Featured Today- HEAVEN SENT

By Debut Author Sarah Hoss

When forgiveness heals the soul, love heals the heart.

Flight nurse Tenlee Hawkins is used to making quick decisions, but one decision she made the Christmas day her mother died haunts her. Wrestling with the past, she spirals into depression—until the day she finds a man unconscious in her woods and saves his life.

When Sam awakens in the hospital with a concussion and no memory, Tenlee rescues him again. She takes him into her home and her life. But as Sam recovers and remembers who he is, he's torn. A guardian angel isn't supposed to fall in love.

As the promise of true love grows, Tenlee realizes that Sam has helped her much more than she ever helped him. But Sam is filled with guilt knowing he must soon leave. Will it take a Christmas miracle to find the life with Tenlee he’s always wanted?

EXCERPT

Red and blue lights pulsed a beat all on their own, and even though the road was slick, people ran to and fro in a frantic pace to save a woman’s life.
A car sat mangled on the side of the road. The roof, having been cut, rested on the ground beside it. A few feet beyond, a woman lay motionless. She wasn’t breathing as the EMT’s worked desperately to save her life. Sam closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. But it was no use. If he was here for an assignment then the lady on the ground was not going to live. He said another prayer, hoping that there would be no pain and she would slip easily into his world.

The woman with the red hair sat on the ground near the deceased woman and cried, rocking back and forth. 

“That is her mother.” 

Malachi’s deep voice broke into his thoughts and Sam turned to acknowledge him.

“No, keep watching,” Malachi said. 

The scene on the screen changed. Months passed, for now the trees were green and glorious in their summer splendor. A manicured lawn hugged a log cabin, nestled in the woods. Flowers sprung from pots here and there along the ground and deck. The place looked cozy. Scenes continued to change as did the weather. Snow decorated the landscape once again.

Searching the scene for all of the details he could gather, Sam spotted her, just past the cabin, in the woods. She sat quietly on a swing hanging from a tree branch. The sadness etched in her features gripped Sam and tore at his emotions. He ached to go to her, to comfort her.

PURCHASE HEAVEN SENT


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hoss grew up believing she could try anything and if she set her mind to it, she would succeed. Sixteen years of dance lessons, Cheerleading, and school plays proved to her that her parent’s words rang true. Writing was no exception. Reading the Outlander series made her fall in love with time travels and the historical places books could take her. Always a child with a vivid imagination, she realized as an adult, she could put her imagination to good use and began writing. Marrying her very own hero, they live in Indiana in the town where she grew up. They have three beautiful children and one hyper dog. When Sarah isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, camping, and watching her kids’ play sports.

Where to find Sarah-

Twitter- @SarahHoss1

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Hoss/237219983049037

Website- www.sarahhoss.com

Blog- www.heart-of-romance.blogspot.com

You can also find Sarah on LinkedIN, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

For more information please visit Sarah's website...

***Sarah will be giving away an E-copy of HEAVEN SENT to one lucky commenter. Please leave a comment after this post, which includes your E-mail address so we may contact you should you WIN! Good luck!!!***

ENJOY

Featured Today- THE BEARWALKER'S DAUGHTER

By Beth Trissel

HISTORICAL FANTASY ROMANCE

Timid by nature--or so she thinks--Karin McNeal hasn't grasped who she really is or her fierce birthright. A tragic secret from the past haunts the young Scots-Irish woman longing to learn more of her mother's death and the mysterious father no one will name. The elusive voices she hears in the wind hint at the dramatic changes soon to unfold in the mist-shrouded Alleghenies in Autumn, 1784.

Jack McCray, the wounded stranger who staggers through the door on the eve of her twentieth birthday and anniversary of her mother's death, holds the key to unlock the past. Will Karin let this handsome frontiersman lead her to the truth and into his arms, or seek the shelter of her fiercely possessive kinsmen? Is it only her imagination or does someone, or something, wait beyond the brooding ridges--for her?

The Bearwalker's Daughter is a historical romance novel interwoven with an intriguing paranormal thread, set among the clannish Scots in the mist-shrouded Alleghenies. My passion for the past, and some of the accounts I've come across while researching my early American ancestors and the Shawnee Indians, is at the heart of the inspiration behind this story.

EXCERPT

As for Jack, Karin spotted his shadowy figure inside the farthest stall. He’d bridled his mount and looped its reins around one of the stout poles joined to the wide beams overhead. His back to her, he curried a magnificent strawberry roan stallion, its chestnut coat heavily mixed with gray. The horse snatched hay from the manger and stood quietly, seemingly good-natured and well trained.            

How on earth did he come by such a superb mount? Karin had no more opportunity to wonder, and it wasn’t the stallion she kept close watch on as she approached the two, unsure what Jack might say or do.

“Mister McCray!”  She was careful not to take him by surprise as she’d done last night, ready to turn and race back outside in an instant if need be.

Jack turned his head, eyes narrowed beneath his hat. Tension ran the length of his jaw. She faltered at the anger in his face. He must still be vexed with her grandfather; possibly with her too. Uncertain, she said, “Jack?”

A smile turned up the corners of his drawn mouth, making him appear even more youthful and less like a hardened frontiersman. “So, you’ve come. I figured John McNeal would hold you prisoner before ever letting you go off with me.”

Maybe he should have. Karin stepped nearer to Jack, the hay cushioning her shoes. “Grandpa can be prevailed upon by your bonnie mother.”

He paused, the brush in his hand. “And you?”

Karin shifted from one damp sole to the other and ran her tongue over her lips. “Perhaps.”

His smile widened. “Come and meet Peki.” He opened the short stall door.

She hesitated outside the narrow space.

“You’re not afraid, are you?”

“Not of the horse.”

Jack chuckled. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“For a warrior or a soldier?”

“Myself.”

Keeping her eyes on his broad back, she said, “I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.”

“Come discover.”

She slipped inside the pen bedded with clean straw and turned almost in awe at the horse towering above her. She patted his sleek neck. “He’s beautiful. You could start a new line with him.”

“Yes. He’s the finest I’ve ever known. But God help me, Karin, so are you.”

A current charged through her at his words and the emotion behind them. She swiveled, lifting her eyes to the intensity in his. “Why do you need the Lord’s help?”

“You have no idea,” he said huskily.~

PURCHASE BEARWALKER'S DAUGHTER

 Amazon Kindle

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Married to my high school sweetheart, I live on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by my children, grandbabies, and assorted animals. An avid gardener, my love of herbs and heirloom plants figures into my work. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans and the people who journeyed here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of my inspiration. In addition to American settings, I also write historical and time travel romances set in the British Isles.

Visit Ms. Trissel on the web- http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/


ENJOY

Video preview of CLEAR AS DAY ... #trailer

Purchase CLEAR AS DAY ...
Visit Babette on the Web- http://babettejames.com/

Thank you for stopping by and getting to know Author Babette James and her latest release CLEAR AS DAY. Our SPOTLIGHT is over, and the WINNER of the Romance Trading cards will be picked after 12:01 am this evening! Good Luck!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!!!!

Yes, Babette chose to giveaway a set of Romance Trading cards each day!!! Isn't she great?

The Winners are:
Monday: Debbie
Tuesday: Eliza Knight
Wednesday: bas1chs
Thursday: Tore
Friday: MacKensie Crowne


ENJOY!

What's being said about CLEAR AS DAY? #reviews

★★★★½ RT Book Reviews Sensuality: Scorcher -

Though very sensual, this is still a sweet romance. The heroine must come to terms with her unhappy family life and accept that her choices can be the right ones for a future built on love, with an outcome of peace and contentment.

Kay Browning is disappointed when she learns that none of her friends will be able to join her on their annual camping vacation. She will especially miss Nate Quinn and the sexual encounters they’ve shared for two weeks each summer for the past six years. She’s very surprised when Nate shows up and tells her the gang’s all at another campsite to surprise her. She’s shocked when Nate produces a ring and tells her he wants to make their association a permanent year-round affair. But Kay likes the fact that they are just friends with benefits. She has an unacknowledged past that has her running scared from any type of committed relationship.

Can Nate convince her that the future is hers to choose?
~Susan Mobley, Romantic Times Book Reviews, May 2012

“This is a sweet, compelling love story. The heroine, Kay, must face down her demons from the past to see the plain truth staring her in the face. Her ordered life really does have more room in it than she ever imagined. The journey Ms. James takes us on for Kay to make this discovery is delightfully sexy and filled with tender emotion. The main characters are believable and wonderfully flawed. Ms. James’ use of gentle, fluid prose makes this read a delightful journey.”
~Nena Clements, Author of Caught Unawares

“CLEAR AS DAY is a story about two friends with benefits that are faced with the fears and uncertainties of taking their relationship to the ultimate level. I loved the way that Babette James handled the emotions and reality of Kay and Nate’s situation. Prickly Kay and laid-back Nate will capture your heart as surely as they did mine and their sex scenes were wonderfully sensual. Babette has filled the story with secondary characters as rich as her main characters and they provided a good foil for Kay and Nate’s journey.

Any story that can make me both laugh and cry is a winner and CLEAR AS DAY did both.”
~Marguerite Labbe, Author of All Bets Are Off

Purchase CLEAR AS DAY ...

The Wild Rose Press: Paperback | e-Book

Barnes & Noble: Nook Book

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle

All Romance Ebooks: e-Book

Join us tomorrow for an EXCERPT from CLEAR AS DAY...

*Babette will be giving away a set of Romance Trading cards to one lucky commenter. Please leave your E-mail address with your comment. No address/ No entry. Good luck! Winner will be picked at Random once the spotlight is over at 12:01am on April 27th, 2012*

Meet the Author - Babette James ...

I’ve always loved writing and making up stories, beginning back when I used to act out epic fantasy tales with my dolls. (My Barbies had swords and knew how to use them.) I even have a degree in Literature, but it wasn’t until 2004 that I wrote my first full rough draft of romance novel and began gathering up my nerve to pursue publication. I fell in love with writing romance and have focused on that ever since. I write contemporary and fantasy romance and love nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. 

Clear As Day is my debut novel, a spicy contemporary romance from The Wild Rose Press about wo friends with benefits facing the fears and uncertainties of their changing relationship and is set against the background of the summer heat and cool waters of Lake Mohave. I loved writing Clear As Day, it’s been a story of my heart in many ways, so seeing this story published and receive the 4 1/2 star scorcher review from Romantic Times truly has been a thrill. Being able to hold my book in my hands is a dream come true andI hope you enjoy Nate and Kay's journey as much as I have.  

I’m also a teacher, and I enjoy encouraging young readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. My class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test! When not writing, teaching or reading, I dabble with bread baking and painting, and try to keep up on weeding the garden beds. Born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California, I’ve had a life-long love of the desert and going down the shore. I now live in New Jersey with my wonderfully patient husband and our three extremely spoiled cats.

Contact Babette-

On the Web -     www.babettejames.com
On Twitter-        Twitter: BabetteJames
On Facebook-    Facebook: BabetteJamesAuthor 
At Goodreads-  Goodreads: Babette James

Check back with us tomorrow to see what the CRITICS are saying

*Babette will be giving away a set of Romance Trading Cards to one lucky commenter. Please leave your E-mail address with your comment. No address/ No entry. Winner will be picked at Random once the Spotlight is over at 12:01am on April 27th, 2012*

CLEAR AS DAY by Babette James ... #Spotlight

What’s a girl to do when her summer lover wants forever? 

Haunted by dark memories of her parents’ volatile marriage, artist Kay Browning keeps her heart locked behind a free-spirit facade and contents herself with the comfortable affair she has every summer with easygoing photographer Nate Quinn. 

The only trouble with her plan? This summer Nate’s come to Lake Mohave to claim the lover he can’t let go. He’s done with the endless traveling and settling for temporary homes and temporary loves. Kay’s always been more than just a vacation fling, and now he must convince this woman, who sees love as a course to certain heartbreak, to take that leap of faith and learn how safe love with the right man can be.

Purchase CLEAR AS DAY

The Wild Rose Press: Paperback | e-Book

Barnes & Noble: Nook Book

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle

All Romance Ebooks: e-Book

Visit Babette on the web - http://babettejames.com/

*Babette will be giving away a set of Romance Trading Cards to one lucky commenter! Please leave your E-mail address with your comment. No address/no Entry. Good Luck! Winner will be picked at random once the spotlight is over at 12:01 am on April 27th, 2012*

Check back with us tomorrow where we will MEET THE AUTHOR...

"A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS!"

My colonial American historical romance, A Warrior for Christmas, is one of six American historical romances contributed by various Wild Rose Press authors in An American Rose Christmas anthology.

Blurb for A Warrior for Christmas:

Reclaimed by his wealthy uncle, former Shawnee captive Corwin Whitfield finds life with his adopted people at an end and reluctantly enters the social world of 1764. His one aim is to run back to the colonial frontier at his first opportunity––until he meets Uncle Randolph’s ward, Dimity Scott.

***Note, Dimity is deaf, although she can read lips.

December 1764

An estate outside Philadelphia

Christmas Eve, at last, and Dimity thought Whitfield Place had never seemed more welcoming. Every candle holder and sconce glowed; the blazing hearths radiated orange-gold light. Fresh boughs, pine cones and red berries lined the mantles. Sprigs of holly decorated the windows. Garlands hung

above the doorways and wound down the banister of the stairs. Vases of magnolia and laurel stood on every available surface. The very air was fragrant with greenery.

“You’ll have us carting in whole trees next thing we know,” Mister Whitfield had teased her.

Dimity would’ve done, if she could, anything to further draw Corwin to the old house. Perhaps if he experienced Whitfield at its best he might truly want to stay on. Christmas was a glad, charitable time. Who could say what wondrous occurrences might unfold on this hallowed eve?

Even better than the sights were the savory scents wafting through Whitfield. Her mouth watered as she stood in the drawing room between Corwin and her guardian to greet their guests. She slid her eyes at the young man who looked particularly handsome in a new burgundy coat, laceedged cravat, and breeches made of the finest wool. She admired the fit, and the boots he’d insisted on wearing.

Dimity’s cerulean blue gown, cut away in front to reveal a flowered petticoat and beribboned stomacher, complimented his attire nicely. She hoped she did as well.

A footman served hot toddies to the guests to warm them after their chilly coach ride. Smiling figures lifted silver cups with white gloved fingers to enjoy the spiced butter rum. The elegant room swelled with the merry assembly, fast growing merrier. Servants had laid the ladies’ cloaks across

the bed in the guest chamber. Men’s hats and heavy outer coats were stored in another chamber and the guests refreshed themselves before appearing in the drawing room.

Geoffrey Owen arrived with his sister and Mister Johnson. A forest green coat and breeches had replaced the attorney’s somber wardrobe. Hortense was even more embellished with lace than usual and her hair powdered. Her berry-red lips never ceased to move as they approached. Geoffrey swept a bow to his hosts. “Mister Whitfield, Miss Scott, Mister Corwin Whitfield.”

Corwin tensed beside Dimity. “Sir,” he said, and bowed.

Her guardian did the same. Dimity curtsied to each one, murmuring their name in words she could not hear.

Mister Johnson beamed upon them. “Whitfield has never been more magnificent, nor you, my dear Miss Scott.”

“Indeed,” Geoffrey added, appraising her with a gleam in his brown eyes.

“I’m enraptured, Miss Scott!” Hortense’s mouth opened as wide as the Schuylkill River with each over-enunciated word. “Everyone’s come!”

Every household among their neighbors was represented from the elderly to young adults only recently introduced to formal society. Children did not attend social functions, though Dimity wished they did; she loved their exuberance. Mistress Stokes appeared in the doorway and signaled to her guardian. He gave a nod and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, shall we proceed to the dining room?”

The crowd of people paused with a sense of anticipation. Whitfield Place was renowned for its banquets and her guardian the wealthiest landowner among them. Geoffrey Owen extended his arm to Dimity. “Please allow me to escort the fairest lady present.”

Corwin bristled like an affronted dog. How could she politely extricate herself from Geoffrey?~

Purchase the American Rose Christmas Anthology 

Visit Beth on the web- http://www.bethtrissel.com/index.html

Getting to know Author Sky Purington ...

Hi Everyone!

 It’s always so much fun visiting The Write Life. It’s by far one of my most favorite blogs on the net. Thank you so much for having me over.


 For those of you unfamiliar with me, I write a cross genre of Paranormal/Fantasy romance. I love to write tales that allow the reader a bit of escapism, whether it’s into the past or into a whole new reality.

*Sky glances around* I noticed, as appropriate here, that quite a few Highlander authors have been visiting. Well, I’m a Highlander author as well.


 In fact, I recently re-released my MacLomain Series (one short story, three full novels) on Kindle 

(http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+maclomain+series) and Nook (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-maclomain-series?keyword=the+maclomain+series&store=ebook)  


If you enjoy time-travel romance and scrumptious men in kilts, this series might be for you. In honor of my Dad, each title is being offered at .99 cents per title for a limited time. All three novels have held top ten time-travel romance for some time. Always my greatest advocate, I think Dad’s helping me from ‘the other side.’ 

*smiles*

But, my Highlanders are not the reason I’m visiting this week.

This visit I’d like to share my latest, The Victorian Lure, the first novel in my Calum’s Curse trilogy. This book takes you on a hold-on-tight paranormal ride through one of the most haunted houses you’ll ever enter. It’s considered a time-travel as well because this particular house rolls back in time to the very date it was first built. The romance that develops between Leathan (investigator) and the Victorian’s owner, Dakota, is unexpected, intense and pretty darn hot!

Fun facts about The Victorian Lure and this series…

~ Several of the characters from my MacLomain Series make an appearance in The Victorian Lure and throughout the Calum’s Curse Trilogy.

~ The hero in The Victorian Lure is a super-sexy Scotsman. In fact, he was born in the Highlands. *winks*

My FAVORITE fun fact…

~ One of the four paranormal investigators in this book (and trilogy) is our very own ANDREA! (Her character was loosely based but I think I caught Andrea perfectly. She’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.) In fact, Andrea is one of the contributors at a new character blog recently launched called, Paranormal/Syfy Romance- Deep, Dark & Delicious (http://paranormalromancedeepdarkanddelicious.blogspot.com/) . Swing over and say “Hi!” 

Are you an author of anything even remotely paranormal or science fiction romance oriented? Let us know and we’ll get your characters scheduled to appear there!

Thanks so much for joining me. I’m looking forward to spending the rest of the week with you. Don’t forget to leave a comment for chance to win a PRINT copy of The Victorian Lure.

One last shameless plug… I’m revving up for a major blog event. Beginning November 25^th through December 25^th I’m hosting what’s called the ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. Last year was a smashing success and we’re all looking forward to another festive event where it’s all about us gals and what we REALLY want under our tree this holiday season. Sixteen authors and jewelry vendors will be popping into my blog, A Writer’s Mind over a thirty day period. That means well over 16 giveaways. The grand prize on Christmas Day? A $100 gift certificate to Amazon!!! 

With any luck, I’ll get Andrea to join in December 25^th’s post with me. *nudge, nudge*. So scribble Nov. 25^th down on your calendar and be sure to pop in to join in the festivities. Blog addy is listed below.

Best Always,

Sky

Purchase The Victorian Lure at Amazon, The Wild Rose Press and Barnes & Noble

Visit Sky’s Website ~ http://www.skypurington.com

Sky’s Blog ~ A Writer’s Mind-http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com

Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/sky.purington

Twitter @SkyPurington                                 
                                   
                           *GIVEAWAY*


Sky will be giving away a PRINT copy of The Victorian Lure to one lucky commenter! Please leave your E-mail address with your comment so we may contact you should you win! Winner will be picked at random once the Spotlight is over on Friday November 25th, 2011- Good luck!

Excerpt from SHATTERED TRUST by Stacey Joy Netzel...*Contest*

"Are you sure your field measure is correct?”

Her brow creased as she tucked the hair back. “I double checked the measurements myself.”

His irritation spiked at her doubt. “I suggest you triple check them.”

She drew herself up straight as a board. “I suggest you go back to what you’re supposed to be doing and quit doing my job.”

Her quiet order jolted him. Shit. He’d forgotten himself. Lips pressed together in a tight seam, he turned and strode across the plywood floor of the house. Over the next ten minutes, Justin did his job, careful to avoid watching her re-measure.

Would he have to reveal his identity and fire her? Given the circumstances of the company right now, and the way he’d been distracted by her presence over the past couple days, not to mention Granddad, it might be for the best.
“You were right.”

Justin spun around. Loud enough for everyone in the general vicinity to hear it over the noise of the boom truck, Marley’s husky admission came as a complete surprise. She met his gaze without flinching, even though he read in her eyes how much she hated being wrong.

“The rafters were ordered off previous blueprints, before we adjusted for the extra insulation the owner insisted we put on the outside wall.”

A rookie mistake, even if it was an honest one. Unfortunately, because of the size of the house, it would now cost Hunter Construction thousands of dollars in new lumber.


Marley turned away as the boom began to lower a rafter for a different section of the roof. Justin glanced up the ladder where Nate used a rope to guide it into place, then his gaze returned to her retreating back.


“You realize you’ll need to reorder the entire set of rafters for that section,” he called.


She spun around. “I’m not a complete idiot. I’ll have you know—”


A snap reverberated in the air and Justin saw the boom arm jerk. The ominous sound of the steel cable slipping unrestrained through the iron hook reached his ears as the rafter fell straight toward Marley.


He lunged forward. Hooked an arm around her waist and dove to the side. The crack of splintering wood accompanied their bone-jarring impact with the ground. Justin lay dazed for a moment, until Marley’s soft curves registered beneath him. No blinding pain—and he was still breathing. So was she.


Or at least she tried to. His weight on the landing had knocked the wind out of her. Voices surrounded them and hands grabbed his arms. He shook them off, concentrating on shifting his weight from Marley. She stared up at him with wide eyes as she sucked oxygen into her lungs.


“You okay?” His gruff voice barely rose above a whisper.


She nodded, but her lashes drifted shut.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
Her arms and legs moved. “I’m okay.” The unsteady words preceded another deep breath. She blinked a few times and looked at the men surrounding them. Dismay flooded her expression. “I need to get up.”


A slight tremor shook her body. Knowing she’d need a moment to compose herself, he cautioned, “Easy. Take your time.”


Furious fire sparked in her green eyes. “Let me up,” she demanded.


Okay, then, screw composure. He took hold of her hand and elbow and hauled her to her feet. She swayed a bit with his release, and her hand reached to steady herself, making contact with his bare arm. A second later, she snatched it away and stiffened her spine.

Nate pushed through the others and grabbed her close. “Thank God, Mar.”


“I’m fine, Nate.”
“You didn’t see what I saw.” He held her at arm’s length. “If he’d been a split second slower…”


The care and concern in Nate’s expression amazed Justin. So far he’d seen the guy give his sister nothing but grief.
Chuck clapped Justin on the shoulder. “You okay, man? I can’t believe how fast you moved.”


That drew some of the attention off Marley, but Justin didn’t want the recognition of what he’d done.


Either one of them could’ve been killed. Just the thought of it turned his stomach. Memory of another accident threatened to surface, but he forced it away and focused on the present.
“Someone want to tell me what the hell happened?”

~*~
All comments for the week will be entered into the drawing for a free ebook of my contemporary western, Chasin’ Mason.
Thanks for reading!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Website link: http://www.staceyjoynetzel.com/

Shattered Trust buy link: http://bit.ly/gqdym0

Trust in the Lawe buy link: http://bit.ly/g7Mgsy