Pamela S Thibodeaux - Blog

The Priceless Gift by Anna K Lanier

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:55:00 +0000

Well the countdown has really begun - only 10 more days until Christmas! Hope you're enjoying the shopping and parties - Personally as much fun as they are, they're also exhausting - and this year tinged with sadness.

One way I escape is with a good book!

Keeping this in mind I'm continuing with my spotlights on Holiday Themed Romances and today Anna K. Lanier is back with her book, The Priceless Gift.

Anna Kathryn lives in Texas with her husband and three cats. She wrote her first stories in high school, and a few romances in her early twenties, but then put the writing bug to bed for a while as she raised her two daughters. In 2001 she got the bit by the bug again and started writing, two novels in six months. Needless to say, they are very unpublishable, but they were finished and gave her the kick in the butt she needed. Over the next few years she wrote another novel and started in on short stories. She now has seven shorts published, including The Wild Rose Press best seller THE PRICELESS GIFT. Find out more about Anna and her work at her website.

The last thing Christina Scott expects Santa to bring her is a sexy—and very familiar—cowboy. Gavin Holloway’s just as shocked to discover she’s the woman he’s sent to pick up from the airport for a Christmas visit with her brother. They'd spent one hot week together months ago—a week where they both left their identities and individual problems behind. Neither ever expected a reunion.

Little do they know, Santa's elf has more than coal up his sleeve. Ho ho ho and a badgering we'll go before reindeer two-step on their rooftop and deliver THE PRICELESS GIFT that will leave their snowy days sizzling.

Unedited excerpt: After they hung up, Christina took a relaxing shower. Just as she slipped into a pair of Jacob’s sweatpants someone pounded on the front door. Only one person would disturb her peace in such a manner. She slipped into the matching overlarge sweatshirt, wrapped a towel around her wet hair and went downstairs.

The pounding didn’t stop until she opened the door. Gavin stood huffing and puffing on the porch.

“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been calling for the past fifteen minutes.” He pushed past her and tramped into the great room.

She shut the door and followed.

“I was taking a shower. So sorry I didn’t get your permission first.”

He whirled on her and his dark eyes grazed over her body. She stood transfixed, remembering, as she was sure he was, the several showers they’d taken together while on the cruise.

She hugged her arms around herself. “Did you want something?”

“Jacob called and said the roads were too bad for him to make it in tonight. I wanted to make sure you were all right and knew where the emergency supplies were.” He slipped out of his coat and tossed it on a nearby chair.

“Jacob said the generator was outside.”

“Yeah, it is. I’ll come over and start it if you need it. But if the electricity goes out, it’s best just to hunker down in front of the fireplace.”

His aftershave triggered memories of sensual nights, while his jeans hugged his hips and legs like a second skin. Naked images of him caused desire to whip through her only to pool low in her belly.

He went to the den and opened a closet. “Jacob keeps the supplies in here.”

She stood in the doorway and nodded. She had no desire to get within touching distance. If she did, she just might do something really stupid, like kiss him.

His handsome face rose and he sniffed. “What smells so good?”

You. She shook off the arousing thoughts.

“I baked. It’s a family tradition.” She started for the kitchen. “I made plenty. You can take some home.” Leave and stop being a temptation.

He fell into step behind her. When she reached for the plastic bags, his hand gripped her arm and whipped her around. Before she could react, his lips were hot and demanding on her own. She opened her mouth, eager to taste what she knew so well.

Well, if THAT doesn't warm you up on a cold winter's night LOL! Along with Anna's other titles, The Priceless Gift is available now from The Wild Rose Press.

Check back often because I'm spotlighting more great holiday romances all month long!

Until later....take care, be safe in your travels, BE BLESSED and remember....Along with the celebration of our Lord's birth - Christmas is an attitude.

Saturday Spotlight - Elaine Cantrell!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

I'm off to a family Christmas Party today but wanted to drop in and share with you another holiday romance.

Please welcome to our spotlight - Elaine Cantrell with her book, The Best Selling Toy of the Season.

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She has a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America. She is married to her college sweetheart and has two sons and three grandchildren. The Best Selling Toy Of The Season is her fifth novel. You can visit Elaine at her web site, http://www.elainecantrell.com; at http://www.myspace.com/elainecantrell; and at http://www.morganmandelbooks.ning.com/profile/ElaineCantrell.

Who’d want to be Nikki Lane? Sure, she’s beautiful, but her family isn’t much. She isn’t married either, and supporting her two boys on a minimum wage job has cost her more than one sleepless night.

Tommy Price is everything Nikki isn’t. He lives on James Street, the best street in town. Naturally, his rich, influential family has a suitable woman picked out for him to marry.

Tommy and Nikki’s two diverse worlds literally collide one evening at the discount store where Nikki works, giving both of them a glimpse into a life they never knew existed. Can the growing attraction between them bridge the vast gulf which separates them, or will their romance end before it even begins?

This book is available now from www.midnightshowcase.com

Well Friends, that wraps up another edition of Saturday Spotlight and another holiday romance! Check back next week for more of the same.

Until later..... Be Blessed and remember ~ Jesus is the reason for EVERY season!

Holiday Romance - An Ordinary Angel!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:01:00 +0000

What's more exciting than a holiday romance?

Today's spotlight is Kathy Otten and her book, An Ordinary Angel - a NEW RELEASE from The Wild Rose Press. But first, a little about the author.....

Kathy is a working mom with a husband of 27 years and three kids, who are still flying in and out of the nest. She's been writing and making up stories her whole life. Her dad was big fan of the Hollywood singing cowboys as well as John Wayne. Her mom collected antiques and enjoyed trips to museums and reinactment villages. It was enevitable that all this would combine into Kathy's love for historical romances, especially from the start of the Civil War through the end of the cowboy era. When she's not writing Kathy is usually out walking her two big dogs through the woods and open farmland near where she lives. In the evening she likes to curl up with one of her four cats and a good book.

Find out more about Kathy at her website.

A lifetime of polite indifference is all Julianne Spencer sees when she envisions a future with her current suitor, Mr. Terrel Lee Parker. She is looking for someone more passionate, more heroic, who can love her for who she really is, and not the proper young lady she pretends to be. Her future seems hopeless until Christmas Eve, when fate drops a wounded outlaw at her door and she comes to realize true heroes can be found inside even ordinary men

Excerpt: A few moments later, she placed a lamp on the floor and knelt over Terrel Lee’s head wound. Frank wouldn’t let her have the scissors, so she carefully separated matted hanks of blood soaked hair with shaking fingers. Her stomach churned as she pushed the curved needle into his skin and tears blurred her vision, so she was forced to blink them away before she could pull the threaded needle through.

When she finished, she leaned her aching back against the cabinet drawers and pulled Terrel Lee close, his head resting in her lap. Fighting tears, she gently sifted her fingers through his dark brown hair. She’d never touched it before, had never even wondered how it would feel. Now she couldn’t get enough of the silky strands. She combed her fingers through it over and over, the action more soothing to herself than it was for Terrel Lee.

She’d seen curls of hair at the base of his throat when she removed his collar and unbuttoned his shirt. She wondered how much of the dark hair coated his chest. The outlaw in the other room had very little, and she was curious to discover whether the hair on Terrel Lee’s chest was as soft as this hair she slid between her fingers.

He moaned again, then opened his eyes. She expelled a shaky sigh of relief. Pain furrowed his brow, and he closed them again. He struggled for a moment against the rope that secured his wrists behind his back.

She lifted the cloth pad from behind his ear. The bleeding had stopped, but the bump beneath it had swollen. When he opened his eyes again she leaned close to check, as her father had taught her, to make sure his pupils were equally dilated and reacted to the yellow glow of lamp light. Long thick lashes surrounded beautiful eyes the color of cocoa powder. Pain kept them narrowed against the light, but he was awake, staring up at her first in confusion and now surprise.

She blinked, her eyes burning as the quaking terror she’d managed to keep suppressed suddenly rushed to the surface and spilled over in a silent stream of tears.

"Why are you cryin’?" he mumbled.

Unable to adequately express the crazy swell of emotion surging through her in that moment, she said the first inane thing to pop into her head. "Your hat."

"My hat?"

"The s-scar-faced one found your h-hat outside, and Frank tossed it into the s-stove." She wiped her face, but only succeeded in smearing the dried blood on her fingers through her tears and across her cheeks.

"You’re cryin’ over my old hat?" He wore an odd expression, caught between disbelief and amusement.

Julianne sniffed. "But you looked so good in that h-hat."

His eyebrows rose in surprise.

"And I l-like the way you always ran your fingers around the brim. And now it’s g-gone. And if Dalton d-dies, they’re going to k-kill you!" Tears flowed in earnest as her breath caught on a sob.

Terrel Lee shifted out of her lap to wiggle around beside her and lean against the support of the drawers. A grimace of pain crossed his features. "Calm yourself, Miss Julianne, we’ll get through this."

"B-but how?"

"I don’t know, but I did not survive four years of Yankee aggression to die on Christmas Eve at the hands of this vermin. I’ll think of something."

Julianne sniffed and wiped her eyes. "You were in the war? You never told me."

"I did not think war a fit topic for conversation with a young lady durin’ Sunday dinner."
"That is the most ridiculous th-thing I ever heard."

"I hardly think so. War is a terrible thing, Miss Julianne. I don’t believe it proper that I should burden you with the horrors that haunt my dreams."

"Why not? Look at me, Terrel Lee." She gestured at the new blood stains that smeared the front of her mother’s apron. "I spent an hour tonight digging a bullet out of a man who would just as soon kill me as thank me. And since then, I’ve been holding your bleeding h-head in my lap, praying you wouldn’t d-die in my arms. What do you think, Terrel Lee? Too terrible for a young lady to handle?"

"But you’re cryin’, Miss Julianne."

"Because of your hat."

"My hat?"

"I liked that hat." She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him, daring him to contradict her. His expression was bemused, as though he had never really seen her before.
"And stop calling me Miss Julianne in that condescending way, as though I’m some kind of china doll that will break at any moment."

"I do apologize for offendin’ you, Mi—Julianne, but I was raised a gentleman and the manners I learned as a boy have been well ingrained into my character."

"Don’t take this the wrong way, I like your manners and your southern accent gives me the shivers, but considering how long we’ve known each other, and given the situation in which we now find ourselves, I believe we have moved beyond the "Mr. Parker," "Miss Julianne" stage, don’t you agree?"

"Perhaps you’re right. And now that we have established acceptable forms of address between us, perhaps you could discretely loosen my bonds, so we might escape before the other outlaws return."

Though they had been whispering quietly, somehow with Frank sitting right there in the kitchen, Julianne hadn’t even thought of trying. Embarrassed by her mistake she glared at Terrel Lee. "I’ve changed my mind. I think I liked you better when you didn’t say anything."

Nothing beats holiday stress like a good book and I hope you're enjoying these excerpts. Check back often for more romance for the holidays!

Until later.... Be Blessed.

Holiday Reads by Susan Lyons

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Good Morning!

Well I made it through Thanksgiving and surgery on my hand and now it's back to the normal work-a-day routine.

As difficult as these past few months have been, and as much as I miss my beloved - I am looking forward to the New Year and a new purpose for my life.

Today we are spotlighting 2 Christmas stories by author Susan Lyons.... A Christmas Wish and Unwrap Me.

Susan is multi-talented and multi-published under her name and a pseudonym - Susan Fox. You can find out more about her at her website.

“Christmas Wish” is a sweet short story from The Wild Rose Press. It’s available as a stand-alone and is also contained in CALENDAR OF LOVE, an anthology of twelve tender romances, one for each month of the year, themed around a holiday or special occasion.

Blurb:
Everything’s gone wrong for Carrie this Christmas Eve, so it’s no surprise the mall’s Santa has already left when she and her four-year-old daughter Tanya arrive. But Carrie’s luck turns and the man in the red suit returns. Will Santa - a.k.a. Nicholas - be the answer to Tanya’s Christmas wish for a new daddy?

“Unwrap Me” is a novella by the same name, a Christmas anthology from Kensington Aphrodisia. The anthology contains three very spicy holiday stories by me, Melissa MacNeal and Melissa Randall.

Blurb:

Jude Benedetto is a Christmas Grinch. She says the holiday is crass and commercial, but the deeper truth is a soul-deep pain over being abandoned at Christmastime. Twice. Her answer is to banish Christmas from her life. But her girlfriend has other plans. She sends Jude a very special Secret Santa gift: hot firefighter, Nick Buchanan. Named after St. Nick, he’s a huge fan of Christmas.

Waging a campaign based on “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” he has twelve very sexy days and nights to persuade Jude to open her heart and trust in him, and to rediscover the loving spirit of Christmas.

Ooohhh, sounds like a good way to spice up cold winter evenings LOL!

Remember, friends I do not read every book I spotlight so use wisdom when purchasing.

Until later.....Be Blessed!

Holiday Romance - A Cowboy's Dream by Anna K Lanier

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Today is Bayou Writers' Group's Christmas party so I'm off and running! But before I head out, I want to share with you another holiday romance. But first, a little about the author....

Learn more about Anna Kathryn at her website, www.aklanier.com. She keeps fairly active on her blog, too www.annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com, where she hosts other authors, posts recipes and gives a history lesson each week.

Author Leah Smith has fantasized about her neighbor, Houston’s pro baseball player Marcus Slade, for years, but thinks it’s unlikely she’d catch the cowboy’s interest since her IQ is bigger than her bra size. Having already been hurt by a man who wanted size over substance, she’s not in a hurry to play in that ball field again.

When an unexpected opportunity gets Marcus inside his favorite author’s apartment, he’s not about to let a second chance at love pass him by. Their attraction is quick and electric and has him instantly thinking about something more long-term. But when a woman from his past intrudes, his hopes of a cozy Christmas with Leah are buried beneath her cold shoulder. Risking a strikeout, Marcus has one chance left...go for the grand slam of his life and crash Leah's annual Christmas Eve party in hopes of convincing her she’s this Cowboy’s Dream.

Excerpt: The mouthwatering scents of seared steak wafted around Leah as Marcus escorted her into the world famous Kemah Boardwalk Steak House. Her stomach grumbled, a reminder she hadn’t eaten since early morning.

The hostess greeted Marcus by name and smiled warmly at her. Leah glanced at him, wondering how often he came to the restaurant. Celebration dinners should be rare, not weekly—unless you found an excuse to celebrate every little thing. But what made them special then?

She slid into the booth and mentally shook her head. No matter what Marcus did in the past, this was her celebratory dinner. She smiled as he sat opposite her and determined to enjoy his company for as long as she had it..

The hostess handed them menus. “Would you like something from the bar, Mr. Slade?”

Marcus placed his Stetson beside him on the booth cushion and raised a brow at her.

“Whatever they have on tap will be fine,” she said.

He grinned and nodded. “Two beers, please.”

Glancing at his ‘celebration clothing,” she was glad she’d summed him up right. She’d nearly put on the $900 designer gown she planned to wear to next month’s charity fund raiser and made her look hot as hell, but at the last minute went over what she knew about pro ball player Marcus Slade. Celebrity though he may be, he was obviously still a cowboy at heart. Instead of the silk and satin confection, she pulled on blue jeans and simple blouse . She matched his jeans and western-styled shirt quite well.

Leah opened the menu and looked it over. “You’re a man after my own heart. There’s nothing better to celebrate with than a beer and a good steak.”

He jerked back as if surprised. “You mean to say you’ll actually order a steak?”

“Well, of course.” She laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear. “What’s the point of going to a steak house and not ordering a steak?”

He opened his mouth, but then shut it for a moment before uttering, “Truth be told, most of the women I know don’t eat much meat.”

That was no surprise. Most of the women she’d seen him with were the size of twigs—except in the bosom area—and probably ate weeds.

“Well, I hope you brought along your charge card, because I haven’t eaten much today and I’m starving. I plan to get a really big steak with all the fixings to celebrate.”

Marcus laughed. “Honey, the day I can’t afford to buy a pretty lady a steak is the day I’ll hang it up for good.”

Her heart fluttered at the endearment. Sure, it was common enough for Texans to drop honey and darling like hello and good-bye, but still, hearing it from Marcus made her insides quiver.

He wagged his brows, then glanced down to study his menu. She released a small sigh. Since she was a Roughrider’s fan and had held season tickets for year, she’d known who Marcus was before he moved into The Towers. To say she had a crush on him was probably an understatement, but she’d never suffered from delusions, either. Leah Smith, plain, average daughter of nomad archeologists just wasn’t the type of woman the major league outfielder dated. As much as she wished she differently, she shouldn’t read more into this ‘date’ than what it was—a friendly, celebratory meal.

Sounds like another great romance to relax with between shopping trips. Join me again next week for more!

Until later....take care, Be Blessed and remember....Every day is a gift from God - that's why it is called the present - so enjoy each new day you're given!

Holiday Romance - Almost Home by Carla Rossi!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

Today we continue spotlighting Holiday Romances with Carla Rossi and her novel Almost Home.

Carla Rossi has written everything from Christmas Pageants and school newsletters, to poetry, stage plays, and Christian music. After another thousand pages of humorous essays about friends and family, she completed a novel. In 2004, she joined RWA and her local chapter, and set about the business of learning to write romance. When she’s not squirreled away in her office with her writing partner – a Main Coon cat – she’s adding piano, bass and vocals to her church’s worship band. She has three grown children and lives north of Houston with her husband and the muse cat.

Carla is the author of two inspirational romances, Limited Light and Almost Home, and two inspirational short stories, Under the 5^th Street Bridge and It Happened One Hurricane. Under the 5^th Street Bridge was a winner in White Rose Publishing’s Easter Lilies Contest, and Almost Home, a holiday romance, landed in the HOLT Medallion Top Five and was a finalist in the WisRWA Write Touch Readers’ Award Contest.

Check out Carla’s blog at http://authorcarlarossi.blogspot.com or contact her at authorcarlarossi@yahoo.com. All current stories are available at whiterosepublishing.com.

The perfect road trip: 2 strangers, 1 truck, and 1500 miles to fall in love.

Detective Justin Hatcher and Cameron McAlister are in a hurry to leave North Carolina-for totally different reasons. He wants to confront his family about a five-year-old betrayal. She wants to escape the remnants of a failed marriage.

Thrown together as unlikely and unexpected travel partners, their trip is filled with both dramatic and humorous situations along the road. But, with God's constant hand in their journey, can Justin and Cameron discover that...

Yes, you can go home again...especially at Christmastime.

Mistletoe Rules by Stacey Joy Netzel

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

Hope your Thanksgiving was blessed and happy! I'll be home from Nashville today. Isn't it funny how anxious we are to go, but how good it is to be home?

Today's spotlight is an anthology by author Stacey Joy Netzel ~ Mistletoe Rules.

Stacey Joy Netzel fell in love with books at a young age, so for her it seemed only natural to graduate to writing them. A member of RWA and WisRWA, she credits not only her parents for encouraging her dreams of becoming a published author, but also the very talented friends she’s made in WisRWA since joining in 2004. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and kids, a couple of horses, and six barn cats. When not writing and living life in general, she loves to read and watch movies—Happily Ever After’s a must. Published books with The Wild Rose Press include: If Tombstones Could Talk, Welcome to Redemption (Champagne Rose anthology with Donna Marie Rogers), Dragonfly Dreams, and Chasin’ Mason. You can visit her at www.StaceyJoyNetzel.com.

Here's the blurb for all 3 stories in the anthology: MISTLETOE RULES

Christmas Recipe for Love — combine a matchmaking Santa, lots of mistletoe, one iron-clad rule, fated hearts; mix and stir. The Riley siblings don’t stand a chance.

Christmas in July at the zoo is the last place single parents Eric Riley and Marissa Wilder expect to find love. Thanks to a little Mistletoe Mischief in the form of their two young daughters and Santa, they discover that Mistletoe Rules are not made to be broken.

Major Mark Riley plays Court Jester to Janelle Walsh's Snow Queen at the Christmas Parade and is instantly captivated by the cute redhead whose grandpa just happens to be Santa. When Mark discovers she's the tenant he evicted from his newly purchased property, it's going to take a little bit of Santa's Mistletoe Magic to save their romance.

When Lisa Riley comes home for Mark's Christmas Eve wedding, her high school rivalry with Janelle’s cousin, Derek Walsh, picks up right where it left off, only this time Derek's got the upper hand. Santa bides his time as these two battle it out because he's waited all year for this Mistletoe Match-up.

Mistletoe Rules is available now from The Wild Rose Press! and while you're there, check out Stacey's other titles.

Well Friends, if you're in the mood to read I'll be spotlighting holiday-themed romances for another week or two so check back often!

Until later....take care, be Blessed and remember to keep the holidays holy days.

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Saturday Spotlight - Margaret Tanner!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello from Nashville, TN!

In case you're wondering what I'm up to, my friend Penney is producing a pilot for a TV sitcom and I'm tagging along LOL! Of course we're taking a little time to sight-see. I'll tell you all about that in another post.

For now, please welcome friend and fellow author, Margaret Tanner with her book, Shattered Dreams.

Margaret Tanner is an award winning multi-published Australian author. She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries out research for her historical romance novels, and prides herself on being historically correct. Many of her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, the Melbourne Romance Writers Group (MRWG) and EPIC. In 2008 she won Author of the Year at AussieAuthors.com. Her contemporary novel Holly and the Millionaire went to No 12 on the Fictionwise Romance Best Sellers list. Her favorite historical period is the 1^st World War, and she has visited the battlefields of France and Belgium, a truly poignant experience.She is married to Laurie and they have three grown up sons. Outside of her family and friends, writing is her passion. Find out more by visiting her website.

Three young soldiers leave a shattering legacy as they pass through Lauren Cunningham’s life. Danny her childhood sweetheart is killed in action in 1915. Captain Blair Sinclair returns from the war with amnesia and believes Lauren to be his fiancée. Dick McKinlay is a shell shocked soldier who is prepared to marry her to hide a terrible secret. Even if Blair can forgive Lauren for being an impostor, will she always be haunted by the ghost of her lost first love and tainted by the scandal surrounding her marriage to Dick?

Excerpt: Another letter arrived, dated the twenty-ninth of March, 1915.

Darling Laurie,

There is not much doing at the moment, but word has it we are set for battle soon. I can't wait. We are trained and ready, yet still they just leave us sitting here. I hope you are well. We had a quiet sort of Christmas, although the food was better. I had plum pudding among other things. There were chocolates and sweets, too,that reminded me of you, as I remember how you like sweet things. Can't understand why you're such a slim little thing the way you eat.

We are burned nearly black from the sun. One poor devil in my platoon has coloring like yours, only his hair is real carroty, and he got badly burned.

Did I tell you we climbed the pyramids, oh, and I saw the Sphinx. Take care, Laurie, and keep writing. The feeling is we will be leaving shortly. I miss you, and think of you all the time. I do love you, and wish, well, you know, I better not say in case your father reads this letter, but I'll never forget. Love, Danny.

She folded the letter up, and got the others out of her jewel case. Sitting on the bed, she re-read each of them and her eyes misted over. Danny, who had always hated school, penned rather a good letter. She had done as he asked and written two letters to Blair Sinclair. If he answered she would continue writing, if he did not, well no-one could say she didn’t try.

****

0130 hours, 25 April 1915. Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey

The air felt chilly as Danny waited on the deck of the troopship. It was so dark he couldn’t see land, even though someone said it was less than three miles away. When his turn came, he climbed down the rope ladder and found himself in a small open boat. Excitement surged through him. He had traveled halfway around the world for this moment and was keen to give a good account of himself. His equipment and ammunition weighed more than eighty pounds, but he wouldn’t have cared if it had been a hundred and eighty.

He found himself next to Ernie, his friend since their training days at Broadmeadows, in what seemed like another lifetime. So much had happened since then. All the biblical places he had visited, the exotic foreigners he had mingled with, Laurie would be enthralled when he told her. It warmed his heart just thinking about the love they shared and she wouldn't cheat on him like some girls did, and he hadn’t cheated on her, either.

I should have finished that letter, he thought, and posted it in Lemnos. Laurie would understand, she always did. He would finish it off tomorrow, and with any luck he would be able to tell her they had actually begun fighting.

When four boats were full, the pinnaces towed them towards land.

“I'm f…f…frightened,” Ernie stammered.

“Nothing to be frightened of, mate.” Danny gave a soft chuckle. “Just pretend you're back working as a grip man on the trams. The noise of the pinnaces sounds rather like a tram, don't you think?” Hope those Turks don't hear us, though.”

He gripped his rifle between his knees as they had been instructed to do, and he was surprised when his hands became sweaty. Ernie's arm shook as it pressed up hard against his own.

“Stick with me—we're mates, I'll look after you,” he comforted his friend, wondering whether the slight clicking noise close to his ear might be Ernie's teeth chattering.

It seemed spooky quiet, as they only spoke in whispers, and the slight splashing of the waves against the side of the boat was barely audible. About fifty yards from shore, the pinnaces cast off the boats and the sailors started to row them to the beach.

Shattered Dreams is just one of Margaret's books available now from The Wild Rose Press!

Remember Friends - my holiday-themed romances will continue on Tuesday. Hope to see you then!

Thanks but No Thanks by Susan Lyons

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving!

Seems my whole family and all of my friends felt like a change of scenery would do me good so I'm off to Nashville to visit my friend Penney Carlton for a few days!

But while I'm away, as promised here is another holiday-themed-romance ~ Thanks but No Thanks by Susan Lyons.

Susan is multi-talented and multi-published under her name and a pseudonym - Susan Fox. You can find out more about her at her website.

“Thanks But No Thanks” is a sweet short story from The Wild Rose Press. It’s available as a stand-alone and is also contained in CALENDAR OF LOVE, an anthology of twelve tender romances, one for each month of the year, themed around a holiday or special occasion.

Blurb: When Kari’s friend Nicola offers to fix her up, Kari says, “Thanks, but no thanks.” She’s so shy, she can never think of anything to say on a date. That’s why it’s such a treat when, as a guest at Nicola’s family Thanksgiving, she finds herself chatting so easily with the man she believes to be her friend’s brother. Pity he’s married – it only goes to prove her theory that all the good guys are taken. Or are they?

Excerpt:

“You’re going to come here every Thanksgiving until you start a family of your own,” Rhonda vowed.

“You could be stuck with me for a lot of years.” When she’d moved here with her brand-new accounting degree, she’d been sure she’d find romance. In her home town, she’d been the shy, boring girl who wore glasses, and none of the boys had been interested. She’d figured contact lenses and the big city were the answer, but the truth was, she was still shy and boring. Every time she went out on a date, she got so nervous she couldn’t think of a single interesting thing to say.

“I’d never call it being stuck.” Rhonda gave her a quick hug. “Besides, you’ve got so much going for you, you’re going to find a great guy any day now.”

“Yeah, sure. What on earth do I have going for me?” She wasn’t begging for compliments, she honestly wanted to know.

“Aside from gorgeous hazel eyes, a figure to die for, more brains in your little finger than most people have in their whole heads, and a really generous soul? Well, there’s your offbeat sense of humor, your loyalty, the way you love kids and animals, the terrific photographs you take.” Rhonda broke off and grabbed a wooden spoon from a drawer. “I could go on forever but I need to make gravy. Kari, the fact is, you’re a sweet, beautiful, interesting woman, if you’d only let yourself realize it. Your only flaw is, you never let me fix you up.”

“Thanks but no thanks. You know I hate blind dates. Anyhow, I’m pretty sure all the great guys are gone. You took the last one yourself.”

“There’s an idea. Let’s clone Harry.”

The two of them were still laughing when Harry strolled into the kitchen. He cocked an eyebrow. “Been nipping at the cooking brandy?”

Kari smiled at him. She’d liked her friend’s husband from the moment Rhonda had introduced them. It didn’t hurt that he looked like a grown-up version of her own kid brother Ken. He had her family’s hazel eyes, blondy-brown hair and rangy build.

From what she could see, Rhonda and Harry were a perfectly matched couple. They were so obviously in love and they seemed to agree about everything, and never quarrel.

Rhonda swatted her husband with a dish towel. “We don’t need booze to have fun.”

“Speaking of fun, how long until dinner?”

“Another half hour. Are people starving?”

“The appetizers are running low. Nick didn’t have lunch, so –”

“Nick?” Rhonda asked.

“Yeah, you know. The guy I met at the gym? The one who’s new in town and doesn’t know anyone.”

“What?” Kari yelped, and glared at Rhonda. “I can’t believe it. You set me up with a blind date.”

“Did not!” Rhonda declared heatedly, then glared in turn at Harry. “You never told me you invited someone.”

“Oh.” His face fell. “I guess I forgot. It’s been a busy week.” Then his jaw firmed. “Well, what’s the big deal? Since when can’t I invite a friend for Thanksgiving? There’s lots of food, right? And you invited Kari, so it’s not like it’s just family.”

Rhonda fist her hands and rested them at her waist. “You should have checked with me first. Kati hates blind dates and I don’t want her thinking I was trying to fix her up.”

The two people who Kari’d thought never quarreled were shooting nasty looks at each other. Quickly Kari said, “It’s okay. Don’t fight over it.”

“There, you see,” Harry said. “She’s fine with it.”

Rhonda sighed. “No, she’s not, she’s just being polite.” She turned to Kari. “Tell you what. We’ll seat you at opposite ends of the table at dinner, and you won’t even have to talk to him.”

“It’s a deal.” Relieved that the tension was dying down, she joked, “I’ll do anything, even help you deal with the mothers-in-law, just please, no blind dates!”

Well Friends, hope your Thanksgiving is BLESSED and Happy!

Saturday will be our previously scheduled spotlight with Margaret Tanner but the holiday-themed romances will continue on Tuesday!

Until later..... take care and remember.....Giving God thanks should be a DAILY thing!

Snow Kissed by Cindy K Green

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

Please welcome Cindy K Green with her newest release, Snow Kissed.

Cindy K. Green is a multi-published author with degrees in History and Education. Previously a middle school English & History teacher, she now homeschools her own children and writes in several genres: Inspirational, Contemporary, Suspense, Fantasy and Historical romance. No matter what she writes, she always throws in a bit of humor and fun. Find out more about Cindy and her books at www.cindykgreen.com and http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/. To join her newsletter email her at newsletters@cindykgreen.com, and she will send you out all three parts of her FREE READ serial, “Valentine’s Challenge.”

Today is one of those days Logan Riley wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, is leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today, of all days, does he realize she might be more than a friend?

Holly can no longer stay in town knowing the man she loves only sees her as a friend. It’s time to move on; besides she has other career prospects.

As the carnival unfolds, watch God work in amazing ways. Can He change Holly’s mind and make her stay? Can He help Logan see beyond the friendship? Only time can tell.

Excerpt: As soon as Muriel left, Logan’s mood seemed to shift from irritated to agreeable. His body language became much more relaxed with his hardened chin softening and a real smile moving onto his face. “So, what are you up to this afternoon?”

Before Holly’s expression could waver into a frown, she forced a smile. “I…I’m off for a snow walk.” Possibly my last in Meriden.

“That is what’s so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There’s no snow!” He raised both his hands in aggravation.

“There might not be any right now, but there will be.”

“How do you know? There’s no snow expected. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm. The contact brought a swirl of pleasure moving around inside her stomach—more so than normal. It must be from all the excitement of her news—nothing more than that.

“Just breathe,” she whispered to him, as she slowly took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No.” She laughed; he could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful…magical.” Her voice came out breathy with the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Fresh baked cookies, hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight, working the booth for the church. Of course, you wouldn’t dare show your face there, now would you?”

Pausing, she made a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This was probably one of the last times they’d be together. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams.

“Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. Lord, help me. It was easier than being disappointed.

Snow Kissed is available NOW from White Rose Publishing!

Sounds like another great read from this prolific author and just in time to kick off my Holiday themed romances!

Check back Thursday for another Holiday Themed romance and Saturday for the Spotlight with Margaret Tanner.

Until later....take care and be Blessed!

Saturday Spotlight - KM Daughters!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

Please welcome back to our Saturday Spotlight ~ KM Daughters with their book: Past, Present and Forever

K.M. Daughters is the award winning writing team of sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare. Their penname is dedicated to the memory of their parents: Kay and Mickey Lynch. Pat is married to Nick Casiello and has three children, Jen, Emilie and Brian. Kathie is married to Tom Clare and has two sons, Tom and Michael. She has two grandchildren, Natalie and Michael and a new grandbaby is expected in September. K.M. Daughters’ career began with two book contracts from The Wild Rose Press and White Rose Publishing on the same day – January 26, 2008. Three more book contracts followed in 2008 in three romance genres: Inspirational, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance. The Visions of Love inspirational series features Jewel of the Adriatic and Rose of the Adriatic. The author’s romantic suspense Sullivan Boys series includes: Against Doctors Orders, Beyond The Code of Conduct, Capturing Karma and working titles: All’s Fair In Love and Law and In The St. Nick of Time. Visit our website: http://www.kmdaughters.com

Unaware they share the same goal, Lizzie and Jack motivate Jack’s brother Charlie out of his despondency after the death of his wife. Lizzie and Jack both understand loss. Liz was jilted by her fiancé the same day her parents died ten years ago and Jack’s mother abandoned her small sons to life with a father who never recovered from the separation.

Now Liz faces the man who destroyed her at a college reunion, with Jack as her companion instead of Charlie who engineers the covert substitution. As Liz and Jack collide in the present can they overcome their pasts and find forever?

Excerpt: As he turned away to go take another look at those pictures, the front door burst inward toward Jack. Jumping back before it clocked him, he lost his balance as the female that followed quickly through the door did clock him in a soft collision of breasts against his chest.

“Ohmygosh, I’m so sorry.” Standing in front of him, a pretty blush spread on her lightly tanned cheeks.

“No problem…miss?” He backed up to give her space, shoving the front door closed.

“Lizzie Moran.” She held out a hand. “And you are?”

“Jack Clark.” He shook her hand, just skimming her knuckles with his fingers, a pleasant connection. So this is the famous Lizzie, now he was sorry for not meshing.

Beguiling smile, tender eyes, legs even better close up. On the skinny side, but appealing curves where it counts. Plus she obviously cares about Charlie and that means a great deal.

“Oh. Jack finally.” She brushed her bangs out of her eyes. “Mari told me so much about you. Nice to meet you.”

She bent her head and surveyed the floor.

“Looking for your dog?” He turned toward the back of the house joining in the search.

“Ah, yes. Marty. Marty!” she blasted.

Good lungs. His ears vibrated. The dog tore from behind him toward Lizzie with jubilant owner worship yips. Lizzie scooped up the little dog and let her lick the side of her cheek unhindered. Made Jack want to be a Boston terrier.

“Cute dog.” He couldn’t help but look at those legs.

“Thanks. Where’s Charlie?” She looked around nudging the dog away from her face.

“Taking a shower.” Finally getting Charlie up and about brought a smile to his face.

“No kidding?” Her deep green eyes widened twice their size. “What did you do, club him and prop him up under the water?”

Jack laughed. “No. But it crossed my mind.”

She turned toward the open door. “I have to run. Tell Charlie I came back for Marty?”

“Sure,” he agreed following her toward the door.

“Nice to finally meet you, Jack. And, thank you for whatever you did to make the difference with Charlie. I’ve been knocking my head against the wall trying to get through to him.” She smiled and turned slowly toward the street.

“Same here.” He stood and watched her walk the dog down the block. Mari, bless her heart, might have been on to something.

Past, Present and Forever – a contemporary romance is Available Now at sapphirebluepublishing.com, allromanceebooks.com or the Amazon Kindle store.

Wow, sounds like another great read from KM Daughters!

Well Friends, we are rushing headlong into the holiday season. Don't forget, beginning the 24th through Jan 8th I'm going to feature holiday stories so check back often.

If I don't say it often enough - THANK YOU for your continued love and support and May God BLESS each and every one of you - and yours- exceedingly and abundantly more than you can dare to think, dream or imagine!

PamT

Upcoming Holidays & Cata Network Single Titles

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:50:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

Thanksgiving is a week away and I'm sure you understand why I'm not overwhelmed with enthusiasm over the upcoming holidays ~ this is compounded by the fact that my beloved's birthday is Nov. 29th. Alas, life goes on and I know I'll go on with it and God's grace will get me through.

This said, I may not be writing too many personal posts over the next several weeks - but what I AM going to do is highlight a special holiday romance!

Beginning Nov. 24th with Cindy K Green's new release, Snow Kissed - along with 2 previouly scheduled Sat. Spotlights - I will introduce you to a different holiday-themed story three times a week through Jan. 8th.

So, if you find yourself stressed from the hustle and bustle, relax and enjoy a good book or story that will inspire you.

Now on to more news!

Cata Network has revamped their Single Titles website ~ They've got lots of book excerpts, reviews, and author interviews. Whatever genre(s) you love, chances are you'll find something at Single Titles to read. Stop by soon ~ http://www.singletitles.com

Oh, don't forget, the White Rose Authors are at Coffee Time Romance Reader's Retreat ALL MONTH LONG! So run over and check out the fun.

Well that's about it for now. Until later....take care and Be Blessed!
PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Judith Leger!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

Today I'm spotlighting a dear friend, neighbor (well sort of - she lives a few miles down the road from me LOL), fellow author and Bayou Writers' Group member - Judith Leger with her two new releases!

First a little bit about Judy in her own words.....

Born and raised in the South, I make Southwest Louisiana my home. A dreamer, I have turned my writing into a doorway to my imagination to share with the world. Reading--living in other worlds--has always been a part of my life, and in 1996, I decided to let others visit the places in my imagination. My muse set free, I write mostly paranormal fantasy and futuristic stories, but also dabbles in contemporary fiction. I am happily married to a full-blooded Cajun. We have three sons, a horse, a lab and a very, very spoiled dachshund. When I'm not busy writing, I work in higher education and enjoy reading fantasy, romance, and playing video games with my sons. Favorite Saturday evening consists of bowls of buttered popcorn and watching tons of Anime with my boys and Gracie (the dachshund).

Visit Judith at www.myspace.com/judithleger or www.judithleger.weebly.com

Though not her first publication, Love's True Enchantment is Judith's debut novel!

Illusionist Shay Evers needs to right the wrong he committed twenty-four years ago. He has two weeks to convince Caitlyn Reiley magic is real. If he fails, she will die from the curse placed upon her, and he’ll lose the only person he’s ever loved.

Magic is for fools, and Caitlyn Reiley is no fool. As a news reporter, she is chosen for the coveted task of interviewing Shay Evers at his home in Wales. When Shay haunts her dreams and sparks her passion, her beliefs are threatened and she battles her growing desire for Shay.

As the clock ticks, will the unlikely pair discover love’s true enchantment or will time run out?

Judith's other new release is a novela - Heart's Reunion!

After attending her great grandmother’s funeral, Sabre Nichols assumes she’ll stay a week at the old homestead on Witch Mountain and then return to her job as a paranormal researcher. But strange events on the mountain wreak havoc with her plans. Even her late Granny’s tenant seems to hide something eerie behind his brilliant blue gaze...

Micah McGregor seems so familiar to Sabre, and he definitely gets her heart racing. But can she trust him to help find the source of the spectral activities? Or will he believe the tales of her witch heritage? If she puts her faith in Micah, she may find answers... and lose her heart.

Heart's Reunion is a companion story to her story The Witch Within so I'm going to share that one with you too!

A scream echoes over Witch's mountain. A three hundred year old carving attacks for no reason. Widow Glory Sinclair fights against an unknown evil as she struggles with her growing attraction for Sheriff Will Moore.

Well friends if you like Spicy Paranormal Romance - then these books are perfect for you and they are ALL available NOW from The Wild Rose Press!

Hope you've enjoyed this edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Check back often for more news and spotlights of other great authors and their books!

Until later....take care, be Blessed and remember....everyday is a day for thanksgiving!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

VBT - Christmas Miracles

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:25:00 +0000

Today I'm hosting a very special virtual book tour by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications ~ Christmas Miracles by Cec Murphey written with Marley Gibson.

Award-winning writer Cecil Murphey is the author or co-author of 114 published books, including the NY Times bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). He’s also the author of When Someone You Love Has Cancer and When God Turned Off the Lights, both 2009 releases. Murphey’s books have sold millions and have given hope and encouragement to countless readers around the world. For more information, visit www.cecilmurphey.com.

Marley Gibson is a young adult author whose first published books in the Sorority 101 series were released by Penguin Group in 2008 under the pen name of Kate Harmon. She has a new Ghost Huntress series with Houghton Mifflin written under her own name. She can be found online at www.marleygibson.com

(Atlanta, GA) Many ordinary people experience Christmas miracles—those special moments during the season of giving and receiving when Christmas becomes more than just a holiday. In Christmas Miracles (St. Martin’s Press, October 2009), Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson share the stories of those who have recognized the special moments that transcend daily experience and transform their lives.

In these stories, people overcome desperate situations through a miraculous twist of fate—all during the most wonderful time of the year. A young boy sits down to read a Christmas book and discovers that his learning disability has vanished. A woman stranded in a blizzard is rescued by a mysterious stranger who she suspects is an angel. And a woman living far from home gets an answer to her prayer in the form of an unexpected gift.

Bestselling author Cecil Murphey says, “We all face discouraging times, whether it's the lack of money, being stuck on a road in a snowstorm, feeling stress, or being hungry and homeless. But God's help is available. I want readers to see that miracles do happen—sometimes simple, unexpected blessings or those that involve the supernatural. We start by asking, and in strange and wonderful ways God tiptoes into our dark nights; we experience renewed joy in life and witness God in action through people and unexpected events.”

Interview with Cecil “Cec” Murphey by Marley Gibson Co-authors of Christmas Miracles, from St. Martin’s Press

I am extremely privileged to have the opportunity today to talk to my friend and co-author, Cecil “Cec” Murphey, and to chat about our upcoming book, Christmas Miracles.

Marley: Cec, thanks for spending some time with me today.

Cec: Marley, it's great that you could take time away from important things like making a living to spend a little time with me.

Marley: I’m so jazzed about our Christmas Miracles book that’s coming out soon. I’ve had a lot of questions from folks wanting to know how we met, what brought us together, etc. So, I thought we’d do a back and forth on how it all came to be. Of course, I have to give props to our amazing agent and friend, Deidre Knight, for bringing us together. For those of you who don’t know, Cec co-authored the runaway New York Times bestselling hit 90 Minutes in Heaven with Don Piper.

Cec: I have to say thanks to Deidre Knight as well. Between Deidre and my assistant, Twila Belk, I've been able to sell quite a few books. 90 Minutes in Heaven has been my big book. I'm also proud of a book I wrote in 1990 called Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. The book has never been out of print and has hit close to four million in sales. Early this year, Cuba Gooding Jr. starred in the made-for-TV film version.

Marley: That’s amazing! You are truly prophetic and definitely “the man behind the words.” Now, people ask how we teamed up. Sadly, there was a personal tragedy that brought Cec and me together as friends.

Cec: True. In early 2007, our house burned and our son-in-law died. Aside from the grief over Alan, we lost everything. Deidre and Jan, my-then-assistant, sent the word out of our tragedy without telling me. I'm immensely grateful for every gift people sent, but I probably wouldn't have admitted I needed help and wouldn't have asked. They taught me how much we need other people.

Marley: Deidre put out a call to other clients of The Knight Agency, to help Cec and his family out in any way in their time of need. At the time, my company was moving and we were cleaning house. We had a ton of office supplies that we were either going to throw away or give to some of the charities the company worked with. I got my boss’ permission to send a large care package to Cec…full of office supplies for him to re-stock his writer’s office. You name it…post-its, staples, paper clips, pens, pencils, markers, white out, ruler, scissors, paper, notebooks, notepads, envelopes, a laptop case, tape, glue, folders, binder clips…etc. A veritable potpourri of office delights. I was hoping that it would help Cec have a sense of getting his office back so he could keep working.

Cec: Marley's gift was the most unexpected I received. We hadn't met, although Deidre Knight had spoken of her many times and kept telling me she was wonderful. I wonder if you can imagine what it was like for me to open that box from someone I didn't know. I saw all those practical things for my office and yelled for my wife. I felt as if I were reading a first-grade book. "Look! Look and see! Oh, look!" I was overwhelmed by the gift and even more to receive it from a stranger. Those supplies were the most practical gift anyone could have given me. I'm still using black paper clips and red folders from Marley.

Marley: Awww…thanks, Cec! I didn’t have to think twice about doing it. Writing is such a solitary “sport,” but the writing community always astounds me with how they help their own. Not long after that, over plates of spinach and Gouda omelets, Deidre introduced me to Cec in person and I was thrilled to finally meet the man behind the words. Deidre knew we needed to work on a project together and thus began our brainstorming. What did you think of that first meeting, Cec, and cooking up the idea to work together?

Cec: Deidre and I had already spoken about a Christmas book and I had some idea about what it should contain, but nothing had come together. One day Deidre told me that Marley was coming to visit her and she wanted us to work together on a Christmas project. Marley and I talked before we ate and again during the meal. Everything felt right to me. I knew my strengths and Marley knew hers (and Deidre knew both of us). Everything clicked. Marley, a far better networker than I am, immediately sent out the word for submissions. Within days she had almost four times more than we could use. (She read every one of them!)

Marley: I was truly impressed with the submissions we received and it was hard narrowing it down to the ones we chose for the book. We’re fortunate to have such a go-getter agent in Deidre Knight. Cec, can you share how the whole idea of Christmas Miracles came about and what you thought of the project originally?

Cec: For me, it actually started while I was on the rapid-rail train from the Atlanta airport when I listened to teens talk about Christmas and it was mostly about gifts. I had the idea then, but nothing really came together. Months later when Deidre I and had a meeting, she brought up the idea of a compilation and mentioned my working with Marley. I've been Deidre Knight's client since 1997 and I've learned to listen carefully when she comes up with an idea. I said yes before she gave me all the information.

Marley: That’s the truth about Deidre! Getting back to those submissions, I want to say we got more than two hundred submissions for Christmas Miracles. So many wonderful stories to read through and select for the book. It was a challenge to pick and choose which ones were right for the book, but I loved every minute of it. After I chose the entries that would go into the book, Cec toiled long hours editing the works for a unified voice. What was the biggest challenge you found in the editing process, Cec?

Cec: I've been a ghostwriter and collaborator for twenty-plus years and this was a switch to give the book a unified voice—which was mine. It would have been easier to stay with each writer's voice, but the book—like many compilations—would have been uneven in tone and quality. When I discussed this via email with our delightful editor, Rose Hilliard, she was (to my surprise) familiar with my work. She told me she liked the warm tone of my writing and that I don't waste words. "That's the voice we want," she said. It still wasn't easy, but it was an exciting challenge. After Marley and I agreed on the stories and gave them that unified voice, our editor pulled six contributions. Although different, Rose felt they were too similar to other stories.

Marley: Can you give our readers a preview of the book? A favorite story perhaps…or one that moved you to tears? (I have to say the little boy who wished for nothing but to be able to read a book all the way through because of his stutter had me bawling when I read the submission.)

Cec: That's not fair! I liked them all. The one that touched me most, however, is the last story in the book, "Sean's Question." We had almost finished the book and I was teaching at a conference in Florida. I felt we needed one strong story at the end. Despite all the good ones, I didn't feel fully satisfied to conclude the book. On the last day of the conference, I met a conferee named Sara Zinn for a consultation. As we talked, I mentioned Christmas Miracles and that I still needed one more story. "I have a Christmas story," she said and told me about Sean. As I listened, tears filled my eyes—but, being the macho type I am, I was sure it was an allergy. Sara wrote the story, and it became the one I sought.

Marley: Oh yes…that one is an emotional one all right. It was meant to be in the book because of how you met at the conference. Now, you and I have both had challenges in our lives that others might have found too much to take, but we are both very strong in our faith and our relationship with God. How do you think Christmas Miracles is going to help others feel closer to God and experience His miracles in their own lives?

Cec: Awareness and appreciation are the two things I want readers to grasp. Awareness means for them to realize that they're never totally alone in life. Those unexpected, out-of-the-ordinary events remind us of that. Appreciation means to be thankful for what we already have. Too often, and especially at Christmas, we focus on what we'd like or what is supposed to make us happy. Christmas Miracles gently reminds readers of both.

Marley: In this day and age when our country is fighting two wars, unemployment is high, and a lot of people have a lack of hope and faith for their future, what do you want readers of the book to take away from Christmas Miracles and how can the stories in our book help provide comfort to those struggling?

Cec: I want readers to see that miracles do happen—sometimes simple, unexpected blessings or those that involve the supernatural (as in one of Marley's stories). I call myself a serious Christian. For me, the world's greatest miracle began with the birth of Jesus. Regardless of a person's religion, this book encourages readers to think about life during the Christmas season and see that life as more than gifts and celebrations. It's also a reminder that God loves us and hears our needy cries.

Marley: Beautifully put, Cec, and I couldn’t agree with you more. Can we share what’s next after Christmas Miracles? J

Cec: Why it's the Cec and Marley show, of course. Because of our go-getter agent and our enthusiastic editor, we've already received thumbs up for The Christmas Spirit. This will be stories of people who express the true spirit of Christmas by acts of love and kindness, for release in the fall of 2011.

Marley: And I can’t wait to start working on that project! Thank you so much for your time, Cec, and answering my questions. It was a privilege and honor to work with you and I look forward to our future projects together. You’ve helped me along during a trying time and I appreciate your friendship and support.

Cec: I liked this project because Marley had to send out the word, collect submissions, read them, and discard the weaker ones. I get to see only the better-written stories. (Don't tell her that I have the better job.) Although I mentioned only one story, all of those in the book touched me because of the poignancy of their situations and the miraculous answers. I won't say the stories increased my faith, but they increased my appreciation for the delightful mix of human need and divine intervention.

Marley: Thanks again, Cec! God Bless! And to our readers, please be sure to pick up a copy of CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, out October 13, 2009 from St. Martin’s Press. It’s a great stocking stuffer or gift basket filler. We hope you, too, will discover your own Christmas Miracles in your life.

Wouldn’t you love to take home this amazing basket filled with Christmas goodies galore? This amazing gift basket contains everything you’ll need to make your Christmas holiday a success. Inside you’ll find a stocking stuffed with hard candies, kitchen towels and oven mitts, seasonal potpourri, holiday-colored candles, stuffed animals that talk, snowman candle, nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, gift bags, gift tags, gift bows, ornament hangers, Christmas cookie cutters, a Merry Christmas doorstopper, a picture frame, Christmas cards, Santa ear muffs, and not just one, but two copies of Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson’s Christmas Miracles – one to keep and one to give away to someone special.

Leave a comment for a chance to win the Christmas Miracles gift basket!

I'll send the name of one lucky person to be entered into the drawing for the gift basket.

Good luck!

PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Rich Dixon

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Please welcome this week's guest, Rich Dixon.

Rich Dixon has taught mathematics at Boltz Jr. High in Fort Collins, CO since 1985. While installing Christmas lights in 9187 he fell from the roof in his home and has been paralyzed since. His book, Relentless Grace is the story of his journey through this ordeal.

Rentless Grace is his first full length novel but Rich has numerous articles and essays published in various publications. You can find out more about Rich and his work by visiting his website and his blog Thoughts About Hope

Hearing Rich's story makes me ashamed to whine over anything!

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this week's spotlight - stay tuned for more to come!

Until later.... Be Blessed!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

Working Behind the Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Good Morning Friends,

Until I woke up I had no idea what to blog about today, I mean everything in my life has changed. Where once I saw a bright future, now a huge question mark. I find myself wavering on nearly every decision I have to make ~ not a good thing for someone who was always up for a challenge.

Alas, I'm told all this is normal and one day I'll find my footing again. I know that God has a good plan for my life - Jeremiah 29:11 promises this - and I'm clinging to that promise with every ounce of faith I have.

So much has happened since my last personal post - my brother came in from Alaska for a visit, my Dad celebrated his 70th birthday and I attended my 30yr class reunion - can you imagine? 30 yrs!

I still can't believe - I don't feel that old (most of the time LOL!).

I've been working behind the scenes a lot with my writing - designing a new website, editing a Non Fiction piece that was rejected by 2 publishers - one however, invited me to resubmit after changes were made, and working little by little on new stories.

I am starting to look ahead somewhat and plan promotional activities again - Monday (Nov. 9th) I'll be guest on Anna Katheryn Lanier's blog so drop by and visit me there. The other events I've lined up are for next year so I'll tell you about them later.

This Saturday our spotlight is on Rich Dixon - so please drop by and visit with him.

Well, not much else to talk about.

Until later.... Be Blessed!

Saturday Spotlight - Sapphire Phelan

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

What better way to start Halloween than with a paranormal romance?

Please welcome back author Sapphire Phelan with her book Unwitting Sacrifice.

**Author Note: This is an erotic paranormal romance**

Sapphire Phelan is an author of erotic and sweet paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction romance, along with a couple of erotic horror stories. She also writes as Pamela K. Kinney, for horror, fantasy, science fiction, and a nonfiction ghost book, Haunted Richmond, Virginia and the upcoming Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two cats, Ripley and Bast. You can find out more about her and what she has or will be coming out at her website: http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/ Check out her MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/SapphirePhelan , her blog at http://sapphirephelanspassioncorner.blogspot.com/, and subscribe to her newsletter at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SapphirePhelansParanormalNewsletter .

Sapphire admits she can always be found at her desk and on her computer, writing. And yes, the house and husband sometimes suffers for it!

What do you get when you blend H. P. Lovecraft's Old Ones with an erotic, but scary story? The erotic Lovecraftian horror novella, UNWITTING SACRIFICE.

Lisa Selvey moved to Necro Bay, just on the outskirts of Chesapeake, Virginia. She moved there because of its reputation for peace and quiet. To free herself of her nightmares. But her nightmares were just beginning. . .Necro Bay was just your average American seaside town. The house she bought a normal home. The handsome man, Jacob Lindan that she met, nothing more than a sexually attractive man that whose touch made her mad with desire. Things nightmarishly changed and made her wonder if she wasn't going mad. Even worse, it made her wonder if something lurked in the shadows.

EXCERPT--must be 18 and older to read the excerpt and the novella:

When she glanced up at the policeman again she caught what she thought was some kind of fear in his eyes, then a shuttered look filtered over his face and his eyes revealed nothing. It had been so fleeting that she thought that maybe she imagined it.

"Yes, it will. Just keep following to the next street over that goes the same way this one does, then make a turn on Cobblestone Court after ten blocks. Follow that street until you leave the outskirts of Chesapeake. You'll find yourself in Necro Bay, if that's what you really want."

"Yes, I want-"Lisa watched as he turned about face and left her. With a sigh, she rolled the window back up and did as he had instructed.

She had decided to move to this part of Virginia because of its reputation for peace and quiet. To free herself of her nightmares. Least that's what her psychiatrist, Dr. Tomson, told her back in L.A. So far, things weren't. A movie being filmed here just like back home, then its director found dead, possibly murdered. She admitted it was the next town over from her final destination, but still closed enough. She had quit her job back home in California and had moved across country to Virginia, spending all her money on a house by the ocean. A house with its own private beach, in fact. This move was for her health and even more important, her sanity. Unlike Virginia Beach and even Chesapeake, Necro Bay was supposed to be a small town, maybe more like a village. Unlike bigger Chesapeake, it was supposed to be idyllic.

She saw that the road had left Chesapeake and entered Necro Bay by the signs. Not completely countrified, she noticed that the place's main street held a tiny drugstore, a small grocery market, a real estate business and a few other stores there. Not a name brand company anywhere. Sidewalks marched along in front of the stores, showing how nice it would be to go for a stroll on them. She caught sight of two different doctors' offices. One was her future psychiatrist, Dr. Emeritus's. The other a G.P. She passed a nice-looking park. It had a playground for kids, and she saw quite a few benches scattered around, along with a basketball court. No children playing there now, though. But she remembered it was a school day and a good reason for no kids. The houses all looked uniform in style, white clapboard with colonial-blue shutters and slate-grey roofs.

Just your average American seaside town. Charming.

Well folks, hope you enjoyed this week's spotlight - stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!

Until later - may angels surround and God protect you from the ghosts and gobblins tonight.

Last Week to Win!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

This is the LAST week to participate in White Roses in Bloom Authors’ “Our Cup Runneth Over” Contest!

You must visit the website or blog of each participating author and find the White Rose Publishing mug – notate the color and where the mug is located for each author and email your answers to: mailto:hcarolann.erhardt@gmail.com with WRIB Contest in the subject line.

There are still prizes to be had and a Grand Prize winner will receive: Seven e-books, A box of White Rose Organic tea, Your very own beautiful White Rose mug, and A little basket of Arbonne skin care products.

Here are a list of participating authors and their site:
Pamela Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com/
E.A. West http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/
Karen Cogan http://www.karencogan.com/Cami Checketts http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com/
Janelle Ashley http://www.janelleashley.com/Wendy Davy http://www.wendydavy.com/
Diane Miley http://www.diannemiley.com/
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter http://www.sandywick.com/Teri Wilson http://www.teriwilson.net/
JoAnn Carter http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/
Nicola Beaumont http://inicola.net/Carla Rossi http://authorcarlarossi.blogspot.com/
Carol Ann Erhardt http://www.carolannerhardt.com/
Sharon Donovan http://sharondonovan.blogspot.com/
Cindy Green http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/e-mail
Vicki Caine http://victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com/

I'll give you a couple of hints - to find the location of my mug scroll down and watch the sidebar.......for Nicola Beaumont's mug....think books, reviews & lighthouse. ;-)

Have fun and GOOD LUCK!

Until later take care & be BLESSED!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

Saturday Spotlight - KM Daughters!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Please welcome back writing team, KM Daughters with their book Beyond the Code of Conduct.

K.M. Daughters is the award winning writing team of sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare. Their penname is dedicated to the memory of their parents: Kay and Mickey Lynch. Pat is married to Nick Casiello and has three children, Jen, Emilie and Brian. Kathie is married to Tom Clare and has two sons, Tom and Michael. She has two grandchildren, Natalie and Michael and a new grandbaby is expected in September. K.M. Daughters’ career began with two book contracts from The Wild Rose Press and White Rose Publishing on the same day – January 26, 2008. Three more book contracts followed in 2008 in three romance genres: Inspirational, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance. The Visions of Love inspirational series features Jewel of the Adriatic and Rose of the Adriatic. The author’s romantic suspense Sullivan Boys series includes: Against Doctors Orders, Beyond The Code of Conduct, Capturing Karma and working titles: All’s Fair In Love and Law and In The St. Nick of Time. Find out more at their website.

The Sullivan Boys series, Book 2FBI Agency brass and Sullivan family connections force Special Agent Bobbie Leighton into an undercover operation with inactive Homicide Detective Joe Sullivan. Posing as a cattleman and his arm-candy wife the couple is assigned to infiltrate Bradley Sterling’s illegal operation. Suspected of baby trafficking, Sterling may be connected with Jimmy Sullivan’s murder. How do Bobbie and Joe adhere to their professional code of conduct living under the same roof? Can they forget their personal history, ignore their volatile feelings for each other and ensnare their target when they might be next on Sterling’s victims list?

Excerpt: “You want hot? I’ll give you hot.” In one swift motion she picked up a mug off the table and whipped it towards him, a perfect strike.

Lucky for him he still held his jacket in his hand. He swept it up like a toreador in front of his face. The coat took the brunt of the hit, but hot liquid splattered on his hands.

“Ouch. Damn. Stop it.” He dropped the wet coat on the floor. His hands burned and he wiped them on his thighs to stop the heat. It had the opposite effect on his arousal. She batted her eyes around, apparently for something else to throw at him and tugged at the pillow on the back of the sofa. When it didn’t give, she hopped up on the seat cushion and tugged at it harder. If she realized how seductive she looked, she’d stop doing that. A glimpse of lace panties made him groan.

“Honey, add a sorority sister and a little water on the front of your T-shirt and you have everyman’s wet dream. You’re killing me here.”

The fury mounted on her face and he laughed.

She stepped down from the couch and stormed off to the kitchen.

“I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you.” No response from the kitchen.

Gathering together the launched items, he stacked the books and magazines on the coffee table and tucked her shoes beneath. He kicked off his shoes and placed them in a neat pair next to hers before settling on the couch.

It’s fun to goad her. “While you’re in there could you grab me a beer?”

Realizing a little too late why she had marched to the kitchen, a plate swished past inches from his ear and crashed against the bookcase.

“Damn.” The next plate hit him in the shoulder. “What is wrong with you? Stop it.”

“What is wrong with me? With me? You take off. Leave me here alone to face the home inspection. And you are stupid enough to ask me what is wrong with me?”

Each sentence was punctuated with the crash of a dish around him. Hands empty, she disappeared again, surely on her way to stock up on ammo.

Beyond The Code of Conduct, Book 2 in The Sullivan Boys Series Released on May 20, 2009 in digital and print from The Wild Rose Press!

Oh Boy, sounds like another great book by this prolific team! Hope you enjoyed the spotlight...check back often for more great authors and their books and to find out what's happening in my life.

Until later....be blessed!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

VBT - Overcomers, Inc!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

This book seems appropriate for many right now - myself included. Hope you enjoy the spotlight and find encouragement in the book should you purchase it.....

About the book Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration is the perfect book to read when you need a lift. Filled with gripping stories by 36 people from all walks of life, Overcomers, Inc will make you smile, move you to tears, and fill you with the strength you need to face life’s challenges.

Mission Statement Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will give readers the knowledge and emotional resilience to face the most difficult times of life by sharing inspiring stories of triumph and fortitude.

Book Summary:
Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will give readers the knowledge and emotional resilience to face the most difficult times of life by sharing inspiring stories of triumph.

You will find this a book of diversity. There are many authors, from many walks of life. However, they all share a common bond. They triumphed over tragedy and gleaned wisdom in this process. While this is not a religious book, there are stories full of faith, of many kinds and flavors. It is funny how in your darkest times, faith often becomes your brightest light.

All of the contributors to this book want to encourage you to hold tight to your belief that a better day will come. It is their sincere desire to pass along what they’ve learned through their own trials, to make your journey easier.

Purchase Overcomers, Inc., True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration (from Amazon) and to claim nearly 100 free gifts from noted transformational leaders such as Wayne Dyer, Christine Kloser, Chris and Janet Atwood and more.

Please visit: http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch for more information.

Saturday Spotlight - Jennifer Childers

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Today's spotlight is author Jennifer Childers aka: Candace Black (or maybe that's Candace aka Jennifer) LOL!

Either way, let's welcome her to Saturday Spotlight!

Author Bio:

I'm the girl next door. 25 years as a CNA has given me exposure to a variety of people.
I've worked as a volunteer guardian ad litem, appearing in court to speak out for the best interests of abused and neglected children. The nurturing program was a child abuse prevention class teaching children and parents how to interract with one another in a more loving way. President Bush SR. wrote me a letter thanking me for service. I wish I could have done more. My stories will have a happy ending because life throws enough hard punches to warrant escape. I love history. I believe if we learn enough from the past we can write our own happy ending to our own piece of the story. A better history.

I filled the syringe with morphine. My hands shook. Could innocent blood ever be washed away? Would my hands ever be clean again if I continued on this course? The gas would make them choke, gasping for breath as their life was strangled to nothingness. Morphine would make them euphoric, and an overdose would put them to sleep, peacefully, with no pain. I filled the second syringe, I thought of each child as I punctured the rubber stopper, the needle sucking up the lethal fluid filling the tube. Little Wilhelm. My treasured leader of the pack. The braces on his legs never stopped his imagination from soaring. Lara. An artists soul expressed with the one good arm she had. Art was reflective of the beauty living in her heart. The twins. Isnt intelligence measured with creativitiy? I would sorely miss their energy. My hand slipped, the needle grazed the knuckle of my thumb. I swore and bit my lip. Perfect. I'll kill myself before I get the chance to euthanize my children. Then after I enter Heaven's gate, if He lets me through them, I can tell God I'm and idiot and a murderer. I rubbed my shoulders they hunched with an invisible wieght making my back ache.

Kindertransport is available now in ebook and print from The Wild Rose Press!

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight - check back for another edition next week!

Until later....Be Blessed!
PamT

Special Guest - Beth Caudill

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

Fellow author Beth Caudill has a new release!

Beth Caudill resides in North Carolina with her husband and two children. Her home is lined with bookcases and filled with books. Although she does not claim the computer manuals, those belong to her husband. In her life prior to becoming a stay-at-home-mom, she worked as a technical support analyst and quality assurance software tester. Now she plays chauffeur and cook for her family and fits in writing when she can.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America, her local chapter Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, and the online chapter Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal. You can find out more about Beth and her stories at http://www.bethcaudill.net/.

Corliss Rumdone hides behind her status as Healer to avoid the normal wolf pack hierarchal challenges. A forced mating changes the course of her life. Instead of Raymond, the beta wolf selected for her, she mates with Liam—her best friend and heir to the Alpha pair.Liam whisks them away to a shifter retreat so they can allow the mating bond to settle in private. But interference from those seeking power and two terminal children arouse past hurts and challenge their new relationship. Even their home is not the haven it should be as Liam must watch Corliss fight for the right to stay his mate. For one healer, death becomes a weapon to balance life.

Excerpt: Liam couldn’t watch the ceremony that would mate Corliss to someone else. He could’ve challenged for her, but that meant fighting his father—the ruling wolf, who was neither a tyrant nor senile. Both of them in their prime, a fight would have ended in one of their deaths, and he couldn’t justify the loss of life.

Not even for her. Unable to keep control of his wolf, Liam let the animal free to seek solace in the forest. Except every tree, every scent roused memories of her, and the wolf circled back towards the clearing, towards the woman who should be his.

Stark quiet alerted him to trouble as the wolf crept along the edge of the grass. People were missing and those who remained stood as if waitingfor the ceremony to start. He circled around to the front to get a better view, hiding in the shadows so as not to alert anyone. Raymond was unaccounted for. Corliss stood stiff-backed, facing away from the audience.

Her caramel-colored hair was piled atop her head, darkened to walnut in the moonlight. Shadows hid her sea-green eyes and emphasizedher high cheekbones. She appeared cold, harsh, and removed from events going on around her. Yet he knew her to be warm and caring, often too caring.

Giving to others more of her personal energy through her healing powers than she should. As her friend, he could offer support, but he couldn’t push too hard for her to rest, or she’d rip out his throat.

He chuffed. The dark blue specks in her eyes glowed when she was angry. That spark had been missing from her eyes for days. He repressed agrowl as Corliss bit the inside of her cheek. Before the wind shifted, he backed away. She wouldn’t appreciate someone seeing her close to tears.

The wolf wanted to rip a hole in Raymond’s belly, but even the animals had rules for a challenge. He trotted to a cache of clothes. Only the man could help her now.

Healer's Fate is available NOW! and can be purchased from Whispers Publishing, All Romance Ebooks and Amazon Kindle!

Well Friends, hope you've enjoyed this special guest. Join me Saturday for a spotlight with Candace Black!

Until then, be blessed!

PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Sapphire Phelan

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Please welcome Ms. Sapphire Phelan with her book Being Familiar with a Witch (ISBN: 978-1-60659-118-5) to our Saturday Spotlight.

Sapphire Phelan is an author of erotic and sweet paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction romance, along with a couple of erotic horror stories. She also writes as Pamela K. Kinney, for horror, fantasy, science fiction, and a nonfiction ghost book, Haunted Richmond, Virginia and the upcoming Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two cats, Ripley and Bast. You can find out more about her and what she has or will be coming out at her website. Check out her MySpace , her blog and subscribe to her newsletter. Sapphire admits she can always be found at her desk and on her computer, writing. And yes, the house and husband sometimes suffers for it!

Tina doesn't know she's a witch. It will take Charun, her demon Familiar, to convince her to make love with him and let loose her witch powers. For if she doesn't, then with the demon army about to bring Armageddon to the Mortal Realm on Halloween, she won't stand a chance in Hell.

Excerpt: A year later, Charun stood in front of the mirror on the wall and whispered a few words. The glass warped in and out, becoming something not unlike a television monitor. In it, he saw his witch working in the Cup of Tea and a Book bookstore, handing a bag of books over to a customer.

"She's gorgeous," he whispered.

He ached to reach his hand through the glass and finger the long, blonde strands of her hair. He itched to stroke the skin of her face and see if it felt as soft as it looked. He took a few steps back, for if he didn't he would jam his head through the glass and kiss her on the lips. Lust tore through him like a ravenous animal ready to devour its prey.

The time had come.

About time, too.

Taking spirit form and not looking back, Charun rose from the bowels of Hell to the mortal realm. He touched ground just down the street from Cup of Tea and a Book bookstore and became a handsome, naked man. He shook his head. No, it was too soon for him to assume the man form. He frowned, thinking.

A cat! He would become a cat. That would do—for now. A strange feeling slammed into him and he cried out as he dropped to his knees on the pavement. Thrusting out a hand against the ground so he wouldn't topple over, he began to metamorphose, growing smaller and smaller as he did. Black fur sprouted all over his body and head. His ears sharpened into points and shot up over his head, while his hands and feet became paws edged with sharp claws. Whiskers pinged out of his cheeks, and from his buttocks snaked a long tail. He hunched over and then fell over onto his ass. Within seconds, his metamorphose completed, he was a black cat. Resisting the peculiar urge to wash his face, Charun stretched and rose onto all four paws. He padded over to a puddle of rainwater to inspect the change.

He sat down and viewed his reflection. Not bad looking as far as cats went. Lifting a paw, he splashed his image. Then he trotted to the street and paused to sniff the air. He sneezed as the full force of odors hit him. A multitude of different things, from the smell of blasted sunshine to the grime of city life. The lack of moisture in the air revealed that it would not rain for days. The last time it had stormed was last week. He had arrived a day too late.

He needed heavy rain to make his first appearance to his witch, as a reason for her to feel sorry for him and take him in. From what he remembered, she would not leave any animal drowning in a torrential downpour. But, from all the viewing he did of her growing up he knew she wasn't an impulsive person, either. She loved animals, but felt that she couldn't afford one right now in her life. He might end up in an animal shelter. This kind of operation needed the right things in place.

Timing was important, too, even now. His witch's survival was the true equation here. If she died before he made her a witch, he knew the fate for Earth if the demons took over.

Well if this doesn't sound interesting.....The author warns that this IS an erotic paranormal romance!

Well Friends, hope you enjoyed this week's spotlight. Stay tuned every Saturday for another great author/book.

Until later.....Be Blessed.
PamT

The Numbness Has Lifted.....

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:30:00 +0000

For the first few weeks after my huband's death I lived in a world of disbelief - I can't belive this is real...I can't believe this has happened....I can't believe I'll never see/hear/touch him again....

I had bad moments in othewise good days and bad days in otherwise OK weeks.

Well Friends, the numbness has lifted and in it's place is agony ~ such agony. I've cried more in the last 2 weeks that I did in the 5 before - Yes, it's been SEVEN weeks!

There is still a sense of disbelief, but more and more the fact is becoming real....I will NEVER see/hear/touch him again. He's gone. Life as I knew it is over.

I wonder what's next....acceptance, peace, wholeness, a new sense of purpose? One can hope.

They say it'll get easier....time heals all wounds....life will go on....faith will pull me through...I'll be ok.

I wonder who they are, I'd like to sit and have a talk with them!

Seven is God's perfect number so maybe, just maybe my life -at some point - will make perfect sense...I'd be happy for this situation to make even a tiny bit of sense!

Alas, life does go on and I KNOW I must continue to go on - to walk through the maze and work through the haze of pain and confusion and despair ~ to battle the darness trying to eat away at my soul and surrender to the light of love and healing only God can bring.

Once again I'd like to THANK each and EVERY ONE of you, my friends and family, near and far for your continued prayers and positive thoughts - I truly feel your love and support.

May God BLESS you All!

Saturday Spotlight - Margaret Tanner

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

It's that time again....time for me to introduce you to another prolific author! Today's guest is Margaret Tanner and her book, Stolen Birthright.

Margaret Tanner is an award winning multi-published Australian author. She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries out research for her historical romance novels, and prides herself on being historically correct. Many of her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, the Melbourne Romance Writers Group (MRWG) and EPIC. Her fellow writers from the MRWG have been an inspiration and a tower of strength, so generous with their help and support that she will always feel indebted to them. In 2008 she won Author of the Year at AussieAuthors.com. Her contemporary novel Holly and the Millionaire went to No 12 on the Fictionwise Romance Best Sellers list. Her favorite historical period is the 1st World War, and she has visited the battlefields of France and Belgium, a truly poignant experience.

Margaret is married to Laurie and they have three grown up sons. Outside of her family and friends, writing is her passion. Find out more about Margaret at her Website!

Sequel to Savage Utopia
Can an English aristocrat ever hope to marry the daughter of convicts?
Georgina, a wild colonial girl, is brought up by O’Rourke, a rough and ready Irishman who she believes is her uncle. While helping the bushranger Johnny Dawson escape from prison she meets and falls in love with a dashing young English aristocrat, the Honourable Marcus Lindquist.

When Johnny Dawson is ambushed and killed, Marcus finally learns the secret of what has bound the young outlaw to Georgina. Johnny is her brother, not her lover as he had jealously supposed, but even darker secrets from the past overshadow their love.

Meanwhile, twelve thousand miles across the sea, Marcus’ Godfather, is plotting Georgina’s death to keep his dark secrets from ever seeing the light of day.

Excerpt: The Honourable Marcus Lindquist cursed inwardly as another bump almost unseated him. What did this idiot of a driver think he was doing? Bloody half-witted colonial. He had been forced to leave England to save the Lindquist name from being dragged further into disrepute, now he was exiled in this Godforsaken penal colony. Australia was only fit for convicts and destitute immigrants.

Sylvia had ruined his life. She had betrayed him. Cast him aside to marry the heir to a Dukedom. He was just starting to think about marriage and settling down to produce heirs, when he had met and become infatuated with Lady Sylvia Hayworth. Just the thought of her full lips and lush, ripe body being given to another man almost destroyed him.

“Youse have to stay the night here.” Their uncouth looking driver poked his head through the coach window. “Too late to travel on the road now.”

“Road!” Marcus bit off an oath. Is that what they called it? Rutted track seemed more appropriate. He felt bruised and battered as he stepped stiffly from the coach and waited for the other occupants to alight.

He stamped his feet to get his circulation moving again after eight hours in the cramped coach. They had stopped only to eat and change the horses; now he was forced to spend the night in some revolting, bug-infested tavern, undoubtedly run by villainous riff raff.

Automatically, he offered his hand to help a middle-aged lady alight. A good night’s sleep would help. The voyage out from England had been nothing short of a bloody nightmare. Still, it did have a few lighter moments, including a troupe of eight painted, but pretty chorus girls who had kept him entertained.

“This way.” The driver took charge of the lady’s bag, leaving Marcus to pick up his own.

The roadside tavern looked anything but impressive, although the light spilling out on to the verandah offered some reassurance. A large, fat fellow in grubby pants met them at the door, and Marcus shuddered with distaste. Fastidious in his own habits, if this oaf’s appearance was anything to go by, he teetered on the brink of a hideous nightmare. Their driver, having dumped them like pieces of flotsam, disappeared without a word. Not even bothering to hide his disdain, Marcus stepped across the threshold.

Stolen Birthright is available now in ebook and Print from Whiskey Creek Press.

Well Friends, that wraps up another edition of Saturday Spotlight - check back next week for a sneak peek into another great author/book!

Also, check White Roses in Bloom blog for the latest addition of websites/blogs for the scavenger hunt!

Until later....be blessed.
PamT