Maggie’s Musings - Page 28 of 62 - Maggie Wells-Margaret Ethridge

November 3, 2015

Teaser Tuesday – A Heartwarming Christmas!

Hi, everyone. It’s great to be here today! But how can it be November already? Thanksgiving isn’t far away now and then the Christmas season begins. I can feel time racing toward the holidays, but I haven’t even thought about turkey or gift shopping yet!

In the meantime, however, I’m thrilled to report that A Heartwarming Christmas has made the USA Today Bestseller List!!

This holiday season, warm your heart with 12 wholesome holiday romances from 12 Harlequin Heartwarming writers who are USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors.

There are four connected anthologies in A Heartwarming Christmas. That means each set of three novellas shares characters and storylines all set in Christmas Town, a location introduced in the 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release, Christmas, Actually. This year’s A Heartwarming Christmas will bring you laughter, tears, and happily-ever-afters (no cliffhangers), for more than 1200 pages. Foreword by small town lover and New York Times bestseller Kristan Higgins.

In my novella, “His Christmas Gift,” Cara Crawford, who runs a tree lot, doesn’t want to have Christmas this year. But park ranger Brady Sullivan has other ideas. And determination is his middle name.

After a scandal years ago ended Brady’s dream to play in the NFL, he left Christmas Town. Now twelve years later, he’s back to clear the record. Unfortunately, his estranged family is nowhere to be found. And Cara, the sister of the woman whose life Brady supposedly destroyed years ago, still blames him for what happened then.

It’s up to Brady to tell Cara too the truth at last. Can he convince her he was innocent all along? And win not only Cara’s trust—but also, this time, her love?

Here’s a brief excerpt from the story:

A sharp rap at her front door made Cara almost drop her cup.

Who could be here this late at night?

“Delivery,” Brady said in her doorway. “Got your tree for you. A rescue.” He shouldered his way inside with a gorgeous, bushy seven-foot scotch pine.

“Do you know what time it is?” Cara asked.

“Time to pretty up this baby. Go get your decorations.”

“Has anyone ever told you you’re pushy?”

“You need pushy.”

Cara glanced at her teacup on the table. He wasn’t taking no for an answer. She didn’t really want him to.

“You wait any longer,” he said, “Christmas will be over.”

And Brady would be gone. She had to remember that as well as the heartache he’d caused her sister years ago.

Yet Cara couldn’t deny they had fun while Brady set the tree in its stand then helped her hang ornaments—so many she’d loved in years past—and, finally, sprinkled the pine with old-fashioned tinsel.

Before she knew it, he’d playfully tossed a few strands at her hair. His laughter warmed her heart and Cara couldn’t help but join in. She had no choice but to return the favor until they both looked as glittery as the tree.

“You actually like this,” she said, feeling breathless. “Some men don’t. My father never put the lights on our tree without having a meltdown.”

“Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.” He grinned. “Snow, presents, wreaths and candles…family all around. What’s not to like?”

Cara wondered why Brady was staying then at the Pine Tree Inn instead of at his parents’ home, but she hesitated to ask and break the mood they’d shared. And Brady had stopped laughing. The moment hung between them like the silver star he’d fastened to the top of the tree. With a slightly shaky hand, he reached out to pull a piece of tinsel from her hair, his touch lingering.

“I like you all…sparkly,” he murmured, his voice husky. “I like you, Cara.”

The whole set of 12 novellas is for sale now at the incredible price of $.99! Get your copy today before the price goes up. Buy Links for A Heartwarming Christmas:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TDjGEK
iTunes: http://apple.co/1OkXsV9
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1CEnSA7
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1J0Qg08
B&N: http://bit.ly/1LaVnNT

Bio: Leigh Riker can’t imagine anything better than to curl up with a good romance novel to read—unless it is to write one! She loves being a Harlequin Heartwarming author. When not working, she likes to garden, play the piano, and travel. At home in the Southeast, with her Maine Coon cat perched on her desk for inspiration, she is at work on her new HW novel, Lost and Found Family, to be published in April 2016.

For more, here’s where to find her:

Website: http://www.leighriker.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lbrwriter/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@lbrwriter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeighRikerAuthor

November 2, 2015

Monday Mayhem – Here I Go Again!

Yep, I’m doing it again. This time, I plan to finish LOVE AND ROCKETS (Coastal Heat #3) and start RANSOMED HEART, which will be book 2 in a new series I’m working on.

So yeah…see you in December!

Just kidding. I’ll see you next week.

Have a great Monday!

Oh, and in case you missed it:

Sorry. I just love it so.

October 27, 2015

Teaser Tuesday – Jen Crane is back!

A Dangerous Secret

In fiery redhead Stella Stonewall’s new world magic and shape-shifters are everyday life. Scales, sorcery, shifters—no big. Stella has learned she’s not only descended of dragons, but of powerful skin changers. She struggles to keep this rare form a secret, even from her closest friends.

A Bitter Betrayal

Stella turns to her mentor Rowan Gresham for help. The charming but enigmatic Gresham forms a plan to improve her troublesome public image. The problem? The plan revolves around betraying the only family she has left.

A Potential for Something Real

When Gresham’s motives come into question Stella must rely on the new friends she’s made at a college for magical shifters. The feral bunch helps set Stella’s inner beast free. As these friendships flourish, so does the magnetism she’s always felt toward fierce and noble Ewan Bristol. But it’s so strong it threatens to overwhelm her.

Can Stella afford to open her heart now, when her entire future’s at stake, or is it bolted shut for eternity?

Purchase Origin Exposed

Kindle: http://bit.ly/OEAmazonBuylink

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/OEBNBuylink

iTunes: http://bit.ly/OEiBooksBuylink

Kobo: http://bit.ly/OEKoboBuylink

Find Jen Crane online

Website: JenCraneBooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JenCrane

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/JenCraneBooks

Twitter: @JenCraneBooks

Instagram: JenCraneBooks

Pinterest: JenCraneBooks

October 26, 2015

Monday Mayhem – holding on

I visited my mom this weekend. Though it makes me sad to see her struggling, it was just good to see her.

And to hold her hand.

Her skin is now thin and soft with age, but though I may have my daddy’s eyes, nose and mouth, these delicate digits are one thing I undoubtedly inherited from my mother.

They may be small, but their grip is mighty.

October 20, 2015

Cover reveal!

Look at this beautiful cover for FLIP THIS LOVE (Coastal Heat #2)!!!!

I’m so excited!

Nothing draws a magnate like a steel magnolia…

Harley Cade is back in town—and the former bad boy is downright irresistible now that he’s donned a hard hat and set to work restoring the South’s finest homes to their former grandeur. While wealth may have gained Harley entry into high society, it’s going to take a lot more than a fat bank account to win the lovely Laney Tarrington.

Laney isn’t open to giving the self-made magnate a second chance—no matter how much she needs him. With her family fortune gone, Laney finally has to stand on her own two feet. The last person she’d ever lean on is Harley, the man who left her behind with nothing more than memories of the passion they once shared….

With the attraction still burning hot between them, Harley isn’t above seduction—or secretly buying Laney’s bankrupted family’s estate. After all, he no longer has to prove himself to anyone, least of all the daughter of Mobile, Alabama’s most prestigious family. But will pride keep Harley from gaining the biggest prize of all—a place in Laney’s heart?

Read a SNEAK PEEK!

Add it to your GoodReads shelf!

Better yet, pre-order it from your favorite retailer!

Amazon | B&N | Google Play | Kobo

October 20, 2015

Teaser Tuesday – Lindsay Cross

Redemption River, Men of Mercy Book 1

Hunter James didn’t want or need redemption.

Until one mission turns his world upside down.

He left Mercy to fight for his country and escape a broken heart. Years later, he is hard. Cold. A man without mercy. Part of an elite Task Force, he tracks a brutal terrorist to his home town. And runs into the woman who betrayed him…

Evangeline Videl was destroyed when Hunter left. Determined to move on, she finds another man, but discovers too late the monster hidden beneath his smooth smile. Struggling to find the conviction to live, Evie finds her life spinning out of control.

Then Hunter returns…

Forced to band together to find the terrorist before its too late, Hunter and Evie must learn to forgive or risk losing the promise of redemption and their lives…

About the author:

Lindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.

An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams.

October 19, 2015

Monday Mayhem – Highs, lows, and a revelation

Well, it’s been another one of those weeks. A great cover in the inbox, some exciting news soon to come (fingers crossed), then the day I’ve dreaded finally came. Those of you who follow me on Facebook or Twitter have already heard, but Saturday morning I lost the two pound love of my life, TimBunny.

Fodder and I were (and are) heartbroken. Tim came to live with us in 2006, after our son won him at at a county fair. I initially said and emphatic, “No,” but the minute I saw him, it was a done deal. True love.

Every night, I kissed his little bunny nose, hand-fed him a pumpkin seed, and pledged my adoration even though he was by far the most rude, inconsiderate, aggravating, and downright disgusting roommate I’ve ever had. I lack the words to convey how much I miss him already.

Now, I will move on to some good news. I got the approved back cover copy for FLIP THIS LOVE (Coastal Heat #2) Here’s the scoop:

Nothing draws a magnate like a steel magnolia…

Oh, and you wanna see something pretty? This landed in my inbox too:

Yay! I love Harley and Laney’s story, and I think the cover is perfect for them. For those of you keeping track, FLIP THIS LOVE will be available April 16, 2016.

So, yeah, the roller coaster of life keeps streaking along. I’m hanging on and hanging in, and hoping I can make it through a day without trashing another pair of contact lenses.

If you have a furry critter living with you, go kiss him/her.

xoxo

Mags

October 13, 2015

Teaser Tuesday – Megan Mitcham

What’s better than a free book? I’ll tell you…

Good, free books are almost more extraordinary than unicorns. And, let’s face it, unicorns are the epitome of magic. Free books take everything perfect and zen about getting lost in an alternate world, jostled about, hated, loved, and redeemed, and then found at the end a little changed from the experience and make it just a little bit better.

So, what’s better than a free book?

Three. Enemy Mine. For All to See. Versions.

And you don’t have to sell your soul for them or even leave a comment. For the entire month of October I’m celebrating my 1st publish-aversary. Come celebrate with me! I have free books, sale books, and gift cards!

What is you favorite thing to celebrate? Let me know in the comments and I’ll send one luck commenter signed bookmarks for the Base Branch Series.

About the Author:

Megan was born and raised among the live oaks and shrimp boats of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where her enormous family still calls home. She attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a bachelor’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and special education. For several years Megan worked as a teacher in Mississippi. She married and moved to South Carolina and began working for an international non-profit organization as an instructor and co-director.

In 2009 Megan fell in love with books. Until then, books had been a source for research or the topic of tests. But one day she read Mercy by Julie Garwood. And Oh Mercy, she was hooked!

Megan lives in Southern Arkansas where she pens heart pounding romantic thriller novels and window steaming erotic romance. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Goodreads!

October 12, 2015

Monday Mayhem – Wibbly wobbly

I have not felt well all week.

That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

I don’t have much to report this week other than the fact that I’ve been a complete slug. I’ve been fighting allergies/migraine/the after effects of dental torment all week and I have been totally lazy. At least, when it comes to writing.

Someone posted this on Facebook the other day, and it’s so true:

Too true. Book #2 in the Coastal Heat series just flowed right out of me. I may need a stash of dynamite to get #3 out.

The good news is, I’m feeling a little better, so I’m upgrading my look from this:

To this:

Oh, and my Spider Solitaire skills are wicked sharp.

How about you? Lose your head over anything (besides a good chop) lately?

October 6, 2015

Teaser Tuesday – Jen Crane

Rare Form

Descended of Dragons, Book 1

by Jen Crane

Purchase Rare Form:

Kindle: http://bit.ly/RFAmazonBuylink

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/RFBNBuylink

iTunes: http://bit.ly/RFiBooksBuylink

Kobo: http://bit.ly/RFKoboBuylink

A Secret Past

Fiery redhead Stella Stonewall can’t decide between a margarita and a manhattan.
The rest of her life? Please. Stella has never really fit in, and her pretty world comes crashing down when she learns it was never her world at all.

Rowan Gresham is domineering, brooding, and as sexy as chocolate-dipped sin. When he transports Stella to the magical realm of her parents she recognizes her rightful place immediately. Gresham’s motivations are less clear.

A Scorching Chemistry

The enigmatic Gresham aids in Stella’s metamorphosis and their chemistry ignites, though a long-time girlfriend and a significant age difference stand in the way.

A Battle for the Rest of Her Life

Stella’s life fast-tracks to extraordinary when she enrolls at Radix Citadel for Supernatural Learning, an enchanted college whose students turn furry on the regular. As Stella learns to navigate the magical new world of Thayer she must also find her animal form, a task as elusive as her ancestry. Stella soon faces an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn to manipulate an animal form she never knew she possessed.

In this scene Stella runs into her newfound mentor Rowan Gresham

at a school mixer. This time he has company.

“Mmm-hmmm,” I hummed playfully. Riling Rowan Gresham up was just too easy. Was I flirting? Maybe.

My attempt to hide my grin behind a sip of my drink was unsuccessful, and the tension soon left his shoulders. As I inquired further about Gresham’s “special projects,” I caught sight of a lovely brunette in her late thirties as she approached him from behind. She ran her hand through Gresham’s arm and clasped his bicep possessively.

“Hello,” she said coolly. “I’m Livia Miles.”

She pronounced this la-VEE-yah. Her gray eyes were sharp and assessing as she took in my proximity to Gresham. I backed up a step instinctively. She extended a bony hand, and I took the time to do a little assessing of my own. Now, I like to consider myself fairly well-groomed, but Livia was the type of woman who always looked…pristine. Her nails were perfectly manicured, and the shine on her toe polish caused me to blink. Her smooth skin had obviously been exfoliated and buffed to perfection, her makeup was flawless, if on the heavy side. Her jewelry was tasteful and expensive, and her hair…god, her long brown curls absolutely gleamed reflecting the overhead lights. A tight black lace dress revealed a runner’s legs and no breasts to speak of, thank the good lord for small mercies.

“Livia, this is Stella Stonewall,” Gresham put in. “Stella is a primos, and will likely be in your department’s Intro to Craft and Ritual class.”

“I know who she is, Gresham,” she said icily.

“Oh, uhm… Nice to meet you, Professor Miles,” I stumbled. “Craft? I’m sorry; Orientation is tomorrow. I know very little about the coursework here.”

“Dean Miles,” she corrected. “Craft. The art and science of causing change in accordance with one’s will.”

I must have looked as clueless as I felt, because she turned to Gresham.

“Ugh. Rowan. She is an imbecile. Wherever did you find her, and what moron allowed her into this institution? If this is the caliber of student my department is expected to instruct, I…”

“Stella is new to our ways, as you know, Livia,” Gresham growled. “She is a bright young woman, and will catch on quickly, I am sure, with the help of exceptional teachers like you.”

To this obvious schmoozing, Livia seemed appeased. I had a sneaking suspicion he had just saved me from some serious in-class discrimination.

I couldn’t recall the last time I had been so flagrantly insulted. Fifteen responses and backhanded insults raced through my mind, as did a speedy synopsis of my circumstances—new town, new school, new teacher. Don’t make enemies, I told myself. Swallow your pride. Hold your tongue.

But the fact was I had real difficulty with those particular virtues.