The Sweetest Romance Authors

Sweet Romance Author Gail Pallotta's Teen Novel, Stopped Cold, a Best Seller on All Romance eBooks

2013-05-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Stopped Cold-- a mystery that's reminiscent of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys with suspense, first love, and spiritual talk.

Things aren't what they seem in peaceful Mistville, North Carolina.

Margaret McWhorter enjoys a laid-back Freshman year in high school flirting with Jimmy Willmore, swimming and hanging out with friends—until that day. Her brother, Sean, suffers a stroke from taking a steroid. Now he’s lying unconscious in a hospital. Margaret’s angry at her dad for pushing Sean to be a great quarterback, but a fire of hatred burns inside her to make the criminals pay. Looking for justice, she takes Jimmy and her best friend, Emily, through a twisted, drug-filled sub-culture. A clue sends them deep into the woods behind the school where they overhear drug dealers discuss Sean. Time and time again they walk a treacherous path and come face to face with danger. Even the cop on the case can’t stop them from investigating. All the while Margaret really wants to cure Sean, heal the hate inside, and open her heart to love.

What people are saying:

Stopped Cold is filled with emotion, strong characters, teenage romance, adventure, danger and the intricate workings of modern day high school studies and sports. Larry Hammersley

This is a great read. I recommend it for teens or adults alike. It certainly kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next when Margaret, Jimmy, and their friend Emily go out looking to stop dangerous drug dealers. There's plenty of action and emotion. Connie C.

...follow Margaret's journey to discover the depth of true character and faith not only in school and friends, but family. Lisa J. Lickel

Excerpt:

Emily entered gasping for air as though she’d raced inside.
Leaning against the windowsill, I looked toward Mom then Dad.
“Sean’s had a stroke.” Dad spoke in a monotone.
Every fiber of my being weakened as I doubled over to keep from falling then sank onto the edge of the bed. I grasped the light blue spread and squeezed it hard in my fist. He was fine earlier this morning.
“He’s only eighteen. How could that happen?”
Dad gestured with his large hand. “He came down the steps and collapsed in the foyer.”
My stomach churned like a washing machine.
“We brought him to the emergency room. That’s the last we’ve seen of him.” Dad had a blank stare in his grayish blue eyes.
A man wearing a white jacket entered. “Hello, I’m Dr. Salis.” He shook my parents’ hands. While standing in the middle of the floor he talked about Sean as though he was delivering a speech or giving a weather report. “Sean’s stroke was a mild one. I don’t believe he’ll have permanent damage, but he may need therapy for his left arm.”
Anger, sorrow, and disbelief over Sean’s illness swirled in my head like a tornado. How could this happen?
“Sean’s never had a health problem. He’s an athlete. What caused this?” Mom asked.
“I’m sorry to tell you, but we found Winstrol V in Sean’s system.” A hint of compassion rang in Dr. Salis’s official-sounding tone.
Mom’s gaze grew distant. “What’s that?”
“It’s an anabolic steroid used in veterinary medicine. It carries many adverse side effects, including kidney and liver dysfunction. In some people there’s a risk of heart attack or stroke.” Dr. Salis spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Why would anyone take it?” Mom’s questioning voice trailed off.
Dr. Salis took a deep sigh. “It enhances athletic performance.”
“In what way? I can’t imagine Sean taking something like that.” Mom spoke softly as though she talked to herself.
Dr. Salis raised his gray eyebrows. “Steroids build muscle mass and shorten the recovery time needed after strenuous workouts. Jocks who use them grow stronger and can practice more often.”
Mom’s eyes snapped open.
Was she thinking of the pressure Dad put on Sean?
“I don’t feel well. Margaret, would you get me some water?” Dad asked.
He was as white as Mistville’s winter snow. So fit, so strong, he rarely got sick, weak, or pale.
Anxious over the sight of him, I bounded off the bed, grabbed one of the paper cups out of the dispenser beside the sink, and filled it.
He reached out for it then took a sip as I dropped down into a black vinyl chair. Dad collected drops from the side of the container on his fingers then wiped his forehead with them. Some color returned to his face.
“Where would Sean get steroids for animals?” Dad gazed at Mom with a helpless stare.
How would she know? Nothing made any sense to me. Not the questions. Not the answers. They were all scrambled in my brain like letters from a Scrabble game that were scattered on a table.
Two uniformed policemen came in. Why were they here?
The older man with dark hair and brown eyes extended his right hand to Dad.
“I’m Sergeant Jones. This is Detective Joe Garrett.”
Dad knitted his brows. “What are you doing here? Has the hospital announced to the world that my son’s in here because he took Winstrol V. What about the patient’s privacy act?”
Sergeant Jones rested his hand at his side. “No. Of course, the hospital has made no such announcement. There have been enough cases of kids checking in with drug-related problems for us to suspect criminal activity. The privacy act can be waived for the purposes of identifying certain classes of persons. In this case, that would be drug dealers. With your help we want to catch these people.”
Dad stared at the policemen with angry blue-gray eyes. “What can we do?”
“We need to know about Sean’s most recent activity, especially anything that led to his drug use.”
How dare Sergeant Jones accuse Sean of being an addict! Sean was president of the student council. He was a straight A student in one of the most difficult schools in the country. He was a Christian. He--I couldn’t even think now, and I couldn’t keep tears from rolling down my cheeks.
Dad got up and shook hands with the cops, but he didn’t smile. He looked like someone had slapped him.

Gail's Web site: http://www.gailpallotta.com
Facebook Authors and More Page

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore

Buy Links for Stopped Cold:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/305506
http://www.frontporchromance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33&products_id=194
http://www.amazon.com/Stopped-Cold-ebook/dp/B00CBAT37I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365693797&sr=8-1&keywords=gail+pallotta
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-stoppedcold-1157330-176.html

Five Historical Sweet Romances Giveaway

2013-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Five Books To Give Away until Feb 14th: You have a chance to win one of five historical romances by Linda Weaver Clarke. Books: U.S. Ebooks: International.

“From the first page I was captivated by this book. I had to continue reading, rushing to turn the page, I had to see what next adventure would catch up with Melinda. The plot is interesting: mixing history with fiction, adventure with romance. Melinda is an endearing character and you can’t help but see things through her eyes. This is good Christian fiction. It is a great honor to highly recommend this book to readers of historical fictions and romance. Ms Clarke, this is a piece to be proud of, well done!” –Debra Gaynor, Reader Views

To enter the contest, visit http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/2013/02/five-historical-sweet-romances.html

New Release - Reservations for Two

2013-02-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Widower’s Maggie O’Brien and Carson Jennings are both on a journey to rediscover who they are. Maggie, an adventurous former pastor’s wife of thirty-nine years, hopes to find closure in the place she and her husband spent their honeymoon. Carson, a retired judge, is living his lifelong dream of traveling across the U.S. in his RV. When their paths cross in the tranquil setting of Mason Springs, New Mexico, love is the last thing that either of them expects to find.

When this mix matched pair comes together they find themselves in some hilarious and even precarious situations. As the romance begins to blossom they face many obstacles that threaten to tear them apart, and what Maggie discovers about herself in New Mexico will redefine her future and alienate one of her children.

Will Carson and Maggie’s love for one another be strong enough to weather the storms or will their love for their children keep them apart? Ebook available at Amazon.

Read a fun interview with my main character, Maggie O'Brien.

P&E is Over - Thanks to All!

2013-01-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

The official 2012 P&E Readers Poll rulings are in, and I'm thrilled and humbled to announce that the book cover I designed for author Celia Yeary was number two in the Best Cover Artwork rankings!

Since P&E didn't give out any Top Ten buttons this year, I created one. I just want to say a huge "thank you!" to everyone who took the time to come over and to vote for this cover. You're awesome! :)

Taking On a New Adventure…

2013-01-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers,

I’ve written a Sweet Romantic Novella I’m self-publishing on Amazon for 99 cents. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I hope this will spur my career in new directions. The ebook should be out later this month. Until then, let me whet your appetite with this gorgeous cover and just enough info to get you asking: I CAN'T STAND IT! WHEN WILL IT BE OUT? (lol)

BLURB:
Ambitious former rodeo queen Harlee Jo Holiday must fix Oak Whitlock’s broken heart if she’s ever going to get him to help rescue her stolen horses. The only trouble is even Oak’s dog and horse can’t stand to be around him.

Brooding Oak Whitlock can’t get his life on track. That is, until Harlee Jo comes riding in with her hopes and dreams. Between her and her stolen horses, will Oak learn you have to climb right back in the saddle?

And here's the book trailer. It's only a snappy 30 seconds long!

Hope you'll consider purchasing it when it comes out! Thanks.

Cindy A. Christiansen

Sweet Romance, Humor, Suspense…and Dogs!

Fly into a good book at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Can I Ask for Your Vote?

2013-01-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

I was astonished to discover that an eBook cover I designed for author Celia Yeary was nominated for Best eBook Cover 2012 at the Preditors & Editors Poll. This is my first time being nominated as a cover designer, and I'm deeply humbled to whoever added this. Thank you so much!

I'd like to ask you, readers and friends, if you'd care to take a moment and to vote on Texas Promise.

If you truly believe this cover deserves to win, then click on this link at P&E, scroll down the page (the listings are in alphabetical order), click the title and continue to scroll down. You'll be asked to do a spam test and then give your name and email address. A confirmation email will be sent to that address, and you click the link once it arrives in your inbox. P&E never spams anyone, or gives out your email information.

I thank you all for your help! :)

Giveaway - Autographed copy of Fire and Ash

2013-01-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. To start the new year off right, I'm giving away an autographed copy of my award-winning and bestselling Fire and Ash at GoodReads. You can enter by clicking on this link.

I'd also like to mention that I'm thrilled two of my books, Trespasses and Kill Shot, have been nominated in The Romance Studio's CAPA awards. Winners will be chosen in February. Wish me luck :).

Thank you all for support and well wishes. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Hugs,
Anne

New Smashwords story

2012-11-27T14:24:00.001-08:00

I have a new story at Smashwords. It is a short sweet romance story. Can Ted, age 59, who lost his young wife to cancer years ago, interest Hillary, age 28?Runner's High Link No woman has caught his eye like Hillary when she moved into town. Shy about contacting her, he joins the local track club where she's a member in hopes of breaking the ice. What do they have in common? They both attend the same church and they both run, albeit Hillary is an elite runner whereas Ted, well, he dubs himself as the Abominable Slowman. What of the age difference? Can Ted overcome that?
Miss Mae handled the cover art and formatting for this story which is just under 10,000 words and priced at 99 cents. You can read the first 20% free. I tried to furnish a link but I'm not sure it worked. Looks like hitting control will make the clickable link to appear.

InD'Tale Review of "A Candlelight Courting": 4.5 Stars and a Crowned Heart!

2012-11-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to see this review of my new clean medieval e-novella, A Candlelight Courting: A Short Christmas Romance in InD'Tale Magazine that I just had to share! Here's a portion of what the reviewer, Beth Chamberlain, had to say:

"What an enlightening and enjoyably tender read! Though short in length (the only downside of this story), it is long in understanding. The morals and morays of the middle ages are brought out in this story regarding the place of women and their choice of the roles they were to live. In the telling of this tale the dialogue is written with a sensitivity and a knowledge of the history of that time period. As one reads, one comes to understand that some of the things that we have taken for granted, were once very precious to those who came before us, and their sacrifices, hopefully, were not in vain. Beautifully done, Ms. DiPastena!"

Read the entire review at http://indtale.com/reviews/candlelight-courting

A Candlelight Courting: A Short Christmas Romance is available for only $1.99 on Kindle and Smashwords.

Has Miss Mae Gone to the Dogs?

2012-10-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm writing today on how I held a book signing to help benefit my local humane society. The question asked is:

Has Miss Mae really gone to the dogs now? LOL

Visit my blog here.

Join Us for our Fall Chat!

2012-10-16T10:35:00.002-07:00

We're having a chat this Thursday, Oct. 18th, over at Coffee Time Romance!

You're invited! Come on over and join us for the fun, news, contests, and prizes!

We'll start at noon EST and it'll last until....???

Don't forget, mark your calendar, and COME ON DOWN!!! :)

Our link is here.

You must be a member of Coffee Time Romance to participate. If you're not already signed up, do it now, so your membership is approved. :)

Miss Mae Guesting at Chicki Brown's Blog!

2012-10-15T05:48:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm guesting today at Chicki Brown's blog. Hope you'll come over to learn a little more about that 'Pure Southern Genteel' author, Miss Mae, and enjoy the excerpt from my latest SF short story, "Through a Glass Darkly".

See you there! :)

http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com/2012/10/author-spotlight-miss-mae.html

The Sweetest Romance Awards

2012-10-12T14:56:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what constitutes

a "sweet" romance?

It’s a genre just like any other genre.

Sweet romance is the magical, emotional journey between the hero and heroine.

The story must have a happily-ever-after ending

(just like any other genre in romance).

It does not include bedroom scenes or a lot of physical contact between the couple

(even if they are married).

Sweet romance contains no offensive language,

whereas clean romance may contain adult language

and bedroom scenes with married couples.

Sweet romance also differs from inspirational romance

wherein a three-way relationship exists between the hero, heroine and God.

This is not found in sweet romance.

If you are a true sweet romance writer,

this is the contest for you!

ENTER HERE

Cathy West Talks about Hidden in the Heart. Gives away a Copy

2012-10-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Cathy West talks about her new book, Hidden in the Heart, on my blog from now until Sunday, October 14th. She'll give away a copy.

She says it's "For all those who have loved, experienced loss and lived life's roller coaster."

After suffering a miscarriage the heroine, Claire Ferguson, numbs her pain with drugs and alcohol. Then she worries the cause of the miscarriage could be genetic. An adopted child, she searches for her birth Mother. Does her Mother want to be found?

Stop by my blog, Peering Through Life's Window, at http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com and enter to win.

Happily Ever After Book Giveaway

2012-10-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Book Giveaway for Sweet Romance by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Happily Ever After Book Giveaway Oct 8 - 14: You have a chance to win a sweet romance, Elena, Woman of Courage. Adventure... Humor… Romance… Courage!

Elena, Woman of Courage takes place during the “Roaring Twenties.” It was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. When Elena settles into a strict conservative town as the newest doctor, a slew of problems begin to arise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. Elena Yeates, the town’s newest doctor, must struggle to prove herself in this western town, while keeping her composure, poise, and femininity. As she fights to prove herself, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart. With the 1920’s rise of women’s rights, this novel gives you great insight at the struggles women had to go through, all the while watching a young love blossom!

To win a book, leave a comment at Thoughts About Writing: http://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/sweet-romance-book-giveaway

Two New Additions!

2012-09-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Announcing my two short stories now in print!

Both - "Miss Penelope's Letters" and "Through a Glass Darkly" are now available for gift giving, a quick read to slip inside your brown lunch bag at work, or just to display on your coffee table or fireplace mantel.

These also contain larger type for those who may appreciate not squinting while they read.

Hope you enjoy!

The Clean Read Blog Hop!

2012-09-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm part of The Clean Read Blog Hop which lasts through Sept. 12th. Come over to my site for your chance to win a free book! Or simply join the hop for your chance to win lots of prizes from various clean authors.

It's easy! Details are here. :)

The Writing and Wit of Jeanette Levellie / Give Away

2012-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Author and minister's wife Jeanette Levellie visits Peering Through Life's Window on Tuesday, August 28 - Sunday, September 2, to talk about writing, humor and her new book, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top. She shares an excerpt, "Can Preachers Have Sex on Sunday?" and will give away a free download or PDF copy.
We'd love to have you come by and enter to win.

Where Your Heart Is...

2012-08-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you can tell a lot about a person by the way they speak, can you tell a lot about someone by what they read? Or for a writer, by what they write?

One of the most wonderful things about reading and writing online is getting to know the authors who put their blood, sweat, and fears out in the open for everyone to see. It never ceases to amaze me how sweet the authors of sweet romance are, as I come to find out more about them through blogs and interviews. Like pulling a favorite sweater out of the closet, readers and authors seem to be drawn to books that reflect who they are, what they wish to conquer, or who they some day hope to be.

This idea often leads me to self-introspection about myself. For example, when I stumble into my own chaotic clothes closet with three feet of dirty laundry on the floor (Hey, it helps me reach the top shelves!), I usually go for the chocolate-colored brown knit that zips up the front. If I’m feeling dressy, I have the black embroidered cardigan with the mother-of-pearl buttons. Simple, but laid-back. I want to be comfortable. I don’t rock boats.

In contrast, send me to my e-reader library and what do I pull up? Soft romances with feminine plots and settings. (That must be my dressy black sweater). And those adventures with the heroine who must face her fears and tame the brusque, sarcastic hero… that’s my brown zippy sweater all the way!

I can only hope as readers dive into my books, they finish them with a sign of pleasure--satisfied, and warm and cozy. A story crosses an unseen bridge between reader and writer. Somewhere, somehow, the heart makes this connection, and for a moment, both are in the same place, with the same hopes and fears.

You can’t share your favorite sweater with everyone you meet, but as long as you can find a good book to write, read, or recommend, I believe people somehow get where your heart is.

~Danielle Thorne

The Balanced Writer

www.daniellethorne.com

Check out some of Danielle Thorne's sweet romances!

Sweet Romance and Animal Love

2012-07-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

What do I mean by the title?

That those who love sweet romance are more than likely also lovers of animals!

If you are one of those, have I got a fun contest for you!

Love to see cute photos of adorable animals? (or goofy animals, or silly animals, or maybe even bizarre!) Love to win an award to display on your site?

Then enter the "Caption Me This!" contest over at Miss Mae's site. On Doggy Tales, give what you think should be the winning caption, and if my very patient hubby agrees (he who draws the crowning name out of a hat!), you'll be the proud recipient of the "Top Dog" Award.

C'mon. All it costs you is a moment of your time, but it's free...and fun!

Book Giveaway for Historical Sweet Romance by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

2012-07-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Book Give-Away July 27 – August 1: To win a historical sweet romance novel by Linda Weaver Clarke, visit A Family Friendly Blog.

“These books are enjoyable to read, and although they're wholesome, they're never boring. Linda Weaver Clarke is outstanding at presenting the characters' thoughts, especially when it comes to romance, and she captures the highs and lows of romantic life rather adeptly. The author also pays close attention to historical accuracy, enabling readers to learn about U.S. history in her novels.” –Suko’s Notebook

ADVENTURE... HUMOR... HISTORY… ROMANCE… COURAGE! In 1896 Melinda Gamble—a very elegant, naïve young woman from Boston—decides to give up her life of monotonous comfort for the turbulent uncertainty of the still untamed Wild West. Driven by her intense desire to make a difference in the world, Melinda takes a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho, where she comes face-to-face with a notorious bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love. Award: Semi-Finalist for “Reviewers Choice Award.”

Genesis Finalist Fay Lamb Talks About Because of Me, Her New Book on Gail Pallotta's Blog and Gives Away a Copy

2012-07-23T11:24:00.001-07:00

Genesis finalist Fay Lamb talks about her new book, Because of Me, on Gail Pallotta's blog, Peering Through Life's Window, on Tuesday, July 24th - Sunday, July 29th. In it an engaged man is wrongly imprisoned. Later when he returns to set things right, two people stand in his way, and one of them is a madman. Fay will give away a copy. To enter to win stop by http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com and leave a comment and an email address.

Multi-published Carol Award Winner Nanch Mehl Talks about Her New Book, Inescapable. Gives Away a Copy on Gail Pallotta's Blog

2012-07-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Multi-published Carol Award Winner Nancy Mehl talks about Inescapable on Peering Through Life's Window on Tuesday, July 17th. It's the first in her new "Road to Kingdom" series. The main character is an unwed Mother who leaves home because she's rejected. When she becomes the victim of a stalker, she returns. To her surprise she's welcomed home, but evil follows her to Kingdom, turning her life upside down. Nancy will give away a copy. To enter to win leave a comment and an email address at Gail's blog. It's http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com

My Books Are Sizzling This Summer At The Smashwords Sale!

2012-07-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

Smashwords is having a July hot sizzling sale all month long! What are you gonna do when summer temps soar and it's too blazing hot to partake of any kind of outdoor activities? Find a cool spot, of course, grab a frosty, sweating, tall glass of iced tea -- and read!!!

All my ebooks, Said the Spider to the Fly, See No Evil My Pretty Lady, It's Extraordinary My Dear Winifred, Miss Penelope's Letters, and Through a Glass Darkly are participating in this sale. Just visit my author page here, click on the book(s) you're interested in and enter the code presented on the book page. Easy-peasy! :)

And remember, Catch Me If You Can, and When the Bough Breaks are already on the .99 cent list! Plus, Dove Island and Fated Destiny are given away free at this time!

So what are you waiting on? Make your plans to beat the heat this summer and stock up on these fabulous sales. :)

Your romance and mystery/suspense by Miss Mae is waiting. :)

New Release - Fire Creek

2012-07-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Kasey Montgomery has returned to her hometown of Fire Creek Montana after the apparent suicide of her cousin. Within days of Beth's funeral, Kasey begins to find inconsistencies in her death. The local sheriff is quick to dismiss the allegations as figments of a writer's imagination. Kasey is determined to prove otherwise. Does the bronzed skinned stranger from Beth's funeral hold the answers?

Local park ranger, Jimmy Little Raven suspects foul play too. Beth was engaged to his best friend who died months earlier from a mysterious accident. Risking his heart and his job, he teams up with the famous mystery writer to find the answers to both deaths.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, and most online bookstores.

Excerpt -

Kasey rounded the corner onto the street where she'd left her car. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Jimmy Little Raven leaning against the hood of the Firebird, his arms folded across his chest.

It took several seconds to recover from her initial shock before she walked over to her car. "What are you doing here?"

"Never mind that. What were you doing in Woodward's office?" he demanded.

She avoided his glare, as her mind raced to come up with a logical explanation. Lying was out of the question, not that it'd do any good anyway. He had no doubt seen her through the window, explaining the noise she heard.

"Do you realize how much trouble you could get into if anyone was to find out you broke into his office?"

"No one's going to find out... unless you rat on me. Besides, I didn't break in, I had a key."

"You what!"

Before she could answer, her breath was yanked violently from her lungs as he lifted her up and dove, with her in his arms, onto the hood of the Firebird. The sounds of crunching metal, breaking glass and squealing tires followed. The earth seemed to rumble beneath her as their bodies rolled together onto the hard cement below.