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Saturday, September 23, 2023

Saturday's Blurbs features Books by Ruth Casey #MFRWAuthor #romance #historical #Barrister #Earl #Lady #Secret

The Lady and the Barrister

She swore she’d help him find his soul mate. Will she realize he has met his match?

Lady Anna Ravencroft shines brightly as a much-admired organizer and hostess. In her mind it is the one thing at which she succeeds. Inwardly she is shy, retiring… a wallflower. With two failed seasons that ended in disaster she has accepted marriage might not be in her future.

Lord Fraser Castleton, a London barrister is shocked when he inherits a title and estate from his father’s great uncle and becomes the 8^th Duke of Willbury. He returns to Sommer-by-the-Sea to take up permanent residence. He crosses paths with his longtime friend, Lady Anna. He confides that he is the target of every mother with an unmarried daughter. She commiserates with him. Every eligible gentleman sees the Ravencroft purse rather than her. Together they decide to find a mate for each other. Anna presents him with a list of several eligible women. Castleton is receptive but not enthusiastic. He gives her the same reaction with the subsequent two lists. Will she realize he has already found his match?

Richard Younge, who doesn’t always play by the rules, wants to be the next Member of Parliament for his borough. His political backer will support him if Younge can finance the campaign himself. He suggests Younge find a wealthy wife to support his political plans. Marrying a Ravencroft would all but guarantee not only his backer’s continued support but provide the steady stream of money needed to claim his place amongst the gentry. He calls on Lady Anna for assistance with a campaign event and has an ulterior motive.

Buy Link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSG2GMH9

The Lady and the Earl

A woman’s manipulating behavior is a prescription for disaster. But for whom?

Harriet Manning is a brilliant physician, dedicating her days to assisting her renowned father and volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary. Though deeply passionate about medicine and helping others, societal norms restrict her from practicing openly. To add to her woes, her mother is incessantly urging her to find a suitable husband.

During a trip to London, Asheton Dunn suffers a riding accident and is taken to Harriet's clinic for treatment. As he recuperates, Harriet and Asheton grow close, kindling a romance. However, when Harriet's family discovers that Asheton is the Duke of Whippany's son, they are taken aback. Harriet's mother advises her to put aside her medical aspirations and conform to society's expectations to fit into Asheton's world.

Although they are engaged, their match is met with disapproval from the Ton, with Daphne Willis harboring ulterior motives. Will Harriet and Asheton overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their love?

Buy Link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1W6G3FV

The Lady and Her Secret

She came home to find a piece of her past. She discovered so much more.

Lady Rachel Emerson comes from a prominent Sommer-by-the-Sea family and leads a charmed life. Her fiancé, Pryce, Earl Somerset, is more than just tall, dark, and handsome. He’s everything a woman could want. But before they send out the wedding invitations, the betrothal is canceled.

After fifteen years, Rachel returns to her beloved Emerson Manor on All Hallows Eve, the day before the manor is turned over to the local historical society. For years, she mourned the loss of her locket, her only connection to Pryce. Rachel has one day and one last chance to find it. Her search leads her to a cache of old newspapers that rekindle memories and lead her on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. But will she find her heart’s desire?

Pre-Order - https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Secret-Return-Ladies-Sommer-ebook/dp/B0CDR6DHVD

Friday, September 22, 2023

Ruth Casey is Visiting and talking about her latest release #MFRWAutor #romance #Concert pianist #assassination plot

The Lady and the Rogue

Day 1

1. Tell me about your latest release or the book you wish to feature. Genre?

The Lady and the Rogue is book three in the series, the Return of the Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, a Regency romance series with a mix of murder and mayhem. Lady Euphemia Brandt, the esteemed concert pianist, finds herself unwittingly caught up in a dangerous game when she is mistaken for Lord Thornton's contact. In a twist of fate, the two are hastily engaged and embark on a treacherous journey to uncover a deadly assassination plot targeting the Prime Minister.

As Euphemia and Lord Thornton navigate the treacherous waters of high society, they must rely on their wits, resourcefulness, and growing affection for each other to unravel the threads of this dangerous conspiracy. But time is running out, and their only chance lies in deciphering a perplexing musical message that holds the key to saving England from impending chaos.

As Euphemia's musical talents become her most valuable weapon, she must decode the melodies with precision and uncover the hidden truth within the notes. With each passing moment, the stakes rise higher, and the threat becomes even more dire.

In a world where secrets lurk behind every elegant facade, Euphemia and Lord Thornton must face not only their own demons but also the relentless pursuit of those intent on destroying their newfound love and jeopardizing the safety of an entire nation.

Will Euphemia's brilliance at the piano be enough to decode the musical message and save England from disaster? Can she and Lord Thornton overcome the obstacles in their path and find love in each other's arms amidst the chaos?

2. Where did the idea arise?

The story concept began with a thought-provoking prompt and an intriguing article that explored the art of conveying clandestine messages through music.

The prompt presented a scenario in which a young woman found herself in an unfortunate situation, being at the wrong place at the wrong time. She bravely defended herself against an assailant, inadvertently losing her reticule in the process. To secure her transportation, she resorted to taking coins from her attacker. She crosses paths with the same man at her parents' party. The attacker is determined to find out more about her. She is just as determined to stay far away from him. He solved the issue by petitioning her father for her hand.

You’ll have to read the story to see how I used that prompt and how it all turns out!

3. How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just one more thing?

The ‘just one more thing’ turned out to be music. I had already decided that the mistaken identity was our hero meeting his contact, a woman who our heroine is teaching how to read music. In doing research, I came across an article on music used in spy codes. So, I used the music code as a device to include our heroine with the villain.

4. How long did it take to write the book?

It took me three months from start to release. I started the book in June after the release of The Lady and the Earl. The Lady and the Rogue releases on September 12.

5. Now a bit about you. How long have you been writing? What is your Sun Sign?

I have been writing for twelve years. The first book I wrote was Knight of Runes. It was published by Carina Press as an ebook and by Harlequin in print. I am a hybrid author. Including this book, I have published twenty-six books and three novellas. My 27^th book will be published in October.

6. Do you write in a number of genres of stick to one?

I have tried to write in both historical and contemporary genres. My readers overwhelmingly prefer my historical stories. With that in mind, for the last few years, I have been writing Regency romance. I do have a short historical series that includes magic and another that is a time travel.

7. Where on the internet can you be found?

Thank you for asking. You can find me at the following places on the internet.

Website: https://ruthacasie.com/

Ruth’s Newsletter Signup: http://ruthacasie.com/contact.html#newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthacasie/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuthACasie

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ruth-seitelman/6/6b7/964

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ruthacasie/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ruth-A-Casie

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthacasie

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ruthacasie

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ruthacasie

Thursday, September 21, 2023

The Opening Scene from Code Blue is featured today #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #suspense #medical #romance

He crouched in the cemetery that embraced three sides of the hillside parking lot across from Bradley Memorial Hospital. A massive family marker shielded him yet allowed him a clear view of the steps, the street and the door of the Emergency Room. Dark clouds slid across the surface of the moon. Lights, set high on poles around the perimeter of the lot sent finger shadows groping among the cars.

The watcher straightened and edged from behind the granite marker. White puffs of vapor from the shallow, rapid breaths he took coalesced around his face. He held his body as rigid as a tombstone. As he waited for the evening nurses to end their tour of duty and hurry across the street to their cars, his narrowed eyes focused on the brightly-lit hospital entrance. Every night for a week, he had watched while excitement and anticipation had circled like a swarm of hornets. Would she come tonight?

"I'll never leave you." When he was eight, Mommy had said the words that had become his litany. That broken promise had brought him here.

He stared at the steps. When would Susan come?

When Mommy was a patient, Susan had been her favorite nurse. He had liked Susan, too, but she hadn't stopped those other people from hurting Mommy. His shoulders tensed.

"I'll never leave you. They'll have to kill me first."

The night Mommy died was etched into his memories. On that dreadful night, he had begun his plan to make them pay.

Mommy would be unhappy about what he meant to do. To her, nurses were special and Susan more wonderful than the rest.

He rocked from his heels to his toes. The last time he had disobeyed, Mommy had threatened to tell everyone how bad he was. He had promised her he would be good. His hands curled into fists. Sometimes he wanted to feel the heat of accomplishment so much he felt sick.

He gulped a breath. Tonight the heat would blossom and he would feel powerful again.

Susan was like Mommy. She would tell. He chewed on his lower lip. Her death would free him to still the people who had hurt Mommy on that dreadful night.

His smile became a grimace.

He had trusted Susan but she had failed to keep Mommy safe. Though he wished to see the others dead, Susan had to be first. He had laid his plans carefully, and while he had considered all the things that could go wrong, days had become weeks and then months.

The bright lights across the street caught his attention and stirred his hopes. She had to come tonight. He wanted to be free.

His hand brushed Mommy's tombstone. He pressed his fingers against the engraved letters of her name. He cocked his head and listened to the whisper of the wind.

"Nurses give so much to others. Someone should take care of them."

Mommy's husky voice thrummed in a corner of his mind. Her face appeared. Tears spilled from her eyes. He shook his head. Why should he listen to her when she had left him?

My Places

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Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Murder and Tainted Tea #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Cozy Mystery #Santa Fe #Maine Coon cat

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts. Mine is found at eclecticwriter.blogspot.com and is from Murder and Tainted Tea

Blurb:

Katherine heads to Santa Fe, New Mexico along with a Maine Coon Cat kitten to spend New Year’s Eve with Lars. Her guilty feelings over the organist’s death has her needing an escape. When she reaches Santa Fe, she discovers Lars is missing. She seeks and finds him and steps into another mystery.

Lars’ daughter dislikes Katherine but when the young woman is kidnapped, they are puzzled. The murder of Lars’ daughter and one of his employees makes solving the mysteries necessary. Can she learn before Lars becomes a victim.

Editorial Review
With every book, I think the Katherine Miller Mysteries can't get any better. I'm always wrong, because they always do. ~ Writer Gail Roughton

Excerpt:

The evening before my departure, I carried a half dozen tins of dried mint to the bedroom. These were the last items for the suitcase on the antique sleigh bed. As I paused in the doorway, the urge to laugh was almost impossible to contain, but a stern approach was needed.

“Robespierre, an open suitcase is not a bed.” I glared at the Maine Coon cat who had curled among my neatly folded clothes. “You aren’t being abandoned. Maria and the baby are excited about your visit.”

The look of disdain on his face brought my laughter bubbling forth. I dumped the tea on the bed, scratched his head, then lifted twenty-five pounds of cat from the case. “Be gone.” As he stalked from the room, his tail twitched to signal his displeasure at being banished.

After tucking my stash among my clothes, I closed the case. With a supply of teas for every occasion, I felt prepared to face my flight to an unfamiliar destination. I wheeled the suitcase and carried a hanging bag to the kitchen where they would be on hand for my early morning departure. My son had grumbled about the hour, but he’d promised to get me to the plane on time.

Robespierre now lay on the kitchen floor and stared at the case containing my belated Christmas present for Lars’ granddaughter. I plugged in the electric kettle, this year’s gift from one of my neighbors, selected an assortment of mints and stuffed a tea ball.

Once the tea had steeped, I poured a mug and headed to the living room where I settled on the window seat. The lights from the Tappan Zee Bridge vied with the moonlight dancing on the dark waters of the Hudson River. Stars formed patterns in the sky. I’m never tired of watching the river and my early morning walks often end at the river’s edge.

The shrill ring of the phone startled me. I grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”

“Kate.”

“Lars, is something wrong?” Why was he calling when he’d see me tomorrow? Had something happened to make it necessary for me to postpone my visit?

“Jitters. Afraid you’ve changed your mind. You’ve never come before. And...there is something...” His voice drifted into silence.

Something was bothering him, but extracting a story long distance is hard. Face to face is better. “My bags are packed and the tickets are in my purse.”

“Good. I’m looking forward to having you here.” He paused. “What are you doing with the cat?”

“He’ll be staying with Maria and the baby.” I chuckled. “At this moment he’s peeved. He tried to use my suitcase as a bed and I chased him.”

Lars laughed. “Guess he wants to come along. You could bring him.”

“Are you out of your mind? You want me to bring the creature who hates cars and being confined? He’ll be fine at the Prescotts’ house. I’m looking forward to freedom from his tyranny.”

“He does tend to act like a dictator. Kate, we’ll have a grand time while you’re here. I’ve so many things planned for us to do.”

I set down the mug. “That’s not why you called. What is bothering you?”

His deep sigh rumbled in my ear. “The problem is...I’m not sure what’s going on.”

“So tell me what you can. Are Don and Megan all right?”

“They’re fine.”

“And...” I hesitated to ask if his daughter had staged a scene when she learned I’d accepted his invitation. “Is there a problem because I’m coming?”

“No.”

“Something else?”

“I’m not sure there is a problem.” He paused. “It’s just...vague...and...You know I plan to retire. I’ve been avoiding all the paperwork necessary for months. Last week I looked at some of the companies I’ve seeded. Something odd is going on.”

For years Lars has looked for new and sometimes unique businesses and provided funds for expansion and promotion. Most of these ventures have been successful and repayment of the loans with interest has made him a wealthy man.

“Someone’s stealing.” The words just popped out.

“Maybe, but I hope not. Except just before Ramona’s accident, she hinted she’d discovered a number of discrepancies. We found nothing in her records or her computer. I figured whatever she’d learned had been destroyed when her car burned.”

Eight months ago, Lars’ daughter-in-law had died in a tragic accident. A chill crawled along my spine. “Do be careful.”

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Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tuesday's Writer's Tip Revenge Plot - Second scene #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Plot #Revenge #writing

Now is the time for revenge. Plans are made for action. If there is a single person tapped for revenge, pursuit may take place. If there are multiple persons for revenge justice can be taken one by one. There may be a third person who tries to thwart the person seeking revenge. The action leads toward the third phase of the plot.

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Monday, September 18, 2023

Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Reading #Writing #Thoughts

Meander 1 - Reading - Been reading a variety of books. One of Susan King's Highland stories using the ancient myths about faries existing in the underworld. Well written and fanciful. Am reading a different one, Rather Victorian about travel to Egypt with a writer who has never been there and the man who challenged her knowledge. Interesting so far.

Meander 2 - Thoughts - Still waiting for movement in the Trump suits. Getting tired of the speculation and wish someone would find a way to keep him quiet. Name calling is rather boring but that's his way.

Meander 3 - Writing. Working hard but there is a lot to go. Will get busy typing so I see how much I need to add to make this a story.

My Places

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Fun, suspenseful thriller

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Code Blue is featured today as Sunday's Book #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #suspense #medical #romance

Nurse Susan finds the body of the hospital’s “gossip queen” in the orthopedic storage room. She doesn’t realize this is the first of a series of murders involving her colleagues or that her life is in danger. She is a widow and is exploring a new romantic relationship that promises love but she fears the man she is falling for is as controlling as her dead husband.

The arrival of courtship gifts, at first, seen as innocuous soon takes on a sinister note.

Reviews
This book kept me on edge from the first page to the last. Several times I just 'knew' I'd figured out who the killer was, but each time, there was a bit of doubt there until the very last paragraph! I highly recommend this book. 4 Stars (Excellent!)"--Tracie's Book Reviews

"Fast-paced mainstream novel ... Walters plots carefully, each scene constructed to perfection. For readers who enjoy being terrified, this is an author to turn to for entertainment. She tells all, while managing to create paranoia among the characters."--Affaire de Coeur

Sonia Enriquez

Code Blue

Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2012

Verified Purchase

Code Blue is an interesting book that keeps you trying to out what the identity of the killer was. It's an amazing book.

RabidReader

Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2016

Ms. Lane-Walters' thriller, Code Blue, is a fun thriller. A killer's stalking nurses at a hospital, taking them out one by one. The novel's almost a throw-back to the thrillers of yesteryear when modern technology didn't make it easier to call for help, yet somehow seemed more suspenseful for it. A stubborn protagonist and too much time spent on a romance bog the thrills down a tad , but this is a well-written book with a steady supply of shocks. Ms. Lane-Walters also proves adept at delving into the mind of a psychopath and in these passages, the writing soars. Recommended for thriller and romance fans!

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