Saturday's Blurbs featuring Books by Joanie MacNeil #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #romance

Sapphire Kisses

Alexandra Jordan doesn’t anticipate the challenge ahead of her when she agrees to spend the summer as a research assistant for acclaimed author, David Meredith, who is gradually losing his sight.

David feels threatened by her presence in his home, his sanctuary, the only place he can be independent. He is determined to prove he doesn’t need help and wants Alex out of his life. She is equally determined to do the job she’s been paid to do. Once he accepts Alex isn’t like other women, her beguiling ways soon intrigue him…until he discovers her secret.

No Boundaries

Attractive Paige Delaney is more woman than Jack Shannon wants in his life, though he’s in serious need of her award winning skills in web design.  Paige believes her sexy new boss thinks he’s God's gift to woman.  Both are single parents with shattered dreams and damaged hearts, having suffered betrayals of trust in previous relationships. Each desires to love and be loved, but they are afraid to trust the opposite sex again. 

When Jack moves into his new house and discovers Paige is his next door neighbor, their protective barriers and personal goals are threatened.  Is it fate or their teenage children conspiring to push them together?

December Heat Wave

Following the death of her husband, Nicolette Oliver concentrates on re-establishing her career as a dancer, though still dealing with emotional issues relating to her life with Mark. When his friend appears on her doorstep, Nicolette honors her late husband’s invitation and invites Jake to stay.

Jake Harrigan has always been attracted to Nic and sees her as untouchable, even though she is now on her own. They are opposites, their lives and expectations literally worlds apart. Drawn into a romantic interlude, the parting is difficult when Jake returns to Europe to resume his career as TV news journalist and Nic moves to Sydney to begin rehearsals for the show that will resurrect her career.

Jake returns to Australia to see Nic again and also to finalize details with his network to sail around the world making documentaries. Will Jake follow his heart and ask Nic to give up all that she’s worked for and sail away with him?

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Friday's Guest Joanie MacNeil Talking about Who She Was Before #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #Australia

What were you in your life before you became a writer? Did this influence your writing?

Thank you Janet for inviting me to be a guest on your blog today.

I worked as an executive assistant throughout my career, at a university and in government, with a brief stint as a temp EA in private enterprise. I began my writing career in the mid-nineties, when my children were pre/early teens. I continued to work full time as I learned the craft of writing romance novels.

My office career influenced a couple of my novels, The Trouble with Natalie and No Boundaries, in that I was familiar with office routines, and used locations of a couple of places where I’d worked.

2. Are you genre specific or general? Why? I don't mean genres like romance, mystery, fantasy etc. There are many subgenres of the above. 

Contemporary romance is my preferred genre to write. I like writing shorter novels, around 50,000 words, give or take a few thousand. Some years ago now, I entertained the idea of writing a time-travel set in modern Glasgow and the Hebrides. I look at my notes every now and then. Now is not the right time. Maybe one day…

3. Did your reading choices have anything to do with your choice of a genre or genres? 

My first foray into romance reading was in my early forties. On holiday with family at the Gold Coast, I was in much need of some R&R and escapism. I picked up a historical novel by Rexanne Becnel, My Gallant Enemy. From the front cover, through battles, with brooding hero and resourceful heroine, and the mysterious workings within the castle, to the very last page was the pure escapism I sought. Could Lilliane and Corbett ever be together? Such tension! I was hooked on historical romance and couldn’t read enough of it. I still have that book, have promised myself to read it again sometime, and though I haven’t, I’m pleased to say it has survived a few house moves, and many culls of my bookshelves.

While reading and absorbing the wonderful adventures within historical novels, I often thought how much I would like to write a novel, but discounted the idea as too hard, and something other people did. Not me. I wasn’t clever enough. And where to start? Those were my excuses. The need to write wouldn’t go away, and I realised there were occasions during my life that I’d considered writing, but had dismissed the idea.

I enrolled in a six week freelance writing course at a local evening college, the only writing course I could find locally. Better than nothing. It was the session on writing romance that appealed to me the most. By accident, I stumbled on a couple of articles by a well-known Australian romance author in magazines I’d borrowed from the library; saw an ad for a romance writers workshop in my city, hosted by visiting writers. Though the workshop didn’t eventuate, I phoned one of the contact authors and discovered my local romance writers group. I told myself I was meant to be a writer. I found out about a one day workshop in Melbourne, and having never been to Melbourne before, flew down for the day. The speakers were truly passionate about writing and so inspirational for this budding author who was so starved of information about the genre and market and how to write a novel. Through reading a couple of newsletters I discovered an American online romance writers discussion group, signed up and later joined an associated online critique group. A great learning experience, and at last, I could seek answers to all my questions from those who knew about writing romance. At that time, Australia did seem to me to be a long way from the rest of the world.

4. What's your latest release? 

Sweet Temptations – released this week.

https://books2read.com/Sweet-Temptations

Zachary Cordell returns to New South Wales to search for his estranged father’s young widow. Zac is certain that Elizabeth Marshall married his father for his money and he wants revenge.

Elizabeth is looking for a quiet lifestyle away from the notoriety the press associated with her name following the death of her husband. All she wants is a quiet, secure home in her old hometown. When her uncle Max recommends Zac as a handyman, she is nervous about hiring a drifter. She soon begins to trust him and finds herself attracted to Zac. Little does she know his relationship to her late husband, his reasons for coming to New South Wales, or the sweet temptations which will follow.

5. What are you working on now? 

My current work in progress is set on the Sapphire coast, and is a friends to lovers story, and a quest for forgiveness.  My characters each have to negotiate several emotional issues, including danger for the heroine. The burning issue is the hero’s awful secret.

My local writing group, Canberra Romance Writers, plans to release a second anthology in July 2019.  I am in the early stages of planning a story for inclusion in the anthology.

6. Where can we find you? 

FB: Romance Author Joanie Macneil

www.joaniemacneil.com

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Thursday's Third Scene Search Fir The White Jewel #MFRWuauthor #Fantasy #BooksWeLoveLTD #swordsandsorcery

From The Armsmen's Guide
    Beware the hidden enemy for he lurks in your heart.
    
    Brader pulled a tunic over his head. The strains of music drifted through the open window. He leaned on the sill and thought about tonight's festival honoring spring's return. Last night, a lass newly arrived in the village had flirted with him each time she and her cousin had strolled past. Alas, he'd already promised another to be her squire for the evening. Perhaps tonight.
    He frowned. Maybe he should remain in the keep. There'd been a subtle tension in his mother's voice when she had sent him for Liara. The news brought by the afternoon's visitors had troubled the Yellow Holder, but she hadn't shared her concerns with him. Had she told Liara?
    He pressed his hands against the stone wall. His mother held a Jewel, but he could never follow her. Not that he wanted to stay here. He wanted to go to Pala and join the Queen's Guard. Too often, the villagers sought to use him to gain his mother's attention. He wanted to be liked for himself and not for his mother's position.
    He strode to his bed and grasped the sword, his last name day present from his mother. That had been a day of triumph. He had bested his trainer with the sword, knife and bow.
    The door rattled. He crossed and lifted the latch.
    "Brader, your mother wants to see you."
    Liara leaned against the door frame. Her crystal blue eyes were rimmed with red. "What's wrong? Is she worse?"
    "Not that she'll admit."
    "And you, is something wrong?"
    She shook her head. "I'm tired and confused. Go to Tana. Then we'll talk."
    "In the morning. I've plans for the evening. 'Tis the festival."
    As he walked away, he shook his head. Liara, the stoic, had been crying and there could be but one reason. He smashed his fist against the wall. "Not yet." After swallowing the lump in his throat, he entered his mother's room. He strode to the bedside and took her hands. Their iciness deepened his concern. "Has the Healer been summoned?"
    "There is naught she can do for me and I have no time for a Healing. Liara must leave at once and you must go with her."
    "How can I desert you? Who will close your eyes and who will speak the final blessing? You cannot embark on your journey to the next plane alone."
    "I won't be alone. Listen... Liara is niece to the Queen. When she dies, Liara must hold the White or there will be great destruction throughout the land. Even the High Sanctuary will fall."
    Brader slumped on the chair beside the bed. "Liara? I thought she would hold your Jewel. What do you mean by the White?"
    "'Tis the true ruler of the Jewels."
    "And Liara will be the one to hold it? That means she's..." He shook his head. Liara was his foster sister, a foundling his mother had given a home. What would happen to their friendship now? "And your Jewel."
    "Another will come for mine. You and Liara must leave. Go to Thanis and find a ship to Quato. She needs your strength and your skill at arms to keep her safe until she bonds with her Jewel. On the table are maps. Study and burn them."
    A dozen protests formed and were swallowed. He reached for the maps and studied the route marked with dark ink. Quato to Stone Mountain, across the Great Desert to the Screaming Hills. When he had the route memorized, he burned the maps in the fireplace. "When must we leave?"
    "I should have sent you a tenday ago. You must be gone before dawn. Take care. Guards have been sent. They may be accompanied by mages." She reached beneath her pillow and handed him a leather pouch. "Coins for the journey. Go not as yourselves but as villagers seeking a better life."
    He kissed her cheek and held her close. "Do you want me to fetch your maid?"
    "Let her sleep. I will be fine."
    As he left the room, he began to plan. Two mail vests. Armsmen's clothes for him. Dark cloaks. A sword with a plain hilt rather than the jeweled one he wore. Knives, ropes, bow and arrows for Liara, trail rations and hill ponies.
    The plans helped still his anxiety about his mother. And though he wanted to stay, he'd heard the command and concern in her voice and knew he had to obey.
    Second room had risen by the time he would finish with preparations for the journey. He strode to his foster sister's room. She stood at the window. "Liara."
    She turned. "She told you."
    "Aye. Be ready to leave within the hour. Wear your oldest clothes. I'll come for you."
    Liara shook her head. "I'll await you at the postern gate. 'Tis too much to understand."
    "I know. Seems strange to me as well."
    For a moment, he stared at her. She was beautiful, and he had never noticed. Until tonight, she'd been his playmate and his friend. What was she now?
    He changed into travel clothes, then returned to his mother's room. As he paused in the doorway, he knew she had lied, a thing she had never done before. At the bedside, he knelt and took her hand. "'Tis not my choice to leave you before the parting ceremony, but since you believe Liara and I most go, so be it."
    He cleared his throat. "Farewell, Mother. May the sun shine on your days and the moons light your nights. When the quest ends, I will return and tell you how we fared so your shade will no longer hover between this plane and the next."
    He closed her eyes and left the room. He would keep her parting a secret until he and Liara were well away from the keep, for he knew she would want to return.

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Wednesday The Leo Aquarius Connection - Janet Lane Walters -New Release #MFRWHooks #MFRWAuthor #Medicalromance #BooksWeLoveLTD

With my new release, I'll be joining other writers in a blog hop. Click here  http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com

BLURB

The nurses stare as he exits the elevator on the Pediatric Unit. “Enter the handsome doctor.” Those are Doctor Caleb Winstone’s words as he steps off the elevator. Though he’s embarrassed, this Leo doctor rolls with the punches. 

He’s returned home to join an older doctor in the practice. Before long he learns the new nurse manager of the unit is a woman he knows. Of all the women in the world, she is the last one he wants to see. How can he manage to work daily with her? Before the day ends, he discovers his mother has decided who he should marry and the woman is quite willing. Not for him.

Suzanna Rollins is an Aquarian and now the guardian of her half-brother who was badly injured in a car accident. She takes the position as nurse manager of the Pediatric unit for several reasons. One is the move from the city re-unites her with college friends, the Grantley Gang. The other is for the excellent Rehab Center. On the day of her arrival, she encounters Caleb. What is he doing here and why? Can she work with the man she fell in and out of love with the night he offered her less than marriage?

Caleb’s interest in helping her half-brother gives them more together time than they imagined.

EXCERPT:

As Caleb Winstone rode the elevator to the fifth floor of Eastlake Community, the familiar aromas shouting hospital engulfed him. Though slightly different from the scents of his last placement, they smelled of coming home. Exhaustion threatened to swamp him but he had places to visit and things to accomplish before he sought sleep.

The indicator flashed five. The doors parted and he stepped out to face the nurses’ station. A half dozen women stared and collectively sighed.

“Enter the handsome doctor.”

Gasps and giggles greeted him.

Caleb felt his face heat. Had he really said that? He considered a strategic retreat but the elevator doors had closed. Though he’d been called handsome often enough, he had no reason for the blatant announcement.

A burst of male laughter interrupted his swirling thoughts. “Hello, Caleb. You certainly know how to make an entrance.” A tall blond man rounded the end of the desk and offered his hand,

“Alex Carter, good to see you again.”

Alex clasped his hand. “Are you in town for good?”

“Looks that way. I’ve joined Joe Grogan’s practice.” Caleb grinned. “Blame my announcement on jet lag. Arrived this morning from London where I spent three months studying respiratory diseases in children.”

“Have you been home?”

Caleb shook his head. “Came straight here. Decided to complete the paperwork and get my parking pass and then go to the office before I go home. I’m meeting Joe at one thirty at the office. Actually, I’m in no hurry to reach the stone mansion.”

Alex nodded. “Are they still upset over your career choice?’

“Naturally. They equate my straying from the financial sphere as a betrayal like they did when I chose swimming over football in high school.”

“Shame. Let me introduce you to today’s crew.” Alex walked to the desk.

The nurses smiled. Were they hiding laughter? He felt sure his appearance and words would make the rounds.

Alex grinned. “Ladies, this is Caleb Winstone, the newest addition to our staff. He’s joining Dr. Joe and vying for the handsome doctor award.”

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Tuesday's Writer's Tip - More on How - Scenes - Opening #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #amwriting #Scenes #Opening

From now on, I'll be looking at some of the scenes needed to make a book complete. Remember, scenes have three purposes.

1. To show character development

2. To provide information

3. To advance the plot.

Hopefully, the Opening Scene should fulfill one of these purposes. In this scene, you are introducing a character and showing a bit of what they are like. This scene can be just one of the main characters or more than one can be shown but focus on one character. Here, is where you can introduce what kind of plot the story will follow. and give a bit here about the what and why. If you can manage it you need to provide information like when and where the story is taking place.

I looked at some of my own stories and saw how different the openings can be. In one, a medical suspense, the shadow character opens the story. There is no name given nor a description but through his thoughts you learn a lot. This scene also establishes one of the important places of action, the hospital and also the reader learns a bit about the plot. The kind of story is established.

Other openings can be a meeting between the hero and heroine or the villain and one of the main characters. You can establish the hero or the heroine and give lots of hints about what the story is to become.

Also the opening scene needs to give the reader the type of story it will be. Is it a mystery, a suspense, a romance, a fantasy or science fiction story. I judge contests and what I find is often the beginning writer will have a great first line but then nothing happens or they head into the backstory without moving the story forward. Often the information given could come in later during a conversation or some other mention. Often it is something the writer needs to know and not the reader.

So when you're starting a story, remember the three things a scene can do. If you achieve one, good, two, great and three fabulous. Keep the tome of the story to the genre you're writing. There's nothing worse than thinking you're going to be reading a comedy and find it turns into a tragedy partway through the book.

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Meandering On Monday with Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #Writing #poetry

Meander 1 Poem -Yearning

Yearning

Sweet treats are stored inside the glass.
Displayed but far beyond her reach.
Enticing, pulling in tantalizing rows.
A face pressed tight against the candy store
Against the glass a flattened nose.
Two sad eyes peer inside
Yearning and reaching for the treats.
Why not for me, the things inside?
I can taste. I can want but never have.
Two sad eyes release their tears.

Meander 2 - Wishing for success- Today, one of my fellow writers wished for that instant success other writers seem to have had. What they don't understand is success isn't earned in a day and what often looks like instant success doesn't come on the first book. What makes the success is writing many books. Not in that instant one. Will they learn, I hope so. Writing and producing new books and having faith in yourself as a writer is what counts. and gives you that magic time when you don't have to have another job. All you have to do is write.

Meander 3 - My writing. The edits have been done for The Leo-Aquarius Connection. All needed is the cover. Am trying something new with this book since it's the fifth of a sixth book series. Have begun once and will start again the Virgo-Pisces Connection to finish the series. Looking forward to putting Megan and Dave through the hoops. And in this book a bit of suspense creeps in.

Sunday's Book - Search For the White Jewel #MFRWauthor #Fantasy #Young adult #BooksWeLoveLTD

When the Holder of the Yellow Jewel dies, her ward Liara believes she will become the new Yellow Holder. The dying word of the elderly woman astonishes the young woman. She will hold the White Jewel. This fabled gem has been lost for years since her mother and her sister fought and her aunt took hold of the Black Jewel.

Liara, accompanied by her foster brother set forth to find the jewel, escaping the soldiers sent by the Queen and Black Jewel Holder. During their escape, Liara meets Valmir who saves her and her foster brother during a shipwreck. During their journey, they meet other holders of the Jewels, including Reena, daughter of the now dead Queen. Though she has the Black Jewel, Reena has no idea how to use the gem.

Saturday's Blurbs featuring Books by Ann Birch #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #historical #mystery

John White is a barrister trapped in a disastrous marriage. In 1792, he breaks loose and strikes out for a new life over the sea, leaving Marianne and his children in England. As Upper Canada’s first Attorney-General, he confronts the conflicts of the early parliament. He pushes through a bill abolishing the import of slaves—long before Britain or America—and he fights to give Aboriginals justice in white man’s courts. He also establishes the Law Society of Upper Canada, still in existence today.

In this new world, John finds pleasure in the friendship of Eliza Russell, sister of Upper Canada’s Receiver-General. They support each other in times of tragedy and despair.

But John makes a grave mistake when he has an affair with Betsy Small, a woman of dubious reputation. Realizing his stupidity, John breaks off the affair and brings Marianne and his family over from England. But Betsy is a vindictive woman who insults his wife, and Betsy’s husband challenges John to a duel. At dawn on January 4, 1800, John takes his pistol and sets out to meet his opponent.

Settlement, a novel of scandal and scurrility, set in early Toronto.  Robert Rotenberg, best-selling writer of thrillers, said: “Birch has that rare ability to use tremendous historical research as a tool to tell a whopping great story.”

The Secret Life of Roberta Greaves, a novel about a renowned professor who must write a best-selling erotic novel in order to pay off her deceased husband’s debts .  Jack Livesley, writer and founder of TV Ontario, said:  “Ann Birch takes us on a journey of hurtful suspense, love and laughter through many settings, to a vivid and satisfying end.”

These books are available in print and e-book format in all the usual places: libraries, bookstores, Amazon, Kobo, Indigo, et cetera.

Friday's Guest featuring Ann Birch #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD

1. What were you in your life before you became a writer? Did this influence your writing?

I was a high-school English teacher and associate professor. Perhaps from my habitation in the academic world, I learned how to hold an audience’s attention. For sure I learned how to critique writing and where to put a comma.

2. Are you genre specific or general?

I’ve written memoirs, essays, reviews, and a textbook,  as well as historical fiction and modern fiction. So I guess that means I am NOT genre specific

.3. Did your reading have anything to do with your choice of a genre or genres?

My favourite book when I was ten years old was The Scarlet Pimpernel. But from those long-ago days, I’ve gone on to read thousands of books in every genre possible. So no, my reading merely made me aware of what good writing is all about.

4. What is your latest release?

Books We Love has just published my historical novel, Duelling in a New World. It’s about John White, Upper Canada’s first Attorney-General. He was a crazy man when it came to his love life, but he totally redeemed himself in his legal career by drafting the first anti-slavery bill in the British Empire.

5. What are you working on now?

My novel-in-progress is about Anne Powell, an early Toronto woman who rebels against the narrow roles assigned to women in the early 1800s. The title, Propriety Be Damned, probably sums it up.

6. Where can you find me?

In many places: at home in Toronto, Ontario; and in The Great Empyrean on Facebook, Linkedin, Goodreads, The Writers’ Union of Canada biographical listings, et cetera.

Thursday's Third Scene from Toth's Priest #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLoveLTD #Romance paranormal #Egypt ancient #history alternate

Three nights of traveling with rests during the heat of the day convinced Namose Hebu was right. Without a camel and supplies he would never make the return trip to Tebes. Sand, dunes, jutting rocks. The desolation of the land lowered his spirits.

The camels began the bone-jarring gait. As he fought to keep his balance, in the distance Namose saw hints of green against the blue horizon. Trees meant an oasis. They drew closer and he saw a large tent with stripes the colors of the robes the priests wore.

Namose swallowed against a lump in his throat. They had reached their destination. He had no idea where they were except far to the east of the river, the bringer of life. He wanted to cry but he couldn’t waste tears. He wouldn’t find sympathy from the priests of Aken Re.

The camels halted and folded their kegs. Hebu released Namose. “Carry the scrolls to the tent.”

“What are they?” he asked.

Hebu chuckled. “You will soon see. Your father named you as one who could read the ancient writing used by the priests of Toth, a false god.”

Namose gulped. “I know a few words.” Why had his father said he could read the ancient writing? “I’m no scholar.”

Hebu’s chilling smile sent a warning. “The scrolls contain knowledge about powers only the priests of Aken Re. the true and only god, should possess.”

Namose rubbed his arms. Even in the heated air he felt cold. “What if I refuse?”

“You won’t. Your life is mine to command. Tomorrow you will begin.” He pushed Namose to the tent, “Eat and sleep until I wake you.”

Once again the desire to escape arose but there was no way. Refusal to obey Hebu would mean his death. He opened the flap and stepped into the enclosed space. After storing the bundle in the rear of the tent, he helped himself to cheese, dates and water. He ate and retreated to where he’d placed the scrolls and settled to sleep.

He dreamed. Toth appeared. Spoke. “Do what you must to stay alive. You know enough to satisfy the evil one. A time will come when you will act. First you must become a man. The scrolls are mine and will be returned to the temple.”

The vision faded leaving Namose’s questions unasked. Could he believe what he’d heard or had his desire directed the dream?

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