The Beach at the Sea Foam Apartments....

Today we welcome D.J. Kozlowski. D.J stopped in the Grove to talk about his new release, The Beach at the Sea Foam Apartments, a Sea Mist Series short. Available for pre-order on Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, AllRomance/OmniLit and GooglePlay.

Author’s Blurb and Excerpt:

Minor magic can have unintended consequences.  At the beach across from the Sea Foam Apartments, the fates of five people are tragically altered through Melinda’s well-intentioned meddling.  Now, Melinda has a chance to help these people find their destinies and restore life to the beach, but she’ll need some help.  Fortunately, someone has been watching.

“She recalled the sun rising from behind the sea, darkening then illuminating the lighthouse and brightening the sands whose sparkle mixed with the shimmering waves to cast all the early joggers in a discotheque strobe. This place had magic to it.”

Storyteller’s Grove:  So tell our readers how it started…

D.J: I started writing this book after seeing a friend's social media post about the call for submissions. At that point there were about three days left to submit. I had some time, so I challenged myself to gather some of the thoughts rattling around in my brain and transpose them to paper in some sort of orderly fashion.

It was a scramble and took a lot more effort than I anticipated. The story was there and the writing came easy, but keeping everything straight and ensuring that everything that needed to be resolved was resolved was tough. I had a hard time holding back. I wanted to go in-depth on some character background or sprinkle-in other characters who live in my head. But I don't like extraneous text in stories--especially short stories. I added what I felt I needed to advance the story and describe the scenes, but that was all.

Three Worlds Press responded to my submission quickly, and it was off to the races. I was fortunate to have a fantastic content editor, Missy (Melissa) Shirley (who's also an author--you should check her out). She was patient and careful. We rarely disagreed and worked efficiently to tighten-up the story. After that it was a simple matter of choosing artwork and getting the cover to look right.

Author Bio:

D.J. Kozlowski writes gothic horror, dark fantasy, and magical realism, drawing inspiration from the likes of Poe and Lovecraft. When he’s not writing, D.J. counsels businesses as an attorney. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, 3 kids, and fish, the latter of which is constantly being replaced for the sake of the children. He tries not to take life too seriously.

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00YTISHKE

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-beach-at-the-sea-foam-apartments

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/D_J_Kozlowski_The_Beach_at_the_Sea_Foam_Apartments?id=83rFCQAAQBAJ

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebeachattheseafoamapartments-1820887-149.html

Redding, Brower and Nixon ...LIVE internet radio/tv MEET AUTHORS Like Nothing You've Experienced

Join us June 7 in the LIVE studio audience or via your computer with the links here:

 https://www.facebook.com/events/1446973812283979/

or

N THE AREA??? COME BE PART OF THE LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE!

Too far away??? WATCH AND LISTEN:
STOP BACK for the video link through livestream

LISTEN here: http://page.cloudradionetwork.com/40foot/

Click the join us in the CHATROOM for the Facebook chatroom:

https://www.facebook.com/40footholestud…/app_181184391902159 (you do NOT need a Facebook account to chat. Login as a Guest)

SUMMER BEGINS: Breathless (Sea Mist Series) from Jessica Bayliss Cover

Feeling the call of the ocean? Looking for a great read for those sultry summer evenings?

Check out the cover for the upcoming release from Jessica Bayliss ~~~

BREATHLESS

A brush with death brings Leah closer to the ghosts she longs to find and throws her into the arms of the troubled scuba instructor who saves her.

Dale, an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, is haunted by his own restless spirits. He's on a hunt for forgiveness, and the Caribbean Sea is his hunting ground.

The peace they search for lies in the bond they never suspected they shared.

Watch for PRE-ORDER information and an interview with Jessica next week!

UPDATE: Ella Grey's THE LAST DAYS pre-order

THE LAST DAYS, by ELLA GREY will be available today for pre-order at a special price of 99 cents (US)! Get your copy NOW!!

The world went to hell a long time ago.

Grace Killen is a woman on a mission. In a world where pairings are decided by a lottery, she got stuck with a man who abuses her. After their daughter is born, he leaves and Grace couldn't be happier. He could end up as a meal for one of the shambling dead and she wouldn't cry a single tear.

Then he came back for Sophie.

Robert Carter is a man with a lot on his plate. The leader of the Oaks and the only known person whose visited Chicago and lived. He doesn't expect a beautiful woman needing his help or the baggage that she brings with her.

Neither knows what the future will bring but they plan on facing it together. 

Cover Reveal: Ella Grey's THE LAST DAYS... Zombies, Love and Chicago

These are the LAST DAYS before the release by Three Worlds Press of Ella Grey's new zombie romance novel.

To give your brain a juicy taste of what's to come... I present the awesome cover for this short.

Synopsis

The world went to hell a long time ago.

Grace Killen is a woman on a mission. In a world where pairings are decided by a lottery, she got stuck with a man who abuses her. After their daughter is born, he leaves and Grace couldn't be happier. He could end up as a meal for one of the shambling dead and she wouldn't cry a single tear.

Then he came back for Sophie.

Robert Carter is a man with a lot on his plate. The leader of the Oaks and the only known person whose visited Chicago and lived. He doesn't expect a beautiful woman needing his help or the baggage that she brings with her.

Neither knows what the future will bring but they plan on facing it together. 

I LOVE THIS COVER... Don't you?

Watch for the official release announcement from Three Worlds Press

Julianna Hinckley Talks Taminah, Amazons, Chocolate and Tree Octopuses

Today we welcome Julianna Hinckley to the Grove. Julianna and I met several years ago at the Surrey International Writer's Conference --SIWC (one of the best conferences.. A MUST). She is here today to talk about her debut novel Taminah and tell us a little more about herself.

Synopsis: Twenty-two hundred years ago, on the edge of the great Asian steppes, an adventure begins...

The land of Alania desperately needs a new high lord, but gets more than it bargained for when twins are born to its widowed high lady. One is Taminah, and her birthmark and encounters with the legendary Simurgh presage great things, but the nobles and elders expect her brother to lead them.

When they realize Taminah is the dominant twin, they send her to a remote holding to be trained as a lady and kept out of her brother's way until she's old enough to wed. But Alania's rulers have underestimated Taminah's determination to forge her own path ... and none could foresee how a summer among the nomads and Amazons of the steppes will trigger the events that push her towards her destiny. 

Storyteller’s Grove: Tell us about yourself and what brought you to writing?

Julianna Hinckley: I was one of those bookish little girls who could always be found reading under the sheets with a flashlight at night. But didn’t actually try my hand at any fiction writing, other than the usual college papers, until I was in my late thirties. I was a technical writer for fifteen years, and had moved away from it by that time. I think I just basically missed writing. Then I got the idea for this book… and the rest is history.

SG:  Share with our readers a little about your book.

JH: I became fascinated by a people known to the Greeks as the Sarmatians (because their scale armor made them look a lot like lizards). They controlled the area north and east of the Black Sea between the time of the Scythians and that of the Huns. They were also what we today would describe as Nordic-looking – tall, handsome, and light skinned, with all colors of hair and eyes.

These peoples show up all over our history books, but almost no one in the Americas has even heard of them. The first Roman cavalry? Sarmatians. The first horse soldiers in Great Britain (with numerous traditions that match many of the Arthurian tales, including embedding swords in a set of stones) – Sarmatians. The first peoples to use the heavy lance (ala the knights of the Middle Ages) – the Alans – last of the great Sarmatian tribes. The list goes on….

And then there are the Amazons. The Greek legends of the Amazons came from the women warriors

of the Sarmatians. These women used the same weapons as the men, including the bow and a rope with which to catch and unhorse enemies (is this sounding familiar?). Yes, indeed, archeologists have found the graves of several dozen women warriors, as well as queens and priestesses, dated to that era.

"Taminah” is set in the third century BC in Alania – a relatively young country whose earlier inhabitants were conquered by the Alans. Historically, Alania did not exist until the early first century AD. I am taking creative license with my dates because I want to deal with the Greeks rather than the Romans.

Taminah arrives on the scene – tomboyish, warrior-hearted, and stronger-willed than her twin – the heir to the Alani high lordship. What to do? Toss her out in the boonies where she’ll stay out of trouble until she’s old enough to marry off in exchange for land or an alliance. But she, and fate, have other plans….

This first of a series tells the story of Taminah through her coming of age and being set on the path to her destiny. I’ll be releasing a short story that provides some of the background of Taminah’s Amazon instructor this summer, and a novella detailing more of Taminah’s childhood adventures this autumn. I hope to have the second novel out in 2016.

SG:  What made you choose to self-publish your book? Primarily because Taminah is cross-genre.

JH: New York has issues trying to place true cross-genre books unless an author is already established in one genre (in which case they usually just put it in that same genre area). Taminah is an historical fantasy romance and adventure. It’s also borderline-YA, but not…

SG: So now on to the personal bits.  Those important facts about you that fans, current and future are dying to know.  

 FIRST….What do you love to drink? 

JH: Where’s the rum? Dark n’ stormies are my favorite – dark rum (the darker the better – Cruzan Black Strap and Kraken are my favorites) on top of a nearly full glass of good, strong, ginger beer

such as Bundaberg, Goslings, or Fentimans. Add a twist of key lime (regular lime in a pinch) and you’re good to go!

SG: What do you love to eat while writing? 

JH: I enjoy a really nice, dark chocolate – 70% -78% cocoa, please – preferably served with a nice dark n’ stormy drink, or some good, cardamom-heavy Turkish coffee. J

SG:Do you believe in Bigfoot? 

JH: I live in the Pacific Northwest. Of COURSE I believe in Bigfoot. Also tree octopuses – they really don’t get enough press. :-)

SG: If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring? 

JH: A knife, an iPad chock full of books and music, and a solar array to recharge said iPad. One could argue I’d be better off with, say, the knife, a lot of rope or an axe, and a big paper book with lots of stories in it, such as the Bible, but hey – one has to have one’s favorite stories and tunes.

SG: If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children? 

JH: First and foremost, always try to be kind. Also, it all works out the way it’s supposed to – even if it takes a couple of decades for you to figure it out.

SG: If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why? 

JH: Jodie Foster – we look a little bit alike (or so I’m told) and have similarly timbred voices. Plus she’s just an awesome actress!

About Julianna: Julianna was born and raised in the deep Southern US - Huntsville, Alabama, to be exact. She grew up in the shadow of the rocket tests for the Gemini, Apollo, and space shuttle engines, and has had a fondness for all things space-related ever since.Growing up, she developed interest in horses, history, and the various cultures and religious beliefs - past and present - of the

world's peoples. Travel has only cemented the latter interests, so she was instantly smitten when introduced to the Sarmatians, and the early cultural melting pot represented by the Black Sea and surrounds during the sixth through first century BCE.

She developed the basic story line for her Daughters of the Steppes series several years ago, and began working on Taminah at that time. Finishing Taminah in early 2015, she's written one short story and one novella associated with the series, and is a third of the way through drafting Book 2 - Arshan.

Julianna resides in South Seattle in a little house overlooking Lake Washington with her husband, brother, and beloved 100 lb black lab. In her limited spare time, she enjoys reading, book collecting, international travel, and the occasional bit of gardening.

LINKS:

Purchase Taminah on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Taminah-Daughter-Steppes-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B00VT1BAEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430363318&sr=8-1&keywords=Taminah

Author Website:  http://www.juliannahinckley.com
Amazon Author page:  http://www.amazon.com/Julianna-Hinckley/e/B00WKWZAY2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1430363963&sr=8-1
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliannahinckley
GoodReads Author page:   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13850155.Julianna_Hinckley

The trade paperback of Taminah will be available on Amazon in June 2015.

AUTHORS IN THE ROUND! A NEW WAY TO MEET AUTHORS: INTERNET RADIO/TV

Join us as part of the live studio audience OR listen or watch on your computer CLICK FOR DETAILS

Today we welcome Sheri Velarde. Her latest release Quest for Redemption releases on Thursday April 23rd!

Synopsis:

Zanna is an elven warrior princess, who seems to have it all, yet really has nothing. Her fate is not in her own hands. Instead, it is bound to an ancient magic she has no control over. She wants to rule the elves, yet must prove herself worthy before she is accepted. She also wants to find her mate, but after two thousand years, didn't hold much hope. Her existence has become mundane, and she craves something new. A routine assignment suddenly turns into something bigger that could ruin all of them. Is she strong enough to save the world and find her own happiness too? Can she change and help change the fate of the world with her?

Will is an orphan who has always been confused by his strangeness. He keeps himself apart, separate from those around him. A chance meeting with a remarkable woman changes everything. He not only learns about himself, but about a whole other world that he is a part of by birthright. However the father that abandoned him as an infant stands to ruin his future and the future of the world unless he can be stopped.

Will and Zanna must face loved ones who work against them and their past as well as find the strength to fight a bigger enemy and save the realms from evil. Can love, friendship, family, and acceptance defeat evil before it brings the realms crashing down? Can Zanna prove herself worthy to rule the kingdom?

Storyteller's Grove: So Sheri, tell us what is was your inspiration for Quest for Redemption?

Sheri: Inspiration comes in many forms and from many sources. The inspiration for Quest for Redemption is a combination of things. This novel started out as a NaNoWri novel. (That’s a novel that was written in one month for National Write a Novel Month.) So really the first inspiration was just to get something down on the page and quick as the clock struck midnight. The first thing that popped into my mind was to do a fantasy love story, something with elves. I am a huge Tolkien fan and he started me on my fascination with elven kind. Seriously, who doesn’t have crush on Legolas? Am I right? Anyhow, I also wanted to have a very strong female character, not some damsel in distress. In fact, she would be the warrior, the ruler, the strong one. And that is how Zanna was born. A little of her came from Underworld mixed with Xena Warrior Princess, but in elf form. I also wanted to play with the idea of a half magical creature who had no idea what he really was. Enter Will. Part human, part sprite, part really powerful elf. Throw in some evil, because truthfully I love bad guys. Basically I wrote the novel that I would want to read. I am not going to lie, the first draft was terrible. I let it sit for a year before even tackling it and trying to clean it up for submission. Then my life became a blur or edits and tears, but I must say I am happy with the result. Quest for Redemption started out as something just for fun and became something that I never imagined.

Quest for Redemption will be out on Three Worlds Press April 23, 2015!

Buy Links: Three Worlds Press

http://amzn.com/B00W2TDKGI

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-questforredemption-1781118-143.html

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sheri_Velarde_Quest_for_Redemption?id=8-ITCAAAQBAJ

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/quest-for-redemption

About the Author:

Sheri Velarde is an author, artist, independent comic creator and jewelry designer out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a creative soul with eclectic taste and style when it comes to her art and writing. Sheri is a multi-publisher romance author who is now branching into fantasy as well with her Defender of the Realms series. When not creating (which her fiancé argues is never), Sheri can be found spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, reading, watching fantasy movies, attending metal concerts and just taking time to stop and enjoy life.

You can view Sheri’s work on her website/blog: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/, on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sher_V.

Sunday Songs and Writing

I am sitting at the Murray Grove Retreat Center in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. For those who have NOOOO idea where that is or what it is CLICK HERE ..but come back. I am listening to the music of  Mthakathi. That is the Zulu name of this New Jersey AWESOME singer/songwriter.

He sings in English and Zulu and his songs are stories.

I associate songs to my life and the life of my characters. It is how I became so connected to the Jersey music scene. Mthakathi's music is rooted in the blues of the South African blues.

What music do you listen to? Are there songs that, as a reader or a writer, are there songs that remind you of your favorite characters?

Broken Pearl by Dawn Brower Pearl Harbor Paranomal and Release Party

The Story Behind Broken Pearl

Broken Pearl came about because I wanted to write a novel for my niece, Alison. She was in a car accident two years ago, and she struggled to not only survive, but thrive. It was something she dealt with every day. Her life was never the same. It bothered her that she couldn’t do a lot of the things she used to do, and yet she kept moving forward. So I got this idea to write a story about struggle and what happened when you came on the other side of it.

In my story, Rebecca realizes that she has a gift that could destroy her if she lets it. She has to find a way to control it and use it to help others. Her life is thrown deeper into chaos when war breaks out, and she loses some of the people she loves. It’s a difficult time for her, and she almost gives into the dark energy. World War II is the backdrop of Broken Pearl. It was a time of both despair and triumph. It seemed like a good era to display all of the emotions I wanted to explore.

Ultimately this story is about survival and learning to lean on the people around you. That’s the underlying message I want everyone to take from this book. I would like to think Ali would have enjoyed the story. Sadly, she passed away in a fire in January and will never get a chance to read it. I still want that message out for everyone to enjoy. Don’t give up, even when it seems like the only option you have. The people who care about you are there for a reason. Lean on them and find your own support beam—sometimes strength comes from the strangest places. If we are lucky, enough we have our own guardian angels looking out for us. I like to think Alison is the one leading them all around. Her bravery, perseverance, and ability to go beyond everyone expectations was awe inspiring.

Broken Pearl

By: Dawn Brower

Release Date: April 16, 2015

Short Blurb:

The death and destruction of war can destroy even the strongest among us. Will the loss and pain be too much for Rebecca to withstand?

Long Blurb:

The year is 1941 and paradise is a way of life in Hawaii. For Rebecca O'Shea things couldn’t be more perfect. She has her dream career as a naval nurse, and is in love with the man of her dreams—it seems she has it all. An empathic gift she's had all her life starts to grow, showering her with emotions and premonitions that suggest a great darkness is near. Just when she thinks she cannot take anymore her guardian, Joel, arrives to help her. Rebecca's life is thrown into chaos when war hits Hawaii's shore. As the Japanese bomb her home, her gift explodes within her. Loss and pain become her new way of life. She abandons all hope and shuts down her empathic abilities. With bodies littering the hospitals and seas, her calling as a nurse is put to good use, but her heart remains unreachable. Can she find her way out of the blackness and accept her true fate? Or will the prevailing death and destruction of war consume her?  

Party With Dawn For The Release

Join the Facebook Release Party

(April 16 11:30 am - April 17 11:45 pm US:EDT)

>>>HERE<<<

Teasers

About Dawn

Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors. Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. There is nothing like a nice glass of wine and a good book to relax with at the end of the day. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

Facebook|Twitter| Goodreads| Amazon| Newsletter|Webpage

Her Hearts Surrender by Allison Merritt... Vikings, Love and War... Release Day

Allison Merritt stopped by to chat about how she chose her characters' names in the just released Her Heart's Surrender. Links to purchase your eBook copy can be found at Three Worlds Press

First a little about Her Heart's Surrender

Taken from her village as a child, Ealasaid has lived under the iron rule of a Viking king for far too long. The only good to come out of her life is her son. As long as the king lives, their freedom and hope for the future seems dismal. Despite her contempt for the king and his bloodline, she's drawn to Hella Ingvasson, the man who kidnapped her, and the plight he faces when the king dies.

His father's final demand is that Hella must wed if he's to claim the throne. What better revenge than to marry the thrall his father hated most? Despite her fears Hella will become like his father, Ealasaid agrees to marry for her son’s sake, but she quickly learns her husband’s battle scarred body provides more pleasure than nightmares.

Word comes that her brothers also survived the raid and have assembled an army. They march toward a Norse settlement with the intention of revenge. Unless she can reach her brothers and convince them not to slaughter the man and people she's come to love, Hella may become another bloody stain on history's tapestry.

So Allison, share with our readers and current and future fans some background about what naming Viking characters.

Allison Merritt: I often pick names with meanings when I bring characters to life. Or when they choose me to make them real, however you want to look at that. Mostly I write historical romance set in the 19th century or later, so a lot of careful thought went into naming the characters in Her Heart's Surrender. Here's a bit about them and the characters. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Behindthename.com is an author's best friend.

Ealasaid – It's a Scottish-Gaelic form of Elizabeth (betcha didn't see that coming). A strong name for a strong heroine. When I start researching names, I almost called her Keavy, but I stumbled over this one and it fit her to a T. Keavy ended up being the name of Ealasaid's eldest sister.

Hella – Generally a girl's name (and I had a beta reader point that out). I wanted to call him Halle, but I thought that sounded way girlier. It means “flat stone”. Hard body, you betcha, but there's nothing flat about this hero.

Eoghann – I laughed so hard in Leap Year when Amy Adams' character called the guy at the bar E-o-gan. Um, it's “Owen” in case you're Hookt on Fonix like me. Eoghan is the son of Niall of the Nine Hostages in Irish lore. Yeah, he's a Saxon in the book and his heroic deeds might be a little questionable, but our Eoghann is willing to stand up for his sister when she needs back-up. They were the closest of the Kentigern siblings.

Ingvar – Old Norse meaning “warrior”. He's called many things in the book and he's also known as the White Raven, because as we all know, ravens as scavengers. He had to be fancy and rare, so his banner sigil is white—and very much to be feared.

Erik – Is there a Viking family that hasn't had a Viking named Erik? Well, maybe. Erik is Hella's adopted brother and potential heir to Ingvar's throne.

Birgir – Ealasaid's son is called after his Norse relatives, although she considered giving him a Saxon name. Birgir is from Birger, meaning “help, save, rescue”. Perfect, because he was literally the only thing that saved her during her time as a thrall.

Ulrika – The given name of two Swedish queens. She may be another Viking thrall, but she's also Ealasaid best friend and confidant. She was there when Birgir was born and is like a grandmother figure to him.

Diarmaid – It's consider to mean “without jealousy”, but the more you come to know Ealasaid's eldest brother, the more you realize Diarmaid's got a lot of jealousy and some poorly suppressed rage going on. You can never have too many bad guys in a story and he fits the bill pretty well. Okay, maybe you can have too many bad guys, but there were just the right amount in Her Heart's Surrender.

These are some of the major players in the book. I hope you enjoyed this little look at their names and personalities.

~~~~~

About the author:

A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.

Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.

Social links:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/authorallisonmerritt

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/Allison_Merritt

Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/allisonmwrites

Tuesday Teaser: Quest for Redemption cover reveal.. Elven Warrior

Today we welcome Sheri Velarde to talk about and re-reveal the FABULOUS cover for her upcoming release, Quest for Redemption.

So you may be asking why I am having a cover re-reveal or what is a re-reveal anyways? Well you see, life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans and changes sometimes have to be made. 

When I had my first cover reveal back on February 1 (I know because it was my birthday) Quest for Redemption seemed to be on the fast track to coming out, but then life happened.

I can't remember which happened first, but both my editor and I got sick. Like not a cold or flu sick, but majorly sick. I had a major flare in my multiple sclerosis which left me pretty much useless until it began to subside. School, which I was taking just for fun, began to demand more and more of my time. This caused a delay in edits, hence the delay in Quest coming out. Things happen and I can't say that I am truly shocked the Quest for Redemption hit a few bumps on its way to publication. You see, this book has been nothing but bumps and a test in perseverance.

Quest for Redemption has been a mountain for me to climb, over three years in the making and I have finally reached the summit, publication is in sight. This started off as a novel written during National Novel Writing Month, (NaNoWriMo) so needless to say the first draft was a hot mess. It got tabled for a while, then I picked it back up and cleaned it up added things here and there, turned it into something readable. Finally I submitted it, it got accepted. During the time of pre-edits the story began to change again, becoming more fantasy than romance, the characters deepened and solidified. It was hard work this novel, my longest work to date and also my toughest to get through.

Blood, sweat, and many tears went into this work and soon it will be out in the world! This is by far one of my biggest accomplishments as an author. My first full length novel, my first fantasy piece, my first book with my new publisher. Quest for Redemption represents over three years of hard work, sure it took me a little longer to get here bear the release date, but I got here and for that I am grateful. 

So here it is... I LOVE it and hope you will too.  Watch for the release later this month from Three Worlds Press

Synopsis

The fate of the realms rests on the hands of an elven princess yet to prove herself and an orphan just learning his powers.

Zanna is an elven warrior princess, who seems to have it all, yet really has nothing. Her fate is not in her own hands. Instead, it is bound to an ancient magic she has no control over. She wants to rule the elves, yet must prove herself worthy before she is accepted. She also wants to find her mate, but after two thousand years, didn't hold much hope. Her existence has become mundane, and she craves something new. A routine assignment suddenly turns into something bigger that could ruin all of them. Is she strong enough to save the world and find her own happiness too? Can she change and help change the fate of the world with her?

Will is an orphan who has always been confused by his strangeness. He keeps himself apart, separate from those around him. A chance meeting with a remarkable woman changes everything. He not only learns about himself, but about a whole other world that he is a part of by birthright. However the father that abandoned him as an infant stands to ruin his future and the future of the world unless he can be stopped.

Will and Zanna must face loved ones who work against them and their past as well as find the strength to fight a bigger enemy and save the realms from evil. Can love, friendship, family, and acceptance defeat evil before it brings the realms crashing down? Can Zanna prove herself worthy to rule the kingdom?

Sheri Velarde is an author, artist, independent comic creator and jewelry designer out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a creative soul with eclectic taste and style when it comes to her art and writing. Sheri is a multi-publisher romance author who is now branching into fantasy as well with her Defender of the Realms series. When not creating (which her fiancé argues is never), Sheri can be found spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, reading, watching fantasy movies, attending metal concerts and just taking time to stop and enjoy life.

You can view Sheri’s work on her website/blog: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/, on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sher_V.

Quest for Redemption will be out on Three Worlds Press April 23, 2015!

RELEASE DAY: Heart in Hand by Franny Armstrong

Today is RELEASE DAY for Heart in Hand on all eBook sites.

Heart in Hand is the first book that Franny Armstrong has published with Three Worlds Press. Franny likes to write about heroines with a tough edge and Heart is Hand is not different, she combines romance, mystery and suspense, and a little humor, in her work. Never one to have a dull moment, she writes to entertain and keep you on the edge of your seat. All she asks is that you sit back and enjoy the ride!

Watch for the print edition COMING SOON!

Together, they must battle an invisible killer, or die.

Daphne Wilcox is a tough as nails cop, determined to stop the Heart In Hand killer. She has a history with Bryce that she can't fight. She left him because he was a daredevil, and she keeps her feet on the ground, working by the book.

Trigger is her canine partner, ready to give his life for her.

Detective Bryce Ramsey softens her edges. Framed for murder, he must depend on Daphne to prove his innocence. He still loves her, and can't help but want her back.

Can the two of them get over their past to work together and find the killer, or will one of them lose their lives to the serial killer out to ruin them?

Links:

Purchase your copy for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, and Google Play at Three Worlds Press:   http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65

Excerpt:

Since becoming a cop, she seldom had reason to dress up. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she wanted to look nice for Bryce, watching sensual pride glow in his eyes when he saw her. She’d put on an emerald lace bra and G-string panties, along with garters and black nylons that stopped at mid-thigh.

Frustrated that she couldn’t do up her zipper, she finally gave up. She brushed out her long, amber-brown hair one more time, leaving it down. Checking her makeup, she nodded in satisfaction. The eyeliner made her baby-blue eyes stand out. She regretted that she had to give in and ask for help.

Opening the door to the hall, she called out. “Bryce?”

“Yeah?”

“I need you for a second.”

“Sure. I’ll be right there,” he said, still in his bedroom.

Taking one last glance at her room to make sure to leave it tidy, she turned off the light and walked to the kitchen to wait for him. While she'd put the dishes away, she heard a long, slow whistle.

A twinge in her back stopped her from putting a glass in the cupboard. Bryce stood beside her in an instant, taking the glass and finishing the job, to her annoyance.

Then she caught his scent, freshly-washed male: shaving cream, soap, and laundered clothes. For once, Daphne remained speechless.

She kept her head down and stared at the counter, her fingertips touching the edge but staying completely still, waiting…

“You wanted me?”

“I never said that!” she protested, then realized what he meant. “I mean, I need help doing up my zipper, that’s all.” Her face flushed with heat, which only stirred her temper.

He slowly began zipping her up, moving her hair away from the nape of her neck, his fingertips brushing over her delicate skin. His warm breath whispered over the sensitive skin on her neck, and she shivered.

Thinking he'd finished, she pulled away, but he’d blocked her in against the counter and spoke close to her ear.

“Wait. I have to finish with the clasp.”

“Hurry up,” she snapped, her voice throaty and sexy.

When he was done, he stepped away and went back to his room, leaving her shaking with need.

“One of these days, I’m going to kill that man!” she grumbled. All week long, Bryce made subtle passes at her, but then he’d simply walk away like nothing happened. It drove her crazy!

Clearing her throat, she yelled, “Hurry up, we’re going to be late!”

“I’m ready and waiting for you,” he said, leaning on the doorjamb.

Rolling her eyes, she picked up her coat about to put it on, but he took it from her and helped her into it.

“Since when do you have manners?” she grumbled.

“I’ve always had them. I just never used them.”

“Don’t I know it?”

Turning to Trigger, she bent over to pat him.

“This is one party you’re going to have to miss, pal. Sorry.”

“Lucky dog,” Bryce said as they walked to the front door.

“Why?”

“Because, you’re always nice to him. You’re seldom nice to me.”

“You don’t deserve it. He does.”

Bryce slipped on his coat and shoes, and followed her outside to the SUV. She insisted on driving and barely waited for him to buckle up his seatbelt before she barreled down the road at a fast clip.

“Why don’t I deserve it?” Bryce asked.

“Because,” she said, leaving no room for discussion.

“Tried without a jury. Nice.”

“You’ll get your jury in the new year, Ramsey. One trial at a time.”

Franny Armstrong 

Franny Armstrong is a mother of three and a grandmother of four. Her husband supports her imagination and has the patience of a saint. She’s been writing since she was a child,

creating plays to act out in front of the neighborhood children. .She charged them five cents admission to join her in the family garage for the play.

Since 2002, after a serious breakdown, Franny had to express herself on the computer since she couldn’t speak, everything coming out gibberish at that time. She’s slowly healed to the point that she can function fairly well. Writing was the best medicine for her, and still is.

Franny loves to write about rainforests and Caribbean islands rather than about cities. Her characters are well rounded and share her wacky sense of humor.

Heart in Hand is published by Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their other works please visit: Three Worlds Press.

Authors in the Round..NEW Radio show JOIN US March 1

Authors in the Round

March 1, 2015

7PM-9PM

Fennell, Gracen, and Mariel

Join us for a lively discussion with these talented authors. They will share bits of their latest novels, their journey to bestsellers, what makes them tick and anything else that comes up. Come to the fireside room of Murray Grove to meet them or listen/watch online and ask your questions in the chatroom. Light fare will be available. Your host for this adventure into the world of writing is Karen Kenney Smith, author and President of Three Worlds Press

Location: Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center

431 US Hwy 9 (and Church Lane), Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

Questions call 40footholestudio.com 609-618-1278

or

LIVESTREAM VIDEO by 40footholestudio for WORDS from "In The Hole"
click this link at show time. https://new.livestream.com/accounts/3269343/events/3832542
we do ask that you still use our FB chatroom, if possible, http://www.facebook.com/40footholestudio/app_181184391902159 to partake in the conversations with the Authors

Audio only (if you are not video compatible) Listen here: http://page.cloudradionetwork.com/40foot/

Another fine 40footholestudio.com Production

Elven Warriors, Cover, and a Birthday!

What better birthday gift can I give to one of my team members and all around AWESOME person, Sheri Velarde, than to share with my equally terrific followers the cover and a quick introduction to her upcoming book, Quest for Redemption.

So Happy Birthday and Reveal Day, Sheri!

Synopsis

The fate of the realms rests on the hands of an elven princess yet to prove herself and an orphan just learning his powers. 

Zanna is an elven warrior princess, who seems to have it all, yet really has nothing. Her fate is not in her own hands. Instead, it is bound to an ancient magic she has no control over. She wants to rule the elves, yet must prove herself worthy before she is accepted. She also wants to find her mate, but after two thousand years, didn't hold much hope. 

Her existence has become mundane, and she craves something new. A routine assignment suddenly turns into something bigger that could ruin all of them. Is she strong enough to save the world and find her own happiness too? Can she change and help change the fate of the world with her? 

Will is an orphan who has always been confused by his strangeness. He keeps himself apart, separate from those around him. A chance meeting with a remarkable woman changes everything. He not only learns about himself, but about a whole other world that he is a part of by birthright. 

However the father that abandoned him as an infant stands to ruin his future and the future of the world unless he can be stopped. Will and Zanna must face loved ones who work against them and their past as well as find the strength to fight a bigger enemy and save the realms from evil. 

Can love, friendship, family, and acceptance defeat evil before it brings the realms crashing down? Can Zanna prove herself worthy to rule the kingdom?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sounds great, RIGHT! Now here's the gorgeous cover that goes with this exciting story!

 I absolutely love it...don't you?

So who is Sheri Velarde, how can you follow her and know when you can pre-order this book?

Read On!

Sheri Velarde is an author, artist, independent comic creator and jewelry designer out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a creative soul with eclectic taste and style when it comes to her art and writing. Sheri is a multi-publisher romance author who is now branching into fantasy as well with her Defender of the Realms series. When not creating (which her fiancé argues is never), Sheri can be found spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, reading, watching fantasy movies, attending metal concerts and just taking time to stop and enjoy life.
You can view Sheri’s work on her website/blog: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/, on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sher_V.

Quest for Redemption will be out on Three Worlds Press soon!