The Value of Research in Writing Cultures of Long Ago by Skhye Moncrief

Skhye Moncrief, author of the Time Guardians, is here today to share her research about Love Potions. Let's give her a warm welcome.

I love quotes. You can do so much with them in writing fiction. I also find taking literature courses to study history is one of the most revealing ways to uncover cultural details for reconstructing a moment in time for the reader. Or I studied archaeology too long. [Note here: one must have deciphered the ancient text of extinct cultures to pluck details such as the one I am about to share with you. Without historical documentation, we have no evidence of what the culture's members thought. But I'm going with Shakespeare here. So, we're not in need of a Rosetta Stone.] Although, I have learned that it's truly difficult to understand period metaphors without guidance. I learned that truth while researching for my time traveling Druids in my Time Guardian series.

Just how in the heck do we even know what people did to snare their heart's desire? Well, I'm always on the hunt for great research books. Today, I'm sharing LOVE POTIONS by Julia Jones and Kenneth Ames. I've pulled this one out before when posting about love and romance. And since it's the month of love, why not revisit this treasure?

"Yet mark'd I where the bolt of Cupid fell,
It fell upon a little western flower, Before milk-white, now purple with love's wound,
And maidens call it Love-in-Idleness.
Fetch me that flower - the herb I showed thee once;
The juice of it on sleeping eyelids laid Will make a man or woman, madly dote
Upon the next live creature that it sees."
~William Shakespeare, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Jones & Ames, p. 17)

Jones and Ames note how legend describes pansies as initially being white but shot with Cupid's bow now wears the colors of the wounds caused by love. Pansies were called "heartsease" by the Celts and thought to cure the broken heart through the 17th Century (p. 16). They've provided a potion for those considering its use...

2 tsp heartsease
2-3 cloves 1 Tsp clear honey
1/2 pint red wine

Cover the herbs and spice with boiling water, cover, steep 10 mins. Strain. Sweeten with honey. Add wine. Warm and serve. (p.16). If your wip deals with a broken heart before the 17th Century in a culture affected by the Celts, this quote and potion can add an authentic romantic ambiance.

Now, my Celtic Time Guardians don't use heartsease. My humanitarians are from the future. My heroines use cinnamon incense to control their spouses. The burning incense triggers a hypnotic state in male time guardians. I figured girls need an upper hand! *wink* However, both the male and female order members use Highland Heather incense to attract spirits in hopes of receiving news of who their soul mates are during time-travel jaunts through history. Long story... But Highland Heather incense is known for ghost conjuring. And that just leaves open way too much conflict with all the things that could go wrong. *snicker* I'll just add everything else is history! Thanks for having me over, Karen. ~Skhye

"Arthur is a masterpiece..." HE OF THE FIERY SWORD's King Arthur ~Diane Mason; The Romance Studio

"A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and telling others to leave you alone until you're finished... spine-tingling suspense. Her words are so visually written. I didn't feel like I was reading at all, I felt like I was living the story myself. The story is dynamite; it explodes off the pages and leaves you breathless for more." FORBIDDEN ETERNITY ~Tulip, LASR

“THE SPELL OF THE KILLING MOON offers the best of spine-tingling suspense. The setting is perfect... Moncrief’s ability to wield magic and emotion are without compare. Her words twist together emotions and visuals until you experience this tale as if the trap were set for you. Some lines blend a kind of poetic magic: “Moonlight wove a special kind of magic, a spell so vacillating that a person never knew if reality were anything other than a dream.” Darkness and premonitions and deadly intent fill these pages... a unique blend of mystic Medieval Gothic and romance…and a true blood-curdling thriller. 5 books" ~Snapdragon, LASR

"Intense, original, suspenseful, and dramatic... an unpredictable topsy-turvy romance... the suspense builds with every page in SACRIFICIAL HEARTS. In a world where symbols mean everything, magic is the way..." ~Snapdragon; LASR

HE OF THE FIERY SWORD available at www.thewildrosepress.com

www.timeguardians.com

www.skhyemoncrief.com

"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~Ghandi

Interview with Karlene Blakemore-Mowle!

Action, Adventure and Passion! You'll find all three in Karlene Blakemore-Mowle's debut novel Fallout.

Let's give Karlene a warm welcome! Make sure to leave her a comment or ask her a question, she'd love to hear from you.

I'm so happy you could join us today. Why don't you tell everyone a little about yourself.

I live in Australia, on the Mid North Coast. I work part time in a pathology lab taking blood... and other bodily fluids for testing by a pathologist. I also have four children and a husband and when I'm not writing, being a mum or handling bodily fluids... I like to kayak and read and spend time in the beautiful part of the world I'm lucky enough to call home.

In Fallout, your character Tully Chambers is a detective and Jake Holden served his country for twenty years. What research went into creating these fascinating characters?

The majority of my heroes are military. I lived in a military town in Far North Queensland for a long time and have always had a strong affinity to the armed forces. My brother and father have both had army backgrounds. I think Jake is a combination of a few real life people I've met during my travels. As for Tully, I am lucky enough to have some fantastic on the job resources who were more than happy to lend me their time to ensure authenticity. I don't know where Tully came from, she's a very different character than I've ever written before- a lot more independent, she had a harsh upbringing and has learnt the hard way, not to trust easily. But she also has a soft centre and will always fight for the underdog and this manages to prevent her character becoming too self contained-- I hope!

Tell us about Tully and Jake and what to expect from them. Is it love at first sight? Or would they much rather shoot it out and ask questions later?

Definitely NOT love at first sight, these two really don't make the best first... or even second impressions upon each other! However these two compliment each other- They are both relative loners, two halves of a whole...they just don't see it at first!!

Tully and Jake’s kiss scene was a finalist in the Romance in the Back Seat Contest. I have to say it was very hot. I definitely wanted to know more. What’s your secret in writing a passionate kiss?

I have my editor to thank for that. I used to make the mistake of teasing the reader with a kissing scene or love scene, and while in a sweet this is the norm, I did it more because I really wasn't sure how to express all the mechanics in a way that didn't sound like a 'How To' manual!!! Thank goodness for a great editor!!!!! Laura Kelly is my angel in disguise. It helped once I had a break down of the scene... they start off sweet and gentle, they talk a little, then it gets a bit hotter, less talking, then it self-combusts!

What made you decide to become a writer?

I loved romance, I can still remember being hooked by my nannas secret stash of Mills and Boons-but I knew the kind of story I wanted to read and I just had to write it. It was a long nine-year road to get here and it's still a journey each day.

What are your current projects and works in progress?

I have two other romantic suspense titles currently under submission, so maybe there will be some big news there soon. I also have a rural romance with suspense themes with an Australian publishing house that I'm VERY excited about and hope to hear back about shortly.

Tell the readers where they can find you:

I have a blog that I show case my characters and books, as well as post pictures of the area I live in and other bits and pieces that relate to both readers and writers. http://karlybm.blogspot.com

I'm also on facebook under Karlene Blakemore-Mowle.

Buy Fallout at: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/suspense-c-137.html

Blurb for Fallout.

Risking their lives for others is second nature, but can they trust each other enough to risk their hearts?

Tully Chambers is no damsel in distress. An up and coming detective, she had her sights set on promotion until the day her partner was murdered and she ended up on the run from the mob.

Jake Holden has demons of his own. Having served his country for over twenty years, he’s found himself wounded, alone, and without a plan for his future. What starts as a simple diversion--trying to figure out the feisty little waitress next door—turns out to be his most dangerous mission yet.

From the tropics of Far North Queensland to the rugged isolation of the Northern Territory in Australia, two modern-day warriors discover their greatest fear isn’t that of a madman’s revenge–but of laying their hearts on the line for love.

Excerpt for Fallout.

Someone was trying to break in…

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“What the hell?” The intruder struggled, to twist without success, beneath her.

Tully registered his deep voice before repeating her question. “Who. Are. You?”

“Jake Holden,” he growled back.

“Why are you breaking into my house?”

“Lady, I have no idea what you’re talking about. This is my house. I’m trying to open my door.”

Now that her eyes had adjusted to the light outside Tully could make out the profile of a strong face, grimacing in pain.

He had short dark hair and was nicely built. Under her knee she noticed his strong neck and broad shoulders. He didn’t have the physique of a body builder, all muscle and no neck, but he still appeared to be very fit. She also smelt alcohol. While she wouldn’t have said he was inebriated, his reaction time had been off a little.

“I just moved in today. You can check my license and see for yourself,” he offered, grunting in pain.

“Where is it?”

“Well, if you let me up I’ll get it out for you”

She wasn’t about to let this guy up just yet, not until she got to the bottom of this. “Where’s your license?”

“Front right hand side in my trousers.” His tone came out stiff and full of wounded indignation.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me. Who keeps their wallet in their front pocket?” she scoffed, thinking he had to be lying to create an opportunity to make a break for it.

“It’s not in my wallet, I just took my ID and cash to the pub,” he growled. “But if the thought of sticking your hand down my pants scares you—”


Thanks so much for the opportunity to take part in this blog.

You're very welcome. I wish you success in all you do!


Fallout 17th Feb 2010
www.thewildrosepress.com

Valentine's Day Superstitions and Fun Facts

Superstitions

The first guy’s name you read or hear will the name of the man you’ll marry.

If you see a squirrel on Valentine’s Day, you will marry a cheapskate who will hoard all your money.

If you find a glove on the road on Valentine’s Day, your future husband or wife will have the missing one.

There are superstitions associated with the kind of person you’ll marry based on the first bird you see on Valentine’s day.

If you see a goldfinch, you will marry a millionaire.

If woman sees a sparrow, she will marry a poor man.

If you see a flock of doves, you will have a peaceful and happy marriage.

If a woman sees a robin, she’ll marry a sailor.

If she sees a blackbird, she'll marry a clergyman

If she sees a blue bird, she'll marry a happy man

If she sees a crossbill, an argumentative man.

If she spots an owl, she will never marry.

Now that you’ve found your beloved, there are ways to predict how many Children you will have by blowing on a dandelion. The seeds that remain on the stem will tell you how many children you will have.

Superstitious saying we still say today.

Today we say, “to wear your heart on your sleeve,” meaning it is easy for people to read you. In the Middle Ages, men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their Valentine would be. They would wear the name they chose on their sleeves for a week.

Rituals

In the 1700’s, on the Eve of Valentine’s Day, ladies would pin five bay leaves sprinkled with rose water to their pillows. One leaf was pinned in the centre of the pillow and one at each corner. Rosemary was pinned inside the pillow. Before going to bed, the woman would eat an egg, removing the yolk and eating the rest with salt. They would a say a prayer with a hopes of seeing her true love in her dreams.

Another way to find one’s future husband or wife was to take a piece of paper with names on them and roll them in clay. They would drop the balls into water. The first paper to surface would be the future wife or husband.

Ward off the Wolves on St. Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day can be traced back to pagan times in ancient Rome. On February 14^th they had a holiday to honor Juno, the mythical goddess of women and marriage. The following day was the Fertility Festival called the Feast of Lupercalia. This feast was to protect humans from wolves and to honor of the Roman Gods of Agriculture. During the feast, the Lupercali (Roman priests) would gather in a scared cave where they believed Romulus and Remus were cared for by a she-wolf, a lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility and a dog for purification. Boys would use the goats hide dipped in the sacrificial blood and slap the women with the hide. They believed this would make the women more fertile. During the feast, the unwed women would place their name in a big urn and the unwed men would pick from the urn. The man would be paired to the woman he picked for the rest of the year. Usually, the two would fall in love and marry.

When Christianity spread through Rome, the practice of finding a mate this way was outlawed. Around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14^th St. Valentine’s Day.

Interview with Catherine Bybee

I'm happy to introduce paranormal romance writer who believes in happily-ever-after. She creates worlds for you to escape into and romances that will warm the heart. Let's welcome Catherine Bybee!

Tell the Readers a little about yourself.

You’re a RN working in an emergency room, have you used your medical background in any of your stories?

Before the Moon Rises starts at the end of a busy ER shift. The heroine, Janet, is a single, somewhat cynical, ER nurse. So yes, I’ve used my background in my work. It’s hard not to write what you know so well.

You’ve written werewolf romances first with Soul Mate and now you have a new tale, Before the Moon Rises. There are many legends about werewolves. Tell us a little about yours. Can they shift at will or only when the moon is full? Do they forget their human side when they are in their wolf form? If they bite a human, will the human turn into a werewolf, too?

Ohhhh good questions! Lets see… No legends really come into play with my werewolves, not in the sense of my story telling. My wolves are traditional shift-with-the-moon wolves. They have no control for three nights surrounding the lunar cycle. They do remember that they are human and it does take a bite from a were to a human to induce a change. My weres have extra sensory gifts that stay with them 24/7 giving them the edge to out see, hear and smell the fellow man. Not to mention a little extra strength.

Without giving too much away, tell us a little about Janet and Max and what to expect in Before the Moon Rises.

Before the Moon Rises was originally written for a 25k or less contest, so the story is fast paced. Their world-wind romance takes place in a short amount of time… But sometimes crazy things that happen in ones life leaves lasting impressions. Consider that Sully’s miracle crash on the Hudson resulted in at least one marriage. It can happen!

You also write time travel romances. In Binding Vows, Duncan whisks Tara back to 16^th century Scotland . Tell us about the research that went into bringing this tale alive.

My time travels center around my hero and heroine, so outside of basic facts about the time, I don’t spend a lot of pages on history. Thanks to the Internet, information and history is at the tips of your fingertips day and night. Luckily, my CP catches things I didn’t know. *Thanks, Angel.

It’s important to have your facts straight when you’re writing anything historical… however, in my Highland Time Travel Trilogy, my characters know they are going through time and I use a bit of creative license to ease their speech to reflect what we know. Some books are downright chores to read because the language was so different five hundred years ago. I didn’t want that with Duncan and Tara ’s story.

Have you been to Scotland and if so where did your travels take you? If you haven’t been to Scotland , after writing Binding Vows, where would you like to visit?

No I haven’t been and YES I wanna go! Do you know anyone who would like to give me a free ticket? I may be a bit disappointed to only see ‘older’ men in kilts.

Maybe we can find someone to give us two tickets. lol I'd love to go, too.

Have you personally been to a Renaissance Faire? Tell us a little about them.

Here is where I did some research and spoke with Faire Patrons galore. I’ve never been. Crazy, but true. My stepsisters have both done the entire Faire gig with costumes and all… So in essence, I wrote this story from the standpoint of what I see a Faire as being. And because the Faire in Binding Vows is meant to lour Druid virgins, it is quite different than real Ren Faires.

What are your current projects and works in progress?

I just finished up edits for Silent Vows, Myra ’s book in my trilogy and Redeeming Vows, Lizzy’s book, is nearly completed.

Keeping with the theme of series books—Richard’s story, Max’s brother from Before the Moon Rises, is in edits.

There are other stories in the pipeline as well as a full length that is being considered by an agent. So, well see.

Tell the readers where they can find you:

http://www.catherinebybee.com has all the latest news and links. I have a blog on blogspot, I tweet, facebook and myspace. So jump on in.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the readers?

Two things!

Save a tree, read an e-book! Only buy your e-books from reputable sites. Say no to e-book piracy.

Buy Catherine's books at:
BEFORE THE MOON RISES~ Available Now ~ The Wild Rose Press

BINDING VOWS ~ Available Now in Print The Wild Rose Press E-Book TWRP

KILT WORTHY Available Now ~ The Wilder Rose Press

SOUL MATE Available Now ~ Red Rose Publishing

Pre-Order Heart of a Warrior

eBook Details

Heart of A Warrior By: Karen Michelle Nutt | Other books by Karen Michelle Nutt Published By: Tease Publishing LLC ISBN # 978-1-60767-096-4 Word Count: 9,500 Heat Index Categories: Time-travel Sci-fi/Fantasy Available in: Adobe Acrobat Price: $0.99

Scáthach is the Warrior Goddess from the Isle of Skye. When a young boy pleads for the goddess to guide his Uncle Trey, his prayers do not go unheard. However, she is surprised to find, Trey Brennan, not on a battlefield but in a hospital room, hooked to monitors, his body rejecting a bone marrow transplant. She would accept the challenge and educate Trey in the art of warfare. A war was a war no matter where the battle was held. Be it on the fields of heather with an army or an illness attacking the body. Both held the enemy that needed to be defeated.

Trey Brennan knew he was dying, but he awakes in another realm where the goddess Scáthach wants to teach him to be a warrior. He is sure he’s dreaming, but what did he have to lose? He would train and he would fight. Perhaps his destiny on the Isle of Skye would also change his path in his world.

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Excerpt:
She’d see if this man was worthy to have her as a teacher. If so, she would give him the tools to battle this, making him a warrior. She lifted his arm and read the nametag attached to his wrist. “Trey Brennan.” Her gaze shifted to his face. His eyes had fluttered open at the sound of her voice. The catlike eyes were an amber color, warm and intelligent. “Are you a fighter?” she asked.

He appeared confused by her question, his eyebrows drawing together, giving him a fierce look, a warrior’s glare.

“Are you a fighter?” she repeated the question.

His brows smoothed and his gaze gave her an appreciative once over. “You’re beautiful. Are you an angel?”

She had been called many things. Angel was not one of them. “No. I want your word that you’ll fight to live. I will not waste my time on someone who will surrender at the first sight of a battle.”

He glanced at his nephew still asleep in the chair. “I don’t want to die.”

“Then you must listen to me.”

He nodded his head. “I will do anything. I’m all Joey has. His parents died five years ago. If I’m gone he’ll have no one to care for him.”

Joey was the boy’s name. Trey had raised him then. Good, she thought. He will work hard, knowing he must survive for his nephew. All warriors had to have a purpose or else the fight wouldn’t matter. Win or die would not make a difference. In this case, survival had to be something he wanted, something he would strive to have. She gave him a curt nod. “Then I accept you for my student.”

His lips curved at the corners.

Nice full lips meant for kissing, she thought.

“This is a nice dream.” His voice was a deep masculine baritone. “You're beautiful.”

She leaned close so she could whisper in his ear. “Work hard and you may win me as well. Aye?”

Coffee Time Romance Reviews Second Time Around

Ratings: 4 Cups

Wings of Destiny by Cynthia Breeding

Katherine Armand wants to forget all men after her husband cheats on her with some Barbie doll. With her marriage gone, she concentrates on her career.

Michael Whitfield takes over the land deal negotiations when an associate has a family emergency. It was like icing on a cake running into Katherine again.

Katherine is trying to enjoy her birthday alone when she meets a handsome man at the bar. She had no idea it was Michael who broke her heart years before. No longer married himself, Michael wants to push the card with Katherine. Once he is able to explain the past years, he is certain she will take him back. Will Katherine give her heart back to the man she ached for all those years ago, or will business be the only thing on her agenda?

I really loved this story especially when Michael referred to Katherine as exquisite. They are a loving couple with romance and passion that ignite. Cynthia Breeding incorporates a story that kept this reader tuned to every page, anxious to learn what would happen to Katherine and Michael.

Lizzie’s Laces by Kirsten Scott

Lizzie Rawlston has never forgotten Tony or his icy-blue sardonic eyes that mesmerized her. When she learns her father is ill, she immediately joins Tony on the ship.

Tony Sinclair knows Lizzie will do anything for her father. With the love of the sea in her bones, can he survive being in close accommodations with her on the journey?

Lizzie is certain the only reason Tony is at her home is due to her father being ill. She knows it could be nothing more but about her father, certain he no longer cares for her. After hearing about her ill father, she jumps at the chance to go see about him and bring him home. It makes no difference that she will be on the ship with Tony for twenty-five days. The sailing does not bother her since she has always enjoyed the water, but being so close to the man she still loves may present a problem.

Kirsten Scott paints a visual description of the characters, in the story that allowed this reader to get a good scope of everything happening. The wonderful dialogue made this story a page-turner. Lizzie was strong and adamant, and I loved her character. The way Ms. Scott allows Lizzie and Tony to make eye contact is sweetly crafted.

The Spirit of Love by Karen Michelle Nutt

Brynna Jones was a paranormal investigator in San Diego when she first met Travis on a ghost tour. They eventually married, had a son, then complications arose tormenting her soul.

Travis Smith is a certified ghost hunter who fell in love with Brynna and married, forming the Smith and Jones Paranormal Investigations.

It was ten years ago when Brynna and Travis found each other. Three years later, they had a son, but an accident and an affair soon sent their marriage into a separation. Many times Brynna blamed Travis, but in reality, she had never been there for him after the accident. Travis blamed himself for the marriage falling apart. When they are called to handle some business on the Queen Mary, they can only hope love will play a huge part in reuniting them again.

Karen Michelle Nutt fashions a loving story to read again and again. She crafts lovely players that instill just the right amount of paranormal twist to give this reader thought. I love how she spins a tale that stays with the reader once the story is finished.

The Garden Swing by Erin E. M. Hatton

Odessa Murphy, or Tess, cannot believe a dear old woman leaves Tess her lovely home when she dies. Tess had been nice to the elderly woman and this gift is too much.

Hugh MacAllister is the owner of the old house and finds Tess quite unique when they meet. He wants to keep her an active part of his life.

After Tess looks through the old Victorian house, she knows she cannot sell it. When she sees a swing in the yard that seems to beckon her to it, she sits on it and is transported into another time and place. After she meets Hugh, the actual owner of the house, they form a loving bond. Their time together turns to love and romance, but where will their love go if Tess returns to her time?

I found it enjoyable when Tess had the encounter where she was suspected of being a call girl. It was fascinating watching Tess revert to different era. I adore the way she and Hugh casually get to know each other. Erin E. M. Hatton transpires a story that is worth reading again. I love the ambiance spun around Tess and her journey back into time. This is a story truly composed from the heart.

Only and Always You – Gerri Bowen

Harry Seton rides daily and is a solitary rider. Once his sisters are married, he plans to retire from society and stay to himself, since his love married another.

Lady Claire had her reasons for not marrying Harry. Now that she is a widow and returned from India, she hopes to be able to meet with Harry again.

After ten years, Claire still remembers how she and Harry and Claire use to make each other laugh. Still she has not forgotten either how he broke her heart. He likewise still bears the hurt inside where she broke his. Others saw him as ice water Seton, but she saw him as warm and caring. His mother pressed Harry into believing all Claire wanted from him was his title. When she married another, Harry realized his mother had to be correct. When Claire and Harry make a connection again, will his mother break this couple up again, or will the two finally make a stand for each other?

This story had this reader mesmerized. I was saddened, then happy, then anxious with worry for Claire and Harry. The twist with the mother is a nice addition, even though I wanted to choke her at times. Gerri Bowen incorporates a good pen of a read, not only heart-warming but left an impression on this reader.

Special of the Day – Kimberly Ivey

Nick Delatorre only wants to run a nice restaurant to keep the business afloat. When the once love of his life tries to outdo him, he decides to take her to court.

Sunny Day, an ex-model and former soap opera diva, opens a restaurant. She wants to offer her customers healthy choices and not greasy food like her competitor, Nick.

Nick cannot afford to go into a major hole because Sunny’s restaurant plans to outdo him. Taking her to court had been a mistake, made even more ridiculous by the Judge’s ruling. Now for a week they must eat at each other’s eatery until they earn each other’s respect. This was not a good way to try to get back the girl he lost fourteen years ago. In fact, it only irritated Sunny even more. Sunny shut Nick out years ago. She does not wish to hear any of his explanations, but being forced to eat in his restaurant for a week allows her to see him differently and the same is true for Nick. But is it enough to help them find what they lost years ago?

I love this delightful read. Kimberly Ivey instills rounded characters with a great sense of humor as they work through obstacles. She creates a story visual enough I could picture the whole scenario in the restaurant and the way Nick and Sunny egged each other on. I loved the part about the salad. I haven’t tried the coconut pie recipe yet, but I am sure it is going to be very tasty.

From betrayal, to broken hearts, to finding love again, Second Time Around has a story for just about anyone. The authors really know how to spin some tales and even include some twists along the way. They have created delightful reads that this reader could connect with in many ways. I think the one with Nick and Sunny is one that I will always remember, especially when going to an eatery. Lizzie and Tony will always pop into my mind when I see a boat, for sure. Brynna and Travis will be in the back of my head when I watch Ghost Hunters. I found the story of Tess and Hugh nostalgic, and it will stick with me through many things. As for Claire and Harry, whenever I see lovers holding hands, I will most likely share fond memories of their story. So you see, these fine ladies created stories that will always stay fresh in my heart; ones that I will treasure forever.

Cherokee

Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Bitten By Books Reviews Moon Shifter

Full Review at Bitten By Books Reviews!


His Hope, Her Salvation…

"Shapeshifters, suspense, love and drama – this novella has it all and I really enjoyed everything about it. I was completely engulfed in the story, and the characters felt so real to me. I could feel Sydney’s anger and Grayson’s deep pain and sorrow which were so heartbreaking that I had to wipe my tears away to be able to keep reading. Their chemistry was so intense that you want them to be together so bad because the thought of Sydney choosing someone else was just plain awful. That was very frustrating for me, but I loved every moment of it. The passion between Grayson and Sydney was amazingly hot and steamy. I also liked the historical info throughout the story and at the end; it was very informative. So if you are looking for a well written novella with shapeshifters, suspense, some humor and amazing passion between characters, then please read Moon Shifter by Karen Michelle Nutt."

Book Stats:

* e-book, digital format
* Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
* Book Length: Novella
* Language: English
* ISBN: d3699

To purchase an eBook copy of Moon Shifter click here.

Interview with Christine Columbus

"Discover a New World of Romance" with Christine Columbus. She's an author of western romances and romantic short stories. Let's give her a warm welcome.

***Christine will be choosing one lucky winner who leaves a comment.
3 pack of short stories(pdf) - Uncle Mike's Love, Coffee and Love To Go and Happy Meal.

Tell us a little about the author.

Christine Columbus is my real name and the reason I write under my ‘real name” is…

Thirty years ago my high school my boyfriend said, “Promise me you’ll always write under you name.”

“Sure, but why?” I stared into his Wiley Coyote eyes.

“Because someday when I am at the grocery store waiting in line to check out. I’ll glance up and see a novel with your name and I’ll know it’s you.”

Of course my first thought was ‘jerk.’ His vision of the future was me being a successful author and my vision at the time was I’d be a sweet little wife waiting at home for him to come home with the bacon.

You’ve written sweetheart short stories. Do you find it difficult to write an entertaining story with engaging characters with so few words? What’s the secret?

The secret is I have a very short attention span and I really like beginnings. Which is why I like to write shorts, I like to make up stories whenever I see a couple and speculate how they came together. Short stories are like going to a party and meeting new people, their stories are interesting and intriguing. Whereas, sometimes when you’ve know people for a long time, you already heard most of their stories and after the tenth or hundredth time you’ve heard them they become boring.

So writing short stories is like going to a party every day.

You have a novel coming soon (Feb. 19, 2010) to The Wild Rose Press: The Perfect Country and Western Story. Tell us a little about the story.

Last year Alexandra was sharing a dance with the handsome cowboy when she abruptly had to leave, but instead of leaving behind a glass slipper, she runs away with his hat.

The story starts out with Alexandra going back to the large outdoor country concert with the autographed Toby Keith cowboy hat. Her hope is to find the cowboy and explain.

How did you come up with your title?

I was at an outdoor musical festival with my daughter, sister-in-law and nieces. We were sitting around the campfire listening to David Allen Coe sing, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name…” and in the chorus he sings, “…I TOLD HIM IT WAS NOT THE PERFECT COUNTRY & WESTERN SONG BECAUSE HE HADN’T SAID ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT MAMA,
OR TRAINS,
OR TRUCKS,
OR PRISON,
OR GETTING’ DRUNK…”

So, we brainstormed about The Perfect Country and Western Story, and of course concluded the perfect story has to have a Handsome Cowboy, Intriguing Heroine, Romance, Love, Mama, Trains and a little getting drunk.

Do you have specific writing style?

I write with humor, my goals are to not only tell a good story, but to make people laugh.

What are your current projects and works in progress?

I am currently working on a new novel that is a little bit mystery and a lot of romance. I also have a number of short stories rattling around and of course I am always trying my hand at flash fiction and poetry.

Tell the readers where they can find you:

My website is: ChristineColumbus.net

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the readers?

Thank you, if it wasn’t for the readers my motivation for writing wouldn’t exist. I write because I want entertain. (And yes maybe because there is a little tiny part of me, deep down, that wants my novel to be at the checkout of a grocery store for a certain someone to see.)

Excerpt:

Alexandra has the Stetson hat, now all she needs is the cowboy. But with three days and over 50,000 faces to search, will she be able to find the man who stole her heart?

Ben still can’t believe he was foolish enough to let the beautiful thief walk away with his autographed Toby Keith cowboy hat. If the heartbreaker dares to show up at Country Time again this year, he’ll not only be looking to get his hat back, but aiming for a little payback as well.

Buy The Perfect Country And Western Story