Historical Romance Book Sale

My Historical Romance Book Sale Starts Today!

Hi everyone,

Welcome to August! If you love to get swept away by romances set in different time periods, I’ve got great news for you – all of my historical romances are on sale for a limited time.

The sale starts today, August 1, and ends on Saturday, August 15.  

But there’s one catch – these titles are on sale everywhere you buy ebooks – except for Amazon. Yep, you read that right. So, if you get your ebooks on Kobo, Apple, Nook, 24 Symbols, Scribd, Playster etc. this sale is for you.

My historical romances are anything but boring, and they vary in heat levels and settings. Some books are mild and others are scorching hot! The time periods and settings are as varied as the heroes and heroines. I even have two historical/fantasy trilogies: The Royal Desires series and the Naughty Nobles trilogy.

If you love single titles, you can lose yourself in a pioneer/adventure romance (Loving a Wild Stranger), a Colonial mystery (Dangerous Indenture), a Gothic romance (Redemption from a Dark Past), a paranormal Viking tale set in Celtic Scotland (The Viking’s Witch), and a love story set in the Old West (Love, Lies & Redemption).

Want to learn more about these titles? Full book summaries and reviews are on my site: www.kelliwilkins.com

There are two ways to order:

Visit my Books2Read page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins choose a historical romance, and follow the links to order.

Or, go to my website: www.kelliwilkins.com find a book you like, then follow the link under the book description that says:  “Buy it on other platforms:” That link will take you directly to the book’s ordering page.

It’s easy. And it’s economical. All the books in the sale are $1 off until Saturday, August 15. So stock up on some great reads now and enjoy them for the rest of the year.

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

Have You Read Golden in Death?

I don’t usually discuss books or write reviews, but I just finished reading Golden in Death by J.D. Robb. I’m feeling confused. Help me out with this.

I love J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) I’ve been reading her books for years and I think I’ve read most of her books/series. People have commented about some of her recent books as possibly been written by someone else. I hadn’t noticed it, but I did with Golden in Death.

One of the things I’ve always liked about J.D. Robb’s books are her characterizations. Her regular staff and group of close friends, their involvement and development and their relationship with Dallas. You get to know them and they become part of the story over time. They grow and develop over the series, new ones are added. 

In this book there was very little of that and only mentioned occasionally and some not at all. Other than Dallas, Peabody and Rourke and the people who died or were interviewed there was very little character development.  Dallas’ character appeared different and more two dimensional and she talked differently. The plot was interesting but even that felt a little weak. So, was it written by J.D. Robb, or someone else?

I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts.   

Romance During Covid

I wrote a few months ago about how to write and/or develop a romance during a Covid pandemic with all the public health restrictions like social distancing and wearing masks. My Covid brain couldn’t really figure it out. Well, in my own small town, Tiffany Goodwein wrote a news article about a couple that showed me how it was done. Now I’m rethinking a new story. (And the photo was from her same article - Parker Thomas/Facebook)

Besides social distancing and masks, restaurants and movie theatres are close. It’s stay-at-home. So, finding a location to date can become a challenge. John and Mary met at church in January. After just six months, the couple not only dated but became engaged. Getting to know each other, in the midst of COVID-19, meant getting creative. Their very first date was a coffee date, done virtually. They brewed coffee at about 5 p.m., at night and sat down. John was in his room and Mary was at her house. They put on FaceTime and sat there with coffee and chatted. It lasted for about five, six hours straight.

Virtual coffee dates then turned to watching movies together, at a social distance by using FaceTime and linking movies together with Netflix Party. With the weather frigid near the start of their relationship, the couple made use of their vehicles to go on adventures, by putting their phones on Bluetooth and driving around town all while talking to each other. The date would then finish off with a trip through the drive-through and a chat in a parking lot, all while remaining in their own cars. And then about three weeks ago they became engaged after John popped the question, just as the sun was rising. They will marry in August.

Another couple Sally and Tom met when Tom was hired to help Candice move out of her home. After the move Tom he asked Sally out for coffee. She didn’t go at first. About three weeks later she thought, why not and accepted. Not expecting much.Since then they’ve had fires in the backyard, taken walks and go for bike rides, stuff like that. That was four weeks ago, and the couple has been going strong, appreciating the more subtle date nights at every turn.

While traditional date settings were more difficult to come by, a common thread for both couples was the strengthening they experienced in their relationship.

Love can happen under all circumstances and like the above couples we need to be more innovative in write touching romances during these pandemic times.

Comments anyone?

Developing Your Characters

I love some of the topics that we get for our monthly group blog get together's. And this is another interesting and thought provoking on. How do you develop a character who is different in personality from all the other characters you have developed, or from yourself?

First, because I’m plot driven, I come up with a plot, or the beginning of a plot. We know it will change as I write but it’s where I start. Then I come up with the characters that fit or will develop the plot.  Usually it’s the heroine, or the hero. Then I need to match them and develop characteristics that can and will cause conflict.  Then there’s the villain.  

So now I have a rough idea of the characters and the plot, I start to do my research. What are the goals for my h/h and what characteristics do they need to have to reach their goals? What obstructions are there, and how do they need to personally develop to overcome the obstructions, either alone or together.  This would be where I would develop differences in personality that might be different from any other of my characters and definitely different from me..

In my Hawkins’ ranch series, Kye, whose story is the third book, Targeted, is a Blackfoot Native American. To develop his character, I researched the Blackfoot tribe, took a class on Native Americans and their characteristics, and used that to develop his character which is different from me and from any of my other characters. 

In my latest book, Death Southern Style Perrine is a psychic, Julie Ann has some psychic abilities and Ava is a Voodoo Priestess.  Once again, these characters are all different from myself and my other characters. Again, I did research on psychic abilities, and I had a friend who was a psychic, and I read up on the voodoo religion.

I look forward to seeing how other authors develop their different characters. Check them out.

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1Y4
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

It’s Out!

After posting about it for so long and trying to get it publish ready and then on pre-order – my book, Death Southern Style has been released.

It’s set in New Orleans. It has touches of paranormal (think Marie Laveau), voodoo and interesting characters. It has murder, mystery, romance and a happy ever after ending. What more could you want?

Here’s the blurb.

When Perrine Dupré dies under suspicious circumstances her daughter, Julie Ann Dupré, returns to New Orleans to find the truth about her mother’s death. She uncovers a family secret, hidden for years. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will the little dog who appears after her mother’s death help her? Is the sexy detective out to help her, or is he part of police corruption?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans, comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. His father may have died as part of that corruption. He meets Julie Ann, checks out her mother’s death and finds it was badly handled. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to find it for her. 

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And can their relationship survive?

Here are the buy links: eBook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089VRC1WR

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777262410

Would love to have you check it out and share your comments.

Cynthia Terelst and her New Release

Cynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.

She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.

2020 Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Shepherd: Shepherd Bell III

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Shepherd: My story takes place in the current time.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story?

Shepherd: My mum passed away when I was young. I was brought up by my dad and our housekeeper, Maria. I live a privileged life; my family comes from money. I always wanted to do something good with my life and when I met Evie, I started to believe I could do that. Then she left, without warning, and my life fell apart.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Shepherd: My goal is to win Evie back. We have been apart for five years and I miss her. My life feels empty without her. I created a million-dollar scavenger hunt because I know how much she loves scavenger hunts. I thought there was no way she would miss the opportunity. Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Shepherd: Well, when I created the scavenger hunt my only thought was being able to spend time with Evie and have her fall in love with me again. I didn’t realise that she would have plans for the winnings. Now, I have to come up with three million dollars while trying to build a relationship with her. My best friend Sammy will tell you I didn’t think this through very well.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Shepherd: I hope I can raise the money by asking for donations from rich people I know. In regards to winning Evie back, I just plan to be myself and for her to see how we are meant to be together.                                                                                                         Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Shepherd: I know that making up a scavenger hunt sounds a bit extreme, but I really did think it was a great idea at the time. I didn’t do it just because Evie was the one who got away, I truly do love her.

Blurb for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Will one of the treasures they find be each other's heart?

It’s been five years since Tara walked out of Shepherd’s life without a word. Since then he’s spiralled through drugs, alcohol and empty relationships, with Tara on his mind the whole time. Now he wants to win her back, and what better way to do it than by creating a fake scavenger hunt? He knows she won’t be able to resist.

Tara’s lost enough loved ones and she didn’t want to see Shepherd added to that count. So, when she saw him high at graduation, she did the only thing she could – she walked away. When she’s teamed up with him for a million dollar scavenger hunt, the feelings reignite. For a second chance at love to work, she needs to be brave enough to open up to him, to tell him everything she withheld the first time around.

Shepherd didn’t realise how much winning would mean to Tara. He now needs to come up with $3 million for her foundation before the hunt is over. If he can’t he will need to tell her its all fake, and he doesn’t know if he can risk that.

Will secrets destroy them a second time around? 

Excerpt from Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Tara

Shepherd and I sat on the couch side by side and watched The Martian while we ate dinner. The warmth from where our arms touched seeped through me. I should have moved away, but I didn’t want to. The spices from the tacos radiated off him. What would they taste like when mixed with the sweetness of him? My eyes were drawn to his lips, the curve of them. I could practically feel their softness.

Shepherd turned his face to mine. My eyes lingered for a moment as I imagined his soft breath brushing my face as he bent his head toward me. My breathing shallowed to the point that it was nearly non-existent, as if I were a starfish. I turned my face away and resumed watching the movie, making sure my hands kept to themselves and my thoughts remained on the man saving his own life on the screen. Matt Damon may have been the most attractive astronaut I’d ever seen, but he was nothing compared to Shepherd.

The movie ended and I sat there while the credits rolled. Our closeness suddenly made me feel like we were in a flux capacitor. Time—five years of it—had been starved, and now it was swallowing me whole. Everything about Shepherd felt like home. Everything. And if I allowed it to, this feeling wouldn’t just swallow me, it would become me.

I jerked away from him, my heart racing, my skin cold, while I broke into a sweat. I couldn’t allow this to happen. Shepherd was no longer my solace. He never truly was because he never knew my grief. My grief over my brother. The feelings of loss at my parent’s death.

No, Shepherd was not my solace. Not then. Not now.

Buy Link for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Dogs-Love-Down-Under-ebook/dp/B082HQDV66/

Social Media Links For Cynthia Terelst

Website http://cynthiaterelst.com/

Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/p9p9y0

Twitter https://twitter.com/CynthiaTerelst

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/

Facebook For the Love of Words FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/572605370313807/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/

BookBub https:///authors/cynthia-terelst

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Terelst/e/B07ZCTX8SB/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/cynthiaterelst

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/cynthiaterelst

Meet D.V. Stone and her New Release

Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Gloriana Hi, my name is Gloriana Jones. My parents were hippies, and Grandmas, Gloria and Anna, were two old fashioned for them. Try going through school named Gloriana.

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Gloriana I’m a Jersey girl through and through. I love the shore (in New Jersey we don’t call them beaches) and the mountains. I love Taylor Egg and Cheese sandwiches and not pumping my own gas.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Gloriana: Even though issues in my life are timeless, my story takes place in the here and now—Present-day Lake Unami in Northern NJ.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Gloriana: You know when you’re young, you have dreams. You fall in love, get married, and look forward to growing old together? I fell in love, and my husband Frank and I were nearing retirement and we had dreams. We were going to open an Ice Cream parlor. Frank would say, We could bring joy and smiles to people.  But then my husband died. I tried so hard to keep the dream alive, but…

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Gloriana: Short term— to keep Rainbow Sprinkles running. Business has been tough. Bad weather and storms have put a damper on the ice cream business. Long term—may be to find joy in life again? Sometimes I get lonely.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Gloriana: Well, the spring and summer weather has been less than ideal for a seasonal business. If I don’t make enough to sustain me over the winter, I’m not sure what I’ll do. And, well, to be honest, I’ve recently met someone. His name is Nathan. We met during one of the recent storms. He’s charming and handsome too. Frank’s been gone a long time, but I’m experiencing guilt. And can we talk about insecurity? At this stage in life, everything is not where it used to be. Plus, he lives in a different state. Ah, who am I kidding? We had a moment, but the moment doesn’t have a chance.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Gloriana: Keep on keeping on. You know what I mean. Since meeting Frank, the weather has improved. Did I mention he’s a business consultant? I’m also looking into full-time employment to get me through the winter.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Gloriana: Yes, I’m a retired corrections sergeant, it’s a hard job. That’s where Frank and I met. My best friends and the only family I have are the people I’ve worked with through the years. They love and support me. They came up to Lake Unami recently and brightened my entire week. It’s important to have that kind of support.

Thanks for interviewing me today. If you’re ever near Lake Unami, stop in, and I’ll make you Rainbow Sprinkles signature treat. A salted caramel sundae with rainbow sprinkles.

Blurb for Rainbow Sprinkles

Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream. A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he's lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop. With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?

Excerpt for Rainbow Sprinkles

“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”

“No, you're welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”

Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I'll be right back.”

When he disappeared into the hallway, and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”

Buy links for Rainbow Sprinkles

Amazon  Barnes & Noble   iBook’s  Google Books

You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media

Website  Amazon Author Page  Facebook  Twitter      Instagram

Pinterest    Bookbub    Goodreads  Newsletter

Blogs

Welcome to the Campfire Blog       Peek Through the Window