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

 

 

 

Framed for Murder by Marla A. White

 Wild Women Authors features author Marla A. White and her latest release for the Wild Rose Press, Framed for Murder, a cozy mystery set in the mountains of Southern California. With author White is cop turned hospitality specialist, Mel O’Rourke, who will go first.

Thanks for taking time away from The Brook to speak with us. Let’s begin with you telling us a bit about “Framed for Murder”. It is the story of how I got pulled into a murder investigation to save my old nemesis from being convicted one of the few crimes she didn't commit.

What made you choose running a B& B for a career? I didn’t initially. I was a cop for almost ten years, happily patrolling my beat in L.A., until a chase across rooftops ended in me crushing my ankle. Career over, I kicked around feeling pretty sorry for myself when I sort of accidentally ended up in Pine Cove. It’s a tiny mountain resort my parents used to take us to as kids over the summer. So many happy memories were tied up there, so when I saw the old inn, we sometimes stayed at was for sale, it seemed like kismet.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a inn keeper or do something different? I’m not sure I’ve been doing it long enough to regret it. Yet. But so far, I found a dead body in my lobby and a cat burglar in my kitchen so a career change might be just around the corner.

What is your biggest fear? Ever since that rooftop thing, I’ve been terrified of heights. Which is kind of inconvenient, considering I used to climb mountains with my brother, Liam. But that’s a phobia really, and I’m working on it. Deep down, I’m terrified I’ll let my family down and they’ll lose the money they invested in The Babbling Brook Bed-and-Breakfast.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Jean-Guy Beauvoir from Louise Penny’s Three Pines books. First, duh, he’s a great detective, but also because he seriously fu…er, I mean flawed that he makes me look normal.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? “Take Fountain.” It’s an old bit from Bette Davis but she was right. If you know L.A. traffic at all, you’ll get it.

Thanks for spending time with us, Mel. Now we’d like to speak with Marla.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? The one movie that I always come back to is “Buckaroo Banzai”. It’s so strange, which normally I don’t love, but so many great scenes and lines. Who doesn’t love, “No matter where you go, there you are” as the best piece of advice ever? It’s part of why I went into the entertainment business.  But as far as impact on my writing, I’d have to say Robert Parker’s Spenser series was the most influential. Dick Francis might be the first mystery writer I followed, but Spenser, with his snarky, witty dialogue, blew my mind.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I’d already written “The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder” the novella that started the series, so by the time I started writing this I already knew the town and the characters. The biggest influence was as I started writing this, a person who shall remain nameless came in and blew up a deal I had for a TV series in real life. Bingo. A murder victim cried out to be killed in a horrible way. 

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what influenced you to submit to them; how is the submission process; what is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? An author friend who was published by The Wild Rose Press couldn’t stop saying enough nice things about the process. When they put out a call for their “cookie books,” she encouraged me to submit. I did and, despite me making every rookie mistake in the book including getting the deadline wrong, in no time they got back to me that they loved the book. This is my fourth book with them so, obviously, I couldn’t be happier. The turn-around time has varied, but I’ve heard of authors at the big publishing houses hanging out for years waiting for a release date so I’m pretty happy when it happens more or less within a calendar year.

What are you reading right now? This is where I know I should say some NYT best-seller or Oprah Book Club entry, but the truth is I’m reading a Piper Rayne hockey romance, “The Trouble with Number Nine”.

What's next for you? In addition to the next in the Pine Cove Mystery series, which is out to beta readers, I’m co-authoring a hockey romance with CJ Bahr. Hence the reading of one. I’d only recently been turned on to romance books. And hockey too, for that matter. #GKG I also have the third in my “Keeper Chronicles” contemporary fantasy series coming out this fall.

 To learn more about Marla A. White and the stories she creates go to: www.marlaawhite.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheScriptFixer

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marlaw825

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21467766.Marla_A_White

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marla-a-white

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHIzkB

To purchase Framed for Murder, go to:

Amazon - https://bit.ly/43Uwj96

Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/3TKdPDu

Apple Books - https://books.apple.com/us/book/framed-for-murder/id6483932566

GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211106987-framed-for-murder

AllAuthor - https://allauthor.com/book/87348/framed-for-murder-a-pine-cove-mystery/

Books2Read - books2read.com/u/4Djgor  

Book Bub-https://www.bookbub.com/books/framed-for-murder-by-marla-a-white

 

Flowers of Tartarus by Michele Leech

 How about a deal?

Wild Woman Authors is delighted to focus on author Michele Leech as she celebrates the release of her second novel of suspense with the Wild Rose Press: Flowers of Tartarus.

A bit about the book: When her client is found dead of an overdose of a new and dangerous drug, PI Lily Nehme tracks the drug back to Tartarus, a popular nightclub run by Sebastian Galani. Under the guise of their new bartender, Lily infiltrates the club to find the dealer responsible. But as she spends time with the employees of Tartarus, Lily starts to fall for their lifestyle...and the reclusive owner. Her mission becomes secondary as she finds that there's more to Sebastian than meets the eye—and that he just might be the dealer she's looking for.

Excerpt:

“You must be Lily Nehme,” he said, placing his phone face down on the bar top.

 Her brow quirked slightly at his words, either at the knowledge or the tone, he didn’t know. Regardless, she grabbed and dried the next shaker. “That’s me. And you must be the mysterious Sebastian Galani.”

 “Correct. Welcome to the team.”

 “Thanks,” she said.

Her voice was low, raspy. Sebastian noted the calloused knuckles of a fighter, familiar enough with the injuries at this point in his life.

 There was something about this Lily Nehme that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He didn’t know if it was the way she spoke or dressed or moved, but something wasn’t quite typical about her. His phone vibrated again, and he checked the message.

“You understand,” he drawled, tapping through his phone with one hand and gesturing to her outfit with the other, “we maintain a certain…aesthetic, here.”

 He didn’t look up, but he saw her smile in his peripherals just the same, another glass going into the clean pile.

 “In my experience, having a bartender who’s easy to spot is worth more than ambiance.”

 That made him look up at her, his brow rising slowly. “And how many years of experience is that, exactly?”

 “Enough to know how to read a job application. And there was approximately fuck all in terms of a dress code.”

 That made him put his phone back into his pocket and meet her eyes directly. She’d dropped the towel, both hands braced on the bar top. “Look here, Ms. Nehme—”

 “Lily,” she interrupted.

 No one interrupted him, save for Ellis, and the novelty threw him off for a moment. She leaned forward slightly, smiling at him with a few too many teeth showing. “How about a deal?” she suggested. “I make you a drink. If you don’t love it, I’ll change into something more. . . appropriate.”

 Sebastian considered for a breath, weighing the pros and cons. Worst case, he’d have to put up with flowers. Best case, she’d change. Little risk involved and less of a chance for lingering frustrations on her part. He sat down at the bar with a nod. “I’ll have a—”

 “No,” she interrupted him again. “I’ll figure it out.”

What others are saying about this book:  

“…An undercover PI, Lily Nehme is not a shrinking violet. She is independent, self-sufficient, self-reliant and a kick-ass. She finds a place to truly belong in Sebastian Galani’s club and in his arms. The characters are well-developed with a balance of good and evil. Good plotting has made a fast-paced story from beginning to end and satisfying for start to finish. Way to go, Michele Leech…”    Reviewer: Twilla Kay Lamm

 

“…The unusual title gripped me from the beginning and the book did not disappoint. Ms. Leech has woven a tale of Lily—a PI who is investigating the death of her client’s son. Her search takes her to Tartarus—a nightclub run by a member of the notorious Galani family—Sebastian. Sparks fly and tension mounts as Lily digs deeper into the nightclub and her feelings toward Sebastian. A great read and definitely 5 plus stars…”

Reviewer: Jane Greenhill

 To purchase Flowers of Tartarus go to:

Amazon: https://shorturl.at/r3KEo

BooksAMillion: https://shorturl.at/9zYKf

BookShop: https://shorturl.at/Vyamh

B&N: https://shorturl.at/3CGvo

Apple: https://shorturl.at/qkjRp

 

 

 

Stone of Fear by Margaret Izard

 She’d give everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time to save her soul.

 Wild Women Authors focus is on author Margaret Izard and Stone of Fear, a paranormal romance recently released by the Wild Rose Press.

About the Book: Marie Murray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumps at the opportunity to renovate the mosaic floor of the chapel at Dunstaffnage Castle. There, she falls hard for the dashing John MacArthur because from their first kiss, sparks fly.

Believing her religious renovation creates magic, a fanatical priest, obsessed with obtaining powerful magic from the fabled Stone of Iona, he kidnaps Marie and drags her to 15th-century Scotland.

With his love kidnapped, John must tackle his hereditary duty and locate a magic Fae stone while chasing his love across time. Her memories of their passion keep her sane. His will to find her is his fuel but will he get to Marie in time to save her soul?

An Excerpt:

She turned around as she tried to detect the candle in the dark to light it. Lightning lit up the room, and she spied the candle for a moment. Marie placed her hand on the counter and patted down, only to find the sink. Thunder boomed again, and she yelped as she gripped the cup. She extended her hand out again, but this time encountered something warm.

     Marie screamed as she held the cup for dear life. Large arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace. Her face rested against a man’s naked chest which wiggled as he chuckled. She took a deep breath, smelled John’s scent of light musk, and relaxed in his embrace.

“Sorry, a nighean,” my girl. “I only meant to play with ye. I didn’t think I’d scare ye.”

Marie huffed and pushed against him. “Well, ye scared me all right. Thought I found the ghostie, the Green Lady of Dunstaffnage, in the flesh.” She lifted her head, peeked at him, then rested her hand on his naked chest.

John stepped back as he took her cup. It clinked as he set it on the counter. She felt him move away as his form shifted towards the stove. The clank of the kettle told her he’d picked it up.

His body moved to her, and he reached around her to turn on the water. The kettle filled with a gurgle. He amazed her at how he easily navigated the kitchen in the darkness.

In a flash of lighting, his white teeth glowed as his voice calmed her. “Didn’t ye want some tea?”

Marie blinked as her eyes adjusted to the darkness and his face outlined in the dark, close to hers. She took a deep breath. “Aye, tea would be nice.”

John chuckled as he moved away. “This happens every storm.” At the stove, with his eyes on hers, he opened the drawer, took out a long lighter, and held it up. He smiled, flicked it on, then lit the stove manually casting him in shadow. He stretched over her and lit the candle. A warm light illuminated the room and cast a golden glow around them.

As he pulled back, he stopped when their faces were a mere breath apart and stared into her eyes. He stepped closer and smiled as he reached to the cabinet behind Marie and retrieved another cup.

Marie shifted out of his way, but he placed the cup on the counter stopping her motion. He put the lighter on the other side. John leaned on the counter trapping her between his arms.

He gazed into her eyes as he opened the drawer next to her hip. His hand shifted around, then pulled out the tea and tea strainers and set them on the counter. His gaze held hers.

Marie raised an eyebrow. “I see ye’ve made tea in the dark before.”

         John smiled. “Aye.”

 To purchase Stone of Fear, go to:

mizardauthor | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) - Kindle edition by Izard, Margaret . Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) by Margaret Izard - BookBub

Stone of Fear by Margaret Izard | Goodreads

A bit About our Focus Author:

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

To learn more about Margaret and the stories she creates, go to:  info@margaretizardauthor.com

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Special Giveaway Events for Stone of Fear include:

A Goodreads drawing featuring one Book Swag Box plus 4 signed copies of the book mailed.

·       N.N. Light Book Swag Box giveaway

·       Silver Daggar Book Tours Book Swag Box Giveaway

·       Kerry’s Kindred Spirits Facebook Takeover June 14^th Book Swag Box Giveaway

The Book Swag Box contains:

Signed copy of book
Large Stone of Fear book bag
Small Stone of Fear book bag
Insulated wine glass with Stone of Fear logo
Dublin shot glass with etched Stone of Fear logo
Stone of Fear bookmark
Stone of Fear recipe card
Author pen
Wild Rose Press (publisher) 2024 calendar
18 inch 925 Sterling Silver Necklace with Purple Amethyst Gemstone Celtic Cross
Delivered in custom printed Margaret Izard Author Book Swag Box

 

She Danced Anyway by J. J. Ranson

 Elizabeth Alter wants to work and dance in 1920s New York City. Will she avoid the trap of marriage and live the independent life she dreams of?

 Wild Women Authors feature author J.J. Ranson and She Danced Anyway, a women’s fiction novel set in the 1920’s is set for release today by the Wild Rose Press. Up first is Elizabeth Alter, dancer, dance instructor and researcher.

Good morning, Elizabeth. Tell us about She Danced Anyway. My name is Elizabeth Alter. This story is about my life as a young upper-middle-class woman in 1920s New York City. I visit dance halls and community centers around the city with my friends where we dance the nights away. Sometimes the police or church ladies show up to cause us trouble. I long for a dance partner and when I meet James, I think we’ve created the perfect partnership. But, of course, nothing comes easy. My mother frustrates me with her badgering about marriage. It takes me some time to get up the courage to declare my dream to live on my own. And then I have to embark on the challenging journey to make it happen.

What made you choose research for a profession? I’m naturally curious about everything. I also love books. When I was studying at Barnard, one of my professors asked me to help her with a paper. She was such an excellent guide; I couldn’t help but seek out any opportunity for assisting with research. I’m terribly stubborn which also makes me a good researcher because I don’t give up easily.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a researcher and dancer or do something different? Working in the library is a wonderful experience for me. I wouldn’t change a thing about the work I get to do. I particularly enjoy going into the archives – the musty smells of old paper and dust do something to me. Ultimately, I put myself through graduate school and begin a career in academia, where I get to continue researching. As a dance instructor, I have learned a lot about myself. Teaching others how to dance does not pay very much, but it brings me so much joy. Even when I no longer really needed the money, I kept teaching for Madame Moreau.

What is your biggest fear? I’m a rather determined woman, but I’m hardly a fearless one. I wish I were! My biggest fear is not having enough money to live on my own. I was so set on getting out of my parents’ home, fear led me to find a second job.  I surprised myself when I realized I’d do nearly anything for an independent life.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I love Sherlock Holmes. He’s both intriguing and maddening. Incredibly intelligent as a detective, but so completely lost at times when dealing with people. Obviously, he understands human nature, or he wouldn’t be skilled at solving crimes, but on a personal level, well, Mr. Holmes could use a lesson, right? I suppose I love him because he’s so complex and I always learn something when I’m reading those books.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My favorite professor, Clara Sporian, told me that I should free myself of my mother’s expectations. I think she said something like, “she’s already made her life choices.” Which meant, of course, that I should do what I wanted rather than live within my mother’s narrow-minded constraints.

Thank you for giving us a short peek into your life, Elizabeth. We wish you much luck in your future. Now we’d like to chat with J.J.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? I read a lot of historical fiction and women’s fiction, and I have a lot of favorite authors. Whether they have impacted my writing specifically, I couldn’t say. That I have been a voracious reader since childhood has certainly paved the way for me to write books. That said, I love pithy, fast-moving dialogue which I find many thriller writers have mastered. Authors like Tami Hoag, John Grisham, Michael Connelly, to name a few. Quick, funny dialogue is always a goal of mine when I’m writing scenes.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I’m a massive George Gershwin fan. His piece, Rhapsody in Blue, actually inspired the first scene I wrote (but that’s really another story!). I used the old standby Google, listened to a lot of music, watched dancing videos online. Because academia is featured in She Danced Anyway, I read a book penned by the first female dean at Barnard College. I wanted to learn how women in higher education managed all their challenges in the 1920s. That book came all the way from a university in Alabama through inter-library loan! And of course, I’d mention a library since it’s one setting for this novel. Haha.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what influenced you to submit to them; how is the submission process; what is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? I’m late to the novel-writing game so I didn’t want to spend time waiting for a literary agent to shop my book. I searched for publishers accepting unagented work. That’s how I found The Wild Rose Press. The submission process with Wild Rose is very clear and certainly easy enough to follow. I submitted to TWRP in June 2023, and two months later was offered a contract. I spent extra time on the book with my editor because it’s my debut and I was hoping for a bit of perfection, I suppose. Anyway, my novel releases on June 10, 2024.

What are you reading right now? I recently finished The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand and am just starting the thriller, She Started It by Sian Gilbert. Both are about gatherings of woman but with very different outcomes.

What's next for you? I have a Christmas romance set in Richmond, Virginia, titled His Christmas Muse which will be released on December 9, 2024.

To learn more about J. J. Ranson and the stories she creates go to: www.juliejranson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieJRanson

Facebook Author Profile : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556781356858

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jjransonauthor

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jjranson/

To purchase She Danced Anyway, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/She-Danced-Anyway-J-Ranson/dp/1509254498/

https://mybook.to/SheDancedAnyway

https://wildrosepress.com/product/she-danced-anyway/