Sunspots #Excerpt by Karen S. Bell @KarenSueBell #AmReading #Romance

As I lie in bed with these thoughts, I finally notice that Marina has quietly come back into my room and is sitting in the armchair watching me. She offers me some more medicine and I shake my head, “no.” I don’t want to sleep, and I don’t want to be awake. There is no comfort in anything. She says, “Come. We’ll have a nice cup of tea.” And I follow her downstairs and into the kitchen, zombie-like. I watch her with dull eyes that do not see her movements as she opens cupboards and finds a teapot, cups, and tea bags. I listen with deaf ears to her hum a Russian tune. I sit patiently with no patience sipping the tea I cannot taste. In silence, we sit. In silence, we speak without speaking. Marina’s life force wills me to feel her love. 
 
And then she tells me her plan. “Maybe, I’ll stay with you awhile. Nothing back in Brooklyn right now.” I answer, mouthing words that I want to feel and yet cannot feel because I have closed myself off to the emotions of life, “Oh yes, please stay, Marina. I couldn’t bear all this alone.” I’m overwhelmed by her generosity, my loss, and the hidden truths lurking under the surface waiting to be revealed. Then the cordoned off person inside me breaks through all my controls again and unwonted tears erupt in a torrent of suppressed anguish. I am enveloped in her arms and her soothing voice whispers calming words as I try to regain the safety of stoicism.
 
Marina and I, sisters of a sort, sit together in my huge kitchen, in my huge house, sharing the huge hole in my heart as my tears pour down my face, flowing as if someone has turned on a spigot. Two small souls in a too-big kitchen of a too-big house silently wondering about the business problems of which his lawyer spoke using carefully chosen words somberly executed while his eyes burned with deep meaning. Problems that would have to be sorted out after I finished sitting “Shivah.” How can one cope with all of this? When will I wake up from this nightmare?
 
Eventually, it is dawn and I must sit on the wooden bench that signifies my mourning as memories cloud the present and I relive a life that is no more.
 

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Genre – Contemporary romance, Magical Realism

Rating – PG-13

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Shanna Hatfield on the Christmas Cowboy @ShannaHatfield #AmReading #Romance #Causes

What scares you the most?

Snakes. I really, really don’t like snakes.

What makes you happiest?

I find happiness in many places – like a cup of fragrant tea, a good visit with a friend, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, finding money in a coat pocket I forgot was there. But I’d have to say my husband (lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller) makes me the happiest.

Why do you write?

I write because I can’t imagine going through life not writing. It is part of who I am, what I do, and always will be.

Have you always enjoyed writing?

Always. I think I wrote my first work of fiction in third grade. It was about a raccoon.

What motivates you to write?

My desire to capture the stories floating around my head on paper is a motivator. When someone tells me something I wrote made a difference in her life, it motivates me to keep on writing, and write better. The fact I recently left my “day” job to write full-time is definitely motivation.

What books did you love growing up?

Trixie Belden books were a favorite when I was a young girl, and Little House on the Prairie. I checked out Island of the Blue Dolphins from the library so many times, I probably wore out that particular copy. When I was in high school, I loved the historical romances put out from Scholastic Inc. I think they were called Sunfire romances. Each book was a girl’s name like Sabrina or Amanda and featured a specific time in history. I’mconvinced reading those books got me through history class.

Who is your favorite author?

That is a tough question. I don’t have a single favorite author, but I have several I admire. Deeanne Gist, Marcia Lynn McClure, Karen Witemeyer, Caroline Fyffe and Rachel Rossano are on my Kindle right now.

What book genre of books do you adore?

Historical romance is at the top of the list. I like books set between 1870 and 1910 the most. Contemporary romance would be my next choice, followed by a rousing medieval tale.

What book should everybody read at least once?

Little Britches by Ralph Moody. Actually, the entire series (I think there are eight books total) is great reading. I know the books were written forever ago, but there is something about the way he writes, the stories he tells, that just yank of your heartstrings.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

I hope it will say I lived a good, gracious life, was in some way a help to others, and contributed something of value.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

I grew up on a farm where we raised hay, wheat, corn, and cattle. At the end of the fields, miles and miles of sagebrush began. I always had a horse to ride, fences to climb, open spaces to run, and chores to do. I was a bit of a tomboy until I started high school. Then my dormant girly-girl genes took over. Today, I’m still a girly-girl, can get distracted by a nice John Deere tractor, and live in the country where I can look out at apple orchards, vineyards, and hills dotted with wind turbines.

Flying from city to city in her job as a busy corporate trainer for a successful direct sales company, Kenzie Beckett doesn’t have time for a man. And most certainly not for the handsome cowboy she keeps running into at the airport. Burned twice, she doesn’t trust anyone wearing boots and Wranglers, especially someone as charming and handsome as Tate Morgan.

Among the top saddle bronc riders in the rodeo circuit, easy-going Tate Morgan can handle the toughest horse out there, but trying to deal with the beautiful Kenzie Beckett is a completely different story.

As the holiday season approaches, this Christmas Cowboy is going to need to pull out all the stops if he wants a chance at winning her heart.

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Genre – Romance (contemporary western)

Rating – PG

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Connect with Shanna Hatfield on Facebook and Twitter

Website http://shannahatfield.com

Lorhainne Eckhart on Having a Writing Schedule @LEckhart #amwriting #writetip #amreading

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

Eight hours sleep, no less, and I don’t sleep in. I’m a very early riser.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?

Yes absolutely. You have to understand your genre first. And then find the readers. Blog tours, ads on relevant sites for your books genre, book blasts, ads on goodreads.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

I get outside in nature. I’m fortunate to live in a rural area on the ocean so I have the best of all worlds. I take a walk down at the ocean, I also go for a walk, and my favorite is to curl  with a great book.

Do you have any tips on how writers can relax?

Get outside in the fresh air, in nature everyday. And always find time to exercise, even ten minutes  day  it helps to keep you fresh and relaxed.

How often do you write? And when do you write?

I try to write every day, and always in the morning. Unfortunately as of late though I am getting only about five mornings to write.

Do you have an organized process or tips for writing well? Do you have a writing schedule?

You have to be organized to write. I am a single mother so I really have to organize, and be fiercely protective of my writing time. Every morning I write. I do not schedule meetings, appointments anything in the mornings if it can be helped. And I’ve had to tell people no, do not phone, drop by or anything in the morning, unless it is an emergency. And I try to write ten pages a day in that time, most days I can do it.

Have you met any people in the industry who have really helped you?

Yes I have. I have teamed up with an amazing group of authors some formerly traditionally published, and all using the Amazon platform and cross promoting each other. The one thing about our  group, we play to win. Everyone is driven, succcessful, and some amazing authors. Two mentions are Carolyn McCray and Taylor Lee, there are many others behind the scenes as well, but Carolyn and Taylor have been two key authors in my success and have shared so much valuable information to stay at the top of my game.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I always hope that first and foremost that people will enjoy my stories. And for them to feel the emotion and injustice in the story my characters are living. Everyone is going to take something different away, they will either love or hate my characters. But the one thing I want people to feel good.

What color represents your personality the most?

Gold I believe.

How do you feel about social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter? Are they a good thing?

They are essential for authors. You have to learn to make social media your friend. And this a huge area for us authors to reach new readers.

 

How do you tell a man there is something wrong with his child?

This is by far one of the best books I have read. Lorhainne Eckhart proved herself yet again  by pulling you in with a heartfelt story and keeping your attention with the passion that fills   the pages. ~ ROMANCE JUNKIES

A Real Tear Jerker: Omg, I loved this book. I stayed up all night trying to finish it. I cried,  My heart broke, I have an 18 year old with autism. This would make a fabulous movie...  Tammy

Overview:

He wasn't looking to love again. But what he got was a woman who shook his lonely bitter world upside down, and touched him in a way no other woman could.

Emily Nelson, a courageous young mother, ends a loveless, bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something's seriously wrong with the boy, and the reclusive, difficult man who hired her can't see the behavior and how delayed his son is. So Emily researches until she stumbles across what she suspects are the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him, give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder--to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.

As their lives become intertwined, their attraction is unavoidable--a connection sparks between them. But just as they're getting close, Brad's estranged wife, Crystal, returns after abandoning the family two years earlier. Among the shock and confusion is one disturbing question Brad can't shake: How does Crystal know so much of his personal business, the inner working of the ranch, and Emily's relationship with his son?

Crystal must've had a plan, as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily, and the children. The primary focus for care and therapy of three-year-old Trevor is diverted. The lengths to which Crystal will go, the lies, the greed, just to keep what's hers, are nothing short of cold and calculating. Emily's forced out of the house. Brad fights to save his boy, to protect what's his, and struggles over his greatest sacrifice--Emily, and the haunting question: Has he lost her forever?

More Praise for THE FORGOTTEN CHILD...

"Brilliant, there is no other word for it, heart grabbing, heart warming, gut wrenching, well written well researched, wanted to read it over & over again." Amazon Reviewer – Maureen

BLACK RAVEN'S REVIEWS - Ms. Eckhart has crafted a delightful story with engaging  characters, enough drama for a Hallmark movie, and enough unconditional love to last a lifetime.  ~Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!~ 

READERS FAVORITE *5 Star Review A real page turner ~ fast moving plot ~ a must read!
Reviewed by Brenda C. For Readers Favorite

I didn't expect I'd fall for the four main characters as hard as I did, but The Forgotten Child is an amazing book, not just for a romance fan like myself, but for single parents who may or  may not have a child with autism. ~ Reviewer ~ Adria

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Genre – Contemporary Western Romance

Rating – PG

More details about the author & the book

Connect with Lorhainne Eckhart on Facebook & Twitter

Quickie Chat with #Romance #Author Sarah Krisch

Tell us about your new book? What’s it about and why did you write it?

From the book description:

A failed actress, twenty-something Julia McCarthy begins writing a fictionalized blog as a form of self-therapy. Based on her carefree summers at her grandparents' farm, she never expects her little experiment to garner a viral following, but it does. Boy, does it ever.

Now, with thousands of loyal blog followers, and a syndication deal with the Chicago Herald, Julia is approached by GreenTV to adapt her blog into a TV show. The producers see her as a "Rachel Ray on the Prairie-type". She sees herself as a fraud.

In Julia's fictional world, she's successful. She can pay her bills on time. Heck, she even has a fictional gorgeous husband and charming little boy. Ready to realize her dreams, Julia returns to her grandparents' farm to shoot the TV pilot.

Brad Taylor is definitely not her type: he’s rugged, sensible, and oh-so smug about learning that Julia’s blog is a farce. As the manager of her grandparent’s farm, Brad doesn’t have time to deal with whimsical women who don’t even know how to cook. 

Julia can't allow her attraction to Brad to distract her, not when her dreams are about to come true. But are these truly her dreams, her good life? 

A fun, fast (150 pages) contemporary romance

What’s your next project?

Right now I'm wrapping up Madi, The Good Life Book Two.  Next up, I'm planning to write a Christmas novella: Trudy, A Good Life Christmas.  That story will focus on Julia's grandmother when she was a newlywed during the 1950s.

How do you feel about self-publishing?

I find it both liberating and scary.  On the one hand, it has freed so many talented authors from the confines of the traditional publishing model, many of whom never had the chance to get their work published until now.  One the other hand, with few constraints to what gets published there is also a rising tide of bad books on the market.  It makes it confusing for readers.  I would encourage any reader in this new publishing world to read samples before you buy.  Reviews are helpful, but they can only help so much.

I LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite, I just wish it was waterproof so I could relax a bit more when I take it into the bath.  When I find a free half hour I enjoy romance, paranormal romance and new adult books, mostly.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I love writing romance, but I can picture writing paranormal and even a thriller at some time down the road.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My husband has been writing since high school.  He's been a published author for over a decade and over the years I've always been his first reader.  I guess you could say I've become a writer out of osmosis.  After giving my input for so long, I finally decided I wanted to tackle my own stories.  While Glen mostly writes horror stories, I much prefer HEA (happily ever afters).

Write now I write because I enjoy it.  Even with indie publishing, I think selling the amount of books it would take to make writing a career is still a lot like winning the lottery.  Sure, some people win, but the odds are against it.

Have you developed a specific writing style?

My goal is to try to establish the characters' emotions.  You can't have a romance without an emphasis on emotions.  I figure, emotions + conflict = a recipe for a successful romance novel.

How much of the book is realistic?

Julia is set, as are all the books in the Good Life series, in Harmony Grove, Iowa.  These are stories about small town charm and hard-working people.  I don't sugarcoat these aspects, even if some of the narrative is on the nostalgic end of the spectrum.

What are your goals as a writer?

I want to tell stories that I would like to read.  I figure if I can accomplish that, then readers will eventually find my work.

What contributes to making a writer successful?

Having a thick skin is important.  If you shy away at the slightest criticism, either in the critiquing phase or after your work is published, then writing might not be in the cards for you.  Writing is a hard and oftentimes lonely business.  One day a reader might call your book an all-favorite, while the next day someone might question your ability to string together coherent sentences.  Hard work and a thick skin will take you far.

Do you have any advice for writers?

Reading is just as important as writing.  I sometimes read about a writer who doesn't read when they are in the middle of writing a novel.  Aren't novelists always in the middle of writing a novel?  Does that mean that they don't read at all?  I read for enjoyment, but I also read to learn about improving my craft.  You can learn as much from a poorly written novel as a literary masterpiece.  But you have to take the time to read, or you'll lag behind those writers of equal talent who do.

Do you have any specific last thoughts that you want to say to your readers?

My readers have been so supportive so far!  I love talking to readers, either about my work or books in general.  You can drop me an email at:  sarahkrisch@gmail.com

A failed actress, twenty-something Julia McCarthy begins writing a fictionalized blog as a form of self-therapy. Based on her carefree summers at her grandparents' farm, she never expects her little experiment to garner a viral following, but it does. Boy, does it ever.

Now, with thousands of loyal blog followers, and a syndication deal with the Chicago Herald, Julia is approached by GreenTV to adapt her blog into a TV show. The producers see her as a "Rachel Ray on the Prairie-type". She sees herself as a fraud.

In Julia's fictional world, she's successful. She can pay her bills on time. Heck, she even has a fictional gorgeous husband and charming little boy. Ready to realize her dreams, Julia returns to her grandparents' farm to shoot the TV pilot.

Brad Taylor is definitely not her type: he’s rugged, sensible, and oh-so smug about learning that Julia’s blog is a farce. As the manager of her grandparent’s farm, Brad doesn’t have time to deal with whimsical women who don’t even know how to cook.

Julia can't allow her attraction to Brad to distract her, not when her dreams are about to come true. But are these truly her dreams, her good life?

A fun, fast (150 pages) contemporary romance

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Contemporary Romance

Rating – PG-13

More details about the author

Connect with Sarah Krisch on Facebook