Showing posts with label ghosts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ghosts. Show all posts

Thursday, June 10, 2021

SECONDHAND HEARTS Will Make Your Pulse Race!



Happy Friday! Today we're featuring Kathryn Hills and her Last Chance Beach novella, SECONDHAND HEARTS! Let's hear more about it...

Blurb ~


Life takes you down many winding paths. Will theirs lead to love on Last Chance Beach?

Tasked with convincing her beloved grandmother to move back to the mainland, Kat Worthington returns to Last Chance Beach. This vacation island paradise is filled with cherished memories, and the thought of relocating her loved one weighs heavy on Kat’s heart. Is the alternative to uproot her life, stay on the island, and help run Gran’s charming B&B and antique shop?

Handsome neighbor, Ben Hadley, sure hopes it is. He and his playful pup are doing their best to upend Kat’s plans. Will their efforts convince her to stay?

Or will it require some of Gran’s special island magic?





Excerpt ~


“Look at that… Didn’t even break the pot.” Gran gave her a sassy little wink. “You’ve always been one for divine timing, Kitty.”

“Pot?”

“Yup, I knew I had a matching teapot to the set that came in yesterday.” Gran stood a little straighter and squared her chin. “Besides, I’m not alone. Ben is here.”

“Who the heck is Ben?”

“That’d be me.” A deep, male voice came from behind, startling Kat. Spinning with a gasp, her eyes widened when connecting with six feet plus of drop-dead gorgeous, dark-haired man. He met her stare full-on without so much as a hint of humility, and he nodded a curt greeting.

“Haddie Marshall, are you up to your old tricks again?” Ben brushed past Kat. “I told you to wait and I’d look with you.”

“Well, I didn’t want you fussing. I know you’re busy.”

“Excuse me,” Kat interrupted, not bothering to disguise the irritation in her voice. “Who are you, and why would you allow my seventy-seven-year-old grandmother to climb to the scorching top of a barn and up a ladder for a teapot?”

The man stared at her in silence. One dark brow cocked in obvious annoyance.

“Ben Hadley…meet my first grandbaby, Kitty Worthington,” Gran announced with a proud smile.

“It’s Kat, Gran. Or Katrina,” she grumbled. “No one has called me Kitty since the fifth grade.”

“Oh, shush, child. You’ll always be Kitty to me and Grandpa Mike.” The elderly woman’s smile fell away. She took a wobbly step forward to hand Ben the box. “Be a love and take this down for me. I think I’d better hang on extra tight to the railing after all this excitement.”

“I’ll take the box,” Kat snapped. “You help my grandmother back to the house, where we can turn on some air conditioning.”



Bio ~


The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories involve time travel. And ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband and daughter, and three crazy dogs.


Find Kathryn Hills Online









Now I'm going to give you a bonus peek at Kathryn's next book in the series...

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

Coming September 2021!

Thanks for visiting with us, Kathryn!




Thursday, May 27, 2021

You Won't Need To Gamble on #RomanceGems Author Marcia King-Gamble! #FeatureFriday ~ THIS WAY HOME


Welcome, once again, to Feature Friday where I am joined by fellow Romance Gem writer Marcia King-Gamble. Marcia is sharing her romance THIS WAY HOME. But let's meet Marcia first...




What is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?

Writing is a business. As authors we need to mind our business. Writing and publication isn’t just about getting the stories in our heads out to our reading audience. It’s about marketing, distribution, and a host of other things. Dollars and Sense really.

Sadly, this is true. I'd love to spend all my time writing, but that's not how it goes. How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

Funny you should ask. Give a busy person more to do and she’ll get it done. I’m always scheduled pretty tightly, but I’ve always made time for an active social life. When I first started writing, I released as many as five books a year, and this was working for a traditional publisher, and having a stressful and very visible high-pressured job. I am a lot less productive now that I don’t have a 9-5, six day a week job. I’m most productive in the mornings and I am an early riser. Life balance is important. Every writer needs it. Too much computer time doesn’t make for a good writer.

Yes, as we all discovered in The Shining. Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I started out as a reader for Harlequin/ Silhouette. I read manuscripts from their slush pile (unsolicited manuscripts- no agent involved.) I did this for seven years and got really lucky. I met an editor who at the time was acquiring historicals (books I don’t write). Then the multicultural market opened up and she was the acquiring editor. My second submission was accepted, and I was offered a two-book contract.

That's awesome! Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

For most of my life, I’ve always had a day job and a demanding one at that. I’ve been a manager in the travel industry and on a plane more often than I care to remember. It was beaten into my head by several authors, all far better known than me, “Keep your day job.” That proved to be exceptionally good advice. So few writers make enough money to live a luxurious life. Plus, the added expenses of health insurance, and having to create your own 401K. One misstep, one emergency, can clean you out.

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

I’ve been fortunate to live in five states. Born in the Caribbean, grew up in New York. I’ve also lived in Hawaii, Seattle twice, New Jersey and now Florida. Overall, the Pacific Northwest still has my heart. San Diego is definitely on the non-bucket list, if only I could afford it.

Name your favorite children's story.

Cinderella, of course. I’ve always rooted for the underdog and fantasized about being swept off my feet by a handsome, dapper prince. No wonder I write romance novels.

What was your nickname growing up or now?

A little embarrassing, and I’m not sure how it got started. Miss Moosie is certainly not how I would like to be known. Goofy is another one. I was all arms and legs as a child. I still am.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

This one is easy. People who have no manners irritate the heck out of me. How difficult is to say “excuse me” when you sidle by in a grocery store? How about a simple “thank you” if I’ve taken the time to send you a gift? I shouldn’t have to call.

Good points! Let's find out more about THIS WAY HOME...



Blurb ~

Liza Hamilton left her upstate New York hometown to chase her dreams in New York City. But her success as a supermodel was short-lived when she was mugged in Central Park and her face slashed. The once-perfect face that made her a fortune now does not exist.

Determined to put this traumatic event behind her, Liza returns to her hometown and opens a vintage shop. Peace and quiet evade her when her long lost stepbrother also puts down roots there. Complicating things is an irresistible attraction between them, and a home Erik inherited that Liza thinks should be her mother's.

Strange things happen in their respective homes that turn out to be stops used by escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. Although Liza does not trust Erik, the couple join together to find out what is happening to them.

Believing that Erik stole the home that rightfully belonged to her sister and mother, she continues to keep him at arms length. But a shared past, and homes with a history continue to throw them together. Can they trust each other? Will love prevail? Will their ghostly ancestors intervene?



Purchase THIS WAY HOME here:

Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/This-Way-Home-Updated-version-ebook/dp/B08XP1D525

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-way-home-marcia-king-gamble/1005839137

Bio~

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards. Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.


Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

Instagram * Amazon * Website * Facebook * Twitter

Thank you, Marcia, for joining us today and sharing your work! Best wishes for THIS WAY HOME!








Thursday, June 30, 2016

~ Take a Walk With Us Along The DEVIL'S PROMENADE! ~







I am absolutely thrilled to have on with us today one of my favorite authors--Alicia Dean! And she brings along a book from a very unusual project, A World of Gothic--Gothic mysteries written by different authors and set in locations around the globe. But let's find out a little bit more about her first.


Alicia, when did your love for writing start?

When I first began reading. I’ve wanted to write since I was a child.

What is something you struggle with when you write?

There are three main things I struggle with, the beginning, middle, and end. J Haha, although that’s true, I know it’s not what you meant. I probably struggle with characterization the most. I’m a plot driven writer and I don’t always bring the characters to life like I should.

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

Aaarrrgggghhhh…I don’t! I just try to focus on the most pressing thing at the moment. I ignore my writing more than I should so that I can take care of other things, but I haven’t gone completely insane yet, so I guess I’m managing. The best way I can balance is to get up two hours earlier than I have to in order to get in some writing. And, I try to hibernate and block out everything except writing on weekends when I can.

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

Yes, I’m a legal assistant in a family law firm. It doesn’t really ‘mesh’ but I love what I do. It does give me lots of material for books, though. Divorce and paternity cases can get kind of crazy.

Where do you live?

Edmond, Oklahoma. Where would you love to live? Maybe Alaska, except when it’s light 24 hours a day.

When trick-or-treating as a kid, was there any kind of candy that you didn’t like to get?

Those nasty orange fluffy peanuts.


Amen. How did that company stay in business when only a handful of people like them? Name your favorite children's story.

Little Match Girl


Oh, my gosh! That's so depressing! What is your biggest pet peeve?

People asking me questions. HA! Just kidding. I have a lot of pet peeves. One of them is rude/loud eating noises. And people blowing their noses in restaurants. And making out in public. Especially ugly people.

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

Computer/cellphone/kindle

Okay, that could all be one thing, so we'll let you get away with it. What are your three favorite smells?

Coffee, rain, babies

I can't stand the taste of straight up coffee, but I like it when it flavors something else, and the smell is heavenly! Thanks for sharing a little bit of yourself with us, Alicia! Let's find out more about Devil’s Promenade: A World of Gothic – United States...
Blurb ~
Amidst a blizzard, paranormal debunker Camille Burditt arrives at Devil’s Promenade in Oklahoma to research a supernatural 'spook light' for her latest book. There she encounters a ghostly being, which she dismisses as a figment of her imagination. But as the apparition becomes too persistent to deny, Camille realizes the woman’s ghost is quite real—and that her demise was not accidental. 

Declan Rush—the inhospitable, reclusive owner of the inn—is linked to the deceased woman, but he is less than forthcoming. Despite his unfriendliness, Camille is oddly drawn to him, even though she suspects his connection to the spirit might be that of killer to victim.
Excerpt ~
The blackness around me was broken only by the blinking of the cell tower lights ahead and a sliver of moonlight. Even through my coat and the blanket I’d wrapped around my shoulders, frigid air seeped through my bones. From a distance came the low rumble of cars and a keening sound I was growing accustomed to. The possibility of coyotes no longer frightened me—at least not as much as it had in the beginning—but the haunted wail still sent a shiver through my body.

I’d been out for hours when my lids grew heavy, in spite of the nap I’d taken. I poured the last of the coffee from the thermos into the cup and drank the lukewarm liquid. I checked my phone, which was only good as a clock now that I had no service. Four a.m. Six hours. If I hadn’t seen it by now, I probably wouldn’t see it.

I stared down the road, stretching my eyes wide to keep them open. I wasn’t going to make it. I was so sleepy…

I yawned so hard my jaw ached. Definitely time to go in. I reached for the golf cart key, then stopped mid-motion when a glimmer of light caught my eye. I jerked my head up.

There…at the end of the road between the overhang of skeletal tree branches, an orange-yellow ball of light appeared. It hung in the air for a moment before moving in a bouncy motion from left to right. Oh wow… Was I really seeing it?

I blinked and looked again.

The light was still there.

I jumped out of the cart. “Oh my God. The spook light,” I whispered in awe.

I no longer felt the cold, and I was no longer sleepy. My insides jittered, but from excitement rather than fear. In one of the articles I’d read, a psychic claimed the light wasn’t actually a light, but a dimension to another world…that it could lead to danger. But still, I wasn’t afraid.

This was amazing. Beyond amazing. I fumbled out my cell phone and snapped a few photos. I touched the thumbnail and breathed a sigh of relief. Unlike Eleanor had in the video, they hadn’t disappeared. I’d actually gotten pictures.

I glanced around, feeling alone, wishing someone were here to share it with me. I let out a scoffing chuckle. Be honest, you wish Declan were here to share it with you.

In spite of my humiliation, I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him since last night. I couldn’t help but wonder how he would treat me when we saw one another again. No doubt, after my clumsy attempt to hit on him, it would be awkward to say the least.

I hung out for another half an hour, until the spook light disappeared. I was disappointed, but I’d known it wouldn’t last forever. At least I had seen it. And I had pictures.

Jillian had to let me write this new book. Now, I could prove that the spook light existed. And, knowing it was real, I could make the book even a more entertaining read by sharing about the legends.

I climbed into the cart and headed back to the inn, my mind brimming with possibilities now that I had an entirely new outlook on the phenomenon. I couldn’t wait to revise the book.




Available July 8th! Amazon pre-order link: https://amzn.com/B01GNGTU96

Author Bio ~

Alicia Dean is a suspense and paranormal author in Edmond, Oklahoma. She wrote her first romance at age 11, and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL, and watching her favorite televisions shows.


You can find Alicia here:

*** Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: 

You can pre-order DEVIL'S PROMENADE here:


Available July 8th!