The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner

          Two lonesome hearts find love at Christmas...

 Wild Women Authors focus is on a short historical romance, The Gingerbread Man, a recent release out of the Christmas Cookies series published by the Wild Rose Press.

 Blurb:

Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. Keeping her homestead running isn't easy but when chores get done that she didn't do, she wonders who her mysterious helper is. Her daughter insists it’s The Gingerbread Man who comes late at night. But Hannah has no time for such nonsense. Or does she?

John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he’s been helping in secret, he doesn’t expect to find love once again. But he’ll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.

Excerpt:

Hannah turned to look at him, an easy smile crossing her lips. 

His breath held tight and without asking, he bent. He expected her to pull away though she didn’t, and the impact of his lips to hers was tender. He rested his fingers along the curve of her neck, touching her hair. He eased her closer to him and her mouth parted, accepting more. 

He stopped the kiss and took his hand away. “I’m sorry, I was caught up in us talking and you’re so easy to speak with and…I…” He hadn’t any words, nothing save the apology and what had he done? She’d taken the kiss, but maybe he should have waited. 

          “Please, don’t apologize…Sully.” The silence accompanied them longer than a breath of moments. “I’m not sorry in the least.” She leaned against his knee with a giggle. 

“My kissing you is humorous?” he asked, holding his own smile with his question.

“No, our kiss was very nice…” She lifted her brows and the silence encompassed them once more, but this time the profound comfort of loving again settled inside him. 

 To Purchase The Gingerbread Man, go to:

The Gingerbread Man: Two lonely hearts find love at Christmas (Christmas Cookies) - Kindle edition by Turner, Kim. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

 

Scarlet at Crystal River by Randy Overbeck

             All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.

          When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.

 Wild Women Authors welcomes back author Randy Overbeck who is enjoying rave reviews for Scarlet at Crystal River, the latest novel in his paranormal suspense Haunted Shores Series, a release by the Wild Rose Press. With Randy today is Luiz Alvarez. 

          In earlier interviews, readers had a chance to hear from Darrell Henshaw and his new wife, Erin, the lead protagonists in the Haunted Shores Mysteries. In the new release, number three in the series, Scarlet at Crystal River, Overbeck introduces Luis Alverez, a young man and recent immigrant, as one of the central characters in the tale. We thought readers might be interested in learning Luis’ story, so we asked him a few questions and gave him a chance to share a bit with our readers.

We know English is not your native language, but our Spanish is rusty. Are you okay if we do this in English? Si, er yes. I work on English and want to practice.

Luis, can you tell us a little about you and how you met Darrell and Erin? My family come to this country to work the fields. Eight years ago now. I work fields till I finish high school, then I move to Crystal River. Where I meet Darrell and Erin.

When did you learn to speak English? When my family come to this country, I speak no English. No one in family speak English. I was in high school then. Teachers help me learn at school and I keep working on it since. It not easy.

Still, you’ve learned enough of our language to get by in the workplace. Can you tell us about some of the jobs you do? I work three jobs. Life hard for migrants like me, but I work to earn my place. Most like me only want to work. Besides helping Miss Bonnie [the property manager where Darrell and Erin are honeymooning], I work two restaurants, Charlie’s Fish House and Crackers.

Yes, but your ability to know both English and Spanish proved important to helping Darrell and Erin. Can you tell us how you came to be involved with Darrell‘s effort to learn about the two Latino kids? Los Ninos. Darrell see me at Fish House and say he need me to translate. He say he going to Settlement and need me to help him ask about two ninos…children.

Settlement? Sorry, place where some migrants live. Not a good place.  They no speak much English there. But Darrell thought someone there might know something about the two ninos. So he ask me to translate.

Did Darrell share with you that he’s a sensitive…that he can communicate with ghosts? No. Not first. He simply say he look for two kids in painting. After I ask why he care about two kids, he, uh…he tell me about seeing ghosts of ninos.

Now that it is all said and done, are you glad you helped Darrell and Erin? Would you help again? Darrell and Erin good people. They care about others…like me. They almost get killed trying to help two Latino kids they not know. I help them and others like them any time.

          But some people not same as Darrell and Erin. Even though we only come to this country to work, others say we no belong. Say we should go back. They not know place where my family left is dangerous. We only want chance to prove ourselves.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know? Here’s your chance. Want people to know migrants work hard on farms. My family still work farms. Hard work to pick lettuce and strawberries and blueberries and lot more. Hard work and not much money. Migrants people just like you. Work hard and even get hurt. Is that okay?

Of course it is. Perhaps we could use some reminding about the benefits we all reap from the work migrant workers do in this country. Thanks for sharing with us today. Gracias. I glad for chance but have to get back to work. Boss calling.

        A bit about our feature author:

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for four decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

 To learn more about Randy and the stories he creates, go to: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

 https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-KOC0LH2GQRSAjwxOFr5rg

 Tik Tok @authorrandyo

 Trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLhuf7RGtCs

To purchase Scarlet at Crystal River, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Crystal-Haunted-Shores-Mysteries/dp/1509237879/ref=sr_1_

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scarlet-at-crystal-river-randy-overbeck/1139873947?ean=9781509237876

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57841458-scarlet-at-crystal-river?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=RTpsYLU6mO&rank=3

https://www.bookbub.com/books/scarlet-at-crystal-river-by-randy-overbeck

 

Sixshooter by Lyndi Alexander

 . . . Like space, love knows no boundaries . . .

           Valeni Pascual wants to be free to make a living hauling cargo with her spaceship and to understand the shapeshifting alien who presents sometimes as the steamy male Nik and other times as the blonde bombshell Nikki.

          As a rebel insurgence builds against the oppressive government known as the Agency, Valeni and Nik/Nikki encounter a sexy Terran cowboy named Garrett Rawls. Since being pulled into this region of space by another mysterious wormhole, Garrett has looked for a way to return to Earth. After meeting Valeni and Nikki, he might have found something worth staying for.

          However, dark forces may have a much bigger picture in mind for all of them. Valeni, Nik/Nikki, and Garrett are pulled into a life and death fight that lays bare all of their secrets and their desires. Will they lose everything as the battle against the Agency rages around them or can love pull them through?

 Wild Women Authors features author Lyndi Alexander and Sixshooter, a sci fi romance, Up first is pilot Valeni Pascual.

Good morning, Valeni. Thanks for taking time to speak with us. Let’s begin with where you’re from? I was born on the planet Terza in the Sisrian system, which is made up of five planets, Kizra, Marriel, Terza, Perpetra and Lennor. I grew up with my. parents and my brother Luca on an estate with servants and all the advantages.

Tell us a bit about Sixshooter. It’s the story of how I started out a year without a credit in my pocket, met Nicholas, the first love of my life, had my brother drag me through some damned terrorist crap, but not even as bad as what the government did to us. Then I met the second love of my life, Garrett Rawls. Then Nikki fell in love with Garrett. So there we were, I loved two men, Nikki loved two men, two men loved me, and maybe I loved Nikki, too. We kept meaning to have a conversation and straighten things out….but we just never seemed to find the time. It was all the people who kept shooting at us. I mean, Sprechan’s balls, what kind of life is that?

What did you think the first time you saw Garrett Rawls? He seemed like one of the most interesting people at Captain Temms Rogers’ meeting with the rebels. I guess I thought he liked me.

What was your second thought? I hoped by all Sprechan’s power that he liked me. Ha!

Did you feel it was love at first sight? I don’t know about love—but definitely lust.

What do you like most about Garrett? He’s sexy, of course, and kind. But mostly he’s just easy to be with. With a lot of the bureaucratic kinds around here, a gal feels like she’s always got to be watching her back or being careful what she says. Garrett’s just Garrett—he is what he appears, and he assumes you are too. You don’t ever have to put on a front or worry about being yourself. That’s so refreshing!

How would you describe him? Yum? Is that a good description? No, really, he’s smart, he’s good-looking—or a long drink of cool water, as he’d say—and he’d do anything for you. He’s a great member of our team—Nikki and I love him very much.

How would Garrett describe you? He tells me I’m beautiful. He trusts me with his life. I think he’d say I’m competent and I can handle myself. In bed, he calls me his “ginger candy.” Okay, he also thinks I’m a handful and he hates my stubborn streak. I told him it’s not being stubborn, it’s being forthright. How else can you get things done if you don’t just do them?

What made you choose to become a mercenary pilot? Well, my parents were wealthy, and they never let you forget it. They also favored my screw-up brother, so I really had no reason to stay on Terza. I saved my money and bought my own ship, the Tiburon, when I was 21, and I headed out to make my own future. It’s hard sometimes, because you never know when you’re going to get a job, or what kind of crap people can pull on you because you’re working alone. That’s why I was glad Nik came with me. Because they are brawn as Nicholas and brain as Nikki, and we work well together. And of course, once we met Garrett Rawls.

What is your biggest fear? Being alone. Not just ‘by myself,’ but alone, as in not having anyone to count on. The one thing I’ve learned in the last little bit is that I am stronger with a team, and I don’t have to depend on only myself for everything. It’s really made me a lot more confident and secure.

How do you relax? With some of our favorite Terran ales, some that Garrett brought with him through the wormhole. Otherwise, I’ll drink about anything that’s available, even Sandor’s crappy havafruit cider.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Who has time to read? I’m out in the black saving my ass every day. Maybe when I get time to retire. If that ever happens. For real, we are hand to mouth more days than I’d like.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Captain Dutton, my mentor, told me I had to open up and let these people in, that I shouldn’t be afraid. He was right. Now I am surrounded by love and on the road to adventure.

 Valeni brought along an excerpt from Sixshooter for us:

           One man in particular caught Nik’s attention. He was long and lean, dressed in a simple blue work shirt and denim pants over hand-tooled boots. He wore a broad-brimmed hat, which he took off to speak. His speech was slow, his vowels drawled, and his grin both shy and genuine.

          Rogers called on the man for his opinion. “Now here we have an import—a genuine cowboy from the old Terran system.”

          “Cow boy?” Nik asked Valeni. “Is he part bovine, then? He looks human.”

          Valeni chuckled. “I suspect he is human. Wait a minute.” She pulled out her handheld communication device and typed in the question. “Hmm. It is a old Terran term. A cowboy herds animals from horseback on a ranch.”

          Nik then asked about the term “horse” and the term “ranch,” both of which were unfamiliar. “It seems unlikely such a person could exercise these pursuits in space.”

          Valeni shushed them as the man spoke.

           “I’m Garrett Rawls, come from a planet called Earth which ain’t in your system here. Not sure how I got to this place, exactly, but somehow I got sucked through some kinda wormhole.”

          His dark eyes sparkled with good will. “Been makin’ my way pretty well with my ship, the Six-shooter—some of you know it—mostly keeping to the planets of Marriel and Terza, staying under the radar as much as I can. But just like back on Earth, the government cain’t help trying to keep us good ol’ boys down.”

          He looked around the room, stopping to focus on Valeni for a moment. “And good old gals.”
          Val blushed, and Nik felt her whole body set change. Rawls’ gaze slid to Nik, curiosity in his eyes. Nik felt a definite weighing of possibility.

 Again, thanks for this, Valeni. Now, we’d like to chat with Lyndi.

 What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Interesting question. I know there were some I really learned timing from—like the Phantom musical movie, in the Spanish opera scene, watching the beats as the power and fear shifts from character to character…amazing. Learning to hit beats is so critical. As far as writing books, I swear by Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Swain, even though it is NOT easy reading. And of course, Save The Cat.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Actually the whole story came from a real life participation in an online role playing game. My ex-husband played a character who was genderfluid, like Nik, I played Valeni and my friend Kellie Hicks played Garrett. We originated the characters and developed them for a couple of years, and after the RPG folded, I really missed them. They’ve been kicking around in my brain ever since, and I finally got them down on paper.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them?  Dragonfly Publishing is a small press in Oklahoma. Editor Terri Branson was the first to contract a novel from me about 10 years ago, The Elf Queen. She’s since published other fiction of mine, including the Horizon Crossover series, which Sixshooter is a part of.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I have Fringe The Zodiac Paradox waiting….but Sixshooter came out in June, and my alter ego Alana Lorens had Encounter come out in June and is working on final galleys for A Rose by Any Other Name, so I doubt I’ll get to that book any time soon. 😊

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Once those three are thoroughly launched, I’m continuing a suspense/mystery that opens with a woman finding herself in the Everglades next to a burnt car with a dead body in it…and no idea how any of it happened.

Where can our readers find you on social media? The best way to follow up is watch the websites at alana-lorens.com or lyndialexander.wordpress.com 

To purchase Sixshooter, go to:

Paperback at Amazon • 

Hardback at Amazon •

 Paperback at Barnes & Noble •

 Hardback at Barnes & Noble • 

eBook at Amazon Kindle •

 eBook at Apple Books •

 eBook at Barnes & Noble •

 eBook at Kobo Books •

 eBook at Smashwords

 

Tinsel and Tea Cakes by Jill Piscitello

 . . . Step back in time for an unforgettable winter wedding . . .

      Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.

     After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.

     When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?

 Wild Women Authors welcomes author Jill Piscitello who celebrates Tinsel and Tea Cakes, the latest release for the Christmas Cookies series out of the Wild Rose Press. With Jill is hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan who will go first.

Good morning, Scarlett. Let’s start with where you’re from. Rhode Island

Tell us a bit about Tinsel and Tea Cakes.  This novella offers a lighthearted tale of second chances, revealed secrets, and forgiveness mingled with a Christmas Victorian wedding theme and a cast of eclectic characters.

What did you think the first time you saw Wes Harley? He’s prettier than most women.

Apparently you aren’t the only woman in the book who feels that way so what was your second thought?  I don’t date pretty boys. 

So it wasn’t love at first sight? No.

What do you like most about Wes?  He was easy to talk to.

How would you describe him?  His family is his everything.

How would Wes describe you?  You’d have to ask him.   

What made you choose hairdressing for a career?  I enjoy making people feel good about themselves.

What is your biggest fear?  Failure

How do you relax?  Watching Gilmore Girls reruns.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.  I love how she proves she is more than a flaky, pretty face. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?  My stepmother is an endless source of unsolicited advice.  Every once in a while, she shares a real gem such as “You can’t fully appreciate success without failing a few times.  Take the chance.”

Good one. Thanks for spending time with us, Scarlett. Now we’d like to chat with Jill.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer?  I wouldn’t begin to compare myself to these authors, but some of my all-time favorite books include Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Stand by Stephen King, and The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? The story includes a series of thefts.  I can’t give away how and where the stolen items were found, but a similar discovery happened at a family member’s party years ago.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? My publisher for this novella is The Wild Rose Press. After reading wonderful testimonials from other authors, I submitted my first novel, “Homemakers’ Christmas” to them.  It was rejected. After more rejections, I significantly revised the manuscript and began submitting again to a new list of publishers.  I was fortunate to have Melange Publishing offer a contract and had a positive experience.  But I remained interested in The Wild Rose Press. A visit to their website revealed an open call for Christmas Cookies submissions.  I got to work, read everything I could get my hands on regarding writing novellas, and submitted my manuscript.  This time, a contract was offered, and I had the pleasure of working with an excellent editor.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Where do I begin? I keep a running list of novels I’d like to read. 

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?  I have a cozy mystery in the final stages of editing and am working on the follow up to Tinsel and Tea Cakes.  The next installment will again feature The Timeless Manor but will focus on a new character, a new love interest, a new event, and the hint of a mystery. 

 Jill brought an excerpt for our enjoyment:

Lights flashed in the side view mirror. Another car parked behind them, but snow blocked all visibility through the back window. Boots crunching through snow announced the hulking figure before he appeared at the door. A scarf and hat covered most of the stranger’s face, and only a pair of emerald-green eyes peered in.

Scarlett inched down the window a crack. The possibility of this person being a deranged lunatic couldn’t be overlooked.

“Scarlett?” The man stepped back and tugged down the scarf.

She knew that face and opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t find a word. This day just kept getting better. Those eyes should have been the first clue, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect to see him again. The blur of memories racing through her mind dropped a throat-constricting concoction of confusion, hurt, and vile hope on her chest. “Wes.”

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you a little far from home?” A line formed between his eyebrows.

Clarice leaned forward to get a better glimpse of their potential knight in shining armor.

“More than a little.” Coherent thoughts took shape in the form of questions and accusations. Every fiber in her being burned at the thought of asking him for help, but alternative options were few and far between. Who knew how long before roadside assistance arrived? Fine, maybe he’d get her out of this mess, but making small talk didn’t need to factor into the exchange.

 To learn more about Jill Piscitello, go to: 

Website ~ Twitter  ~ Facebook ~  Instagram

 

To purchase Tinsel and Tea Cakes, go to: 

Amazon

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Meet Maria Imbalzano and Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles

     Competitive, work-obsessed Bella Simonetti has just been fired from her high-paying job at a Manhattan law firm. At an all-time low, she returns home and helps her parents at their small-town gift shop, but the business is failing and may not make it past the Christmas holidays.

     Successful landscape architect Dean Jackson is like a son to Bella's parents. But he's a persistent annoyance to her—he seems to have forgotten his unforgivable blunder thirteen years earlier.

     When Bella transforms her parents' gift shop into a cookie cottage, Dean's generosity and magnetic smile are hard to resist, and those feelings of unrequited adolescent love come rushing back. But can Bella let go of the past and accept Dean for the man he is today?

Wild Women Authors is delighted to welcome back New Jersey author Maria Imbalzano with another of her delightful short contemporary romances: Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles, a current release in the Wild Rose Press’ Christmas Cookie series. With Maria is attorney Isabella Simonetti who will go first.

Good morning, Bella. Thanks for taking time out of your new career to spend time with us. Let’s begin with where you’re from. I grew up in Princeton, NJ, but moved to New York City to practice law. I’m back home in Princeton for a little while right now.  

Tell us a bit about “Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles” I lost my job as a corporate lawyer in NYC due to down-sizing several months ago, and I haven’t been able to find another job in the tight legal market. With waning funds, I had to give up my apartment in the city and return home to Princeton with the hope of regrouping and finding something in the new year. My parents own a gift shop in Princeton, and while helping out I learned that the shop is in trouble. The only items flying off the shelves are my mom’s cookies. The holidays are approaching and I came up with a plan to transform their shop into a cookie cottage. But convincing my parents to change direction is a hard mountain to climb, and my brother’s best friend, Dean (who apparently is now like a son to them) isn’t keen on my advice either. Why is he even part of the equation?

What did you think the first time you saw Dean? I’ve known Dean for years. He was my brother’s best friend in high school. They were football icons. Unfortunately, I had a crush on him. I asked him to my junior prom, sure he would say no. But he agreed to go. I was on cloud nine until the cloud burst when he canceled on me the week before. It’s now thirteen years later, but I’ll never get past the resentment and animosity I feel toward him. And now, he seems to be underfoot everywhere I go. At my parents’ house, at the shop, in town. He owns a successful landscape architect firm in the area and not only helps my parents whenever they need him, but he and my dad play golf together. Ugh!

What was your second thought? Why does he have to be so handsome? And so nice to my parents? His green eyes had always been like flashing gemstones sucking me in. And that smile, half teasing, half serious still stop my heart, despite the walls I’ve built.  

Did you feel it was love at first sight? Back in high school it was adolescent love. At least on my part. I don’t think Dean thought much about me back then. I was his best friend’s sister, so he had to be nice to me. Although he wasn’t when he cancelled our prom date. Now, I just need him to stay away from me and I’ll be fine.  

What do you like most about him? Unfortunately, he’s genuinely nice. My brother moved to Boston and I was living in New York, so my parents didn’t have us to help out. Enter Dean. Whenever inventory had to be hauled or fixtures moved at the shop, he was there. Every year he helps my parents decorate the store for Christmas. This Christmas, I was there to help so we didn’t need him. At least in my mind. But he wouldn’t leave when I told him I had everything under control. Instead, he invaded my space—his fingers grazing my skin, his eyes holding me captive, and his sensual scent teasing my nose. He had me reeling.

How would you describe Dean? Incredibly handsome with a heart of gold and apparently no memory of his mortal sin against me.  

Mortal sin, good one. How would he describe you? Evasive. I’ve refused to answer his direct question about why I avoid him at every turn, and my way of dealing with him is to leave when he arrives.  

What made you choose the law as a career? I wasn’t very popular in high school like my brother was, so I kept my head in the books and studied hard. I made the debate team during my junior year and we won the championship. I loved taking a side and arguing the issues, which led me to making the decision to become a lawyer.

What is your biggest fear? That I won’t get a comparable legal job like the one I had in New York City and I’ll be moving in with my parents forever and living in my childhood bedroom with the flower explosion comforter and twin bed.

Hah, another beauty. So, faced with all this, how do you relax? I haven’t relaxed in a long time. I worked sixty hour weeks at my previous job and wouldn’t get home until nine o’clock every night. I even worked on Saturdays. On Sundays, my day off, I did my laundry, went to the grocery store and cleaned my apartment.  

Who is your favorite fictional character? Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. She works from home as a writer and has plenty of time to meet her three amazing girlfriends for breakfast, lunch, or drinks. She also seems to have an enviable budget for designer clothes. She’s funny, vulnerable, and independent. Maybe I’ll forgo the legal career and become a columnist for a trendy New York newspaper or magazine.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Dream big, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people.

We thank you for this, Bella. Now, we’d like to chat with Maria.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer?  The first romance writer that I remember loving was Judith McNaught. Her book “Perfect” is one of my favorites, although I like all of her books. Danielle Steele, though, is the author that inspired me to write. I was reading one of her books and told myself “I bet I could do better than this.” Lol. So that began my journey.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Every Christmas season, I bake cookies for the holiday.  I had started doing this with my mom when I was younger, and now I do it with my daughters. My one daughter is always commenting that I’m using wet measuring cups for dry ingredients and therefore I’m not getting the exact measurement. My reply has always been, “It’s close enough.”  I used this scenario and others with Bella and her mom. Bella is a little casual with her ingredients and measurements and she uses her mistakes in a video of her and her mom baking, to post on social media to get business. I think it makes for a funny scene, but it also shows that Bella is willing to be the fall guy to help her parents with their business.  

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I belong to New Jersey Romance Writers and heard about The Wild Rose Press (TWRP) from a few of the authors in our group who had been published through them. They had nothing but nice things to say about TWRP so I found out how to submit to them and sent in my manuscript. I received my first contract back in 2013. I have been published with them ever since and now have eight books out. The owners and head of marketing are always available and helpful and get back to my emails the day I send them. My editors have all been very professional and good at what they do. My fellow authors at TWRP are incredibly supportive. I’m in a good place with TWRP.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I am going to read as many of the Christmas Cookie Series books that I can—not only to support my fellow authors at TWRP, but because it will put me into the holiday spirit. “Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles” is part of this series of novellas which are being released from late October through December.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I just sent a manuscript to my publisher called “Return to Wylder.”  It’s part of the Wylder West Series published by TWRP. Many of the stories take place in the late 1800s in Wylder, Wyoming.  I wrote a contemporary for the series, and I’m hoping to get a contract in the near future.  Next on my agenda is completing the fourth and last book in my Sworn Sisters Series. Each book in the series is about one of four girlfriends from high school who are now in their early 30s and dealing with relationship issues. These books are all stand alone novels which fall into the women’s fiction category with a strong romance.

Maria brought along an excerpt for us to enjoy—and entice:

Just then the bell over the door signaled a customer. Bella glanced up to see if their guest was here to browse or needed help, but no customer materialized. It was her dad with Dean in tow.

She had to admit he was even more striking than in high school. His light brown hair, sweeping from left to right in a perfect wave of silk, still had sun streaks from the summer, no doubt enhanced while playing on the links. And those green eyes had always been like flashing gemstones that sucked her in. But the best was his roguish smile—half teasing, half serious, but permanently heart-stopping.

Her best bet would be to prevent any cause for cheerfulness. Yet his intense frown was also mesmerizing. Staying away from him altogether seemed the ideal solution, but her parents had different ideas. Of course, her surliness toward him might make him rethink his charitable desire to help.

“Hi, Bella. How’s it going?” Even that simple greeting came with a full-blown smile.

She was screwed. “Fine.” She got right to the point—no friendly chitchat. “If you and Dad bring the boxes up front from the storeroom, Mom and I will take care of the decorating. You won’t have to stay.”

“Are you kidding? I love to decorate for Christmas. I’ve been helping your parents do it for the past few years while you’ve been AWOL.”

She blew an errant strand of hair out of her eye. “I wasn’t AWOL. I was working. In New York. I couldn’t up and leave on a Wednesday afternoon to come home and decorate.”

There came that half-teasing, half-serious smile. To avoid it, she started pulling Christmas balls hung on red-and-green silk ribbons from the large box she’d brought out.

“I can help you hang those in the window. I hid the hooks above the molding last year so we don’t have to remove them every year.”

“Clever.” Her sarcastic tone couldn’t be mistaken.

“We’ll need a ladder,” he determined. “I’ll get it from the back, then you can hand me the balls, and I’ll attach them.”

She slitted her eyes at him. “I want to hang the balls. You can do something else.”

“Fine. But it takes two for this job. You don’t want to be going up and down the ladder each time you hang a ball. It’s inefficient.”

He had a point. She’d have to bury her reluctance to work with him at the risk of coming up with some other childish excuse.

Once Dean brought the ladder to the window, she climbed up three steps and took the first ball from him. Not a well-thought-out plan since her butt was now at his eye level.

“Can you stand over here, please?” She pointed to the other side of the ladder.

“It’s better if I stand behind you, to spot you. In case you lose your balance.” His grin emerged, and she gritted her teeth to prevent a growl.

Inhaling, she reached up to tie the ribbon on the hook. Her sweater inched over her midriff, giving him a view of her torso. This day just couldn’t get any worse. If she hadn’t been so stubborn in demanding that she hang the ornaments, she’d have the pleasure of staring at his physique, not the other way around.

 

To learn more about Maria Imbalzano and the stories she creates, go to:

http://www.mariaimbalzano.com.

 

To purchase Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles, go to:

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FYVGDWR

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-velvet-crinkles-and-christmas-sprinkles-maria-imbalzano/1140147130?ean=2940162321644

Apple

https://books.apple.com/us/book/red-velvet-crinkles-and-christmas-sprinkles/id1585527197

  

Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies

 Return to Cedar Bend, CO and meet . . .

Fireman Dustin Keith [who] didn't realize women would be coming out of the woodwork after he posed for the local fundraiser calendar. But the one who catches his eye is a baker with trust issues. Can he scale the wall she's built around her heart, or is fate destined to extinguish the flames of desire before they engulf his heart?

[And] Lauren Badini [who] came to Cedar Bend to lend a helping hand at her aunt's bakery, not fall for Mr. July. The image on the calendar she received last Christmas fueled her fantasies, but the in-person version is too hot to handle. But if life after her ex has taught her anything, it's okay to look...but don't touch.

 Wild Women Authors welcomes back N. Jade Gray who celebrates the release of Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies, one of the current releases from the Wild Rose Press’ Christmas Cookie series.  First up is firefighter Dustin Keith.

Thanks for taking time out of your schedule at the station, Dustin. We appreciate it.

Let’s begin with where you’re from. Cedar Bend, Colorado.

What did you think the first time you saw Lauren Badini? Truthfully, my first wasn’t about Lauren but rather if she was in danger because I thought the bakery was on fire.

What was your second thought? This woman is trouble.

Was it love at first sight? Not exactly. But there was definitely a pull of attraction.

What do you like most about her? Her spunk and humor.

How would you describe Lauren? She makes me tingle whenever I’m near her.

Tingling works for us. How would she describe you? She thinks I’m quiet. But I know she likes my muscles/body. I think she secretly oogles my picture in the fireman calendar.

What made you choose firefighting for a career? I stumbled onto the gig and I found that I’m good at it.

What is your biggest fear? Impossible/dangerous fires.

How do you relax? I spend time with my friends. Not sure how relaxing, but my friends and I get together for a game night at least once a month.

Who is your favorite fictional character? I’m not much of a reader. But I do enjoy stories about pirates.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Live life like someone left the gate open. I’m not sure when I first heard that expression, but I like it.

Dustin, thanks for spending time with us and thanks also for bringing an excerpt for us.

 She frowned and pivoted to ask who Fred was, but screamed instead. A donkey stood in the kitchen nibbling on the burnt gingerbread men.

Dustin lunged for the animal’s halter. “Gotcha. You little miscreant.” A loud bray echoed around the kitchen as the donkey jerked backward and started backpedaling out the door. “Help. Snatch the other side of his halter.”

She made a grab for the animal, but her feet snagged on Dustin’s booted foot, and she fell, bringing him down with her. A loud oof escaped as he landed on top of her. Their gazes locked as he laughed and shook his head. “Are you always this much trouble?”

Words failed her. His body lay across hers, and the feeling was oh so pleasurable. What was his question?

The smile on his lips slipped as his gaze lowered to rest upon her lips. Time stalled as he leaned in and gently brushed her mouth with his own.

The burnt cookie aroma drifted into oblivion as her senses focused on the caress of his firm lips. Pure bliss. A sigh escaped as she looped a hand around his neck and returned the kiss.

“Oh my.” The gasp came from a short distance away.

Startled, Lauren wrenched her lips from his. A peek around his muscular shoulder proved her aunt stood in the kitchen observing her with wide eyes.

“Um. I guess you don’t need my help opening the bakery.”

Now for a chat with our guest, N. Jade Gray:

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I enjoy romantic comedies, a mixture of the mushy stuff and humor. And if I enjoy the movie or book there is a good chance I’ve watched or read it more than five times. J

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? I have been with The Wild Rose Press since 2017 and Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies is my fourth story to be published by them. When I heard the publisher was calling for submissions for a Cookies series this holiday season I thought of Josie’s Delights and Dustin Keith from last year’s Tangled in Tinsel [holiday] story. Dustin had been bugging me anyway to tell his story. The bugging paid off with this season’s novella Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I’ll soon be digging into the other authors publishing their Cookie stories from Wild Rose Press. I’m hoping not to gain as many pounds reading about cookies as consuming them.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? My husband and I moved from Kansas to Missouri this year and this interrupted my creative juices for a bit, but I’ve been working on a summer read and hope to wrestle the story into some semblance of order to present for publication next year.

 To learn more about N. Jade Gray, go to:

\https://www.njadegray.com/

https://www.facebook.com/njadegray

 

To purchase Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies, go to:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kisses-and-lemon-snowflake-cookies-n-jade-gray/1140337155?ean=2940162302940

https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Lemon-Snowflake-Cookies-Christmas-ebook/dp/B09HR9N69V/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=n.+jade+gray&qid=1634595743&s=books&sr=1-2

 

Winter Storm by Ellie Gray

 She trusts everyone, he trusts no-one. As danger closes in, can they trust each other?

        Willow Daniels has a heart of gold and is willing to help anyone who needs it, but when she helps Ethan McCormick one snowy night, she may just have made the biggest mistake of her life. Trapped by a winter storm in a tiny, North Yorkshire village, Willow is forced to re-evaluate everything she believes in, and wonders if anyone is truly who they seem. 

Fate may have brought her to Ethan, but as danger closes in around them, Willow must draw on a strength she never knew she possessed in order to protect the man she has grown to love, not only against his worst enemy, but also against himself.

 Wild Women Authors is delighted to welcome multi-published British author, Ellie Gray, as she celebrates her second release with the Wild Rose Press, a sweet romantic suspense, Winter Storm. With Ellie is elementary school teacher, Willow Daniels who will go first

Good morning, Willow. Thank you for joining us. Let’s start with talking about where you are from. North Yorkshire in the UK

Tell us a bit about Winter Storm. It tells the story about how I got lost and ended up with an injured man hijacking my car. Believe it or not, I took him home and took care of his injuries. We then got snowed in and I ended up being stalked by a man with knife! It was one of the most frightening times of my life, but in the middle of all that, I also fell in love. So, Winter Storm, for me, tells the story of both the worst and best times of my life so far.

What did you think the first time you saw Ethan McCormick? He hijacked my car and held me a gunpoint, so it wasn’t your usual sort of meeting. My immediate feeling was one of fear.

Of course. What was your second thought? Even when he was holding me at gunpoint, he told me he was one of the good guys. And I believed him. He had a good aura.

Did you feel it was love at first sight? No, it wasn’t, but I knew there was something different amount him; something that attracted me to him.

What do you like most about Ethan? His goodness. He is kind, and protective. And there is just a hint of danger about him which I love.

How would you describe him? Ethan is someone who can take of himself, who has a strong sense of what is right and wrong. He doesn’t trust easily, but that’s maybe because of the job he does. He makes me feel safe.

How would he describe you? Hmm. I think he would describe me as far too trusting, someone who loves Christmas, and sees the good in everyone.

What made you choose teaching primary schoolers for a career? It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I love the honesty of children, and love being able to positively support them to achieve their potential. I work in a school just a few miles from where I grew up, and I absolutely love what I do.

What is your biggest fear? Gosh, that’s a good question. I’m not sure that I have a ‘biggest fear’ to be honest – I’m a huge believer in fate, and in things happening for a reason. We have to deal with what we’re given at any time. That’s not to say that I don’t worry about things, or about people because I do – all the time. But I try and combat that by doing whatever I can to help – if I can do something about what I’m worried about, I will, but if I can’t I just have to trust that it will work out in the end.

How do you relax? Music! I have music playing all the time – and I have to admit to having an eclectic taste, and play whatever suits my mood at the time. I love watching movies too – anything with a happy ending!

Who is your favorite fictional character? Amelia Peabody – from the Elizabeth Peters novels. Amelia is a Victorian amateur sleuth who goes on adventures with her archaeologist husband. A clever and strong-minded woman who gets things done!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Treat others as you would have others treat you.

Thank you, Willow, for spending time with us. Now we’d like to chat with Ellie.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? My mum died nearly four years ago and, having already lost my dad, I really struggled to find the enthusiasm and motivation to write. I wasn’t really reading at that point either. But my son bought me a book for Mothers Day – Winter Song by S. Jae-Jones. It was a book loosely based on an adult version of one of my favourite films – Labyrinth. The writing was achingly beautiful and lyrical, and it really motivated me to get back to writing myself.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? The scene where Willow is stalked through the school is based on an idea I’ve had ever since I was at secondary school. The school was, and is, a large, sprawling site with a lower and upper school site. I was always fascinated by the labyrinthine nature of the school – rooms leading off to other rooms and corridors. One of the corridors I remember had a strange recess, which I assume was intended to be boxed off to enclose wiring or cabling but had never been used, and therefore remained open on one side but from the front looked to be sealed. I had always imagined that this would be an excellent hiding place if I were ever to be chased through the school! I used this as a basis for Willow’s hiding place when she is being stalked by the hooded stranger.

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 through fellow authors in the Romantic Novelists Association, and who were published with them. They talked positively about the publisher and so I looked at their website online. I was immediately struck by the positive and supportive approach outlined on the website, and it seemed that they would be a good fit for the type of books I write. I have to say that my experience with TWRP has confirmed the positive, supportive and incredibly respective relationship between myself as the author and everyone involved in the company.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Gosh – so many. I try and read as many fellow Wild Rose Press authors as I can because I think it is important to support your peers and colleagues. I also try and mix up genres a little, so I am currently re-reading a Matthew Reilly book, and always have a Jane Austen on the go – currently this is Sense and Sensibility…. again.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I’m working on another romantic suspense novel, and also a contemporary romance. I’m hoping to have these out towards the end of next year.

To learn more about Ellie Gray and the stories she creates, go to:

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/elliegray58

Pinterest:  https://uk.pinterest.com/elliegray71/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliegray58

To purchase Winter Storm, go to: 

Amazon: mybook.to/WinterStormEGray

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winter-storm-ellie-gray/1139990305