blocked it, pushing her back. He was more substantial, but she was small, agile, and smart.

They circled, and Ainslie went for his middle.

Gunnar blocked and spun, coming around overhead.

She stopped it with her blade and allowed him to slide down hers knowing she could quickly push it aside with his forward momentum. When his sword came to the hand guard, she moved with all her might. He stumbled on a sidestep at the unexpected shift. As he flew past her, Ainslie whacked his rear with the side of her blade. The warriors laughed, and Gunnar came for her in an off-balance rage. She sidestepped and hit his rear end again.

Gunnar leveled his eyes on her and advanced with his blade. Side-to-side attacks came at her fast, backing her into the mainmast, trapping her, obviously trying to end the fight. Knowing sailing and the rigging, Ainslie reached up and grabbed the tack line holding the sail in place and swung herself onto the keelson box beneath the main mast. She landed surefooted and, in her follow-through, swung her sword connecting with Gunnar’s disarming him. His sword flew out of his hand and clattered against the hull. He stood staring at his empty hand, then tilted his head back and laughed loudly.

He bowed to Ainslie. “Ye are Freyja, the war goddess. Her spirit lives in ye. I have never seen a woman fight. A Valkyrie, and I’m honored to fight with ye.” 

Gunnar strode to Rannick whose eyebrows remained raised. “She has earned her coin. She has won the contest.”

The surrounding warriors cheered as Ainslie stood over them, proud of her accomplishment. She’d battled and won against a trained, skilled Viking warrior. Her da would be so proud. Some warriors grumbled as they settled on the bets made, bringing her out of her musings. Ainslie jumped down and approached Rannick. She grinned at him and held out her hand. “Time to settle up.”

Rannick dropped a gold coin in it, then glanced behind her. “Disarm her. She is still our guest.” Her guard Ivor must be back. The sword pulled in her hand, and she let him take it. He wasn’t who she focused on.

She stared at Rannick, her being so tall that they stood almost eye to eye. “I bested yer best. Admit it. A woman can fight.”

Rannick’s smile grew. “Oh, my sweet, he wasn’t my best. He was the one who wouldn’t hurt ye.”

Ainslie gripped the coin and raised an eyebrow. “I’ll take on yer best any day, anytime, and I’d still win.”

She flipped the coin and caught it. “I’d even wager the gold coin on it.”

She flipped the coin again, and Rannick stepped toward her, catching the coin. They stood close as their breaths mingled. His sweet woodsy scent wafted over her, sandalwood and citrus. He glanced over her face and hair, then trailed to her chest.

His eyes returned to her eyes, and she raised an eyebrow as he spoke. “Warrior woman from another time or another land, my best would do ye harm. I have vowed never to harm a woman.”

Ainslie gazed back into his eyes. “That’s all right. Ye’d never get close enough with yer sword to harm me. But I may harm ye.”

Rannick stood there a moment, staring into her eyes. She glowered back with the glare of a challenge. She held out her hand for the coin. He took it in his, the rough callouses brushing her skin, sending goose bumps up her arm. He placed her coin in her palm and closed his hands over hers, holding her hand in an embrace.

Without taking his eyes off her, he said, “Ivor, find a second guard. The She Warrior might need more than one.”

He winked at her, released her hand, and turned, moving away.

 To purchase Stone of Lust, go to: https://linktr.ee/mizardauthor

To learn more about Margaret Izard and the stories she creates, go to:

Trailer - https://youtu.be/qXAJQ47Djkc?si=f0iHwgKsvwJlTLxc

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217439887-stone-of-lust

 BookBub-https://www.bookbub.com/books/stone-of-lust-stones-of-iona-book-3-by-margaret-izard

The Passenger by Joie Lesin

 . . . The Passenger, a 1940s ghost story set in the California wine country, tells a tale of family connections, life-changing choices, and love—lost and found . . .

        Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home.

Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction. Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature Joie Lesin and The Passenger a ghost story set in post WWII California wine country. Today’s guests include Joie and Paolo Clemente—the ghost who sets off a chain of events that forever changes the lives of several generations.

 Good morning, Paolo. Thank you for joining us. Let’s begin with where you are from. Foggia, Italy

Tell us a bit about The Passenger. It is the story of the beautiful young woman who aided me at the moment of my death. With her generous heart, she helped me to return home to mia famiglia in California so that I could make peace with the mistakes of my past.

What did you think the first time you saw Adriana? The first time I saw my wife, it was at the harvest day celebration at the vineyard of mia famiglia back in Italia. When my eyes lit upon her, knowing she was not there for me, I thought the man who would win her heart would be both extremely fortunate yet face many challenges.

How lovely. What was your second thought? I would see to it that she become mine. 

Was it love at first sight? I did not fall immediately in love with Adriana. If I were meant to ever fall such a way, it would have been with her. So you see, I do not believe in love at first sight, but I do believe in loving someone for all eternity.

What did you like most about her? I would not be Paolo Giovanni Clemente if I did not say I admired Adriana’s beauty. Yet, that is not what I liked most about her. What I admired most about my wife is her strength and her ability to speak her mind no matter the situation. I admired the way she gives her heart and loves those of us lucky enough to have it with an unmatched fierceness.

How would you describe her? I could describe the waist-length, raven black hair of her youth or the graying hair she wore bound at the nape of her neck when I returned to her. I could describe her striking, coffee-colored   eyes or perfectly shaped nose . . . instead I will describe for you the strong woman who raised our son without my presence. This woman, my Adriana, came to America unable to speak the language and learned to run a vineyard. This resilient and beautiful woman kept my dream alive and passed it on to my son.

How would she describe you? She once told me when we first met, she believed me to be built of lean lines and sinewy muscle. She believed me to be an aristocrat made for Roman society and not be the don of a country vineyard.

          Later, she told me while divine to look at and despite her undying love, I frustrated her like no other with my mule-headed nature. That said, I ask who is the mule-headed one? For she loved me in my absence and never stopped waiting for me to return to her.

What made you choose to own a vineyard for a career? Would it appear I am waxing poetically if I tell you, it is in my blood? I grew up the eldest of three brothers and always knew the responsibility of the tending the beloved vines and perpetuating the magic of turning them into wine.

What is your biggest fear? My biggest fear is to live without mia famiglia.

How do you relax? In the early years of my life work and relaxation were the same to me. From boyhood, being amongst the vines was always akin to being in church. Within the vines, I found peace.

          Ah, but I do suppose you mean what activities I do to relax. Well, I do like to read the occasional book though later in my life I had but a few in my position. As a boy, I learned to appreciate music—especially the opera. In her youth, mia madre had dreamt of moving to Milan and singing in the opera. This leads me to your next question and a story I must share.

Who is your favorite fictional character? As I have mentioned, mia madre loved the opera and passed that love down to me.

          She never achieved her dream of singing. No, she became the mistress of a country vineyard and gave birth to three strapping boys. While my brothers took no interest in mia madre’s appreciation of music—she only sang in private when she believed no one to be listening but I made sure to give ear to her voice and count those times among my most favorite. I digress . . . I alone attended the rare traveling theatre troupe performances that came near our home.

          One day Pagliacci came through town. Have you heard of it? It is the story of Canio, a pagliaccio—a clown—who despite heartbreak must don his make-up and costume to perform. After this performance, I always believed mia madre saw a bit of herself in Canio. Day after day, she put on a brave face and took on the expected role of mistress of our vineyard. Later in my life, I too saw how I hid behind a mask just to make it through each day.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? The best piece of advice I have ever received but did not take to heart came from my father-in-law. “Paolo,” he said, “if you want to live a long and happy life with my daughter, listen to everything she says.”

          Had only I listened, I might not have returned home a ghost.

Thank you, Paolo. This has been lovely. Now, we’d like to chat with Joie.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Marlys Millhiser’s book The Mirror is not only my favorite but also the book that has had the biggest influence on me as a writer.

          I originally read The Mirror at sixteen and was instantly thrilled over the fact that the story evolved from another person’s imagination. Marlys Millhiser’s vision whisked me away to the 1900s Boulder, Colorado and back again to 1978 with the help of a cursed mirror. Through the words, I lived vicariously through the two main characters, and I loved it. I knew this was the kind of story I needed to write. It showed me that I could put my limitless imagination to good use.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? The Passenger was released by The Wild Rose Press on August 21.

          I’d originally heard about them back in 2007 through authors in a writer’s group I belonged to. I was with another publisher at the time, but they stayed in the forefront of my mind through the books they offered, conference appearances, etc. I’d always had a thought that perhaps one day I would have the opportunity to work with them.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I have an extensive TBR pile that fills several books shelves and a rather packed eBook reader. Some of the books I’ve recently moved to the top are:

·       Curse of Flame by J. Von Tobel

·       Breaker by AK Nevermore

·       The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

·       Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

·       The Witches of Bone Hill by Ava Morgan

·       The Singer Sisters by Joy Ross Davis

·       Sedona by Kerry Fryer Freeman

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I am currently in the process of working on two projects at once. The first is a story that takes up where The Passenger left off. Like its predecessor, Watch Over Me is a ghost story and answers some questions left open at the end of The Passenger.

          This story takes place in 1968 and tells the continuing story of Elizabeth’s daughter, Bella. I’m also working on a mermaid novel that explores the relationships between sisters, mothers, and daughters. I’m very excited about both of these stories and cannot wait to share more about them.

To purchase The Passenger, go to:

The Wild Rose Press Book Page:  https://wildrosepress.com/product/the-passenger/

OR https://www.amazon.com/Passenger-Joie-Lesin/dp/1509256644

To learn more about Joie Lesin and the stories she creates, go to:

·       Website: https://www.jlesin.com

·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoielesin

·       Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JoieLesin

·       TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@joie.lesin

·       Twitter:   https://twitter.com/JoieLesin

·       Amazon Author Central:  https://www.amazon.com/author/authorjoielesin

·       Goodreads Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2899613.Joie_Lesin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undercover Babymoon

 …A babymoon provides parents-to-be—Wes and Minka Avery—the opportunity to unwind from preparing for the new addition and enjoy some pampering In the case of police detective Minka she gets to catch a killer...

 Wild Women Authors are thrilled to feature author Karina Bartow as she celebrates the release of Undercover Babymoon book 4 in her Undefe(a)ted Detective series out of the Crimson Rose line for the Wild Rose Press. With Karina is Wes Avery, domestic partner and intrepid supporter of police detective, Minka Avery. He’ll go first.

Welcome, Wes. Thanks for taking time to speak with us. Let’s begin with you telling us a bit about Undercover Babymoon. The book follows my wife, Minka, and her investigation into the suspicious death of a cruise ship worker. Though he met his demise in Orlando, where she and my brother are police detectives, they began to believe he was involved in a shady operation on the ship. Naturally, then, we boarded the vessel as regular tourists. Minka insisted I keep my cover simple as just her baby daddy, but I took on whatever alias suited the mission.

What made you choose teaching for a profession? My brother would tell you all the crime-fighting skills went to him, which I’ll let readers decide. Jokes aside, I enjoy helping people through education. Minka and I met when we were kids, and since I observed her challenges as a deaf child, I was drawn to want to reach out to the deaf community. I applied to schools for the deaf after I earned my degree. It fulfills me to be a mentor to my deaf students and show them they're not alone. 

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a teacher or do something different? I’d definitely stick with it, but I’m still not ruling out a side hustle with the FBI if Quantico ever recruits me.

Hah! What is your biggest fear? Proving my wife right!

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Pistachio Disguisey from “The Master of Disguise” because I admire his ingenuity and the way he can transform into different characters. Like me, all of his unconventional schemes are done in the best interests of his family. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Just because you have to grow older doesn’t mean you have to grow up!

 Thanks again for spending time with us, Wes. Now we’d like to chat with Karina.

Good morning! Let’s begin with which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? I was a big fan of “Castle” when it was on the air. Rick Castle appealed to me as both a successful author and a mischief-maker at crime scenes. Wes definitely took some cues from him!   

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? When it came to the cruise concept itself, I had a bit of personal experience to draw off of, given I had the privilege of going on one as a teenager. Even so, I researched a good deal about the staff and their different duties, and I looked up menus to try to make the dinner table scenes authentic. I’d heard ships have morgues, so I researched that, too, but couldn’t find a believable way to implement it once I considered the facts. Of course, the brunt of my research pertained to the killer’s method of operation, but I can’t get into that!

Tell us a bit about your publisher. I’ve been honored to work with The Wild Rose Press on three of my last books, including the past two installments of The Unde(a)feated Detective Series. That history made Undercover Babymoon a natural fit for me and apparently them, with my fantastic editor accepting it one day after I submitted my query!

What are you reading right now? Of Manners and Murder by Anastasia Hastings.

What's next for you? My current work in progress is a mysterious love story of sorts. The majority of it takes place in Alaska, so I'm doing a one-eighty, from the Caribbean to the Artic!

To learn more about Karina Bartow and the stories she creates go to: KarinaBartow.com and:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

To purchase Undercover Babymoon, go to:

Amazon
Walmart
Target
BooksAMillion
Indie Bound
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Books

ITunes

 

 

 

Autumn's Summer by Felicity Talisman

 Great loves come and go, profound ones mark your soul, in ways that take the rest of your lifetime to comprehend.

What if you were given up for adoption NOT because your mother didn't want you, but because she was trying to protect you from a curse?

A mysterious package is delivered by Richard’s solicitors one year after his wife Autumn’s death. What he expected to find, he didn’t know, but he would never have guessed in a million years what was about to unfold.

A beautiful leather-bound diary written in his wife’s hand contains many secrets; that his lonely empty-nester wife’s life changed profoundly after a purely-by-chance meeting in, of all places, a normal, mundane, corner grocery store. She embarks on a voyage of discovery with the spiritualist, Summer, to find new meaning to her life, that, once commenced, transports her to realms and dimensions she never knew existed.

He also learns of a heart-breaking secret she kept from him until after her death.

 Wild Women Authors features Autumn’s Summer a recent release by author Felicity Talisman. Accompanying the author today is Autumn who will go first.

Good norming, Autumn. Let’s begin with where you are from. Sammamish Lake, Washington State.

Tell us a bit about Autumn’s Summer. Unexpected moments come, sometimes once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, not when planned or expected. That’s the magic and the beauty of them. Moments that can change your entire outlook on life and your self. That is what happened to myself when I met Summer.

What did you think the first time you saw her? Something inside jumped as I turned to stare for the first time into soft blue eyes of her oceanic depths like she had reached into my soul and pulled out everything that had been there unclaimed, unwanted and possessed it with her passions. I stared into her eyes as rivers ran into me, through me, waves thundered into the cliffs of my existence. Journeys never traversed in this lifetime, but I’ve dwelled in others, calling to this life in the serenade of water splashing on my canoe or the dust of an old country road humming along the heat of a summer’s morning. As you can tell, I was literally stunned.

What was your second thought? I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t talk or visit her again. My life had no meaning at the time. I was an empty nester, with no use to my life except to live up to others needs. By meeting her she would change my life in ways I had absolutely no conception of. It scared me to the core. Only did I really want to be like the old couple I saw in the store, miserable with each other and not wanting to change their lives to find deeper love or meaning?

Do you feel it was love at first sight? Yes, later I did. But realizations come later in moments of quietness and solitude. Also, the realization that I didn’t want to admit I was attracted to another woman hit rather hard and nor did I truly want to admit to it.

What do you like most about Summer? She was everything I wasn’t. Everything I wanted to be. Open, fulfilled and knowing what my life purpose was and living it.

How would you describe her? She looked radiant and wore that soft red lipstick, the kind that begged to be kissed, and those deep blue eyes that stunned me like someone seeing the pyramids for the first time or staring down at Machu Picchu, marveling at the engineering amidst the stunning backdrop of nature’s regal majesty or looking into the eyes of a Madonna like the painting of Mona Lisa. Long blonde hair with only part on one side braided. Begging me to touch it asking why only the one side?

How would Summer describe you? Closed, kind, sincere, yet like that oyster shell begging to be opened to find the pearl within and coaxing it out. Knowing it was there waiting to stun all before it.

What made you choose motherhood over a career outside the home?

I had no career. I wanted to become a journalist, only I got pregnant and looking after my two kids, who I loved more than anything else took over. Their love for me also rewarded me in ways that made feel fulfilled. My husband was very successful and looked after our and my needs very well. Only once the children were gone did I realize I’d give up everything I said I wanted to be and simply made others more important than myself.

What is your biggest fear? Finding out who I am and what I truly want.

How do you relax? Usually by taking our dog for long walks around the lake.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Red Sonya by Robert E. Howard. A woman that could battle and challenge men and surpass them in cunning and skill. Confident in herself and her sexuality.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? This from Summer after our first meditation session together.

“There’s a question in your soul.”

“Yes, I’ve had dreams. How do you know?”

“I said this last time. That’s why I call myself psychic and that’s why you are here.”

She probably said that to everyone, I thought. A sincere smile spread across her face as if she’d just read that thought and I could feel a blush crossing mine. What was it about her that attracted me beyond the fact that she was self-confident?

“I see skepticism in your soul. Now give me your hand and I shall remove any doubt that I can enrich your life.”

Thank you for that, Autumn. Now we’d like to chat with Felicity.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? For movies, I’d choose Out of Africa, the profound journey of this woman who meets a man that goes against everything she believes in, yet compels her to become a stronger, better woman than she thought possible. Also, the way she viewed the native Africans and their beliefs and way of thinking so different from hers. And, Finding Forester, about a black man who tries to hide what he loves, which is writing and that goes against everything in his community. He is struggling to become a great basketball player. So tries to hide it until he befriends a man that has written a best-selling classic but is a recluse. They eventually help each other, become friends and better people in order to fulfill their lives.

          As for books, I love Robert E. Howard, how he weaves you into his stories, setting mood, tone, pitch. Almost in the first line or paragraph. Also Alan Burt Akers, a great fantasy writer and Charles de Lint, same. And Bridges Of Madison County, by James Waller. How he weaves love, almost like poetry and lovemaking into his work, still leaves me breathless.

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 did the Context series which is about finding meaning in your life and your driving needs. It also opens your eyes to finding out what different personality types there are out there and I use that when writing a new character in my novels.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I had been with three different publishers before and choose to self-publish this novel after several publishing houses didn’t accept it. I also had an idea of what I wanted the novel to be about and what the cover should look like.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I have several non-fiction books on the subject of unexplained phenomena. One of the four novels I’m working on is going to be my first non-fiction book titled, “Trust Me, I Didn’t Make This S**T Up.” About profound unaccepted archaeological discoveries. 

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I have an erotica novel to be released in January by The Wild Rose Press, titled, “What’s A Lady Got To Do To Fulfill Her Life?” I’ve also finished Book Two in my Seeds Of Ascension Series: Gateways. That should be out by the end of the year. I’m also working on a life history novel about my sister Debbie’ battles with schizophrenia, called, “Please Don’t Call Me Crazy”. And I’m in the middle of Book Three of the Ainsworth Chronicle: Into The Darkside, about female lead detective, Carol Ainsworth and her quirky, psychic helper Agnes Van Lunt, better known as Ms. Teak. This will be out next year.  

To purchase Autumn’s Summer go to:  https://www.amazon.ca/Autumns-Summer-Felicity-Talisman/dp/1738658376

To learn more about today’s feature author, Felicity Talisman, aka Frank Talaber, go to:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrankTalaber/

Website: https://franktalaberpublishedauthor.wordpress.com/

Facebook Short Stories Page:

https://www.facebook.com/franktalaberpublishedauthor/

Twitter: @FrankTalaber https://about.me/ftalaber

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Frank-Talaber/author/B00UC407R0

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5ki4gpdokN-9KAIZzu53w

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franktalaber

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8092362.Frank_Talaber

Ebooks on Smashwords: 

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Frank38

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/franktalaber58

tictoc

https://www.tiktok.com/@franktalaber 

Ko-gi Funding Page

https://kofi.com/franktalaber?ref=onboarding_email_founderwelcome

Medium Site

https://medium.com/we-paw-bloggers/the-doctor-to-the-rescue-byline-frank-talaber-b5aa29203065

 

 

 

Those Ties That Bind

 Why are teenage mothers dying in the Garland Regional E.R. instead of delivering healthy babies for adoption at The Obstetrical Center? Something is seriously wrong. On her physician’s advice, Garland’s CEO Evelyn Langford reluctantly takes a long-scheduled vacation for her fiftieth birthday leaving her team to conduct an investigation into Obstetrical Center.

Evelyn’s efforts to investigate the problem are hampered by her complicated relationships with her secretive brother, Frank, her subordinates, and, surprisingly, FBI Special Agent Rance Thompson, a new acquaintance, who comes to the small town to investigate possible links between the childbirth deaths and a string of teenage girl disappearances.

Will Frank’s increasingly erratic behavior and the growing attraction between Evelyn and the younger agent further complicate discovering the truth about the dying girls?

Wild Women Authors is pleased to welcome back author Kim Janine Ligon and Those Ties That Bind, a novel of mystery, suspense, and a later in life romance, a current release out of the Wild Rose Press. With Kim today is FBI special agent Rance Thompson who will go first. 

Good morning, Agent Thompson. Thank you for spending time with us today. Let’s start with where you are from. I’ve lived my entire life in the Chicago area.

Tell us a bit about Those Ties That Bind. It is a story about how I accidentally met the “right” woman and we are thrown together on a case I was working on involving possible human trafficking of teenage girls in the small Wisconsin town where Evelyn Langford lives. There are a lot of obstacles to overcome for us to overcome—especially Evie’s brother, Frank, and her concern about the difference in our ages. The case involves adoptions, kidnapping, and a happy-ever-after.

What did you think the first time you saw Evelyn? She was walking on the beach talking on the phone. I thought she looked attractive, but she was clearly upset. She didn’t appreciate me asking if she needed help.

What was your second thought? When she smiled, she lit up the room and once I got past the barriers she put up as the prim and proper hospital CEO, she turned out to be a really fun person. Plus, she’s a terrific dancer.

So, in addition to those positive character traits—lighting up a room and the dancing skills—we mean, was it was love at first sight? No. I don’t really believe in that. I was surprised when I realized how attracted I was. We had a case to solve first so that had to take priority.

What do you like most about Evie? Her appreciation of family ties and concerns about keeping families together even when her brother is being abusive.

How would you describe her? Evelyn is all business, committed to the facility she directs, Garland Regional Medical Center, and trying to do the best for her patients and community. My Evie has a terrific sense of humor, is kind to everyone, is compassionate, and fun to be with. She moved back to Lansdale to care for her mom with no regard for the disruption in her personal life. She was almost immediately comfortable to be with and to talk to as if we’d known one another forever.

How would she describe you? Hard working. A dedicated dad. A good caregiver. A good dancer. Great sous chef. Protective of the people I love.  

What made you choose the FBI for a career? Originally, I thought my career would be in the military, but circumstances intervened, and plan B became the FBI. It’s been a great career and one that allowed me to be a single dad. I have always enjoyed solving complex puzzles and that’s exactly what a lot of my cases are—only with people instead of pieces.

What is your biggest fear? Losing the people I love.

How do you relax? I enjoy reading, the annual fishing trip with my buddies and our sons, dancing, playing pool or ping pong. Any activity with my son.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. I love seeing how his brain works.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My grandfather was a carpenter. He told me, “Chose a career that is something you love to do because you will be doing it a very long time.” I still have some furniture pieces he created when he was in is nineties.  

This has been terrific, Chance. Thank you. Now, we’d like to chat with Kim.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? In junior high, I started on a binge to read every biography they had in the library. There was a whole series of blue covered books with red letters and the western pioneer figures like Davy Crockett were brown covered with red letters. I have always been fascinated by what made people become who they did. Was genetic or environmental or a reaction to circumstances? I think all that reading has helped me create my characters.  

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 grew up in a small town (3,000 people) and I worked almost twenty years in a hospital so I drew on both of those experiences to put together Those Ties That Bind. And I am the oldest of ten children, three of whom my parents adopted.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? The Wild Rose Press was the perfect place for my stories to land and Dianne Rich who has been my editor for all four books is outstanding. I so appreciate what I have learned from her and her amazing guiding patience.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I read and enjoy all sorts of books by fellow Roses that I had no idea I’d like because they were in genres I didn’t normally read. My Kindle is bursting at the seams with TBRs. On my nightstand is Kristin Hannah’s “The Women.” It’s about nurses in the Vietnam War. I remember that time in history and even though it is fiction, I found the account true to the facts I knew. I read physical books before bed or I’d never be able to sleep.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I changed horses a little and have a Christmas in the Castle book coming out December 2^nd this year—Matchmaking, Mistletoe, and a Moat. I’m also started on another Lansdale mystery romance. There are some familiar faces from my other three books, but it is a standalone. I haven’t submitted it yet but hope to so it can come out in 2025. We’ll see how things go.

Kim brought along an excerpt from Those Ties That Bind:

Miss Langford buzzed Margie. “Please get the medical director at The Obstetrical Center on the line for me.”

“Hello.”

“Miss Langford, what do you want?” the physician snarled.

“Rose Rich’s paperwork doesn’t have any valid contact information. Her real name is probably not Rose Rich. We are coordinating with Chief Davis to check the National Runaway database to see if she is listed there.”

“Why are you going to all this trouble for someone you don’t even know? All you’re required to do is to send the body to the morgue and you’re done.” Did he snort?

“I can’t just dispose of her like garbage. If she was my child or my sister, I’d want to know what happened to her. I’d want an autopsy done to see why she died.”

“We already know why she died. Complications in childbirth. Why do you have to act as if this was a major crime or malfeasance? Women do still die in childbirth, despite all the advances in medical science. This isn’t an issue for the police. Garland Regional isn’t going to be blamed for her death.” He got louder with each word.

“You needn’t yell. I can hear you. The patient mumbled something to Dr. Merrick right before she died. She said ‘Doc, not me again, don’t. Please, I can’t. Please don’t.’ Does that make any sense to you?”

The physician hesitated a moment. “Why ask me? How would I know why a dying girl, who lied about who she was, said anything? She was probably delirious. Why do you think it has something to do with me?”

“She said not me again. I thought since she was your patient you might have some insight into her situation. Had she given birth at your center before?”

The physician hesitated a moment. “Why ask me? How would I know why a dying girl, who lied about who she was, said anything? She was probably delirious. Why do you think it has something to do with me?”

“She said not me again. I thought since she was your patient you might have some insight into her situation. Had she given birth at your center before?”

“How would I know off the top of my head? Hundreds of mothers have been through here. I haven’t memorized all their names, faces, and personal situations.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Chief Davis will get to the bottom of this.”

“There is nothing to get to the bottom of. I’ve reinstituted stricter protocols to trigger hospital transfers sooner for distressed patients. No need to pull in the local police or national resources. Let it go, okay?”

“It’s good to know that in the future mothers in danger will be transported to us sooner, but it’s too late to put the brakes on checking with the police. The wheels are already in motion. We’ve started the investigation,” the CEO said.

“I am putting this on the record. I won’t tolerate harassment of any kind. If you force my hand, you’ll regret it. I promise,” the physician said authoritatively.

“We both have to do what our professional ethics require. This is not personal. It has nothing to do with our relationship. I’ll let you know if anything else comes up. I expect you to do the same. Goodbye.” Miss Langford hung up.

To purchase Those Ties That Bind, go to: 

Universal Buy link: https://mybook.to/ThoseTiesThatBind or https://mybook.to/AllMyBooks

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213462499-those-ties-that-bind

Bookbub:

www.bookbub.com/books/those-ties-that-bind-by-kim-janine-ligon

To learn more about Kim Janine Ligon, go to:

Blog:  www.spinningromance.com

Email: kimjanine@spinningromance.com

 

Gone Crazy by Terry Korth Fischer

 You just can’t keep murder a secret.

A formal declaration of love scares the bejesus out of small-town Detective Rory Naysmith. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he evaluates his relationship with bookkeeper Esther Mullins, and decides to take her on a romantic date that ends with a poet’s murder. Assigned to the case, Rory pushes his private life aside. Things gets tricky after Esther is appointed Executrix for the estate—then rumors start that place a priceless item among the poet’s many possessions.

The race is on to unearth the treasure and solve the murder, but it leaves Rory wondering if Esther will live long enough to become his Valentine—or end up as the murderer’s next victim.

 Wild Women Authors is proud and pleased to welcome author three-time author Terry Korth Fischer who celebrates today’s release of Gone Crazy, book 3 in the Rory Naysmith mystery series. With Terry is accountant Esther Mullins who will go first.

Good morning, Esther; thank you for taking time away from your schedule to speak with us. Let’s begin with you telling us a bit about Gone Crazy. I’ve been doing taxes and keeping financial records for individuals for years. It’s a dignified and quiet profession, usually. But in Gone Crazy, I unexpectedly end up as the Executor of a client’s estate. We weren’t friends, and the appointment came as a genuine surprise. Then, it quickly became a catastrophe after the autopsy revealed she’d been poisoned. An unknown nephew showed up to claim the inheritance. A cranky, live-in dog sitter complicated the situation. There was talk that I might even be responsible for this client’s demise.  I wouldn’t say I am stubborn, but I do dig in when necessary. And, of course, I am always willing to help my friend, Detective Rory Naysmith, solve a problem.

What made you choose bookkeeping for a profession? I have a talent for numbers and excel at puzzle-solving. It was a natural fit. Professional opportunities in Winterset have always been limited. Besides, at a time when I might have done something more adventurous, I was caregiver for my ailing grandmother and kept books at a local construction office. Leaving Winterset was never on my radar.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being an independent bookkeeper or do something different? I’m happy with my lot. I have free time to help others, yet I have tasks that engage my intellect and require mathematical precision.

What is your biggest fear? Oh, my, you are getting personal. Well, I’m not a frivolous person, so, I’d say my biggest fear is being regarded as silly or foolish.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? If you mean anyone, then I would say Alicia Florrick from the CBS legal drama series The Good Wife. Alicia’s intelligence and conflicted emotions shine, and I thought the character’s quiet reserve spoke volumes.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? This wasn’t advice given to me, but I’ve always liked this quotation from Maya Angelou. “One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

Thank you for that, Esther and for speaking with us. Now we’d like to chat with Terry.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? I love the Dick Francis crime novels written between 1970-2010. His writing includes unusual professions and unfamiliar situations, which he rendered utterly relatable to his readers. I also enjoy Louise Penny and her character, Armand Gamache. Then, who doesn’t love Craig Johnson’s Walt Whitmire? There is much craft to learn from these artists.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? Because this novel is part of a series, most of the original concept had already been determined. However, poison is always interesting to investigate, and including the character of Nina Mahala, who is a Native American, the live-in dog sitter, and Officer Thacker’s love interest, required research. Nina is a member of the Winnebago Tribe and the Ho-Chunk Nation. Fortunately, I know the area where Winterset is set—Northeast Nebraska—and have been to the tribal casino. In addition, I found a plethora of YouTube videos, websites, and articles about the Ho-Chunk Nation. I love Nina’s spunky, earthy character—and spent much time getting to know her.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. Gone Crazy is Book 3 of the Rory Naysmith Mystery series. The Wild Rose Press published the entire series. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, responsive, or dedicated team.

What are you reading right now? I recently read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This book had been on my TBR pile for some time, but I was reluctant to read it for many reasons, death and contemplating the same among them. What I discovered is that this novel is as advertised: “A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived.”

What's next for you? I am currently writing a cozy mystery, Heads Up, Ruby Bleu. The story takes place in a small town in East Texas during the 1950s. Ruby takes on the job of secretary at the Lutheran church after the previous employee’s mysterious death. Aided by a young musician and her best friend, she stumbles over clues, tries to avoid disaster, and races head-down into peril. I hope to have it ready for publication this fall.

To learn more about Terry and the stories she creates go to:

Website: https://terrykorthfischer.com

X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/terryiswriting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerryIsWriting

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/terrykorthfischer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14349440.Terry_Korth_Fischer

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/terry-korth-fischer

Newsletter: https://terrykorthfischer.com/newsletter-signup

 

To purchase Gone Crazy, go to:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aq2VcC

Indie Bound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/gone-crazy-terry-korth-fischer/21506890?ean=9781509255979&ref=&source=IndieBound&title=

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-crazy-terry-korth-fischer/1145549586;jsessionid=2EFC0A7527279C2150443FFB6291552C.prodny_store02-atgap15?ean=2940186178125

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/gone-crazy/id6502704194