There’s nothing like an engrossing book to read on a crisp fall day. New York Times bestselling author CATHY MAXWELL‘s latest A DATE AT THE ALTAR is the final book in Cathy’s Marrying the Duke series. The Duke of Baynton came close to the altar and finding meaningful love in the first two series books,  THE MATCH OF THE CENTURY and THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL, but now it is time for him to claim his duchess. Check out Cathy’s website to read more about this wonderful historical romance series and her other popular books.

New York Times bestselling author CARLA NEGGERS ‘s eagerly awaited new novel in the highly acclaimed Sharpe & Donovan series is on store shelves now.  LIAR’S KEY, features an FBI legend, a mysterious antiquities specialist and a brazen art thief.   Top FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are drawn into a complex web of blackmail, greed and murder sure to keep readers turning pages.

In late October, Carla returns to charming Swift River Valley, the setting for her equally popular series novels,  to celebrate the joy and romance of Christmas in New England.  Available in paperback for the first time, A KNIGHTS BRIDGE CHRISTMAS includes “A Christmas at Carriage Hill” as a bonus story.

Fans of historical romance author JANE BONANDER are thrilled that she has a new book out!  Her readers have been enjoying her many books recently released in ebook format but now there’s a brand new book, THE PLEASURE OF THE ROSE, the first in the MacNeil Legacy set in Scotland.   The second book, THE SCOUNDREL’S PLEASURE, will be out February 2017.

The last three books in HEATHER GRAHAM‘s Krewe of Hunter series have all been New York Times bestsellers!  DARKEST  JOURNEY is book #20 in this popular series, along with DEADLY FATE (#19) and HAUNTED DESTINY (#18.)

ANNE MATHER, well-known for her many Harlequin Presents books spanning decades, has a new full length novel available in both print and digital formats.  SILENT ECHO, set in the Scottish Highlands, is about single mother Rachel Erskine’s journey when she inherits a house from a mysterious benefactor.  A rebellious teenager daughter, the nephew of the previous owner and a handsome developer test Rachel’s courage to discover hidden truths about her inheritance.

Interested in movie reviews and political commentary?  Author MARSHALL FRANK  has a huge blog readership and it is always so interesting to read his latest posts.  His most recent book is THE WAY THINGS OUGHTA BE: The Untold Crimes Against American People.

As you can see, this fall there is something for every reader’s tastes!  Enjoy!

Whether you’re experiencing the end of winter or the beginning of spring, you’ll enjoy reading the latest books from favorite authors CARLA NEGGERS and HEATHER GRAHAM.

ECHO LAKE is a new Swift River Valley mass market book from CARLA NEGGERS. Set against the scenic backdrop of a New England winter, ECHO LAKE is a captivating tale of family, friends and the possibility of new love. Fans of Carla’s other series, Sharpe & Donovan, will be pleased to see HARBOR ISLAND released in paperback for the first time on March 31st. Read more about both books at www.carlaneggers.com.

COME THE MORNING is an historical reissue (the first book in the Graham Series originally written under Heather’s pen name, Shannon Drake.) Heather’s historicals are a treat to read and her readers will especially  enjoy this book. In the days when Scotland lay under siege, King David sought loyal warriors who would fight with their blood and hearts. Waryk de Graham, the greatest of these fighters, was knighted Lord Lion, but his honored position as Scottish chieftain came with a price: a Viking bride who had sworn to resist him in body and spirit.

Switching from historicals to her current paranormal suspense series, Cafferty & Quinn, Heather’s legion of readers are in for a treat with the release of the latest in this series: THE DEAD PLAY ON. Musicians are being murdered in New Orleans. But Arnie Watson apparently died by his own hand. When Tyler Anderson plays the saxophone he inherited from Arnie, a soldier and musician who died soon after his return, he believes he sees visions of his friend’s life—and death. Read more at www.eheathergraham.com.

The only tough question is: which book to read first? I, of course, will read them all!

UNFORGETTABLE by author JOAN JOHNSTON is now available in both ebook and trade size formats. This is a book Joan’s readers have eagerly anticipated and is both a Bitter Creek novel as well as part of her Benedict Brothers Series. The modern-day Duchess of Blackthorne is dying–and determined to make sure her five children are in loving relationships before she does. UNFORGETTABLE tells the story of the Duchess’s only daughter, Lydia Benedict, and the wounded ex-Delta sergeant, Joe Warren, who comes to her rescue–and ends up being rescued in return. Read more here.

Also new in eBook and Print is EVERY TIME I LOVE YOU, a new novel from author HEATHER GRAHAM.

THE DRAGON TAMER is JANE BONANDER‘s newest release in ebook format through Diversion Books. I’m so excited to see this book available for readers as it has been a favorite of mine since it was originally released in print. A delicious read! (Not to mention the tatoos on the hero, Dante Templeton!)

Bestselling author JOAN JOHNSTON has a popular reissue available in mass market. THE LONER is the third book in Joan’s wildly popular Bitter Creek Series.  Summer Blackthorne swore she’d never forgive Billy Coburn for running out on her and their future together. But that was before she found out she wasn’t Jackson Blackthorne’s child—Billy was.  Despite being the 17th printing of this book, THE LONER continues to be on bestseller lists and adding to the legion of readers who love this series and the wonderful characters.  Read more here.

Lots of wonderful reading choices this month!

DECLAN’S CROSS by author CARLA NEGGERS is now available in paperback. Published first in hardcover, DECLAN’S CROSS is the third book in Carla’s popular Sharpe & Donovan series. This mass market edition includes a bonus story, ROCK POINT, a Sharpe & Donovan prequel novella!

Bestselling author JOAN JOHNSTON has a popular reissue available in mass market or ebook format. THE BAREFOOT BRIDE features newly widowed Molly Gallagher who travels from genteel Boston to the wilds of Montana. She’s searching for a safe haven for her family—and finds unexpected love.

FREE! Historical romance author JANE BONANDER has a special promotion available until September 3. Her very first (and reader favorite!) SECRETS OF A MIDNIGHT MOON is available in ebook format. If you’re a Jane fan or haven’t yet read one of her books, here’s a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with Jane and acquire one of her newly reissued ebooks.

Continuing her popular Krewe of Hunters series, HEATHER GRAHAM offers readers a treat with THE HEXED, featuring a place of history, secrets…and witchcraft. Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn’t be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her “crazy” great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.

Fans of HEATHER GRAHAM‘s Krewe of Hunters series will delight in the new trilogy series which kicks off with THE CURSED. Hannah O’Brien, who grew up in a haunted house in Key West and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she’s dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help. Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O’Brien, a member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present!

THE HEXED, book two in this series, will be released on July 29th followed by THE BETRAYED on Sept. 30th.

THE CABIN is a new reissue from New York Times bestselling author CARLA NEGGERS. Greed and vengeance disrupt the quiet stillness of the Adirondack mountains. Texas Ranger Jack Galway and Susanna, his wife, are trapped in the mountains and must find strength in each other if they hope to keep their family together and escape the cabin alive. Available now. Order and read more here.

THE WEDDING WAGER is an historical romance from New York Times bestselling author CATHY MAXWELL to be re-released on June 24, 2014. Headstrong Mary Gates longs to once again make the family stables the finest in England–so she bids on the famous Spender stud. The only way to pay for the beast is to marry, but her only prospect in the village is her equally headstrong neighbor and chief rival, Tye Barlow. Order your copy and read an excerpt here.

Even with signs of spring this month, there are still cozy moments to read and this month there are new releases sure to keep you from doing anything else but spend time with a new book! WAKING THE DEAD is bestselling author HEATHER GRAHAM‘S second hardcover book in her new Cafferty & Quinn Series. When a painting reappears after two hundred years in New Orleans, death seems to follow. This gripping tale is a RT BOOK REVIEWS Top Pick for April and not to be missed. You can order and read more here. 

YOU’RE NOT SAFE by MARY BURTON is the third book in her Texas Rangers Series.  One devastating moment changed Greer Templeton’s life and ended two others.  Now, with a body body found on her property and Texas Ranger Tec Bragg on her doorstep, Greer’s nightmare has returned.  

This series just gets better and better with each book and will leave you guessing right to the last page.  Other books in the series are THE SEVENTH VICTIM and NO ESCAPE.  Order and read more here.

Check out Heather’s new book in her Krewe of Hunters paranormal series. Mary Burton‘s next romantic suspense is COVER YOUR EYES in November 2014.

Readers everywhere were saddened to learn of the recent passing of romance icon JANET DAILEY. She published her first book in 1976 and is the author of approximately 100 books with sales totalling over 325 million copies across 89 counties and translated in 19 languages. I was not only a fan of her books, particularly the Calder Series, I also had the privilege of meeting her on several occasions but one in particular was memorable. Here’s the article I wrote at the time and it’s about her first boss attending a booksigning!

Surprise Fan at Janet Dailey Booksigning

Bestselling author signs book for former Harlequin “boss.”

As part of a scheduled tour promoting her latest in a long string of successful hardcover books, JANET DAILEY arrived at Liberties Fine Books in Boca Raton’s popular Mizner Park on April 11th. (1996) On this particular spring evening, there was a standing room only crowd of readers and fans waiting for her.  After being greeted by the store manager, she walked toward the autograph area to begin speaking and reading from her newest book, Notorious (HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN 0-06-017697-0).

But a handsome, smiling gentleman standing by a display of her books brought the multi-published author to a complete stop. Surprised and delighted, Janet Dailey exchanged a quick hello before finally continuing on to the microphone by the writing desk and wingback chair. Flustered and happy, she informed the audience that her “former boss” was seated among them.

A man who everyone soon learned was none other than Richard Bellringer, president of Harlequin Enterprises when she began her writing career. At the time, Janet explained, Harlequin writers were primarily English and she became the first North American writer to actually write for the Harlequin Presents line. A member of the audience, Paz Kent, even had a copy of that first book, No Quarter Asked (1976), with her to be autographed.

Ms. Dailey reminisced that she and her husband, Bill, traveled in a trailer to each of the fifty states and she wrote one Harlequin book for each state. During this time, many in the audience commented, they became her readers. Ms. Dailey continued to answer questions and speak about her present book, Notorious. Before signing copies for fans, Janet Dailey invited Mr. Bellringer and his wife, Alma, to join her for coffee after the signing so they could continue their unexpected but welcome visit together.

Later, Richard Bellringer, who has a winter home in the Boca Raton area, mentioned that he had seen a mention of Janet’s visit in the Boca Raton News that morning and decided to attend. He spoke with members of Janet’s audience while Janet signed copies of new and old books. He and his lovely wife, Alma, divide their time between Florida and Ontario, Canada, where he remains active in a large international family business. But, he confessed, he still very much enjoys speaking with new writers. A career highlight of his days as Harlequin president was his association with Janet Dailey, an amazingly talented writer.

“And, of course, on nights such as this,” he said, ” it gives me pleasure to be able to say ‘I knew her when . . ..’”

Photo: Janet Dailey signs copy of her latest book, Notorious (Harper Collins), while Richard and Alma Bellringer watch. Mr. Bellringer, formerly president of Harlequin and once Janet’s “boss”, holds a copy of her first Harlequin Presents book, No Quarter Asked, published in 1976.

December is such a busy month but it’s lovely to be able to sit down and relax with a good books. SISTERS FOUND by author JOAN JOHNSTON and BLOOD RED by HEATHER GRAHAM are both reader favorite reissues and sure to provide the relaxation needed.

BLOOD RED is a vampire novel set in New Orleans, a favorite city of author HEATHER GRAHAM which adds further authenticity to the novel. And vampires. Yes, they exist; Mark Davidson knows it. And what city is more likely to be stalked by them than New Orleans? But Lauren Crow doesn’t believe in vampires. Not at first…

SISTERS FOUND is a Hawk’s Way book featuring three sisters: Faith, Hope and Charity. When the three sisters come together unexpectedly at Hawk’s Pride Ranch, the sparks fly. But each woman is about to learn something about herself…about family…and about the love of a good man.

Happy holiday reading with these favorite reader reissues. If you haven’t read one yet, you’re in for a holiday treat!

Writing as MARY ELLEN TAYLOR, Mary has a new trade paperback out called SWEET EXPECTATIONS, the sequel to THE UNION STREET BAKERY. You’ll get a peek behind the scenes at the Union Street Bakery and into the lives of the McCrae sisters, Daisy, Rachel and Margaret. There’s another mystery to unravel and a persistent ghost as Daisy finds a way to make the bakery her forever home. Mary has added some delicious recipes on her website, too, just in time for holiday baking. And you’ll want to bake after reading this “delicious” new novel!

HEATHER GRAHAM is back with a new Nocturne. THE KEEPERS: CHRISTMAS IN SALEM is an anthology with four authors, led by Heather, and featuring four powerful Keepers who must save their community as a strange, eternal night creeps over the town.

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE is a new reissue from bestselling author CARLA NEGGERS. Fun and a little hard work. That’s all Tess Haviland had in mind when Ike Grantham paid her for her graphic design work with the run-down, 19th-century carriage house on Boston’s North Shore. Then Ike disappears and Tess finds herself with much more than a simple weekend project to get her out of the city. This is the first book in Carla’s popular Carriage House Series.

This selection of current books are all sure to keep you reading into the wee hours. Enjoy!

This conference kicked off with approximately 400 authors including Heather Graham, Cathy Maxwell, Carla Neggers and Mary Burton autographing books in an event open to the public.  All proceeds went to literacy and approximately $55,000 was raised.

Each year the conference program offers so many tracks that there’s something for everyone, whether a beginning or published author.  Or, as was pointed out at the conference, a hybrid author, one who is both traditionally and self-published.  This new term is just one example of how the publishing industry is changing and how helpful it is to associate with several thousand other writers, editors and agents to expand one’s knowledge.  For many like myself, it’s also an opportunity to see friends and acquaintances.

Particularly memorable was the conference keynote address by Cathy Maxwell, best-selling author of more than 30 romance novels.  I was honored to sit at her table surrounded by her publisher, editor and publicity director representing Avon Books along with authors and friends.  Cathy recounted attending her first conference and realizing that she was “where she was meant to be” and using  discipline and focus  to achieve her dream of becoming a published author.  But the overall theme was that each of us is “good enough” and that we shouldn’t ever doubt ourselves. Our table sat spellbound–some with tears in their eyes–and coffee and a delicious cheesecake went untouched while Cathy held us mesmerized.

At the conclusion of her speech, Cathy was presented with a gift from RWA and later urged to unwrap it at our table.  It was a beautiful crystal pencil holder!  Her day wasn’t yet over as Cathy later spoke on a panel titled “What’s a High-Concept Series (and How Do I Write One)?

New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers and I found time to chat between her autographings and workshop titled “Writing as Work/ Writing as Play: Does It Have to Be Either/Or?”  Carla reports hearing that many industry “insiders” feel romantic suspense is on the upswing.

I had many workshops circled in each day’s program.  The problem is that often several are at the same time, the room is filled to standing room only or you meet a friend who urges you to join her for coffee, lunch or a drink.  What’s a gal to do?  Thank goodness most of the programs are recorded and I ordered the full set. I’m planning on listening to all those that I missed!

Free Autographed Books!

Oh, did I mention the publisher book signings?  Authors assemble in large rooms and sit at tables with stacks of their FREE books.  Each author autographs for fans who stand in line until books are all gone. Fortunately, there is a mailing facility in the hotel for the books that so many attendees ship home.  I didn’t always get to each of these signings–held over various days–but did get autographed copies of the latest Lisa Gardner and Karen Robards books!

Mary Burton, whose most recent book is The Seventh Victim and who also writes as Mary Ellen Taylor (The Union Street Bakery), ran out of books before I reached her but she did have a few bookmarks left for fans!  When asked about her conference experience, Mary said, “Love the gal who spoke about nutrition. Dr Ann? (Boost Energy–Beat Stress with Ann Kulze, MD)  She had great advice. Also it’s just great catching up with old friends and talking shop with writers. I talk about POV at home and eyes glaze over. :)”

Sally and Jude Deveraux

Besides multiple workshop tracks (Career, Craft, Self-Publishing, Spotlight, Writer’s Life and Research plus untaped workshops for published authors only) there are also private cocktail parties and dinners.  At the Ballantine Bantam Dell cocktail party, held at the White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails, I enjoyed seeing Linda Marrow and Gina Wachtel who both welcomed me so warmly.  Of course, meeting Jude Deveraux, romance industry legend, was a treat.

An invite from author Bonnie Vanak to accompany her to the Harlequin party afterwards was a hoot and a group piled into our cab to the Ritz Carlton.  The cab driver thought we broke his record for the number of passengers in his cab!  One of whom was the delightful Ann Major, author of 70 novels and a founding member of RWA.  She’d sent me a lovely note of encouragement at an especially low point in my life so it was a distinct pleasure to finally meet her.  We enjoyed our time at the Harlequin party complete with an array of fabulous desserts and dance music and later left to enjoy a leisurely dinner at our hotel.  Oddly, nearly everyone we’d been hanging out with at the party arrived to join us there! Nothing like a late dinner with friends both old and new.

Saturday was more workshops.  Enjoyed listening to Barbara Freethy and Belle Andre chat about self publishing.  Belle said the best thing an ebook author can do to promote her first book is to write a second book.  In another workshop, three authors including Susan Mallery discussed their guide to building and developing a “street team” of fans who help create buzz about an author’s books.  Not for the faint of heart and it takes a commitment of time and talent but all felt very effective as evidenced by publishers also establishing such “teams.”

If you’d like to know more about what others learned at the conference, I recommend reading the following blogs by Bonnie Vanak and Barbara Vey.  We all had different experiences which is what makes the annual RWA conference so wonderful and inspirational.