RELAX, PUT YOUR FEET UP, AND BREATHE ~ LUCINDA RACE #RomanceGem

Hey, all! I've got one gem of an author here for ya! That's right, one of my Romance Gems blog friends. Please welcome Lucinda Race who's here today to tell us a little bit about herself and her newest release, BREATHE. Let's start by asking her a few questions...

How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life? 

I struggle with balance as I'm all in when it comes to life. When I'm writing a new book it's always on my mind so I might not be in front of a keyboard but I'm still working, like pieces of a puzzle. Everyday life does require my attention as life is hectic but writing it my relaxation, well and reading too.


Where do you live? Where would you love to live? 

I live in western Massachusetts and I do enjoy traveling but to coin a phrase there's no place like home, other than I'd like to live near a beautiful lake in our area. Maybe someday.

What was the last song you listened to in your digital library? 

Drake White- Making me look good again - it actually is a song I use when writing my male hero in my upcoming August release, Blush book 3 Crescent Lake Winery

What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without? 

My laptop - I have NO idea how writers did edits with typewriters or gasp long hand - here I just cut and retype and the offending words are poof gone like the wind.

What is something you struggle with when you write? 

Having enough time to write, it's like when I read a book I love to read until the book is done, same thing when I write I hate to leave the characters, its like walking out on a fascinating conversation and not hearing the best parts.

I hear you on that! I hate leaving my characters in a predicament, because, you know, they need me, and I really hate leaving them in the middle of a sex scene. That's just cruel! ;)

Well, thank you for sharing yourself with us, Lucinda! Now let's hear a little more about BREATHE.

Blurb ~

Romance and fine wine both need time to breathe…

Her family’s successful winery business in the Finger Lakes region of New York should have gone to Tessa Price. She’d always dreamed of running the winery, but when the “prodigal son” returns to take up the reins, she boldly strikes out on her own, purchasing Sand Creek Winery—a cash-strapped competitor—right out from under her family. She can forge her own destiny, using her marketing skills and big plans to bring new life to the winery. But first she has a proposition for the sexy previous owner. And he’s likely to hate it.

Kevin “Max” Maxwell would never have willingly sold his winery to anyone named “Price.” Family always comes first, and if paying for his sister’s cancer treatment cost him his business, it was worth it. But when the new owner offers him a one year contract to stay on as general manager, with a possible bonus, he really can’t afford to turn it down. He can ignore the effect her deep brown eyes and heart-shaped face have on his senses for a year, can’t he?

Relationships, like slowly ripening vineyards, take time. But Max has been keeping a secret from Tessa, one that could destroy her hopes for their future. Will a terrible accident force Tessa and Max to face how much they have to lose, or tear apart their budding relationship forever? Sometimes a romance is like a fine wine. To be its best, it just needs time to breathe.

Here's where to purchase BREATHE:

https://books2read.com/u/3JXYeK 

Here's where to find Lucinda: 

https://twitter.com/LucindaRace

FB https://www.facebook.com/LucindaRaceAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/lucindaraceauthor/

Goodreads – Lucinda Race- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10174985.Lucinda_Race

Book + Main Lucinda Race https://bookandmainbites.com/search/Lucinda%20Race

Youtube Lucinda Race https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lucinda+race+author

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

Universal Link https://books2read.com/ap/xyYO2g/Lucinda-Race

Bookbub Lucinda Race https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucinda-race

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Race/e/B00Q0MMNUM

Lucinda’s Heart Racers Reader Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/118597305361578

https://lucindarace.com

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/feed/6

Thanks for joining us! Have a great day!

TAKE A TRIP TO PIKE'S RUN WITH KARA O'NEAL

 

I have a very special guest today! My friend and fellow writer, Kara O'Neal! Kara and I have known each other quite a while and she is a delightful lady and a very talented writer. The people of Kara's Pike's Run Series are so warm and real, it's a treat whenever one of her books comes out and you get to return to that world! I highly recommend her! 

Since Kara stopped in, let's get to know her a little better. 

Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

I am the Academic Lead Teacher for the Special Education department at a middle school in Texas. I am involved with the quality of life for families, and my years with them have taught me so much about life and love and what matters most. This has helped my storytelling so much.

 

Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am married to my hero. He is the perfect combination of Jim Halpert, Captain Steve Rogers and Mr. Darcy. We’ve been married for twenty-two years, and they have been wonderful. Sometimes painful. But wonderful. We have three children, and they are growing up and making their life decisions. It’s so amazing to watch them become the people they are meant to be. Truly, they are gifts from God.

 

If you owned a CB radio what would your "handle" be?

Ummm, probably “short stuff” or “tiny red”. (I’m five foot two and have red hair.)

What CD is in your CD player right now? Or what was the last song you listened to in your digital library?

I listen to Spotify, and I have many artists in my playlist. My absolute favorite is Curtis Grimes, and I just saw him in concert! For the first time! It was soooo great. The last song I played was “Sober Heart of Mine” by Flatland Cavalry. (Another favorite)

Name your favorite children's story.

Oh…this is gonna be hard. Either Rikki Tikki Tavi or pretty much anything by Shel Silverstein. Or Little House. Or Nancy Drew. (Ok. I didn’t answer that very well.)

I'm with you with the Little House and Nancy Drew! What was your nickname growing up or now?

“Red”.

Who was your hero when you were a child, and what did you do to be like them?

I had MANY role models growing up. My mom and dad definitely, but also a couple ladies who were like second mothers to me, Trish and Rhonda. They are kind and fun and faithful and strong and smart and giving. I do everything I can to be like them.

What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?

Well, it’s probably Netflix. (I’m blushing. Isn’t that horrible?) I am a binger. My favorites are The Office, Once Upon A Time, Virgin River…ok…I’m going to stop now.

Good choices! What are your three favorite smells?

I love the smell of baking bread, the earth after it rains and Baby Magic baby wash.

 Okay, I think that's the first time I've gotten Baby Magic as an answer! :)

Tell us about one of your books.

The Sheriff’s Gift

Texas Brides of Pike’s Run Series, Book 2

Historical Romance

 

About:

The Sheriff’s Gift was a wonderful book to write. It allowed me to delve into the lives of the people in the town I was creating. Alice Parker, the heroine of the story, is the schoolteacher, and Conner Lonnigan, the hero, is the sheriff. They are highly involved in the lives of the townsfolk and are often called upon to help. Alice and Conner are strong-willed people with caring hearts and no-nonsense attitudes. Not only are they perfect for the town, they are perfect for each other.

The Sheriff’s Gift sets up several other books in the series. Many of the students, once they are old enough, end up with their own stories. It has been so much fun watching them grow and change and establish their futures. Writing is a joy, and I’m so glad I get to spend time with these wonderful characters!

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Sheriffs-Gift-Texas-Brides-Pikes-ebook/dp/B08CNFMZ41/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1TWSVIE338V04&dchild=1&keywords=kara+o%27neal&qid=1594413465&sprefix=kara+o%27neal%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble link: https://bit.ly/38juYvY

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-sheriff-s-gift-3

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1521104564

 

Blurb:

Strong-willed and independent, Alice Parker is certain she’s meant to be a school teacher. She accepts her first position in Pikes Run, ready to mold the minds of young children, but unprepared to deal with her attraction to Sheriff Conner Lonnigan. If the board finds out she’s tumbled into his embrace more than once, she would be fired.

Sheriff Conner Lonnigan is awed by Alice Parker. He falls for her almost immediately, but the demands at home forbid him from marrying. Conner’s duties as sheriff control his days, and his mother’s panic attacks control his nights. He doesn’t have the freedom to devote himself to Alice, but that can’t stop him from pursuing her anyway.

Alice and Conner fight their love for each other, but the wants of the heart become too much to ignore. As they battle the demands of their jobs, the couple finds that ultimate fulfillment can only be found in each other's arms.

 

 

Excerpt:

“What is it?” Alice asked.

He didn’t reply until she was outside. “I have somethin’ for you.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “I hope it isn’t another complaint from Beulah.”

He grinned down at her. “Nope.” He jerked his head in the direction of the yard. “Come on.”

She followed him into the yard and toward the barn. When they entered the building, the cows lowing and the horses swishing their tails, he stopped and pulled her into an empty stall.

They were alone except for the animals. This was what she’d tried to avoid, and here she was, despite her usual unflinching self-control, in the wrong situation. Though her heart exalted, her mind raced for ways to get this over with quickly.

He smiled down at her, his hand still at her elbow from when he’d pulled her over. “You look pretty today.”

“Only today?” she heard herself ask. Oh, dear! She was flirting.

He chuckled low and deep. “Every day. You’re always pretty.”

In her wildest dreams, she’d never thought to hear a man say such a thing. “What did you want to show me?”

He flushed beneath his confident smile. “A present. I ordered it for you.”

Alice’s heart stopped then sped like a locomotive. “Truly?” she whispered.

He nodded.

“But…but I didn’t get you anything,” she protested.

His smile turned soft, and her knees went to jelly. “Just havin’ you here is present enough.”

If he said anything else as tender and beautiful, she might faint from want of him. “Oh,” she murmured.

He gazed at her for a few moments more before reaching into his coat and pulling out a box wrapped in brown paper. He handed it to her.

Gingerly, she took it and unwrapped it slowly, wanting to savor the moment. Once the paper was gone, she sprung the latch on the box and lifted the lid. Her throat ached with emotion when she saw what sat in the velvet casing.

A small ceramic house, the rooftop covered in snow, stared up at her. It was beautiful. She ran a finger over its smoothness. “Thank you,” she rasped.

“There’s more.” He took it from her and lifted it out of its case. “It’s open in the back. You can put a candle here and since the windows are cut out, it’ll look like there’s—”

“Firelight,” she breathed. Awed and deeply touched, she gazed up at him. He’d remembered her memory of her mother and bought her a gift to commemorate the time. “Oh, Conner. How wonderful.”

He swallowed. “You like it?”

She closed her eyes in disbelief then opened them once more to look up into his handsome, dear face. “I adore it.”

And in that moment, everything she’d ever wanted changed forever. She loved Conner Lonnigan with all her heart. The emotion stampeded through her, causing her to tremble with its force. She couldn’t stop herself from rising up and taking his lips with hers.

 

Bio:

Born and raised in Texas, the state had to be the setting for my first series. From the food to the fun, like floating the rivers, it is the fire in my blood that inspires me. My family and friends take center stage in my books. My sisters and best friends are my heroines, and my husband created my favorite hero. Love and family are the point of my stories, and I seek to entertain, relieve stress, and inspire people. Books can take one on a journey that one can relive over and over. I am extremely grateful to those authors who did that very thing for me. I learned and I fell in love with their words and characters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. To get all my book news, sign up for my newsletter Love and Lone Stars!

 

Social Media:

Website –  www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub –  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon –  http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest –  https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues

 

~ "If Love Isn't Worth Fighting For, What Is?" ~ LOVE'S BATTLE ~

I'm so happy to have author Angela Hayes with us today to talk to us about her romance LOVE'S BATTLE. But before we do that, let's find out a little bit more about Angela herself.

So, Angela, what is something you struggle with when you write?

Right now I'm struggling to write different character personalities. In my first book, Love's Battle, my main character was Love Howard, the youngest of triplets. Book two will focus on the oldest, Faith, and book three on the middle, Hope. I'm finding it difficult to write the sisters' personalities, likes and dislikes without creating carbon copies of Love. Just because they look alike doesn't mean they are the same people- they each have their own issues, so they each need their own personas that while keeping them separate, still keep them united.

I couldn't agree with you more. I have four kids including a set of triplets and they are ALL completely different. I find it hard to believe sometimes that they came from my husband and I. How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

Having a full time job and growing kids, I find it very difficult to balance everyday life and writing life. I continuously plan to spend my weekends writing and dissapoint myself everytime because something comes up here or there. People tell me it will get better when the kids go off to college, I'm not convinced but I am hopeful. If I can jot down an idea here or there, I feel like I've accomplished something. I have tons of ideas simmering just waiting for the right time when I'll put them to written word.

I hear you my sister. Sometimes I feel like I'm constantly doing for someone else. This one wants this. That one needs that. When's it gonna be my turn. But actually, I'm pretty lucky to have a decent amount of time to write. Do you have hobbies that you’d like to share?

I have a ton of hobbies. At the top of my list is Pinteresting. What? It's a thing. Do you realize how many hours a week you spend on that site, it's outrageous! I have a huge soft spot for crocheting. I'm currently making a sweater for a friend. I'm learning to knit and have been working a piece for nearly a year- I hope to finish soon. And I'm currently looking into learning how to spin my own yarn. Like writing, I love the idea of taking something literally from nothing and giving it life.

I've tried knitting. I guess I just didn't get the knitting gene. Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I live in a small rural town in central Alabama- attesting to it's size,the school my kids attend is still a 1A! A beautiful place full of community spirit and involvement, it's ripe with literary potential. But if I could live anywhere, I would certainly love a homestead in Scotland or Ireland (I've always fantasized about this) or maybe a chic penthouse in the center of Paris, or a Spanish villa in Madrid. Fingers crossed I become a bestseller so I can do it all!!

Sound like a girl after my own heart. At least we sometimes get to go to these places through our reading and writing. Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

My husband and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary- go us!Together we have two beautiful kids, a boy and a girl- who keep us on the go and then there's our dog- Mercury- he's half pug, half Boston terrier and thinks he's human!

Congratulations! That's wonderful! What is your concept of a fruitful day?

A fruitful day would consist of sitting down at my laptop and tapping away at the keys until Faith's Forever, the sequel to Love's Battle is complete and ready for edits.

It's gonna happen. What are your three favorite smells?

I love the smell of vanilla, the library, and stepping outside to inhale those first few deep breathes of crisp fall air- glorious.

Ahh, yes! Fall is my favorite time of year, too. Now let's hear a little bit more about LOVE'S BATTLE! 

Blurb ~ 

Love Howard has more than a knack for matchmaking. Born from a forbidden passion and a twelve-hundred-year-old promise, she and her sisters can literally see true love. And while Love has no problem bringing other couples together, her own romantic life could use a little help.

Danton DeAngelo has always been well grounded in reality. So it throws him for no small loop when the woman he’s fallen for believes that she’s been reincarnated eleven times and can actually see true love.

Now Danton is faced with the biggest decision of his life. Accept Love for who she really is, or walk away from her forever.

:

Excerpt  `

The hand Love pressed to her brow was visibly shaking. “There’s something I need to tell you. I just need you to keep an open mind.”

“What is it? Are you sick?” Danton asked.

“No, I’m not sick.” Her voice trembled on a forced laugh. “It’s something else. Something I‘ve been trying to prepare you for. This would be so much easier if you believed in magic. If you could believe that what I’m about to tell you is the honest truth.”

Turning, Love opened the iron chest, the hinges groaning with the effort as specks of rust littered the floor. From its depths she pulled out a clear plastic bag that she held tight to her chest, eyes closed, before handing it to a confused Danton.

“This is my tartan, my plaid. Before it faded and was dinner for the moths, it was once patterned in checks of green, gray, and brown. The purple and white stripes that ran through the hem identified the wearer as part of the royal family.” Love tapped the plastic, her finger pointing out where each color should be. “It was a gift from my father. The first and only time my sister’s and I met him, he was on his deathbed, we were eighteen. A week later our mother died in the same moment he drew his last breath.” Needing the extra air Love drew a breath of her own. “That day was the thirteenth of February, eight-hundred and fifty-eight AD. My father was Cinaed mac Alpin, crowned king of the Picts and Gaels. He was Scotland’s first king.”

“Eight- hundred and fifty-eight?” That couldn’t be right, she was only twenty-five. “Don’t you mean Nineteen-eighty-seven?”


“No. I was born for the first time in Scotland during the middle of the ninth century.”

You can buy LOVE'S BATTLE here:

http://bit.ly/LovesBattle - Amazon

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=indexHYPERLINK 

"http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1103"&HYPERLINK 

"http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1103"manufacturers_id=1103

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loves-battle-angela-hayes/1119985601?ean=2940149742493

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-love039sbattle-1576941-143.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/loves-battle

Author Bio ~

A married mother of two, I split my time between bringing characters to life by computer, and yarn to life with needle and hook. You can find me at www.authorangelahayes.blogspot.com and follow me on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/imahayes



Other places you can find me:

http://www.manicreaders.com/AngelaHayes/

www.amazon.com/author/angelahayes

https://www.goodreads.com/author_angelahayes