March is my birthday month, and I thought it would be fun if I did the giving. But first, let me share a fun fact about myself and my family. I’m not much of a cake person, and interestingly enough neither is my husband, and our boys stopped eating cake when they got older. But we each have a favorite treat. For me, it’s banana cream pie. When forced to, I'll even share. (I really shouldn't eat the entire pie by myself.) Do you like cake, or are you like my family and have a different favorite treat?
Onto the fun! For my birthday, one lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of one of my young adult novels (winner's choice). The winner will be randomly selected on March 15th. Plus I will be randomly selecting at least 3 additional names from Rafflecopter entries to win eBooks (mobi or epub) (also winners' choice).
Due to postage cost, the autographed copy is restricted to U.S. residents only.
I hope you enjoyed the Crimson at Cape May trailer. I'm thrilled to welcome Randy Overback to my blog.
Who Needs Love Anyway?
A reader interested in the novels in my Haunted Shores Mysteries sent me a question via email. “I heard you say at the author talk say that these are ghost story and mysteries, but you said they are also love stories. Can you clue me in on that part of the stories?”
Technically, each of the titles is listed as a mystery and suspense with romantic elements, but the love story is far more than some afterthought. In fact, the romance strand is actually what drives both narratives.
My hero, Darrell Henshaw, wasbeen cheated on by his fiancé in his home town and traveled six hundred miles to get away from his checkered romantic past. When he lands on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, he runs into a beautiful, redheaded young woman who captures his heart.
Of course, being a guy, he can’t help but throw a few wrenches into this relationship, although, to be fair, he is dealing with a few complicating factors in his life—like ghosts that won’t stop haunting him, a mystery or two he needs to solve and some very powerful people who are trying to get him fired or worse, killed. You get the idea. He has a lot going on and the romance is smack dab in the middle of it all.
Here are few comments from readers about the romantic part of story.
·“There’s a great romance story weaved into all this. I loved Erin. She was no shrinking violet when it came to digging into the investigation by his side. She was the perfect partner for Darrell.”—an Amazon reviewer.
·“And then there is Erin. Darrell is not looking for love again, but she has caught his eye and just might be the one to thaw his heart.”—an Amazon reviewer
·“The romance was sweet and just added to the overall feel of the story.”—a Goodreads reader
So I’d like to suggest if you’re looking for a read with a love story between two very real and fallible people, but you’d also like a little suspense with your romance, enjoy solving an unusual whodunnit, and maybe even appreciate a chill running down your spine, then I’d humbly suggest you check out either of the two Haunted Shores Mysteries,Blood on the ChesapeakeandCrimson at Cape May. I don’t think you’re be disappointed.
Blood on the Chesapeake
Blurb: Wilshire, Maryland, a quaint shore town on the Chesapeake, promises Darrell Henshaw a new start in life and a second chance at love. That is, until he learns the town hides an ugly secret. A thirty-year-old murder in the high school. And a frightening ghost stalking his new office. Burned by an earlier encounter with the spirit world, Darrell doesn't want to get involved, but when the desperate ghost hounds him, he concedes. Assisted by his new love, he follows a trail that leads to the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even the Klu Klux Klan. Then, when two locals who try to help are murdered, Darrell is forced to decide if he's willing to risk his life--and the life of the woman he loves--to expose the killers of a young man he never knew.
Crimson at Cape May (The Haunted Shores Mysteries #2)
No matter how far you run, you can neverreallyescape a haunted past.
Darrell Henshaw—teacher, coach, and paranormal sensitive—learned this lesson the hard way. With his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might just be the getaway he needs. Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast. One resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for his help.
He can’t refuse.
Joining forces with Cassie, a street-wise teen and another sensitive, he investigates the bride’s death and discovers her murder is connected to a far greater horror. But can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up being the killer’s next victims?
Now a safe distance away, he studied her. She was thin, with a small, drawn face of pasty skin, and he would’ve guessed her to be about his age, mid-twenties. But there was something about her, something that made him shiver. Did she have a black eye? Were those cuts on her cheek? Why hadn’t he noticed those before, when he passed her on the Promenade?
He sped up, the street crowded, congested with tourists. Normally, the jostling bodies would’ve given him the creeps, but today he was grateful for the numbers so he could blend in.
Not sure where he was headed—except away from his boardinghouse—he kept up a brisk pace. He hurried past the legendary Inn of Cape May, with its ornate, white period architecture and four stories of ancient rooms facing the beach. Any other time, he’d be thinking about taking Erin there. The place had an interesting old-time vibe. That is, if she still wanted anything to do with him. But he didn’t have time for that now. He kept moving.
As he turned back onto Beach Avenue again, the sight of the beautiful blue ocean across the road struck him and he stopped for a moment, then chanced a peek back around the corner. No sign of his stalker.
He reduced his pace, easing past a beach shop, and saw his reflection in the store front. That gave him an idea. Ahead, he spied a coffee shop with two long windows facing the street, the panes so sparkling clean he could see the image of the sun hanging over the ocean in the glass. As he walked along, he turned his head to catch his image and, when he was far enough along, he glanced sideways at the window. Trailing behind him, he could make out, reflected in the glass, only two people, a gray-haired couple. No one else. He took a few more steps, watching and slowing a little, and exhaled. He’d lost her.
He turned and studied the man and woman, who’d paused to examine the restaurant menu posted next to the door. A few feet beyond the couple stood the woman. Darrell’s gaze darted. The couple. The woman. The coffee shop window. Back toher. The petite young woman in the tattered white dress stood hunched not more than ten feet away. Darrell searched for her reflection in the glass. There was not even a shimmer.
Oh no. Not again.
The side of the young woman’s face was beaten and bloodied. Her exposed neck bore a long, ugly purple bruise. The torn dress now had blood seeping across her torso and down her right leg. He looked back. Still nothing in the window. The hairs on his neck stood up.
“What do you want?”
In unison, the pair turned, peered behind and then back at Darrell. The man said, “Son, there’s no one there.”
Darrell kept staring and as he watched, the young woman walkedthroughthe older couple and stopped in front of him. This close up, her one deep blue eye—the one not blackened—seemed vacant and carried an emptiness that frightened Darrell. She again extended both pale hands, blood now covering them and dripping off her fingertips. Mesmerized, Darrell watched as fat crimson drops splattered red onto the gray sidewalk.
In her soft voice, she said again, “Please, help me. Help us.”
Darrell shook his head violently. “No. Hell, no. Not again.” Last time almost killed him.
About the author
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker, capturing state and national accolades for his work. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller,Leave No Child Behind(2012) and his recent mysteries,Blood on the Chesapeake (2019)andCrimson at Cape May(2020) have earned five star reviews and garnered top awards and recognition from sites such as Literary Titan, ReadersFavorite.com, ReaderViews.com and N. N. Lights Bookheaven. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.
Summary:She will avenge her husband’s death, even if she must kill every knight
in Caerleon to learn who betrayed him.
Anwyn
thought she would finally enjoy comfort and happiness when she married a
traveling psychic--that is, until Uthyr Pendragon unleashed a war on all
magic-users and had her new husband burned alive.
She’s
determined to wreak her revenge, until a Druid boy’s prophecy convinces her to
put aside her personal vendetta and learn to hunt the ones who want her
dead--harder to do when she’s captured and taken to Caerleon to be tried as a
sorceress.
Now, if she
can escape with the help of Caradoc, a man whose secrets rival Anwyn’s, she
will have to fulfill her vow of revenge while on the run and attempting to find
the one leader who can unite three broken kingdoms under a single banner.
Assuming,
of course, she can protect herself from burning at the stake, safeguard her
heart from the enigmatic Caradoc, and complete her training as the Cyan
Huntress.
Fans of
Jeffe Kennedy, Grace Draven, and Laura Thalassa will love the blend of
Arthurian legend and exciting action in this romantic fantasy adventure!
USA Today bestselling author Krystal Pena resides with her
four children near Boston, MA. She writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy and
fantasy, and enjoys writing stories about strong women who overcome the
greatest obstacles to achieve their dreams or goals. Many of her characters
reflect her and the adversities she has overcome, which she wants to relay in
her writing to empower the young women of generations to come. Many of her
stories have roots in ancient ideals and folklore, and she loves hiding
alternate meanings or symbolism in her writing.
Aside from writing, Krystal
enjoys photography, archery, horseback riding and MMA. She loves history and
art, and frequents historical sites and art galleries in her spare time. Above
all else, she loves being at home, baking and cooking with her children,
visiting her family and reading bedtime stories.
She works as a personal assistant
to other authors by day and writes late into the night, a strong cup of coffee
always within reach.
Krystal is also one-half
of USA Today bestseller
KM McKenna, which she shares with New
York Times bestselling author Margo Bond Collins in writing
YA/NA fantasy. She enjoys working alongside Margo as both co-author and
PA.
Congrats to Margot Johnson on the release of her latest novel,
Love Leads the Way!
Love Leads the Way
by Margot Johnson
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Blurb
She coaches him in team leadership, but do they both need lessons in love?
Single mom Tessa Shore runs a successful leadership program at work and supports a mother with dementia. She can handle any challenge in her jam-packed schedule as long as nothing spins out of control…especially her feelings.
Engineer Mark Delaney is an expert on pipelines at the same company, but his interpersonal skills need a makeover. Advancing to an executive job requires enrollment in a leadership course he doesn't think he needs.
When their professional and personal issues entangle, life at the office gets a lot more complicated. Romance is impossible…or is it?
Pacing around Crescent Park in moonlight trimmed with stars, Mark breathed fresh air and slowed his erratic heartbeats from the shock of Tessa’s invitation. Apparently, the woman who directed the class with the precision of an air-traffic controller could flex…at least, a little. She wanted to spend extra time with him, and he couldn’t refuse.
“I didn’t think we’d bump into other participants at this late hour.” She hugged tighter her windbreaker against the cool breeze. “We won’t mix business and pleasure. I’m strictly off duty, and so are you.”
“Okay, Tessa, whatever you say.” Zipping higher his jacket, he strode and sniffed moisture riding the wind. Guilt tiptoed around his collar, and he couldn’t escape the feeling this outing was a bad idea. He should avoid her, except in class, yet he accepted her invitation. But why did she break her own rule and contact him? “If I can’t discuss work, can I ask you a personal question?” He admired her profile with pert nose tipped to the sky, breathing the fresh night air.
“I guess so since I’m the woman who persuades everyone else to dish.” She laughed and brushed a curl from her cheek.
Streetlights alternated with a full moon to light the pathway. Their footsteps crunched on gravel, and their murmured voices broke the peaceful silence.
“Ready.” She tucked her hands in jacket pockets.
“Is Mr. Shore waiting at home?” He winced at his forward question. No sense beating around the bush. He shouldn’t pine for someone else’s wife.
“You weren’t kidding. Your question is fairly personal.” She laughed and twisted toward him. “No, I don’t have a mister. But, as you know, I’m the mom of a beautiful daughter.”
“So you’re divorced.” His heart jumped. She was available, too. A relationship was not impossible.
She shook her head. “I was engaged once, but my personality got in the way.” She accelerated and lengthened her strides.
“Oh?” He swallowed and fought the overwhelming urge to sweep her into his arms.
Margot Johnson on Love Leads the Way
For many years, I worked in a busy corporate environment, and I left a leadership role in human resources and communications to focus on writing. Now instead of guiding employees, I create characters who have minds of their own!
In LOVE LEADS THE WAY, Tessa coaches Mark in leadership, but they both need lessons in love! I hope you have fun with these clashing coworkers as they discover where love leads.
The story is fiction but draws on some of my experiences at work and at home. I’d love to have lunch with Tessa and compare notes on office gossip, single parenting, family quirks, and cute golden retrievers. One key difference is I didn’t meet my handsome husband at work!
Tessa and Mark both support a mother with dementia which brings some tough but also light moments. My late dad died of complications from Alzheimer’s, so that part of the book is close to my heart. He was a journalist who always encouraged me to read and write.
My characters love dogs, and my loyal, old golden retriever, Sophie, is the inspiration for the adorable dogs in my books.
When not writing, I love to travel. One of my more unusual adventures was appearing on the TV game show Let’s Make a Deal where I almost won a car! You can often find me reading a good book for my monthly book club while munching on a large bowl of popcorn.
Interesting/unique fact about book:
I’d love to have lunch with Tessa and compare notes about leadership, single parenthood, family, and golden retrievers. The book is fiction, but Tessa and I share a lot in common.
Fact about Margot:
I always dreamed of becoming an author, and I left a leadership role in human resources and communications to focus on writing
Margot Johnson grew up in a family of writers and has always loved books and writing.
She is the author of LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and her new release LOVE LEADS THE WAY. Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard."
When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!) She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada with her amazing husband and beloved golden retriever.
Romance is all about relationships: the good, the bad, and the awkward, and there is no one more awkward than an eighteen-year-old virgin thrown into the life of a succubus. And that’s exactly what happens to my kind-hearted protagonist Avery Williams in Damned When I Didn’t.
Now, for those who don’t know, a succubus is a female demon who survives by having intimate relationships with humans. Normally, the steamier the better. But we have to cut Avery some slack. She is a teenager, and this is a young adult novel. Luckily, a long, meaningful kiss will sustain her for a few days. She’s paired with Cole, her Hell-assigned mentor, who must get her to ditch her mild manners, or they’ll both face Hell’s wrath.
I had a lot of fun writing this novel. The premise blossomed from my desire to write something that hasn’t been done already, which isn’t easy when there are so many amazing paranormal books. Well, I’ve never read or seen a YA book where the protagonist is a succubus. And then I thought, wouldn’t it be ironic if the succubus in my book was a virgin? How would that work? Why Hell? And how did she end up a succubus? Could she survive? Would she want to?
Discover the answer to these questions and more in the book.
