All posts by mhgressley

Madge, who is an accomplished, award-winning visual artist, lives Missouri. She is a Signature Member of the Missouri Watercolor Society and Best of Missouri Hands Juried Artist. The scope of her artistic talent covers a wide range of media, including acrylic, oil, watercolor, clay and graphic design. Her work is proudly displayed in the collections of numerous corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Great Britain and China. Madge has recently expanded her artistic horizons to include writing. Books one and two of her first novel series, “Inescapable”, a romantic suspense thriller, are available in the Kindle Store and paperback on Amazon. She recently started a new series—‘Sophie Collins Mysteries’. Young Adult books about the adventures of Sophie Collins, a modern-day Nancy Drew. The first edition "The Red Coat" is in the Kindle Store on Amazon. Madge is also the co-owner and graphic designer for Art & Graphic Innovations, LLC, and owner of MEG Originals Fine Art. www.meg-originals.com

Welcome 2017!

I feel this is going to be a terrific year. My one and only resolution for 2017 is to keep my blog up. This I hope, is the first of many authors I will be featuring here. If you are interested in being featured, please contact me at mgressley@sbcglobal.net

So without further ado, I would like to introduce a fellow Missouri author (although I am sure she is familiar to many of you) — Tierney James. Her newest novel Dark Side of Morning will be released January 10.

Here is Tierney to tell you a little bit about herself and her new book.

tierney-james-author

One of my favorite places to visit is the Field Museum of Natural History is Chicago, Illinois. This is where Dark Side of Morning takes place. Years ago when I visited I found a display case with a Pawnee Indian standing ready, looking over the Native American wing of the museum. In the distance was a blessed Pawnee earth lodge where I took time to rest and dream. I visited him often over the years and even spoke to him. I began to wonder what if he could really see me, hear me from a parallel universe. I tucked those thoughts away for a long time until I decided it was time to bring Wind Dancer into our world. When he did, things began to go wrong and our way of life became threatened.

I always love the process of finding a new story to tell. Sometimes it is something I find in a museum. I wrote Rooftop Angels after seeing a picture in National Geographic about a group of forgotten people in Northern Afghanistan in the Wakhan Valley. Other times a documentary or article grabs my imagination and the wheels start to turn. I keep notebooks of plots, themes, pictures and articles that may have the potential in becoming my next adventure.

~~~

james-book-coverWhen you confide in a mannequin in the Museum of Natural History you shouldn’t be shocked when he comes looking for you to help him save the world.

Dr. Cleopatra Sommers never came to terms with her father’s disappearance at the Museum of Natural History in Chicago. He had been a Native American scholar that explored avenues of unexplained spiritual paths in their cultures. The museum had been her home and playground growing up where her father spent long hours working. She was always drawn to one display case holding a mannequin of a Pawnee Indian. There was no way she could know he watched her all those years until the night he crossed over to find her.

Detective Jacque Marquette suspected the beautiful doctor of stealing priceless artifacts from a Native American exhibit. He realized after meeting his identical twin from another time and place, Dr. Sommers might not be as crazy as he initially thought. The layers of concern for his city begin to stack up as he is caught between culture and the Pentagon. Only with the help of a Pawnee warrior from two hundred years ago, can save his city from a deadly disease brought in from a parallel universe.

Wind Dancer had loved the little girl who grew up before him for years. When he decided to cross over to prevent his enemy from finding Dr. Sommers, the bombardment of changes forced him to rely on the ways of the past to survive. Navigating the future proves to be complicated as he teams up with a grumpy detective to hunt down a common enemy. No one expected the price to be sacrificing Dr. Sommers to the Morning Star in order to avert disaster.

~~~

Tierney has been in education for over thirty years. She recently stopped teaching World Geography for a nearby college to pursue her writing career. Creating a workshop for beginning writers, speaking at schools and serving as an officer in the writing group Sleuths’ Ink, are some of the work she does when not writing. With the creation of Winds of Deception, Tierney is working with one of the crew members of USS Liberty in hopes of obtaining the Medal of Honor for him. She is also working with Mission K9 Rescue to create a children’s book about four-footed soldiers that save lives.

Besides serving as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and attending Space Camp for Educators, Tierney has traveled across the world. From the Great Wall of China to floating the Okavango Delta of Botswana, Africa, she ties her unique experiences into other writing projects such as the action thriller, An Unlikely Hero, the first in the Enigma Series. Winds of Deception is the second in that series. Living on a Native American reservation and in a mining town for many years fuels the kind of characters she never tires of creating.

Besides teaching and writing, Tierney enjoys family, gardening, reading and music. Other pursuits involve learning Hebrew in hopes of incorporating the knowledge in a future Engima Series. She likes to research and sometimes that has involved learning new skills, such as being certified with various weapons.

She has settled in the beautiful Ozarks, but there’s never a dull moment in Tierney’s life. And that is just the way she likes it.

You can find Tierney here:
http://www.tierneyjames.com
http://www.facebook.com/TierneyJamesAction
https://www.pinterest.com/ptierneyjames/
Twitter: @TierneyJames1

 

 

The Royals of Monterra: A Design for Love

Review by Charity Rowell-Stansbury

The Royals of Monterra: A Design for Love, Madge H. Gressley, book review, romance, On My Kindle Book Reviews


Back Cover

Maddy Whitcomb is a brilliant architect trying to make a name for herself in the all male pool of architects at Bleeker’s Architectural Firm. From her domineering father to her boss who trivializes her talent, to Derek Nichols who goes out of his way to make her life miserable, men always seem to stand in her way when it comes to realizing her dreams. That is until Jason Cornish, a developer from Australia, arrives on the scene promising to make all her dreams come true.

Derek won’t admit it, not even to himself, that he is more than a little attracted to Maddy. Therefore, when it becomes obvious that Jason is determined to win Maddy’s heart no matter the cost, Derek’s protective nature slips out in spite of promising himself to never let another woman into his heart.

Will Derek open his heart in order to save Maddy or will Jason’s secret agenda to win Maddy prove too much to overcome? Will Maddy’s dreams be crushed again?

Buy link: The Royals of Monterra: A Design for Love

Review

In this expansion of Gressley’s short story that appeared in Now & Forever, Maddy Whitcomb is struggling to prove herself as an accomplished architect in an all male firm; especially after discovering that her controlling father got her the job. To make matters worse, one of her handsome co-workers, Derek Nichols, is making life at the firm miserable with his constant teasing and condescending quips.

Maddy gets a big break in the form of Jason Corish, a developer from Australia who likes her forward-thinking designs. He wants to take her back to Australia to present her design to the board; however, Maddy’s boss intervenes and persuades him to allow Derek to join them.

Will Derek crush Maddy’s hopes of being recognized or will Jason come to her rescue?

I enjoyed Gressley’s short story in Now & Forever, so I was curious to see how she expanded upon it. Rather than maintaining the plot’s focus on Maddy or Jason, Gressley developed Derek’s character. This gives readers a different perspective on her previous story and readers may find themselves empathizing with Derek’s outlook on love.

I thought that the dialogue was convincing and the premise was interesting. I personally tend to gravitate towards plots with female protagonists who are overcoming obstacles to rise up in male-dominated environments. I also appreciated the mental asides that Gressley inserted when a male character was acting overbearing towards Maddy, it added some authenticity to Maddy as a character and the plot.

The Royals of Monterra: A Design for Love is a light, short, and romantic read with decently developed characters that are easy to relate to. You do not need to read Gressley’s short story in Now & Forever to understand what is going on in the plot, but doing so will help to round out your experience.

A Design for Love

mhgressley

Well, I made the plunge into the Kindle Worlds. The world I chose was the Royals of Monterra—a sweet romance world. I love romance stories with happy endings, but I also like a little suspense in the story. So my story A Design for Love, has a little suspense and intrigue.  I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to reading your reviews.

Young, attractive fashion designer working in office, drawing, leaning on desk, smiling.?

Here is an excerpt from A Design for Love

Maddy Whitcomb is a brilliant architect trying to make a name for herself in the all male pool of architects at Bleeker’s Architectural Firm. From her domineering father to her boss who trivializes her talent, to Derek Nichols who goes out of his way to make her life miserable, men always seem to stand in her way when it comes to realizing her dreams. That is until Jason Cornish, a developer from Australia, arrives on the scene…

View original post 546 more words

A Design for Love

Well, I made the plunge into the Kindle Worlds. The world I chose was the Royals of Monterra—a sweet romance world. I love romance stories with happy endings, but I also like a little suspense in the story. So my story A Design for Love, has a little suspense and intrigue.  I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to reading your reviews.

Young, attractive fashion designer working in office, drawing, leaning on desk, smiling.?

Here is an excerpt from A Design for Love

Maddy Whitcomb is a brilliant architect trying to make a name for herself in the all male pool of architects at Bleeker’s Architectural Firm. From her domineering father to her boss who trivializes her talent, to Derek Nichols who goes out of his way to make her life miserable, men always seem to stand in her way when it comes to realizing her dreams. That is until Jason Cornish, a developer from Australia, arrives on the scene promising to make all her dreams come true.

Derek won’t admit it, not even to himself, that he is more than a little attracted to Maddy. Therefore, when it becomes obvious that Jason is determined to win Maddy’s heart no matter the cost, Derek’s protective nature slips out in spite of promising himself to never let another woman into his heart.

Will Derek open his heart in order to save Maddy or will Jason’s secret agenda to win Maddy prove too much to overcome? Will Maddy’s dreams be crushed again?

~~~

It was well known that Derek considered himself the office ‘heartthrob’ at Bleeker’s. His arrogance turned Maddy’s stomach. Just because everyone said he looked like a young Tom Selleck, dimples and all, his attitude said he thought every woman in the office should fall madly in love with him. Several had, only to have their hearts stomped on, but they still clamored after him.

Maddy was embarrassed for those women who seemed to have no shame. “Where’s their self-respect?” she commented to Sharon after watching one of the female assistants leave Derek’s office sobbing. “When are they going to learn?”

Maddy shook her head. “Can’t they see he’s nothing but a womanizer? He doesn’t care one whit about them.”

“He’s not as bad as you make him out to be.” Sharon shook her head as she replied. “He’s a really nice guy once you get past that shell he’s erected around himself.”

“What shell?” Maddy asked, disgusted. “All I see is an arrogant, self-centered jerk trying to see how many women he can destroy.” She snorted and stalked away. “I don’t understand why you keep defending him,” she called over her shoulder.

Although she had no reason to, Maddy suspected that secretly, Sharon might harbor a desire to jump his bones just like all of the other women in the office. It bugged her that Sharon always came to his defense. For the life of her, she couldn’t see why, unless Sharon was just as infatuated with him just like all of the others were.

How could Sharon defend him? She turned and looked back and saw Sharon walk into Derek’s office. How could she? Maddy wanted to stamp her foot in disgust, but two junior architects were staring at her. She smiled sweetly at them and closed the door to her office. She leaned back against the door, clenched her hands into tight fists, scrunched up her eyes, and mouthed a silent scream. What did I do to deserve to be plagued by that man?

She knew she was probably being unfair to Sharon. They had become best friends on Maddy’s very first day at Bleeker’s. They had instantly bonded over a ‘welcome-to-the-office’ cup of coffee when Sharon had greeted her at the door to her new office. They found that they agreed on almost everything except Derek Nichols. She felt a stab of betrayal as she watched the door to Derek’s office close.

~~~

Three new Royals of Monterra novellas are now available. If you love sweet romance, you will love the new Royals of Monterra World books. Check them out.

Royal Bride by Jina Bacarr http://amzn.to/2fnbjz0
His Royal Choice by N Kuhn http://amzn.to/2fzqTZ8
A Design For Love by Madge H Gressley http://amzn.to/2eE5MTi

Review: The Secret of Trail House Lodge

Sophie Collins Mystery, The Secret of Trail House Lodge, Madge H. Gressley, book review

Source: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: YA, mystery
Format: eBook, Print
Buy Link Paperback: http://amzn.to/2ai8ArN
Buy Link eBook: http://amzn.to/29ISwLL

Back Cover

An old deserted lodge, an unsolved bank robbery, and a mummified body all lead to a string of mysteries that junior, super-sleuth Sophie Collins and her friends stumble on when they discover hidden passages and secret rooms while exploring the old Trail House Lodge.

Find out how Sophie unravels the mysteries in The Secret of Trail House Lodge, book two in the Sophie Collins Mystery series by best selling author Madge H. Gressley.

Summary

After the events that took place in The Red Coat, Sophie Collins finds herself living in the family mansion under the watchful eye of its staff; however, this does not mean that she has hung up her metaphorical sleuthing cap.

When Sophie and her friends decide to explore the Trail House Lodge, they discover secret rooms filled with clues that might help solve a bank robbery that happened before their time. On top of that, Sophie finds herself in the middle of a more personal mystery when a man claiming to be her great-uncle comes crawling out of the woodwork. He says that he has no real interest in the family fortune and that he just wants to be a part of her life; however, Sophie is suspicious of his motives and decides to keep an eye on this “great-uncle” of hers.

Will Sophie and her friends solve the mysteries of Trail House Lodge? Does Sophie’s uncle have ulterior motives, or does he truly want to be a part of her life?

Review

Mystery and suspense are packed into this YA novel as Sophie and her friends discover the secrets hidden within the Trail House Lodge. The near-misses and the body that Sophie encounters are enough to get a young heart pounding, but Gressley manages to give just enough detail to make the lodge spooky while ensuring that young readers can still go to sleep at night.

Readers will see another side of Sophie; she is no longer an independent homeless girl who needs to rely on her wits in order to survive, she is an heiress who is chafing beneath the watchful eye of the butler who has made it his mission to coach her on how to be a “civilized” young lady. The admonishments that the butler gives to Sophie might remind some readers of similar sayings they heard during their childhoods, which makes it very easy to empathize with her.

It is clear that Sophie is not going to lose her edge or her street smarts anytime soon. Gressley has created an intelligent, endearing, and inquisitive character that is drawn to a mystery like a moth to a flame. If you are in the market for a good YA mystery and a more relevant alternative to Nancy Drew, I think that you will find it in Sophie Collins.

New Review for “The Red Coat”

The Red Coat just received another 5 Star review. However, this time the review was by Lily Kate H. an up and coming teen reviewer from the Readers Review Room. I am thrilled to be reviewed by someone from my target audience. I hope she will do me the honor of reviewing The Secret of Trail House Lodge, book 2 in the Sophie Collins Mystery Series.

The-Red-Coat-Cover-ArtThe Red Coat

One snowy night, fourteen year old Sophie Collins a homeless runaway, finds a beautiful red coat while rummaging through a dumpster. Little does she know that the coat and the mysterious object she found in the coat’s lining will drastically change her future and put her life in danger.
Buy from Amazon

Overview

REVIEWER: LILY-KATE H. – RISING READERS REVIEWER

RATING: GOLD BOOKWORM

The Red Coat. Gold bookworm. This was an amazing book! A homeless girl named Sophie found a red coat. A lady claimed the coat was hers and took it from Sophie. That night, she tried to kill Sophie. Sophie decided to investigate. This made me happy, interested, and excited to read this book. My favorite character is Sophie because she has determination and curiosity. My favorite part was when the will was being read because of the surprises it held. I would recommend this book to my friends. The Red Coat is one of my favorite books now. I think my friends would like the book as much as I do.

gold_bookworm

Reviews

I know I have been very neglectful of writing on my blog. Some days I wonder why I even have a blog. It never seems to take priority. Oh well, such is life. 

Three of my books have just received reviews, so I am excited to share them. I am pleased that my books have been well received. Too often I tend to doubt myself, so when I read a review I am happy that the reviewer enjoyed what I have written. Please read on and enjoy.

Shameless plug for my Sophie Collins Mystery Series here: Book 2The Secret of Trail House Lodge – is now available on Amazon – http://amzn.to/29ISwLL Kindle Edition, and – http://amzn.to/2ai8ArN Paperback.
Be the first five readers to review this book and receive a free paperback copy! Must send me an email with link, date and time you posted your review.
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An old deserted lodge, an unsolved bank robbery, and a mummified body all lead to a string of mysteries, when junior super-sleuth Sophie Collins stumbles on hidden passages and secret rooms while exploring the old Trail House Lodge with her friends.

Book 1 – The Red Coat – Kindle edition is on sale now for 99¢ on Amazon – http://amzn.to/1Pzi6S6. Paperback – http://amzn.to/1OHcR6c. Pick up your copy today so you won’t miss any of Sophie’s adventures.

The-Red-Coat-Cover-Art

One snowy night, fourteen year old Sophie Collins a homeless runaway, finds a beautiful red coat while rummaging through a dumpster. Little does she know that the coat and the mysterious object she found in the coat’s lining will drastically change her future and put her life in danger.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Totally Terrible Tommy is totally cute!

Review by: Charity Rowell-Stansbury
TTT Kindle Cover Art
Genre: Children
Kindle Edition: http://amzn.to/1nZBPl7
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2aToIhD
Totally Terrible Tommy is a totally cute and charming way to reinforce the concept that bad behavior results in negative attention and good behavior results in positive attention! The story also reinforces that consideration and kindness are rewarded while being inconsiderate and mean are punished.

I thought that the alliteration of T’s when describing Tommy gave the book a rhythmic quality; something that will help the story stick in a child’s mind. I also noticed that several other words were frequently repeated in the story. I liked this because it helps children learn how to read and comprehend what they are reading. The illustrations are simple, cute, and very expressive. It is easy to distinguish expressions that are responses to positive and negative feelings and they serve as a colorful way to support the book’s message.

Totally Terrible Tommy is great for new readers, but it has enough of a rhythmic, “sing-song” tone to it that three-year-olds will find it engaging as well. If you are looking for a great little bedtime story for the kids, look no further!

~~~~~~~

5.0 out of 5 stars
A well-written and excellent light read!

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Format: Kindle Edition
Genre: Romantic Anthology
Kindle Edition: http://amzn.to/1qWocFp
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2auEwe8

I enjoy reading novels with outspoken, strong female protagonists and I was not disappointed as every story in this book has bold and vivacious characters. While most of the stories follow a “standard romance” trope, they are infused with each authors’ voice which makes them all unique and easy to read.

Even though I was not a fan of the last story because of its premise and ending, I felt that it was well-written and will help make the book appealing to a wider range of romance readers.

Now & Forever offers romance readers a variety of short stories ranging from clean romances to something a little more risque. Each well-written story is representative of the authors’ writing styles and is perfect for romance readers who are interested in finding some new authors to follow, without the commitment of a full novel.

~~~~~

5.0 out of 5 stars
An adorable and sweet book for kids!

Reviewed By:  Charity Rowell-Stansbury
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dexter Cover RGB
Format: Kindle Edition
Genre: Children
Kindle Edition:http://amzn.to/1NcURjJ
Paperback:http://amzn.to/2aNRB0i

Dexter’s Wonderful Day is an adorable book starring a laid back and approachable dragon

The characters and setting are sweet and engaging, enough so that it will hold a child’s attention. The charming dialogue is written in a way that encourages adults who are reading the books out loud to voice act as they read to children. The beautiful and colorful illustrations are self-explanatory for older children, but they come with brief captions that convey the book’s message for toddlers with short attention spans. Finally, the lesson about dealing with disappointment in an acceptable way is clear, without being preachy, and it could be used as a tool to encourage children to move past their feelings of disappointment.

With cute characters that demonstrate an important life’s lesson, Dexter’s Wonderful Day will be a wonderful addition to your bedtime story rotation!

~~~~~

Another 5 Star Review

TOTALLY TERRIBLE TOMMY

TTT Kindle Cover Art5star-shiny-hr

amzn.to/1nZBPl7

Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Totally Terrible Tommy is just as his name suggests: he’s totally terrible. He tramples his mother’s tulips, trashes his father’s workshop, breaks his sister’s toys, and talks back to his teachers at school. Nothing stops Tommy from being totally terrible. When his grandfather comes to visit, he challenges Tommy’s perspective by asking him why he wants to behave so terribly. Tommy seems to think everyone expects him to be terrible, so that’s what he is. He wants to be noticed and he doesn’t believe he will be noticed if he’s not terrible. His grandfather asks him to try a different approach for a week. Tommy agrees and starts be helpful and nice to everyone. Suddenly Totally Terrible Tommy has become Totally Terrific Tommy and he’s getting more attention than he thought possible. He’s even feeling good about himself. But it’s not enough. You see, Tommy just wants to be Tommy, not Totally Terrible or Totally Terrific, just Tommy. And that’s not such a bad thing either, because no one can or should be perfectly good or perfectly bad all of the time.

Author Madge H Gressley has written a beautiful story. Totally Terrible Tommy is both humorous and serious and teaches readers, young and old alike, the importance of accepting ourselves and others around us for what they are: neither totally terrible nor totally terrific. And it teaches us all the importance of helping out and trying to be considerate and hard working as much as possible. The author is both clever and charming in her story, using the catchy alliteration of T’s in the Totally Terrible Tommy and Totally Terrific Tommy.

5 Star Review – Unique and Enjoyable!

The Red Coat –  book 1 in my Sophie Collins Mystery YA series just received another 5 star review.

By Charity Rowell-Stansbury on April 21, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The-Red-Coat-Cover-ArtAfter finding a discarded coat in the dumpster with a mysterious object in one of its pockets, Sophie is accosted by the coat’s former owner. Keeping the object she found in the coat’s pocket, Sophie reluctantly returns the coat to its former owner; not realizing that the mysterious object is the key to solving a murder mystery.

Sophie is certainly not Nancy Drew! Having learned some lessons while living on the streets, our edgy and bright protagonist is shrewd and rough around the edges. Sophie’s ethics are centered in the gray area; she’s a good kid, but she sometimes makes decisions that push the limits on what is considered to be ethical. I like this because it makes her more realistic as most teens tend to test the limits of ethical and unethical behavior.

There are some other interesting characters that play important roles in helping Sophie to solve the mystery. It is apparent that Gressley chose to focus more on developing Sophie’s character than on the setting and other characters, but she describes the other characters and setting in enough detail to keep the story relevant and interesting. I feel that if she had developed the setting and other characters further, it would have made for a lengthy novel that her target audience would likely abandon.

The Red Coat strays from the typical goody-goody, know-it-all young sleuth novel to provide readers with a realistic, unique, and likeable protagonist. If you are an adult who misses reading Nancy Drew, or your pre-teen/younger teen is looking for an enjoyable mystery read; I recommend that you grab a copy of The Red Coat by Madge Gressley.

Fun, Sweet Read

“This was a fun easy book with 5 romantic short stories that were quick, sweet, and unique. Each story had a very different feel and a different idea giving us a taste of 5 very different writing styles and the different author imaginations. It was also an easy read, rolling from one story to the next in a way that kept you reading with a desire to get through all of them. The stories were mostly clean (note: the last story caught me off guard by being a bit more sensuous that I had expected) but overall a decent read.
I loved seeing the personality of the authors come out in each story and seeing the characters take on lives of their own. I believe each of these women have full length novels as well and it would be nice to see how this little taste of their writing style transpired into full novels.” — Rebecca Lamoreaux
 ***
Jewelz Review~
“This was such a great compilation! I really enjoyed each of the novellas included.
Saved by the Belle – The story of Dot and Russell isn’t a story of young love. Dot is middle aged and has never been married. Instead, she has travelled the world meeting a variety of people and serving those around her. She finally settled in  the small town of Kudzu Korners as a hair stylist. Russell is a widower and the father of one of Dot’s dear friends. It doesn’t hurt that Russell is the spitting image of Dot’s favorite heart-throb actor. But love doesn’t come easily for two people from such diverse backgrounds – Russell has unkept promises to his dearly departed wife and Dot might be a little set in her ways. But anything worth having is worth working for.
Be My Valentine? – Cooper Trask is one of New York City’s most eligible bachelors, but his father sends him to the little town of Cora Mills to open a new office for their company, Trask Linens. Trish Tripper is a successful interior designer who is still grieving the lost of her husband a few years past. A misunderstanding leads to a very awkward first meeting that might mean this relationship has ended before it even begins.
Pitch Perfect – Cierra is probably one of, if not THE biggest San Francisco Giants fan. She always has season tickets and rarely misses a game. She’s also an author who plans to incorporate her love for baseball into her newest book. Her sister suggests that Cierra interview her favorite player, pitcher Colton Diaz, for the book and pretty soon Cierra is trying to figure out if her story is more fact than fiction, and what that might mean. Is Colton truly the man of her dreams? Or is there someone else that’s her happily ever after?
A Design For Love – Maddy Whitcomb is the only female architect at Bleeker Architecture and she has just landed her first big job with Cornish International. But somehow, Derek Nichols, office heart throb and fellow architect, has managed to get a second chance at the bid. Jason Cornish has made it clear that he favors her design and also seems to be attracted to her. Unbeknownst to Maddy there are things going on behind the scenes that she’s not aware of – things that could not only impact her job, but her life.
Bound by Marriage: Looking Through Your Eyes – This is the first in a series that tells the story of three couples that become contracted to marry one another because of their meddling parents and grandparents. The gentlemen run Eternal Love, a matchmaking company and the women run Taking the Plunge, a wedding planning business. If they want to continue with their businesses, they have to marry – and they have to do it by February 14th! This first installment introduces everyone and tells the story of Melodie (head of cakes and desserts) and Roy (VP of advertising) and how they discover they were perfectly matched.
FYI ~ Clean reads, some mild language. Bound by Marriage does have an intimate scene.
Honest Disclosure” ~ A review copy was provided by Loving the Book Launch
***

Books 2 Blog
Now and forever
is an anthology of 5 short and sweet romances, I always find it hard to review anthologies you just get into the story and then whammo it’s ended. At 347 pages long this anthology does not take long to read but it was enjoyable.
The 5 stories were sweet and entertaining with romances ranging from mistaken identity to accidental meetings and the dreaded setup. I was able to happily pick up and leave the anthology in between sittings and quickly immerse myself back in the next novelette.
Thank you Isabelle North, Carole McKee, Debbie White, Madge Gressley and Brandi Gillilan for a wonderful read. I’m only giving Now and forever 3.5 stars not because it’s not enjoyable but anthologies for me are really hard to rate above 3.5 as they finish just as they get you hooked into the story. Can’t wait to read more from these authors.”

***

These five awesome authors have put together five romantic stories guaranteed to pull at your heart strings. Whether you are young or old, or somewhere in between, you will fall in love all over again.

BUY LINKS

*****


ISABELLA NORSE

Isabella Norse scored major “cool mom” points by playing the same video games as her sons and their friends. In these virtual worlds she slayed demons and destroyed machines bent on galactic extermination while simultaneously wooing cocky assassins and sexy aliens. She fell in love with the make-believe worlds and rich characters that inhabited them and now writes her own tales of love, romance, and adventure.

Still a gamer – and still cool – Isabella lives in Georgia with her husband and a herd of rescue cats. She loves to hear from readers and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Social Media Links for Isabella Norse:
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Snippet for Saved by the Belle
by Isabella Norse

“Well, now that you’ve got a little more free time, I have a project I could use your help with.”

“Oh?” He stepped closer, his arms just brushing hers. “You know what I think?”

“No, but I’m pretty sure you’re going to tell me.” Dot stepped back. She found his nearness more than a little appealing but, it was best not to go there.

“I think you just want to spend more time with me.” He took another step, narrowing the gap. “I think our daily lunches have left you hungry for more than food.”

“Russell Phillips!” Dot gasped. “Just what are you implying?”

*******

MADGE GRESSLEY
Madge Gressley lives in Missouri with her granddaughter and three dogs – Pixie, Lily, and Milo. She started her writing career in 2013, when she decided to trade her brushes, paints and canvases for pen and paper, but, in this case—computer and keyboard. She works from home and squeezes writing in between jobs for her graphic design business and letting the dogs in and out—a full-time job in itself. She published her first book in the “Inescapable” series “The Beginning,” in May of 2014, the second book “Remembering” in June of 2014, and followed by book three “Tomorrow,” in July of 2015.

Recently, she has started a new series—‘Sophie Collins Mysteries’—Young Adult books about the adventures of Sophie Collins, a modern-day Nancy Drew. The first edition “The Red Coat,” is available in the Kindle Store on Amazon. http://buff.ly/THQEcQ.

The second book “The Secrete of Trail House Lodge,” will be available shortly.

Not only is she an author, she is an accomplished, award-winning visual artist. She is a Signature Member of the Missouri Watercolor Society and a Best of Missouri Hands Juried Artist. Her work can be found in the collections of numerous corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Great Britain, and China.

She is also co-owner and graphic designer for Art & Graphic Innovations, LLC, a Missouri based graphic design firm, and owner of MEG Originals Fine Art.

Web: http://www.meg-originals.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1460702867501390/?ref=bookmarks
https://www.facebook.com/MadgeHGressleyArtistAuthor/

Blog: http://www.mhgressley.com

Snippet for A Design For Love
by Madge Gressley

Interesting, Jason thought as a half-grin formed on his handsome face, admiring Maddy’s petite form hurrying down the hall and disappearing into her office. She had intrigued him ever since he had been introduced to her. There had beensomething about her from the start that peeked his curiosity. Maybe it was the fact that she was the lone female in a male dominated arena of architects and seemed completely oblivious to all that testosterone, or maybe it was the remarks he had accidently overheard from several of the younger architects commenting that she was a ‘cold fish.’ One young buck had laughed and said, ‘Bet it would be like taking an ice burg to bed. You might wind up with frostbite.’

*****

 

CAROLE McKEE

Carole McKee is originally from Pittsburgh, but moved to Florida in 2002, after the death of her son. Most of her books take place in the Western Pennsylvania area, the place she will always call home. Being adventurous, Carole changed careers more than once. She holds four degrees in four different fields. She began writing in 1996, when she wrote a tribute to her black Lab after he passed away. Her first novel, “Perfect,” debuted in 2006. When “Perfect” won an award, and was well-received by so many readers, it became a turning point in Carole McKee’s life. Although she had always written stories, she never thought that she could actually become a writer. Her second novel, “Choices,” became a series, followed by “The Bushes are Red” “The Full Nelson” and “Consequences.” She has written four eBooks: “Maddie’s Garden,” “Kisses from the Heart,” “Second chances,” and “Going Home.:” Her trilogy “Testosterone Poisoning,” is available in an eBook format as well as paperback. She is currently working on what will end up being another series, “Angelface.”

Find Carole McKee here:
Blog:       http://author-carole-mckee.blogspot.com/

Twitter:    https://twitter.com/@CaroleMcKee

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Carole-Mckee-Author-218075198224440/
https://www.facebook.com/Perfect-153710188036065/

Pinterest: Carole McKee

Snippett from Be My Valentine?
By Carole McKee

“What’s wrong?” He asked. She immediately recognized him and narrowed her eyes.

“Nothing. I’m fine,” she retorted.

“You’re not fine. Let me help you. Have you called for a tow truck?”

“My phone is dead. Out of juice.” She held up her phone as if she were offering proof.

“It’s really starting to get cold. Why don’t you come sit in my warm car, and I can give you a ride home?”

“No. I’m not getting into a car with you, and I’m certainly not going to go anywhere with you. You can just leave. I’ll be fine.”

“No. You will not be fine. And there is no way I am going to just leave you here. I’m not made that way. I’m not a monster.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“Look.” Cooper shook his head and took a deep breath. “I can explain that day in the office. I…”

“I don’t want an explanation. An apology would be a start.”

“I’ve tried to apologize. Now I’m trying again. I am heartily sorry for that…uh, incident in my office. Now here. Take my phone and call for a tow.”

Trish accepted his phone and punched in the emergency number for the only garage in town.

*****


DEBBIE WHITE

Debbie resides in northern California with her husband and two rescue dachshunds. She’s an avid supporter of animal rescue and gives a percentage of all book sales to rescue groups. In her spare time, she likes to be with her family, work in the garden and take mild to moderate hikes, go wine tasting, and travel. She also loves to read.  She’s always enjoyed reading, but it wasn’t until she landed a job as a library assistant that her love for reading exploded. Surrounded daily by great authors, Debbie was exposed to a whole different world revolving around books.

Debbie categorizes her books as inspirational romance and women’s fiction. Her female characters are strong and independent, and when faced with adversity, overcome the perils that stand in their way by focusing on the positive when dealing with grief and unhappiness.

Her stories are all fiction with threads of truth woven throughout them. In addition to sharing some real life experiences, she uses her 20+ years as a military wife also as inspiration.

If you’re looking for something different in the way of romance or women’s fiction, consider selecting one of Debbie’s books. Check out her signing schedule as well. If you’re in the area of any of them, she’d be happy to sign a copy for you.

Debbie’s Social Media Links
www.authordebbiewhite.com
https://twitter.com/@dwhiteauthor
www.authordebbiewhite.com/wordpress/
www.authorsrevealed.blogspot.com

Debbie’s street team link
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443326085950600/

Debbie’s Facebook author page
http://www.facebook.com/authordebbiewhite

Snippet from Perfect Pitch
by Debbie White

“She’ll be obsessed with baseball, and not have much of a life beyond it until she meets the man of her dreams that is,” she said.

Zach brushed his hand across his face. He’d paused before he spoke. “When you say it like that, makes it sound like baseball isn’t worth living for. It pays my bills, and not to mention the activity side of the sport. It keeps me in shape.”

He got that right. On and off the diamond, Colton was ripped. He had what many would describe as a solid frame. It was beautiful and she admired his strength. It was most difficult to conduct the interview with well-defined pecs and a six-pack visible under his tight tee-shirt. Someone had to do it, she giggled to herself.

*****

BRANDI GILLILAN

Brandi enjoys writing romance in as many genres as she can. Creating characters people can relate to and are drawn to is her goal. She hopes it keeps you coming back for more.

She would love to hear from you. You can email her at siriwolfs@gmail.com

My Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Brandi-Gillilan/e/B00FE85IO6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1457079845&sr=8-2

My Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/brandi.gillilan

My Facebook Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/bgillilanauthor/?ref=hl

My blog
http://bgillilan.blogspot.com/

Follow me on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Brandi-Gillilan/e/B00FE85IO6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6?qid=1450289360&sr=8-6

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/bgillilanauthor/?ref=hl

Published
Buy Me A Rose (Wicked Fairytales Book 1)
Let It Snow

Snippet for Bound by Marriage: Looking Through Your Eyes
by Brandi Gillilan

Light colored eyes were all but shooting fire at the older woman. “Let me get this straight.” Annabelle started listing the events with her fingers, “You tricked us into filling out questionnaires. Turned them into a matchmaking company.  And contractually obligated the three of us in arranged marriages if we want to keep Taking the Plunge as our business.”

The older lady smiled at her granddaughter, “You’ve always been a quick study Annabelle.”

*****