What Bumps Me Out Of A Story?

Coming Summer 2018

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the journey from relationship to romance.

What bumps me out of a story?

Unsympathetic characters

Outrageous, unbelievable story line

ERRORS: Even in a well-edited book whether indie or traditionally published a few errors happen and even Errors happen but ERRORS mean the author didn’t care enough to use spell-check, to have someone who knows grammar and punctuation read the story, etc. And if the author doesn’t care, why should I?

And there are those errors of punctuation and grammar but the worst error is in the information in the story-line. That means the author didn’t care enough about the story to be sure it was accurate. Something as simple as the time of year flowers bloom will pull me out of a story.

I love to read historical romance and most recently I picked up two books by authors I’ve read and enjoyed before. One book I managed to finish – at least the characters and plot held my interest enough.

The other book? It’s in my “recycle at used book store” pile.

The beauty of Scotland

Both are by well-known and skilled story-tellers. I’m sure the setting, etc. is accurate as both are familiar with Scotland, where the stories take place.

However, both books have a plethora of Scottish dialect. Not a few “donna” or “ken” or “aye” or “nay” but virtually every sentence spoken by a Scottish character has at least one if not numerous words.

I’m not talking about the use of Gaelic. I think that adds to the atmosphere of a story. I’m talking about idiomatic language as if I’m going to forget between one sentence and the next that the character is Scottish. I can only assume that, as both authors are traditionally published, that someone in the publishing houses decided to batter the reader with Scottish dialect as if that is a good thing.

Before I purchase another Scottish romance (one of my favorite genres), I’ll read a few pages ahead of time.

Available Now!

And, if you are interested in learning a simple process to find solutions to issues that are interfering with the quality of your life, check out my latest non-fiction book Staying Sane in a Crazy World.

Do you ever feel as if the world around you is tumbling out of control and there is nothing you can do to make your world a better place?

Do you ever wish there was?

Staying Sane in a Crazy World may help guide you toward stopping the tumbling and choosing how to take effective control of your life.

The reality is there is no One answer that fits all but we each have Our answer.

In this short guide, Judith Ashley leads you through a straight-forward process that allows you to find Your answers. Answers you’ll use to craft a Personal Staying Sane Plan that will help you regain and keep your balance whenever the world around you is out-of-whack.

Staying Sane is now available at your favorite e-retailer.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshleyRomance.com

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2018 Judith Ashley

Michelle Monkou's Recap of Outlander, Season 2, Episode 13

Outlander Season Two, Episode Thirteen - Dragonfly in Amber
(See below for links to all recaps)

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

Finales always have that bittersweet edge. We know everything comes to an end, if only for the season. But for those precious 90 minutes, Outlander took us to heaven Scottish Highland heaven where romance, history, and adventure intertwine for one final emotional and sentimental ride.

Dragonfly In Amber rocked! No other way to say it. Definitely one of my favorite episodes of the series.

From the start with The Avengers (one of my favorite series to watch) launching the scene in 1968, I was fully invested in the contemporary world where Claire, now a widow, arrives for Reverend Wakefield's wake accompanied by her adult daughter, Brianna.

Thanks to the wonderful wardrobe, hair styles, and makeup artistry, the 60s were solidly in play for Claire's current world. We had to get used to the older Claire with quiet, reserved demeanor, along with the tidbit about enhanced skills as a surgeon. I'm guessing that those skills will be necessary. But you have to agree that Caitriona nails her "new" role. She embodies the stylish quality of the 60s screen stars. And I truly enjoyed the stark difference in her mature temperament with a sort of low-keyed physical performance, alongside the pure emotions through her actions and expressions.

Instantly we recognize the strain between mother and daughter. Brianna's suspicions about her mother's feelings toward her father - Frank - grow to a feverish pitch that brings her to question her mother ever loving her father. Claire gives her answer and dodges the full truth to Brianna. While the tension is thick, they've met Roger Wakefield, the Reverand's son, whose last name is really Mackenzie. Roger knows he is adopted and had his genelogy researched.

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

Straddling the two time periods could be tedious, but the episode is laid out with perfectly timed, repeated hops from 1968 to 1746 where we get to see a frazzled Jamie among the king's men preparing for battle. Although the grim dark reality of the Battle of Culloden weighs on him, he still manages to be the most handsome highlander in the room.  Setting aside his good looks, Jamie can't dissuade the prince from the mission. The prince is cocky with his delusional god powers and dismisses Jamie's concern as his "doubting Thomas" in living flesh. Mark me, that prince is a dangerous idiot.

In desperation to prevent the battle, Claire offers to murder the prince. Times sure has hardened her moral compass. Claire has shown that she's always willing to do what's necessary for her cause. Maybe that harebrained plan would have worked to give the prince the same poison that she'd given Colum, if Dougal didn't overhear.  Nothing will calm Dougal who is like a raging bull hell bent on killing Jamie. All Dougal wanted was his war and his rightful prince on the throne. The extent of the betrayal plays like a Shakespearean drama as he stumbles around the room wounded by his nephew's duplicity and by the bidding of an English (fill in any vulgar term).  There was no way that this scene was going to end with a handshake and blessings. In a massive fight, Jamie gets the upper hand and drives Dougal's short sword into his gut. A surprising twist - Claire helps put pressure on Jamie's hand to end Dougal's life. Now they are complicit in a terrible offense.

Jamie must face the consequences of his actions when Rupert unexpectedly stumbles onto the bloody scene. As Rupert tries to wrap his mind around his dead chieftain and Jamie-the murderer, he is asked for a two-hour reprieve. Jamie is determined to get Claire out of harm's way. The only option for him is to take Claire back to the stones and send her to a time where he can't go and to a man who has always been a shadow over their marriage. Talk about grand gestures -- this one was a mammoth. And we fall in love with Jamie even more.

Back in 1960s we, viewers, get a shock at who turns up -- Geillis Duncan from 1746, while her name in 1968 is Jillian Edgars. Regardess of the identity, Geillis is still the captivating creature with a rebellious nature and uncanning ability to hold a crowd's attention. She is a woman who truly loves Scotland, as a nationalistic charmer ready for a revolution. Geillis eventually meets Brianna and Roger, but neither side knows the close ties that they share.

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

During a brief stay at Roger's house, Claire heads off on private (and secretive) jaunts. She visits Lollybroch and sees the dilapidated state of this once robust home, but the shell of a house doesn't erase the tender memories of Jamie standing in the archway at the edge of the property. And we can all collectively sigh because we were there to see this young man turn seasoned man before the Battle of Culloden became a looming terror. We also see Claire at the stone marker for Clan Fraser. in the distance are the other stone markers. History didn't change its outcome. There she sits to tell him about his daughter and her life, thus far, before saying a final good-bye.

Brianna doesn't let up with her suspicions about her mother and father's relationship, especially after learning that he had flown into an uncharacteristic rage. She and Roger dive into the reverend's journals and come across the newspaper clippings about her mother's disappearance. Suspicion turns to anger. Brianna, with a reluctant Roger to witness, accuses Claire of having an affair.

Claire chooses to tell the truth. We understand this chaotic tale. We know what happened and believe in those stones. But to Brianna, the story sounds like her mother should be committed. Learning that Frank is not her father devastates Brianna and she initially refuses to hear anything about Jamie. I want to join in with Claire with an enthusiastic thumbs up that Jamie was a good guy. You would've adored him. You would be proud of him. He would've loved you like a proud father, if destiny was kinder.

As you can tell, this episode was chock full of information. Here's a quick run through, Claire spies a propaganda pamphlet that Brianna got from Geillis. Of course, she's shocked that Geillis is alive and wants to talk to her, since she may very well be the only other person who has entered and exited the through the stones. But Geillis's personal life is a shambles. Her husband is at home waiting for her to come home. When he's distracted in his drunken, sad state, Claire takes Geilis's diaries which contain a wealth of information about her views on time travel.

As usual, Claire inserts herself in another mission to save the world...well, in this case, to let this younger Geillis know what she knows. That she will have Dougal's baby and burn as a witch. With Roger and Brianna in tow, they head to the stones. Too late. Geillis killed and burns her husband's body because she thinks a human sacrifice is necessary before her time jump through the stones.

Brianna, the cynic, can't believe what she's witnessed. But instantly, in that light bulb moment of seeing Geillis disappear,  she is a believer that her mother's story is true. Like a cherry on top of a dessert, Roger shares that historical accounting shows that Jamie survived Culloden. YES!! And the angelic choir sings.

So you know what happens, Claire wants to return to find Jamie. And we can all understand the pain of loss that she endured thinking he was gone forever.

My recap isn't necessarily in the order of the show, but I must mention another memorable scene -- the return of Claire to the present. Jamie, with time running out, escorts Claire to the stones for their final farewell. Bring out the tissues. They make love with such desperation to hold onto each other for one more time. The cannon blasts from the ensuing battle signals that time is up. And in the most tender of good-byes, Jamie guides Claire's hand to the stones and sends her home. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

(Courtesy of Sony Television Pictures)

Until we meet again, dear friends, see you at Season 3. Time to rewatch Outlander.

My Weekly Recaps

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6

Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11

Michelle Monkou writes for Harlequin Kimani, Evernight Publishing, and her indie pursuits with Stella Maris Publishing. Michelle’s website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.

Michelle Monkou's Recap of Outlander, Season 2, Episode 12

Outlander Season Two, Episode Twelve - Hail Mary
(See below for links to all recaps)

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Televsion)

Rewriting history is a nerve-wracking and tedious affair. Not only must Claire and Jamie worry about their roles and actions as they try to reset world events, but they must worry about other major players who can also tilt the balance. This constant state of affairs drives Jamie's strategy when handling the prince and when Jamie's desire to march on and fight the Redcoats.

But his plans never materialize for that pesky prince who either wants to go headlong into battle with a weary, underfed army or doesn't have a sense of direction when it matters. And so, Jamie and his men must retreat to fight another day.

In the meantime, Claire runs into Mary who is not thrilled to see her. Remember when Claire talked Alex into leaving Mary during her stint in Paris? Well, Alex turns up with consumption, but well enough to tell Mary about Claire's advice. Learning that Alex is ill, Claire tries to make amends with an offer to help Alex and simultaneously apologize to him.

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

And so Claire is in the middle of tending to Alex when - holy moly - Jack Randall appears. He's equally surprised, while she is more horrified. I couldn't stop laughing because the man was like a bad rash that keeps popping up at a bad time. Mary and Alex gush over Johnny's kindness and generosity. Claire decides to get the heck out of the room, but Jack chases after her to ask her to look after his brother. Always shrewd and seizing opportunities, Claire extracts the necessary information about the British army's location before she'd agree to help Alex.

On the other hand, Jamie faces a surprise visit from Colum. And he's sure that his uncle is there on business regarding the Jacobite cause. However, Colum is clearly ailing and in much pain from his debilitating disease. And Colum has come to request from Claire assistance to ease his transition into the afterlife.  I must admit to being surprised that Claire did help him and not go on her soapbox for political correctness sake.  Colum's visit and tying up of loose ends before he passes on allows for the big reveal that Gaelis and Dougal's baby is alive and well.

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

Once Jamie learns of Jack's appearance, he finds it difficult to let Claire be alone in that man's presence. Murtagh who makes one ferocious bodyguard will accompany her as she tends to Alex. But there is no nursing Alex back to health. He is dying. Something that Jack Randall can't accept. But his head is about to spin when he hears his brother's dying request for him to marry Mary so that she and the baby can inherit his property, her widow's pension, if necessary, and (remember he will be Frank's ancestor). He vehemently refuses and with good cause as he reveals his fear
 that his inner monster may not be tamed enough for Mary.

But in the sweetest gesture and sincerity, Murtagh volunteers to wed Mary. And Claire can't allow him to do that because of Frank's existence. Although now she knows the truth about Frank's lineage and he wasn't descended from such a vile creature. Before Alex dies, he is able to witness Mary's future secured with marriage at his bedside. And in great Jack fashion, he takes out his frustration and grief with a fit of punches on Alex's dead body. It was the perfect reminder to let us never forget what Jack is.

But this emotional episode isn't over because Colum is still taking care of his personal business by giving Jamie the enviable position as guardian of his son (remember Dougal's the biological father) until he's old enough to take over as the laird. A position that Dougal wants and makes no bones about his disappointment that Jamie, a Mackenzie shall be the surrogate father of a Fraser. But Colum doesn't back down. And in a heartbreaking scene - the kind that would be sent in for nomination consideration - Dougal is there with Colum in his final moments, but he misses telling him how he feels from the heart. Truly a beautiful scene between an often rancorous relationship between brothers.

Share with me what you thought of Season 2, episode 12. While you’re compiling your thoughts, I asked K. M. Jackson, author of Romancing The Fashionista to share her thoughts of Outlander and tell us about her latest releases. 

The secondary male characters ruled the day. With regard to Dougal - is he the big loser with all that will occur in the Mackenzie family affairs (including Geillis’s baby)? Did you feel sorry for him?

KM: Having not read the Outlander books (am I committing an Outlander sin here? Please don't throw tomatoes) I don’t know if Dougal is the biggest loser since if Claire turns out to be right in her predictions and they are not successful in their quest then none of them will come out on top. But I will say with this past episode for the first time I felt a surprising bit of sympathy for Dougal as the second son. He showed a tender side and love for his brother that was heartbreaking and relatable. Though he is not a typical hero his convictions are strong and he’s loyal to his clan. With Dougal, I feel whether you like it or not, you know where you stand. That’s respectable.

 
Jack Randall - a walking man with a death sentence because Claire shared the info. Did you feel for his pain or empathize with his reluctance?

KM: Oh Jack. Though I can’t look away from him, I live to hate him. He’s a man I just can’t feel sorry for and the more Claire does to stay in his path, the more I get annoyed with her. Try as I might I could not feel the same pain for his loss as I did for Dougal. Jack feels like a different kind of monster to me. A man completely into feeding his own appetites, who cares not for his fellow man, yet alone his brother. There is nothing respectable or relatable for me when it comes to Jack.

That Jack is a super villain.

So now tell us about your current release and the one on the horizon.

KM: My current release is a flirty novella from Samhain called Romancing The Fashionista. Here is a bit about it: When fate offers a second chance, only a fool waits for the other shoe to drop. The Flirty Fashionistas, Book 1

Manhattan fashion maven and magazine editor Melinda Mitchell shuns the social media spotlight. That is, until a tipsy girl’s night out ends with her first Facebook account and a friend request from none other than her secret high school crush, Nolan Parker. 

When Nolan lost his chance at the big leagues, he signed on with Doctors Without Borders and never looked back. Now he’s back home to help out his ailing father. Running into Mel at his fifteen-year high school reunion rekindles old feelings he thought he’d buried for good. 

Intrigued by Nolan’s irresistibly sexy profile, Melinda heads to the reunion with her best friend to see if the picture matches up to the man. Their instant attraction flares brighter than the Manhattan skyline. 

Although the tough fashionista and accomplished ex-jock rub each other the very right way, a few stumbling blocks will decide if the heat between them is a symptom of forever love, or a past that should be left where it belongs.

Enjoy Romancing The Fashionista : Amazon; iBooks; Barnes & Noble

KM: And coming in October of this year I’m thrilled to be in a holiday anthology from Kensington Publishing with two incredible bestselling authors: Donna Hill and Farrah Rochon. It’s a dream come true! My contribution is called From Here To Serenity. Here is a little about Holiday Temptation and From Here To Serenity which is available for pre-order now.

Here is a bit about HOLIDAY TEMPTATION:

’Tis the season to satisfy your holiday desires with this festive trio of sexy stories…

A GIFT OF LOVE Donna Hill 
Drama professor Traci Long spends her free time at the CoffeeMate café, pursuing her true passion—writing her own plays. Meanwhile, sexy barista Noah Jefferson is doing his best to distract her. But once they get involved, past betrayals make Traci wary. She’s right that Noah is keeping something from her—but it might be something that will make this Christmas as sweet as a rave review—and steamier than her favorite chai latté…

HOLIDAY SPICE Farrah Rochon
A Christmas-time tragedy took photographer Miranda Lawson’s holiday spirit with it. Since then, she’s traveled the world, determined to outrun her demons. This year she’s off to Istanbul. But the scenery isn’t the only gorgeous site she spots through her camera lens….Kyle Daniels loves Christmas, but he’s looking for escape too—and soon he and Miranda find it in each other’s arms. Yet their connection doesn’t end there. Maybe staying put isn’t such a bad idea after all—especially when there’s someone to celebrate with…

FROM HERE TO SERENITY K.M. Jackson

Unstoppable real-estate developer Ross Montgomery is under orders to get some holiday R&R. A cruise to Miami on his yacht, “The Serenity,” is the perfect place to start—especially when he meets his new personal chef, Essie Bradford. Between her calming presence, her amazing food, and her delectable beauty, Ross just might develop a taste for the good life. And when the two discover they have a lot in common—including an irresistible attraction—the next course may be a spicy New Year…

Pre-order HOLIDAY TEMPTATION: Amazon; iBooks; Barnes and Noble: 

Thanks so much again for having me, Michelle. Happy Outlanding! 

To stay updated with K.M. Jackson, visit her website.

My Weekly Recaps

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6

Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11

Michelle Monkou writes for Harlequin Kimani, Evernight Publishing, and her indie pursuits with Stella Maris Publishing. Michelle’s website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.

Michelle Monkou's Recap of Outlander, Season 2, Episode 11

Outlander Season Two, Episode Eleven - Vengeance is Mine
(See below for links to all recaps)

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

What an opening to Outlander's Vengeance Is Mine.  In case you missed it, the fastidiously groomed wig took a topple in the opening scene. In this case, the snippet was the premonition of an epic head topple (the owner of said wig) at the end of the episode.

Let's not jump ahead. Instead, we hit the war room of the 18th century kind where the leaders of the various factions under the prince debate the next step, whether to march on London or not. Surprising to the prince is that no one is willing to sacrifice life and limb for the cause. They make valid points because let's face it, the prince is full of talk and braggadocio with zero war credits. Plans are squashed even though Jamie is the lone supporter of the prince's half-baked wish to march on London.

Jamie's allegiance to the prince earns him a few haters. They send him off to Inverness with no money, provisions, or horse, for which the prince helped himself. On the way, their campsite is attacked by the Redcoats. There is a heavy loss due to the surprise attack.

Thankfully Claire's expertise saves many lives and serves to remove the musket ball from Rupert's eye. She can also add dentist to her long list of qualifications. Unfortunately the brutality of the various skirmishes provides ample opportunity to hone her skills. With Rupert's serious injury, they are forced to hunker down in a church until he's able to move.

The Redcoats descend on the church and demand that Jamie gives up or be burned out of the church. Jamie and his men know that the redcoats would act on their threat. Claire steps up with her usual impulsive Hail Mary approach to act like a hostage, be taken to the nearest military outpost, and be rescued by Jamie. Worked before, right?

Jamie makes the decision to head out to the Redcoats, but an argument ensues among his inner circle about which one should hand over Claire. In the end, Dougal has the honor of carrying a "fainted" Claire to the British.

But the plan goes south and Claire winds up at one of the Duke of Sandringham's houses with the duke in residence, under house arrest. Claire soon learns why the duke is helpful to her demise. He needs to get back in good graces with the sitting king. His stint in the Tower has made him decide which side he'd rather be aligned.

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television)

While under his roof, Claire has several revelations: a reunion with Mary (the duke's goddaughter) and the face-to-face meet up of her attack in Paris. Sandringham uses duplicity to save his skin with the ambush of Jamie. But he underestimated his opponents--The Fraser clan--who are born fighters.  Claire's plan to escape his house keeps him busy.

But the showdown in the kitchen when Claire is frantically trying to escape is unexpected with the addition of Jamie and Murtagh to the mix. And they aren't coming to engage in diplomatic negotiations. At the end, Murtagh takes revenge on Sandringham's head. And in the humblest of offerings, he extends the bloody gift to Claire, as he'd promise after her brutal assault.

(Courtesy of Sony Television Pictures)

It was quite the violent end for a man who was crafty, duplicitous, and manipulative in his schemes. And he wouldn't have cared if either Claire or Jamie had met the same fate as he. Good riddance, duke! Say hi to the Comte.

Share with me what you thought of Season 2, episode 11. While you’re compiling your thoughts, I asked Shelia Goss, author of Rules of Love to share her thoughts of Outlander and tell us about her latest release. 

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas... unless it goes viral.

Men in Hollywood, Book 1

Jason Lewis lives by one cardinal rule: never mix alcohol with business negotiations. But when he sets out to woo award-winning screenwriter Amber Simone to renew her contract with the management firm he represents, a glass or three is the only way to take the edge off their instant sexual tension.

Outgoing, flamboyant Jason is so not Amber's type, but she can't deny she enjoys his company, especially after the wine brings her out of her shell. Things get a little fuzzy after that, but she never expected to wake up beside him the next morning hungover, naked - and married.

A quick, quiet annulment is the next order of business. Until Tinseltown catches wind of their nuptials, putting them both in Amber's least favorite place: the spotlight. They agree to wait for the glare to fade before seeking a divorce. But one thing that hasn't faded are those darned sparks, and they're starting to look a lot like love...

What do you think of Jamie’s continued transformation as a leader of his men?

Shelia: I love to see how Jamie's character has evolved. I think Claire has a lot to do with it.  As a strong woman by his side, she's been able to give him confidence and she encourages him in ways that I think no other woman would be able to. Of course Claire knowing what's going to happen in the future has given Jamie the upperhand in certain situations :) 

Let’s talk about Murtagh. What do you feel about him? 

Shelia: I like his character. He's a little rougher under the edges than Jamie. I like the scene in episode 10 when although they won the battle, he, along with Jamie realized, that they might just be prolonging their own demise. Victory was bittersweet.  Murtagh's reaction and facial expressions really drove that point home.

Passion plays a big part in Outlander. Passion for country, honor, and love. How does passion play a role in your book - Rules For Love

Shelia: Passion is at the forefront of Rules of Love. It's problably one of the most passionate books I've ever written. Jason and Amber's personalities clash but after a weekend in Las Vegas, their lives will never be the same. From the moment Jason and Amber decide to take their relationship to another level, the pages of the book starts to sizzle. One reviewer, Love2Read says, "This book was so hot from the start. Amber and Jason's love affair was off the chain." 

If you like steamy romances, Rules of Love is definitely the book to read. 

We know Jamie is heroic through the episodes. What qualities make Jason heroic? Is he as sexy delicious as Jamie? LOL.

Shelia: Jason is smart, funny and sexy. He's also flamboyant and his lavish lifestyle earned him a reputation of being a playboy, but in fact, he's the opposite. He wants one woman to love. When he meets Amber, he immediately becomes her protector. He's the type of man who will do whatever it takes to keep his woman happy, even if it means flying halfway across the world to prove his love. 

To stay updated with Shelia, visit her website.

My Weekly Recaps

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6

Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10

Michelle Monkou writes for Harlequin Kimani, Evernight Publishing, and her indie pursuits with Stella Maris Publishing. Michelle’s website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.

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