IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Today's spotlight is on Patty Wiseman and her debut novel An Unlikely Arrangement. Set in the 1920's the plot  focuses on organized crime, an engagement, a kidnapping, a misunderstanding...and murder...oh my! 

What more could a reader ask for?

Now, more about the author...

The daughter of a WWII Navy vet who survived Pearl Harbor, Patty Wiseman was raised in Washington State. She attended The Wesleyan College in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and then moved to Northeast Texas where she has resided for over 30 years.

She has several short stories published and is currently working on two other novels. An Unlikely Arrangement is her first novel and based on a true story.

Semi-retired, Patty is proud to boast she still competes in her favorite sport, bowling. The proud winner of several 200 patches and other awards, she plans to continue to stay in shape with the sport.

Baseball is another passion, and Patty watches Texas Rangers Baseball faithfully. She and her husband Ron attend games as often as they can.

Patty and Ron are the proud owners of a year old crème lab they call Cutter. All their children are grown and scattered now with the grandchildren, which gives Patty plenty of time to write and turn out the stories of a lifetime dancing in her head.

Blurb 

Young and rebellious, Ruth Squire defied her parents to live the high life of young people in 1929 Detroit. Handsome and responsible, Peter Kirby worked diligently to make his family’s life easier. Rich and powerful, Eric Horton held the fates of many families in his hands.

                       

These three lives intertwine through the differing worlds of high society, middle-class life, and organized crime, culminating in an engagement, a kidnapping, a misunderstanding…   … and a murder.

Excerpt

Her hands remained clasped in front of her, settled against the soft folds of the velveteen gown; eyes downcast. Rage coursed through her body, her heart pulsed with the beat of it. Face-to face with a man said to be her future husband, white-knuckled, she fought for control. Mother is angry, yes. Of course, I knew there would be consequences but I never expected this. To think my parents would betray me in such a way never once entered my mind.

“Dear, please do not be rude. Give Mr. Kirby the courtesy of acknowledging his presence.”

She lifted her trembling hand to his out-stretched palm. Her throat constricted, and she could not look directly at him. Instead, she focused on his gray pin-stripe slacks and moved up inch by inch until she reached his handsome face. An explosion echoed in her head as his eyes penetrated her soul. He stood over six feet tall, solidly built, and she felt small in his presence. She was not sure what she had expected, wasn’t sure she expected anything at all. A woodsy fragrance tickled her nose. Broad, muscular shoulders complemented the rugged look, but at the same time exuded finesse, well-schooled manners, and proper decorum. His eyes were kind and compassionate, and her hand fit in his warm grasp like a comfortable glove.

~~~

The two-story brownstone had been Ruth’s home from the day of her birth, a sanctuary from the modern upside-down world of 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. Until recently, she had loved this warm, relaxed house and appreciated her mother’s lavish taste. Now, it had turned into a guardhouse, and she yearned for freedom and independence. Last night, an eternity ago, her rebellion triggered this situation, and Peter Kirby appeared. She knew Mother, who now occupied the single chair in the room, leaving Father to stand by the fireplace, chose the parlor for this rendezvous because of its intimate arrangement.

“Ruth is a lovely name,” Peter said. “Are you named for your beautiful mother, Miss Squire?” Peter moved a bit closer and touched her hand.

Mother laughed aloud. “Why no, but thank you, Peter. May I call you Peter?” Mrs. Squire flirted, unabashed. “I chose Ruth’s name from the Bible. It fits her, don’t you think?

“Indeed it does, Mrs. Squire.” Peter addressed the older woman, but his attention remained riveted on her.

Why won’t he look away? He never wavers. I must look away. She couldn’t.

“Our marriage is in a fortnight, Miss Squire. Do you have any questions for me? I know this is sudden. I want to make this as pleasant as possible.” His hand now covered hers.

“Oh, I think we know as much as we need to know, Peter. Your mother gave us a detailed profile of your life. We are happy with our choice.” Mother rose to pour tea and handed a fragile china cup to the hopeful bridegroom.

Peter shifted his gaze from Ruth…slowly. “I am sure you have all the answers you need, Mrs. Squire. However, Ruth is the one who must commit. Surely, she has a few questions.” He looked steadfast into the eyes of the matron this time.

Ruth’s heart skipped and the silence took on a life of its own. Such boldness, how will she react? No one ever talked to Mother in that tone. She stole a glance, but turned back to look again on the man who dared such effrontery.

His rugged face glowed bronze in contrast to his white blond hair, and the blue in his eyes had turned to ice. 

View the Trailer for An Unlikely Arrangement

Patty can be found on the net at:

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If It’s Thursday Night, My Name Must Be Lola 

Direct Buy for Patty's book  Grab your copy today!

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In the Spotlight

Each week I will showcase authors of various genres on my blog. Today, Stephy Smith is "In the Spotlight" with her Contemporary Romance, Shawnee's Creek. But first, a little insight into the author behind the book.

Stephy Smith grew up in the Northwest Texas Panhandle and still lives within a few miles of her childhood home. She owns her own ranch, takes care of her mother, and shares her home with three dogs and a chinchilla.

Other than writing, she loves to read, garden, ride horses, paint and do just about any kind of arts and crafts. Her love for history, museum's, historical markers and sites along roadsides, old houses and walking through cemeteries tempts her creative imagination. Where there's history there's mystery and ghosts! She writes young adult, sweet historical romance and contemporary western romance.

You can find Stephy's novellas, Lizzie and the Rebel, Rescued from the River, and Shawnee’s Creek at Astraea Press, Barnes and Nobel, Amazon

Blurb

Shawnee Turner spent five years on a ranch in Colorado. She worked hard to forget Emory Creek’s smell, his touch, the taste of his lips, and the heartache he caused. When the ranch sold and she lost her job, she is forced to face him with his job offer to come back. Her mind already made up to turn his offer down, she couldn’t deny her need to see his face just one more time. She had to find out if she cared for this man, or if she was keeping his memory alive of her own free will.

Emory Creek couldn’t wait for Shawnee to come back to work for him. The beautiful spunky woman had a lot of explaining to do when she got back. He never figured out why she left in the first place, but the need to see her again outweighed the need to know why. The love he had for Shawnee still burned with an intense desire. This time around, he had to convince her, he was her man.

Excerpt

Pool balls clanked together, Alan Jackson bellowed to be propped against the jukebox, while whoops and hollers filtered through the wooden door.

Shawnee and Cheyenne entered the dimness of the Lonely Steer Bar and Grill. They stepped to one side of the door and let their eyes adjust to the darkness then zigzagged through the crowded room to the bar.

“Two colas, hot wings, and an order of fries, if you got ‘em,” Shawnee called to the bartender. Shawnee slid a cola in front of Cheyenne.

Food in hand, they wove their way past pool tables, pinball games, and a dartboard to an empty table near the dance floor. A woman escorted her man in their direction, leaning one way and then the other toward them.

“Pick up,” Shawnee reached for her drink and food. Cheyenne followed suit until the intoxicated couple slithered past.

Cheyenne swiveled the straw in the glass. “I’m getting butterflies about tomorrow, Shaw.”

“If it makes things any better, I’m kinda nervous, too. At least we’ll be working together. It’s not like we haven’t been to a sale barn before,” Shawnee tilted her head to the couple shuffling their way to the dance floor.

“I know, just the thought of strange people, good-looking cowboys; you know I’m not comfortable around them anymore.” Cheyenne’s eyes scanned the room. Her last job consisted of working as an unsupervised vet tech.

Shawnee followed her gaze. “You know, most of these guys are wanna-be cowboys and not real ones. They’re gonna be different than the ones you’ll work around.”

“They’re still men. I haven’t been around men in so long they just make me a little jumpy.” Cheyenne glanced as the dance floor filled with couples.

Shawnee twisted to face the bar. A tall, dark-haired man headed in their direction. His slow, easy saunter and broad, muscled chest sent a strange quiver down her spine.

“Yeah, all these guys in here just want to rub belt buckles and have a good time.” She stared as the man’s back pockets tightened across his hips until he took a seat. Leaning across the table, she lowered her voice, “I wouldn’t mind unpacking his saddlebags.”

Cheyenne’s nervous giggles drew Shawnee out of her fantasy world with the cowboy. “We better go, Shaw, before you jump the innocent guy. We have a busy day ahead of us.”

The twins finished their meals and weaved their way to the door. Perfume, sweat, animal manure, and alcohol faded as the cool, refreshing breeze escorted them to Shawnee’s pickup.

“And now for you old timers, I’m going to play an oldie but goodie,” the announcer on the radio said. Your Cheatin’ Heart echoed in the car as Shawnee and Cheyenne sang their version of the tune along with Hank Williams.

When they pulled into the drive, they continued to bawl out ‘will tell on you’ until they walked through the door. After a laugh over their non-prosperous singing careers, they went to separate rooms.

“What have we done, Cheyenne?” Shawnee whispered in the dark. It was hours later before sleep took over. She tried to hide her insecurities the best she could.

These jobs were excellent opportunities for them, and Shawnee didn’t want to discourage Cheyenne one bit. The fiery depths of Cheyenne’s insecurities since the accident taunted Shawnee to quit her job as an accountant and seek a position with her sister.

Cheyenne had taken on the world and let it trample her soft heart into mush. Shawnee couldn’t, and wouldn’t, let Cheyenne know she was just as skeptical about starting the new job. In the wee hours of the morning, Shawnee closed her eyes.

“Lord, Mom, Dad, please watch over Cheyenne.” Their images flashed in her mind as the small prayer escaped from her lips.

She slept through the alarm blaring. The familiar creak of the door brought her awake. “Get up, Shawnee. You’re not gonna cause me to be late for the first day on the job.”

Moonbeams danced across the wall enhanced by the tiny branches blowing in the breeze outside the window.

“It’s still dark, Cheyenne. I just got to sleep.” She pulled the covers around her neck.

“You gotta hurry. It’s five and we have to be there at six. Get a move on, Shaw.”

Cheyenne’s footsteps stomped up and down the hallway. Shawnee knew she better hurry and dress before Cheyenne changed her mind.

The smell of coffee greeted them in the kitchen. Cheyenne poured two travel cups full and handed one to Shawnee.

Cheyenne pushed the garage door opener and scurried to the passenger side of the pickup. Shawnee rubbed the goose bumps on her arms as the cool early morning air rushed under the door opening. She slid behind the wheel and started the engine.

The lights of the truck glowed down the highway to the Lost Boys Livestock Auction. Shawnee sipped her coffee until they entered the parking lot of the yellow brick building. They sat in the vehicle for a few moments. Jitters crept down her spine.

“Well, let’s get this over with.” Cheyenne glanced over to Shawnee and pulled in a deep breath.

~**~

Emory Creek sat under the cover of darkness. His pickup was the only vehicle in the gravel lot. A dark green truck pulled in and he gazed at the occupants. The wheat hay straw he was chewing on stilled in his jaw.

He sipped coffee from a travel mug and squinted through the early morning dimness at the two women who exited the other vehicle. His heart jumped at the recognition of the woman who’d rattled him with her eyes at the bar. “Well fry up the chicken and pass the gravy,” he whispered as the woman passed in front of his pickup. His mind was still a little fuzzy from a restless sleep.

As he’d walked by their table the night before, her outward stare made him uncomfortable. He’d strained his ears to listen to the conversation the twins were having. Despite the discomfort, he had been thoroughly intrigued with the beauty. What kind of coincidence could it be since Carla was the one who hired the twins? Here they were in his parking lot, walking to the door; and then the hesitation before reaching for the handle.

“Go on in, go on in.” He crossed his fingers until the two disappeared behind the closing door. He let out his breath. A few sips of coffee blended with the faint taste of the wheat; he opened the pickup door and flicked the chewed straw to the ground.

There wasn’t much difference in the twins. He couldn’t help but notice how the smaller one held herself with more confidence than the larger one. Her hair was a tad darker and her-self assuring attitude was one to expect from a larger city and not a rinky-dink town like Twist and Turn, Texas. He glanced at her resume with renewed confidence in his sister for hiring the girls.

Rumors spread around how she and her sister came home from college and had been riding in the car with their parents when an intoxicated man hit the vehicle head on, killing the parents and a brother. The twins had moved into the house after their graduation and hadn’t made known any attempt or desire to leave. The one called Shawnee had been a straight A student in college with a degree in accounting, and the other had an A minus in animal husbandry. Both women would be a definite asset to his company.

The one thing he hadn’t counted on was the mind-tingling wish to meet the woman in accounting, not only for her number skills but to satisfy the urge to get to know her better. If she’s as attractive on the inside as the outside she would get along with the rest of his crew just fine.

The other one, Cheyenne would be snatched up as soon as Mason laid eyes on her. She seemed to him more laid back and shy. Just Mason’s type of woman, he mused.

He entered the building from the side door and lurked in the darkness. He wasn’t accustomed to eavesdropping on conversations, but he needed to know how easily roused the women could become once the men got hold of them with their complaints.

A scuttle of boots slammed against the polished floor. He could tell Mason’s walk anywhere. Mason had worked for him since he bought the place. There was never a better cowhand as far as Emory was concerned.

The one thing he was concerned about was the new girl under Mason’s care. He knew Mason wouldn’t cut her any slack; he just didn’t want Mason to make her cry and storm from the place. Mason was hard-core when it came to working the pens, but he would treat the woman the same as he would any man, for her safety.

Working the pens proved dangerous and unyielding at times. If someone didn’t pay attention, the prevention of getting hurt or causing serious bodily harm to someone else became a priority.

At any rate, Mason’s job was to get both of the women settled in their jobs. This would be the test of all time. Never had a woman applied for a job in the back with Cheyenne’s experience. Emory stood in the dark hall listening to Mason and Cheyenne’s giggling. He rolled his eyes and prayed Mason wouldn’t let him down.

Shawnee made her way across the hall to the office. Her professional demeanor impressed him. His mind tried to fit the pieces of the wild woman staring at him openly to the mild mannered professional in the office. Although he was no saint, he sure wasn’t in need of a trouble-making woman behind a desk to upset the men out back. They had wives and most had problems with women they chose to live the happily-ever-after with.

I've personally read Lizzie and the Rebel and Rescued from the River and enjoyed them immensely. If you're a lover of Sweet, Contemporary and Historical Romance, or need a refreshing change of pace, please check out these wonderful titles. Shawnee's Creek is sure to be a delightful read as well.

Pick up your copy today at Astraea Press, Barns and Noble or Amazon

Find Stephy Smith on the net at:

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In the Spotlight!

Help me welcome author, Jeannie Faulkner-Barber to my humble abode. She has graciously allowed me to showcase her new novel Scent of Double Deception. With her talent for description, emotion and suspense, this is a story you don't want to miss!

But first, a little about Jeannie 

Jeannie Faulkner Barber was born and raised in Marshall, Texas. Writing has been one of two passions, the other being drag racing. She drives her own racecar and met her husband, Monte, at the track. She is an active member of the East Texas Writers' Association. She and Monte live in Kilgore, Texas and have three grown sons and nine beautiful grandchildren.

Scent of Double Deception is available for purchase at Createspace and Amazon. 

Blurb

Two women, two identities, one lie.

An innocent charade catapults Clair Matthews and Kelley Malone into mystery and deception. Rugged cattleman, Joe Paul Farrell falls victim to Kelley’s elusive charms. Russell Gibson, loyal private investigator, enters a dangerous liaison. Bodyguard, Spencer Walker desires the woman he cannot possess.

An ocean away, ruthless Linford Thurlow sets in motion a decade’s old plan.

Six people’s lives interlace through conflict and romance, but whom, if any, will succumb to a murderous plot of betrayal?

Excerpt 

The Game

Christmas Eve

    

The sleek, black limousine stopped in the circular entrance of Adams Rib Restaurant and Nightclub.

   

Kelley Malone noticed a tall, weather-tanned cowboy in black jeans and leather vest leaning against a white Grecian column. She nudged her colleague, Clair Matthews. “Looks like the perfect birthday present, if you ask me. Hope he’s not waiting for someone.”

   

“I’m not sure about this idea, Kel. Maybe forty is too old to play these little games. Anyway, he’s gone back inside.”

    

“Hey, you’re the one who taught me, and if you mention your age one more time, I’ll leave you here on the curb. I like the look of him, and there’s probably more than enough for both of us inside. Let’s go.” She motioned the driver to open the door. The folds of her silky, red dress parted to reveal a sexy, bare leg. “Thanks, Russ. You will hang around to watch the fireworks, right? Never know when we’ll need a quick escape.”

    

“I’d never leave you two alone. It’s a full moon, the alter egos are out, and your bodyguard awaits.” The dapperly dressed chauffeur swept into a full bow, and grinned.

    

Clair’s black sequined dress caught the moon’s brightness, and shards of light frolicked in the cool night.

    

“Damn, Clair, you’ll blind ‘em into submission. Stunning dress. Ready, girls?” Russell Gibson offered each an arm.

    

The leather-vested wrangler sat in a corner of the restaurant, tipped his hat in their direction, and smiled.

    

“Game on, Clair. Happy Birthday,” Kelley whispered.

   

Russell patted the maître d’ on the shoulder. “Take care of my girls—I’m gonna see a man about a sandwich.”

   

“Look Clair, we scored the center table, perfect vantage point for this evening’s prey.” Kelley shifted her attention as a young woman approached.

    

“Ladies, I’m your waitress, Wendy.” She glanced over her shoulder. “The gentleman by the fountain sent this bottle of wine and a note.”

    

Without any hesitation, Clair said, “Tell him no.”

   

Wendy took a step back. Her voice wavered, “Uh, ma’am?”

    

“You heard me. Tell him we’re not interested.”

    

The waitress nodded and retreated to deliver the message.

    

“Mission accomplished, Clair. Here he comes.”

    

“Ladies, forgive my lack of manners. I’d like to apologize for the bone-headed note. Not my best move. May I join you for dinner?” He placed a hand on the extra chair.

    

Clair pushed away from the table and stood. “We’ll dine alone, thank you. Please leave.”

   

“Wait a minute.” Kelley took her cue, adjusted her strapless gown, and smiled at the brawny admirer. “Couldn’t we make one tiny exception?”

    

Footsteps thundered as a blur burst through the kitchen doors. Russell landed a blow on the cowboy’s jaw. The stranger hit the floor with a thud, shattered glass and silverware rained down.

    

“Russell, stop. What are you doing?” Clair shouted.

   

Two bouncers pinned Russell against the wall and addressed the fallen man. “Sir, want us to call the police?”

    

Recovered, he straightened his hat and rubbed a reddened jaw. “Well, before the interruption, I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Joe Paul Farrell. It appears you know this man, ladies. Should I press charges to get rid of him?”

   

“No, throw him out, he’s totally out of line,” Clair said.

    

Kelley pulled out the extra chair and patted the velvet cushion. “Mr. Farrell, please join us.”

    

Russell fought his restrainers. “What?” They drug him toward the door. “Fine—you two are on your own. Who’ll protect you now?” His shout carried over the din in the room.

Don't forget to grab a copy of Scent of Double Deception today! I for one, am dying to know what happens next!

Places Jeannie frequents on the net:

Personal Facebook Page

Facebook Fan Page

The Pen Temptress

Amazon Author Page

 

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New Review for Hand of Fate

Yes, I'm smiling this morning. Opened my inbox to find a wonderful review from Zee of Firepages for my latest short, Hand of Fate. 5/5 stars! Thank you so much, Zee!

Here's a snippet of what she had to say:

“This whirlwind romance is action packed, adventurous, and also has a bit of humor that made turning the pages of this short very satisfying!”

Lisa Alexander-Griffin is one of my very favorite authors because she writes powerful stories that stay with you even after time has gone by. With her collection of phenomenal titles, I was not surprised that I loved Hand of Fate right away. Hand of Fate is an action packed tale with a story line that runs quite deep for a short. I loved Karina’s whirlwind romance with Josh. Those two were meant to be together, but I also appreciated that this was no Cinderella tale, and how Karina and Josh really communcated their feelings to overcome adversity. It was their leap of faith that made this short really shine! For those of you interested in reading more by Lisa, I strongly recommend Danielle’s Touch and Shattered Illusions, both of which I have reviewed. 

Click here to read the full review

Blurb

Amidst the Christmas glitz and glitter, Karina Withers enters the mall. Unease prickles her spine. Seconds later, a gun blast echoes through the building. Shoppers rush for the exits, trampling Karina.

Detective Josh Deloroso responds quickly, dragging the beautiful woman to safety. Attraction sizzles between them. But he has a job to do first. The shooter must be stopped. Unfortunately, when the chaos ends, the /real/danger begins.
Dark truths unravel. Passions explode. Fate plays its hand.

Can their relationship weather the storm of deceit? Or will a photo in the shooter's wallet end Josh and Karina's chance for love?


And, if you haven't already grabbed a copy of Hand of Fate, it can purchased at Passion in Print, Amazon, Fictionwise and All Romance ebooks.

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Sizzling Summer Love-In 2011

 I'd like to personally invite you to Sizzling Summer Love-In 2011. Drop by to chat with (me) Lisa Alexander-Griffin, Rose Anderson, E. Ayers, J.D. Faver, Michele Hart, Tara Manderino, Missy Martine, Nancy O'Berry, and Jane Leopold Quinn. Join in on the fun and help us make this a blast for everyone!

We'll have free reads, first chapters to all our published works and author bios, which are accessible in the file section. There will be ebook giveaways galore. One every hour during the chat. T-shirts and other prizes. Plus, lots of delicious recipes.

At the end of the day, 8 pm (eastern time) one lucky commenter will win $25.00 ARe bucks.

You will need to join the group to attend, but it's only open from now until July 14th, and then will disappear again. lol. So, no buggy emails later. :)

Chat starts at 12 noon and ends when we drop from exhaustion!

Would so love to see you there!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SummerLove-In/

Here's a warm-up: Two marvelous Free Reads from Summer Love-In authors
Annabelle's Plight by Tara Manderino
The Education of Eris by Jane Leopold Quinn

 Our authors are published by

All Romance e-Books, Ayersbooks, Extasy Books, Loose Id, Phaze, Passion in Print,

Pink Petal Books, Siren-BookStrand, and The Wild Rose Press.

Passion, heat, and adventure await! Don't miss out!

__._,_.___

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