Mask of the Betrayer Available today!

MASK OF THE BETRAYER

Sharon Donovan

Fiction-Psychological thriller/suspense

Whimsical Publications,

LLC/paperback 282 pages

April 2010

$13.95

ISBN-13: 978-1-936167-06-7

When the whispers in the night, the whispers of her lover, are the whispers of a killer, will Margot escape before she becomes the next victim?

Deep in the foothills of Red Rock Canyon, a serial killer stalks. He leaves his signature—a skull mask on the corpse. But when the homicide cop realizes the crimes are the reenactment of a case never solved ten years ago--all fingers point to Michael DeVeccio. And when Margot realizes she is married to the killer, her life
becomes a living nightmare.

Excerpt:

Suspecting her affair with Carlos, he had surveillance equipment installed all over the mansion. Once he showed her the very graphic video of her and his uncle going at it in the satin-lined coffin, he’d used it to his advantage.

Michael suspected his uncle knew more about his parents’ accident than he’d let on, but couldn’t prove a thing. Desperate to uncover the truth, Michael blackmailedCandace into getting Carlos to confess on tape. If she failed, she’d be killed. Stuck between a rock and a hard spot, Candace had done things to the old coot that disgusted even her. But those things had made the old man sing like a canary and the taped confession had saved her life. After her mission was a done deal, Michael kicked her out of Vegas and told her if she ever returned, he would rip her lung out.

Reaching Carlos DeVeccio’s bedroom, she got a little thrill as old memories surfaced. Just a few more seconds and she’d fall into the arms of her lover. She smiled to herself. She had returned to Vegas for a reason. She was flat broke. But after tonight, Michael would be her ticket back into the world of luxury. Then she’d be mistress of the manor once more. And more to the point, she’d have access to his billion dollar bank
roll.

With a devious smile, she pushed her way through the heavy mahogany door. Crossing the threshold, she entered the house of horrors. Carlos DeVeccio had been a real nut, one straight out of the books. But with her fetish for face masks, she loved his collection and had often come into his wing just to admire them. What a thrill it had been to have sex in the coffin, howling along with the werewolf. Some might think it a
bit kinky, but they didn’t know what they were missing. Calling out to her lover, her pulse quickened a beat. “Michael? Are you here yet, darling?”

That’s when she heard it, manic laughter from the final circle of hell. A slither of fear trickled down her spine, releasing a wild rush of adrenaline. Carlos?

She thought about the death of Lacy Diamond. Two Ninja assassinations were no coincidence. Sensing danger, she felt for her sword. It was gone. Panic soared through her. Where the hell was it?

The laughter got louder and louder, moving in closer and closer. It seemed to be bouncing off the walls. She couldn’t tell from which direction it was coming. Just then, the bell in the tower gonged, thundering off the walls like canon balls. Instinctively, she covered her ears with her hands. Where the hell was Michael?

Evil eyes from the face masks followed her every move. She had to escape this hell before it was too late. She couldn’t think over the gonging of the bell. Every few seconds, the werewolf howled at the moon. She screamed, even though she knew no one would ever hear her. Floundering in wild disarray, disoriented by the darkness and relentless gonging, she searched in vain for the door. Her arms swam in mid-air, like a person drowning, desperate for an anchor, something to hold onto. She reached out and grabbed at nothing. She had to find a way out of this mausoleum of the living dead before it was too late. Where the hell was Michael?

The laughter got closer. Perspiration drenched her skin. The chilling laughter echoed in her ears, louder and louder, closer and closer. The bell in the bell tower broke through the thin filament of sanity she had left. The werewolf open his mouth and howled at the moon. Where was Michael? He’d know what to do. He was a master swordsman. His fencing skills were extraordinary. He could wield a Ninja star with his  eyes closed and hit the mark. Where was he?

Blood thundered in her ears, but not loud enough to block out the manic laughter. It was close but she couldn’t see a thing. She wished she had her sword. She turned to run; it was too late. She heard a distinct click. The killer had just depressed the button on her Zorro sword, releasing the thirty-seven inch blade. His psychotic laughter reached an ear-splitting crescendo just as the bell in the tower gonged out its last
chime. From the dark shadows, Valentino pounced, her Zorro sword gleaming in the moonlight.

“Surprise!” he thrust the sword into her heart. “I promised to make you scream, darling Candace. Let me hear you scream.”


MASK OF THE BETRAYER

AVAILABLE NOW!

Whimsical Publications, LLC

www.whimsicalpublications.com


BUY LINK:

print and ebook once it's available:

http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/books.html

Wednesday Spotlight with Brenda Novak

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! I have a very special treat today. My featured guest is NY Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak! And with a gorgeous backdrop of rolling green hills, lilacs, daffodils and red rose bushes, Brenda and I are sitting out in the English garden, talking about her sixth annual auction to raise money for diabetes research. Let’s have a warm welcome for Brenda Novak! Hello, Brenda. How are you on this lovely spring day?


Brenda: I’m fabulous—so glad that spring has sprung. I love the longer days of summer. Having been raised in Arizona for ten years, I also love the sun!


Oliver struts out onto the terrace, pushing a silver caddy full of coffee, tea and hot chocolate, along with a platter of blueberry scones, plump strawberries and Devonshire cream. Gracing Brenda with his most dazzling smile, he asks, “What may I get you, Ms. Novak?”

Brenda: I’ll pass on the coffee but would love a hot chocolate and a blueberry scone or anything that comes with a bowlful of Devonshire cream.


Sharon: And coffee for me, thank you, Oliver. Brenda, your annual auction is such a worthy cause. With diabetes being so near and dear to my heart, I cannot encourage people enough to participate in this event. Can you tell us a bit about it?

Brenda: The auction is such a fun thing to participate in! It runs every May (May 1 – May 31st) in honor of Mother’s Day at
http://www.brendanovak.com/


This will be my sixth year hosting it. Together with my friends, publishing contacts, diabetes research supporters and fellow authors, we’ve raised $770,000 so far. Our goal for this year is to break $1 million.

Sharon: With America in the lead, there are more than 230 million diabetics in the world, and the numbers are rapidly increasing. I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic at the age of six and developed diabetic retinopathy in my early twenties. This condition causes fragile blood vessels to grow and rupture in the back of the eye and can lead to progressive blindness. And as much as I kept up with all the latest treatments with my retinal specialist, I still lost the battle ten years ago. Blindness is just one of the many complications resulting from this devastating disease. At least half of diabetics will develop some stage of retinopathy in his or her lifetime. But what’s even more frightening is type 2 diabetes because it can go undiagnosed for long periods of time. Tell us about that.

Brenda: Since my son also has Type 1, insulin-dependent, diabetes I’m not as familiar with Type 2. The good news is that it can very often be controlled through diet and exercise. When it can’t, however, it progresses to Type 1, which comes with a whole host of side effects. Blindness you’ve already mentioned, but there is also nerve damage that could result in amputations, heart disease, kidney failure, etc. Diabetes affects every major organ in the body (and some that aren’t so major).

Sharon: What continues to amaze me is the mystery shrouding the cause of diabetes. When I was diagnosed all those years ago, doctors at Children’s Hospital were quite confident it was a hereditary disease. And while it is a factor, there is still a degree of uncertainty. Some of the symptoms I experienced were an unquenchable thirst, frequent urination and severe weight loss. As it turned out, my body was not producing any insulin, the hormone necessary to convert food and sugar into energy. But this isn’t the case with type 2 diabetes, is it? Can you explain to readers what insulin resistance is, and how new research suggests lack of exercise and obesity may be a contributing factor?

Brenda: My understanding of insulin resistance is simply what you might guess from the words—the body builds up a resistance so that more and more insulin is required to offset high glucose levels in the blood, or something is required to help the body utilize what’s being made. Hormones can cause resistance in Type 1’s. I know that my son’s insulin needs changing often because he’s going through puberty, a particularly difficult time for a diabetic.

Sharon: With your son having diabetes, how do you both deal with it and what is a typical day like?

Brenda: My son must poke his finger to draw blood (in order to test his blood sugar levels) 5-8 times a day. He wears an insulin pump which must be inserted subcutaneously every three days. Since the needle necessary to do that is a significant one, this isn’t always an easy task. Moving it around to different areas of the body is imperative to avoid sores and possible infection, but there aren’t a lot of places where a plastic canula is comfortable (the waistband of his jeans can rub it or bend it such that it doesn’t work properly, etc.). Although doctors often tell me that I should be able to get his numbers stable enough that I won’t have to get up and test him in the middle of the night, I find that I must do this for my own piece of mind—and am often glad I did when I find him dangerously high or low, either of which can kill him.

Sharon: While there is still no cure for diabetes, the risk of complications has gone down considerably due to the treatment. When I was diagnosed, there were no glucometers to keep tabs on sugar levels. Testing blood sugars several times a day is key in determining the amount of insulin needed. This alone made a huge difference in my life, eliminating the guess work. Exercise is vital in keeping glucose numbers at an ultimate level. But there is also a down side. Sugar levels can drop rather quickly, can’t they? Can you tell us what can happen and what to look for with low sugar attacks?

Brenda: When my son goes low he gets very ill and shaky. He can’t think straight and may cry for no reason. It’s almost as if his “emotion bell” has been rung. If he goes *really* low, he can’t see or control his body and could lapse into a coma. The scary thing is that, the longer he has the disease, the less likely he is to be able to determine when he’s “going low.”

Sharon: So balance is the key, and not always an easy thing to achieve. Stress and excitement can cause levels to skyrocket or bottom out. Diabetes presents a challenge every minute of every day. Brenda, can you tell readers what a normal blood sugar should be and how easily one can be tested for the disease?

Brenda: A normal blood sugar should fall in the range of 90-110 or so (some can be as high as 120). A simple urine test can determine the presence of diabetes.

Sharon: Isn’t it time to find a cure for this devastating disease? This is why I commend Brenda for her efforts in raising money for research at her annual auction. Let’s make this year a huge success. What are some of the things people can do to help?

Brenda: I’m all for a cure. The great thing about the auction is that it’s a win/win situation for those who are as anxious as we are to find a cure and those who have no particular tie to diabetes at all. There are so many great items up for auction. Just having people go on and buy the gifts they’d normally buy elsewhere would help a great deal--and it should be exciting for the recipient of such gifts because we have so many unusual items on the auction (like getting your name inside a Christine Feehan book, an author who’s hit #1 on the NYT many times, or maybe lunch with Catherine Coulter or Diana Gabaldon). The auction offers many one-of-a-kind opportunities. It also offers fabulous business opportunities to published and aspiring writers. Every major publishing house has editors who have donated their time to do a read (consider a manuscript for publication). Some have even promised to respond within twenty-four hours—which is unheard of in the publishing world! Another way to help is to spread the word—tell friends and family and encourage them to get involved by either donating an item or shopping at the auction.

Sharon: And can you give us the date and address of your auction one more time?

Brenda: The auction runs May 1 – May 31st at

http://www.brendanovak.com/

Sharon: Thank you so very much for being my special guest today, Brenda! I wish you much success. I’ve donated several copies of Echo of a Raven, the book about my personal struggles with diabetes. Let’s all work together and make it happen.

Oliver waltzes onto the garden with a bouquet of red roses and hands them to Brenda with a sweeping bow and a big smile.

To learn more about Brenda and her amazing auction and books, visit her website:
http://www.brendanovak.com/

Author Roast and Toast

Hello and Happy Friday! Come join Oliver and I, along with Hywela Lyn and Mary Ricksen for a Medieval Banquet with Margaret Blake. Quite regal and we are saluting St. George.
http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Spotlight with Sharon Donovan

Hello! I have exciting news. Charade of Hearts has been contracted with Wild Rose Press Crimson as part of the Jewel of the Night series to be launched in November. And none other than Oliver is the romantic hero. Here’s a sneak preview.

scuba diving off the coast of Diamond Head with her diving partner on a quest to find a family heirloom, underwater photographer Dominique St. John witnesses his brutal murder and photographs it, ensnaring her in a deadly jewel ring. And when the investigating officer turns out to be her partner’s identical twin, a man she knew nothing about, her life becomes a Charade of Hearts.

Welcome to the world of greed, intrigue, deception and murder. And at its core is a blue diamond worth millions.

As honest as his twin was corrupt, Honolulu Homicide Detective Oliver Carvalho must convince Dominique that her diving partner and best friend was a crook. In a race against time, Oliver must rescue Dominique from a ruthless killer. But his biggest challenge proves to be mending a broken heart torn by betrayal that can only be redeemed by love.

Excerpt:

The fog in her head slowly cleared. She was on assignment in Hawaii, photographing the shipwreck that had taken her mother’s life. And while she’d been shooting pictures, Roberto had been scouring the ocean floor for her mother’s blue diamond. Her stomach tightened and cramped. It was all coming back. By some miracle, Roberto had managed to find the necklace. And just as they were about to surface, a diver came out of nowhere and stabbed him. Her eyelids flew open in shocked horror. Her heartbeat tripled, causing the soft beeping to crescendo to an ear-splitting shriek.

“Easy, Ms. St. John,” a nurse was at her side checking her vitals while a younger nurse adjusted the monitor.

“Roberto!” Dominique screamed, her voice a nasally squeak. Frustrated and annoyed, she yanked the tubing out of her nose and tried again. “My diving partner? Is he here? Roberto Carvalho?”

The woman’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, Ms. St. John. I really don’t know anything about your partner. You were the only patient brought in by emergency helicopter. You’re at the Honolulu clinic. You have the bends from ascending too quickly.”

She needed to find out about Roberto. Who would know? Then it hit her. The owner of the charter boat. He would know. Dominique recalled him hoisting her onto the charter, removing her wet suit and then what? She remembered hearing a helicopter a split second before passing out. And she vaguely recalled telling him Roberto had been stabbed by a diver. Dear God. Killer sharks had been thrashing toward Roberto, jaws chomping. The words came out in a strangled moan. “The owner of the charter? Is he here?”

The nurse shook her head. “He stayed for a while to make sure you were all right. But he had to leave. But there is someone anxious to speak to you when you feel up to it.”

And that’s when Dominique spotted him, big as life, framing the doorway to the small room. He was fine; he’d survived the shark attack. His name caught in her throat. “Roberto! You’re alive! How…”

He strutted toward her, his narrow hips swaggering as he closed in on her, stirring her blood with a primal lust she had never felt. And those dark, broody eyes, so alive with passion, like fiery comets. She reached for him with her free hand. “Dear Lord, you’re safe! Thank God.”

He loomed above her, his lips pinched into a thin line. “I’m sorry, Ms. St. John, but I am not Roberto. He flashed a badge. “I am Detective Oliver Carvalho, Honolulu PD, Homicide. Roberto Carvalho was my identical twin brother.”

CHARADE OF HEARTS

COMING IN NOVEMBER FROM WILD ROSE PRESS CRIMSON! PART OF THE JEWEL OF THE NIGHT SERIES. STAY TUNED FOR COMING ATTRACTIONS.

Don’t want to miss out on release dates and contests? Want to keep up with Oliver’s debut as a romantic hero in a romantic suspense? Sign up for my newsletter today!

http://www.sharonadonovan.com/

Sharon Donovan

Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith

Author Roast and Toast

Looking for Oliver and I? Well, it's Friday, so we are hosting over at the Author Roast and Toast. And it's a beach party with Sara Humphreys. Come on over and join the fun!

http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Spotlight with Debra St. John

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My featured guest today is Debra St. John, and we are chatting about her latest release from Wild Rose Press.

WILD WEDDING WEEKEND

The parlor has been transformed into a makeshift game show studio. With the magnificent Chicago skyline as the drop back, the remarkable Sears Tower and futuristic marina come into view. Soft lighting casts the leather sofas and cherry wood floors in a dreamy glow. Oliver, donning the role of Master of Ceremonies, looks quite debonair in a black tuxedo. When the doorbell rings, he plucks a red rose from the vase of Waterford crystal and saunters off, humming the Dating Game theme song.

Sharon: Hello, Debra! Congratulations on the release of Wild Wedding Weekend. I’m sitting here thrilled to pieces to interview you about it. I’ve just read the excerpt and must send Oliver out for my copy.

Debra: Hi Sharon. Thanks so much for having me here today! I had so much fun writing WILD WEDDING WEEKEND, I hope everyone has as much fun reading it.

Oliver, still singing, wildly off tune, is behind the bar, whipping up a blender of strawberry daiquiris. And when he’s blended them to pure perfection, he sets the pitcher and chilled glasses on a silver serving tray and struts into the parlor, winking wildly at Debra.

At your service, love, and a large basket of your favorite munchies, Frosted Flakes.

Debra: Oliver you are a dear. (She pops a few sugar coated flakes into her mouth, gives a satisfying crunch, and closes her eyes with a blissful sigh.)

Sharon: Thank you, Oliver. (holds her glass to Debra in a toast) They’re perfect, aren’t they?

Debra: (She clinks her glass against Sharon’s.) Yes, indeed, they are. And the Flakes provide a sweet treat for my taste buds, and Oliver here (She winks at him.) provides the eye candy. Yum! What more could a girl ask for?

Sharon: So tell us where you came up with the concept of a game show for the theme for your latest book?

Debra: (Laughing a bit self-consciously, but still eyeing Oliver appreciatively.) I’d love to have a grand story to tell you about how the idea came to be, but to be honest, I really don’t remember the exact moment the idea came about. I just remember thinking, “Hey, what would happen if two strangers had to get married because of a game show?” Then, wa-la, a story was born.

Sharon: I love it! And the setting is Chicago, one of my favorite places. And that’s where you’re from. Such a historical city, and one I’m sure gives you plenty of ideas to write into your stories, right?

Debra: Chicago is a beautiful city, and while it’s home base for my characters, the main setting is the Caribbean. It’s there our hero and heroine succumb to the sultry allure of the islands and each other.

Oliver is back, pumping his biceps, his copy of Wild Wedding Weekend in hand. He smiles his beguiling smile. Might I have your autograph, sweetheart?

Debra: Oliver, darling, you may have anything you wish. (She winks again.) Anything at all.

Sharon: And while Oliver dishes out the charm, let’s read a blurb and excerpt:

Blurb:

All Abby Walker ever wanted was to live a normal life in her small suburban-Chicago house. After traveling around the world in her youth, staying put in one spot is a dream come true. But when she winds up on a game show as a favor to a friend, her life takes an adventurous turn she isn’t at all prepared for.

Noah Grant has put his small-town Indiana roots behind him. He travels all over the world, enjoying the freedom and adventure. He has no intention of settling down anytime soon, if ever. But then he finds himself married to Abby in a bizarre quirk of fate, and he realizes his life will never be the same.

Their passion flares as hot as the sultry Caribbean air. But is passion enough to turn their Wild Wedding Weekend into a lifetime of love?

Excerpt:

“I really am sorry.” Abby's mind whirled. The thoughts tangled. The Noah she’d spent the last couple of days with wasn’t anything like the man she’d imagined him to be. The man even he claimed to be. Who was the real Noah?

She didn’t have time to ponder the question, because he took both her hands in his, drawing her attention back to him. “Know this. While we’re married. For this week, this trip, this asinine show, I am committed to you.” He paused and raised one hand to tuck a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Totally. Completely. Committed. To you.”

With each word his voice and head lowered, until the last was a whisper against her lips. His hand slid around to the back of her neck, then up into her hair, unfastening the clip and tossing it aside. He tangled his fingers in the strands that fell free, using enough force to keep her from pulling away as he deepened the kiss.

Abby had no thoughts of moving even the slightest bit away. She wrapped her arms around him as the tip of his tongue teased the fullness of her bottom lip. When she opened to him and he dipped inside, she almost melted from the instant flood of liquid heat that suffused her body. The warmth spread to her limbs and made her pliant as, his mouth never leaving hers, Noah lowered them both to the bed.

Oliver swoons and passes out, a smile on his sweet lips…

Sharon: Wow, turn up the heat! I must have a copy, and quite obviously, Oliver neglected to purchase a copy for me in his haste. No raise for him. LOL Now, tell us about the main characters, Abby and Noah.


Debra: (Glances at Oliver’s prone form and fans herself with her hand.) Um, yes, it is a bit warm in here, isn’t it? (She blinks.) At any rate, Abby and Noah couldn’t be more different in the way they live their lives and what they want out of life. Of course, in the end, they realize what they really want out of life is each other.


Sharon: And you mention the Caribbean. I take it the game show sent them off to an exotic island for their wedding and honeymoon weekend? Where if you can tell us?

Debra: I sent Noah and Abby on a cruise through the Western Caribbean. They visit Key West, Cozumel, Calica, and Grand Cayman. It’s actually the same cruise my hubby and I took for our honeymoon twelve years ago.

Sharon: Ah, nothing better than first hand research. LOL Did you grow up on game shows such as the Dating Game and Love Connection?

Debra: They were definitely in my era, but I didn’t watch them much.

Sharon: I think no matter how the years pass, a dating game show will always win top ratings. Don’t you agree?

Debra: Absolutely. Look how popular shows like “The Bachelor” are these days.


Sharon: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? (Sharon gasps and clutches her heart) Not that writers have spare time, mind you. But on those rare occassions when you’re not promoting, editing or writing, what does Debra St. John do?


Oliver struts out with a huge cheese cake smothered in juicy red cherries. With a wicked wink, he slices a piece for Debra and feeds her a bite, waiting ever so patiently for her response.


Debra: (Closes her eyes on another blissful sigh.) Oh, Oliver, you do spoil me. (She opens her eyes and winks back at him.) Well, besides swooning over Oliver, in my free time I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, puttzing in my garden, or watching movies with my hubby.

Sharon: What fun! What’s next for you, Debra? What’s sitting on your hard drive now?


Debra: I have a book in the final editing stages with my editor at Wild Rose. THIS CAN’T BE LOVE is the spin-off of my first novel THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS. I’m also working on a new book about a couple who falls in love despite a lot of family obstacles.


Sharon: And we’ll look forward to them. Sadly, we are nearing the end of our interview. As you know, I adore legends and lore and superstitions. Can you leave me with a favorite of yours?


Debra: Hands down I’ll go with vampires. (She flutters her eyes coquettishly at Oliver.) Remember that party a couple of weeks ago when you were biting necks? (Her words trail off suggestively and she bares her throat in invitation.)

Oliver grins, his teeth transforming into glowing fangs…

Sharon: And finally, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Who do you fancy playing the role in a literary fiction or romantic movie? And last but not least, who would you want to play your romantic hero?

Debra: Wow! That’s a tough question. I’d have to say anywhere as long as my family and friends are there with me. Are we talking a movie version of WILD WEDDING WEEKEND? I’d have to say Kimberly Williams Paisley to play the part of Abby. And Matthew McConaughey as Noah. (I had originally based Noah’s looks on Brad Pitt, but he’s looking a bit funky these days with that scraggly goatee thing he’s sporting, so we’ll stick with Matthew.) Oh, and there’s a scene that calls for tuxedoed waiters. Perhaps Oliver would like to make his film debut? (She raises an eyebrow at him.)


Sharon:  Thank you so much for joining me today on Wednesday Spotlight, Debra. It’s been a pleasure, and I wish you great success with Wild Wedding Weekend. Can you tell us where we can purchase this book?


Debra: It’s available in print, e-book, and Kindle at various places. (The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.)

As the lights dim, Oliver sweeps Debra into his arms, gazing into her eyes as The Way You Look Tonight by Elton John floats through the parlor…


Bio:

Debra St. John has been reading and writing romance since high school. She always dreamed about publishing a romance novel some day.

Her debut release, "This Time for Always" is a Champagne Rose and Rosebud bestseller at The Wild Rose Press. "Wild Wedding Weekend" was released last week

."This Can't Be Love" will be her third title with The Wild Rose Press. She lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, who is her real life hero. Debra is past president of her local RWA chapter and has also served in the capacity of advisor, manuscript chair, and secretary.

Visit her at her website,
www.debrastjohnromance.com

. Or check out her posts on Sundays at the Acme Author’s Link,
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

. She also posts on Thursdays at the Heroines with Hearts Blog,
http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com

Tuesday's Child is Full of Grace

With the budding of spring comes the budding of allergy season! And for me, lots of discomfort. I have a ton of symptoms and am pleading for help. Here are my ten worst symptoms:

1. Pounding headache above eyes
2. Throbbing pain on cheekbones
3. Sneezing
4. Coughing and wheezing
5. Watery, itchy red puffy eyes
6. Feeling of listlessness
7. Inability to think or concentrate
8. Allergy drainage
9. Stuffy nose
10. Ringing in ears and downright cranky!

If you have any suggestions, I would be most appreciative. A...chooooo!

Monday's Child is Fair of Face

Words of hope to start out your Monday on a positive note. Plant these seeds in your mind and let them blossom and grow all week.

Ten Seeds of Hope


1. Hope creates the future

2. Hope resides in one’s heart

3. Lose your hope and lose your dreams

4. To lose hope or give up one’s goals because of setbacks of the moment is to diminish one’s future

5. Don’t limit yourself with low expectations Break through all obstacles with the extraordinary gift of hope

6. Face the future without fear

7. For every closed door, there is an open window of opportunity through hope

8. Hold fast to hope and face the future with courage

9. Face the future without doubt or fear

10. If you have no hope, create some

Wednesday Spotlight with Tiffany Green

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My featured guest today is Tiffany Green. In honor of her regency romance, Innocence Lost, we will be sitting in the Victorian parlour.

White lace curtains ripple through the open terrace garden doors, bringing in the delicate scent of Vintage Lasting Love and Sentimental roses. Brilliant sunbeams radiate through the crystal chandelier and dance across the cherry wood floor like prima ballerinas. In the background, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Ode to Joy) plays, and when three chimes ring through the mansion, Oliver dashes off to answer the door, a red rose between his teeth.

And when they enter the parlour doing the tango, thunderous applause breaks out. Sharon is seated in a Queen Anne chaise lounge, and Tiffany slips into a pink silk fainting sofa with rolled arms.

Sharon: Well, after that rather impressive entrance, how are you, Tiffany?

Tiffany: Quite out of breath, but I am enjoying myself tremendously. Thank you for inviting me to your lovely retreat, Sharon.

Oliver struts in, dressed like a knight in shining armor, pushing a sterling silver caddy. With a sweeping bow, he sets out sliced fruit and wedges of cheese, artistically arranged on leaf-shaped dishes. With a wicked wink, he plucks a red, succulent strawberry, the biggest and the plumpest of the lot, and feeds it to Tiffany. Her eyes glaze over. Pumping his incredible biceps, Oliver serves mango margaritas and saunters off.

Sharon: Ah…well…where were we? Oh, yes. You were about to tell us a bit about Innocence Lost. But just sit back and enjoy your margarita while the video rolls. Oliver, we’re ready. Here’s what reviewers are saying:

TOP MARKS FOR INNOCENCE LOST…

A Great Review from The Long and Short Romance Reviews!

~Innocence Lost is a poignant and unforgettable story that enraptures the heart and doesn’t let go. Author Tiffany Green has given romantics something to swoon over, combining sensuality with intrigue, suspense, and an undeniable and breathtaking amount of tension.

As with all of the best romances, Nicholas and Megan meet in an utterly unconventional manner. He is searching for his lost stallion and believes she is the thief who stole it, while she is traipsing about in breeches, eager for a freeing ride in the open. The moment they kiss, a spark is ignited. While Megan is well aware of Nicholas’s identity, he is uncertain of hers. She flees his embrace, fearing the repercussions of falling into the arms of the man her brother hates. It takes unforeseen circumstances to bring them together again, yet as before, Nicholas perceives Megan to be someone and something other than who she is. With the loss of innocence comes the loss of something far greater, and when Nicholas finally learns who he has become enamored with, he may or may not be able to lay claim to the one woman who has affected him as no other has before.

To put it simply – I could not put this story down. I sat down to read and grumbled and complained each time I was pulled away. The characters come to life, drawing you in with their fears, doubts, and desires. Ms. Green has a gift for crafting something that is both entertaining and mesmerizing, with just enough tension to keep you guessing. Will Nicholas and Megan finally come to an understanding? Will their love meet fruition? Or will the forces determined to keep them apart have their way? It’s painful to watch as Nicholas is forced to leave Megan be, knowing all the while that she believes he has forgotten her. Yet, with sacrifice comes a greater reward, and your wrung-out emotions will overflow with delight when everything is placed out in the open.

Historical romance fans have to read Innocence Lost. The plot is fantastic, the love affair between Nicholas and Megan will tug at your heart, and the secondary characters are given just enough time on the page to bring the story to life. Sharp and vivid writing ensure you become lost in the work, and feel as if you’re taking the journey versus reading it.

Innocence Lost is a definite must read that I highly recommend.

~Fran




ANOTHER GREAT REVIEW:

What a wonderfully written Regency romance. Full of deceit, revenge, lust, love, broken friendships and misunderstandings. All of these elements when artistically combined make for a wonderful tale.

This title is no exception. Ms Green has done a superb job crafting a tale with a riveting plot and wonderful characters. I enjoyed every last page and am ready to read it again. Rest assured that I will be keeping my eyes open for more of Ms Green's work. If this is any indication as to what we can expect for this author in the future I have to say her future looks bright :)

~Seriously Reviewed~



ABOUT INNOCENCE LOST…


From her first glimpse of his portrait, Lady Megan is smitten. Unfortunately, the handsome face belongs to her brother’s enemy—the Duke of Claremont, Nicholas Bradshaw. Nicholas learns a little too late that the beautiful girl he met at the stream is not at all who he thinks. And now, he must keep her safe from the enemy lurking close to home. When the kidnapper does strike, it takes the assistance of Nicholas, his former foe, and a pirate captain to save Megan. But will it be enough?


A GLIMPSE INTO INNOCENCE LOST…


“My lady, come quick.”

Megan frowned at the closed door. She set aside her volume of Catullus’s poetry and rose from the chair in her sitting room. Calmly, she opened the door. If it was another man threatening suicide because she hadn’t agreed to marry him…

Julian’s furious voice rang through the house. She gasped and ran down the stairs.

Wentworth bowed and opened the drawing room door, as if he’d been expecting her.

Her heart took a crazy leap at the sight of him standing there. Nicholas. She glanced at her brother and grew worried. The two stood face to face with their fists balled and ready to strike.

As Julian moved forward, she flew between them. Her blood pounded hard in her ears. She stood so close to Nicholas, she could feel the heat of his body. She yearned to step into his arms. Had he come to see her? “What are you doing?” she demanded, looking from one wrathful face to the other.

“Leave, Claremont, now,” her brother said.

“Not until I have some answers concerning this.” Nicholas threw a crumpled newspaper down. “Damn you, Julian, you had no right.” Then his gaze shifted to her. Her heart surged up in her throat. He looked flushed with anguish. “How could you do this, Meg? Why didn’t you choose me?” His voice grew hoarse, full of pain. Then he went still. “Or did you choose me and your brother did not honor our agreement?” He jerked his head up and nailed Julian with a glare.

Confusion boiled within her. “What agreement?”

A muscle ticked in Nicholas’s cheek as he kept his eyes on her brother. “Tell her,” he demanded.

She turned to her brother and caught the unease in his eyes. “Julian?”

He heaved a sigh. “Moppet—”

“Don’t you dare call me that, Julian!” She poked a finger into his chest. “Tell me everything. Now!”

With a sigh, he nodded at Nicholas. “He was not to see or speak to you until you selected a husband. And I would not oppose your decision.”

She kept her eyes locked on her brother. “Even if I had named Nicholas?”

“Yes,” he said.

She wanted to kill Julian.

“Your brother also insisted that you were to know nothing of this agreement,” Nicholas added.

A sick knot of despair rose up from the depths of her stomach. She started to tremble. Her hands fell limply to her sides. “Are you telling me,” She turned to Nicholas, “that the only reason you’ve been ignoring me is because of a pact you made with Julian?”

His brows were drawn and his eyes filled with pain. He lifted his hand to touch her but halted and lowered his arm.

“Yes, love.”

Her eyes prickled as she turned to her brother. “I cannot believe you did this.”

“Megan, I did it for you—”

“No, Julian. You did it for you.” Oh, God, she had been so wrong about everything. Nicholas. Her brother. Everything. She trembled in earnest now.

Nicholas moved closer. He reached out as if to steady her, but didn’t touch her. “Are you all right, Megan?”

She glanced up, her vision swimming. “You were trying to find a way for us to marry?”

“Yes, my little nymph.”

A tear skidded down her cheek. “I-I can’t. I’m betrothed to another.”


Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/tiffany-green-m-600.html?zenid=811e4e1426ce885c13c3570965e8b8a7


Author Web site: www.tiffanygreen.net


Once the audience has settled down, Oliver hands Tiffany his copy of Innocence Lost. If I might have your autograph, love?

Tiffany: Of course you may have my autograph, Oliver. The mango margaritas are wonderful, by the way.


Sharon: Those are some awesome reviews. Can you describe how they make you feel?

Tiffany: Like floating on a cotton-candy cloud. I was hoping the book would receive some good reviews, I was not expecting such high praise. I’m still floating on that cloud.


Sharon: If you’re like me, there’s a moment of panic that soars straight through the heart when a review comes in. Do you experience this spike of adrenaline?

Tiffany: Yes, it’s quite a rush. Like a dream come true.


Sharon: I can feel the chemistry between the characters, how they come to life on the page. When you did the character sketch on the heroine and hero, Megan and Nicholas, did you model their personalities after anyone you know in your real life?

Tiffany: Actually, they came to me in a dream. The scene in London, when Nicholas finds Megan in his guest room, was a dream I had. When I woke, both characters were fully developed. Eye color, hair color, personalities. And the whole story just slipped into my mind.


Sharon: Fascinating, and that has actually happened to me as well. Now, is there ever a time when you are writing that you lose yourself so completely in the moment you forget where you are?


Tiffany: Oh, my yes! My husband grumbles that I’m off in England again. Don’t look so hurt, Oliver. You know I’m married.


Sharon: What type of research materials did you do for this novel?


Tiffany: I read anything I could find about the time period. Including lots of historical and regency romance. I have many reference books as well, such as Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England; Everyday Life in the 1800s; An Elegant Madness; What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew; etc.


Sharon: Tell me about your first book signing. What advice would you give authors to entice readers to purchase your book?


Tiffany: My first book signing was at a small independent bookstore. The owner is a delightful lady who loved books so much, she had to have her own shop. My advice to authors is to not just sit at the table and blend into the background. Be proactive. Stand up, greet the patrons, and smile. They will begin to ask questions and the sales will follow.

Oliver struts in, doing the tango, a silver platter poised above his head. He serves English sherry trifle. Placing a huge portion in a dainty floral china dessert dish, he feeds Tiffany her first bite. Then he gazes into her eyes, waiting for her response.


Tiffany: Mmmmm, delicious. The English sherry trifle isn’t bad, either.


Sharon: All right, Oliver. You’ve knocked yourself out. Now run along so we can finish our interview. Another margarita, Tiffany? You look a bit thirsty.


Tiffany: Yes, thank you. It’s a good thing I’m not driving.


Sharon: Just a few more questions. What’s next for Tiffany Green:


Tiffany: Well, I should soon have a release date for my second book, Innocence Avenged. It’s about the Duke of Huntington trying to escape the humiliation of being jilted only to meet the true owner of his heart; unfortunately, neither is aware of the serial killer stalking her.


Sharon: And we’ll certainly look forward to the release. As you probably know, I enjoy traditions and legends and lore. I ask all my guests to share a favorite with me. Do you have something for my book of keepsakes?

Tiffany: One of my favorite traditions is about Christmas in nineteenth century England and involves the introduction of the Christmas tree. In Britain, the Christmas tree was introduced in the early 1800s following the personal union with the Kingdom of Hanover, by Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen to King George III. In 1832 a young Queen Victoria wrote about her delight at having a Christmas tree, hung with lights (candles), ornaments, and presents placed round it. After her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert, by 1841 the custom became more widespread throughout Britain. An image of the British royal family with their Christmas tree at Windsor Castle, created a sensation when it was published in the Illustrated London News in 1848. A modified version of this image was published in the United States in 1850. By the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America.


Sharon: Claps her hands in earnest applause. I especially adore traditions I hadn’t heard before, and this is certainly one for my box of keepsakes. And my last three trivia questions. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could be the leading lady in any literary book, which would it be and why? And last but not least, who would you want playing your romantic hero?


Tiffany: If I could live anywhere in the world, I would live exactly where I am living right now. Except, of course, if Gerard Butler invited me to live in Scotland with him. Wink, wink. Seriously, though, I live in a beautiful new home with a supportive husband and feel as though I am the luckiest person alive. I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for and a wonderful family. Why would I want to be anywhere else? While writing Innocence Lost, I was the leading lady, Megan. Lately, I’ve become Silver MacLaren in Innocence Avenged. My favorite leading ladies are the ones I write. This is because I know them, they are my friends and part of my family. I think of them as living, breathing individuals and can only hope my readers feel the same way. The same goes for my romantic hero. The one I would pick would be the one I am currently writing. Writing about these characters and telling their stories has been one of the greatest joys of my life.


Sharon: Beautiful answers, Tiffany. Sadly, that brings us to the end of another Wednesday Spotlight. Thank you so much for being my featured guest. You’ve been a delight. I hope you come back again.


Tiffany: Thank you so much, Sharon, for your hospitality and your charming company. I have had such a wonderful time and would love to come back.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

From the first moment I saved the knight in shining armor at age eight, I fell in love with romance. Since then, I have conjured many stories, and now I am excited to bring the best of them to you.


My main love is the Regency historical, but don’t be surprised if you find some medieval and western romances show up.

I am a native Texan and have deep roots in the small Texas town in which I live. My husband is incredibly wonderful and supportive and I have one awesome teenage son. Going back to school for my MBA is keeping me busy, but has not stopped me from my first love—creating exciting new worlds and interesting characters to fill them.


Visit me at www.tiffanygreen.net. I’m also on Facebook. I hope you enjoy my books!

Things I like

Hywela Lyn was kind enough to bequeath me with this lovely blog award. And in keeping with the tradition, I am required to list ten of my favorite things and pass it on to ten other fellow bloggers.  Thank you, Lyn, for including me in your list of online chums! Now for my list of favorite things:

1. spending quality time with family and friends
2. writing and creating in the wonderful world of fiction
3. listening to audio books
4. pampering precious pets
5. drinking a cup of coffee to wake up
6. sun bathing on the beach
7. cooking and baking
8. making floral arrangements
9. attending my writers meetings and going out afterwards with fellow writers for a glass of fine wine
10. traveling, dining out and laughing

Here are my victims...ahemm...I mean friends to pass this lovely along to:
1. Deanna Jewel
2. Liana Laverentz
3. Cate Masters
4. Kelcy Jones
5. Linda Swift
6.  Laurie Brooks
7. Hana Haatainen Caye
8. Tiffany Green
9. Ann Yost
10. Debra St. John

Have fun, ladies!