Barnes & Noble and Amazon both have A JOYFUL BREAK available in PRINT! It’s $8.29 on B & N and $11.53 on Amazon.

Click here to buy the paperback from Barnes & Noble!
Click here to buy from Amazon either in Kindle edition or paperback!

My Amish romance isn’t available yet on the Nook but is on Kindle and Smashwords.

Here’s an excerpt of A Joyful Break: (Enjoy)
Chapter One

Fields Corner, Ohio

Rachel Hershberger took a deep breath, realizing she had to tell her boyfriend, Samuel, what he definitely would not like to hear from her lips. While standing in front of the farm he’d just bought, she thought how it meant one thing. He wanted to make wedding plans, but it was not possible right now. How could she set a date for their wedding when she needed to leave Fields Corner? Before her grandparents and mother died, all she wanted in life was to marry Samuel Weaver and have children.

But things changed when her mother suddenly died at age forty-four. Losing her dear mamm had put a huge emptiness in her heart and spirit.

He pulled her next to him. “What do you think? You’ve been quiet about me buying this land. Do you like it for us?”

She looked into his blue eyes and saw he was eager to hear her opinion. She needed to ease into telling him about her aunt’s request. “It’s perfect. I love the row of pine trees.”

“We can build our house by the tree line. The property’s the right size for me. I don’t need more than thirty acres. It’s enough to raise our own feed for livestock. I’ll still have time to help my daed with his farming and take furniture orders.”

Her wonderful Samuel had everything figured out for their future when she was so unsure now about her life. I better speak up and tell him about Aunt Carrie’s letter. She fingered her kapp’s string. “I have something to tell you.”

He grinned. “You decided to join the church. You need to hurry talk to Bishop Amos so you can start your classes, and we can get married in November.”

She understood what he meant about not waiting any longer to talk to the bishop. Before having an Amish wedding, both needed to be baptized and to become church members. There were usually nine special instruction classes before being allowed to join the church. “I can’t join the church yet. I received a letter from Aunt Carrie. She wants me to visit her next week while Violet’s on spring break from college.”

“Is Adam going to be home too? I could go with you. He invited me to visit sometime.”

Samuel had met both of her cousins when they came for her grandparents’ funerals. Then two months later, the Robinson family came again for her mother’s funeral. Unfortunately, the media got news of her Uncle Scott, the U.S. Senator from Kentucky, attending her mother’s, but waited to film until after the ceremony. For both somber occasions, her aunt and uncle left in an Amish buggy to blend in with the rest of the funeral processions. Adam and Samuel enjoyed each other’s company even though one was English and other Amish. “Adam isn’t going to join us until later at the beach.”

He frowned. “What beach?”

“It’s such a pretty day. Why don’t we sit by the creek to talk?”

“You sound serious. We better get comfortable. I’ll grab the Pepsi I brought for us.” He left her side to walk to the buggy. She watched him as he bent down to pick up a brown bag. It didn’t matter that he was dressed in the usual Amish garb of black pants, dark blue shirt, and suspenders; he looked handsome and special to her. At six foot, he towered over her petite height of five-three. She loved gazing upward at his gentle face.
~~~
Blog Party (6 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time) on October 10th here with several giveaways!

Today I’m excited to feature Texan Celia Yeary! An accomplished author, Celia is sharing a blurb, excerpt and review of her book , “The Stars at Night” with us. Thank you for visiting, Celia, and welcome!

If you leave a comment on Celia’s post, your name will be entered to win an ebook. The winner gets to choose one of the following ebooks: Celia’s THE STARS AT NIGHT, Regina’s PRAISE OF THE HEART, OR K.Dawn’s THE SECRETS OF THE LOVE LETTERS. CONTEST ENDS: FEBRUARY 3rd!

Be sure to come back on Monday to learn more about another featured January author - Regina Andrews! It’s not too late to comment on K.Dawn Byrd’s post to increase your chances of winning!

THE STARS AT NIGHT BLURB:
Kate Norwood from New York arrives in Texas with her young motherless nephew, Nicky. She quickly decides the plan to relocate him with his grandmother is a mistake. With the help of Nicky’s uncle, Jesse McCoy, she learns the boy’s father is dead. Her boyfriend interferes with his own agenda for Kate, using lies, deceptions, and cruelty.

Jesse McCoy falls for Kate Norwood the minute he stops her on the outskirts of Sagewood, Texas for speeding. He soon learns they share a family connection and a common problem. His goals become finding the proper home for his nephew, saving Kate from a devious man, and loving her for the remainder of his life. But will she give up her New York lifestyle to live a simple life in Texas?

EXCERPT:

The officer appeared at her window and bent at the knees slightly to look through the dark glass. “Lower your window,” he said, his voice sounding muffled.

Lowering it four inches, she reached behind her and groped for her bag in the back seat. Finally getting a grip on it, she dragged it over the console and into her lap.

He straightened to his full height. “Ma’am, may I see your driver’s license, please?” he asked in a deep drawl, smooth and sexy as melted chocolate. “Also, I need to see your proof of insurance.”

Goose bumps skittered along her arms.

“Lower your window all the way, too,” he added.

Now, that didn’t sound like a request, and this time, no shivers.

“I prefer not to, if you don’t mind,” Kate said, as business-like as she could. “Here’s my license.” She held up her wallet to the small opening at the top of the glass so he could read the card through the little plastic window.

“Please remove your license and hand it to me along with your proof of insurance. And lower your window. I can’t see you through the tinted glass.”

Kate grimaced when she heard a hint of impatience in his voice, but she held her ground.

“I need to see your badge, please.”

“Now, ma’am, I’m going to ask you one more time. Do as I ask and you’ll be able to see my badge. Cut your engine while you’re at it, then hand over your license and proof of insurance.”

The officer’s voice had lost all traces of its easy-going rumble. He stood with a hand riding low on a hip, tapping the other leg with the ticket book, waiting for her to comply.

“Okay, okay. Here.” Kate shoved the both through the four inches of opened window. “This paper is from the lease company about their insurance. If you’ll step back a couple of feet, I’ll lower my window. Deal?”

The officer hesitated, and she’d bet he wasn’t accustomed to bending to the demands of anyone, let alone a speeder on his highway. She watched as he backed up one step.

A sense of empowerment made her smile, and she did as he requested.

He returned to his original position. “Remove your sunglasses, please,” he asked politely. “Before you say anything,” he held up a finger, “I’m required to match the color of your eyes with the information on your license.”

“I wasn’t going to,” she said in a voice a little higher than her usual tone.

Keeping his eyes on the license, he said, “You haven’t missed an opportunity yet.”

“I’m just cautious. You would be, too, if you weren’t certain of a man’s real identity. I read a lone driver out in the middle of nowhere should require some identification from the officer, and I also read about men posing as cops, while in truth–”

He interrupted and looked at her. “Ma’am? May I continue? Without the dialogue?”

“Go ahead. I’ll shut up. Except stop calling me ma’am.” She crossed her arms over her waist and looked straight ahead. She heard him make a slight sound in his throat that sounded almost like a chuckle.

“Just the two of you in the vehicle?”

“Yes.”

He read her license and then looked at her. “Okay, then, five nine, gray eyes,” he murmured to himself as he wrote.

Kate waited while he studied her face. She saw her image reflected in his mirrored sunglasses. Thinking longingly of the lipstick, she wished she hadn’t caught her hair up with a ragged scrunchy, either. It kept the auburn mass out of her face all right, but now it looked like it sprouted out of the top of her head, making her look like Pebbles.

“Thank you… miss. Here’s your license. From New York, are you?”

She looked at him. “Yes.”

“Well, ma’am, welcome to Texas.”
~~~~
REVIEW:
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging Read
By J. Thomas “The Long and the Short Of It Reviews”

In The Stars at Night Ms. Yeary uproots her heroine, Kate Norwood, from all that is familiar and plunks her down in Texas. Kate is looking for Ray McCoy, her nephew’s father, but instead she meets his brother Jesse. From the first emotional sparks fly, and then with her usual skill Ms. Yeary weaves in misinformation, betrayals, blackmail, and substance abuse, to name but a few of the conflicts her hero and heroine face. Both are strong characters with responsible jobs, and yet when it matters most, their demons and uncertainties hold them back from expressing themselves. Both are caring and family orientated, even though the heroine denies this.

In The Stars at Night the author offers strong believable characters, a charming and yet complex story and a beautiful setting. Into this mix she throws in secondary characters, all of whom in their own ways, makes life difficult for Jesse and Kate, and Kate’s adorable nephew, Nicky. There were a couple of scene changes that lacked the author’s usual smooth touch and had me floundering for a couple of moments before picking up the new setting, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from moving forward. Ms. Yeary’s skilled word-smithing and vivid descriptions of her beloved Texas, paint an amazing picture of the scenery and environment.

The Stars at Night is a poignant, charming story that held my attention from start to finish, with a reluctant break for sleep.

Author of Faith-Affirming Fiction

I’m thrilled to have Marianne Evans here today. She’s happily married and lives in Detroit, Michigan. Her wonderful books are published with Kensington and The Wild Rose Press!

What inspired you to begin writing?

I can’t really say any “one” thing inspired me to begin writing. I’ve simply loved the written word for as long as I can remember. I began writing short stories back in middle school and the rest is history!

What’s your writing schedule?

I tend to do the bulk of my writing at night, after my 9 to 5 job, and on the weekends. I wish I had more time to dedicate to writing – it fills me with such joy!

Marianne, I know you’ve touched many readers with your wonderful inspirational romances. What is one of the most meaningful compliments you have received from a reader?

First of all, thank you for the lovely compliment. I appreciate it! The most meaningful compliment I ever received from a reader came about as the result of my book, Hearts Surrender. Hearts Surrender features the story of a widowed Pastor moving on to a new season in his life with a lovely and gregarious woman. I received an e-mail and amazon review from a reader who had recently lost her spouse, who said this book impacted her tremendously, and gave her hope to hang on for happier times and love to come. I cried, and prayed, after reading her lovely message and review.

How did you and your husband meet? What was it about him that made you know he was “the one”?

We met at a Christmas party at the apartment complex where my Dad was maintenance manager. I didn’t want to go to the party—mom and dad bribed me with dinner at a really great restaurant. My husband attended only because his beloved college basketball team was getting trounced in a game. We met, chatted for the entire party, and the next day we set up our first official date. He possesses such a strong, beautiful heart, and such a love for Christ that I knew almost immediately he was the one I wanted to spend my life with.

Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

Hmmm…well…I collect antique salt cellars (Google the topic…they’re such fun!) I have a fondness for collecting pretty autumn leaves, and I run dialogue, aloud, in the car on my way to and from work when I’m in the middle of writing a story.

Where can fans find you on the internet?

There’s my blog: www.marianneevans.blogspot.com and there’s my website: www.marianneevans.com and my Facebook readers page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

Tell us about your new release.

My new release is Hearts Key, book 4 and the conclusion of my Woodland Series from White Rose Publishing. This series was such a wonderful undertaking for me – I loved every minute of it. Here’s a blurb about Hearts Key:

Once the effervescent leader of the pack, Amy Maxwell’s marriage should have been perfect. Instead, she escaped with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper.

Tyler Brock is dazzling. The once shy teen has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper.

But, Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same.

Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?

Where can readers buy your book?
Through Pelican Book Group, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com and all major on-line book retailers. Here’s the publisher link: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/hearts-key

Click here to purchase from Amazon.com.

Enjoy an excerpt:

The after-concert crowd ebbed and flowed around Tyler like a tide. He stood comfortably amidst it all, his arm looped around his mom’s waist, his father nearby as well. Back home again.

If only it were that easy.

Amy took a deep breath. It was time to move forward, and act like the friend she had always been. She made progress toward approaching Tyler, watching as he shook hands with members of his crew and received enthusiastic hugs of support. Then in came Rebecca. He saw her immediately and grinned while she made a dash for his ready embrace. She gave a happy shout as he lifted her up, and spun her in a full circle.

“You were great,” she enthused, her voice touched by the cadence of the south. “Honestly, what a show!”

“Inspired, wasn’t it, Becs? It feels so good to be home!”

Rebecca pecked both his cheeks and smiled into his eyes. Amy’s heart sank. His dynamic backup singer then greeted others around them and dissolved into the crowd of tour staffers. Amy winced, battling off turmoil, self-doubt, and inadequacy.

It was a battle she lost.

In that instant, her mature, straightforward intentions vaporized. Hiking up her purse and camera strap, Amy kept a tight hold on them both as she turned to leave. She took a few steps toward the exit. She’d beg off tomorrow’s dinner, and bid this entire, world-rocking episode farewell. In the morning, everything would be back to normal. In the morning, she could—

“Seriously?”

Amy froze at the sound of the smooth and deep voice that carried with it just a touch of the South. She closed her eyes, and she trembled. Bad.

“You were seriously gonna leave without sayin’ hello to me?”

She couldn’t pull in a proper breath. Her heart skittered wildly. Red-hot heat crawled up the skin of her neck and ignited her cheeks, melting and burning in one fell swoop.

Bravely she turned around, her lips pressed tight, though she fought through it all to offer a tentative smile. “Hey, Tyler.”

It was the best she could manage. His eyes were unspeakably gentle and tender. His attitude of warmth so typical of the Tyler she had known, once upon a life. Amy welcomed that fact, and at the same time, she was swept away by just looking at him.

“Hey, Amy,” he greeted softly. His smile bloomed when he took her hands. A beat later, he drew her in for a long, tight hug that left her aching. He felt so hard, and strong. So wonderful. A lump formed fast in her throat—a bit of mourning, she supposed, for all she missed.

“I, ah, didn’t want to interfere or anything.” As soon as the words crossed her lips, she realized how lame they sounded.

Tyler kissed her cheek, and Amy went a bit dizzy. A bit weak at the knees. “You couldn’t interfere if you wanted to.” He leaned back and drew a fingertip against her chin; he looked deep look into her eyes. “I’ve missed you.”
~~~~

Grab a cup of coffee, soft drink or tea and enjoy reading a brief bio about the very talented multi-published author, Regina Andrews! A short excerpt follows! If you leave a comment for Regina, your name will be entered for my Sept. 1st Drawing. Winner gets a $10 GC to Bath & Body Works! I love the Sweet Pea fragrance in the body spray and body lotion.

A resident of Providence, RI, Regina grew up in nearby Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her Master’s Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. She is inspired by anything to do with nature, and she and her husband enjoy visiting nearby Cape Cod.

Regina’s hobbies include Travel, Museums, Theater, Classical Music, Choral Singing and Gardening. She is a radio host for In-Sight, an association dedicated to providing services to the visually impaired of all ages.

Regina thinks that the use of language has to enthrall her to make a book great in her opinion. She says, “Technical expertise is a must. Characterization must be sharp and all the elements of good storytelling must mesh together. Nothing contrived or trite, don’t even try to manipulate me. (laugh) Guess I’m pretty demanding. Dickens, for instance, has all of the above.”

While in graduate school, Regina read Barbara Cartland to try and unwind. While reading romance, she thought, “This is what I want to do.”

By the way, I interviewed Regina in March when her Book One of Sterling Lakes Series was released. Here’s the link, http://www.dianecraver.com/blog/?p=4163, to learn more about her Light of the Hearts book in the series.

Click here to buy Angels of the Heart from DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING!
Purchase Amazon Kindle Edition here!

Blurb for Regina’s New Book, Angels of the Heart:

The life of a television journalist has been good to Maryanne Lynch and life in Sterling Lakes suits her well. That is, until she learns of developer Travis Collimore’s plans to destroy a local landmark, the Townsend Barn along with its rare angel weather vane, as part of the renovations of St. Luke’s Church. The reappearance of her former high school friend who moved away years earlier turns Maryanne’s life into a series of events which put her values, her character and her beliefs to the test. Will she be able to maintain her professional and ethical standards in the face of a ghost from the past…who looks to be clouding her future?

Regina Shares an Excerpt
Chapter One

“That’s a wrap, everyone, thank you. Another great show.”

Reviewing the studio audience, WMAS television host Maryanne Lynch started to remove her earpiece as usual and roll the wire into a neat coil. This time though, the stone on her diamond engagement ring snagged the strands of her sleek black bob, tangling up the wire and interrupting her thoughts. She freed herself only to have the ring hitch again, this time catching the jacket pocket of her cappuccino business suit as she tried to slip her earpiece safely inside it.

Kirk Blackstone, her producer, approached her. “Maryanne, there’s a bunch of girl scouts here. Doing some badge about media careers. Can you meet with them?”

“Sure, in the conference room. Just give me one minute, okay?”

She moved through the studio, scanning the crowd while remaining intent on her purpose. “I had to wear a pencil skirt today,” she mumbled. One of the guests today had looked familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. She hurried to catch up with him, while considering an even more pressing matter about the show’s topic.

When she turned the final corner before the studio exit doors, she spotted him. With his tall frame and blond hair, he stood out in the crowded lobby area.

“Excuse me!”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for visiting the show today.”

His brown eyes traveled up and down her frame. “No problem.”

“Everyone is all worked up about the renovations to St. Luke’s Church and the new face of Sterling Lakes. It’s a hot topic.”

“It’s good the town folks are interested.”

“They are more than interested, they are reborn. This is the new lease on life that Sterling Lakes has been praying for so very long. You can’t imagine what it means to us.”

“Heartwarming. Now, if you’ll excuse me?”

Maryanne had done enough interviews to know his tone of voice probably meant he was not really interested. She took one step closer to him. “There’s just another thing to clear up. If you develop St. Luke’s the way you explained on my show, it means you’ll have to raze the Townsend Barn.”

“There is a structure–”

“Townsend Barn.”

He nodded. “There is a structure, Townsend Barn, thank you, which currently stands right in the middle of the land that will house the rectory and youth center. To build the extension, the barn has to go.”

“That can’t happen.”

“The architect has designed for it to happen that way.”

“The people of Sterling Lakes love the barn. It has an angel weather vane. That’s very rare, you know.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. The plans have been drawn up and approved.”

Maryanne arched one eyebrow. “Really? We all know plans are made to be broken.”

“Some of us do. Especially you.”

~~~
Readers, Regina is working on Book Three of the Sterling Lakes Series, “Praises of the Heart” which is due September 1st. I’m sure this will be another great read in her wonderful series!

Learn More about Regina at her Web site at http://www.reginaandrews.com/ and visit her blog at http://www.reginaandrews.wordpress.com/ Also Tweet her @ regina_eileen

Publisher: Rebecca J. Vickery
Cover Artist: Karen Wiesner

The Proposal is reissued and available now by itself. You probably remember it was in A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: ANTHOLOGY. If you didn’t purchase the anthology book, I hope you’ll buy THE PROPOSAL! It’s approximately 15,000 words. It’s only 99 cents!

BLURB:
Jacqueline Andrews hopes her boyfriend Brad’s surprise is an engagement ring for her twenty-sixth birthday. Her best friend, Tyler Jordan, wants Jacqueline to be happy, but not with Brad her current boyfriend.

Tyler regrets blowing off Jacqueline’s confession of love for him before he left for college. When he returns to their small town as a physician’s assistant, he falls in love with her. He needs to win her love back.

Will his hot kisses sway her? Or is she going to marry Brad?

EXCERPT:

She nodded. “To show my appreciation for the great birthday gift and for you treating everyone to dinner tonight, I’ll even make extra bars just for you to eat with lots of cream cheese frosting.”

He put his fork on his empty plate. “You can show your appreciation in another way.”

“Oh really, what way is that?”

“A thank you kiss is definitely in order.”

She shifted toward him and planted a sweet kiss on his lips. Even though, Jacqueline’s quickness in responding surprised him, he wanted more and reclaimed her lips. He loved feeling her quiver at the tenderness of his kiss. She definitely wasn’t just giving a chaste kiss to her best friend. I might be getting through to Jacqueline that we should be a couple. How would Brad take it if Jacqueline broke up with him? He did feel guilty about not speaking up in the beginning to Brad, but he couldn’t say anything when Jacqueline’s happiness was more important. He never expected their feelings for each other to escalate so fast.

“You two need to get a room,” Alex said as he put his plate on the counter.

Jacqueline blushed as she moved slightly to look at her brother. “I was just thanking Tyler for everything.”

Alex chuckled. “I don’t go around kissing people to say thank you.”

“Hey, don’t tease your sister. It’s not everyday I get a kiss that tastes like candy.”

“I heard your phone. Did Brad call?” Alex asked, leaning against the counter.

She nodded. “It was good to hear his voice. I can’t wait to see him next week.”

Alex looked amused. “The competition is on. Two guys in love with my sister. May the best man win.”

BUYING LINKS:
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