I Have Something PRESCRIBED FOR YOU! From Marcia King-Gamble

Good morning, all! I have the complete pleasure of having my Romance Gem friend Marcia King-Gamble in the spotlight today! She was kind enough to answer a few interview questions for me...

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

It’s a business like any other business. It pays to keep up with what’s going on in the industry. Don’t just leave it all in the hands of your agent, editor or publicist.


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

I have a full-time job. Always have had. At times it can be quite demanding. There are things I have learned to let go - like house cleaning. Leave it to a pro. Also, it’s important to have a social life. It keeps your writing fresh. Any chores I can hire out, I do.

I'm not a fan of cleaning house myself either, although I do...occasionally. Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

Years ago, I lived in New Jersey. I attended a cocktail party at a writers’ conference, got to chatting with another attendee, and asked what she did. Her response – “I’m a a reader.” Well, so am I, I thought. She went on to explain she read for the now defunct Silhouette line and gave me the information. I filled out the test they sent and received a call and was told I was hired. I did it for seven years. Then a new line opened and one of the editors invited me to submit. They passed on my first submission but the second received an offer for a 2 book contract.

What a great story! You mentioned having a job outside of writing. What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

Yes, I do. For the most part, I’ve always been in the travel industry. It meshes well with my writing, as there are few parts of the world I haven’t been to, and the less research I have to do about settings the better. Another plus, all that time in airports, hotel rooms /cruise staterooms, gives me quiet time to write.


Sounds like heaven. Do you have hobbies that you’d like to share?

Travel is a huge hobby of mine. It helps when you don’t have to pay for it, or it comes at minimal expense. I also work out quite a bit. Exercise relaxes me so I take Kickboxing classes, Zumba and Step and Sculpt. Then there’s reading. You can usually find two or three books on my nightstand at any time.

We sound like kindred spirits, although I don't get to read as much as I'd like to. Thank you for visiting with us today! Let's hear more about your upcoming release!

Blurb~

Plus-size model, Eboni is Trouble on Steroids. Not at all what stuffy Dr. Grant St. Jour ordered. But she just might be what the former surgeon recently relocated to Miami, needs.

A chance encounter throws them into each other's orbit as both compete for the same seat on the Miami Pediatric hospital board. Gregarious, Eboni wins the taciturn doctor at a Bachelor Bid, and they instantly become social media fodder. Compounding the growing attraction, Grant becomes the role model for Eboni’s troubled teenage brother, an inner-city kid with grandiose dreams of becoming a star basketball player.

Excerpt~

“Eboni! Eboni!” the crowd chanted, pulling her out of her head.

Gingerly, holding up the hem of her gown, Eboni mounted the stairs to the stage, joining a beaming Maximilian.

“Our lovely couple is off for a two-night stay at the beautiful Seabreeze Resort in The Keys,” Maximilian said, shaking an envelope at them before throwing his arms around their shoulders. The audience roared their approval.

Two nights? Not a simple lunch or dinner?

A dazed Eboni accepted the envelope, glanced at the contents, and turned it over to Grant who appeared frozen. He stared out into the sea of faces, smiling as if he had lockjaw and barely giving her a look. He held the envelope like something that should be flushed.

Never in her wildest imaginings had Eboni expected this to be an overnight date. Dinner she could handle, but a weekend at a resort with Grant allowed for endless and disturbing possibilities. Though it also might give her time to show the aloof doctor there was more to her than flash and bling.

It sounds awesome! You can purchase it here:

Amazon:

https://bit.ly/41bwOLj

Barnes & Noble:

https://bit.ly/4v1zmcX

Bio~ 

Marcia King-Gamble hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. She is a travel industry executive and a self-proclaimed globetrotter. A National and USA Bestselling author, Marcia, has penned 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym and with her animal family. Email her at mkinggamble@gmail.com or find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcia-King-Gamble/12364168212 Visit www.lovemarciakinggamble.com to see what she's been up to.

You can also find Marcia here:

Instagram * Amazon * Website * Facebook * Twitter/X

Thanks for reading, friends! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Shake Your Booty and Get Out There and Get This Book! ~ A PROMISE FULFILLED by Peggy Jaeger

 

It's Friday and time for the last author from the Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point anthology, and she's a goodie! Please welcome Peggy Jaeger with her contribution A PROMISE FULFILLED! First let's put Peggy on the spot. Cuz that's fun. 

Peggy, what was it like to write with three other authors for this anthology?

Writing is – most of the time – a solitary exercise in creativity. The author comes up with the plot, the characters, setting, and thematic device. You do all the work and hopefully, reap the rewards of your endeavors.

Writing a continuation anthology like THE GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT was so far out of my wheelhouse as an author I, at times, didn’t think I was up to the job.

My story is the last one, the only one that takes place in present time. The other three have historical perspectives, and I had to incorporate those into my story for plot continuation. Case in point – one of the pirates who make an appearance in each story, Simon Blair. I had my own ideas about how Simon should look and talk, but it had to be consistent with the other three stories. Let’s just say I’m not used to compromising and leave it there, LOL. I think we all did a great job of keeping Simon a constant in the storyline.

All four of us have different writing styles. I tend, I’ve been told (wink, wink) to write many facial expressions to express a thought or an emotion. I also tend to write long, compound sentences. To ensure that our stories mesh, I needed to tamp down the desire to write those flowing, complicated sentences because my book was the end, and as such, I needed to wrap the story up and put a bow on it, and not pontificate on numerous side plots or stories. Again…not common in my wheelhouse (as you can plainly see by the sentence that preceded this one!)

With Lisa’s story as a foundation, Kathy’s building on the theme, and then Nancy’s to introduce new elements, my job was to ensure the ending complimented the beginning and the subsequent stories, and did justice to Everly and John Beckett’s love story.

Writing in conjunction with these three powerhouses was an honor. I learned an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge about pirates, ghosts, hauntings, and legends.

Would I do another story in collaboration like this one? In a heartbeat, if I could be assured I’d be able to join the same high caliber of writers, which these three are.

So to answer the original question (told you I was long-winded!) what was it like to write with three other authors for this anthology? Heaven. Pure, simple, heaven.

Oh, my! Well, I'm sure they'll be glad to hear that! Now let's find out more about A PROMISE FULFILLED...

Blurb~

Late October, Present Day

After winning millions in a national lottery, local librarian Daisy Morgan sets out to revitalize the infamous Crow’s Nest Tavern. After saving the historic inn from the auction block, Daisy begins a major renovation only to discover some hidden secrets – and a few unearthly spirits – tied to the tavern’s history.

Writer Keegan Warren arrives to do a story on the revitalization of the tavern weeks before the grand re-opening. Keegan’s got a few secrets of his own about why he wanted the assignment – secrets that unfold no matter how diligently he tries to keep them hidden.

With Daisy’s help, he unearths a centuries-old murder tied to his family’s past. As they investigate, their mutual attraction grows. But will their budding relationship suffer when the truth is discovered?


Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023

Excerpt~

The Crowe’s Nest Tavern stood at the sharpest jut of land on Last Light Point and had weathered several hundred years of New England storms and tempests, dozens of owners, and a history that dated from before the birth of the nation. Daisy wasn’t about to let that history go the way of the dinosaur on her watch.

Her critical eye for detail roamed around the room taking in all the updates done, while keeping the original feel of the old tavern alive.

The establishment had been up for auction for a year, the previous owner dying without ever making provisions for its sale. Daisy, as head of the historical society, had tried valiantly to get it listed as a protected historical site. The fact the structure had stood for over three hundred years should have qualified it outright, but her attempts fell on deaf legislative ears. The bank, who owned the mortgage, had put it up for sale. When no buyer came forth, they placed it on the auction block. Daisy was terrified it was going to be sold and subsequently knocked down. When an outside developer expressed interest in the property and the rest of the boardwalk to build upscale condos, Daisy had gone into fight mode to block his every attempt.

Just when it looked like her struggle would prove futile, several prayers and one stroke of heaven-sent luck had come her way and she’d been able to purchase the building and, with it, the leases for the remaining shops on the boardwalk.

Unexpectedly flush with disposable cash, Daisy spared no expense to bring the tavern back to its long-ago beauty.

If you could call its twisted history beautiful, she thought. She supposed the sight where pirates and thieves hung out and where they were, subsequently, hung or placed into the dreaded gibbet and left to rot for all the citizenry to gawk over, could be classified as historically significant, if not pretty.

Oh, she wished she could have seen it in its heyday. Filled to the rafters with brigands and soldiers and sailors all stopping for a pint and some grub to fill their bellies. Buxom serving girls bustling about, filling tankards, listening to tall tales of sea monsters and hidden treasure; of mermaids and sirens and Davy Jones’ Locker.

Daisy sighed, her imagination running rampant as it always did when she thought of the tavern’s history. Her gaze traveled to the mirror Cooper’s crew had discovered in the basement when they’d begun shoring up the ancient walls. Covered with a black tarp and decades of dust, they’d uncovered it and immediately called her.

“It’s wicked old,” Cooper said as he accompanied her to the tavern’s underground level. “And worth a fortune, I’m thinking. That frame’s real gold. I’d bet the house on it.”

Daisy stooped to inspect the mirror. Cooper’s eye was good because the frame was genuine gold and decorated with a filigree pattern on all four sides. About five feet wide and three-quarters of that in width, the glass was murky with age and dust. She could barely make out her reflection.

“I bet it hung on the wall behind the bar,” she mused. “Take it upstairs and put it in my office. I’ll call Mrs. Cashman over at the antique store to come over and take a look at it. She should know how to clean it, too, to bring it back to life.”

“What are you planning to do with it?” Cooper asked.

“Put it where I’m sure it used to hang: back up behind the bar.”

Cooper cupped his neck and shook his head. “It weighs a ton, kid. Mounting and securing it’s gonna be a nightmare.”

“I’m sure you’ll do your best.” She swiped at the dust collecting on her jeans and stood. A momentary wave of vertigo overtook her, making her sway. Cooper’s hand shot out in an instant to clasp her upper arms right before she dropped to the floor.

“Easy,” he said. “You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks.” She swiped at the sweat suddenly covering her brow. “I missed breakfast,” she lied, shaking her head of the subtle hum ringing through it. She hadn’t felt this sensation in too many years to remember. Not since…she clucked her tongue and shoved the memory down. “I’ll go call the antique shop.”

Now, as she stood in front of the cleaned and polished mirror, the glass just slightly milky from age, she smiled. And, now that she knew what it really was, she could admit a small amount of anxiety about hanging it behind the bar. So far, none of the workmen or staff had commented on anything…strange, about the piece. And thank goodness for that. That it looked perfect hanging there was a minor consolation.

About the Anthology – 4 Complete Books, 4 Authors

 

GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech

Kathryn Hills

Nancy Fraser

Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

 A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

· The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

· Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

· For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

· A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)

Bio~

PEGGY JAEGER writes contemporary romances and rom-coms about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.

Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all aspects of life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness, and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers, and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.

As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"

YOU CAN FIND PEGGY HERE: 

Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-jaeger

You-Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDR8RRIlssIyS0FYZWeGqsg/videos?view_as=subscriber

tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peggyjaegerauthor

Peggy, thank you so much for coming! As always, it was a delight having you here! I'm looking forward to reading all of the books in the anthology. 

 

For Ship's Sake You Should Get This Book! FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE by Nancy Fraser

 

Welcome to round three of the Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point Anthology posts! This time we have Nancy Fraser and her FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE. But first, she's going to give us some insight into the anthology as a whole...

What's the most unique thing about this anthology?

That would definitely have to be the span of centuries. It shows that life or, in this case, even death endures. The idea of beginning a legend/story in one century and then watching it grow and mature through three more centuries was a concept I’d always wanted to do on my own. However, I’m glad I decided to do it with friends. There may have been a few hair-pulls, and tears, but I’m very proud of how Last Light Point turned out.


Well, all of the stories sound wonderful to me. Let's find out a little bit about your FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE...

Blurb ~

Fall, 1941

Grace O’Hearn and her father have lived in Last Light Point since before the ’29 stock market crash that took so much from so many. Still, somehow, they managed to keep afloat, often lending a hand to those in dire need.

Now—many years later—things are finally picking up again. So much so, the tavern is a much-coveted piece of property. When Grace’s father is brutally murdered, the main suspect is a property developer who’s been harassing all the waterfront proprietors. With her father’s death, Grace now becomes the sole owner of The Crowe's Nest Tavern, an establishment that dates back centuries, and comes with its own set of resident ghosts.

When FBI agent, Max Stewart, is assigned to investigate suspected racketeering and police corruption in Last Light Point, the last thing he expects is to be caught up in a murder investigation. When he first meets Grace, he’s convinced she’s hiding something. Yet, her keen insight about the town, and everyone in it, may be the best lead he has.

Can they work together to solve both investigations? Or, will an attraction neither of them can deny keep getting in the way?


Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023

Excerpt ~

Grace put four place settings on each of the six tables in the main dining area. Not that she was expecting a crowd, but it never hurt to be prepared. She and Aggie, her cook, would eat in the kitchen in between customers.

It had rained lightly during the afternoon and the early evening remained overcast. The foul weather would, most likely, curtail tourists. With any luck, a few of the locals would wander in. Especially, given it was Thursday, and that meant Aggie’s famous pork stew and dumplings.

Grace was on her way back to the service area to grab water glasses when her newest guest appeared in the doorway.

“Mr. Stew... um... Max. I hope you found your room satisfactory.”

“Yes, thank you. The view out over the water is striking when the sun begins to set.”

“The sunrise is just as beautiful,” she told him. “Can I offer you a drink before dinner? We have special pricing in the dining room.”

“I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to a scotch on the rocks,” he responded.

“One scotch coming up. Take a seat anywhere. As you can see, we’re not crowded.”

“I take it business has been slow since... well...”

“Business was ‘slow’ before my father was killed. Now, it’s almost non-existent.”

“I’m sure the hubbub will die down, and your customers will return.”

“We have one busy tourist season left these next couple of weeks,” she explained. “With the change of season, we’ll get those who find it interesting to watch the leaves turn color. For whatever reason, they come in droves.”

“They do the same in other countries,” Max said. “In Japan, it’s called momijigari, or red leaf hunting. In Finland, it’s ruskaretki.”

“You’ve traveled a lot,” she surmised.

“I did a four-year stint with the military police before joining the bureau in 1935. During my time overseas, we covered a lot of countries shepherding diplomats and politicians.”

“I’ve never been anywhere but here.”

“You grew up in Last Light Point?” he asked.

“Technically, I grew up north of here in Mystic Point, just off Skullery Bay. We moved here when my uncle retired and sold the tavern to my father for next to nothing.”

“Why so cheap?”

“It was 1928. Prohibition was still in effect, and there wasn’t much ‘business’ to the business. Had it not been for the boarders, and the dining, we’d have not even tried to make a go of it.”

“It must have been rough.”

“Not at first. When my mother passed away a few years earlier, she left my father some family money. Pops was always good with finances, but he didn’t trust banks. When the stock market crashed, a lot of our friends back home went belly up. A few took their own lives. It was horrible. We were able to hold on because of his frugal ways. We never once tossed out a boarder, even if they couldn’t pay.”

 

About the Anthology – 4 Complete Books, 4 Authors

GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech

Kathryn Hills

Nancy Fraser

Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

· The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

· Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

· For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

· A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)

Bio~

NANCY FRASER is a bestselling and award-winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

Her spicy romances have won top awards year after year and received cover quotes from some of the most recognized names in the romance industry. Named 2021 Canadian Author of the Year by N.N. Light’s Book Heaven, she refuses to rest on her laurels and keeps at it daily.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren, and looks for ways to avoid housework. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

YOU CAN FIND NANCY HERE:

Blog: https://notesfromaromanticsheart.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RomWriterNancy

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Fraser/e/B004AOL61Y/

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE with us!

I Bet My Lucky Eye Patch You're Going To Like This One ~ SMOKE AND MIRRORS by Kathryn Hills

Welcome back to our GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT Anthology posts! Today I have Book Two, SMOKE AND MIRRORS, from Romance Gem Kathryn Hills!

First I wanted to ask Kathy--since I usually write about rock stars--what's it like writing about ghosts?

I LOVE it when I get a chance to incorporate my past paranormal experiences in a story! They typically leave such vivid imprints on my mind that they’re destined to spill out onto my pages. In Smoke and Mirrors, you’ll meet the “Charred Man.” He’s based on a spirit I encountered while working in an old mill building converted into office space in Massachusetts. I believe the living person perished in a work-related fire. You’ll have to read the anthology to discover what I’ve chosen for this ghost to experience in Last Light Point.

Ooh! Sounds intriguing! Let's find out more...

Blurb ~

Sometimes when you knock on heaven’s door. . . the dead answer back.

Autumn, 1867

Willow Pinch lives life on a razor’s edge in world of deception and disguise. By day she hides in plain sight as Will, a servant boy. Nights are spent as a table knocker, aiding so-called spiritualists in duping townsfolk into believing loved ones speak from the grave. That is until the ghosts of Last Light Point unmask her before the only man she’s ever cared for. Dare she trust Morgan Blackwell with her secrets?

Morgan invests every hard-earned penny in The Crowe’s Nest. He doesn’t trust strangers. Yet the last thing he expects are charlatans hell-bent on destroying his reputation with so-called séances. Not to mention there are ghosts in his tavern now! Be damned, must he turn his back on the infuriating woman he longs to protect?

Will the dead of Last Light Point guide Willow and Morgan to lasting love? Or will the dark forces they’ve unleashed lead to ruin?

Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Excerpt ~

"You’re a foxy one,” Morgan Blackwell said to his best friend, Peter Clark. “I’m not the gaming sort, but I’ll pour another whiskey for you if you’ll leave me be. I’ve little time to dawdle tonight.” He smiled in his typical good-natured way and poured two fingers for each of them.

Peter slipped his dog-eared playing cards back into the pocket of his coat. Taking a sip, he winced at the strong drink. “I thought you’d at least want to see my latest trick.”

“Augh, tricks again. Christ, man. I know you fancy yourself the world’s greatest magician, but why not try your hand at helping me in some useful manner?” Morgan dried the last of the tankards, and he hung them on pegs behind the bar. Then he worked to make the old pewter-topped bar shine as best he could. Well over a century, and yet this tavern was still a popular watering hole in Last Light Point.

“You sound like my parents, always wanting me to make something of myself. Of course I’ll help you,” Peter said. “Just tell me what to do. Except swing a hammer. Or dig. I’ve delicate hands, you know.” He glanced around the empty taproom. “What’ve you got going on here tonight, anyway? It’s not like you to close early. Sending poor Old Bill out into the streets like a common drunkard when you know he’s yours to keep.”

“I’ve rented the place to make some extra money. I’m hoping to fix her up. Make this old girl more respectable.”

“I’ve always admired how you refer to this tavern as a lady. Kind of like a sea captain with his ship. What have you got in mind for ‘her?’”

“I’m still thinking about it…but renovating the upstairs rooms to be a proper inn, serving more food down here in the taproom. Those are a couple of my ideas.” He thought for a moment before adding, “Perhaps I’ll offer afternoon tea with fancy sandwiches for ladies.”

Peter scrunched up his nose. “Balls. That is a change. Who did you rent to?” he asked, switching subjects.

“A small party wanting a private place to hold their special meeting. Traveling spiritualists or some such nonsense.”

“Spiritualists?” Peter jeered. He blew out a long breath. “You mean table knockers? You should have told me you wanted carnival performers in this new and improved establishment of yours. I’d be happy to put on daily shows.”

“I don’t know about such things, but they paid me handsomely up front. A husband-and-wife team. The man called himself a doctor of something, and she’s Madam So-and-So. Apparently, they’ve established quite a name for themselves. Sold tickets to townsfolk already. I’m cleaning up and then leaving to talk to some men about making the repairs and improvements for me.”

“You’re leaving your beloved Crowe’s Nest in the hands of traveling performers? Are you daft, man?” his friend exclaimed in a skeptical tone.

“Reverend Tuffin and his daughter will be here. As will Mr. Cummings, the banker who holds the mortgage on this place. They’ll keep an eye on her for me.”

“Well, now I know you’re crazy. Missing out on dear, sweet Prudence, batting those long, lovely lashes at you. When are you going to court the girl outright, as in publicly, and stop sneaking around?” Peter laughed when Morgan shot him a dark scowl. “All right, relax, my friend. How about I stay and help look after your livelihood for you? I’m curious, I must admit.”

“Suit yourself. But don’t go drinking the good whiskey.” Morgan spared a quick glance over his shoulder for the antique bottle, sitting in a place of honor, front and center, before the mottled mirror behind his bar. Both the mirror and the bottle were old and ugly. Still, legend said they must remain in place, or else trouble would befall all who entered this establishment. He shook his head, hating the blasted things and the folklore associated with them. Last Light Point was steeped in such superstitious rubbish.

“No one touches that particular bottle,” Peter said, looking uneasy. “Do you think I want the bad luck said to befall anyone who does? No, thank you. You might not believe in pirate curses, but I do.”

“Stay if you want,” Morgan said, giving his beloved tavern one last appraising look. He dried his hands and hung the bar towel in its proper place. “The couple is upstairs getting ready for their meeting. They’ve a servant boy with them. Scrawny lad I’m letting sleep in the storeroom. He doesn’t speak—has a rather feral look about him—so steer clear.”

Peter rubbed his hands together and grinned. “Oh, this is getting good. I’ve a feeling tonight is going to be quite a memorable experience.”

About the Anthology – 4 Complete Books, 4 Best Selling Authors

GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech
Kathryn Hills
Nancy Fraser
Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

· The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

· Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

· For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

· A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)


Anthology Genres Include: Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance

Bio ~

Hauntingly romantic… Unless she’s writing sweet!

KATHRYN HILLS - 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 include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, 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, daughter, and three crazy dogs.

YOU CAN FIND KATHRYN HILLS HERE:

Website: http://www.kathrynhills.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kathryn-Hills/e/B01LBDCVVU

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathryn-hills

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15860681.Kathryn_Hills

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathrynHills

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKathrynH

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

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

Thank you so much for sharing your contribution to the anthology with us, Kathy! I can't wait to hear about Book Three on Monday!

I Think You Aarrg Gonna Like This One ~ THE PIRATE'S PROMISE by Lisa Olech

Ahoy there, mateys! I have the great pleasure of hosting the authors of the Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point anthology, starting today, the release day,  with Lisa A. Olech. 

Lisa, what's it like writing a historical romance that acts as a story base for other authors? Are there unique challenges?

 

It is a challenge to set the stage with a setting that could actually survive 300-plus years. It is also my job as lead author to sprinkle in a variety of story “nuggets” which each author can use (or not) in their own stories while keeping things loose and open enough to allow my fellow authors room to spread their own wings and write their own stories without feeling locked into my imaginings. 

Very interesting. Thank you for that little look behind the scene. Now let's find out more about your book, the first in the anthology, THE PIRATE'S PROMISE...

Blurb~

Autumn, 1728

The Crowe’s Nest Tavern was located in a very fortuitous place. If you were condemned to hang in Execution Square, they were your last stop!

Everly Crowe along with her father and two sisters ran The Crowe’s Nest Tavern that was rumored to be slightly haunted, although Everly never believed in such foolishness….until she did.

John Beckett was a pirate, or not. Forced upon the account, he’d lost his belief in a lot of things before he caught the eye of a bonny serving lass who was fierce enough to go toe to boot with his captor and captain, Bartholomew Jacques.

Jacques held a note on the tavern and tormented Everly and her family as he terrorized all the small towns up and down the coast. But even his threats and deceit couldn’t keep Everly and John from promising themselves to each other, ‘till death they do part. After Jacques and his crew are captured and sent to the gallows, Everly learns that those fateful words have little meaning when love is forever.

GET THE PIRATE'S PROMISE HERE:

Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Excerpt~

Hours later Beckett was back at The Crowe’s Nest Tavern. The sun was setting behind rain-filled clouds as he kept to the shadows. He didn’t have much time. Crew was due back for last call by eight bells.

Lights from inside the tavern spilled out into the growing darkness. He’d chosen his prey earlier yet waited to come back. The back garden was surrounded by a low fence cobbled together with mismatched boards and twists of driftwood. A small gate leaned unsteadily on one hinge. It squeaked as he eased it open. Raising the flame on his lantern he spread a square of burlap on the ground by his feet and began to gather up a bounty.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Beckett whipped around. He’d been so focused on his task, he’d not heard her. “Everly…I mean, Mistress…” Beckett raised his hands in surrender.

Lifting her lantern, Everly indicated the evidence at his feet. “You’re stealing from me?”

“Well, yes and no.” He swept the scene with his hand.

“You’re a pirate. A thief by trade. You, better than anyone, should know stealing when you’re stealing.”

“True, you ken call me a pirate, but I’m more of a misplaced carpenter. And is it really stealing if it’s from your scrap heap?” he reasoned.

“You’re a carpenter?” She shook her head as if she didn’t believe him. “And why would a carpenter, misplaced or not, steal from a scrap heap when the kitchen gardens are right over there?” She pointed to two large plots maybe ten feet by twenty. Each bursting with vegetables and vines with a line of fruit trees banking one side, all heavy with fruit.

He gave her a shrug and a smile. “That would be stealing.”

“I think my pigs would disagree. You’re taking their breakfast.”

“They’ll understand, being pigs and all. Kindred scavengers that they be.”

“And what exactly will my pigs understand?” The defiant hand to her hip and saucy tip to her chin made him grin. No timid lass, this one.

“Do you remember the young lad at my table earlier today?” Beckett began.

“I do.”

“He’s feeling a might poorly. Been on half rations for near a month now, and if he doesn’t get some decent food in him soon, the scurvy will get a hold of him for sure. He’s got no coin…so I figured if the pigs didn’t mind sharing, mayhap you’d be willing, as well.”

“You don’t know my pigs.”

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech

Kathryn Hills

Nancy Fraser

Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

    · The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech     (Autumn 1728)

    · Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills     (Autumn 1867)

    · For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall     1941)

    · A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late     October, Present Day)

Anthology Genres Include: Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance

You can purchase the anthology here:

https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Bio~
LISA A. OLECH is the author of both contemporary and historical romance. She uses witty dialog with a side order of sexy to bring to life multi-faceted, adventurous, smoldering characters you’ll not soon forget.


A former member of RWA and NHRWA, Lisa is a 2018 RITA Award nominee for her book, Within A Captain’s Soul, the final book in her Captains of the Scarlet Night series. She’s won a variety of writing contests and achieved the ranks of Amazon Best Seller with her debut book in 2014.


As an author, artist, Justice of the Peace, and aspiring beekeeper, Lisa finds true inspiration in the beauty and love that surround her. And, she takes full credit that three homes on her quiet New England street now proudly fly a Jolly Roger from their flagpoles.

Find links to her books, social media, and much, much more at www.lisaolech.com.

Thank you so much for sharing your book with us, Lisa! Come back any time!

Jan Scarbrough's Ghost Mountain Ranch May Be a Bootiful Place to Stay!

Joining us today is Romance Gem author Jan Scarbrough to tell us a little bit about herself and her new Ghost Mountain Ranch box set. Let's start with Jan...


So, Jan, when did your love for writing start?

I had a motivating ninth-grade English teacher who encouraged me. For one assignment, we researched a career that interested us. I picked freelance writer. At that time, I doubted that I could even write a novel, let alone make any money doing it.

What is something you struggle with when you write?

Good books need conflict almost on every page. I’m not someone who likes conflict, so coming up with bad things to happen to my characters is hard.


Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I was an RWA Golden Heart finalist, but it didn’t lead to the publication of that book. After the prerequisite rejection letters, I finally sold a 50,000-word novel to Kensington for the Precious Gems series. This was before eBooks, of course. However, I “sold” my Golden Heart book to an eBook company. DUH. This was BEFORE eBook readers. I pulled the book (Tangled Memories) and it was published in paperback. Around 2006, I published eBooks with a small press. That’s where I learned to meet deadlines, work with an editor, and improve my writing. Finally, in 2013 after several small presses went out of business, I began to self-publish my books with the help of my techy husband. My first two published books are available today. They are KENTUCKY FLAME and TANGLED MEMORIES.

Do you have hobbies that you’d like to share?

My nine-year-old daughter begged for horseback riding lessons, and six months later I started taking lessons. That was a long time ago because she now has children of her own! I ride American Saddlebred horses. They are people horses. I love the history of the breed because they were “American Made.” Usually, I take a weekly riding lesson because I don’t own a horse. One of my all-time dreams was to own a horse. Over my lifetime, I’ve owned three! I’ve been treated for cancer in 2022, and my goal is to return to riding lessons.

Info about American Saddlebreds: https://www.asha.net/aboutus/theamericansaddlebred/


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


I am married with two children and two stepchildren. Together, my husband and I have ten grandchildren—only one is a girl! Currently, I have a pesky cat named Folly. This summer we lost our beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis. So, I went to the humane society just to look around. Of course, I spotted amber eyes who begged for a home. My husband agreed, so we brought home a red tick coonhound!! We knew nothing about coonhounds. Her first week she killed a backyard raccoon. She was a coonhound after all! Bella has turned out to be a super sweet dog and a welcome addition to our family.

Jan and Bella

Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Jan!

YOU CAN FIND JAN HERE:

https://janscarbrough.com/

https://twitter.com/romancerider

https://allauthor.com/author/JanScarbrough/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jan-Scarbrough/author/B001K8768A

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-scarbrough

https://www.facebook.com/Romancerider

Newsletter signup (free ebook) https://dl.bookfunnel.com/egu96mi9qf


Now let's find out about the Ghost Mountain Ranch box set...

Will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future? The Ghost Mountain Ranch series is a good blend of mystery and romance.

DARBY: What is the truth behind the death of Darby’s mother? When the past once again intrudes on the present, will Darby do what she’s always done—what her mother did—and run away? Grief and secrets had torn Darby and Hank apart once. Given a second chance at love, will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?

SLADE: Someone knows the truth about the part Ghost Mountain Ranch played in Laurie’s life, and the terrible consequences of that past. But when the ghosts of the past threaten the lives of the living, will their growing attraction be enough to protect Slade and Laurie?

KELSEY: But something dark is happening at Ghost Mountain Ranch, where the past is reaching out in dangerous ways to haunt the living. Max is not only stirring up old feelings in Kelsey, but old secrets of the ranch’s inhabitants. Secrets someone might be willing to kill to keep. Can they finally lay the old ghosts to rest, or will the echoes of a decades-old murder destroy their second chance at love?



"Kudos to Jan Scarbrough for keeping the characters interesting and the plot twists intriguing from the first book to the last."

YOU CAN PURCHASE THE GHOST MOUNTAIN RANCH BOX SET HERE:

https://books2read.com/GhostMountainRanch

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3vHieeS

It's been great having you as our guest today, Jan! Please come back whenever you want! Have a wonderful day, all! :)