Iris Blobel
May I introduce: Barbara White Daille "A Rancher's Pride" #MFRWAuthor @BarbaraWDaille
A Rancher's Pride
by Barbara White Daille
His Whole World Is In Her Hands
Sam Robertson's life just changed. In one short day, he found out that he's a daddy; that his beautiful little girl, Becky, is deaf; and that her aunt, sign language teacher Kayla Ward, intends to fight him for custody.There are plenty of reasons Sam shouldn't fall for Kayla. A city girl like her has no place on his ranch, particularly when she's his ex-wife's gorgeous sister. But thanks to the judge's orders, Sam's spending a lot of time with Kayla, trying to give Becky the stable home she's never known.
Despite their ongoing custody battle, Sam and Kayla's love for Becky brings them closer than they ever expected, and Sam knows that no matter who wins in court, he could still lose—Kayla or his daughter.
~~~
Excerpt
One note about the action in the following clip. Sam realizes he's on the verge of losing his battle to keep his daughter because he can't communicate with her. To this point he has resisted being taught by Kayla, who's fluent in the language Becky understands: sign language.
Here's the peek....
Sam picked up one of Becky's crayons and held his hand out to Kayla.
"How do you sign blue?" he asked, looking directly at her.
Kayla glanced down. "That's not a blue crayon."
"I was talking about your eyes. They're very blue…and your cheeks are suddenly bright pink." Sam smiled and leaned closer. "I can learn all my colors," he murmured, "just by looking at you."
Her heart thumped. She wanted to lean back but couldn't. She should get up and walk away. Somehow, she couldn't do that, either. "There are more signs than just colors, you know." Her voice cracked on the last word.
He smiled. He knew just what he was doing to her. And darn him, he was enjoying it.
"True." Sam smiled again. "How do you say I?"
She pointed her index finger at herself.
"And how do you say want?"
She hesitated then held both palms up and crooked her fingers as she pulled her hands toward her body.
He leaned even closer. "And how do you say a kiss?" he whispered against her ear.
~~~
A Rancher's Pride is available in Australia in e-book format!
Currently at Mills & Boon: http://www.millsandboon.com.au/product/9781460839836
Coming May 2015 to Harlequin Australia http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/
It can also be found in e-book format in the U.S. at:
Amazon http://amzn.com/0373753578
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ranchers-pride-barbara-white-daille/1100382659?ean=9781459202337
Harlequin http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=36983
~~~
Author Bio
Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny U.S. Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven't gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom.
When she was very young, Barbara learned from her mom about the storytelling magic in books—and she's been hooked ever since. She hopes you will enjoy reading her books and will find your own magic in them!
Upcoming for Barbara is a brand-new series, The Hitching Post Hotel, about a matchmaking grandpa determined to see his three granddaughters wed. The series debuts in April 2015 with The Cowboy's Little Surprise, followed by A Rancher of Her Own in July and a third as-yet-untitled book in December.
Find Barbara at the following locations:
Make sure to leave a comment for Barbara.
She'd love to hear from you.
Snippet Sunday - Little Beginnings 22/03/2015 #Reading #WIP
~~~
LITTLE BEGINNINGS
Jeri lives in Hobart where she owns a gallery. Since her divorce, many years ago, she's finally ready to "be" with a man again. But finding the right one seems to be harder than she thought.
~~~
He turned and met her gaze, a smile tugging at his lips. "Nice meeting you too. So you think there’s a broken pipe?”
She was about to strangle him and desperately hoped for Ely’s job to be a quick one so he’d return before she’d commit a crime. She let out a long breath and then said as calm as possible, “I run a gallery and these are my exhibits. At the moment the damage is a flooded floor and possibly some damage to the furniture. I’m not sure, I’ve been busy mopping.” Jeri studied him for a reaction but when none came she continued. “So there's obviously a broken pipe somewhere and I assume Ely thought you to be the best person to fix it.”
Although it was on the tip of her tongue to add that she doubted it, but thought she’d better keep that thought to herself.
He nodded. “I get you dry and fixed in no time.” And then he left. Hopefully in search for the leaking offender.
I do appreciate each single one of them!
May I Introduce: Marianne Rice "False Start" #MFRWAuthors @mariannericeaut
"False Start"
by Marianne Rice
He's got to make the riskiest play of his life to get her to fall in love again …
Blurb
Ex-NFL player turned high school football coach Connor McKay is well loved by all…except by the sexy principal who wants to make changes to his athletic program. Intrigued by Meg Fulton's beauty and intelligence, Connor doesn't mind going head-to-head with her. When he and Meg are set up on a blind date, he's finally able to open a crack in Meg's high emotional wall and see the caring woman inside. What Connor doesn't expect is that his buddy and ex-teammate is the one responsible for Meg's wall in the first place. To choose between a one-time brother and the woman he's fallen hopelessly in love with, Connor will make the riskiest play of his life.
Always the misfit growing up, newly hired high school principal Meg Fulton uses a fashionable wardrobe and a sharp tongue to keep men at a safe distance. After a drunken, abusive experience in the back of a Chevy as a naïve teen, she became a single mother with a tough hide…until Connor McKay walks into the picture. She can't stand him. He's a sports-loving alpha male––no thanks! Meg has a good reason to hate jocks. Been there, done that, much to her regret. But as her path continues to cross with Connor's, and attraction heats to a boiling point, Meg learns there's more to Connor than biceps and a tight rear end. Things are heating up with them, when someone from her past threatens to tear them apart. Meg runs for cover…and from Connor. It will take a leap of love for Meg to shed the scars of her past and let love into her life.
Author Bio:
Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines her smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always find everlasting love. When she's not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there's time, relaxing with fancy drinks and a great read. She tries to make time for her husband too, but he often places behind her love affair with books.
Connect with her on Facebook http://facebook.com/Mariannericeauthor or visit her website at http://www.mariannerice.weebly.com
A sneak peek at the first page from False Start…
"We need to talk."
Startled by the deep growl, Meg Fulton looked up to the towering stack of testosterone filling her office doorway and cursed the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach.
She straightened her posture, ran her hand through her thick hair in an attempt to put all the strays back in place, and then reached for the lapels of the suit coat that wasn't there. She felt vulnerable in her silk tank top and wished she had an extra layer to shield her from the menacing daggers targeted at her. Putting on the jacket would only make a spectacle of herself. The thin tank would have to do.
"Sure. Have a seat." She crossed her legs and attempted to smile. Inwardly, Meg groaned. Connor McKay. She'd noticed him on the football field coaching his athletes and had not looked forward to the expected confrontation.
He remained in the doorway, making no move toward the empty seats across from her desk. His blond hair was short, barely longer than the scruff on his face, and as she looked up she saw his eyes—a fierce, fiery blue filled with accusation and something that ranged between confusion and lust.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/FalseStart
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/FalseStartUK
Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com
Get hooked on "Innocent Tears" - #MFRWHooks #Reading @CleanReads_
Welcome to another MFRWHook!
"Innocent Tears" is set in Melbourne / Australia
I hope you get hooked by this Snippet
BLURB:
Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody. With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.
Today's hook:
The sun was on its best behaviour and slipped from behind a cloud giving warmth to the autumn day. Emma and Nadine had walked over to a nearby park which had a small playground. The apprehension on Nadine’s face was forgotten right away as she enthusiastically climbed the slide and mingled with a few other children.
They stayed for a while, and when Emma stood and came closer, her little friend asked, “Can we stay a bit longer here?”
Instantly, guilt pressed down on Emma’s shoulders. Taking Nadine to the playground seemed a reasonable idea at the time, but now as she looked into those despondent green eyes as it was time to return to the hotel, she wasn’t all that sure anymore.
“I’m sorry, honey, but it’s time to go.”
Nadine’s face reflected the obvious disappointment. “Okay, then.”
She picked up her bag from the park bench and then looked at Emma. “Do you know my dad?”
“No, honey, I don’t. I saw him yesterday when he came to see your grandma and grandpa. But that’s it.” And boy, oh, boy was he a treat for the eyes!
With her voice sounding wary, Nadine asked, “Do you think he’ll like me?”
Emma kneeled next to her and held both Nadine’s hands. The right words escaped her, and she had no idea what to say. Her heart ached looking into the girl’s eyes. Admiration towards her grew more and more. “Honey, I honestly don’t know, but I can’t see a reason why he wouldn’t. You’re a gorgeous young girl.” She tucked a strand of hair behind Nadine’s ear. “He’s probably just as afraid as you are at the moment. Afraid of having a little girl all of a sudden.”
5 Stars:
I am a big fan of Miss Blobel's work. I love her characters and get so into their lives and how that comes together and culminates in the end. I loved Flynn and his apprehension about having to be a new Dad to a child he had never met. Emma's involvement and her torment of having to chose the right man. Jack's dormant abusive behavior and Teresa indifference to Nadine, who by the way was a very endearing child. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kudos to its author!!
4 Stars:
A very good story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. A fairly predictable ending but who doesnt like a happy ending?
Snippet Sunday - Little Beginnings 15/03/2015 #Reading #WIP
~~~
LITTLE BEGINNINGS
Jeri lives in Hobart where she owns a gallery. Since her divorce, many years ago, she's finally ready to "be" with a man again. But finding the right one seems to be harder than she thought.
~~~
Scott looked down at Jeri through eyes the colour of chocolate brown. She stared at him. He was about the same height as Ely, his hair was a dirty blond rather than dark and the ends curled up like fish hooks around the edge of the hat.
She thought, Ely had been the highlight of her day, but Scott evidently came from the same gene pool.
Or at least similar.
Jeri was still unable to speak but when she noticed him raising his eyebrow, she forced herself to shake his hand.
“Thank God, you’re here,” she said with a croaky voice.
He smiled again, and she nearly had to hold on to something or at least lock her knees.
She continued to stare at him as he took in the situation.
“Any major damage?” he asked
And that’s when she stopped comparing him to her carpenter. Her stare turned into a glare and with hands on hips she said, “Not at all. I simply wanted to meet you.”
Thank you all for your support and kind comments.
I do appreciate each single one of them!
May I introduce: Maggie Christensen "The Sand Dollar" ( @MaggieChriste33 )
The Sand Dollar
by Maggie Christensen
What a delight to have Maggie back to talk about her next book!
2 - The Dreamcatcher is the second book in the series. When can we expect the release of that book?
The Dreamcatcher tells the story of Ellen, who the reader meets in The Sand Dollar. She’s a Native American who owns a bookshop in Florence. The book is currently with my editor and will be released in mid-May.
3 - What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a sequel to Band of Gold. I hadn’t intended to write a sequel to this one, but have been asked by many readers if there will be another. In Band of Gold, readers met Jan, Anna’s sister. This is her story.
1 - The Sand Dollar is the first book
in the Oregon Coast Series. I fell in love with Oregon when we travelled there
two years ago. What's your fascination with the US State?
My mother-in-law moved from California
to Florence, Oregon in her mid-eighties. Sadly she passed away last year a few
months after celebrating her 100th birthday. Over the years we
visited her many times and I fell in love with Florence and the Oregon Coast,
leading me to set this series there.
2 - The Dreamcatcher is the second book in the series. When can we expect the release of that book?
The Dreamcatcher tells the story of Ellen, who the reader meets in The Sand Dollar. She’s a Native American who owns a bookshop in Florence. The book is currently with my editor and will be released in mid-May.
3 - What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a sequel to Band of Gold. I hadn’t intended to write a sequel to this one, but have been asked by many readers if there will be another. In Band of Gold, readers met Jan, Anna’s sister. This is her story.
Blurb
What if you discover everything you believed to be true
about yourself has been a lie?
Stunned by news of an impending redundancy, and impelled by
the magic of a long-forgotten sand dollar, Jenny retreats to her godmother in
Oregon to consider her future.
What she doesn’t bargain for is to uncover the secret of her
adoption at birth and her Native American heritage. This revelation sees her embark on a journey of
self-discovery such as she’d never envisaged.
Moving between Australia’s Sunshine Coast and the Oregon Coast, The Sand Dollar is a story of new
beginnings, of a woman whose life is suddenly turned upside down, and the
reclusive man who helps her solve the puzzle of her past.
Bio
Born and brought up in Scotland, and attracted by
advertisements to ‘Come and Teach in the Sun’, Maggie Christensen emigrated to
Australia in her twenties to teach in primary schools in Sydney. She now lives
with her husband of almost thirty years near Peregian Beach on the Sunshine
Coast of Queensland. She loves walking on the deserted beach in the early
mornings and having coffee by the Noosa River on weekends. After spending many
years in teaching, lecturing and education management, where she wrote course
materials and reports, Maggie began writing the sort of books she enjoys
reading, books about women in their prime, their issues and relationships. Now
her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her
idea of heaven! She continues her love of books as a volunteer with Friends of
Noosaville Library where she helps organise author talks and selects and
delivers books to the housebound.
Author links
Twitter: @MaggieChriste33
Buy links
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1wsZDi3
Kobo bit.ly/1sojOY9
Nook bit.ly/1rurZlM
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/483699
Excerpt
“We definitely need that drink now.” He put the letter down
on the coffee table and went to the drinks trolley where he poured two large
measures. “Get that down you,” he said, handing one to Jenny.
“What is it?” she asked, sniffing the glass.
“Jack Daniels. The answer to the shock you’ve sustained.
It’ll burn going down, but it’ll help.”
Jenny took a sip.
“Don’t sip it. Take a gulp. Put some fire in your belly.”
Giving him a glare, Jenny emptied the glass, almost choking.
“There, are you happy now?”
“When did you last have something to eat? You should have
something now or that’ll go straight to your head.”
“I don’t need being told what to do.” Jenny’s tone was
abrupt. “Look,” she said more gently, pushing her hands through her hair. “I’m
grateful to you and all that. I needed someone to talk to, to share this with,
but…”
“But now it’s me, you’re thinking better of it?”
“No, not at all. Actually I’m glad it’s you. You won’t…”
“Won’t what?” Mike raised his eyebrows.
“Won’t make a big thing of it, I guess is what I mean. But
I’d rather be alone now, if you don’t mind. I will have something to eat,” she
added, seeing he was about to say something else.
“That wasn’t what I was going to say. I wondered…” he
paused. “I wondered what you were going to do about this. I mean, it’s a bit of
a bummer being thrown this one. How do you intend to deal with it?”
“I really don’t know. The whole thing’s come from left
field. It’s… it’s not anything I expected. Mum and Dad…” Jenny dragged her
fingers through her hair again and started to walk with Mike to the door.
“You’ve been great. I know I have to handle it. I guess I should bring it up
with Maddy, but I can’t do that right now. When she’s better. I’ll need some
answers.”
“I sure would if I were you. Okay. I’ll be off. Umm, if… or…
I’m just a bit up the track if you want an ear.” Mike sounded awkward.
Jenny’s eyes opened wide in surprise. An offer like this was
the last thing she’d expected from this reticent man. “Thanks, I’ll remember
that.” Her voice shook a little as she said goodbye and closed the door behind
him.
Get hooked on "Innocent Tears" 11/03/15 - #MFRWHooks #Reading
Welcome to another MFRWHook!
"Innocent Tears" is set in Melbourne / Australia
I hope you get hooked by this Snippet
BLURB:
Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.
With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.
With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.
Today's hook:
“Mum had to take medicine which made her lose her hair, and then she went to hospital, but never came back home,” Nadine said while breaking up some biscuits into pieces for her dolls.
Emma’s heart sank within her. Inwardly annoyed with herself for being so nosy, she sighed. After all, it wasn’t any of her business. She stroked Nadine’s hair. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean
to upset you.”
The girl placed the glass of milk back onto the table, and with a weary smile she looked at Emma. “That’s okay,” she said quietly. “Would you like to see a photo of my mum?”
Emma tilted her head to the side. “I’d love to.”
Nadine hopped off the chair and as quickly as she had previously retrieved her bag with dolls out of the other room, she returned with a framed photo.
“That’s Mum and me on my birthday. I’m six!” Nadine beamed.
“She’s beautiful.”
“Grandma says she’s in heaven, but I know she’s with the rainbow fairies now.”
Emma smiled at that thought. “That’s the fairy with the boy who didn’t want to grow up, isn’t it?”
Nadine’s eyes opened wide. “No! That’s a tinker. Mum is now up in a rainbow and creates the beautiful colours in the sky.”
The girl held onto the frame tight, and it caused Emma’s chest to squeeze as she thought of her own mother. “How long are you staying here in Melbourne, Naddie?”
“Don’t know.” And while slowly taking the photo back into the other room, she whispered more to herself than Emma, “I probably won’t go back home again.” She stopped in the doorway
and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I miss her so much,” she added quietly.
5 Stars:
I am a big fan of Miss Blobel's work. I love her characters and get so into their lives and how that comes together and culminates in the end. I loved Flynn and his apprehension about having to be a new Dad to a child he had never met. Emma's involvement and her torment of having to chose the right man. Jack's dormant abusive behavior and Teresa indifference to Nadine, who by the way was a very endearing child. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kudos to its author!!
4 Stars:
A very good story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. A fairly predictable ending but who doesnt like a happy ending?
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