Aloha to Siera London and CHASING FLAMES

How did I miss the release of this book back in October?!?

This Cinderella story involves a hottie hero and a bumpy carriage ride to happily ever after!

Waitress, Symphony Porter’s obsession with fire has made her a target for distrust and rejection. She’s broke and with her home weeks away from foreclosure, she’s eager to drive to Key West to claim an unexpected inheritance. Symphony arrives in town expecting a quick exit, but soon stumbles into trouble—to include six feet three inches of scorching hot danger to her heart. With time running out, the last thing Symphony needs is a handsome investigator hot on her trail.

Fire investigator, Nathan Zachary has had enough relationships crash and burn, that he knows at first sight that Symphony is the woman for him. He’s ready to make the saucy waitress a permanent part of his life, but a series of random fires puts Symphony on a collision course with Nathan’s case. As the spark of attraction ignites between them, so does the danger and suspicion.

Siera is one of the hosts for the Beach Blanket Bingo (link) at the RT Booklovers' Convention. She's also a fellow veteran ...

Contemporary romance and women's fiction is my therapy of choice. I served 22 years in the United States Navy as a registered nurse before I decided to focus on my writing career. It's never too late, to follow your heart's desire.

I live in Florida Keys with my husband and a color patch tabby named Frie. I am a pet lover at heart. I would gladly welcome more furry friends into the household; however, I had to guilt my husband into the cat. As a native Floridian, it's nice to leave the DC weather in the rearview mirror.

When I'm not writing, I love getting lost between the pages of a great book. I get a thrill searching through recipe books with my sister in-law. I enjoy cooking huge meals to share with friends and family. I would like to think I'm a pretty good cook since folks keep showing up at the front door to eat my food. 

Learn more about Siera and her books at sieralondon.com.

Key West

I am giving away a digital copy of CHASING FLAMES plus beach swag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about recipe books .. which thrill Siera. What recipes are do you need next week for Thanksgiving? My family enjoys baked corn for Turkey Day.

2. Comments are open through Sunday, November 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, November 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Nancy Lee Badger and WHEN LOVE CONQUERS TIME

Nancy Lee Badger has banded together with three other talented authors to create a boxed set released on March 2nd. The collection, When Love Conquers Time, contains over 1,000 pages of time travel romances set from the 14th century to the late 20th century. Kilted Highlanders, shape-shifters, vampires, pirates, dragons, soldiers, and more will give readers hours of adventurous reading. Here are the Book blurbs:

MORAG'S TEARS (Celtic Storm Series Book 5) by Ria Cantrell

Step back in time to the beautiful Highlands of Scotland in the 14th century. Come and sit with us by the warm peat fire as Morag, the much loved character from Ria Cantrell's bestselling Celtic Storm series tells the story of her life. From a child, gifted in the ancient ways, to a beautiful young woman in love, Morag weaves her rich tapestry of tales. She is a mystical seer, healer, manipulator of time and chatelaine to the clan MacCollum. You will feel as if you are walking alongside her on her life's journey. Share her tears of joy as well as a few sad ones, as she recounts the triumphs and tribulations of a long life filled with love in its many guises.

SEA PANTHER by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Can love mend a fractured soul? After evading arrest for Jacobite activities, Scottish nobleman Robert MacLachlan turns privateer. A Caribbean Voodoo priestess curses him to an eternal existence as a vampire shifter torn between the dual natures of a Florida panther and an immortal blood-thirsting man. For centuries, he seeks to reverse the black magic whilst maintaining his honor. Cruising the twenty-first century Atlantic, he becomes shorthanded to sail his 90-foot yacht, Sea Panther. The last thing he wants is a female crewmember and the call of her blood. 

Although she swore never to sail again after her father died in a sailing accident, Kimberly Scot answers the captain's crew wanted ad to escape a hit man. She's lost everything, her fiancé, her job, and most of her money, along with money belonging to her ex-clients. A taste of Kimberly's blood convinces Robert she is the one woman who can claim the panther's heart. To break the curse, they travel back in time to where it all began—Jamaica 1715.

MY RELUCTANT HIGHLANDER by Nancy Lee Badger

Skye Gunn could not prevent her husband’s death, and will risk everything to defeat the sorcerer she blames. When he attacks her nephew, she is taken, instead. She escapes by plunging into the North Sea, and a spell takes her back to the future, to Jake. The woman who haunted his dreams since she blackmailed him into traveling back in time falls from the sky, beaten and bloody. He must trust her as they return to ancient Scotland. To survive, he and Skye must dare to love in the time they have.

REFLECTIONS OF LOVE by Paul A. Crust

As a result of a head injury suffered in the Gulf War, antiques dealer, Jason Hobbs is the victim of total amnesia. After investing a great deal of time and money trying to unlock his past, he has resigned himself to the fact that he may never fully know his own true identity. Life goes on and in the course of his business Jason acquires an old dresser with an oval mirror among a shipment of antique pieces from England. That same evening, strange images start to appear, reflected in the old mirror, and the mournful sound of a woman weeping can be heard, echoing through the night air. As he searches for answers to the mysterious events which began the day the dresser came into his possession, the past and present collide, bringing events from World War 1 crashing to his doorstep. A shocking revelation will rock his world, changing his perception of who he really is.

When Love Conquers Time, a four-author boxed set, is available at AMAZON for only $.99 (Free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers) Learn more about the authors:

Morag’s Tears by Ria Cantrell: Facebook Twitter

Sea Panter by Dawn Marie Hamilton: Facebook Twitter

My Reluctant Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger: Website Facebook

Reflections of Love by Paul A. Crust: Facebook

Mahalo, Nancy, for sharing WHEN LOVE CONQUERS TIME with us!  Nancy is giving away a digital copy of WHEN LOVE CONQUERS TIME to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Answer Nancy's question, If you could go back in time, WHEN would you visit?
I'd love to see the Hawaiian Kingdom during its close relationship with Victorian England.  Notice the clock atop of the Aloha Tower

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Inés Saint and NEEDS A LITTLE TLC

Hubby and I recently bought an older home that will require some updating ... I wonder if the Amador Brothers are available!   NEEDS A LITTLE TLC is Book 2 in the series ... 

In Spinning Hills, Ohio, “quirky” is a good thing—especially the charming houses that line the streets. One by one, the Amador brothers are restoring them, committed to a new beginning for the old-fashioned town. But they’re learning that every house needs a heart to be a home…

Real estate agent Cassidy Morgan specializes in historic homes, but her own history is something she likes to avoid. Back in Spinning Hills for the first time in ten years, she has a chance to put her small agency on the map as the premier realtor of restored houses. But it means a partnership with the one man she’s never forgotten—and can’t quite resist…

Sam Amador doesn’t quit—and he doesn’t run away from his problems, like a certain stubborn, extremely attractive real estate agent did all those years ago. Working with Cassie is a risk, but Sam knows his heart is more likely to suffer than his renovation business. How can he convince her that this time, Spinning Hills is where she belongs—and that his love has always been hers?

Inés Saint was born in Zaragoza, Spain. She’s bilingual and bicultural and has spent the last decade raising her fun, inspiring little boys and sharing her life with the man of her dreams. Her greatest joy is spending quality time with the family members and close friends who happen to provide the inspiration for both the nutty and wise things her characters say and do.

inessaint.com

Victorian home where I lived near Boston -
it was renovated in 70s chic.

Inés is giving away a digital copy of NEEDS A LITTLE TLC to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about home renovations - any advice?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Inés offers an excerpt from NEEDS A LITTLE TLC .... 

“I knew you were listening, and I knew you didn’t have it in you to be a silent anything. Why are you using your mom’s last name? Hiding from someone?”

Cassie closed her eyes and counted to ten, again. The words, we’re both professionals, Mr. Amador, let’s begin by treating each other as such, were at the tip of her tongue. True words. A perfect comeback. But she and Sam had been the best of childhood friends, and Sam’s words were just as true. After all, he had somehow known she was listening. But he didn’t have to know that if she could crawl through the airwaves, come out the other side, and hit him with his phone, she would.

*

Sam leaned back in his chair and tried to think above the many feelings coursing through him. Part of him had gone back to a time when he’d known Cassie like the back of his hand, and he couldn’t help but enjoy the situation. Ten years might have passed, but there was no doubt in his mind she’d hit him over the head with his own phone at that moment if she could.

“Sam?” she finally spoke.

“I’m here.” It was a normal response, but something within him recognized a deeper truth. He swallowed hard.

“Life is funny, right? It looks like our old shared interests have brought about the possibility of a business partnership. I can guarantee we’re right for the job, and I’d like my associate to meet with you soon to discuss it. When would be a good time for you?”

All business. He’d never heard her like that. They weren’t the same people they’d once been. Maybe she didn’t even want to hit him over the head with his phone.

Book 1 in the series ...

Aloha to Diane Barnes and WAITING FOR ETHAN

 

Diane Barnes is celebrating the release of her debut novel, WAITING FOR ETHAN:

When Gina Rossi was in junior high, her best friend’s psychic grandmother got everything right—from predicting that Gina would break her arm and travel to Italy, all the way to leading police to a missing neighborhood child. The one time Gina didn’t listen to her, she almost got herself killed. So when she says that Gina will marry a man named Ethan—but she will have to wait for him—Gina believes her, and waits…

Now thirty-six, Gina’s Mr. Right is nowhere in sight—until the day she’s stranded in a snowstorm, and rescued by the last type of Ethan she expected. It’s very romantic, yet surprisingly not. This Ethan is sexy, and clearly her hero. Still, instead of her “Aha” moment, Gina’s confused. And when Ethan is happy to discover she’s single, does Gina dare tell him, It’s because I've been waiting for you? But the bigger question is, does she dare question destiny—by taking it into her own hands? And is she brave enough to handle what happens once it’s time to stop waiting—and start living?

Diane hails from the great white north known as Massachusetts ... from her bio:

Though she always dreamed about being the shortstop for the Boston Red Sox, Diane Barnes is a marketing writer in Massachusetts. She participates in two monthly writing groups and regularly attends novel writing workshops in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts. She started “Waiting for Ethan” as a challenge to participate in National Novel Writing Month. The original story was about a character who dated a string of freshly divorced men who all had issues with their ex-wives. She won’t say if it was autobiographical.

In 2012, Diane was one of eight writers who attended the Boston Writers’ Studio, an exclusive four-day intense writing workshop taught by bestselling author Elizabeth Berg. Diane says having her idol read her work was a moment she’ll never forget.

When not crafting novels, Diane spends her time playing tennis, going to the beach or watching her beloved Red Sox. She completed her first half marathon last year (to combat her love of chocolate) and lives in central Massachusetts with her husband Steve; they often fantasize about moving to Turks and Caicos – for the winter months at least.

DianeMBarnes.com

The ducks in Boston Common

Diane is giving away a digital copy of WAITING FOR ETHAN to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Boston - have you visited Bean Town?  I lived in nearby Malden for three years when I worked at Hanscom AFB.  I have many happy memories of Boston.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Diane offers an excerpt from WAITING FOR ETHAN: 

He laughs. “It was a matter of survival. Leah’s idea of cooking is slapping peanut butter and jelly on burnt toast.”

After his reaction in the living room, I’ve been careful not to mention her or the picture, but since he brought her up, I figure she’s fair game now. “So, do you really not see a resemblance between me and Leah?”

“A lot of women have long dark hair and brown eyes, Gina.” He picks up his plate and takes it to the sink. I do the same.

“It’s more than that,” I say as he rinses his plate.

He yanks on the handle of the faucet to shut the water off. “Believe me, Gina, you’re nothing alike.” I can’t tell if it’s a good thing, the way he says it. We work in silence. When the kitchen is clean, he wraps his arms around me. “Sorry. Leah’s hundreds of miles away, and she’s still screwing up my life. Believe me, you’re nothing alike. You’re so much prettier than she is.” He kisses me softly, and my body responds the same way it always does. It’s not unusual for men to be attracted to a certain type of woman, I think, as I kiss him back. Ethan’s type is dark hair, brown eyes, and olive skin. No different from me liking men with blue eyes and dark hair. He’s backed me against the counter, and his kisses are rougher now. He whispers again as his fingers glide down my body unfastening buttons, “And so much sexier.” I feel the counter’s hard edge cutting into my back as Ethan’s body presses into mine. By the time he lifts me and carries me into his room, I’ve forgotten all about the picture of Leah.

Old South Meeting House in Boston

Aloha to Debra Holt and MERCY'S RESCUE

 

A reader asked where do my stories come from…do they just pop up unbidden in my mind or do I research for hours or is there some other magical process I could share? There isn’t any magic involved. Most of my story ideas pop up without warning in the least likely places…and without warning. A prime example of this is I passed a billboard one day on a major expressway. Of course, I was going at a good rate of speed at the time. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the sign’s message and in the blink of an eye, I saw the title of the book and by the time I arrived at my destination five hours later, I had four chapters dictated.

My current book, Mercy’s Rescue, releasing August 10th, came along in much the same way…out of the blue in more ways than one. I was sitting next to the window in my local Barnes and Noble, sipping on my favorite drink there, an old-fashioned cream soda. A noise caught my attention from outside and I soon saw a red air-evac helicopter zooming by across the parking lot in route to our major trauma center. At that moment, a story flashed into my head and I grabbed the pen and began writing my jumbled notes on the blank page of the journal I had yet to purchase.

I knew that I wanted the story to be about a rescue. But then, I wanted to add a twist…make it a double rescue of the hero and the heroine. The result was that the hero is rescued by the heroine and her air-evac team. In turn, in the course of the story, he ends up rescuing her in a different way. No matter what, they both end up with the perfect ending.

It’s funny, but almost as soon as the idea for the story pops into my mind, I also envision the perfect title. Some authors tell me I am definitely blessed to have that ability. They agonize at length over the correct title for their work I am told. I used to sit down and be able to churn out a 55,000 word manuscript in a week’s time (and that is working a full-time job also). Those were the days. Now, it might take two or three weeks…maybe four. I am striving for 80,000 word count now and that is tough. Again, some writers might take a few months or even a year to produce one book. That is great, too. Each writer is different in how they approach their writing. I love to hear how other authors write. There isn’t one tried and true formula for any of us. Once you do find what works for you, don’t let anyone discourage you from it.

It never would have occurred to me to try to write an 80,000 word manuscript. But I have an agent who loves to challenge me. (nice word for it) I didn’t think I could actually do it. It did take me some time and lots of moans and groans along the way. However, the feeling of elation when I finished it at 80,009 words was exhilarating. I had pushed my limits and they didn’t break. LOL Whether I will attempt another 80,000 word book is still under consideration. Again, be true to yourself and know your strengths and your weaknesses. The most important thing is that at the end of the day, you can be happy with what you placed on the blank page. Always keep your mind open and be ready for surprises.

Mercy’s Rescue definitely came to me from out of the blue sky one Saturday morning. I knew this romance was going to be a bit different from the others I write. And it found a perfect home with Sandie Bricker at the new imprint, Bling! Romance. She told me their line would be romance with an edge. I admit I had no idea what that meant at the time. But she read my story and thought Mercy was perfect to launch the line. It is always a bit painful to watch your child (book) strike out on its own. But it is time for it to fly on its own wings. I hope you, the readers, will like it. Mercy and Josh are special characters to me and their story is a wonderful romance…with an edge! Happy reading!

MERCY'S RESCUE

Finding himself fighting for his life after an ambush, Sheriff Josh Wellman awakens to find himself looking into the eyes of a real-life angel of mercy.

When their hands touch, he knows his life has changed in that instant.

But devastating heartbreak has left Mercy Smith’s faith in tatters, her heart guarded against more loss. Her dedication to the air evac trauma team she leads has insulated her from the realities of the earth below, so now Josh faces the biggest challenge of his life.

Can he find a way to get past the walls around Mercy and convince this angel to stay on the ground with him? Can Mercy open her heart to life again and find a way to restore her faith in God…as well as love?

Purchase Mercy’s Rescue from Amazon.

Born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings (ah, romance!). 

Debra’s real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance, Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary western romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles...and sighs...to all who believe in happily-ever-after’s.

Debra invites you to visit her website at debraholtbooks.com. She loves to hear from other aspiring authors or readers via email at debraholtbooks@gmail.com or follow her on twitter @debraholtbooks.

Debra is giving away a digital copy of MERCY'S RESCUE.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment at the zoo - what's your favorite animal?  I've always admired the big cats.  From the National Zoo (link),

The Great Cats exhibit on Lion/Tiger Hill features Sumatran tigers and African lions—living, breathing, roaring great cats. They are ambassadors for their wild relatives, and for the Zoo's conservation and science initiatives for tigers, lions, and many other cats, which, even if not great in size, are still great!

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 15, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Wednesday's Warrior - Aloha to Karida Clarke and the Phoenix Warriors

It is my pleasure to host my fellow RomVet, Karida Clarke! From her bio,

Karida Clarke is a romance writer with a penchant for anything otherworldly. If it has scales, fur, poisoned talons, throws fire or casts magic spells, it might find its way into her stories. Karida likes her heroines multifaceted and her males swoon-worthy, Alpha-style. She believes that relationships matter more than things and places. In her free time, Karida enjoys lacing up for long runs and cooking ethnic cuisine. Pet peeves include Saran Wrap and people who don’t put their shopping carts away. Karida has an M.A. in English Literature, is a former college English instructor, and currently writes for a small newspaper. She lives with her nerd-tastic husband and two spunky kids in Ohio.

Learn more about Karida and her books at karidaclarke.com.

Kim:  Ohio! What is your favorite sight, sound, and smell of the Buckeye State?

Karida:  I grew up in the military and then served in the military, so I have lived in multiple states and countries. When my husband's job moved us here, I was skeptical that I would like it. Ohio has been an amazing surprise for me and my family. We love it here so much that we've decided to put down some roots and stay a while. Ohio is a beautiful, affordable state with four seasons, tons of activities and cultural opportunities, and a low cost of living. I love watching the leaves change colors in the fall and that I can go hiking across creeks with my kids during the day and then go watch a Broadway play with my husband in the evening. Truly, we have the best of both worlds here.

Kim:  Cooking ethnic cuisine - what is your favorite recipe? What is your favorite restaurant?

Karida:  I eat gluten-free, so ethnic cuisine is wonderful since other countries don't rely on wheat as much as the U.S. My favorite cuisines are Indian and Ethiopian. My favorite restaurant is either Ajanta India Restaurant in Kettering, OH, or Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant in Columbus, OH. No chain food--family restaurants with delicious food at good prices. As far as recipes, I love a good dal, a dish made from lentils and spices.

Kim:  Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?

Karida:  So many people have helped me as I've pursued writing and self-publishing my novels. My sister most of all--she introduced me to the paranormal romance genre years ago. My husband, too--he puts up with my mood swings and he understands the creative process. Self-publishing was a decision I made so that the product I put out there is true to my vision. Every aspect of the book--from the picture and font on the cover to the names of characters and content of the epilogue--is as I intended it, so the reader is getting the experience I want for them. I am grateful for an editor, proofreader, and cover artist that gets me. 

Kim:  Tell us about your books - what inspired them?

Karida:  I've published three books in my paranormal romance series, Phoenix Warriors, thus far. Paranormal romance is my favorite genre because it combines the fantasy of fairy tales with the heat and spice of a good romance. Rather than vampires and werewolves, which have been done well repeatedly, I chose to make my protagonists Phoenix because they are literally hot.

Kim:  What's next for Karida Clarke?

Karida:  The Phoenix Warrior series will contain six books. I've published three and am working on the fourth. Although all the books can be read as standalone novels, they contain the same characters, so you can learn tidbits about them by reading them in order.

I am also in a writer's group that is putting together a modern fantasy anthology, so I hope to begin writing a short story for that soon.

Air Force Memorial in Washington, DC

Mahalo,  Karida, for serving and writing!  I am giving away a digital copy of CAPTURED HEAT, Book 1 in the Phoenix Warriors series, to one randomly selected commenter.  

The Phoenix Warriors, a group of immortals bound by the gods to protect the integrity of the human realm from otherworldly races, have been led for centuries by Cole, a guarded alpha male.

When Cole learns that an ancient demon has discovered the location of a tool that will enable him to escape from the prison realm, Cole vows to find and safeguard it before the demon's vampire minions.

Rebecca Powell is a high school guidance counselor who is everyone's "lucky charm." She's just not so lucky herself. After being used a time too many, she's through with men...until she runs right into the one she can't resist.

Cole and Rebecca have both been burned before, but can they put aside their misgivings to protect the human realm and learn to love again?

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Ohio - what do you know about the Buckeye State?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, July 24, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 25.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Holly Bush and THE MAID'S QUARTERS

I met Holly Bush at the Liberty States Fiction Writers' conference in March.  We became instant friends and I invited her to visit us here at SOS Aloha.  From her bio,

I grew up in a home where I was surrounded by books. There was not a room that did not hold a bookcase, stack or shelves of books. My father didn't care what we read, although he did, as long as we read something, even a comic book. His stack of books beside his reading chair that sat next to a sunny window was a strange mix of westerns, political intrigue, current affairs, science fiction and the odd biography. Books made me curious, comforted me, excited me, scared me and gave me glimpses into lives and worlds beyond my reach. What a gift - the written word - what a gift!

Kim:  Western Pennsylvania! What is your favorite sight, sound, and smell of the Keystone State?

Holly:  I live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but was born and raised in Latrobe, in the western part of the state. While driving back on the turnpike recently it struck me, as it always does, how gorgeous Pennsylvania is with its magnificent views of patch-worked farms and forest lands, especially after exiting the Tuscarora or Blue Mountain Tunnels. It always makes me think about the Native Americans and the first settlers in our state and how some of the dense woods and topography that I am seeing now is the same that they saw centuries ago. It is no surprise they decided to carve out a home.

Spring time is a favorite season of mine and much of that can be attributed to the smell of turned dirt. There is something very basic, very primitive about that loam scent that reminds me of all the simplest and most treasured things in life. Being in Lancaster County is a boon for me, as it is home to some of the richest and most productive soil on the planet, and there is no shortage of turned fields in the spring. The smell outside of the Wilbur Bud chocolate factory, or of spaghetti sauce when it is simmering on the stove, and the perfume my mother wore all of her life are all somewhere at the top of this list as well.

Pennsylvania is not the only place in the world to hear laughter but it is the only place to hear the laughter of my daughters and grandchildren and husband and friends. I don’t mind the babble of a brook or the hiss of a campfire either.

Kim:  Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?

Holly:  My husband, daughters, and my sister have always been very supportive of my writing and my attempts at traditional publishing. I wrote query letters, mailed them, and waited for replies from a publisher or an agent about my books for a decade or more and my family was there to celebrate the positive and commiserate about the negative. I attended conferences and worked diligently to try and make my writing better and learn every lesson I could from those with more experience, but I was never able to land a contract or an agent. I had given up writing for about two years when Amazon began to offer self-publishing. My husband encouraged me to try selling one of my books there and I published Romancing Olive in November of 2011 and began to sell books and gather readers. I followed in the spring of 2012 with Train Station Bride, not knowing that mail order brides were a ‘thing.’ That book took off and I’ve never looked back. In addition to my family, I’ve met some wonderful folks along the way, bloggers and reviewers that were kind enough to share my books with their followers. I’ve been very fortunate!

Kim:  Tell us about THE MAID'S QUARTERS - what inspired it?

Holly:  The main character in The Maid’s Quarters is Alice Porterman. She is a character in the second book of the Crawford Family series, Contract to Wed, as a maid to Jolene Shelby. Alice was an integral player in how Jolene’s story unfolded, however she was never the focus of a section of that book as some other minor characters were and I always felt she had a story to tell.

Kim:  What's next for Holly Bush?

Holly:  The Crawford Family Series began with Train Station Bride where we meet the middle daughter, Julia. She agrees to marry an aging shopkeeper who she has corresponded with in order to escape a life of ridicule and begin a life of her own in South Dakota. A mix-up at the train station changes her plans irrevocable. Contract to Wed is the second book and is about Jolene Crawford Crenshaw Shelby, the oldest daughter, who is sometimes bitter and cold, but has had some tragedies in her life that she has never dealt with. She agrees to marry the brother of an acquaintance in order to continue in the elevated social position she is accustomed to. Jolene takes only her maid, Alice, with her when she moves to Texas. I am currently writing Jennifer’s story, the youngest Crawford daughter and am hoping to publish that book this fall.

It has been wonderful to be here! Thank you so much for having me! If anyone has questions, feel free to ask – I love to gab romance!

Mahalo, Holly, for sharing your historical world with us! Learn more about Holly and her books at hollybushbooks.com.

I am giving away a digital copy of THE MAID'S QUARTERS to one randomly selected commenter:

1893 . . . Alice Porterman is released from her duties as a maid and travels home to help her mother care for her sickly brother. But her mother and brother are not in their family home when Alice arrives and she learns the landlord, Albert Donahue, has evicted them into the harsh Boston winter.  Alice goes in search of him and is surprised at what she finds. 

Albert Donahue, an up-and-coming member of Boston’s elite, made his fortune through hard work and shrewd business deals. But his dreams of a family to share it with have not come true, perhaps until an impertinent young woman enters his home and won’t leave until she speaks to him. 

The Maid’s Quarters novella is part of the Crawford Family Series, featuring Jolene Shelby’s maid, Alice.

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Pennsylvania - what do you know about it?  My in-laws hail from Latrobe, home of Rolling Rock, Mr. Rodgers, and Arnold Palmer.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, July 25, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 26.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Lynn Cahoon and DRESSED TO KILL

Thanks for having me over to SOS Aloha today. Since it’s tourist season, I thought I’d give your readers a glimpse into South Cove, the tourist trap town my amateur sleuth, Jill Gardner has made her home.

Driving into town you take a right off Highway 1 on the central California coast. Turn left, and you’re in the parking lot of the public beach where Jill and Emma, her golden retriever, run most days.

The first house on the right is Jill’s. Miss Emily, willed it to her along with the block wall in the back. The California Historical Society is still debating if the wall is from the original Spanish mission site where South Cove’s first residents lived.

Across the street, in a house that is actually more run down than Jill’s, is where Esmeralda lives and runs her fortune telling shop. Typically, she’s only open on weekends since she also handles the police dispatch center part time. Watch out for Maggie, her black cat has a tendency to cross the road to visit Jill from time to time.

Walk farther in town and you’ll pass by Diamond Lille’s, the only full service diner in town. The food is great, especially the fish and chips. Just don’t get into an argument with the owner, she’ll ban you from the place for life. And Lille has a long memory.

City Hall is just down the road. In front of the building, there’s a cute little park with a fountain and a shed with a patio that Santa uses during the holidays to hold court. Mayor Baylor has his office just off the foyer, where Amy, Jill’s bestie, answers phones and handles any city planning issues. On the side of the building, the police station has its main entrance along with a couple of spaces to park the cruiser, when Toby’s not trolling for DUI’s.

Toby also works for Jill as her noon to five barista. Coffee, Books and more is on the other sides of the street, down from City Hall. It’s right next to Antiques by Thomas. Josh Thomas, the owner, is courting Jill’s Aunt Jackie.

Directly across the street, next to the cigar shop is The Glass Slipper. The owner, Marie Jones, sells her work there and holds stain glass classes in the evenings. And of course, there’s Austin’s bike rental shop, South Cove Winery, and a slew of bed and breakfast places.

And I haven’t even mentioned the new shop that just opened, in January. Vintage Duds is Sherry King’s new venture, selling gently used designer clothes. The perfect place for someone who likes name brand labels without the designer prices. Jill’s Aunt Jackie loves the plate. Jill’s trying to stay clear, not because she doesn’t like designer clothes, but mostly because Sherry is Jill’s boyfriend’s ex-wife. And past relationships should stay in the past.

Of course, they don’t. Which leads us to Dressed to Kill, Book 4 of The Tourist Trap mystery series. Jill’s going to have to get used to having Sherry around, at least she will if Jill can prove Sherry didn’t kill her new boyfriend. A sleuthing task that Jill doesn’t know if she wants to take on.

So what’s your favorite vacation spot? Comment below to win.

Lynn

Annapolis Book Shop 

Dressed to Kill

Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More in the tucked-away town of South Cove, California—is not particularly thrilled to be portraying a twenties flapper for the dinner theater murder mystery. Though it is for charity…

Of course everyone is expecting a “dead” body at the dress rehearsal…but this one isn’t acting! It turns out the main suspect is the late actor’s conniving girlfriend Sherry…who also happens to be the ex-wife of Jill’s main squeeze. Sherry is definitely a master manipulator…but is she a killer? Jill may discover the truth only when the curtain comes up on the final act…and by then, it may be far too late.
"Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true." --Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon is an Idaho native. If you’d visit the town where she grew up, you’d understand why her mysteries and romance novels focus around the depth and experience of small town life. Currently, she’s living in a small historic town on the banks of the Mississippi river where her imagination tends to wander. She lives with her husband and two fur babies.

lynncahoon.wordpress.com

Annapolis Book Shop 

Mahalo, Lynn, for sharing DRESSED TO KILL with us!  Lynn is giving away a digital copy of DRESSED TO KILL to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Answer Lynn's question - what's your favorite vacation spot?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 28.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Wednesday's Warriors - Aloha to Siera London, CHASING AVA, CONVINCING LINA, and Lessons of a Debut Author

Hobnobbing with Siera London was one of the highlights of the RT Booklovers' Convention in Dallas.  She is pure joy ... and a Navy vet, too!  From her bio,

Contemporary romance and women's fiction is my therapy of choice. I served 22 years in the United States Navy as a registered nurse before I decided to focus on my writing career. It's never too late, to follow your heart's desire.

I live in the Washington DC area with my husband and a color patch tabby kitten named Frie. I am a pet lover at heart. I would gladly welcome more furry friends into the household; however, I had to guilt my husband into the kitten. As a native Floridian, the DC weather makes me long for the sun rays on my face most days.

When I'm not writing, I love getting lost between the pages of a great book. I get a thrill searching through recipe books with my sister in-law. I enjoy cooking huge meals to share with friends and family. I would like to think I'm a pretty good cook since folks keep showing up at the front door to eat my food.

When I can whisk my husband away from his job we enjoy warm, sunny places anywhere in the world. We have plans to visit Peru this summer!

Siera is excited to reveal the cover of CONVINCING LINA, Book 2 in the Shell Cove series, available August 27:

My man-fast starts today.

Lina James, psychiatric nurse and self-proclaimed independent woman isn’t going to allow another man to walk out of her life. She’s declared a preemptive strike on the male species with a man-fast. There’s just one glitch in Lina’s detox plan, her boss–Gideon Rice.

Gideon Rice, veteran Marine and respected psychiatrist wants to bury his rejection filled past and start a new life in Shell Cove. His plan is simple–to fill his house with a wife and children. He’s taken strategic measures to ensure that old skeletons never jeopardize his present day persona.

When Lina finds herself in danger, Gideon comes to her aid. He soon discovers the full-figured beauty is just what he’s looking for in a wife.

As the threat closes in on them, how will Gideon shed the facade to unleash the Marine that can keep them alive and convince Lina she can trust him with her life and her love?.

I invited Siera to chat about what she learned from promoting her debut book, CHASING AVA ...

Kim:  What were your perceptions about book promotion before your debut release, Chasing Ava?

Siera:  I didn’t have a clear understanding of the difference between book promotion and book marketing. I thought, hey, if I connect with potential readers via social media the interaction would translate in sales. Sike! I also believed if I told readers about my book that would be enough. Wrong.

Kim:  What resources did you access to coordinate book reviews and promote your book?

Siera:  I’m grateful that I attended a book marketing presentation about 90 days before my book released. At that event I hired the marketing company to help me identify my target audience, and then design a marketing plan for my debut release. The marketing team created a 60-second book trailer, story memes, Facebook ads, a blog tour, and a Facebook party, etc. Hiring a marketing company was well worth the investment. I would like to believe I avoided some of the missteps of debut authors.

Kim:  What did you learn about readers, reviewers, and bloggers through this process?

Siera:  I learned there is a living cycle to the process. I learned that readers are very supportive, reviewers are judicious and bloggers are a key link between readers, reviewers and the author. Readers are truly interested in what a reviewer has to say about a published work. There is a trust factor. In addition, I learned the importance of asking readers to review your book. Potential readers do read book reviews. The more reviews, good, bad, or indifferent impact book sales. ALL have a key component of your book promotion strategy.

Kim: What social media did you prefer? What social media do you think was more conducive to promoting your book?

Siera:  Facebook is my drug of choice. I’m a Facebook toddler, but I enjoy sharing in the lives of my Facebook family.

My Facebook friends afford me the luxury of connecting with at least one person on the planet that will celebrate my good days and empathize on my bad days twenty-four hours a day. The day of my book release I hosted a Facebook party. My Amazon ranking rose from #97 to #31 in just two hours! Facebook was a marketing treasure chest for me.

With that, I do have to give Twitter it’s props…especially since I met most of my international readers on Twitter. 

Kim:  What would you do different for your next release?

Siera:  I would ask for help from my author and industry professionals network. I will spend more time writing the next books, rather than promoting the heck out of one book.

Visit my website: sieralondon.com

Follow me on Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

*Enter to win a Siera London swag bag when you subscribe to my mailing list by June 21, 2015.

E-mail me at: sieralondonwrites@gmail.com

Monastery of San Francisco, Lima, Peru

Public Domain (link)

Mahalo, Siera, for sharing your experience with us!  And, of course, thank you for serving!  I look forward to hearing about your trip to Peru!   I am giving away a digital copy of CHASING AVA to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What do you know about Peru?   

I'd love to visit Machu Picchu, the Inca historical site high in the mountains.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Machu Picchu in 1912

Public Domain (link)

Aloha to Julie Rowe and DEADLY STRAIN - Book 1 from the Biological Response Team

Julie Rowe is a dynamo - she is a long standing supporter of military families.  Julie is always smiling at conventions.   She generously shares her knowledge of Twitter.  Julie has authored a wide range of romance books.  From her bio,

Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor.

Julie is celebrating the release of  DEADLY STRAIN - Book 1 from the Biological Response Team:

Major Grace Samuels, a trauma surgeon deployed to Afghanistan, spends her life helping her fellow soldiers overcome disease and combat injuries. But her own wounds are harder to heal. Wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier, she finds comfort in her only friend and appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster.

Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of Anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.

Sharp is Grace’s most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can’t watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.

View of Band-e Amir in the Bamyan Province of Afghanistan
Referred to as Afghanistan's Grand Canyon
Public Domain (link)

DEADLY STRAIN is next in my reading queue and looking forward to it! I am giving away a digital copy of DEADLY STRAIN to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Canada - what do you know about about our Northern neighbor?  I know Canada has gorgeous landscapes!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 20, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Alberta, Canada
Public Domain (link)

Aloha to Jenna Jaxon and ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Wedding Dresses in Georgian England 

by Jenna Jaxon

Wedding dresses have always been a major part of that special day and this was equally true in the eighteenth century. Their customs concerning the wedding dress, however, were quite different than ours today. Much has changed in the almost three hundred years since.

The Georgian wedding gown was foremost an elegant and fashionable garment for the ladies in the ranks of the nobility. This in part stemmed from the idea that the gown, although worn first on one’s wedding day, would also be part of the bride’s regular wardrobe after the wedding. Therefore, current fashion was a great consideration when ordering the wedding gown.

Our usual vision of a wedding dress is of the long white satin gown with a train, encrusted with lace and pearls. But the white gown was brought into fashion almost a hundred and fifty years after the eighteenth century, by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Eighteenth century brides wore white gowns, but silver and blue were also popular colors. The color blue was especially trendy because in that era it was linked to purity more so than white. Blue was also associated with piety and the Virgin Mary. Some brides chose bold colors, such as deep blue, red, or purple for their wedding gowns because the darker shades helped hide dirt at the hems better. The only color brides avoided was green, which was considered unlucky due to its association with fairies.

The picture here is the wedding dress worn by Mary Chaloner in 1763 for her marriage to Colonel John Hale, from the McCord Museum. As you can see, prints were also popular for bridal wear.

Bridal gowns were also a way for families to show off their wealth and social status. Women’s dresses were expensive due to the sheer yardage needed for eighteenth century fashions. Wedding gowns were doubly so as they entailed not only the yards and yards of fine fabric (silk, velvet, satin), but also the costly lace and jewels often sewed onto the fabric. So if the bride appeared so sumptuously attired on her wedding day, her family would be showing all the world just how affluent they were.

In Only Marriage Will Do, because of the circumstances, we never get to see what Lady Juliet Ferrers wears to her wedding. But I suspect it would have conformed to the current standards that brides of the time adhered to.

A beach wedding dress ...

ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the hero of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the man claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero, Captain Amiable Dawson, to escort her to her family estate, hoping that along the way she can win his love.

Amiable is charmed by the sweet, beautiful woman he rescued, and although he has grave reservations about her marital status, he allows himself to be swept up into Juliet’s romantic spell and the promise of a happy-ever-after.

The spell breaks when legal questions arise and Juliet faces the horror of not knowing if she is married to her knight in shining armor or the cruel viscount who is determined to have her at any price.

Amazon

B & N

These Hawaiian flowers look like a bridal bouquet ...

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage. 

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as President of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. Her debut novel, Only Scandal Will Do, is the first in her House of Pleasure series, set in Georgian London. Only Marriage Will Do, the second book in the series, is set to release in June 2015 from Kensington. Her medieval serial novel, Time Enough to Love: Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered, is a Romeo & Juliet-esque tale, set at the time of the Black Death. The next book in that series, a short story called Beloveds, will release in May 2015.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

Find Jenna Jaxon online:

jennajaxon.wordpress.com
twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon

Facebook: link

Hawaiian wedding ... Gangnam style!

Mahalo, Jenna, for visiting us at SOS Aloha!  Jenna is giving away a digital copy of ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about wedding dresses - do you have a favorite style?  Do you have a favorite celebrity dress?  Do you watch Say Yes to the Dress?   I liked Angelina Jolie's dress with her children's drawings etched into the skirt.  

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City