Nancy Lee Badger's COVER REVEAL~

 

HERE IT IS!

This is my first foray into the Regency Historical genre, but I have set most of the story in Scotland, so NOT so different from my Clan of Dragons shifter series or my Highland Games time travel series.

This will be my 29th book release and, unlike my last three books in my Warriors in Bronze series, this one is self-published. When the book is up for pre-order, I will announce it with my newsletter.  I will also have a treat for my newsletter followers.

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Nancy Lee Badger

p.s. I made the cover using models from The Killian Group Images

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Joanne Guidoccio

Joanne Guidoccio is back! I am happy to have her talk about her new book as well as '10 Anxiety Antidotes'. Take it away, Joanne!

It’s easy to become overwhelmed and/or blocked as we ruminate about past events or worry about the future. To improve the quality of our lives, we need to find and implement appropriate anxiety antidotes.

Here are ten anxiety antidotes that work for me:

1. Breathe. Whenever you are anxious, deeply and calmly breathe in and out. As you draw your next breath, focus on the rise of your abdomen on the in-breath and feel the sensation of the air as it fills your lungs and leaves through your nostrils.

 

2. Journal. Set aside ten minutes each day to write about your feelings, relationships, triggers, and goals. Write quickly and do not linger over each page. As time progresses, you will notice changes in your writing style and content. Solutions may emerge and help improve your present situation.

 

3. Take regular breaks away from social media and your devices. Use those pockets of time to meditate, stretch, soak in a bubble bath, complete a crossword puzzle, flip through a travel brochure, or read the first chapter in a book that has been sitting on your nightstand.

 

4. Take a brisk walk in the evening with a friend or spouse. The exercise will increase blood flow to your heart and brain. You will also have an opportunity to talk about your day and share your frustrations.

 

5. Surround yourself with inspiration. Follow the advice that Blake Mycoskie gave in his book, Start Something That Matters (2012). In the early days of the TOMS start-up, the young entrepreneur experienced many scary moments. His line of credit was often fully drawn, and his credit cards were maxed out. Lacking a board of directors who could advise and motivate him, Mycoskie surrounded himself with inspirational quotations and read the biographies of successful people.

 

6. Display your trophies. It is easy to overlook your accomplishments when you allow them to be overshadowed by negative thoughts. Instead, surround yourself with evidence of past successes by keeping awards, publishers’ checks, and congratulatory notes on display in your home. If space is at a premium, take pictures of the memorabilia and organize them in a scrapbook.

 

7. Listen to music. According to studies cited in Trends in Cognitive Science, you can improve your mood, relieve anxiety and depression, and activate the parts of the brain involved in movement, memory, planning, and attention.

 

8. Take up a sport or hobby that forces you to pay attention. When you play tennis, you must be aware of everything that is happening. You do not have time to worry about the shot you missed because another one is coming right back at you. Similarly, you must concentrate when you play bridge or poker. If your attention strays, you risk losing the game.

 

9. Play an instrument. Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital claim that regular instrument playing boosts the brain’s executive function, which includes problem-solving skills and the ability to focus.

 

10. Clean out your purse or wallet at the end of each day. You may be surrounded by chaos and uncertainty, but this small task can help you psychologically declutter and feel more in control of your day.

 

Do you have an anxiety antidote to share?

Book Blurb

Angelica Delfino takes a special interest in the lives of her three nieces, whom she affectionately calls the daughters of her heart. Sensing that each woman is harboring a troubling, possibly even toxic secret, Angelica decides to share her secrets—secrets she had planned to take to the grave. Spellbound, the nieces listen as Angelica travels back six decades to reveal an incredulous tale of forbidden love, tragic loss, and reinvention. It is the classic immigrant story upended: an Italian widow’s transformative journey amid the most unlikely of circumstances.

 

Inspired by Angelica’s example, the younger women share their “First World” problems and, in the process, set themselves free.

But one heartbreaking secret remains untold...

 

Excerpt from NO MORE SECRETS

 

March 1959

On the morning of March 29, I woke up earlier than usual and made my way to the deck. Scheduled to dock at Halifax at some point in the morning, I was determined to experience every moment of this auspicious beginning. For the longest time, there was nothing to see, and I could feel the growing restlessness of the small crowd that had gathered. Around nine o’clock, I heard a distant hoot and murmurs of a pilot boat approaching. The sounds became louder, and within minutes, a boat appeared: Canada’s first greeting.

The boat came alongside, and the captain—in civilian clothes—climbed aboard our vessel. Slowly, the fog began to clear, and the sun peeked through the clouds. But there was still no land in sight.

A black stripe that resembled a thundercloud materialized over the fog. I shivered, not quite ready to experience the grayness of Halifax, a warning I had heard many times from immigrants who had previously undertaken this journey.

A cheer broke through the growing crowd, and someone yelled, “Land ahoy.” The last patch of cloud disappeared, and our new homeland spread out before our eyes. I delighted in this vision of a pristine Halifax, white houses blending in beautifully with the accumulations of white snow. I breathed in a new fragrance, one of a distant forest. As we got closer, I saw men cutting logs. It was a Canadian postcard come to life; years later, I would refer to this tableau as my one and only Norman Rockwell experience.

It is difficult for native-born Canadians to understand the depths of emotion felt by immigrants as they arrived in this country. As soon as I saw that first patch of land, I knew nothing would ever be the same again. I would cherish the memories of my life in Italy—and I would be grateful for the many life lessons I had learned the past year—but I wouldn’t dwell upon them. I was ready for my Canadian adventure.

Book Trailer for NO MORE SECRETS

 

 

Buy Links

 

Amazon (US)    Amazon (Canada)

Amazon (UK)     Amazon (Australia)

 

Author Bio

 

A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Joanne Guidoccio writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romances, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.  Connect with her here:

 

WEBSITE     TWITTER     FACEBOOK

PINTEREST    GOODREADS    LINKEDIN

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Now in Print!

My 28th book, Heaven-sent Highlander, was released during the pandemic, and the ebook has  entertained those who have chosen to stay at home...and read.

Downloaded ebooks are great, but many people prefer actual books. You know...the paper-filled pages between brightly decorated covers. Well, today I would love to announce the print release by Soul Mate Publishing of

HEAVEN-SENT FLAME

Here's an excerpt to get your attention:

A white Samoyed ran into the barn and jumped up, slamming his paws on Sam’s chest. He kissed and licked Sam’s chin. Sam rubbed his hands through the dog’s thick white fur, and then introduced him to Marigold. 

“This is Ivor. He belongs to Kenzie’s grandmother, the woman I told you about. The one who used her powers to enhance my fighting staff.”

“The one who is Fae? Like Gwen and Alex?”

“Gwen, yes. No one is like Alex,” he grumbled. He shouldn’t still feel animosity toward the Heaven-sent Highlander. The man had vanquished a demon, fallen in love with his cousin, and would soon be the father of her child. Alex had rubbed him the wrong way from the first moment they’d met. Sam had worried he’d take advantage of his troubled cousin but love prevailed.

Love? Ha! That’s a Faerie tale.

Ivor seemed to notice Marigold standing motionless nearby. He jumped down from Sam and barked at her. She smiled and held out her hand for the dog to smell. She acted unafraid. Did she sense Ivor’s otherworldly status? More importantly, would the Hellhound realize Marigold was a Heaven-sent warrior? One of the good guys? Or, would he attack her?

Buy Link

AMAZON

...and don't forget the 1st two in the series.

Hurricane Sally is a GOOD REASON to Stay Home

 

The heavy rain might pass us by and the winds and tornado watches can stay away, but another hurricane is simply a reason to stay warm and dry inside. A good book might help pass the time.

I am reading several, depending if I have the chance to listen to an audio book in the car, or a Kindle book on my phone, but today I started to read

TAF STAYS HOME

 a collection of works by 29 members of the Triangle Association of Freelancers. Even though I belong to this group based in Raleigh, North Carolina, i was too busy with my publisher's obligations to participate. However, I am reading the print version and enjoying the stories, all of which include these authors' state of mind during the beginning of the pandemic in America.

For another choice, check out all my books

(available in ebook or print) 

HERE 

such as my 

WARRIORS IN BRONZE

3 Book Series starting with...

NEVER FORGET...

 

For those of us who remember exactly where we were on September 11, 2001, and to those who came after, please never forget the pain and suffering our country experienced that day.

There is too much hatred in the world. Please stop, and remember the fallen which included the New York Port Authority police and hundreds of firefighters.

August Leaves us Devastated

Hurricane Marco and Hurricane Laura visited our Gulf of Mexico states and the destruction is horrific. We, here in Raleigh, North Carolina are wondering... are we next?

Wherever you live, stay safe!

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Marie Lavender

 

Marie Lavender stopped by to share her new book with all my readers. Please say ‘Hi’ and do not forget to leave a comment. Take it away, Marie!

Thanks Nancy; With more attention than she ever imagined, how can she tell if this is real or a fantasy? If you’re looking for a unique read, please check out Chasing Ginger, book one of The Misfits Series! I describe it as all of these book genres: Steamy Romantic Comedy, Adult Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, BBW/Curvy/Rubenesque Romance, Billionaire Romance, has 441 pages, covers the themes of Body Positivity, Kindness Matters, and was released March 10, 2020.

Book Blurb:

Chased by a group of angry men. Saved by quite a hunk.

This is not the résumé Ginger Halloway ever imagined having. But thanks to a miracle pill, which makes her size 22 body instantly sexy, that’s what happened. Yet, now Lance Franklin is showing interest in her, and she can’t figure out if he really likes her for her, or if it’s just because of a bizarre drug. And her wild bunch of friends, The Misfits…well, they’re always getting her into some interesting situations.

So, yep, business as usual. Except for the guy. What the hell should she do about him?

As for Lance, he believes he’s lucky to have found Ginger. But can he convince her they should go for it? With some new attention from the hottest guy she’s ever met, Ginger can’t help but wonder…is this all too good to be true?

(CONTENT WARNING: Watch for foul language, steamy scenes, and a pesky yet messy ability to choke on your dinner while laughing. If you’ve come expecting just a lighthearted, slapstick romance, you may not get that here. The author approaches sensitive topics in the best way she knows how. Just be prepared for all the feels to be deeper than usual for this genre – an emotional romantic comedy. No unruly cliffhangers, HEA guaranteed.)

CHECK OUT THE BOOK TRAILER HERE

EXCERPT

This didn’t feel quite like the usual handshake, however. When his warm palm brushed her skin, she wanted to get so much closer. Down, girl!

“I hope your appointment goes well.”

“Like I said, it’s routine. Nothing to worry about.”

“All right. Have a nice night.”

“You too.” She reached over and went for the door.

“Please. Allow me.” He exited the car, then opened her door instead of waiting on his driver to perform the duty. Which was so polite, considering how wealthy the man must be. When he offered his hand again, she accepted, tried hard not to lean into him.

But as she drew herself from the vehicle, her stupid green heels picked that moment to bend her ankles nearly in half. Gasping, she stumbled, and her fingertips met a firm obstacle. It took a second to register Lance had grasped her around the waist to steady her. Those blue eyes blinked in surprise.

Mortified, she stammered, “Ah, forgive me. I’m clumsy.” Which wasn’t often the case. Despite her size, she was adept in walking or dancing in high heels. Another reason this situation was so awkward.

He grinned. “No harm done.”

Why did he have to smell so good? His unique cologne was like heaven in her nose. Her insides unfurled, stirring in a way she’d never felt before. She clenched her nails on his silken dress shirt, as he’d discarded his blazer in the car. Exposed now, his shoulders appeared broader. Irresistible. She wished fate would stop sending signs this man was the type she should be attracted to; she knew better than to fall for such a fairytale.

BUY LINK

Universal reader link HERE

 

Goodreads bookpage     Goodreads seriespage     BookBub page 

AUTHOR BIO

Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for a little over twenty-five years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. An avid blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, as well as occasional stories for children, and has recently started some young adult fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though Marie has standalone titles on the market, her current published series are The Eternal Hearts Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series, The Misfits Series and The Blood at First Sight Series, but she has many others planned. Her Victorian maritime romance series is returning, and the second editions of the trilogy will be released soon under her new publisher, Foundations Books. CONNECT WITH Marie here:

 

WEBSITE    BLOG    I Love Romance BLOG

 Marie Lavendar BOOKS   FACEBOOK

 TWITTER    LINKEDIN    INSTAGRAM

 AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

   GOODREADS    BOOKBUB

 

Sign up for Marie’s Newsletter HERE

Send Fan mail email here:

writeme.marielavender@gmail.com