Nancy Lee Badger Presents Madelyn Hill

Author Madelyn Hill stopped by to share her latest book…in a genre I adore! Tell my readers a little more!

Highland Honor is Book 3 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy and is a Scottish Historical. Lady Honor MacAllister can heal everything but a broken heart.

Blurb:

Lady Honor does not believe in marriage. Her father’s death broke her mother’s spirit and took her from her daughters emotionally well before her own death. When Honor is attacked in the forest, she keeps the event to herself, lest her lairds search for the man and strike him down. As a healer, she’ll do anything it takes not to cause harm. Rumors of attacks in the Highlands forces the lairds to increase guards and security measures. When Bryce Calder is assigned to protect Lady Honor, she fights the burgeoning attraction for the man, knowing she’ll never risk her heart to love.

Warrior Bryce Calder trusts no woman. Women only strive to better themselves through cunning, as his father warned throughout his childhood. When he is asked to escort Lady Honor while she gathers healing herbs, he is vexed. Training the men and protecting the clan are his duties, not following the sharped-tongued lass about the wood. With each passing day, Bryce becomes enchanted by Lady Honor, despite his father’s words, but his unworthiness halts any proclamation of his desire.

An unlikely partnership develops during the frequent trips to the forest and work in the apothecary. The walls each has erected to protect their hearts and their future crumbles. Until a stranger arrives at the keep. Lady Honor’s secret is threatened to be revealed putting in jeopardy the growing romance between the ardent healer and the reluctant warrior-suitor.

Excerpt from Highland Honor

“I didnae mean to make you frightful,” he said as he kept a keen eye out for any trouble. Someone trailed them. Had, since they left the keep. He hadn’t worried, as the best protector for Lady Honor, save Aidan. And he’d cut anyone down who threatened one of their own.

“I’m not afraid,” she blustered without believable conviction.

He resisted the urge to chuckle at her declaration. She still trembled as they slowly headed back toward the keep. “Are you certain you have what you need?” The attacks and the fact they were followed would thwart trips in the future. He’d have to meet with the lairds and to determine a plan to protect the keep.

She stilled and he looked at her. The early morning light glinted in her hair, skimming over her braid as if it were spun with strands of fire and earth. The lady always wore her hair plaited and for one moment, he wished to release it and run his fingers through the tresses. Och, what a fool. The woman, much like the others, just wanting to lead men around and do their bidding. Just as he did her bidding.

Women instilled a weakness in men. A weakness his father had warned him about.

Then her nose wrinkled and he fell into the smattering of freckles. He smiled, then frowned. She was not fetching. She was the laird’s sister and a lady. Not for the likes of him.

“I need ginger.”

“Ginger,” he repeated like an arse as he stared into her green eyes. Eyes flecked with specks of gold. Eyes which pulled him in with their beauty and grabbed him by the cods.

Her brow quirked upward and a quizzical gleam sparkled. “Aye, ginger to soothe Gilla’s stomach. Oh, and mint.”

“Where?” They’d have to hurry and then make haste to the keep. He’d have to inform Aidan of his suspicions so they could increase the guards and send out men to search for the bastard following him and Lady Honor.

“It grows in many places.” She rubbed her brow. “Mayhap we can find some near that willow.” The lady pointed to the west, the opposite direction of the keep.

“Aye. Stay close.” Worry flitted over her face and he regretted speaking so harshly.

She brushed against him, then her cheeks flushed pink. Beneath the sunlight, with the grasses of the glen waving around her, cradling her lush curves, Lady Honor beauty amazed him.

He swore as his blood surged through him like a firestorm. He was a warrior, one who’d need a woman to further his name and warm his bed. Lady Honor was . . . was more than that. And in many ways, just the same as the lasses who sought to control him with their feminine ways.

A bird screeched.

She gazed at him, her eyes wide with worry. Her freckles stood out against her pale skin. He wanted to reach out and cup her cheek. Feel the soft skin, the warmth of her. He fisted his hands so not to follow his urge, an urge which would incense his lairds and certainly Lady Honor.

“This way, Bryce,” Lady Honor said as she moved in front of him. She kept glancing over her shoulder as if she wanted to ensure he continued to guard her.

“I’ll not leave you.”

Buy Link     AMAZON    

More about the Author

Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she'd sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a "closet" writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn't be happier!  A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They are busy with their 3 children and a puppy named Cannoli! They love to cook, go to the movies, and hang out with friends. Connect with Madelyn here:

Website     Facebook      Twitter 

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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Janeen Swart

Please welcome Janeen Swart! She stopped by to share the release of her latest book. Take it away, Janeen!

THE HIDDEN TRUTH is a young adult romance novel written in third person from several different viewpoints. Throughout the book, the characters intertwine into a sweet love triangle along with an underlying plot involving the issues of man-made environmental change. THE HIDDEN TRUTH was published by Soul Mate Publishing in Kindle edition on May 2^nd and is available on Kindle at Amazon.

Book Blurb 

After being struck by lightning while jogging, Clara’s dreams cause her to question the issues of DNA changes, cloning, and genetically modifying food. In her dreams she visits an environmentally perfect world where an angel-like being tells her to watch for a sign. While Clara searches for answers, her boyfriend, Brian, becomes active in demonstrations against a local biophysics company, named aptly, New Nature. Clara convinces her Science Club to begin a project to confront this company to make them more accountable. She and John, a new friend, vow to do their part, using peaceful strategies. Brian’s jealousy results in several uncomfortable incidents between the three teens. Things go awry when a few of the Science Club members go beyond simple investigation by breaking into the company, then later sabotaging the company’s biosphere. What’s even more troublesome is the fact that Clara suspects her ex may be the one behind the crimes. Relationships and beliefs are tested as Clara searches out the truth. In the end, her questions are answered, but at a cost, she hadn’t anticipated.

Excerpt from THE HIDDEN TRUTH

Brian jumped in and turned the key. The ignition ground, but started. As soon as Doug left, Melanie scrambled into the passenger side and said, “Let’s go. Doug can find his own way back. We don’t need him anymore.”

“No, we’re not leaving him. He’s the one who got us in there like you wanted.”

“Me? What happened to ‘We’ve got to do something about this company’? You were just as much in favor of this. You’ve gotten soft because you’re afraid Clara will find out,” said Melanie.

“You’re wrong. I was hoping we could find something, so we could get it out to the public.”

“Oh, right. Then Clara would look at you again with those adoring eyes.” Melanie grunted. Brian leaned back against the headrest, waiting. She was right.

Doug’s image materialized in the rearview mirror. He was running toward the car, arms waving. Twenty feet behind him, two other figures sprinted their way. “Open the back door,” Brian yelled at Melanie. She leaned over the front seat and pushed the door open just as Doug reached the car.

Brian put the car in gear with his foot on the brake, ready to take off. Doug fell in, slammed the door behind him and Brian tromped on the gas. Tires squealed and a faint smell of burnt rubber entered the car’s open window. One of the guards grabbed at the door handle but had to relinquish the chase as the car sped away. Please God, don’t let them see the license number or shoot.

“Good thing I covered the license plate with foil,” said Melanie.

Brian just stared ahead, saying a thank you prayer. Melanie watched behind. “No one’s following. You can slow down.”  

They drove several more blocks and Brian asked, “Did you get the power inverter?”

“No. When I went inside, I heard the guards coming and I had to make a run for it,” said Doug.

Find the Book here:  

AMAZON    SOULMATE Publishing

More About Janeen Swart

After marrying in the beginning of my junior year of college, I still hadn’t decided on a major, mostly because I hadn’t really planned this stage of my life really well. My husband suggested teaching, something I had never thought I wanted to do, but as I got into the education classes, it became another love; the first being my friend and life-partner. I taught  third grade for twenty-five years. While teaching and reading many children’s books, there was always  that little voice that said, maybe I could write books as good as these. But of course, life moves on and there was never enough time in a day with a full time job, being secretary for our business, two busy boys to care for, and various animals, too.

After retiring from teaching at age fifty-five, it was time to move forward with my dream of writing. I took two online courses from The Institute of Children’s Literature and a Children’s Writing Course through Indiana University Northwest. Now I thought I was ready and would soon see my stories in print. After many rejection letters, A DOG AND HIS BOY, was published through a small Christian publisher. I self-published my other five children’s books using Create Space and they are all available on Amazon. During this same time I had joined an online critique group and through that group, my young adult novel, THE HIDDEN TRUTH, became a reality. I submitted it to Soul Mate Publishers and was ecstatic when I received my contract to publish it as an e-book. My experience with the Soul Mate authors has been awesome. Connect with me here:

BOOKBUB    Facebook   Twitter @JaneenSwart

Amazon Author Page     Goodreads  

WEBSITE     Instagram     Pinterest  

My Trip North, Chased by Hurricane Jose

I am back from our annual 9 day trip to New England and managed to put 1,890 miles on the car. We ate lakeside in the Poconos, helped friends in Salem, New Hampshire, worked up a sweat volunteering at the NH Highland Games (it has NEVER been so hot & muggy!), then traveled by ferry to Long Island. 


While Hurricane Jose made the Long Island Sound a bit choppy, and managed to dump rain on us while visiting my cousins, it did pause long enough for me to take photos of relatives' graves. Thank you, Jose.

Due to having moved to Raleigh, North Carolina several years ago, visiting family and friends we see once a year is a treat. Some have aged (as have I) and some are no longer able to party until dawn (yep, that's me, too). I am happy everyone had a good time and I think my volunteers under the Information Tent did a whiz-bang job helping the approximately 40,000 people that enjoyed the 2017 New Hampshire Highland Games.

'Thor' was a big draw. The Mountain/Sir Gregor from Game of Thrones is also a weight-lifting champion and gave a great show. Did I mention he lifted a car?

Now that I am back home I need to get back to work, writing, especially since I sold a manuscript to SoulMate Publishing! I am again a published author, but will continue to share my self-published novels with my readers. Have you checked out my latest series?

Amazon    Amazon UK  

Amazon CAN   Amazon AUS  

Nook     iBooks   NOOK    Kobo 

Amazon PRINT    B&N Print

B-A-M Print   

 

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Katie O'Boyle

Set yourself in a rocking chair, sip some tea, and enjoy my interview of author Katie O’Boyle. Her book, Stepping Up To Love is a Contemporary Romance and was released August 7, 2013.

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 
Stepping Up To Love, the first of the Lakeside Porches romances, is a college-town romance with a recovery spin.

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in? 
My friends are surprised that I’m writing Contemporary Romance, since we’ve been trading mysteries back and forth for a decade.

What inspired you to write your first book?
A year ago in January we took a friend to brunch for his 90^th birthday. As we sat on the beautiful porch of Belhurst Castle in the Finger Lakes, I watched the staff fuss over my friend, and I wondered about them, their comraderie, their lives, their hopes and dreams. The idea for the Lakeside Porches romances—starting with Stepping Up To Love—was born that day.

I miss our deck overlooking a New Hampshire lake. When did you first consider yourself a writer, and when did you start writing toward publication? 
Like Debbie Macomber I couldn’t read until I was  10 or 12; once I got glasses, I began to read voraciously and my pent-up desire to write burst forth. My early books were not publication worthy. I began to write professionally when I worked on my doctorate but finally returned to fiction in the past couple of years, with publication in mind. It’s been a fascinating learning curve, and I’m growing as a writer all the time.

How did you get into romance writing?
The stories in my head as a teen and young adult were usually romantic, but I didn’t understand “genre” and “genre fiction.” It’s just in the past couple of years that I’ve become serious about big-R Romance and eager to learn all about it.

I love my coffeemaker, and a quiet house in which to write. What is your writing routine like?
One morning each weekend you’ll find me at Spot Coffee breaking ground on a new chapter. I have to fit in my writing around a full-time job and adjunct teaching commitments, but I have promised to write an hour each day, one way or another. I’m able to carve out that much time at least.

Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, it’s the career I’m transitioning into as I move away from academia.

How many books have you written, and do you have a favorite?
Each of the 6-8 novels I’ve written is precious to me in its own way. Joel and Manda’s story is special because it’s the first to be published and also because it’s a sweet love story between two characters who make me smile every time I think of them.

What do you see ahead in your writing career?
I’m working on book three of the Lakeside Porches romances and there are more of them, all set in Tompkins Falls in the Fingers Lakes. I’ll get back to writing mysteries, too; several on-the-shelf books featured “NOB Tech,” the fictitious North of Boston Technological Institute. Higher Education is filled with intrigue and fascinating characters!

Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?
Believe in yourself just enough to take that next step. And the next. That’s how it works J

Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1.      I have fun “working titles” for my books that say something about either the hero or the heroine. Stepping Up To Love started as Manda the Brave; Coming Home To Love was Justin’s Time Out (think he has anger issues?); book three is Gwen Gets a Clue, and I have no idea what the “real title” will be.
2.      Just like Manda and her friends, my friends and I love to have lunch on a lakeside porch in one of the pretty Finger Lakes towns, then shop for bargains and new arrivals. We never spend much but we eat well and laugh a lot.
3.      I just found out my office is big enough to swing a hula hoop. I’m up to 100 reps, both directions. It’s great for working out writer’s kinks!

BOOK BLURB

When her boss Joel Cushman catches her using the spa shower at The Manse, junior accountant and graduating college senior Manda Doughty comes clean about the alcoholic drinking that has led her into a disastrous relationship with a predatory professor. Joel, who is also a trustee of the college, is faced with more problems than a beautiful, naked woman in his shower. While he’d rather make love all night with funny, brainy Manda, Joel knows his desire for her has no future if Manda cannot stay sober, grow up, and face her problems squarely. While Manda immerses herself in AA, Joel uncovers harassment and embezzlement that threaten the existence of the college his ancestors founded. Can he fix the problems at the college without exposing Manda to public humiliation? Can Manda clean up her mess and trust the love she feels for Joel? The odds may not be in their favor, but miracles happen for those who are willing to change their lives and open their hearts.

Excerpt 

Manda turned off the water and drew back the linen curtain dividing the shower stall from the dressing area, and screamed. Standing at the glass door was the big boss. Remy’s boss. Her boss's boss. She wasn’t sure, but Joel Cushman was probably everybody’s boss.

“Geez, Joel, I thought you were a pervert!” she yelled at him. I can’t believe I just called Mr. Cushman “Joel.” I am in so much trouble here.

“Manda? What—?” His voice cracked like an adolescent.

Manda stifled a laugh. His eyes were drinking in her body as though he couldn’t believe what she’d been hiding under her baggy clothes. Drink your fill now, Joel, because I am off men for life.

“I thought you were a criminal. What are you doing in the shower at seven fifteen in the morning? And stop batting that curtain around.”

Manda tried desperately to grab the linen shower curtain, flapping this way and that in the current created by the open door. “Do you mind?” she scolded him.

Giving up on the curtain, she crossed her arms and turned her back on him. He probably likes that view, too. “Could you hand me a towel, please, or get out of here?” Why am I yelling at the boss? Seriously dumb, Manda.

He was silent now, which was worse. What is he doing, standing there, looking at me? Panic overtook anger, and she turned back to look at him.

He had dropped the admiring once-over and was taking a second look at her purpling bruises. Silently, he handed her a towel from the top of the stack and looked her in the eye.

Manda wondered if he could read the shame and fear clouding her vision.

Joel cleared his throat and ordered, “In my office. Five minutes. Dressed.”

Author Katie O'Boyle

A little bit about the author

Once upon a time, Katie O’Boyle was a stellar student and closet substance abuser at a picture-perfect small college. She credits loving friends, 12-step spirituality, and plenty of hard work for her transformation into tech-savvy college professor and passionate author of warm-hearted romance. Fall in love with her characters on the lakeside porches of the beautiful Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Lakeside Porches, Book One: Stepping Up To Love (Joel and Manda’s story), summer 2013; Book Two: Coming Home to Love (Justin and Gianessa’s story).

How can my readers buy your book?
 
Currently, Stepping Up To Love is available through Amazon at:http://www.amazon.com/Stepping-Love-Lakeside-Porches-ebook/dp/B00ED3TGMS/

In early November it will be available in other ebook formats and through the publisher soulmatepublishing.com You can find more information about Katie O’Boyle

and her book, Stepping Up To Love at:

 

WEBSITE    TWITTER    FACEBOOK     

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Tessa Stockton

Joining me today is author Tessa Stockton. Her book, Wind’s Aria, is a fantasy romance eNovella and was released on January 16, 2013.
Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Guest Author Tessa Stockton

It’s a classic “conflicted, gorgeous monster obsessed with good, unlikely heroine”—only with some twists. Some might call inspirational, others mythical.

Well, I am inspired to read it! Explain the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?
Wind’s Aria is a fantasy romance and the first installment of an eNovella series. I love writing in this genre. There is something so freeing and creative about it. Anything goes. Still, I’m all over the map when it comes to genres. I have three books published thus far. One is a political intrigue/romance, another a suspense/thriller, and then I have Wind’s Aria. They are all pretty diverse in plot, structure, and even literary voice. I like variety. My reading habits reflect this, as well. Today, in addition to continuing my fantasy romance series, I’m currently working on a paranormal romance, and an international crime fiction title. I’m ever rotating the pots on the stove, keeping it all warm and succulent. : )
Me too! I write what 'moves me'.When did you start writing toward publication? 
I began pursuing it seriously in 2001. While I’ve had articles and a few short stories published, and I was a columnist, it took me almost ten years to get a novel published. It’s not an easy path. There are a lot of challenges, rejections, and it’s time consuming. Good thing I don’t mind all of that. Those closest to me didn’t call me Tenacious Tessa for nothing while growing up. Plus, now we have the do-it-yourself revolution. Whichever way you go, it requires a tremendous amount of dedication.
So true. Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold like I did? If so, did you send them out yourself?
Oh yeah. And, yes. I have no representation. I am my own agent. Rejection is a regular part of this trade. You have to learn how to receive the nays, determine whether you need to rework manuscripts (because every person, reader/editor, has a different opinion), and keep moving ahead. You won’t get anywhere unless you move forward. Keep in mind, there are always ways to improve.
Rejections can make our work stronger. So can other authors. Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

I’ve enjoyed memberships in a handful of writing organizations. When I discovered Romance Writers of America, though, it was like finding the link I knew was missing. The organization offers a tremendous trove of information, has various special interest chapters, such as Fantasy- Futuristic & Paranormal, and focuses on and encourages those who strive to do this for a living. They support every genre under the romantic sun—or moon, for darkness lovers. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed before RWA. And to name a few more, I find IndieRomanceInk a good way to connect. Also I’ve gleaned a lot of insight in the business sense from LinkedIn’s Authors of Romance Helping Authors of Romance. Through these and other similar groups, I learn something new everyday, hear about other authors, and connect in neat ways. Networking is vital in the romance world, in my opinion.
Another reason why I love to host other authors on my blog. What’s next for you?
Finishing that next mind-blowing, heart-stopping title!
BOOK BLURB

Elected as the Songstress, Aria takes her place on the sacred platform to sing before every dawn. As long as she does so, peace and abundant life belong to her people. One morning, amidst a strange wind that brings with it a curse in its eerie howl, Aria loses her ability to make music. But the encroaching death that transpires isn’t her biggest tragedy. It’s that she adores the cause of her blunder, for he’s a magnificent winged creature who’s stolen more than her voice.

EXCERPT from Wind’s Aria

“Who are you?”

He pushed further back into the shadows as she strode closer. “Someone you need not know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

When he didn’t answer, she sighed.

“What a strange, terrible day,” she mumbled. “Well, at least tell me your name . . .”

He stood, speechless, knowing he shouldn’t be there at all—conversing with a Meleyan—especially not their musical deliverer that he was set to doom the day after tomorrow.

A peculiar grumbling interrupted her insistence, to his relief.

“Sorry.” She patted her stomach. He could see, even in the blackened night, how her face turned a deeper shade of red than her hair. “I’ve forgotten to eat. I guess I’m hungrier than I realized.”

He plucked an apple from the tree he’d nearly become a part of and held it out to her. The girl approached tentatively. She reached for the fruit but recoiled when her fingers brushed his.

“Is touching me so horrible?” he asked.

Her jaw dropped open and her delicate brow furrowed. She inclined her head. “It . . . hurt.”

“How?” he asked, for her fingers felt good to him, soothing. Warm. He wanted to try again.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa is a veteran of the performing arts and worldwide missions, having come from a long line of musical arts professionals. She loved seeing the world and absorbing the beauty of other cultures . . . an enriching life full of dance, music, faith, and interesting cuisine. Over the years, she also contributed as a writer/editor for ministry publications, ghostwriter for political content, and headed a column on the topic of forgiveness. Today, she writes romance and intrigue novels in a variety of genres. You can also find out more information about Tessa Stockton and her eNovella, Wind’s Aria, by visiting:

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How can my readers buy your book? 

Soulmate Publishing         AMAZON          NOOK