PARANORMAL TALE WITH VICTORIA RODDER

Oliver watches through gleaming eyes as Victoria Rodder winds her way up the path to the haunted mansion, garbed in her blood-stained nightgown. Blood glistens under the glow of a hunter’s moon. A coyote howls, its piercing yip cutting through the night.

The candles flicker as Victoria takes a seat in the parlor and stares into the house across the lane. WHY?

Oliver’s laughter bubbles from deep in his throat. "Allow Vicky to explain while I muster up some refreshments."

            What can cause the hair on your arms to rise?  Is it a sense of being watched? Seeing a shadow out of the corner of your eye?  Perhaps, it’s a sound that shouldn’t be there but is.   A residual haunt is a continual playback of a past event.  The ghost will repeat an action over and over, but not interact with people.  An intelligent haunt is a ghost that can attempt to communicate or interact with us.

 

My paranormal romance, The Dream House Visions and Nightmares received the highest rating of BEST BOOK on The Long and Short of it Reviews.  It is a murder mystery wrapped in a paranormal ghost story.  Recurring dreams of a house Hope Graham's family rented when she was a child, taunt her nights with images of a woman in a bloody nightgown pleading for help.  Dream sequences of children metamorphosing into rats, blood spewing out of windows, and walking across decaying bones, foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present.  In an attempt to end the agony of her sleep deprivation, Hope travels to her hometown...only to discover that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare.

*The main character Hope Graham is sitting in a living room watching the house across the street.

The house instantly transformed.

Instead of the deserted, falling down state, it had a fresh coat of white paint and the groomed lawn held children’s toys.  Riveted I watched a red ball roll off the intact porch, bounce down the steps and continue down the sidewalk, depositing red blotches in its wake.  Tearing my eyes away from the ball, I glanced back at the house.

Before my eyes it reverted to total dilapidation, but the vision didn’t end.  The frame that had once held the downstairs bedroom window began to fill with a red liquid.  I soon realized it was blood.  The blood oozed out of the window frame onto the weathered boards and ran down to the now neglected grass.  Terror filled me and I lifted my feet off the floor.  Fear that the blood would flow into Ida’s house to drown me irrationally gripped me.

    

The Dream House Visions and Nightmares is available at http://www.asylettpress.com/ and also at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dream-House-Visions-Nightmares/dp/1934337641/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

My published work includes a paranormal romance novel, The Dream House: Visions and Nightmares Asylett Press July 2009, a mystery suspense, Bolt Action, Champagne Books April 2010, short stories A Gift Among Sisters appeared in Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul, and Why I Believe In Angels appeared in A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families.   My picture book, What if a Zebra had Triangles? will be published by Vinspire Publishing, and I just received a contract for my children’s book, The Curse of King Ramesses II from Wild Child Publishing.  I have had several articles published in REAL Canadian Kids Magazine, Guide Magazine, Pockets Magazine, Farm Life Magazine, Lifelines, One Way Street, and The Highground.

Linda Morris tells a spooky tale

From deep in the woods, a coyote howls, its wail befittingly foreboding as linda Morris scurries up the steps to the haunted mansion. oliver opens the door, . "I Put a Spell on You," from Screamin' Jay Hawkins blasts off the wall. In the parlor, Oliver serves coffee, tortilla chips and salsa while Linda tells a spooky tale.

Lara Crosby left Chicago when her career as a big-time political fundraiser went sour. Determined to put the past behind her, she envisions a peaceful new life at her cabin in northern Minnesota. Everything changes on a dark night when a mysterious stranger suffers an accident outside her cabin.

Jacob Sumner awakens in the wilderness after a car accident with no idea who he is or why he is there. Lara is beautiful and kind, but she's a world away from the gritty world where he makes his living as a private investigator . . . or is she?

Excerpt:

Tipped violently forward with the engine still running, its rear wheels spinning in mid-air, was a wrecked SUV. Its front end was crumpled and its windshield spider-webbed with cracks. The vehicle didn't belong to anyone she knew. Lara flicked on her flashlight again and surveyed the damage. It was no mystery why the SUV had crashed. Weakened by the heavy rains, the driveway had crumbled away on the lake side for a distance of at least twenty feet. Under the front bumper, an electrical pole lay in pieces. The driveway was unlit and treacherous at night. In the dark, the stranger must have swerved to avoid the washout and taken out the electrical pole instead. That explained the power outage. Wanting to help, but still leery of a possible intruder, not to mention the downed power lines, Lara moved warily around to the driver's side. She pointed the beam of her light through the windshield and caught a glimpse of a figure slumped over the steering wheel. Lara pulled the driver's side door open and blinked in the sudden brightness as the SUV's dome light came on. The driver, a man, was the only passenger in the vehicle. She got only a quick impression of thick dark hair and a lean body before she saw the blood. "Dear God," she whispered. Blood flowed copiously from the injury to his head. She reached out to touch his arm, for what purpose, she wasn't sure. Was she going to shake him awake, or check for injuries? "Get away." He lifted his head. His eyes opened, green and shockingly alert for a man who had appeared to be unconscious moments before, as he turned to capture her gaze.

Bio:

I've taken a somewhat winding road to becoming a professional writer. I've worked in the airline industry, publishing industry, and as a freelance writer/editor in the technology field. I live in central Indiana with my husband and young son. My first novel, a romantic suspense called Forget-Me-Not, is forthcoming from the Wild Rose Press.

Where my book can be purchased:

Forget-Me-Not will be released on Feb. 18, 2011, and will be available for purchase at www.amazon.com and www.thewildrosepress.com.

Susan Whitfield visits the haunted mansion

The solid oak door to the haunted mansion creaks as Oliver greets Susan Whitfield and escorts her into the parlor. “I’m Your Boogie Man” by White Zombie plays from hidden wall speakers. With a roguish wink, Oliver hands Susan a Bloody Mary. Before long, Susan’s voice rises over the music.

Blurb:  “In the backwoods of North Carolina, sinister secrets abound.”

“Hell Swamp…has Agent Hunter running full speed into a swamp full of snakes of both kinds, those that slither and those that walk upright. Although tough and well-trained, she’s thwarted and attacked in this Carolina Low Country tale of greed and misguided deeds. Fasten your seat belts for this fast-paced read.”

Excerpt from Hell Swamp:

The worship service for The Church of God with Signs Following was unlike any service I’d ever attended. It was certainly not like the Southern Baptist Church of my childhood. It began with a rowdy piano and tambourines. Then folks jumped up and started clapping and hollering. Those who had gone through the side doors on the porch were now literally hanging over the balcony ledges on either side of the principal pews. I sat still and observed the spirit moving in them. At least, I figured that was what was going on.

Once the song ended, people settled back on the pews and Preacher Hawfield stood up with gusto he’d found somewhere during the tambourine episode and quoted scripture. I was impressed, at first, that he held no Bible, no notes. Had he memorized his message? Surprisingly his eyes rolled back in his head and he started saying things I couldn’t understand, getting louder with each breath and more animated as he continued. I’d heard about some churches in Tennesse, Georgia, andWest Virginia, where people spoke in tongues, but I’d never witnessed it, and didn’t know the practice existed in this part of North Carolina.

Preacher Hawfield got downright boisterous and so did the congregation. People in the balcony were again leaning over too far. I was expecting someone to fall over and land on the first floor. It was unnerving. I looked around for a friendly face. My eyes locked on Magnolia in the back row, and she smiled and nodded at me. Had she picked up on my uneasiness?

“My people, let the Spirit move in you. Let it anoint you. Give over to it!” The preacher was creating what I’d call a disturbance anywhere else, but everyone was buying it. The building appeared to tremble from the ever-increasing racket. My Southern Baptist roots were coming undone, but my SBI curiosity was revved.

I heard a commotion and turned my attention to the front of the church just in time to see Rose Paul Hill get up and start dancing toward the preacher as the music became more erotic than religious. People were bumping and grinding in the pews with hands raised, yelling out all sorts of words I didn’t recognize. I leaned around a giant of a man to keep my eyes on Rose Hill. Why was she going to the front? And why was this old lady thrashing and twisting her body like a belly dancer?

“Sister Rose Paul Hill has come. Let’s pray that she is anointed, my brothers and sisters.”

I jerked nervously as everyone started to look up and pray, each prayer loud and different. The prayers reached fever pitch while the preacher handed Rose a vial, which she held up and poured down her throat. The service crescendoed as Rose Paul Hill let out a yell louder than anyone in the church. I was on my feet, not able to take my eyes off her. All of a sudden her loose false teeth bounced out of her mouth and across the floor, breaking into several pieces. The room became instantly and frighteningly quiet.
Rose fell to the floor; nobody tried to catch her. I worked my way to the end of the pew and ran to the front. The preacher at first seemed delighted that the Spirit moved me — until I stopped and knelt beside Rose.

“What did you drink, Rose?”

“Strychnine.”

“That’s poison!”
“I’m anointed, child. It won’t kill me.” Rose Paul’s unconvincing voice grew weak. I glanced over at her broken dentures, wondering if the dental bill would finish her off. I saw movement under the front pew and blinked several times. My eyes were clear and focused, and, more than likely, outside their sockets.

“Holy Shit!” I yelled out, snatching a raggedy old toupee off a man’s head as he let out a yelp. I threw it at the snake, hoping he’d think it was a weak animal he could overpower. It didn’t work. The humongous snake, thicker than my upper arm, came straight toward me. I could see his beady eyes under the hairpiece as he moved swiftly across the wood floor. Grabbing the Glock from under my jacket, I aimed and shot the rattlesnake twice.
“She’s got a gun!”
People screamed and stampeded for the doors. The preacher and some of the men jumped me, wrestled the gun away, and pinned me to the wood floor. Somebody lifted Rose away from the ruckus.

“What are you doing?"

"A snake…under that pew. I killed it for you.”
Preacher Hawfield shrieked into my face, “You imbecile! That snake and all the others are for this worship service!

All the others?
BIO:         

Susan Whitfield has lived in North Carolina since the day she was born. She is the author of the Logan Hunter Mystery series and a cookbook entitled Killer Recipes. Sin Creek, the fourth novel in the series, is due at year’s end. Her current project is a stand-alone, tentatively entitled The Goose Parade of Old Dickeywood. Whitfield is a Pirate, having earned three degrees from East Carolina University. She is married and has two sons.
http://www.susanwhitfieldonline.com/

Anne Patrick visits the haunted mansion

The torch-lit lanterns in the courtyard cast an eerie shadow on Anne Patrick as she scurries up the creaky steps to the haunted mansion. A werewolf howls beneath the full moon as she gongs the bell. Oliver stands there grinning, his fangs gleaming as he escorts Anne to the parlor where Sharon waits.

The Theme to the original Halloween movie plays in the background as Oliver serves bloody red Hawaiian punch  – and Candy corn and Carmel apples

Whatever Oliver put in the cocktail has Anne howling about her new release…

blurb and excerpt from scary book – from her Nov release Sabotage.

District Judge Katie McKinley takes her career very seriously.  No one knows that better than her old childhood friend and first love, Graham Bishop.  Her ruling cost him his family’s ranch.  So it’s no surprise when an attempt is made on her life that the sheriff turns his suspicions to Graham.

Katie feels horrible knowing what her ruling cost her old friend, and knows his outburst in her courtroom gave the sheriff every right to suspect him.  But the Graham Bishop she grew up with would never harm her.  Even when all the evidence points to him she refuses to believe it.  Could she be wrong? 

Excerpt:

Katie was unnerved by the fact that the sheriff had moved on with the investigation in spite of her wish to drop it. But what bothered her more was that he'd shown the notes to Graham. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed unlikely that Graham Bishop had anything to do with them. Her suspicions lay more with Scott Tillman, or someone in his family. The sheriff was correct in his assumption of their hatred for her family.

"I'm sorry for any inconvenience the sheriff may have caused you. I was under the impression when I left his office this morning the matter was going to be forgotten."

"So you don't think I sent the notes?"

"Look, Mr. Bishop, I've already apologized to you, and I can assure you the sheriff won't bother you again. Now if that's all, I'm late for a luncheon appointment." She stood, grabbed her purse, and started around her desk.

"You didn't answer my question, Katie." He stepped forward so that they stood only inches apart.

She gasped in alarm, his glare prompting her to step back behind her desk. The beating of her heart echoed in her ears. "You called me an egotistical little snob in my courtroom," she reminded him. Over a year later, his words still stuck in her like a thorn.

He gave a low chuckle, and the lines beside his eyes multiplied. "You are a snob, or at least you were in high school. That doesn't mean I wish you any harm."

Leaning against her desk, he folded his arms across his chest, his brown eyes leveled on her. "Look, I was mad. Yes. And I admit that if I'd been able to reach your bench that day without getting a bullet in my back, I may have been tempted to wring that pretty little neck of yours. But I don't hold grudges, Katie. Life's too short for that. Besides, if I did hold a grudge, it'd be for you pretending not to like me in high school when I knew good and well that you did."

Her heart skipped a beat. "We're not in high school anymore."

"I'm well aware of that, Katie."

"This conversation is over, Mr. Bishop. Either leave my chambers, or I'll be forced to call security." The voice of authority she used in the courtroom sounded weak and shaky now. She knew deep down the man who stood before her would never intentionally hurt her, but since she'd received the third note yesterday, her nerves were a tattered mess.

"First you throw me out of your courtroom, and now you're throwing me out of your chambers."

His smirk prompted her anger to deepen. She wasn't sure which bothered her more, his pompous attitude or the fact that he could still draw a reaction from her after all these years.

"Listen, Katie..." He moved toward her again.

Not understanding why he wouldn't go, she backed up, almost tripping over the leg of her chair. "Please -- please leave."

"Fine, I'll go. But be careful, Katie. You may not want to admit it, but I think we both know who's responsible for those notes." 

K M Daughters in the haunted manor

Hello and welcome to more of my  bewitching Halloween Blog. For today’s pleasure, Oliver and I are pleased to have the amazing K.M. Daughters in the haunted mansion. And who be knocking at my chamber door? Why, its none other than Pat and Kathie. Oliver, do be a gentlemanly vampire and let them in.

Sharon smiles and greets the sisters.  With a roguish wink, Oliver presents refreshments as the team tell us about CAPTURING KARMA.

Blurb from Capturing Karma

 Veterinarian Matty Connors’ visions lead her to homicide detective Brian Sullivanonce again, despite her resolve to remain anonymous the past four years.  Her official work with the police in California resulted in the brutal murder of her fiancé, and since, a recurrent nightmare she barely survives. Brian, the reputed ladies man of the Sullivan family, has yet to give his heart to a woman until Matty lays claim to it.  His black and-whiteapproach to solving crimes doesn’t jibe with Matty’s spooky pronouncements or her reputation foralleged infallibility.

A wild goose chase searching for a murder weapon casts doubt on Matty’s “truths” and threatens

their smoldering romance.  Is Brian her nightmare slayer and ultimate truth? When the puzzle pieces fall in place for Brian, will it be too late to save Matty?

Excerpt:

            “Hi,” he said, a single syllable that touched off a concussion of illogical pleasure inside her.

    
    “Hi, Brian,” she responded, tamping down the temptation to hug him hello. “How’s the new baby doing?”

         “Great, thanks.  How’s that bump on your head?”

   Matilda touched an edge of one of the butterfly strips over her eyebrow.“Turning every color of the rainbow, but it’s fine.”

He swiveled his head toward the throaty bark of the wolfhound in the corner of the room, then scanned the other occupants in the lounge: primate, feline, porcine, wolfish and human.  “Steve told me you’re a great vet.   Looks like you’re pretty swamped here.”

      “Shamus and I split the patient load,” she said.

     “And Shamus is?”

      “My brother.  He came for me at the hospital yesterday?”

  
      Brian’s eyes bored into her, a sexy smile twitched the corner of hislips.  “Good.”

 
      “And ‘good’ means?”

 
      “The big guy isn’t competition.  That’s good.”

      “Ah.  So we’re clear.  What competition would that be?”

  
      The sexy smile twitched again.  “For but a smile from sweet Matty,” he lilted in an Irish brogue.

 
     Squelching an impulse to grin, she molded her face serious and parroted a brogue, “Ah but woe to the knave who plies smiles with an untrue heart.”

     She grinned now.  “What can I do for you, Brian?  Did you get an estimate to repair your car?”

 
     “It’s about that letter you brought me. It’s related to a case.  We need your help.”

 
     Of course. “I gave you the letter.  You know as much as I do."  Her heart hammered, nothing

to do with the pulse acceleration from earlier flirtation. I can’t go further with this case.  No matter what I have to stay anonymous.

Bio:

K.M. Daughters is the award winning writing team of sisters, Pat Casiello and KathieClare. Their penname is dedicated to the memory of their parents: Kay and Mickey Lynch. “The Daughters” are wives, mothers, and grandmothers. Kathie lives in northern New Jersey and Pat lives in the Chicago suburbs.

In addition to their Sullivan Boys romantic suspense series, published by The Wild Rose Press,
K.M. Daughters writes inspirational romance published by White Rose Publishing.

Reviews for Capturing Karma:

“K.M. Daughters writes with a deft hand.  Get ready for another fabulous Sullivan story.”
NY Times Bestselling Author, Brenda Novak

 "Compelling, Page Turner…" RT Book Reviews

"The author writes with such a warm, flowing style, it's like visiting old friends. You'll want to see what happens next, and hope for only the best for these friends."

Cindy Himler, RT Book Reviews

 “Daughters created a fantastic read and I am looking forward to read other works by this author!”

Night Owl Romance Top Pick: 4.5 Stars 

“…what an outstanding installment to a spectacular series.” The Book Connection

"CAPTURING KARMA: The Sullivan Boys, Book Three is as cleverly entertaining as KISSTHE GIRLS, and as thrilling as ALONG CAME A SPIDER, with Morgan Freeman.”

 Geri Ahearn's Book Reviews

WEBSITE:

http://www.kmdaughters.com

Buy Link for Capturing Karma on Amazon:

http://tinyurl.com/2g3ulgz

Also available at thewildrosepress.com, barnesandnoble.com. Borders.com or via order

(paperback) at local book stores

For Romantic Suspense Readers:

CAPTURING KARMA, Book #3, Sullivan Boys Series -

RELEASING DECEMBER 10TH, 2010!  Book #4 – ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND LAW

For Inspirational Romance Readers:

ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC
PURCHASE LINK

HALLOWEEN BLOG

The sound of thriller vibrates off the walls of the haunted mansion as vampire Oliver appears in the flickering candlelight. Sharon grins and accepts a bloody mary.

Welcome back my friends to my Halloween blog. Today I am featuring an excerpt from HER BIGGEST FAN where a mysterious ball of fire appears on a hill at midnight.

This story was inspired by my mother. She grew up in a small coal mining town where a ball of fire rolled down a hill every night at midnight. while the mystery was never solved, the legend lived on and a story blossomed in my head. Enjoy.

When she entered the loft filled with shadows, she gasped. seeing her father‘s vintage phones in the light of day was one thing, but seeing them in dim light was rather jarring. the one on the desk was a tombstone, the receiver a glowing skull, a grin on its fleshless face.

Just as Tess was about to call Mike, she looked up at the hill. The entire mountainside was ablaze with flames, a ball of fire coming straight for the mansion.

HER BIGGEST FAN

AVAILABLE NOW

THE WILD ROSE PRESS

www.thewildrosepress.com

Welcome back Sharon!

Oliver is so happy he can hardly keep still.  

His beloved Sharon is back!  She might not be as active as she 'd like to be, but she's back with us and has been sending messages to her many friends.

Oliver's brought out the champagne and roses!

Welcome back Sharon, you've been missed so much!

(You can have your Blog back now, LOL!)                                                          (Posted by Hywela Lyn)

GET WELL SOON, SHARON

As some of you know, Sharon underwent  heart surgery on 11th August.  If you'd like to send her a get-well message, please feel free to do so by adding a comment to this post.

(If you'd prefer to send a card to sharon, please email Lyn@hywelalyn.co.uk and I'll send you her home address)

(I'm posting updates in the sidebar on the right)

WISHING YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY, SHARON, WE LOVE AND MISS YOU! 



(and that definitely includes Oliver!)

 

(Post by Hywela Lyn)

Wednesday Spotlight with Jennette Green

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! Today’s featured guest is Jennette Green, and she’s here to chat about her latest release, Her Reluctant Bodyguard, a contemporary inspirational romance. With the tropical birds serenading from the lush foliage, Oliver fusses with his prize-winning roses, whistling while he struts about the arbor. But when the tinkering of chimes float across the terrace, he dashes off in hot pursuit. Seconds later, he saunters in with Jennette, winking wildly and pumping his biceps. Helping her into one of the teakwood chairs circling the umbrella table, he plucks a Lady Diana rose from the glossy leaves and presents it with a roguish smile. "There you go then, sweet thing."


Jennette: Thank you so much, Oliver. (Blush and dimpled grin.)

Sharon: Thanks for joining me today, Jennette. I’ve been reading a bit about Her Reluctant Bodyguard and must admit to being hooked. I can’t wait to hear more about it. And here comes Oliver with his copy.

With a tray of refreshments poised above his head and a hot off the press copy of Her Reluctant Bodyguard in his other hand, Oliver presents chilled pineapple juice and a platter of almonds. Clearing his throat, he reaches into his shirt pocket and fishes out a pen. With a bow Valentino himself would envy, he places the book down and opens it. "If  I might be so bold as to request your autograph, love?"


Jennette: I would be honored.


Sharon: Thank you, Oliver. That will be all. Sharon and Jennette clink glasses in a toast. Here’s wishing you tons of sales. Why don’t you read the blurb and excerpt for us?


Jennette:

Blurb

Alexa's dream job becomes a threat to her life...

When English pop star Colin Radcliff asks Alexa to write his biography and tour with him in Europe, she's thrilled. It all seems like a fairy tale come true—until she begins to receive death threats.


To her dismay, Colin puts her under the 24/7 protection of his Italian chief bodyguard, Jamison Constanzo—a man with whom she’s clashed from day one. If only she could spend more time with her perfect man, Colin, rather than spending all of her days with this black-hearted thorn in her side!

Alexa struggles to control her flip attitude toward Jamison. Why does opening up her heart to him feel almost as dangerous as dealing with the stalker’s threats?

But when the killer strikes, Jamison is the only one she can turn to…


Excerpt

Alexa crossed to poke her head into Jamison’s room. He’d just unzipped a giant suitcase—black, of course—and draped a clump of black, button down shirts on the bed. Some looked to be made of cotton, others of a silkier material.

“Are you color blind?” she wanted to know.

He glanced up. “You’re here to help me unpack?”

“Of course not!” Alexa felt embarrassed, but didn’t retreat. “We need to hash out

rules so we can live in peace.”

He pulled out a pile of black pants. Some jeans, some slacks.


“Would you stop that?” she demanded. “I’m trying to have a serious conversation.”

“I can’t unpack at the same time?”

Alexa gritted her teeth. “I have no desire to see any of your black…unmentionables.”


An actual smile curled his lips, and he stopped pulling items from his suitcase.

“Then wait in the sitting area. I’ll be five minutes.”

Alexa narrowed her eyes. She didn’t want to stay here, but she didn’t want to retreat, either. And she wanted to assert her rules first—before the bodyguard had a chance to make a power grab. “I’ll make it snappy,” she said, averting her eyes as he pulled smaller black items from the suitcase and tucked them in the dresser. “I have one rule. You leave me alone, and I’ll leave you alone.”

“Fine.” Jamison pulled a thick book from the bottomless suitcase and placed it on the bedside table. What was that? War and Peace? Certainly appropriate for their living situation.

“Well then,” Alexa said, pleased. “I’ll leave you to sort your outfits by color. I’m never sure—does black silk go with black cotton?” With this saucy comment, which likely sailed right over his unfashionable head, she turned to leave.

“I have a rule.”

Alexa turned back. She should have known her triumph had been too easy.

“You don’t leave this apartment without me.”

Alexa fell silent for one long beat, absorbing the full, horrifying implications of his statement. “Excuse me? I’m supposed to be chained to you night and day?”

“That’s what twenty-four/seven means.” He flipped the suitcase shut. The rasp of the zipper sounded like machine gun fire in the suddenly silent room. “If you want to run the stairs, I go with you. If you want to shop, I go with you. If you want to sight-see, I go with you. Think of me as your shadow.”

“Hence the black,” she said sarcastically. But further words evaded her. A sick feeling dropped into the pit of her stomach. She and Jamison, joined at the hip for almost five weeks? They couldn’t breathe the same air without fighting! Her fairy tale had officially transformed into a nightmare. She muttered, “We’re going to kill each other.”

“I promise I won’t kill you, princess. It’s not in my job description.” How could he look so amused?


Thunderous applause explodes from the audience. Oliver whistles as he refills the glasses. Bravo!

Sharon: Wow, Jennette. I’d say sparks are gonna fly in this one. Tell us about the chemistry between Alexa and Her Reluctant Bodyguard? Obviously, they’re a match made in heaven. Do dish.

Jennette: Alexa and Jamison sparked from the first minute they met backstage at the Today Show set. He told her to vamoose, and she wouldn’t listen. I had a great time writing these two characters and their snarky conversations. They each have issues, which cause them to be wary of each other, but it was fun to write the humor in the story. Overall, it’s a fun, lighthearted story, interwoven with a few more serious elements. Such as Alexa being stalked.

Sharon: I love the premise of this novel, anything to do with stalkers draw me right in. Why is a stalker after the heroine of the story?

Jennette: Well, that’s one of the big questions. Colin, the English pop star, receives threats, too, from an apparently jealous fan who wants Alexa out of the picture. But is it a jealous fan who is behind the threatening notes? Only one thing is certain--Alexa is the only one who is attacked. When Alexa and Jamison finally discover the motive behind the attacks, they find the killer--but then is it too late?

Sharon: Tell us about the setting and why you chose it for this particular book?


Jennette: The first setting is in New York, and it, along with the whole conflict between Jamison and Alexa, just came to me one day, and like many of my stories, I had to write it down immediately. A few years ago, my husband and I went to New York and visited the Today Show (although only outside, and brrr, was it cold in December). I guess that planted the seed in my imagination. Like Alexa, we stayed at the Michelangelo hotel, and ate dinner at the wonderful Serafina. The tour in Europe grew naturally out of Alexa meeting her favorite English pop star. That was fun to write, too.

Sharon: Why do you suppose that opposites attract?

Jennette: Honestly, I think we see something in the other person that we lack in ourselves. Perhaps it’s a character or personality quality that we wish we possessed--such as being outgoing or bubbly, very confident, clever, etc... We admire those qualities, and we can grow in those same qualities if we put our minds to it. On the other hand, sometimes too much of those opposite qualities can become annoying--which can cause problems.


Sharon: Now let’s talk a bit about you. Tell us what you’ve been up to lately.

Jennette: I’m doing a lot--I always seem to bite off more than I can chew! (Laughs) I’m working on re-editing The Commander’s Desire, because it will be republished in late October with Diamond Press. I’m also polishing up a futuristic romance, which is pretty much nonstop action, drama and romance. I also have a side business where I do website design and technical services for publishers.

Sharon: And how thrilling that a Thailand publisher has expressed interest in another one of your books, The Commander’s Desire. Tell us about this.

Jennette: The agency contacted Rhonda at The Wild Rose Press and she very graciously forwarded the information on to me. Let me just say that I can’t say enough good things about Rhonda, RJ and TWRP. I have truly enjoyed working with them for the past three years, and I will always be thankful for TWRP taking a chance with and publishing The Commander’s Desire. The book will be translated into Thai and published in Thailand in 2011. I’m very excited that they sought out my book and want to publish it. It is very thrilling, and humbling, too. I’m very grateful for everything that has happened..


Sharon: I must share with the readers something we’ve recently discovered about one another. According to some old family records, we both have royal blood coursing through our veins tracing back to Austria. Isn’t that right, Lady Jennette?

Jennette: Yes, it is, Lady Sharon. My great-grandmother held a title in Vienna, Austria, but she married a commoner for love, moved to America, and left it all behind. They settled in Franklin, Pennsylvania. I actually tied my connection to Austria into Her Reluctant Bodyguard. Alexa is half Austrian, and I chose her blue-green eye color to match my grandmother’s, who is half Austrian, also.

Oliver bows and mutters something about this calls for a raise…

Sharon: Well, before Oliver brings out the delicious apple pie he’s just pulled out of the oven, can you share with me a legend or a quote or something you hold near and dear to your heart? I’m a dream weaver and collect legends from my guests. I hope you can grace my collection.


Jennette: I really like the following quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“To laugh often and love much... to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one’s self... this is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Sharon: Thank you, that’s lovely, and one I’ll certainly add to my collection. Now, can you tell us where readers can learn about you and purchase your books.


Jennette: My books are at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. You can also visit my website, www.jennettegreen.com, for information on new and upcoming releases. I also have several free reads over there.


Sharon: Thank you for being my featured guest today, Jennette. Best of luck with Her Reluctant Bodyguard. I know I must have a copy.

Jennette: Thank you so much for having me, Sharon, and I’d like to congratulate you, also, on all of the wonderful reviews you’ve received for Mask of the Betrayer. I wish you many sales. :)


Sharon: (Blush) Thank you, Jennette! And while we dig into this delicious apple pie Oliver has so graciously served, we’ll read Jennette Green’s impressive bio.

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I wrote my first story over thirty years ago. Since then, I've written numerous stories and have had several articles published.My first love, however, is writing romance novels. I write both inspirational andl edge).

In October 2008, my first historical romance, The Commander’s Desire, was published by The Wild Rose Press. It has received numerous accolades, including a "Top Pick" rating from "Romance Reader at Heart" and numerous five star reviews. In addition, the hero of the novel was designated "Reader's Favorite Hero" for 2009 at a popular blog. Also, a Thai publisher has indicated interest in translating the book and publishing it in Thailand!

I am blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband, and three terrific children who put up with my crazy writing hours. When I am not writing, I love reading, photography, making videos, and creating and managing my websites.

Exciting news about The Wild Rose Press

As part of the Crimson line of The Wild Rose Press, the following email from Rhonda Penders is quite thrilling. Her Biggest Fan isn't coming out until September, so the chances that my book will appear in the movie is slim. But this is great advertising for The Wild Rose Press and I'm proud to be one of the Crimson authors. Here's the buzz straight from the lips of Rhonda Penders!

Every once in a while something comes along that is just plain cool. This is one of those times. Until this week I have been unable to share this information with all of you but now we have been able to secure the rights to tell our staff and authors and spread the word. Here goes - bear with the long email - it's worth it I promise.

Last Christmas, we were approached by a representative for a Hollywood movie who was in need of a "few" romance novels as set props. At first, I have to be honest, I thought it was a bunch of bunk but as I entered into a conversation with this gal I found out she was legitimate and when I found out exactly who was in the movie they needed the books for…well I was giddy with excitement. Up until now we were under a confidentiality clause until the movie "wrapped".

Well, the movie is done and set to release on October 15 so now I can share the rest of the story with all of you. Below my note are two links to two trailers for a movie called "RED". The movie stars Bruce Willis (yes I said Bruce Willis!), and Mary Louise Parker as the hero and heroine of this action packed flick. Mary Louise Parker (here's where TWRP comes in) is addicted to reading romance novels especially romantic
suspense (Crimson rose anyone?). Bruce is trying to "woo" her by reading what she likes to read so they can discuss the books. The movie set needed books to fill Mary Louise apartment and some to put in Bruce's apartment as well. TheWild Rose Press shipped 150 books to Buffalo where a truck picked them up and
trucked them to the movie set in Toronto. Filming took place this winter in Toronto and in New Orleans. Others in the movie include Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Ernest Borgnine. (Isn't this cool?).

We have no idea how m any of our books actually appear on screen - if any. For all we know they may simply fill bookcases in the background - but there is a chance for some closeups and even if there aren't - the very fact that our books are connected with this film is fun. The production company offered us the trailer for our web site - this way whenever someone searches for the trailer on Google or whatever they might stumble on us as well. I will put a note up on the web site explaining why we have the trailer on our site.

The next question everyone is going to ask me is what books were shipped? I can't answer that. We sent over 150 books out - they wanted catchy covers and romantic suspense so I can tell you that almost all our Crimson Rose print books went there as well as any that I had in the warehouse here in NY. Our goal was
to not spend money to send these books - so I used all stock we had on hand as much as I could. We were not paid for the books, however, they did cover all shipping charges and have indicated we could have the books back if we want them back when the movie is finished. I also, on a side note, shipped some pink coffee mugs - who knows maybe these will be there somewhere too.

So to end this long email - the trailer on our site is linked below as well as the other trailer that they have floating out there. If you can't get them to open simply google "RED Bruce Willis" and you can find the trailers out there or check out the NEWS section of our website for the actual link. It gives you a great idea of how cool this movie is going to be. Our fingers are crossed that our books will pop up on the screen but if not, well, we know they were there.

The movie opens October 15 and I plan to be there the first night so I can see
what we're looking for.


http://thewildrosepress.com/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=\ 2658&Itemid=185

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkrRQ626oho


Rhonda Penders

Editor-in-Chief

www.thewildrosepress.com

Wednesday Spotlight with Dale Thompson

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My featured guest today is Dale Thompson who creates stories of humor and suspense under the pen name Pat Dale. This amazing author has a dozen published novels, a pair of novellas, and tons of short stories. Dale is here to chat about one of his latest releases


A Girl’s Best Friend. A warm welcome for Dale Thompson!

Thunderous applause explodes as Dale struts into the parlor. Warm sunshine pours through the large bay window overlooking the cascading waterfall. Smiling, Dale takes a seat on the wing back chair opposite Sharon.


Sharon: Thanks for joining me today, Dale. I know how busy you are and appreciate you taking the time to chat with us. I hope I didn’t interrupt your creative muse. Speaking of which, does the writing spirit come in spurts…or is it always a work in progress?


Dale: Funny you should ask. My work seems to go in spurts, but that isn’t really true. When I’m working on a simple romantic comedy, the story flows onto the screen as fast as I can type. In my longer, more intricate works, it’s anything but smooth. But even while I’m doing mundane chores, my mind is busy filling in details of what I’m going to write.


Behind the bar, Oliver is busy filling two highball glasses with ice. With great ceremony, he pours precisely 2 ounces of Kahlua and 2 ounces of cream into each glass. Whistling, he plops in the stirrers and stirs five times. Adding the club soda, he stirs once and places the cocktails on a serving tray. Next, he shakes a generous portion of Fiddle Faddle in a bowl.


Yes, here we go then. Your Smith 'n' Kerns and some caramel popcorn.

Sharon: Thank you, Oliver. Raises her glass in a toast. Cheers. Dale, I hope it is to your liking?


Dale: It’s perfect.

Sharon: Now, that we have our drinks and snacks, let’s talk about A Girl’s Best Friend. Tell us a little background. The setting? The main characters? The genre? The general storyline?


Dale: This started as a typical spy story, but shortly after I started writing it, 9/11 happened and our world was upside down. After waiting a few years I went back to it, realizing it had to be different. Hence, we have a spy running for his life with his own people trying to do him in. Laura’s part in the drama grew as I wrote. That’s when I realized it was perfect for romantic suspense and crafted the crazy weave of a star-struck girl with a mature covert agent.


Sharon: How about reading us a blurb and excerpt?


Dale:


Glamour gal and slippery spy ratchet between ecstasy and despair as they unravel separate webs of deception in their lives.

Laura Margolin has been promoted to liaison between her Miami TV jewelry company and their new owner, Vermeer Inc., in Amsterdam, but it seems Heinrik Vermeer had ulterior motives when he promoted her.

Hayward Lazarus narrowly misses an assassin’s bullet on his way to his European covert mission. Then a colleague is garroted before they can meet and Laz is on the run. Add to that, his car blows up in the Miami airport lot, a bomb meant to take him with the car, and he’s in a world of hurt.

What better place to hide out than in a beautiful TV celebrity’s condo? Read A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND to see how that decision turns their lives upside down; how her career is blown, he dies heroically—and they live happily ever after.


Excerpt


He leaned closer, intent on kissing her lips, until she pulled back. “Mr. Lazarus! Ward? What are you doing?”

It was instantly clear he’d overplayed his hand. He could ill afford a scene on the chance he’d been followed onto the plane, but he didn’t want to destroy the fledgling relationship he’d worked so hard to develop. Laura Margolin was a woman he couldn’t walk away from as he might have with someone less intriguing.

“I’m terribly sorry, Laura. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He paused to read the dark look of suspicion on her face. “I’d say this is your first foray into Europe.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, there you have it. I’m afraid I mistook you for one of the modern cosmopolitan ladies so prevalent on the continent. If you’ll forgive me for saying so, I’ve never met an American lady who plays that part so well.”

“What has cosmopolitan to do with casually flirting with a total stranger?”

“Please forgive me, I beg of you. You see, in Europe when a gentleman meets a lady and they seem to bond, as you must admit we have, it is customary for the man to pursue intimacy. Not to do so is considered gauche but I didn’t realize you would be unfamiliar with the practice. You must confess that at least a part of you is in favor of the possibility.”

She wanted to deny his claim, though her heart still beat at twice the normal rate. Because, to some extent, she wished she’d gone along with the game. It had been a long time but she could hardly have found a better candidate to rescue her from her long-endured self-inflicted celibacy. But this would not be the time to confess that to anyone. Especially to this man.

“I’m sorry if I over-reacted, Ward. You see, I’m actually an old-fashioned girl from the Midwest. Not that I’m a prude. I have nothing against sex. It’s just that in my world, the sex comes after a man and a woman get to know each other.” She hesitated, blushing. “Very well, know each other...”

Another pause. “Intimately, if you know what I mean.”

“Intimately, yes. I see.” His eyes betrayed the fact he was laughing at her.


The audience stands and claps enthusiasticly.

Sharon: My goodness, that’s quite a teaser to your writing ability. How did the theme for A Girl’s Best Friend come about?


Dale: Having a young woman all wrapped up in the world of precious jewels and a spy who uses different names at the drop of a cap, There’s a capper at the end of the story that brings the title full circle.


Sharon: Tell us about the research for this book. There’s an awfully lot stirred into the mix. We have a glamour girl and a spy, deception and mayhem, and a whole lot of chemistry and trouble. Add to that, we have a lot of ulterior motives. Tell us about the research.


Dale: In the beginning, I had maps and charts, photos and diagrams. Making Amsterdam come alive was my biggest challenge. It’s an amazing city, beautiful but with a dark undercurrent.


Sharon: Have you been to Amsterdam?


Dale: (grinning) Not in person. One of my daughters had gone there, on her way to a similar liaison assignment for a huge Swiss corporation. Like Laura, my girl is  beauty star gorgeous and had her share of fending off amorous cosmopolitans. (laughs) I took her description of her trips to Europe to synthesis Laura’s adventure.


Sharon: What is a typical writing day like for you?


Dale: I get my wife off to work (she’s a tax accountant. A darn good one, I might add.) Then I go in and start up my computer, thinking about what I want to get done. I usually write for one to three hours in a block. Sometimes it’s in one project, but sometimes it’s touch up work on several.


Sharon: For my female guests, I ask their favorite music so that Oliver can steal a dance. But knowing that you are a long-time professional musician, you have a lot to say on the subject of background music while you write, don’t you? Fill us in, Dale.


Dale: This question hits a nerve with me. As a professional musician, I enjoy writing while playing classical music in the background. Real classical music, such as Bruckner, Mahler, Prokofief, Debussy. I also like jazz, real jazz, not rock or other recreational music. While working on my new mystery novel recently, I listened to Peter Nero and Teddy Wilson among others. My main characters were both pianists, she a concert pianist who loved Debussy, he a jazz performer whose style resembled the above musicians. I think authors limit their emotional range by surrounding themselves with pop songs and groups; most of whom, contrary to convention, couldn’t perform real music if their lives depended on it. ‘Trust me, I’m a doctor.’ LOL

Sharon: Well, folks, that gives me a pretty good idea of how important detail and setting is in Dale’s writing and life. I agree. Music really adds to the mood and atmosphere of the story and can create a certain aura of suspense. The right song and the right instrument is so vital in putting the author and reader in the scene, drawing one in. Well said, Dale. Can you tell us a bit about your current work in progress? The WIP you are working on?

Dale: At the moment, I’m working on the second book in my new mystery series. These books will each have different crimes while the principal characters repeat. It’s a bit tricky since my female protagonist ends the first book in a deep coma.

Sharon: You know I am a real stickler for legends and incorporate them into many of my stories. I enjoy collecting one from each of my guests. Do you have a favorite legend that you can share with me?

Dale: Not offhand. I loved all the classic legends when I was a child, though, and they affect my writing, I’m sure.


Sharon: And here comes Oliver with dessert, a lemon meringue pie. While we dig in with gusto, can you tell us where readers can buy A Girl’s Best Friend and your other books and where they can get in touch with you?


Dale: Glad to. http://www.whimsicalpublications.com


Sharon: Thank you so very much for being my featured guest today, Dale. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. The best of luck to you in all future writings.



Dale: It’s been my pleasure, Sharon. Good luck with your work.


Bio


After long careers in music and business, Pat Dale settled back with his pen and began a writing career. Fourteen years later, he has a dozen novels, a pair of novellas, and dozens of short stories to show for his efforts. He delights in creating scenes that cause his readers to laugh. There’s a darker side, though, where he enjoys crafting some really spooky tales that put those readers on the edge of their seats.

Dale lives in mid-Missouri with his wife, three cats, and two dogs, where he can relax in the scenic beauty of the heart of America.

LASR book of the week

I am pleased and honored to announce Mask of the Betrayer has won book of the week at LASR! Thank you to all who have voted, to Whimsical Publications, and to Snapdragon who graced my first suspense book with a 5 book rating. I am deeply touched and honored. Here is the review:

Mask of the Betrayer

by Sharon Ann Donovan

Publisher: Whimsical Publications

Genre: Suspense

Length: Full (236 pages)

Heat: Sensual

Rating: 5 Books

Reviewed by Snapdragon



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.

I have to confess: in the course of reviewing several of her works, I’ve become a

Sharon Ann Donovan fan. In ‘Mask of the Betrayer’ she’s brought us another heart-stopping
blend of suspense, anxiety, love and hope. The magic in her stories is that the affairs
of the heart never take a backseat to the thrills: Even while you are reading, white-knuckled,

hoping just for survival – feeling the approaching presence of the evil hunter, perhaps

imagining him outside your own window – you are still madly hoping the two will somehow

recognize their feelings for one another. We so want them to be happy!

Descriptions are powerful – and the frightening ones, no less so.

Intriguingly, or perhaps just creepy, is the close-up understanding we gradually

gain into the serial killer himself, ‘The Hunter.’ His dark mind is something of

a psychological study, and the scenes that allow us to gain understanding just add

to our fear level!


For all of the character depth, plot twists and intriguing lifestyles, this story

remains fast-paced throughout. You will simply not want to stop turning the pages:

There’s more to it than just suspense, just mystery, or just romance; but all those

layers of meaning and suggestions are so cleverly imparted that the story never slows
You can read the full review here:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/07/mask-of-betrayer-by-sharon-ann-donovan.html

Mask of the Betrayer honored this weekend

I am pleased to announce the following honor for my suspense book Mask of the Betrayer. I would so appreciate your vote if you get a moment to swing over to LASR. . Special thank you to Snapdragon for her fabulous 5 book review!

We offer a weekend poll at The Long and the Short of  It romance reviews-- we want to know which book or story sounds like the best read based on our reviews. The winning author gets a nifty button andthe privilege of having their book or story featured at the top ofthat page the entire next week!Your story "Mask of the Betrayer"

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/07/mask-of-betrayer-by-sharon-ann-donovan.html

was reviewed by us this week and is up for Book of the Week honor this weekend (voting runs from Saturday, July 31 through Sunday August 1).

We thought you might like to know. You can find the information here
on Saturday:


http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

Thanks and good luck!