Writer Wednesday - The Passenger

Are you in the mood for a ghost story with grit, glamour, and a love that defies the afterlife? And a book that received five stars from Still Moments Magazine? We have the book for you! The Passenger by Joie Lesin.

Book Title: The Passenger

Release Date: August 21, 2024

The visions of the dead grew stronger. The emotions, the fear, the sorrow, the despair were back…

She’s a 1940s ghost whisperer.

Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home.

He’s the son of a ghost.

Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction. Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?

The Passenger, a 1940s ghost story set in the California wine country, tells a tale of family connections, life-changing choices, and love—lost and found.

Author Bio: Award-winning, Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and poet. She is most recently the author of The Passenger (The Wild Rose Press, 2024) and her work is also featured in Scribeworth Magazine. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including mermaids and ghosts. Joie writes character-driven, emotional, atmospheric tales about heartache and hope.

Website: https://www.jlesin.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6WBVJB9/

#ghoststory #historicalfantasy #supernaturalfiction

We asked Joie where are her favorite three places to visit - and why?

Joie: I’m drawn to water. In fact, in a past life, I must have been a mermaid. So, it’s no wonder my favorite three places to visit are New England, California’s Central Coast, and Duluth. Minnesota. I was born in Massachusetts near the coast, but my family moved to Minnesota when I was six years old. So, when I visit the East Coast, usually splitting my time between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, it’s a coming home. I’m drawn to the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the New England charm. When I visit home, I’m reminded of my childhood memories—recalling trips to the beach, the day at the aquarium when I was five and I spied my first seahorse, and just spending those first years in the small town where we lived. When I visit California, I gravitate toward San Luis Obispo County, in particular Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. For me, the both the ocean and the foothills speak to me. The song of the ocean and the sea birds’ calls as they fly overhead bring such peace. Then there is Duluth and the grandeur of Lake Superior, the saltless sea. Since I now live in a landlocked state, a visit there is just a three hour a drive to replenish my soul.

Writer Wednesday - Steph Ziders

This Wednesday, Steph Ziders is conjuring up some witchy vibes with her book Secrets of a Witch, a spellbinding tale of legacy, love, and one fiercely determined witch who must unravel family secrets before they unravel her. 

Book Title: Secrets of a Witch 

Release Date: July 14, 2025 

Teaser: “Witches are real. And Ipswich always has Halloween decorations up.”

Some secrets are harmless…others are atomic bombs. 

In the tranquil town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, witches hide in plain sight. Shay Whitley, the resident soulmate finder and psychic, control freak witch, is the last in the powerful Whitley coven. The Whitley legacy is her responsibility. When a dark family secret is exposed, Shay’s world goes up in flames, threatening her family’s livelihood and her single-dom. 

Her best friend, Dean, is hiding something. A blazingly sexy firefighter, Cade, tempts Shay to spill all her secrets. Added to the chaos is her foul-mouthed chatty cat, Mildred, who never hesitates to give her hell. 

When tarot and spells aren’t enough, Shay must find a way to trust those in the present and from the past to save the entire Whitley Witch bloodline…and maybe her love life. 

Author Bio. Steph Ziders has been dreaming up stories for a long time. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Master's in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. After teaching for 12 years, she found a new way to share her stories by writing them. Steph lives in New York with her husband and three children. When she isn't writing, you can find her playing video games, binge-watching, and "out-coloring" her children. 

https://www.stephzidersbooks.com/

https://wildrosepress.com/product/secrets-of-a-witch/

#paranormalromance #witchvibes #contemporary

We enjoyed hanging out with Steph so much, we couldn't let her leave without asking her, if she was a Disney character, who would she be and why?

Steph: If I were a Disney character, I would be Moana because she’s brave, formidable, and lives on an island. Plus, her hair is *chef’s kiss*.

Writer Wednesday - Randy Overbeck

This Wednesday, we’re shining a spotlight on Randy Overbeck and his chilling mystery, Red Shadows at Saugatuck, where a haunted father and son uncover dark secrets in a picturesque town that refuses to face the truth. 

Book Title: Red Shadows at Saugatuck

Release Date: 7/23/25

Teaser: “I’m pretty sure she’s dead.” Darrell cringed as he said the words. The tribal elder nodded slowly. “That may be true. But if you can find justice for Sheila Birdsong, you may save other Native teens from the same fate.”

Does a father and son have a ghost of chance to find justice for a murdered Native teen? 

Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.” 

Now, they both can see ghosts. 

Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell agrees to drive his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen. 

Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger? 

Author Bio: Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” where he reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts, writing and book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S. 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 Killer Nashville and the ThrillerFest. When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and scenic locations, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.

http://authorrandyoverbeck.com

https://books2read.com/u/bxD1nq

#ghost #paranormalmystery #NativeAmerican

Before Randy left, we asked him why he likes being a writer.

Randy: In the words of another great mystery author, S J Rozan, “Nonfiction is about reality, fiction is about truth.” I enjoy being a writer, in part, because I get to use my words to share some truths—truths about teachers being heroes, about the importance of confronting injustice and about critical social issues in the larger world AND I get to spin captivativing tales that readers love. Hundreds of five-star reviews for the Haunted Shores Mysteries on Amazon and Goodreads prove it. Here’s an excerpt from 5-star review posted just two weeks ago: “By the end, I was not only entertained but also moved. This is storytelling with heart and purpose, wrapped in a chilling ghost mystery.”—Evelyn M., Goodreads reviewer.

Writer Wednesday - Linda Griffin

In today's Writer Wednesday, Linda Griffin lets us dive into her book, Morgan’s Landing, a gripping small-town mystery where a missing girl, a desperate detective, and a tangled web of suspects turn a peaceful community into a pressure cooker of secrets and suspicion. Linda also shares why she likes being a writer. 

Book Title: Morgan’s Landing 

Release Date: May 19, 2025

Teaser: Julie woke up in a darkness so absolute that she feared she might be blind. 

Where is Julie Morgan? 

In the small Maryland town of Morgan’s Landing, fourteen-year-old Julie Morgan is living in comfort with her wealthy family. She disappears on her way to school after a spat with her twin sister. Detective Jim Brady, married and the father of two, has been on the Morgan’s Landing police force for twelve years. He identifies a few suspects in the girl’s disappearance—Is it the fired school janitor, a paroled sex offender, Julie’s computer teacher…or his own teenage son? Jim can’t believe his son could be involved, but his wife is convinced the boy is hiding something. He needs to find Julie before the worst happens—and keep the peace at home. 

Author Bio:

Linda Griffin knew she wanted to be a “book maker” as soon as she learned to read and wrote her first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” at the age of six. Her passion for the printed word also led her to a career with the San Diego Public Library. She retired to spend more time on her writing and has had stories of every length from short shorts to novellas published in numerous literary journals. Morgan’s Landing is her tenth novel published by the Wild Rose Press. In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—she enjoys travel, movies, Scrabble, and visiting museums and art galleries.

https://www.lindagriffinauthor.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZY1YR6V

#Mystery #SmallTownLife #MissingPerson

We asked Linda, why do you like being a writer?

Linda: I love it when two vague ideas rub together like flintstones and sparks start to fly, when the words flow freely and my characters talk to me and to each other while I take dictation. I like the plot twists that surprise even me and choosing names for the characters and fictional places. I like integrating bits of real life into the story, where they are transformed into something that belongs in that world. Unlike some writers, I also love editing. I like polishing my prose and working with my Wild Rose Press editor, Nan Swanson. And of course, there’s that magical moment when I open the box of newly printed books. A newer pleasure for me is having audio book narrators bring my words to life. Listening to Eric Priessman’s masterful narration of Morgan’s Landing was a particular delight.

Writer Wednesday - Tena Stetler

This Writer Wednesday, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Tena Stetler, whose enchanting paranormal romance Hidden Gypsy Magic weaves together wildlife rescue, unexpected love, and the powerful legacy of Irish Gypsy magic. AND learn where Tena's favorite three places are to visit.

Book Title: Hidden Gypsy Magic

Release Date: 9/28/20 

Teaser: “It feels like all the air is being sucked out of this room.” His brother’s face turned ashen white as Beth’s ghostly form took shape in the center of the room. 

Gwen a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, discover the consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic. 

The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor's life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can't help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care. The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen's sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter's lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide. Touring the only "non-haunted" house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family's cabin uncovers a heritage he didn't know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs. 

Author Bio: Tena Stetler is an international, best-selling author of award-winning paranormal tales. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales. Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.

https://www.tenastetler.com

https://books2read.com/u/mY7jro

#Paranormal #Mystery #Romance #animalrescue 

We asked Tena, were are your favorite three places to visit - and why?

Tena:

1. Monterey Bay, CA.  I love visiting the aquarium there. It’s also a research facility. So much to learn about the ocean and it’s creatures. I could spend days there.

2. Pearl Lake, Steamboat Springs, CO. The lake is usually quiet, lots of animals make the outer banks their home. It's so quiet and peaceful first thing in the morning, you can watch all the creatures go about their morning habits as long as you float along the lake and don’t paddle your kayak too hard. 

3. Salem, Massachusetts.  It’s the ultimate paranormal experience. Lots of shops, street performers, and a history of the Salem Witch Trials. The ambience is full of mystery and possibilities; all you have to do is soak it in.

Writer Wednesday - Susan Harris Howell

In today's Writer Wednesday, Susan Harris Howell talks about her book, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, a hauntingly, heartfelt, paranormal cozy that blends intellect, intuition, and the courage to face the past. 

Book Title: The Spirit of Vanderlaan

  

Release Date: December 2, 2024

Teaser: Was it coincidence that brought them together – or a ghost with a purpose?

When Samantha and her students uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science to seances to learn what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

When beloved professor, Samantha Hayes, learns that her favorite four students live in as many of her old dorm rooms, she wonders how it happened and for what purpose. As she and her student entourage explore the possibilities, they uncover a death years ago and what appears to be the ghost of the dearly departed. All of this stirs up Samantha's long-held fear that she was responsible for that death, challenging all she thought she knew about herself and the work she holds dear. They must figure out what happened before Samantha gets fired for "dabbling in the paranormal." 

Author Bio: I’m a psychologist, speaker, and – most recently – a novelist! My debut novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, is a fun cozy, ghost story featuring a professor, Samantha Hayes, and her lively band of students who get caught up in solving a campus mystery. This book draws on my teaching career of over thirty years to capture the camaraderie and warmth between a professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office. I have also published extensively on equality between women and men. My first book, Buried Talents, explores the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Buried Talents was named a winner in InterVarsity Press’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. My husband and I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word I say, he fully supports my books and their message. 

https://susanharrishowell.com

https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Vanderlaan-Samantha-Hayes-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHV65RM4?ref_=ast_author_dp

#cozymystery #paranormalmystery #ghoststory

We asked Susan, why do you like being a writer?

Susan: "I adore hearing that I’ve written something that makes a difference in the lives of others. Whether they are entertained, made to laugh, or prompted to think through something more deeply than they would have otherwise – I love to have a positive impact on others."

Writer Wednesday - Ana Diamond

Infiltration, forbidden love, and Mafia secrets collide in Ana Diamond’s gripping romantic suspense, Bad Guy, where trust is dangerous and betrayal could be deadly. 

And Ana is the first to answer our fun question - if you were a Disney character, who would you be!

Book Title: Bad Guy

Release Date: 02/10/2025

Teaser: An FBI informant is tasked with infiltrating a dangerous mafia group but when the mob boss turns out to be a woman, he’s forced to question who is the bad guy. 

Where the line between good and bad is dangerously blurred. 

Luke Daniels has done his fair share of bad things. But when the FBI offers him a deal in exchange for infiltrating the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew, Luke has no choice but to accept the challenge. 

Beautiful, smart and tough, Sophia Costa wants out of the Crew. Appointed boss by her brother after he’s sent to prison, she wants no part in the murder, deceit and secrecy typical of Mafia life. 

Just as things heat up between Luke and Sophia, a mysterious hitman targets Sophia, and Luke’s handler starts to wonder if Luke is up for the task. 

As the lovers face the possibility of losing everything in order to be together, the line between loyalty and betrayal blur.

Author Bio: When Ana Diamond isn't writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once. Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats.

https://anadiamondauthor.com

https://books2read.com/u/bMqAQa

#mystery #mafia #romantic suspense

We asked Ana...If you were a Disney character, who would you be?

Ana: "If I were a Disney character, I would be Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. Most villains have a complicated backstory that no one ever gets to learn about in the films. But there is always a reason for their downfall, which is why I find the villains more interesting. Maleficent was once good but then was betrayed. What’s shown in the classic Disney film are the consequences of that betrayal. She wants revenge and because she is so powerful she inflicts much destruction on her targets. Yet, beneath the anger lies a misunderstood and lonely figure and I think most of us can relate to that fragility, which ultimately leads us to walk around with an armour to protect ourselves from the world."

Writer Wednesday - Ann Howard Creel

In today's Writer Wednesday, A Life Came Calling, author Ann Howard Creel weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and longing in postwar America. Ann also shares her favorite time of day. 

Book Title: A Life Came Calling

Release Date: August 18, 2025

Teaser: A world war has ended. A true love ignites. One decision changes everything.

1945. Janey Nichol's engagement should be a dream, but Cole haunts her. The sailor she pledged to marry, lost at sea, left only letters and unanswered questions. To find peace, Janey travels to his Gatlinburg home. There, she discovers Cole's secrets, and a chance encounter with his cousin Luke ignites unexpected passion. Trapped by circumstance, Janey finds herself drawn to Luke, even as doubts arise. Can she trust him, or is history repeating itself? Torn between a safe future with her Philadelphia fiancé and a love fraught with uncertainty, Janey must make an impossible choice. Which life will she choose, and which heart will she break?

Author Bio: Ann Howard Creel was born to write. By the age of ten she was writing daily in a diary, and by the age of twelve she had written an entire novel on a typewriter her father was getting ready to throw away. She worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, but the urge to write never left her. So after work and tending to children's needs, she began to write again. She now writes full-time. Ann's main characters are always strong women facing high-stakes situations and having to make life-changing decisions. Her historical settings have ranged from Victorian-era Galveston to World War II in New York City.

www.annhowardcreelauthor.com

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Came-Calling-Howard-Creel-ebook/dp/B0FB9GKXWK

#World War II, #historical fiction #love story

We asked Ann when her favorite time of day is.

Ann: "I’m a morning person and almost always have been. I love the quiet and birdsong and the feeling of a new day opening up to all possibilities."

Writer Wednesday - Frankie Sutton

Today's Writer's Wednesday is all about deadly battles, forbidden love, and a prophecy that could shatter everything. Vampiric Crush by Frankie Sutton is an electrifying urban fantasy that plunges readers into a world where temptation is lethal and courage is the only way out. 

Book Title: Vampiric Crush 

Release Date: 10-2-24

Teaser: “You’re teetering on the verge of dark pleasure. And your excursion added fuel to the fire. That is not our intention. You were meant to learn to accept this life—not revel in it.”

Seek your answer in the hands of the Master.

Shae Taizer confronts not just the Vampire King Gerard, but the demons within her soul. Hidden in the Royale Realm, she seeks freedom from Gerard's clutches, risking all to shield her heart from becoming his Vampire Queen. Love, resilience, and overcoming the deepest temptations. Dive into this electrifying adventure where passion meets destiny, and Shae's bravery illuminates even the darkest nights. Amid deadly battles and enigmatic prophecies, 

Shae's life twists as childhood memories resurface, revealing her true past. Fate binds her to Civilians Nickolas and Kiran, forcing her onto a perilous path between duty and desire. Against the ominous voice of Primal, Shae embarks on a journey of self-discovery, battling her inner darkness. With steadfast allies, she challenges the prophecy, embracing love and shaping her destiny. Vampiric Crush is a gripping saga of the forbidden! 

Author Bio. Frankie Sutton, born within a Motown/Detroit community, was raised on creativity—starting with music. Her love of reading and writing developed during her school years. However, at the beginning of her high school years, she entered into the world of fan fiction and role-playing games—experimenting with many styles of writing, including poems and scriptwriting. When not writing, she loves bonding with her miniature schnauzer. Frankie embraces her life as a Motown Michigander, ready to share her large imagination with the world.

https://creatorfrankie.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D9YXH3CZ

#urbanfantasy #halloween #vampires

Born within a Motown community, we asked Frankie what her three favorite songs are.

Frankie: "My top three constantly change. Feel free to ask me again on Twitter (@motowncountry) in a few months. But right now, they are: Still Waters Run Deep by The Four Tops, Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga/Bruno Mars, and This Is What It Sounds Like by Huntrix (KPop Demon Hunters). The first two songs are connected to a current story I’m working on, and the Huntrix song..well, it’s the most popular franchise not just on the Internet now, lol."

Writer Wednesday - Darlene Deluca

When life throws a curveball, sometimes it’s the most unexpected company that leads us back to ourselves. In today's Writer Wednesday spotlight, Darlene Deluca's heartfelt contemporary romance, a spirited NYC artist finds herself navigating creative reinvention, romantic sparks, and a touch of class clash, with a charming TV star who may be more than just career advice in disguise. 

Book Title: Painted Dreams 

Release Date: August 1, 2025 

Teaser: The pretty little rich girl wanted to keep him company? Or did she think he might run off with the silver candlesticks? 

When New York City artist Katlyn Andrews is hit hard by a devastating career setback, she has to decide whether following the advice of up-and-coming television star Nick Summers will lead to success and fulfillment or send her back to square one with an embarrassing thud. 

Katlyn Andrews is a talented artist on her way to fulfilling a dream—her own show at a New York City gallery. Focused on her career, she’s ditched her hometown of Denver for the bright lights of the Big Apple. When she’s drawn back to check on her beloved grandmother, she finds a surprise—Nick Summers, a woodworker bidding on a job at her parents’ upscale home. Nick’s gorgeous smile and easy-going manner charm Kat. Too bad he lives in Colorado. 

Nick adores the mountains of Colorado, but NYC is on his radar. He’s auditioning to be a guest host on a home-builders network there. Since that’s a long shot, he’s still pounding the pavement closer to home to secure jobs like the high-end Andrews project. Meeting his client’s intriguing daughter has his thoughts going in other directions. Too bad she lives in New York. 

But distance can’t dim their undeniable attraction. Unfortunately, it turns out dreams can be shattered. While Nick’s career is on an upward trajectory, Kat’s unexpectedly takes a big hit. Devastated, she struggles to find a path forward. Nick fears her family’s status and wealth keep her from seeing reality—is she reaching for the stars before paying her dues? 

In her heart, Kat knows he’s wrong about her…but could her heart be wrong about him? 

Author Bio: Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that explores relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart. Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love, and self-discovery, and will leave readers either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as they turn the final page. The Kansas City author enjoys getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and a warm, sunny beach. 

https://darlenedeluca.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNJXGWT/

Keywords: #sweetromance #romancethatfeelsreal #contemporary

We offered Darlene another cup of tea and asked her where her favorite three places to visit are and why? 

Darlene - "I’m not a big world traveler. I’ve only been out of the United States a couple of times – to Canada, France and Spain. So my favorite places to visit on a regular basis are in the U.S. 1. Southern California, specifically Palm Springs and Laguna Beach. I like to be warm, and I love the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. I’ve spent many spring breaks in the area as a getaway from the cold in Kansas. Not only is Southern Cali warmer, it’s beautiful! Flowers are blooming there when we’re still getting snow in Kansas! Getting off an airplane and being greeted by palm trees against sunny, blue skies is the best!! 2. Pittsburgh, PA because that’s where my sweet granddaughter lives! When my daughter and her husband first moved there, I didn’t know much about the area, but I’ve enjoyed getting to know it! The city has a lot of amenities including cute book shops and libraries, the beautiful Phipps Conservatory, museums, and, for me, a darling little girl to visit and play with! 3. The Finger Lakes region in Central New York. That’s where my daughter went to college, and we often visited in the fall – which is downright spectacular. While the area doesn’t have the warm temps and ocean views I love, the fall color is amazing. For anyone who enjoys being out in nature, it’s a great location full of state parks, waterfalls, lakes, vineyards and more. There are also wonderful museums, quaint towns such as Seneca Falls, and fun orchards for picking apples right off the trees."

Writer Wednesday - A. D. Curtis

Today’s Writer Wednesday spotlight is on A.D. Curtis, where we enter a world where bourbon flows as freely as blood, and fates collide. Reviving Legacy plunges readers into a paranormal fantasy where a family’s legacy is at risk.

Book Title: Reviving Legacy – Bourbon Bloodline Series

Release Date: August 11th, 2025

Teaser: In that moment, the lines were drawn, and the stage was set for a battle of hearts.

Bourbon flows with passion and danger as Grayson and Knox face off against an obsessive vampire and unravel the mysteries of love, immortality, and fate alongside the enigmatic witch, Raven Ballard. Back cover:

Two immortal brothers, charming playboy Grayson Beaumont and his introspective brother Knox, return to Kentucky after a century away. As the last heirs of the once-illustrious Beaumont bourbon empire, they aim to revive their family’s faded legacy. At a glitzy event, they meet Raven Ballard, a modern-day witch whose enchanting small-batch bourbon has gained a cult following. Drawn into the Beaumont’s mysterious world, Raven’s fate becomes intertwined with theirs. In this steamy, suspenseful saga, love, secrets, and danger collide. Can Grayson and Raven embrace their destined love, or will an evil vampire tear them apart? Dive into the world of Reviving Legacy: Bourbon Bloodline to discover the truth.

Author Bio. A.D. is a mom first and foremost, of two amazing sons, who are her world. They live in the bluegrass state of Kentucky where she was born and raised. Love to travel, read and spend as much time as possible with family and friends. Writing has always been a dream, one she has carried for years.

www.adcurtis.com

https://wildrosepress.com/product/reviving-legacy/

#paranomal #fantasy #romance

Before A.D. left, we asked her who her three favorite people are.

A.D. "My 3 favorite people would include my sons, Colson and Brody, they are my inspiration, my strength, my world, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. The third would be my father, who is now my guardian angel. He was my hero. He was the one who always encouraged me to go on and write the stories I carried inside of me. Miss him every day."

Writer Wednesday - Tanith Davenport

Turn up the volume and prepare for sparks. In today's Writer Wednesday spotlight, Tanith Davenport delivers a sultry, heart-wrenching second-chance romance set against the raw energy of the rock world. When passion collides with secrets, and fame puts love under the lens, will two souls find harmony or hit a final note? 

Book Title: The Boys Are Back In Town

Release Date: 11/07/25 

Teaser: .His voice had sent thrills through her body. 

A rock star with a ruined voice, a woman with a dark secret, and a camera crew getting in the way. 

Avril Coker, ex-girlfriend of young rockstar Levi Eshton-Gold, is staying at the house of his father, rockstar Ty Eshton-Gold, having been abandoned by her parents due to a pregnancy. However, when Levi arrives home early from his tour with his voice destroyed, he soon makes it clear that he hopes to rekindle their romance. 

Avril still feels a spark between them. However she also knows Levi is unaware of the real reason Avril is staying with his family – and the deranged fan who caused Avril’s miscarriage. 

Ty, as the band’s manager, has plans to keep the band going, including a reality TV show and a new album which Avril herself will be singing on. As her and Levi’s passion soon reignites, Avril finds herself working to support Levi’s band Astral Shudder and to help Levi regain his voice – but can Avril and Levi see a future together, or will Levi’s career and his cruel fan keep them apart? 

Author Bio. Tanith Davenport began writing erotica at the age of 27 by way of the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme. Her debut novel "The Hand He Dealt" was released by Totally Bound in June 2011 and was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award for 2012. Tanith has had short stories published by Totally Bound, Naughty Nights Press, Evernight Publishing and House of Erotica. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado. Tanith's idea of heaven is an Indian head massage with a Mojito at her side. 

http://tanithdavenport.blogspot.com

Amazon US: https://tinyurl.com/48xz4r5d

Keywords: #eroticromance #rockstar #secondchanceromance 

Before Tanith leaves, let's find out why she likes being a writer.

Tanith - "I love being a writer because I get the chance to use my imagination. The advantage of writing erotic romance is that almost anything has its place – I can write in almost any genre I like, so I have a spreadsheet of story ideas and can fit them together any way I want. It’s a wonderful way to spend my time."

Writer Wednesday - M.S. Spencer

In today's Writer Wednesday spotlight, step into the shadowed corners of Marmion Grove with M.S. Spencer, whose latest cozy mystery untangles a century-old murder, a missing fortune, and a carpetbag of secrets, inviting readers into a tangle of secrets, suspicion, a whisper of danger, and a heroine determined to unearth the truth. 

Book Title: Railroad Ties: the Marmion Grove Murders 

Release Date: June 11, 2025 

Teaser: “I shall interrogate Mr. Quayle, delve deeply into his secrets, and reveal the truth of what happened that night in April of 1920.” 

A one-hundred-year-old letter describes a murder, but who was the victim? What happened to the body and the carpetbag full of money? 

When Sophie Childress discovers a letter written in 1920 by the witness to a murder, she enlists Noah Pennyman—owner of the house where it took place—to investigate. Who was the victim? What did the killer do with his body—not to mention a carpetbag full of money? Together they expose a complex web of family ties and lies that has persisted through four generations in the historic village of Marmion Grove. When two more corpses are unearthed, Noah and Sophie are faced with too many victims and not enough murderers. 

Author Bio: Librarian, anthropologist, research assistant, Congressional aide, speechwriter, nonprofit director—M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents and holds degrees in Anthropology, Middle East Studies, and Library Science. In June 2025 she will have published eighteen mystery or romantic suspense novels. She has two children, an exuberant granddaughter, and currently divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine. 

https://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/RailroadTies

Keywords: #cozymystery #mystery #amateursleuths

Before we let M.S. leave us, we asked her where her favorite three places to visit are and why. 

M.S. - "Top on the list is Paris—which weasels its way into almost every one of my books—for its romance and of course its lights. Second is Istanbul, mostly for the cuisine, but also for the spectacular views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, best viewed from the roof of Topkapı palace. Third is Chincoteague Island (on the Delmarva Peninsula), for the thousands of migrating birds and for the oysters. Besides, something about it draws me—its hardscrabble ways, rough, enduring, clinging to its roots with all its might in the face of an implacable Mother Nature."

Christmas in July with Christmas at Solace Lake

We're cooling the heat today with a Writer Wednesday spotlight on Jana Richards and her book, Christmas at Solace Lake.

Let's dive right into the pool...or in this case...the snow, and take a peek at Christmas at Solace Lake AND be sure to read to the end where Jana is sharing a delicious recipe for Christmas Crack!

Christmas at Solace Lake

Book 4, Love at Solace Lake series

By Jana Richards;

Genre: Contemporary romance, small town romance.

Keywords: contemporary romance, small town romance, mystery, holiday romance, Christmas, interracial romance.

Heat Level: Spicy

Release Date: October 18, 2023

It’s Christmas time at Solace Lake Lodge, but a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit. 

An emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime.

Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others? 

Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.

As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?

Excerpt
     He put his hand on her arm. “Celeste, whatever happened, it’s going to be all right. I promise you.” 

     She looked at him then, her eyes filling with tears. “I finished the exam before anyone else. I could see all the answers in my head like I was reading them from a screen. The person who gave the exam told me I got all the answers right, one hundred percent.” Tears streamed down her face as she pulled a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket. “I got my permit.” 

     The wonder in her eyes, the relief and joy, made him smile. Though he’d promised himself not to touch her today, he simply couldn’t resist. He pulled off his glove and, leaning across the console, laid his hand on her soft cheek. Drew stared into her beautiful dark eyes. The intoxicating combination of her warm, welcoming scent and the silky feel of her skin made his heart soar and his body catch fire. The need to kiss her nearly overpowered him, but he held back, knowing it wasn’t what she wanted. 

     She signaled her withdrawal with a soft sigh as she turned her head and leaned back against her seat, out of his reach. Drew let his hand drop and sat back in his seat as well. He stifled his own sigh as he pulled his glove back on. 

     Would she always be out of his reach?

Purchase Links

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CH5DTYNS
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CH5DTYNS

About Jana
Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length contemporary romance, paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick. When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies such as golf (which she plays very badly) or reading (which she does much better). Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren and two senior cats named Layla and Leelou.

 
http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janarichards155/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/janarichards.bsky.social
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG
Newsletter Signup: https://www.janarichards.com/subscribe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards


Thanks for inviting me to celebrate Christmas in July, Darlene! For me the best thing about Christmas, aside from being with friends and family, is the food. We often eat food at Christmas that we don’t eat at any other time of the year. That’s certainly true of the recipe I’m sharing with you today. It’s called Christmas Crack because once it cools and hardens, you “crack” it into pieces. And also because it may be slightly addictive! If you love sweets, you’ll like this a lot! Enjoy!

 
Christmas Crack

Approximately 200-250 grams whole graham wafer (about ½ of a small box)
250 ml. (1 cup) salted butter
250 ml. (1 cup) brown sugar
500 ml. (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F). Line a 25 x 38 cm. (10 x 15 inch) jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray or grease well with butter or margarine. Line the pan completely with a single layer of graham wafers, breaking wafers up, if necessary, to make them fit. Set aside.

Combine the butter and brown sugar in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for exactly 5 minutes, stirring constantly. You might need to adjust the heat; if the mixture sputters too much, reduce the heat. If it stops boiling increase the heat; a full boil will have breaking bubbles all over the surface. 

Pour the mixture over the graham wafers as evenly as you can. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let the chips melt for a minute or two and then spread them as evenly as you can with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. Let cool to room temperature and then place pan in the fridge to chill. When the pan is chilled, peel the foil from the wafers and break the slab into random pieces.

Baker’s note: The boiling time and stirring is important for the success of this cookie, so pay attention. For variation you can sprinkle the warm chocolate with chopped nuts, marshmallows or crushed candy canes.

SALE!!!!

Christmas at Solace Lake is on sale for .99 cents at Amazon from July 9 – July 17, 2025! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH5DTYNS

Want more of Love at Solace Lake (small town romances), the series is on sale all through July at Smashwords! https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JanaRichards8396

Christmas in July with One Sweet Christmas

We're escaping the summer heat and jumping into the snow to celebrate the festive season of Christmas in July. 

Today's book spotlight is One Sweet Christmas by Darlene Fredette. 

If you're fan of chocolate and sweet romances, then novella is for you! 

One Sweet Christmas 

By Darlene Fredette 

Redford Falls Series Book 1 

Small Town Romance, Second Chance Romance, Holiday Romance 

Publication Date: May 14, 2025 

More than a few pieces of chocolate are essential to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.

Candice Cane agreed to sign the divorce papers under one condition, for four days, Jackson Frost must play Santa Claus in her chocolate shop. However, her Christmas miracle would crumble if Jackson knew the truth. 

Property developer, Jackson Frost, wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. The temptation of delectable chocolate and a second chance might lure him to stay. 

Excerpt 

     A tiny piece of her hoped his family was behind his visit, but she suspected—and dreaded—his reason was more complex and involved. “You traveled all this way and have no intention of seeing your family? What is wrong with you? Has the big city air caused you to lose your mind?” 

     “That is a possibility. Because for the life of me, I don’t remember getting married.” 

     His statement sliced through her, unearthing scars she never wanted to revisit. Candice stepped backward. 

     Jackson withdrew a document from inside his coat pocket. He unfolded the certificate and waved it in the air. “Recognize this?” 

     Candice snatched away the paper. A weight pressed heavily on her chest, stalling a breath. Scanning the words, she held onto the counter for support. 

     A loud timer buzzed from the kitchen, startling both Candice and Jackson. 

     Candice raced toward the kitchen. “Fudge.” 

https://www.amazon.com/One-Sweet-Christmas-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0F8RC2YSF

Free on KU for a limited time! 

YouTube Teaser 

https://youtu.be/N-Ikjv_Zd5s

About Darlene

Darlene Fredette is a multi-published author of contemporary women's fiction novels filled with heart, humor, and mystery. She resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short and the winters are too long with her husband, daughter, and two large dogs.

Website: http://www.darlenefredette.com/

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/