Thursday, April 6, 2023

Shake Your Booty and Get Out There and Get This Book! ~ A PROMISE FULFILLED by Peggy Jaeger

 




It's Friday and time for the last author from the Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point anthology, and she's a goodie! Please welcome Peggy Jaeger with her contribution A PROMISE FULFILLED! First let's put Peggy on the spot. Cuz that's fun. 


Peggy, what was it like to write with three other authors for this anthology?


Writing is – most of the time – a solitary exercise in creativity. The author comes up with the plot, the characters, setting, and thematic device. You do all the work and hopefully, reap the rewards of your endeavors.

Writing a continuation anthology like THE GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT was so far out of my wheelhouse as an author I, at times, didn’t think I was up to the job.

My story is the last one, the only one that takes place in present time. The other three have historical perspectives, and I had to incorporate those into my story for plot continuation. Case in point – one of the pirates who make an appearance in each story, Simon Blair. I had my own ideas about how Simon should look and talk, but it had to be consistent with the other three stories. Let’s just say I’m not used to compromising and leave it there, LOL. I think we all did a great job of keeping Simon a constant in the storyline.

All four of us have different writing styles. I tend, I’ve been told (wink, wink) to write many facial expressions to express a thought or an emotion. I also tend to write long, compound sentences. To ensure that our stories mesh, I needed to tamp down the desire to write those flowing, complicated sentences because my book was the end, and as such, I needed to wrap the story up and put a bow on it, and not pontificate on numerous side plots or stories. Again…not common in my wheelhouse (as you can plainly see by the sentence that preceded this one!)

With Lisa’s story as a foundation, Kathy’s building on the theme, and then Nancy’s to introduce new elements, my job was to ensure the ending complimented the beginning and the subsequent stories, and did justice to Everly and John Beckett’s love story.

Writing in conjunction with these three powerhouses was an honor. I learned an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge about pirates, ghosts, hauntings, and legends.

Would I do another story in collaboration like this one? In a heartbeat, if I could be assured I’d be able to join the same high caliber of writers, which these three are.

So to answer the original question (told you I was long-winded!) what was it like to write with three other authors for this anthology? Heaven. Pure, simple, heaven.


Oh, my! Well, I'm sure they'll be glad to hear that! Now let's find out more about A PROMISE FULFILLED...








Blurb~

Late October, Present Day

After winning millions in a national lottery, local librarian Daisy Morgan sets out to revitalize the infamous Crow’s Nest Tavern. After saving the historic inn from the auction block, Daisy begins a major renovation only to discover some hidden secrets – and a few unearthly spirits – tied to the tavern’s history.

Writer Keegan Warren arrives to do a story on the revitalization of the tavern weeks before the grand re-opening. Keegan’s got a few secrets of his own about why he wanted the assignment – secrets that unfold no matter how diligently he tries to keep them hidden.

With Daisy’s help, he unearths a centuries-old murder tied to his family’s past. As they investigate, their mutual attraction grows. But will their budding relationship suffer when the truth is discovered?


Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023



Excerpt~

The Crowe’s Nest Tavern stood at the sharpest jut of land on Last Light Point and had weathered several hundred years of New England storms and tempests, dozens of owners, and a history that dated from before the birth of the nation. Daisy wasn’t about to let that history go the way of the dinosaur on her watch.

Her critical eye for detail roamed around the room taking in all the updates done, while keeping the original feel of the old tavern alive.

The establishment had been up for auction for a year, the previous owner dying without ever making provisions for its sale. Daisy, as head of the historical society, had tried valiantly to get it listed as a protected historical site. The fact the structure had stood for over three hundred years should have qualified it outright, but her attempts fell on deaf legislative ears. The bank, who owned the mortgage, had put it up for sale. When no buyer came forth, they placed it on the auction block. Daisy was terrified it was going to be sold and subsequently knocked down. When an outside developer expressed interest in the property and the rest of the boardwalk to build upscale condos, Daisy had gone into fight mode to block his every attempt.

Just when it looked like her struggle would prove futile, several prayers and one stroke of heaven-sent luck had come her way and she’d been able to purchase the building and, with it, the leases for the remaining shops on the boardwalk.

Unexpectedly flush with disposable cash, Daisy spared no expense to bring the tavern back to its long-ago beauty.

If you could call its twisted history beautiful, she thought. She supposed the sight where pirates and thieves hung out and where they were, subsequently, hung or placed into the dreaded gibbet and left to rot for all the citizenry to gawk over, could be classified as historically significant, if not pretty.

Oh, she wished she could have seen it in its heyday. Filled to the rafters with brigands and soldiers and sailors all stopping for a pint and some grub to fill their bellies. Buxom serving girls bustling about, filling tankards, listening to tall tales of sea monsters and hidden treasure; of mermaids and sirens and Davy Jones’ Locker.

Daisy sighed, her imagination running rampant as it always did when she thought of the tavern’s history. Her gaze traveled to the mirror Cooper’s crew had discovered in the basement when they’d begun shoring up the ancient walls. Covered with a black tarp and decades of dust, they’d uncovered it and immediately called her.

“It’s wicked old,” Cooper said as he accompanied her to the tavern’s underground level. “And worth a fortune, I’m thinking. That frame’s real gold. I’d bet the house on it.”

Daisy stooped to inspect the mirror. Cooper’s eye was good because the frame was genuine gold and decorated with a filigree pattern on all four sides. About five feet wide and three-quarters of that in width, the glass was murky with age and dust. She could barely make out her reflection.

“I bet it hung on the wall behind the bar,” she mused. “Take it upstairs and put it in my office. I’ll call Mrs. Cashman over at the antique store to come over and take a look at it. She should know how to clean it, too, to bring it back to life.”

“What are you planning to do with it?” Cooper asked.

“Put it where I’m sure it used to hang: back up behind the bar.”

Cooper cupped his neck and shook his head. “It weighs a ton, kid. Mounting and securing it’s gonna be a nightmare.”

“I’m sure you’ll do your best.” She swiped at the dust collecting on her jeans and stood. A momentary wave of vertigo overtook her, making her sway. Cooper’s hand shot out in an instant to clasp her upper arms right before she dropped to the floor.

“Easy,” he said. “You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks.” She swiped at the sweat suddenly covering her brow. “I missed breakfast,” she lied, shaking her head of the subtle hum ringing through it. She hadn’t felt this sensation in too many years to remember. Not since…she clucked her tongue and shoved the memory down. “I’ll go call the antique shop.”

Now, as she stood in front of the cleaned and polished mirror, the glass just slightly milky from age, she smiled. And, now that she knew what it really was, she could admit a small amount of anxiety about hanging it behind the bar. So far, none of the workmen or staff had commented on anything…strange, about the piece. And thank goodness for that. That it looked perfect hanging there was a minor consolation.

About the Anthology – 4 Complete Books, 4 Authors

 


GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech
Kathryn Hills
Nancy Fraser
Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

 A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.


· The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

· Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

· For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

· A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)



Bio~

PEGGY JAEGER writes contemporary romances and rom-coms about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.

Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all aspects of life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness, and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers, and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.

As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"

YOU CAN FIND PEGGY HERE: 

Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggyjaeger_author/



Peggy, thank you so much for coming! As always, it was a delight having you here! I'm looking forward to reading all of the books in the anthology. 

 


Sunday, April 2, 2023

For Ship's Sake You Should Get This Book! FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE by Nancy Fraser

 




Welcome to round three of the Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point Anthology posts! This time we have Nancy Fraser and her FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE. But first, she's going to give us some insight into the anthology as a whole...


What's the most unique thing about this anthology?


That would definitely have to be the span of centuries. It shows that life or, in this case, even death endures. The idea of beginning a legend/story in one century and then watching it grow and mature through three more centuries was a concept I’d always wanted to do on my own. However, I’m glad I decided to do it with friends. There may have been a few hair-pulls, and tears, but I’m very proud of how Last Light Point turned out.



Well, all of the stories sound wonderful to me. Let's find out a little bit about your FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE...

Blurb ~

Fall, 1941

Grace O’Hearn and her father have lived in Last Light Point since before the ’29 stock market crash that took so much from so many. Still, somehow, they managed to keep afloat, often lending a hand to those in dire need.

Now—many years later—things are finally picking up again. So much so, the tavern is a much-coveted piece of property. When Grace’s father is brutally murdered, the main suspect is a property developer who’s been harassing all the waterfront proprietors. With her father’s death, Grace now becomes the sole owner of The Crowe's Nest Tavern, an establishment that dates back centuries, and comes with its own set of resident ghosts.

When FBI agent, Max Stewart, is assigned to investigate suspected racketeering and police corruption in Last Light Point, the last thing he expects is to be caught up in a murder investigation. When he first meets Grace, he’s convinced she’s hiding something. Yet, her keen insight about the town, and everyone in it, may be the best lead he has.

Can they work together to solve both investigations? Or, will an attraction neither of them can deny keep getting in the way?


Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023



Excerpt ~

Grace put four place settings on each of the six tables in the main dining area. Not that she was expecting a crowd, but it never hurt to be prepared. She and Aggie, her cook, would eat in the kitchen in between customers.

It had rained lightly during the afternoon and the early evening remained overcast. The foul weather would, most likely, curtail tourists. With any luck, a few of the locals would wander in. Especially, given it was Thursday, and that meant Aggie’s famous pork stew and dumplings.

Grace was on her way back to the service area to grab water glasses when her newest guest appeared in the doorway.

“Mr. Stew... um... Max. I hope you found your room satisfactory.”

“Yes, thank you. The view out over the water is striking when the sun begins to set.”

“The sunrise is just as beautiful,” she told him. “Can I offer you a drink before dinner? We have special pricing in the dining room.”

“I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to a scotch on the rocks,” he responded.

“One scotch coming up. Take a seat anywhere. As you can see, we’re not crowded.”

“I take it business has been slow since... well...”

“Business was ‘slow’ before my father was killed. Now, it’s almost non-existent.”

“I’m sure the hubbub will die down, and your customers will return.”

“We have one busy tourist season left these next couple of weeks,” she explained. “With the change of season, we’ll get those who find it interesting to watch the leaves turn color. For whatever reason, they come in droves.”

“They do the same in other countries,” Max said. “In Japan, it’s called momijigari, or red leaf hunting. In Finland, it’s ruskaretki.”

“You’ve traveled a lot,” she surmised.

“I did a four-year stint with the military police before joining the bureau in 1935. During my time overseas, we covered a lot of countries shepherding diplomats and politicians.”

“I’ve never been anywhere but here.”

“You grew up in Last Light Point?” he asked.

“Technically, I grew up north of here in Mystic Point, just off Skullery Bay. We moved here when my uncle retired and sold the tavern to my father for next to nothing.”

“Why so cheap?”

“It was 1928. Prohibition was still in effect, and there wasn’t much ‘business’ to the business. Had it not been for the boarders, and the dining, we’d have not even tried to make a go of it.”

“It must have been rough.”

“Not at first. When my mother passed away a few years earlier, she left my father some family money. Pops was always good with finances, but he didn’t trust banks. When the stock market crashed, a lot of our friends back home went belly up. A few took their own lives. It was horrible. We were able to hold on because of his frugal ways. We never once tossed out a boarder, even if they couldn’t pay.”

 

About the Anthology – 4 Complete Books, 4 Authors




GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT


A Multi-Century Romance Anthology
from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech
Kathryn Hills
Nancy Fraser
Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

· The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

· Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

· For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

· A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)



Bio~


NANCY FRASER is a bestselling and award-winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

Her spicy romances have won top awards year after year and received cover quotes from some of the most recognized names in the romance industry. Named 2021 Canadian Author of the Year by N.N. Light’s Book Heaven, she refuses to rest on her laurels and keeps at it daily.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren, and looks for ways to avoid housework. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

YOU CAN FIND NANCY HERE:


Blog: https://notesfromaromanticsheart.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RomWriterNancy

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Fraser/e/B004AOL61Y/

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing FOR THE LOVE OF GRACE with us!






Thursday, March 30, 2023

I Bet My Lucky Eye Patch You're Going To Like This One ~ SMOKE AND MIRRORS by Kathryn Hills




Welcome back to our GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT Anthology posts! Today I have Book Two, SMOKE AND MIRRORS, from Romance Gem Kathryn Hills!

First I wanted to ask Kathy--since I usually write about rock stars--what's it like writing about ghosts?

I LOVE it when I get a chance to incorporate my past paranormal experiences in a story! They typically leave such vivid imprints on my mind that they’re destined to spill out onto my pages. In Smoke and Mirrors, you’ll meet the “Charred Man.” He’s based on a spirit I encountered while working in an old mill building converted into office space in Massachusetts. I believe the living person perished in a work-related fire. You’ll have to read the anthology to discover what I’ve chosen for this ghost to experience in Last Light Point.


Ooh! Sounds intriguing! Let's find out more...


Blurb ~


Sometimes when you knock on heaven’s door. . . the dead answer back.

Autumn, 1867


Willow Pinch lives life on a razor’s edge in world of deception and disguise. By day she hides in plain sight as Will, a servant boy. Nights are spent as a table knocker, aiding so-called spiritualists in duping townsfolk into believing loved ones speak from the grave. That is until the ghosts of Last Light Point unmask her before the only man she’s ever cared for. Dare she trust Morgan Blackwell with her secrets?

Morgan invests every hard-earned penny in The Crowe’s Nest. He doesn’t trust strangers. Yet the last thing he expects are charlatans hell-bent on destroying his reputation with so-called séances. Not to mention there are ghosts in his tavern now! Be damned, must he turn his back on the infuriating woman he longs to protect?

Will the dead of Last Light Point guide Willow and Morgan to lasting love? Or will the dark forces they’ve unleashed lead to ruin?


Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance




Excerpt ~

"You’re a foxy one,” Morgan Blackwell said to his best friend, Peter Clark. “I’m not the gaming sort, but I’ll pour another whiskey for you if you’ll leave me be. I’ve little time to dawdle tonight.” He smiled in his typical good-natured way and poured two fingers for each of them.

Peter slipped his dog-eared playing cards back into the pocket of his coat. Taking a sip, he winced at the strong drink. “I thought you’d at least want to see my latest trick.”

“Augh, tricks again. Christ, man. I know you fancy yourself the world’s greatest magician, but why not try your hand at helping me in some useful manner?” Morgan dried the last of the tankards, and he hung them on pegs behind the bar. Then he worked to make the old pewter-topped bar shine as best he could. Well over a century, and yet this tavern was still a popular watering hole in Last Light Point.

“You sound like my parents, always wanting me to make something of myself. Of course I’ll help you,” Peter said. “Just tell me what to do. Except swing a hammer. Or dig. I’ve delicate hands, you know.” He glanced around the empty taproom. “What’ve you got going on here tonight, anyway? It’s not like you to close early. Sending poor Old Bill out into the streets like a common drunkard when you know he’s yours to keep.”

“I’ve rented the place to make some extra money. I’m hoping to fix her up. Make this old girl more respectable.”

“I’ve always admired how you refer to this tavern as a lady. Kind of like a sea captain with his ship. What have you got in mind for ‘her?’”

“I’m still thinking about it…but renovating the upstairs rooms to be a proper inn, serving more food down here in the taproom. Those are a couple of my ideas.” He thought for a moment before adding, “Perhaps I’ll offer afternoon tea with fancy sandwiches for ladies.”

Peter scrunched up his nose. “Balls. That is a change. Who did you rent to?” he asked, switching subjects.

“A small party wanting a private place to hold their special meeting. Traveling spiritualists or some such nonsense.”

“Spiritualists?” Peter jeered. He blew out a long breath. “You mean table knockers? You should have told me you wanted carnival performers in this new and improved establishment of yours. I’d be happy to put on daily shows.”

“I don’t know about such things, but they paid me handsomely up front. A husband-and-wife team. The man called himself a doctor of something, and she’s Madam So-and-So. Apparently, they’ve established quite a name for themselves. Sold tickets to townsfolk already. I’m cleaning up and then leaving to talk to some men about making the repairs and improvements for me.”

“You’re leaving your beloved Crowe’s Nest in the hands of traveling performers? Are you daft, man?” his friend exclaimed in a skeptical tone.

“Reverend Tuffin and his daughter will be here. As will Mr. Cummings, the banker who holds the mortgage on this place. They’ll keep an eye on her for me.”

“Well, now I know you’re crazy. Missing out on dear, sweet Prudence, batting those long, lovely lashes at you. When are you going to court the girl outright, as in publicly, and stop sneaking around?” Peter laughed when Morgan shot him a dark scowl. “All right, relax, my friend. How about I stay and help look after your livelihood for you? I’m curious, I must admit.”

“Suit yourself. But don’t go drinking the good whiskey.” Morgan spared a quick glance over his shoulder for the antique bottle, sitting in a place of honor, front and center, before the mottled mirror behind his bar. Both the mirror and the bottle were old and ugly. Still, legend said they must remain in place, or else trouble would befall all who entered this establishment. He shook his head, hating the blasted things and the folklore associated with them. Last Light Point was steeped in such superstitious rubbish.

“No one touches that particular bottle,” Peter said, looking uneasy. “Do you think I want the bad luck said to befall anyone who does? No, thank you. You might not believe in pirate curses, but I do.”

“Stay if you want,” Morgan said, giving his beloved tavern one last appraising look. He dried his hands and hung the bar towel in its proper place. “The couple is upstairs getting ready for their meeting. They’ve a servant boy with them. Scrawny lad I’m letting sleep in the storeroom. He doesn’t speak—has a rather feral look about him—so steer clear.”

Peter rubbed his hands together and grinned. “Oh, this is getting good. I’ve a feeling tonight is going to be quite a memorable experience.”


About the Anthology – 4 Complete Books, 4 Best Selling Authors




GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT

A Multi-Century Romance Anthology
from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech
Kathryn Hills
Nancy Fraser
Peggy Jaeger


Can true love conquer a deadly curse?

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

· The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

· Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

· For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

· A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)


Anthology Genres Include: Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance




Bio ~

Hauntingly romantic… Unless she’s writing sweet!

KATHRYN HILLS - The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of Kathryn’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.

YOU CAN FIND KATHRYN HILLS HERE:


Website: http://www.kathrynhills.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kathryn-Hills/e/B01LBDCVVU

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathryn-hills

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15860681.Kathryn_Hills

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathrynHills

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKathrynH

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathrynhills/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathrynhillsaut/


Thank you so much for sharing your contribution to the anthology with us, Kathy! I can't wait to hear about Book Three on Monday!


Sunday, March 26, 2023

I Think You Aarrg Gonna Like This One ~ THE PIRATE'S PROMISE by Lisa Olech


Ahoy there, mateys! I have the great pleasure of hosting the authors of the 
Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point anthology, starting today, the release day,  with Lisa A. Olech. 




Lisa, what's it like writing a historical romance that acts as a story base for other authors? Are there unique challenges?

 

It is a challenge to set the stage with a setting that could actually survive 300-plus years. It is also my job as lead author to sprinkle in a variety of story “nuggets” which each author can use (or not) in their own stories while keeping things loose and open enough to allow my fellow authors room to spread their own wings and write their own stories without feeling locked into my imaginings. 


Very interesting. Thank you for that little look behind the scene. Now let's find out more about your book, the first in the anthology, THE PIRATE'S PROMISE...







Blurb~

Autumn, 1728

The Crowe’s Nest Tavern was located in a very fortuitous place. If you were condemned to hang in Execution Square, they were your last stop!

Everly Crowe along with her father and two sisters ran The Crowe’s Nest Tavern that was rumored to be slightly haunted, although Everly never believed in such foolishness….until she did.

John Beckett was a pirate, or not. Forced upon the account, he’d lost his belief in a lot of things before he caught the eye of a bonny serving lass who was fierce enough to go toe to boot with his captor and captain, Bartholomew Jacques.

Jacques held a note on the tavern and tormented Everly and her family as he terrorized all the small towns up and down the coast. But even his threats and deceit couldn’t keep Everly and John from promising themselves to each other, ‘till death they do part. After Jacques and his crew are captured and sent to the gallows, Everly learns that those fateful words have little meaning when love is forever.

GET THE PIRATE'S PROMISE HERE:

Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/LLPoint

Release Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance






Excerpt~

Hours later Beckett was back at The Crowe’s Nest Tavern. The sun was setting behind rain-filled clouds as he kept to the shadows. He didn’t have much time. Crew was due back for last call by eight bells.

Lights from inside the tavern spilled out into the growing darkness. He’d chosen his prey earlier yet waited to come back. The back garden was surrounded by a low fence cobbled together with mismatched boards and twists of driftwood. A small gate leaned unsteadily on one hinge. It squeaked as he eased it open. Raising the flame on his lantern he spread a square of burlap on the ground by his feet and began to gather up a bounty.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Beckett whipped around. He’d been so focused on his task, he’d not heard her. “Everly…I mean, Mistress…” Beckett raised his hands in surrender.

Lifting her lantern, Everly indicated the evidence at his feet. “You’re stealing from me?”

“Well, yes and no.” He swept the scene with his hand.

“You’re a pirate. A thief by trade. You, better than anyone, should know stealing when you’re stealing.”

“True, you ken call me a pirate, but I’m more of a misplaced carpenter. And is it really stealing if it’s from your scrap heap?” he reasoned.

“You’re a carpenter?” She shook her head as if she didn’t believe him. “And why would a carpenter, misplaced or not, steal from a scrap heap when the kitchen gardens are right over there?” She pointed to two large plots maybe ten feet by twenty. Each bursting with vegetables and vines with a line of fruit trees banking one side, all heavy with fruit.

He gave her a shrug and a smile. “That would be stealing.”

“I think my pigs would disagree. You’re taking their breakfast.”

“They’ll understand, being pigs and all. Kindred scavengers that they be.”

“And what exactly will my pigs understand?” The defiant hand to her hip and saucy tip to her chin made him grin. No timid lass, this one.

“Do you remember the young lad at my table earlier today?” Beckett began.

“I do.”

“He’s feeling a might poorly. Been on half rations for near a month now, and if he doesn’t get some decent food in him soon, the scurvy will get a hold of him for sure. He’s got no coin…so I figured if the pigs didn’t mind sharing, mayhap you’d be willing, as well.”

“You don’t know my pigs.”




A Multi-Century Romance Anthology

from Best Selling & Award Winning Authors

Lisa A. Olech
Kathryn Hills
Nancy Fraser
Peggy Jaeger

Can true love conquer a deadly curse?


Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.

4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

    · The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech     (Autumn 1728)

    · Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills     (Autumn 1867)

    · For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall     1941)

    · A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late     October, Present Day)


Anthology Genres Include: Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance



You can purchase the anthology here:






Bio~
LISA A. OLECH is the author of both contemporary and historical romance. She uses witty dialog with a side order of sexy to bring to life multi-faceted, adventurous, smoldering characters you’ll not soon forget.


A former member of RWA and NHRWA, Lisa is a 2018 RITA Award nominee for her book, Within A Captain’s Soul, the final book in her Captains of the Scarlet Night series. She’s won a variety of writing contests and achieved the ranks of Amazon Best Seller with her debut book in 2014.


As an author, artist, Justice of the Peace, and aspiring beekeeper, Lisa finds true inspiration in the beauty and love that surround her. And, she takes full credit that three homes on her quiet New England street now proudly fly a Jolly Roger from their flagpoles.

Find links to her books, social media, and much, much more at www.lisaolech.com.

Thank you so much for sharing your book with us, Lisa! Come back any time!





Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Jan Scarbrough's Ghost Mountain Ranch May Be a Bootiful Place to Stay!



Joining us today is Romance Gem author Jan Scarbrough to tell us a little bit about herself and her new Ghost Mountain Ranch box set. Let's start with Jan...


So, Jan, when did your love for writing start?

I had a motivating ninth-grade English teacher who encouraged me. For one assignment, we researched a career that interested us. I picked freelance writer. At that time, I doubted that I could even write a novel, let alone make any money doing it.

What is something you struggle with when you write?

Good books need conflict almost on every page. I’m not someone who likes conflict, so coming up with bad things to happen to my characters is hard.


Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I was an RWA Golden Heart finalist, but it didn’t lead to the publication of that book. After the prerequisite rejection letters, I finally sold a 50,000-word novel to Kensington for the Precious Gems series. This was before eBooks, of course. However, I “sold” my Golden Heart book to an eBook company. DUH. This was BEFORE eBook readers. I pulled the book (Tangled Memories) and it was published in paperback. Around 2006, I published eBooks with a small press. That’s where I learned to meet deadlines, work with an editor, and improve my writing. Finally, in 2013 after several small presses went out of business, I began to self-publish my books with the help of my techy husband. My first two published books are available today. They are KENTUCKY FLAME and TANGLED MEMORIES.

Do you have hobbies that you’d like to share?

My nine-year-old daughter begged for horseback riding lessons, and six months later I started taking lessons. That was a long time ago because she now has children of her own! I ride American Saddlebred horses. They are people horses. I love the history of the breed because they were “American Made.” Usually, I take a weekly riding lesson because I don’t own a horse. One of my all-time dreams was to own a horse. Over my lifetime, I’ve owned three! I’ve been treated for cancer in 2022, and my goal is to return to riding lessons.

Info about American Saddlebreds: https://www.asha.net/aboutus/theamericansaddlebred/


Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?


I am married with two children and two stepchildren. Together, my husband and I have ten grandchildren—only one is a girl! Currently, I have a pesky cat named Folly. This summer we lost our beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis. So, I went to the humane society just to look around. Of course, I spotted amber eyes who begged for a home. My husband agreed, so we brought home a red tick coonhound!! We knew nothing about coonhounds. Her first week she killed a backyard raccoon. She was a coonhound after all! Bella has turned out to be a super sweet dog and a welcome addition to our family.


Jan and Bella

Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Jan!

YOU CAN FIND JAN HERE:

https://janscarbrough.com/

https://twitter.com/romancerider

https://allauthor.com/author/JanScarbrough/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jan-Scarbrough/author/B001K8768A

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-scarbrough

https://www.facebook.com/Romancerider

Newsletter signup (free ebook) https://dl.bookfunnel.com/egu96mi9qf


Now let's find out about the Ghost Mountain Ranch box set...


Will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future? The Ghost Mountain Ranch series is a good blend of mystery and romance.



DARBY: What is the truth behind the death of Darby’s mother? When the past once again intrudes on the present, will Darby do what she’s always done—what her mother did—and run away? Grief and secrets had torn Darby and Hank apart once. Given a second chance at love, will the revelation of more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?




SLADE: Someone knows the truth about the part Ghost Mountain Ranch played in Laurie’s life, and the terrible consequences of that past. But when the ghosts of the past threaten the lives of the living, will their growing attraction be enough to protect Slade and Laurie?




KELSEY: But something dark is happening at Ghost Mountain Ranch, where the past is reaching out in dangerous ways to haunt the living. Max is not only stirring up old feelings in Kelsey, but old secrets of the ranch’s inhabitants. Secrets someone might be willing to kill to keep. Can they finally lay the old ghosts to rest, or will the echoes of a decades-old murder destroy their second chance at love?



"Kudos to Jan Scarbrough for keeping the characters interesting and the plot twists intriguing from the first book to the last."




YOU CAN PURCHASE THE GHOST MOUNTAIN RANCH BOX SET HERE:

https://books2read.com/GhostMountainRanch

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3vHieeS



It's been great having you as our guest today, Jan! Please come back whenever you want! Have a wonderful day, all! :)

















Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Lucinda Race Will Rope You In With Her Latest!

 Please welcome back Romance Gem Lucinda Race! Lucinda is brings her new release, a contemporary Western romantic suspense, HIDING IN MONTANTA.

Let's find out more...






Blurb ~


Can love flourish while danger lurks in the shadow?

For Polly Carson, working the land on a Montana ranch is a dream come true. No one knows she’s on the run, carrying a secret that could endanger the big eclectic family she’s found on the ranch. Not even the man who rescued her broken body from the bottom of a ravine recognizes her. He doesn’t know that it was him who brought her to River Junction in hope of finding a safe haven and a chance to start over.

Something about Polly draws Clint Goodman, foreman of Grace Star Ranch, like a bee to wildflowers. If only he could remember why she seems so familiar. She trips his trigger for sure, but he’s been burned before. He loves his job and his cowboy life, but women want picket fences and a man who doesn’t work weekends. But maybe a woman like Polly is worth taking a second chance.

Polly’s a strong woman with a deep inner strength. Clint, the strong silent type, loves and respects her fierce independence. But just as their slow-burn romance is heating up, Polly’s past returns to threaten her future. As lies and secrets are revealed, no one on the ranch will be safe.




Excerpt ~

Polly Carson stuck her leather work gloves in the back of her faded Levis. She sat back on her heels, surveying the row of tomato plants she had just mulched. Rubbing the ache in her lower back reminded her she wasn’t twenty anymore. Looking at her surroundings, she wouldn’t change life on Grace Star Ranch for anything in the world. Working the land in Montana had been a dream come true, and it put her in close proximity to Clint Goodman, the only man who made her heart skitter in her chest with just a smile. Not that he even recognized her. No one could. But she knew he had a good heart. What person would happen along, find a woman so badly broken that he’d stay with her, and even visit her in the hospital? She remembered little about those first days, but she remembered his voice, the deep dimples, and sable-brown eyes, and the way he talked about his home, Grace Star Ranch, had sounded like heaven on earth. 


She touched her face, picturing her reflection in the mirror. The plastic surgeon had done an amazing job of putting her back together. The only scars that remained were on the inside. She shook off the darkness that threatened to obscure the July sunshine and stood up. This morning she woke in a cold sweat, her heart racing from the same nightmare she’d had for the last three years. She was running and her feet gave way, sliding down a rocky embankment. Helpless. Ending in a heap at the bottom of a ravine. But it hadn’t been a dream. It had been what brought her to this point, even though she remembered nothing after she had breakfast until they found her. Until Clint found her. Even now, her heart pounded in her chest as it tightened with the familiar panic. Taking several deep cleansing breaths, she reminded herself nothing would get done dwelling on the past. She knew better than anyone life could change in an instant. 


The sound of someone calling her name interrupted her thoughts. Annie, the owner of the ranch and her boss, was headed in her direction. 


“Morning,” she called out. “How’s things going out here?” She popped her hands on her hips and took in the massive garden. “It’s amazing what you’ve done in just a year.” She bent over and tore off a lettuce leaf, inspecting it, and then popping it in her mouth. “Nothing like from garden to mouth.” 


Polly liked Annie. Her openness and willingness to listen and implement new ideas was just one reason working here was the best job she’d ever had. “The critters would devour the lettuce if we hadn’t installed that fencing.”


“I’m glad Clint and the boys could get it done before everything grew.”


Polly turned away so Annie couldn’t see her cheeks get pink at the mere mention of his name. “Chicken wire did the trick, that’s for sure.” 


“Tell me, what’s the scoop with these tomato plants? They’re already a foot tall and deep green, nothing like what I saw down at The Trading Post a few days ago.” 


“I grew these in the greenhouse. We’ve got a grape variety and ones that will ripen in our short growing season. Quinn’s already thinking about how many quarts he can process for the winter.” 


Annie shuddered. “We just got over that season. I’m not ready to start thinkin’ about snow.” Her soft twang only came out occasionally, but Polly liked it.


With a soft laugh, she said, “It’s part of growing food. We need to think about the harvest and preserving it. Besides, we have a pleasant summer coming up since our spring has been warm. It’s a good indicator we’re in for a stretch of sunny days ahead.” 


“Do you think you’ll have enough greenhouse space to grow even more for next year? With the resort having a soft opening in the fall, I’m hopeful we will book the cabins solid next summer.”


Annie had part of the ranch under construction with six family-style cabins and an expansion to the horse stable. Her plan was to add a dude ranch resort as an offshoot of the cattle business. Daphne, her friend from Boston, had moved out to run it. 


“Not to worry, I’m using this year’s harvest as a gauge of what we’ll need to expand for next year. Feeding the ranch hands and preserving what we can is a part of the overall plan. You’ll need to decide how meals will run for the resort, are guests eating with the hands, or is there a separate dining hall? If Jed’s going to oversee everything, then he has ideas about the menu. I guess what I’m saying is, it’s an open-ended discussion until we know if Quinn is the head chef or if you are having two separate kitchens.” 


Annie tapped her chin with her index finger and turned her head in the direction of the dining hall. “I’ve been putting off this conversation long enough. I’ll run down and talk to Quinn this morning. I was hoping he’d come to me and ask for the head chef job, but maybe he’s waiting for me to offer it.” With a shake of her head, she grinned. “He’s strong and silent like a few of our men around here.” 


Polly instantly thought of Clint. He was the strong, silent type, steady as her heartbeat, well, until he occupied space with her, and then her heart thumped wildly. She really needed to stop crushing on that man. “And you have a few raucous ones down there, too. Clint had Zak Dawson up helping with the fence and all he did was crack jokes.” 


Her eyes grew wide. “Clint or Zak?” 


Her cheeks grew warm. “Zak’s the funny man of that duo.” But Clint had the occasional one-liner that cracked her up, too. Not that she was about to tell Annie that. 


“Zak’s a good man and even better with the horses. He probably tires of not having people to talk with, so he makes up for it.” Annie gave her a sharp look. “Clint’s got a good sense of humor. He just keeps it on the down low until he really gets to know someone.” 


She dipped her head and looked at Annie. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” 


“Hey, can you do me a favor before you head out?” Annie glanced back at the main house. “Mary’s a little tired today. Would you cut some lettuce and if there are radishes, harvest some for dinner tonight and drop them at the house? I have to run into town and I’d feel better knowing someone had laid eyes on her while I’m gone.” 


“Is she alright?” 


“If you ask her, yes, still running this place like my Pops were still alive. But she picked up a cold, and it’s settled in her chest, and we both know Mary, stubborn as a mule about resting. She’ll be down here when she gets ready to fix dinner, getting what she can and well…” Her voice trailed off.


Polly saw the tears well up and then get blinked away from Annie’s eyes. “Consider it done. Maybe we can have tea together and I can pick her brain about her success with the garden all these years.” 


“I tried to tell her I’d”—she gave a sheepish grin and shrugged her shoulders—“well, Linc would cook tonight, but she insists on fixing supper.” 


“My grandma was just like Mary, never wanting help. At least Mary’s relinquished most of the gardening to me. She even allowed me to work in her flower gardens.” 


Annie placed a warm hand on Polly’s arm. “I really appreciate your patience with Mary. She’s the only family I have left.” 


“We all love her, so stop worrying. I can pop in whenever for a quick glass of water.” She patted the small walkie-talkie on her hip. “And you can reach me anytime.” 


Polly would do just about anything for Annie and her family. After all, if it wasn’t for the woman standing in front of her, Polly wouldn’t be living her dream or live in close proximity to the man who had saved her life. One of these days, she needed to fess up and tell him who she was and thank him. 


“I got lucky when Jeremy introduced us at The Trading Post.” 


Polly swallowed the lump in her throat; she knew exactly what Annie meant. It was a fresh start for both of them—Annie taking over the family’s ranch and her working at the ranch. They were both building a new life from the ground up. 


“Hey, how often is a gardener given the chance to start an entire operation literally from just a patch of land and an idea?” 


Annie shrugged. “Like every spring?” 


“Nope, this land needed to be cultivated and coaxed back into life. We’ve added compost and fertilizer, turned in nutrients, and let the magic of nature work over the winter.” Much like her transformation as she worked the land, it restored her faith that the future was bright. She had left the withered version of herself on that hiking trail. 


“You did the work.” Annie gave her a bright smile. 


In more ways than just the plot of land in front of them. “Thanks, Annie. All I needed was the opportunity.”


Her smile grew. “Oh, look, there’s Clint and Linc.” 


The two cowboys headed in their direction. Clint was taller and thinner than his boss, who was also Annie’s husband, but they both had dark hair and the muscles of a hard-working cowboy. That’s where the similarities ended. Linc’s smile was quick and easy, whereas Clint’s was slow and guarded. He was slowly getting comfortable around her, but it had puzzled Polly why.


“Ladies,” Linc said and pecked his wife’s lips. “I thought I’d find you out here, Annie.” 


“Actually, I was talking with Polly about plans for next year, and then I’m on my way down to see Quinn.” 


Clint gave Polly a half grin. “Gotta feel sorry for the cook. Once Annie says she’s gonna talk to someone, that means they’d best be prepared to make some decisions.” 


Although her tongue felt like she’d trip over it if she spoke, she laughed and then said, “I think I’d been in that same position last year.” 


He pushed his Stetson back on his head and gave her a rare, wide smile. “And look how that turned out. We’re now eating better than ever, thanks to your skills.” 


She could feel the flush rise in her cheeks and she eked out, “That’s nice of you to say.”


“Wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.” Clint’s deep drawl made her toes curl in her work boots.


Polly could feel Annie’s eyes watching them as they bantered. She chanced a quick look, and Annie’s eyes widened with laughter. But it left her questions unasked. Polly was sure that would be a topic of conversation when they talked later. 


“Linc, why don’t we head down to the dining hall? I think Polly was going to ask Clint for some help with something.” Annie gave Polly a sly wink and slipped her arm through her husband’s.


“Clint, after you’re done up here, can you stop down at the horse barn and check on things there? I have some things to go over with Annie in the office.” 


Polly noticed the glint in Linc’s eyes and if she were to hazard a guess, this was part of Annie and Linc’s not-so-subtle way of playing matchmaker.


“You got it, and then I’m gonna check on the new calves. Doc Howard will be making a quick trip out later too.” 


“Good.” Linc took Annie’s hand and with a smile in Polly’s direction and a curt nod to Clint, he said, “Take all the time Polly needs to get whatever done.” 


When they were out of earshot, Clint stuck his hands in his front pockets and rocked back in his boots. He was studying Polly carefully. “So, how can I help you?”



To find out what happens next...
You can get HIDING IN MONTANA here:

Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJFCQJ77

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hiding-in-montana-5

http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6443868765

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hiding-in-montana-lucinda-race/1142526802?ean=2940186597841

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1170479

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Lucinda_Race_Hiding_in_Montana?id=OmaVEAAAQBAJ

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63848490-hiding-in-montana

https://www.bookbub.com/books/hiding-in-montana-clean-western-romance-suspense-cowboys-of-river-junction-book-2-by-lucinda-race

 



Bio~

Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading mystery and romance novels and getting lost in the fun and hope they represent. While her friends dreamed of becoming doctors and engineers, her dreams were to become a writer—a novelist.

As life twisted and turned, she found herself writing nonfiction but longed to turn to her true passion. After developing the storyline for the McKenna Family Romance series, it was time to start living her dream. Her fingers practically fly over computer keys she weaves stories about with mystery and happily ever afters.

Lucinda lives with her two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts. When she's not at her day job, she’s immersed in her fictional worlds. And if she’s not writing mystery, suspense and romance novels, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on.

You can find Lucinda here:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55855598-breathe

https://www.bookbub.com/books/breathe-romance-in-the-finger-lakes-the-crescent-lake-winery-series-book-1-by-lucinda-race

https://twitter.com/LucindaRace

FB

https://www.facebook.com/LucindaRaceAuthor/


https://www.instagram.com/lucindaraceauthor/

Goodreads – Lucinda Race- 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10174985.Lucinda_Race

Youtube Lucinda Race

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lucinda+race+author

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/lucindaraceauthor/

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/ap/xyYO2g/Lucinda-Race

Bookbub Lucinda Race

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucinda-race

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Race/e/B00Q0MMNUM

Lucinda’s Heart Racers Reader Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/118597305361578

https://lucindarace.com


Linked In

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-race-947099140/

Thank you for joining us today, Lucinda, and for sharing HIDING IN MONTANA with us! Please come back any time!