Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Kat Caulberg

Fellow Soul Mate Publishing author Kat Caulberg stopped by to talk about her new book which just happens to be set in my state, North Carolina! Take it away, Kat!

Hi, Nancy! I'm so excited. Thanks for hosting me. My book, Three Star Island, is a time travel romance novel set on the coast of Colonial North Carolina in 1721. It debuted on April 10, 2019, from Soul Mate Publishing. It’s a tale of love and redemption with a strong heroine, a hero worth adoring, and plenty of sassy banter.

Book Blurb:

Stepping through a time portal into 1716, historian Penny Saunders didn’t expect to get stranded in the past. Five years later, now a pariah to the townsfolk of Three Star Island, she endures solitude and ridicule until a hurricane tosses a dangerous castaway onto her shores. 

William Payne’s history precedes him. Pirate, outlaw, and ruthless captain, he’s a monster among men. . . or so it seems. Desperately seeking redemption for his blood-soaked past, he upends Penny’s world by showing her a passion she’s never experienced. 

But time is closing in on them; the governor of the Carolinas has rescinded his pirates’ pardon, the locals are growing suspicious of Penny’s new houseguest, and she can’t keep her secrets from William forever. When everything falls apart, she must use both wits and weapons against lawmen and pirates alike to save the one man who would tear down the world for her.  

Excerpt:

Penny stooped to dip her fingers into a mountain of sea foam. Lacework-white and delicate, it dissolved at her touch. A flicker of movement caught her eye. Slanting toward the beach on a downdraft, a laughing gull shrieked its peculiar, broken cry and swooped over a figure lying in the surf.

Her stomach dropped. The waves had disgorged a body.

Straightening, she fidgeted with her apron strings. The tide was rising. Soon, the ocean would reclaim the life it had taken, leaving no trace of the drowned man behind. Here, he was alone and unknown. Somewhere else, however, he would be an empty seat at a hearth, a bed half-filled, a promise unkept. Like her, he could never go home again. 

Penelope sighed. Unable to bury him, she could at least bear  witness to his return to the sea. Keeping close to the water, she  trudged toward him.  She stopped when his arm moved. It was a tiny motion she could’ve mistaken for a trick of the wind, his sleeve toyed by the breeze, yet when his fist clenched the sand, she was certain.

He was alive.

“Son of a . . .”

The ocean licked his feet, greedy for the life it had been refused. She picked up her skirts and ran. Speeding to him, she whispered a prayer to the waves, the tide, the elements, anything but the god she no longer believed in. Crashing to her knees beside him, she snatched off her broad-brimmed straw hat and shielded his face with it.

His skin was crimson, scorched past its tan by the sun. Sand caked the blood on his waistcoat and salted his hair, turning his  red locks blonde. Cracked lips attempted words. He managed a groan. 

Penny put a hand to his chest. “Don’t worry, I’m here. You’re going to be all right.”

Blue eyes slitted open, working hard to focus.

“Don’t move.” She plucked a strand of seaweed from his close-cropped beard.

“I’m going to go bring my cart closer to get  you in it, so you’re going to have to hang tight here for a bit.”

“I’m alive.” 

“Yes, and I need you to stay that way. Can you do that for me?”

Buy link: AMAZON

More about the Author

For as long as she can remember, Kat Caulberg has been obsessed with history and the paranormal. Somewhat to the dismay of her parents, her interests led her into both museums and graveyards as a child, a trend which has continued into her adulthood. This has influenced her reading tastes and her writing, whether it be a good ghost story, thrilling tales of time-travel, or devouring endless volumes of ancient warfare.

She signed a contract with Soul Mate Publishing in 2018 for her first novel, Three Star Island, a time-travel story set in 1721. She enjoys writing strong, quirky heroines, and has a weakness for cheeky heroes who have as much compassion as they have flaws. Kat currently lives in North Carolina with her Englishman and a few cats. Connect with her here:

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Renée Filippucci-Kotz

Renée Filippucci-Kotz, a fellow author from Raleigh, stopped by to share her latest children’s book. Take it away Renée!

Thanks for having me back, Nancy. My latest picture book is Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat. While the story is fiction, Smokey was our wonderful Chow Chow. 

Book Blurb

You probably like to have adventures, don’t you?  Most of us do. But sometimes they are a bit more adventurous than we expect. One day Smokey’s person, Olivia, walks into the backyard with an animal Smokey has never seen before. On this sunny day, Smokey met Clover, a two-month old little goat. Little did Smokey know Clover would set off on her own adventure and he would have to rescue her.

Excerpt

Smokey, a friendly Chow Chow, was exploring his backyard when his person, Olivia, called him.

“Smokey,” said Olivia as she walked towards him. “I have a surprise for you.”

As Smokey trotted over to see the surprise, he saw a strange animal. It didn’t look like any cat or dog he’d met before.  It had floppy ears, a tiny tail, tan and white fur and very odd-looking feet. 

Sniff, sniff. “You don’t smell like anyone I’ve met before. What are you?” asked Smokey. 

“Maa, maa. I’m a baby goat,” said the animal. 

“Smokey,” said Olivia. “This is Clover.  She’s two months old and is going to stay with us while the shelter finds a nice farm for her home. I know how gentle you are with other animals so I want you to keep an eye on her.”Smokey gave Clover another sniff.  

“Well, Smokey,” said Olivia. “What do you think?”

Smokey walked around Clover.  Clover watched Smokey carefully.  She had seen a dog before, but didn’t know what to expect.  Finally, Smokey wagged his tail and gave Clover a great big kiss on her head.  

“Hey,” said Clover. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I like you. I think we’ll be friends,” said Smokey.

“Not if you keep licking me on the head,” said Clover as she shook her head.

Buy Links

Amazon US     Amazon UK

Amazon CAN    Amazon AUS

Amazon PRINT

Here is a link to my page on Amazon

Amazon

Audio excerpts for each book

 can be heard at her website.

More About the Author 

Renee has been telling stories to children since she began babying sitting at age 11. Renee became interested in writing for children while working with children in foster care. Her first children’s chapter book was AJ’s Wish (2016). Her second, Pepper’s Misadventure (2017) received honorable mention in the Carteret Writers Contest. Also, in 2017 she published her first picture book, Booker and the Stinky Smell.

In addition to publishing Smokey and Clover the Runaway goat last year, Renee just finished the third chapter book in the Amelia Jae series, Mystery at Camp Piney Woods.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband and pets. They live in North Carolina. Connect with her here:

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Tina Newcomb

Thanks for letting me visit your blog, Nancy! I started writing Sweet Romance at a time when publishing houses weren’t buying, so I learned about self-publishing and haven’t looked back.

Stars Over Eden Falls is the 7^th book in my Eden Falls Series which came to life after a vacation through Washington State. What started out as a story about four friends, blossomed into more when several pesky secondary characters wanted their own stories.

Book Blurb: STARS OVER EDEN FALLS

Sometimes you have to experience heartache to find happiness

Stella Adams just discovered boyfriend Len Barlow is really Jerry Winters. Worse…he’s a married man with three children. Devastated, disillusioned, and racked with guilt, she throws herself into work at the local flower shop and volunteering at Eden Falls’ shelter and senior center. Question: Should she contact Jerry’s wife and tell her—thus admitting her own involvement, and possibly breaking up the family—or leave the poor woman in the dark?

Rowdy Garrett has been good-naturedly sparring with Stella for years, but when he hears of her breakup, he realizes this may be the chance he’s waited for. He’s determined to win Stella over. Problem is his heartbreaker reputation is well known around town. If he messes up and hurts Eden Falls’ favorite second grade teacher, he’ll be run out of town.

Stella is well aware of handsome Rowdy Garrett’s escapades—all the women he’s dated and dumped. His love ’em and leave ’em attitude makes her eyelids twitch. Yet, Rowdy keeps proving her motorcycle-riding-bad-boy assumptions wrong. He donates food to the shelter, serves on the town council, mows lawns for widows, and sponsors little league teams. The Rowdy she thought she knew would never help her build a Fourth of July parade float or play peek-a-boo with his niece.

Can Stella look past Rowdy’s reputation as a player or has she closed her heart to the chance of a happily-ever-after?  

Excerpt

“Time to get up. I’ve let you wallow in bed for three days.”

Stella yanked the covers over her head.

 A cold hand grabbed her foot.

She jerked out of her sister’s grasp. “Go away, Phoebe.”

“Not gonna happen. Come on, Stella. You can’t stay in bed forever.”

On the pain scale from one to ten, this was her ten. Her chest felt hollowed out. How did someone recover from such deceit and heartache?

Stella felt the bed dip, a strong indication that Phoebe wasn’t going anywhere. She lowered the covers and squinted, one-eyed, against the bright light.

Phoebe lifted a brow. “You look like crap.”

Stella rolled her eyes. “Thanks so much. I appreciate your tender concern.”

Phoebe’s expression softened. “I say that in the most loving way. I know you’re hurting, but Len—”

“Jerry. The jerk’s name is Jer-ry.” Stella said the name slowly like she was pronouncing a hard word for one of her second-grade students.

“Jer-ry isn’t worth any more of your tears.”

Stella’s lip trembled, and she bit down hard. She would not cry in front of her strong police officer sister. “Did you tell Mom and Dad?”

“Yes. Mom wanted to come over, but I talked her into giving you a couple of days. She stopped by this morning with a batch of your favorite cookies.”

“Peanut butter?” Stella asked, hopeful. But that hope turned dark an instant later. “Just what my wide hips need.”

“To help out, I ate one. Okay, two.” Phoebe blew out a breath. “And a half. Leo had the other half.”

“If you don’t want any, I’ll take them,” said a familiar male voice.

Stella glanced at the door. Leo Sawyer—the brother she never had--grinned. She turned a glare on her sister. “You told Leo?”

He pushed away from the doorjamb with a shoulder while shoving a bite of her peanut butter goodness into his mouth. “Of course, she told me. I’m her best friend—her smart friend. You look terrible. When was the last time you brushed your teeth?” He glanced around. “Or cleaned your room? You need a shower and I need another cookie.”

“Leave me at least five or six!” she yelled at Leo’s retreating back. She glanced at Phoebe. “Thanks for that.”

Phoebe lifted a shoulder. “Eden Falls is a small town. He would have heard eventually.”

Buy Links

AMAZON      AMAZON PRINT    NOOK     

ITUNES     GOOGLE PLAY

More About the Author

Tina has published seven sweet romance novels in her Eden Falls Series, which feature a quaint town, quirky characters, and happy endings. People have said:

“…the author’s approach is delightful and fun.”

“The author brings her characters right into your heart…”

“I didn’t want to leave Eden Falls or the people I so enjoyed meeting.”

Tina’s hobbies include writing, gardening, and spending time with family. She lives in Northern Colorado with her (amateur) chef husband. Six of their eight kids and one of three (soon to be five) grandchildren live nearby. Connect with Tina Newcomb:

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK     TWITTER

INSTAGRAM     GOODREADS     PINTEREST

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Mother's Day in North Carolina

Mother's Day is a holiday I take to heart. After all, I am the mother of two awesome kids. My boys are grown and gone, living their own lives, but they still keep in touch. Unfortunately, I will not be able to share the day with them. 

Instead, I plan to eat wisely, take a short nap, and read a good book. I enjoy reading books almost as much as I enjoy writing them. 

My 26th release is Heaven-sent Highlander and I am currently writing the third book in the series, Heaven-sent Flame. These, along with Heaven-sent Warrior, are full-length books in my Warriors in Bronze series.

While I enjoy 'my' day, I will find a delicious snack. I might appreciate the lovely North Carolina weather with a possible visit to the NC Museum of Art. This is, after all, is where I set my series.

Then, I will continue reading some of the fantastic books on my book shelf. If YOU are looking for something to read, try one of these!

Find all the BUY LINKs for all my books HERE

Happy Mother's Day to 

mothers everywhere!

BOOK TOUR & SCOTTISH-THEMED GIVEAWAY!

My Book Tour & Giveaway 

are happening right now!

my main host handling the tour is

Silver Dagger Tours

Enter HERE for a chance 

to win my Gift Package

*no purchase necessary. Open to USA residents. 

Winner will be chosen by the Tour Operator May 12

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Ryan Jo Summers

Ryan Jo Summers, an author who also lives in North Carolina, stopped by to share her new release, September’s Song. Take it away, Ryan Jo!

Thanks, Nancy. I am really excited about this women's fiction/ metaphysical novel! "September's Song" is my first fictional self-published novel. After publishing several books through traditional presses, I felt like A) a challenge and B) this script wasn't going to fit into most publisher's niches due to its broad range of topics it covers. Examples are aging parent with Alzheimer's, amnesia, military corruption, estranged siblings, and more. I also decided to do this project as a birthday present for myself. I'd hoped to release it in early October, 2018, however it became available a few weeks early. Oh well. The seed for this story came to me via an email a friend sent me some years back. It was a bunch of randomly connected photos One picture was a boy handing a stryofoam carton over to a homeless man. It was a cold day, with the boy bundled up and the man huddled under a blanket. That photo became how the hero, Keegan, met his son, Jory. But I am getting ahead of myself.  

Book Blurb

Ivey London was told her military husband died on a mission overseas. She buried him as a war hero and tried to move on with her life by raising their young son, dealing with her vengeful brother, and coping with her mother’s Alzheimer’s. Five years go by and one day she learns of a secret underground chamber were special soldiers are imprisoned to recover. Further, one amnesiac soldier managed to escape. When her son begins to display unusual behaviors, she goes to investigate. All evidence points to finding her late husband. If it is him, back from the dead, Ivey refuses to give him up again.

Keegan London awoke in a hospital cell with no memories. Fleeing, he finds himself in a strange, unknown world, with no one to turn to. Until he finds a friendly Priest who runs a homeless shelter and he stumbles across the woman who claims to be his wife. While she can fill some gaps in his lost memories, she cannot explain his curious abilities. Pursued by someone determined to get him back, Keegan has few options but to trust the woman who makes his heart fire like a cannon. Ivey has dibs on him, but first they have to uncover who—and what--Keegan really is before they can recover what they had.

Excerpt from September’s Song

          “No, that’s okay. I can do this by myself.” She spun around, blinking. Picking up the paring knife again, she began peeling. She gasped as his arms gently encircled her waist and his breath fanned her bare neck. His lips nuzzled her ear and she closed her eyes. His hand took the knife from her fingers and she leaned into his touch.

          “Keegan,” his name came out in a throaty rumble as her eyes slid closed.

          “I don’t know what we used to do, Ivey, but I can tell you miss it bad. I’m willing to try and be your husband again, if you’ll help me.”

          Hot tears stung her eyes. She swallowed hard. “So many times you said I was unforgettable. I…I guess--.”

           The comment died unfinished, and his fingers reached down and caressed her back. Electric jolts shivered along her spine. 

          “Don’t push me away, Ivey. Let me be in each part of your life.”

          Her breath hitched. This should be easy. Just tell him how they used to cook, what his favorite foods were, what they shared, how they made wonderful love. And miraculously all his memories will reappear. Except it hadn’t worked yet.

          From the distant reaches of her mind, Ivey heard the phone ringing. Before she could pull herself away from the counter, it stopped. Assuming Jory answered it, the whole episode passed from her mind. Right now, Keegan took all her focus.

          His fingertips trailed lazily up and down her back, igniting tiny fires in their wake.

          “Keegan….I….” Words failed her. Heart beating frantically like a wild bird locked in a cage, her mind surrendered.

          He gently turned her around, cupping her chin and tilting her up. Drawing a husky breath, he lowered his lips to hers, winding his fingers in the tangle of her hair. Her arms moved to encircle his waist, slipping under his shirt to feel the raised scars and corded muscles. A guttural moan escaped her.

          Finally, having lost all concept of time, she pulled apart. Noble, he would not go further with a woman he did not remember making love to. She might respect his intention and restraint, but the unmet need was also killing her. Pulling in a shaky breath, she ended the kiss, stepping away and picking up the paring knife again.

          She ran her tongue over her lips, more to steady herself, and rested one hand on the counter for balance. “I can work on this if you want to go see what Jory and Mom are doing.”

          Keegan stiffened, hesitated and studied her. For a chilling moment, she hoped he ignored her request and lifted her bodily to carry her away to the bedroom. Then a darkness entered his eyes, a sadness that cut into her chest.

          “Yes. Of course.” Spinning, he exited, leaving her alone with the ghosts of what had been.

          Damn, damn, damn.

Buy Links for September’s Song

Lulu     ITunes     Kobo

Amazon    AmazonPrint

Barnes& Noble  

More About the Author

Ryan Jo Summers writes romances that blur the lines of subgenres. She mixes contemporary with time travel, Christian, suspense, sweet, and paranormal like blending a fruit and yogurt smoothie. Her non-fiction works have appeared in numerous trade journals and magazines including ‘WNC Woman Magazine’, ‘Critter Magazine’, ‘Journey Devotions’, and ‘Vet Tech Journal’. She is a regular contributing author for the ‘Asheville Pet Gazette’.

Her hobbies include baking, crafts, gardening, enjoying nature, and chess/mah-jongg/word-find puzzles. She pet sits/dog walks when she’s not busy writing and she fosters homeless pets for area animal rescues.

She lives in a century-old cottage in North Carolina with her own menagerie of rescued pets and way too many houseplants. “September’s Song” is her second self-published work, the first one being the chronicles of the first two years with her adopted PTSD rescue collie. Connect with her here:

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