Friday Fiction Friends - Lillian Duncan

Today I am happy to welcome Lillian Duncan as my Friday Fiction Friends guest. Lillian is celebrating the release of her novel BROKEN TRUST with an Amazon gift card giveaway! Details on how you can be entered to win are at the bottom of the post.

Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us. To learn more about Lillian, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or www.lillian-duncan.com. She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.

available on Amazon 

Her new release is BROKEN TRUST

Life is all about choices…and consequences. Chryssie Mason longs to soar like a butterfly, but a lifetime of bad choices has kept her in the caterpillar stage. After years of struggling, her dreams are finally within her grasp. Her only goal is to graduate from nursing school so she can have a better life—so she can morph into a butterfly. With her final exam only days away, she witnesses a murder. A butterfly would call the police, but she decides to take the easy way out…once again. Life has taught her to never trust anyone, especially herself. With her freedom and her very life at risk, it’s time to trust. And that choice changes everything.

Tell us a little about you.

My husband and I live in a small town in Ohio. I mean small—we only have 1 traffic light. But I love being back home. I grew up in the area, but moved to the big city of Cleveland for many years. Like Dorothy, I love being home again.

When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

That’s an interesting story. I was turning 40 and like lots of other 40 year olds, something was missing in my life. I was watching some show (probably Oprah) and her guest recommended writing your own obituary but not to include anything you’ve done up to that point. They said write in outlandish things that you couldn’t imagine.

One of the things I wrote was that I was an author. What? Up to that point, I’d never thought of writing a book in spite of how much I loved books. When I reread those words, something sparked.

And a writer was born.

What is your 'how I got published' story?

I only need two words to tell that—hard work…and perseverance. OK, technically that’s four words. It actually took me fifteen years to get a traditional contract. I can’t tell you how many times I quit writing but I always started back up which is why I always tell writers—DON’T QUIT!

How did you develop your love of story?

From my love of reading. From the moment I learned to read, I loved stories. From the time I learned to read, I rarely went anywhere without a book. To the grocery store, to my relatives’ houses, camping. And yes, I was one of those people that read under the covers and in a car.

What is your favorite genre to read? To write?

The answer to both is Christian mystery and suspense with a little horror thrown in from time to time. I guess writing is sort of like eating. You are what you read, and for me that means I’m a suspense/mystery writer.

Most people don’t think of murder mysteries and suspense novels as Christian Fiction. What do you say to them?

I can certainly understand their point of view. And for some readers my stories might be a bit too graphic or edgy and that’s okay, I would say my readers are those who like traditional suspense and mystery novels but are tired of all the explicit language and sex scenes that aren’t necessary to a good story.

I don’t promote or glorify violence in my stories and show characters experiencing the natural consequences of their bad choices and bad actions. My characters are usually on a spiritual journey as well—but some are further along than others.

Tell us about BROKEN TRUST.

BROKEN TRUST is my latest book, releasing March 17. There’s lots of action but it will also make you go…aww. It explores the issues of trust (of course) but also choices and how one choice can change your life—for better or for worse.

BROKEN TRUST is Chryssie’s story. Her complete name is Chrysalis which is another name for a cocoon. Chryssie wants to soar like a butterfly but she keeps making choices that keep her stuck in the caterpillar stage.

She’s days away from graduating from nursing school when she witnesses a murder. Once again she takes the easy way out and once again she has to face the consequences of her choice—this time with life and death consequences.

What’s the setting for BROKEN TRUST?

Broken Trust is set in Cleveland, mostly in the Ohio City area and the Flats.

What’s your day job? Tell us a little about it.

I retired as an SLP from a large city school district in Ohio then spent several more years working part-time in smaller, rural districts near where I live. Between the two jobs, I don’t think there is any type of child I haven’t worked with at least once.

I loved my job and miss it. Mostly I miss the children, not the paper work. If it weren’t for serious health issues, I would still be working.

What sort of serious health issues?

In 2012 I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and subsequently a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2. A long name that basically means I can develop tumors at any time on my nerves but especially in the brain.

It’s been a long, long journey but God is good. There’re a lot of things I can’t do these days, but I can still write! And for that I’m very thankful.

What do you want readers to take away from BROKEN TRUST?

We all make bad choices and then have to face the consequences of them but God is a God of second chances and third and fourth and… We do not have to let our past dictate our future.

What is your writing process?

I never know what is going to happen in my story on any given writing day. It’s as if my mind is a movie screen and I watch that day’s events and then I write it.

When I start a new story I usually have a clear picture of the main character in mind and what obstacle he/she will face, but anything goes after that. If I’m writing and start to feel bored—then I kill someone or blow something up. And that way it’s a surprise to me and to my readers.

Do you know who the bad guy is when you begin your story?

Not usually. Most of the time I have several characters who it might be and as the story comes to a conclusion, I’m surprised right along with my readers.

How does faith play a part in your writing?

That’s changed a lot over the years. When I first started writing, I wrote mainstream (secular) mysteries and suspense. As I grew closer to God in my daily walk, my writing began to reflect that and so I started writing Christian mysteries and suspense. In 2012, I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and have had to learn to rely on God in a whole different way and so my writing reflects that now as well by having a deeper spiritual message than before.

In fact, I have my first non-suspense novella scheduled to be released in October of this year. PUZZLE HOUSE is a complete departure from what I usually write. I would classify it as simply Christian Fiction, a story about a woman who is asked the question, ‘Do you want to be healed or to be a healer?” by a very important person.

What inspired you to write this series, or this novel in particular?

I first “met” Chryssie in a short story I wrote but I wanted to learn more about her and her story so….BROKEN TRUST is the result.

Do you have personal experience with any of the events in Broken Trust, and if so, could you share about that?

Only in that I worked and lived in Cleveland for many years as a school speech pathologist.

Paper or e-reader? There are certainly pros and cons to each. Which is your favorite?

I prefer a “real” book with paper. Unfortunately, I don’t read them that way very often because of my eyesight. So, I use an e-reader almost exclusively these days.

Do you have a favorite or “life” verse? Why is that one important to you?

Romans 8: 28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with brain tumors. The treatments and the side effects wreaked havoc on my health! I was very sick but I kept repeating this verse over and over. It kept me trusting God and it kept me in peace and joy in spite of how bad I felt at the time.

How did your education or previous career impact your journey to publication and where you are now?
My day job was as a school speech pathologist, better known as a speech therapist. So for more than 30 years I listened…and listened…and listened some more. I think it helped me in a lot of areas but certainly with writing dialogue of my characters.

If you could offer a word of encouragement to an aspiring author, what would you say?

DON’T GIVE UP! It took me 15 years to get a traditional contract, and now I have almost 20 books published! If I can do it, so can you. But not if you give up. KEEP WRITING!

What are you working on now?

I already mentioned my next release, PUZZLE HOUSE—the tagline is Life isn’t a box of candy, it’s a puzzle. At the moment, I’m working on a sequel for it called THE DAVID YEARS. I’m also in the middle of revising and editing another book, ENCOUNTERS, that explores several issues including how our encounters with others is like a spider web. They link us to each other in ways we don’t always understand. Plus I have a couple ideas for new suspense books swirling around in my brain as well. So many ideas—not enough time!

And now about that giveaway! To enter, just hop over to Lillian's blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.comwww.lillian-duncan.com and leave a comment under one of the Broken Trust posts and you’re entered. Easy Peasy! (remember, only comments on Lillian's blog will enter you in the drawing - but we'd love you leave a comment here to let us know you visited!) And get your copy of BROKEN TRUST on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Meet Millie from CELTIC KNOT

(reposting an old interview - in celebration of CELTIC KNOT being on sale for just 99¢)


Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Millie Finnigan. Millie's mother, Abby Finnigan, is the heroine of CELTIC KNOT.

"Welcome, Millie. Have a cookie and tell us a little about yourself."

Millie grabs a cookie but waits to eat it. "Hi, I'm excited to be here today. Let's see, I'm seven years old and I live with my mother in Prophecy, Colorado."

She takes a bite of cookie, not talking again until she's finished chewing. "My real name is Millicent but Momma only calls me that when she's cross. I try not to make her angry 'cause she works real hard and hardly ever smiles. Momma has a pretty smile but sometimes her eyes seem to look far away and her face gets sad."

"Why do you think she's sad?"

"It's as if she's looking at a photograph in her memory." Millie fidgets with her dress, dropping her gaze a moment before continuing. "Remembering Daddy, I think. He died when I was four. That's when we moved back to Prophecy. Momma says that Daddy called me his little blessing. I don't hardly remember him. Sometimes that makes me sad."

"What makes you happy?"

A smile brightens Millie's countenance. "Playing with my best friend, Jennifer Stanton. Her pa is the town preacher an' her folks are real nice. They always treat me like family. Pastor and Mrs. Stanton worry about Momma an' me, 'cause we don't always have money for nice things. But Momma takes real good care of me."

"Doesn't your grandfather own the largest ranch around Prophecy? In fact, he owns most of the town. Why doesn't your mother ask him for help?"

Millie shrugs. "Momma's family isn't very nice. I've never even met my grandfather. Once, I heard someone say that Raymond Bigelow, that's Momma's father, is so mean and contrary he makes Satan look angelic. All's I know is my uncle Clayton is scary. He says things like teaching the whelp proper respect. That's what he calls me, the whelp." She shudders. "I don't like him."

"I'm sure your mother stays away from Clayton, then."

"We try but Momma works at the Silver Streak Saloon, as a maid. Uncle Clayton goes there a lot and he looks for Momma. He likes being mean, an' not just to her. I can't understand why Boone is friends with him."

"Who is Boone?"

"He's our sheriff. Boone's real nice. He always wants to buy me stuff but Momma won't let him. She says she don't want to be beholden to him." Millie scrunches her nose. "Not sure what that means. I do know Boone wants to marry Momma. He might be a nice daddy. Still, I want Momma to be happy. She never smiles for Boone, least ways, not the kind of smile she gets when Mr. Lachapelle is around."

"Kyle Lachapelle? When did you meet him?"

"He came into the mercantile one morning when Momma was buying supplies an' things." Millie leans forward to whisper, "He likes lemon candies just like me." She sits back in the chair, speaking in her normal voice once more. "An' he stood up to Boone, didn't let anyone push him around. Later, he walked with Momma and me and he was a real gentleman. I hope he comes around more, 'cept Momma told him she don't want to be his friend. I hope she changes her mind."

"I sure hope so, too. Millie, it's been a joy having you here today. Do take one of those lemon candies from the jar for later. Yes, you may take one for Jennifer as well. Thank you for visiting."

Get CELTIC KNOT now for just 99¢ - but hurry, sale ends 10/12/15

Available for Kindle (http://amzn.to/1N0uEkG) Nook (http://bit.ly/1vUxlhB) iBook (http://apple.co/1FSh3sY) Kobo (http://bit.ly/1OtA8Wu) or for any eReader at Smashwords (http://bit.ly/1uFLRdr)

SHE'S MINE is On Sale!!

Great news - I'm running a Kindle Countdown sale for SHE'S MINE! Starting August 31st, the price for the eBook is $1.99...until midnight (PST) on September 4th...which is 3:00am on 9/4 for those on the East coast. After that, the price will be $2.99 until 11:00pm (PST) on September 6th. (click the picture or this link to go to the Amazon.com page: http://amzn.to/1MXk5ja)
  

For Amazon.UK customers, the sale begins September 2nd at 12:00am GMT with a price of £0.99 until 12:00pm GMT on September 5th. Then the price will be £1.99 until 12:00am GMT on September 9th. 

Please help me out and tell all your friends about this promotion. SHE'S MINE has a 4.6★ rating on Amazon, with comments like:

~ "Did I want to stay up until 2 am reading? NO! But the book was too good to put down. Highly recommend."

~ "I finished 'She's Mine' last night....You surprised me with the twists..I didn't expect that..."

~ "Masterful plot twists, action, some suspense & romance - loved this book! Good Christian values & scripture references given at appropriate times - we are not perfect, just forgiven! Will now go back and read her others!"

~ "I loved this book. Full of twists and turns and unexpected events. And a great ending."

~ "I really liked this story. Lots of mystery along with a good romance. I didn't want to put the book down until I'd finished it."

"Fantastic read. Poured through this book because I couldn't put it down! The storyline kept me guessing. There is a masterful plot twist, that I didn't see coming - and I loved it!! " ~ Lisa Belcastro, author of the Winds of Change series and Possible Dreams series.
****************************************************************************************************************************

Caitlin Harrington has a new job and a new life away from her menacing ex-boyfriend, Adam. Issues with her parents, losing her previous job and the death of her beloved grandmother leave her wondering if God has abandoned her. Two things she is sure of: she’s a lousy judge of character and men just can’t be trusted. Now a volunteer firefighter who has come to her rescue more than once is dangerously close to breaking through her defenses. 

And not everyone in sleepy Naultag, Massachusetts is welcoming. Someone is leaving ominous notes on her door. 

Sean Taggart likes being a rescuer. But a failed engagement has taught him to be cautious with his heart and Caitlin is a threat. Women just can’t be trusted. Still, he’d like to save Caitlin from whatever demons have her so spooked. If only she’d let him. 

Threatening notes. Scratching at the windows during the night. A shadowy figure lurking in her yard. Caitlin must tell the police about Adam, but everything he told her was a lie. Who is Adam? And if Caitlin trusts Sean to protect her, will his life be in danger? 

Can Sean rescue Caitlin before the stalker becomes a killer? 

SHE'S MINE is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.UK 
 this novel is also available in print format from many online retailers

Visit my Amazon Author Page or pop over to Facebook to connect with me!

Christian Fiction Friday

I wanted to give you a little peek into SHE'S MINE, something you won't see with the Amazon preview...and possibly it's meant to be a bit of a teaser. After all, I do write romantic suspense! 

“I’ve prepared an outstandingly spectacular welcome for lover boy,” he scoffed. “When he goes into that house to rescue you—BOOM!”

Caitlin flinched, glancing back as they left the house. Tears blurred her eyes. She stumbled.

“Oh don’t fret sweetheart. The explosion won’t kill him. In fact it’ll hardly be more than a little firecracker.” A breath escaped her. He laughed. “Yup, he’ll be fine after that initial explosion. Fine enough to go searching for you. By the time he realizes you aren’t in there, all those little charges will have started such a fire that he can’t possibly escape. I made sure, even added a back-up.”

Oh no, please Lord, no. “How…” she faltered. “How do you know he’ll come?”

“Because you’re going to call him.”

They were back at the truck. Absently he cuffed her to the side mirror as he pulled the phone out again. “I’m going to send these lovely pictures to lover boy. He’ll recognize the house right away. After all, he still owns it. I’m sure the Staties could see my truck on that last fly over, they’ll send a cruiser to check it out. By the time a car makes it down here, we’ll be gone. Well, I will be anyway.”

Now it’s your turn!  Just link your Christian Fiction Friday! Here are the rules:

1. Christian Fiction Friday is a blog hop where authors post short (400-ish words or less) snippets from their current works in progress (I used my recently published novel, but here is a great way to showcase and preview what you have coming up for your readers).

2. Keep it PG-13 or lower. No swearing, no sex scenes. If you have a particularly violent scene or deal with a heavy or controversial subject matter, please include a disclaimer at the beginning of your post.

Suggestions:
1. Visit at least some of the other Christian Fiction Friday  authors each week and comment on their blogs.

2. Don't offer critiques unless the author specifically asks for it in his or her post.

3. Please include this blurb at the end of your weekly post

Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post short (400-word or less) snippets from their current works in progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman.

- See more at: http://www.hallee.bridgemanfamily.com/#sthash.UMnxFNWR.dpuf

SHE'S MINE is FREE!!

For 5 days only, May 7th to May 11th, I'm offering my newest novel for the low, low price of FREEE!! Be sure to snag this 5 star Romantic Suspense while it is so reasonably priced (after May 11th, it's still pretty reasonable at only $4.99...but free trumps any dollar amount every day!!)

Click here to go to the Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1JmgW8S

Or click on the book cover below. I'd love to have SHE'S MINE skyrocket into the top 10 for its category. You can help - the more people that download it while it's free, the better my sales ranking will be. And you can say you were pivotal in creating a Top 10 Bestseller!

She's Mine is a Grace Awards Finalist!!!!!

Yeah, I'm !!!!!! kind of excited about this - The Grace Awards is in its 5th year but this is the first time I had a book eligible. And I'm a finalist!!

The Grace Awards celebrates excellence in faith-based fiction, seeking to expand its scope and readership and to showcase its value in the Christian community (and the world at large). The tag-line "Expanding the Tent Pegs of Christian Fiction" really sums up this award. Each year, from January 1 to February 28, readers vote for (nominate) novels published the previous year, in six categories. The voting requires readers to write a 40 (or more) word statement of why they like the book they are nominating. 

As SHE'S MINE was released on December 1, 2014, it was eligible for this award. But it had a short time in which to impress enough readers to garner enough votes to make the first-round pick. And it did! I'm so thrilled that you all like my book!!! Being nominated really is an honor. Whether or not my novel wins, I will always have this achievement to cherish.

Now, enough of tooting my own horn. Because I'm up against some stiff competition. One other finalist in the Mystery/Suspense category is none other than my critique partner Nike Chillemi. Her novel HARMFUL INTENT is a fast-paced police procedural type mystery with a hunky hero and a lovable yet sometimes snarky heroine. I absolutely LOVE this novel!   

I'm not familiar with the third finalist novel, BETWEEN THE LIES by Joy DeKok. It has 91, 5 star reviews so it must be a good story! The blurb on Amazon sounds very intriguing. I'll definitely be adding it to my TBR list :) 


In other categories, some of my favorites of 2014 are finalists as well as several of my fellow CIA members (that's Christian Indie Authors - not the "other" CIA!!). Here's a peak at the others:

Congratulations to all the finalists! Be sure to check the Grace Awards blog to read a short blurb about each novel. And check back in May to find out the winners! In the meantime, support Christian fiction by reading one or more of these wonderful novels and posting reviews online. Take it from this author - finding a new review posted is like Christmas morning!

Sneak Peek at the next Mystique of Naultag novel

Welcome to Christian Fiction Friday's - a chance for Christian Authors to post short snippets from their works in progress.

For those who have read SHE'S MINE, you know I end with a teaser about Randy Henderson. No spoiler here - yes, Randy is the co-star of the next Mystique of Naultag novel. Unfortunately, this one has no title yet. I'm calling it "MON2" (Mystique of Naultag #2). Randy's leading lady is Giovana McKenzie. Here's how I picture them:

From MON2, chapter 1:

Gio met Randy’s gaze. “Are you ready?”

He nodded. Deema blew a nervous breath as Gio encouraged the mare to lower herself to the straw bedding. Relieved when the horse accepted her interference, Gio knelt and went to work.

“You’ll need to make sure she stays down.” Glancing up, she saw Randy was already positioning himself to restrain the mare. “Try to keep her as calm as possible.”

Labor contractions had wedged the foal in the birth canal. Gio would fist need to repel the foal, pushing back gently, then carefully extend the forelegs. After that, she had to bring the head around to facing forward. Then, and only then, she’d help ease the baby into the world.

Lord, please help me do this, guide my hands.

“Easy does it now, girl. Dr. MacKenzie’s gonna make it all better.”

Randy’s soft reassuring tone grabbed Gio’s attention. He was down on the floor beside Deema’s head, left elbow on the ground and forearm extending across the mare’s neck, ready to apply pressure to prevent her from rising. His right hand caressed Deema’s face and ears while he continued to croon words of comfort and encouragement. He glanced at Gio and grinned.

Repositioning the unseen foal required full concentration. Gio adjusted the foal between contractions. The comforting cadence and low timbre of Randy’s voice calmed her as well as the horse.

At last the foal’s forelegs were straight. Gio found the little muzzle and was easing it around when another contraction clamped uterine muscles. The foal slid toward the birth canal. Frantically, Gio pushed against the movement with one hand, trying to maintain her hold on the foal’s muzzle at the same time.

A low growl escaped her. Randy’s sing-song faltered as he shot a quizzical glance her way. She managed a weak smile before refocusing on the foal. Randy began softly singing "Blackbird."

Photo by Carey Williams, Rutgers University

Christian Fiction Friday is a weekly blog hop where authors post snippets from their current Works In Progress. It is hosted by Alana Terry and Hallee Bridgeman - see more at 

http://www.bridgemanfamily.com/hallee/christian-fiction-friday-march-6th/#sthash.O5jpyzw6.dpuf

CELEBRATION TIME!

This week, I had the honor of having my novel, SHE'S MINE, chosen as winner of the January Clash of the Titles!! It's so exciting because this is a competition where readers choose which book they'd most like to read based on the cover and a brief blurb. So not only did my blurb catch interest, but the beautiful cover designed by my talented artist daughter, Tiffany Doherty, is also a winner! (you might be able to tell by all the exclamation points that I'm a little excited about this award!!!)


As I've mentioned before, Naultag - the fictional setting of SHE'S MINE - is based on the area of Massachusetts where I live and grew up. At one point, Sean takes Caitlin to a restaurant called Claudia's. Here's an interest tidbit of trivia: a friend, and former childhood babysitter, used to own a restaurant in town. She's always been supportive of both my writing and our family perennial nursery business. So I named the diner in my book after her - Claudia. Here's what the real restaurant looks like:

I'm excited to share more of my part of the world with readers. Look for more posts in the future with photos of the central MA region. And be sure to check out Clash of the Titles blog for more clashes each month. You may find a new favorite author. If you haven't yet bought a copy of SHE'S MINE, what are you waiting for?!! Hop over to Amazon and get it for your Kindle or in print.

Author Spotlight - Dana Pratola with a NEW RELEASE!!

I met Dana Pratola on Facebook. Though we've never met face-to-face, I consider her to be a friend. Two years ago, I had the joy of reading the first novel in Dana's Descended series, Descended ~ Jett. It is a fabulous novel! I absolutely must read Sebastian, because the third in the series just released and I want to read them all! 

Descended ~ Aaro released on New Year's Day. It's the third book in the 4-part Descended series. Aaro Highlander, like his “brothers,” is a special breed—not quite angel, not quite human—with spectacular gifts, deep running passions and strength of character that makes him the ideal man for our heroine, Darcy.

This part of the journey reveals prophetic secrets unknown to the other men (Jett & Sebastian) until now. While searching for a serial killer, they also await the discovery of the fourth of their kind to come together for a greater purpose. (oooh, can you feel the anticipation?!!)

Here's an excerpt to wet your appetite:

George didn’t bother to conceal his irritation when Aaro approached. He crumpled his napkin and dropped it next to his plate. “You’re food isn’t ready yet?”

Oh, how Aaro loved arrogant blow-hards. He grinned, and pulled out an empty chair. “No. So I’ll just sit with you guys for a minute. You don’t mind, right?” he asked George, then turned to Darcy.

He caught the quick snicker she tried to mask with a delicate cough and a sip of iced tea. She was something. Reaching onto her plate, Aaro stole an olive. He didn’t like olives, but it served to move her eyes to his face where he could send her a not-so-subtle wink.

George made a show of tugging up the sleeve of his Armani shirt to look at his three thousand dollar watch, even though there was a wall clock mounted less than five feet away.

“You have to get back to work,” he said, signaling their waiter for the check.

Aaro took Darcy’s hand, rubbing her wrist with his thumb. Her breath caught, an action that was mimicked by her pulse under his touch. “Do you have to leave so soon?”

She nodded, dumbly, as the waiter set down the leather check folder, thanked them for coming, and strode away. George stood, pulled a money clip from his pocket and slapped down a wad of cash, without seeming to count it.

“In that case, let me say goodbye,” Aaro said.

He leaned from his chair to hers, sliding his hand beneath her sleek ponytail and behind her neck, gently pulling her toward his waiting mouth.

The touch of her warm, flavorful lips had him pressing closer, flexing his fingers against the smoothness of her neck, resisting the desire to slide his hand down her back or to open her mouth to his probing tongue.

He’d thought he knew what he was doing. He’d meant for it to be a sweet peck on the lips, just a harmless show—

No he hadn’t. He’d meant it to be hot and searing, meant it to put that pansy, George, in his place and let him know he would never kiss Darcy like this, never evoke the response she was giving now. Only he didn’t expect his own response to be quite so urgent. Didn’t expect it to induce visions of clearing the table off with one swipe and taking her there in a crowded restaurant.

And he certainly didn’t expect the absolute silence when he reined himself in enough to back slowly away, brushing his thumb over her flushed cheek. Darcy’s eyes shimmered with heat, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she reached for her drink.

But, George didn’t give her time to sip. Moving around Aaro’s still recovering form, he took Darcy by the hand and shuffled her outside.

Aaro sat there a few more seconds, working out in his own mind what just happened. He felt…possessive. What was that about? He swallowed, hard, and looked around. Every eye in the place was focused on him, including Kate’s, her cheeks deep pink as she fanned a white cloth in front of her face.

Embarrassed, he tried a half smile as he walked back to the counter. He’d never been out of control in public before.

“So, that steak done?”

Kate chuckled. “Yes. And it’s on the house.”


Ready to buy it and read it all? Of course you are!! Pop over to Amazon, or click the book photo/name in this post Descended~Aaro

And be sure to visit Dana Pratola online to learn about her other novels, and keep up-to-date on future books. You can find Dana on Facebook, Twitter (@DanaPratola), Goodreads, or at her website, Dana Pratola ~ Author.  

A Good Man is Good

In my new novel, SHE'S MINE (releasing December 1, 2014), Caitlin Harrington struggles to know how to tell if someone is truly a good person or merely a wolf in sheep's clothing. She recently dated a guy she met at Bible Study, thinking his apparent interest in learning about God and Jesus indicated that he was a good man. He wasn't good. At all. She flees from him, returning to her childhood hometown where she has a new job. And meets Sean Taggart, who seems like a great guy. Almost too perfect, in fact.

Fear chilled Caitlin. On the one hand, the idea was romantic, joining with the man she loved and becoming one. On the other hand, what if the guy wasn’t what at first he seemed to be? She’d get her heart broken, or worse. If only there was a way to tell if Sean was the nice guy he appeared to be or actually a slimy creep like Adam.

Caitlin bowed her head. “Lord, please forgive me. I’ve been trying to figure this out on my own. But I need to lean on you. Please show me the right path. Help me choose correctly.”

At this point, Caitlin turns to her Bible and reads Luke 6:45. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

Seems too good to be true, doesn't it? That's exactly how Caitlin feels. Yet it is true. When

Image courtesy of Savour Sisterhood

your heart is filled with goodness, you speak more kindly, are more helpful, and are just generally a good person. People whose hearts are filled with evil are generally bad. Take a moment to think about the people you interact with daily. See, it's true. But there's more to it, something we don't think about yet is crucially important. If you consider yourself a good person, don't fill your thoughts (and Facebook/Twitter status updates) with nasty things. That doesn't mean you can't disagree with someone. And certainly a little sarcasm used humorously in a way that isn't hurtful can bring about a laugh - which is good. But letting your head fill with thoughts of criticism of others or negativity about situations is like letting a cut get infected. Pretty soon the wound fester, oozes pus and smells bad, and if left untreated, it becomes a major problem. Yeah, it's natural to get down about things now and then. Current affairs are enough to drag anybody down into the pit of negativity. Don't go there! Fight it! Fill your thoughts with positives, things that make you smile. If someone else's discomfort or pain makes you smile, then you probably need to reconsider whether you are a good person or and evil one.

In SHE'S MINE, Caitlin first thought Adam was a good man because he attended church and Bible study. He expressed an interest in learning more about Christ. But it was all for show. After a few months, Adam's true personality became clear. Sean, on the other hand, is kind and considerate to everyone, well-liked and respected in the church and town-wide. He has a fantastic rapport with the kids on his Little League team, including Caitlin's best friend's sons. Good overflows from his heart. Too bad Caitlin had treated him so coldly in their earlier encounters. Dared she hope Sean might be willing to forgive her? 

SHE'S MINE, the new contemporary romantic suspense by Tammy Doherty, is now available on Kindle and coming soon in print on Amazon

Excerpt from "Celtic Knot" by Tammy Doherty

Today I'm offering an excerpt from my third novel, CELTIC KNOT. After reading it, be sure to leave a comment. Next Friday, I'll randomly choose one person from all the comments to win a FREE copy of 'Celtic Knot' - either print or eBook.

Excerpt:

Before Abby could respond to her daughter’s obvious infatuation with this stranger, the front door banged open and heavy footsteps rapidly crossed the store. A small grimace crossed Abby’s face before she could stop it. With a pang of shame she saw that the stranger noticed her sour expression. He turned away without comment.

“Where’s my girls?” a deep voice boomed.

“Boone!” Millie squealed and threw herself at him.

Boone caught up Millie, twirling her about in the open space in front of the counter. He set her down carefully before turning his attention to Abby.

“Abby, I been looking for you this morning. Thought maybe you would like to join me for breakfast.”

“Good morning, Boone.” Abby forced herself to be cordial. It wasn’t as if she didn’t care for Boone, just not the way he wanted her to. “I’m afraid Millie and I already had our morning meal.”

“Pshaw,” Boone dismissed. “You couldn’t possibly have eaten yer fill.”

For a split second, Abby felt grateful to God. The feeling passed quickly. “Oh, but we did eat our fill and then some. We shared breakfast with the Stantons.”

This time Boone frowned. “The preacher’s family? What you doing over there?”

“Jennifer and Millie are friends, if you must know.” What she really wanted to say was that it was none of his business.

Out of the corner of her eye, Abby saw the stranger make his purchase and move to leave the store. He politely pretended not to hear the conversation even though he was less than three feet away. At the same time, Boone became aware of the man’s presence.

“You,” Boone pointed. “You new in town?”

“Could say that,” Kyle answered vaguely.

“Ya’ are, or ya’ could say that, which is it?”

“Both, I reckon.”

“Look, mister,” Boone stood toe to toe with Kyle, their eyes level with one another. “I’m the law in these here parts an’ it’s my job to know about newcomers to town. An’ I ain’t partial to your wiseacre answers.”

“Well, I guess that makes us even, ‘cause I’m not partial to your lewd, nosy attitude.” Kyle held Boone’s gaze, as if daring the other man to make something of his answer.

Boone stared back, unblinking. He wouldn't back down from a stare-off. Most cowpunchers either worked for Raymond Bigelow or were just passing through Prophecy. Bigelow hands generally knew their place when it came to Boone Warren. Rambling men were naturally intimidated by Boone’s large size and the way he carried himself. This man was quite obviously not intimidated or impressed.

Tension thickened the air as each man waited for the other to back down. Abby noticed that while Boone’s gun rested in its customary place at his hip, the stranger was unarmed. If Lachapelle noted this fact he made no sign that it mattered. And though she well knew how apt Boone was with his fists, she began to wonder if perhaps this newcomer might be able to best him in a fight. She wasn’t willing to find out the answers to any of these questions.

“That’s enough,” she scolded sharply. “I’ll not have such a show of childish violence in front of my daughter.”

Even the sharpness in her voice did not break the staring match. Abby frowned and forced herself between the two men, shoving Boone backwards. He broke eye contact with Lachapelle and turned his gaze to her.

“I’m ashamed of you, Boone Warren.” Her voice was quiet, yet forceful. “You really must learn your manners.”

He dipped his head as if apologizing, but only to Abby and only for a moment. His anger was barely veiled as he looked again at Lachapelle. “Make sure you're on your best behavior when in my town. I don’t tolerate any hooliganism. Understood?”

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Be sure to leave a comment with your email or contact information. And if you'd like to see what I envision the characters and locations look like in CELTIC KNOT, check out my Pinterest board for the novel: http://www.pinterest.com/tdinishowen/celtic-knot/ I'd love to connect with you on my Facebook author page, too!

Don't want to wait to start reading CELTIC KNOT? Download it now for $3.99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or for other eReaders check out Smashwords.

Read an excerpt of DARKEST HOUR!

As promised, here is a peek into DARKEST HOUR by Nike Chillemi. I know you'll be hooked! Download the full novel for Kindle or Nook today!!

DARKEST HOUR by Nike Chillemi

(From Chapter one…)

A black coach resembling an ambulance drove into the lot. An older man in overalls pulled a collapsible gurney out of the back and raised its bed to hip level. Its chrome gleamed.

The night orderly and two nurses getting off the night shift stopped to watch.

The brown-haired man pointed to the gurney and his voice carried. "They finally allocated some funds my way. Makes transporting much easier. Oscar and I used to carry them on a stretcher. My back sure is grateful to the board of supervisors."

The detective laughed. "Don't you county guys have all the dough you want?"

"Who're you kidding?"

The gurney's wheels rumbled across the gravel parking lot. The older man pulled on the straps of his overalls."Hank, you ready to move the body?"

The stylish man nodded. "Let's do it." They lifted the body onto the gurney and the man in overalls covered Dr. McCloud with a white sheet. Blood seeped through and began spreading.

Lucinda gasped, took another step back, stumbled, but managed to keep her footing. She straightened her spine. She still had to go into that building and work a full day. She had a son to support.

The detective nodded toward the body. "By the size of the hole in his chest, I'd guess he was shot with a pistol, maybe at close range. I need to have the bullet as soon as you recover it."

"Then by all means, you'll be my guest at the autopsy."

"Gee, thanks." The detective shook his head.

The debonair man chuckled, turned, and approached Lucinda.

A tremor ran down her back. More questioning, and all she wanted to do was run and hide. She sniffled and wiped her nose with the side of her index finger.

He reached into his inside pocket and offered her a folded white handkerchief. "It's rough if you've never seen anything like this. I'm Hank Jansen, the medical examiner, by the way."

Lucinda's gaze followed the gurney to the black coach. "He was my boss."

"You work at the hospital for Dr. McCloud?"

"Yes. I... I'm his secretary... was, I mean. And Dr. Hinsey's too." She couldn't believe the doctor's life had ended this way.

Detective Daltry barked, "Hank, can I speak with you?"

"Excuse me." The medical examiner stepped away.

"Wait." Lucinda quickly refolded the handkerchief and handed it back to him. She didn't know this man. Wouldn't begin to know how to return the white cotton cloth. "Don't forget this."

"Take it with you. The day's not over. Things could still get rough." He smiled.

"No, I can't take your hankie."

"Listen, I'll pick it up the next time I'm at the hospital. You say you work for Dr. Hinsey?"

"Hank," the detective called, impatience sharp in his tone.

"Yes, Dr. Hinsey is the head of the maternity ward. I'll launder it and have it ready for you."

The medical examiner nodded and smiled. "It's a date. I mean, I'll stop by and pick it up." He turned and trotted toward the detective.
Lucinda slipped the handkerchief into her purse. She headed for the main entrance of the hospital, bent and picked up a fountain pen in the gravel lot.

She pivoted and advanced toward the two men.

The detective made a chopping gesture with his hand and raised his voice. "I'm not fooling, Hank. Don't go putting another notch in your belt. She's a witness."

"Can't a fellow do a simple act of kindness?"

"I'm warning you, stay away from her." The detective spun around and nearly collided with Lucinda.

Heat rushed to her face, and she couldn't meet either man's gaze. If the ground would only open and swallow her. She held the pen out to Detective Daltry. "Uh...I…I'm sorry. I think you dropped this."

See - you want more, don't you! Get the rest on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Visit Nike on her blog to find out about future novels, and other fun crime writing stuff: Nike Chillemi~Crime Fictionista

Betrayal everywhere! Can Lucinda trust Hank in her DARKEST HOUR?

This week I'm thrilled to be showcasing DARKEST HOUR the latest novel from my critique partner and partner-in-crime, Nike Chillemi. We met many years ago through ACFW, quickly discovering we share a warped sense of humor. She calls me "Blondie" and I call her "Red" (when I'm not calling her "fearless leader"!).

Nike's first three novels in the award-winning Sanctuary Point series have been well received. Readers look forward to strong female protagonists and truly heroic male protagonists. As she frequently says, Nike likes her villains to be bad. All of her characters come alive in each story, feeling as real as the people you meet out on the street. Below is a short interview with Nike. Come back Wednesday for a sneak-peek excerpt of DARKEST HOUR.

Lucinda Byrne lost her husband and parents at sea. When she discovers the body of her boss, his A-List society finacee, backed up by her powerful family and a corrupt DA, acuses Lucinda of murder. She struggles on, shielding her five-year-old son, her feisty grandfather and arthritic grandmother from the ugliness of her situation. She mistrusts the dapper ME, thinking he's a ladies' man, but soon realizes he may be the only one in her corner. 

Hank Jansen, the county ME who's had his share of pain and loss, doesn't know if this little widow was in on the murder, but he knows by the trajectory of the bullet she's too short to have pulled the trigger. His professional opinion ignored, he begins his own investigation and at least one cop accuses him of an ethics violation. He certainly can't deny he's fallen head over heals for the accused, and also is crazy about her son. A huge problem is there's a leak inside the investigation and the murderer is always one step ahead of them.

Nike has graciously answered a few questions for my blog:

Blondie (that's me!): Is there anything that happened in the writing of this novel that surprised you?

Red (that's Nike!): I thought my heroine Lucinda Byrne had two sweet grandparents who would stay in the background and just...well look sweet. However, Nellie and Daniel Walsh took me by surprise. I hadn't planned on Mrs. Walsh having crippling arthritis and on that illness becoming a sub-theme in the novel. So, I had to research how severe arthritis was treated in the 1940s. As his wife's role in the novel grew and blossomed, Mr. Walsh also made himself known as an elderly gentleman of honor and dignity with quite a backbone. Then I began to depict them engaging each other as a married couple. They weren't content to remain in the background. They insisted on coming to life.

Blondie: How did you develop the plot for DARKEST HOUR and how did you come up with the name?

Red: In my Sanctuary Point series, one novel flows out of another. Main characters in one novel will appear as subordinate characters in the next one. Hank Jansen, the Nassau County Medical Examiner, first appeared in my Christmas/New Year's novel in the series, GOODBYE NOEL. Then he popped up at the murder scene in PERILOUS SHADOWS. I got to like him and thought he'd be a terrific hero. He is the most flawed of my heroes, but like all my others, he seeks to right injustice. So, he needed a heroine, but I wanted a gal who would be put off by him at first. So, I created a widow with a young son who is dignified and protective of her family. At first she thinks Hank is a ladies' man and too cavalier for her taste. Then, of course, he grows on her. It helps that he's practically the only one who thinks she's innocent of murder. The name DARKEST HOUR came to mind because things in this story get so scary for the heroine.

Blondie: When we first meet Hank Williams it would never occur to us he'd take any personal risks to help a young woman he hardly knew. How did you create this character?

Red: That's right. Hank wouldn't be seen as a man to go out on a limb for anyone. It's not that he's cowardly. He's got a backbone. It's just that he's been so hurt in the past he doesn't extend himself for other people. He's as surprised as anyone when he decides to help Lucinda Byrne. Perhaps it's because his professional opinion has been ignored, and the one thing he's got left is his career. Then he begins to see her as someone who's being unjustly hurt. He can certainly identify with that.

Be sure to visit again on Wednesday to read an excerpt from DARKEST HOUR. If you haven't read any of Nike's other novels, you can get them at Amazon or Barnes and Noble when you pop over to order DARKEST HOUR!

Author Bio:
Like so many writers, Nike Chillemi started writing at a very young age. She still has the Crayola, fully illustrated book she penned (penciled might be more accurate) as a little girl about her then off-the-chart love of horses. Today, you might call her a crime fictionista. Her passion is crime fiction. She likes her bad guys really bad and her good guys smarter and better.
She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and is its Chairman, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 and 2012 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. BURNING HEARTS, the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, finaled in the Grace Awards 2011 in the Romance/Historical Romance category. GOODBYE NOEL, the second book in the series released in December, 2011 won the Grace Award 2011 in the Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller category. PERILOUS SHADOWS, third in the series released July, 2012, and DARKEST HOUR, the fourth in the series released in February, 2013. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/