Debut Author Fiola Faelan: Holiday Hearts Awakening

I’ve always loved reading and writing, and cut my teeth on books such as The Forest of Mystery, Edgar Allen Poe, Robin Hood, and Nancy Drew. I grew up a devout tomboy, back when Silicon Valley wasn’t even a gleam in San Jose’s eyes. I’m not as agile as I once was, but can still cut a rug, in person and in my books.

I finally sat my behind down several years ago and got serious about writing. I made all the newbie mistakes, but with the help of the members of the Rose City Romance Writers and some gentle critiques, I like to think I make those mistakes only occasionally, now.

Reading—and writing—is in the blood it seems—and certainly in mine! Some are rabid about both, others enjoy a good book but are able to put it down with ease and move on to the next thing. For me, I'd say I fit into the rabid slot in both reading and writing.

If I'm not writing, I want to be reading, and vice versa. There are so many of us out there. Writers who can look at a can of corn and immediately come up with a scene for a book, or an entire story—all because of that can of corn.

We're the ones you may overhear at a restaurant mulling the best way to do away with someone. Where to bury the body. Or the most unusual place to get frisky with that hero or heroine.

On any given day, I can be found writing, playing practical jokes on friends and family, laughing, and thinking up outlandish plots in my head. I love life, living with my son and marvelous daughter-in-law in beautiful Portland, Oregon, along with Nudge the most affectionate cat.

FIOLA FAELAN

Whether you're a writer who's obsessed with the whereabouts of your muse, every minute of every day, or a reader who doesn't mind putting down that book to take a walk or a nap, I hope you'll check in with me often. I hope you lose yourself in a book, whether mine or another’s, when you do pick it up again.

I would love to connect with you, and possibly entertain you, either between the pages of my books or on my website. Please visit—often!

Website:          http://fiolafaelan.com

EXCERPT: HOLIDAY HEARTS AWAKENING

Three painful years after the destruction of her family and determined to spend this Christmas as alone as ever, Natalie is unprepared for the sensuous campaign against her senses from her new hunk of a neighbor. Or for her body’s traitorous attraction.

Zach had sworn off relationships, concentrating instead on work and being a single dad to his young daughter. After almost losing her years ago, every day was about keeping her safe.  Little did he know the holidays would bring not only visions of sugar plums, but also a stubborn too-sexy neighbor in need. His protective instincts roar to the front, as does his libido and the heart he thought he’d locked away.

Little do they know, if they let down their guard, Santa will deliver not only goodies under the tree, but sometimes hearts filled with love.

Where has the year gone?

The Holiday Season is upon us, yippee. 

I love Christmas. Why? Because it’s the start of summer holidays in New Zealand. There is something about the sun shinning, the warm weather, colorful gardens, fresh fruit and vegetables, and blue skies, that lifts my spirits.

The urge to get out walking again has just struck me. I put on my walking gear, grab my Dictaphone and walk through the vineyard neighboring my property. It’s amazing what my characters say to me when I’m out in the fresh air.

The latest conversation is with characters from my soon to be released Regency romance, A Kiss of Lies. Even though I’ve finished the book, its #1 in the six book Disgraced Lord’s series, and all the characters intermingle in the other six books.  I’m currently working on book #3, A Touch of Passion.

At the moment Christian and Sarah are discussing their missing colleague Grayson Devlin, Viscount Blackwood. They’re worried about him. I’m laughing because I know where Grayson is and what’s happening to him - he's off saving a damsel in distress. Book #3 in the series, A Touch of Passion reveals all.

I’ll share a snippet from A KISS OF LIES – 14 January 2014 (Random House Loveswept release). It’s Christian’s first meeting with Sarah….

Her vocabulary and demeanor spoke of maturity. As he assessed her, his whole body ached with the most basic human need.

He wanted her. Not just her body, but more . . .

He wanted the dream he’d promised himself on the battlefields of Europe. A beautiful wife and family, a home, some shreds of normality, a few children to justify the future and to give him a tangible reason for having put himself through the horror of war.

He watched her nervously lick her lips. His groin tightened. He imagined the sleek wetness around him . . .

He tried to cross his legs, but hit his knee on the underside of the desk. Reality returned.

He’d be lucky if even a governess agreed to be his wife. The allure of his wealth and title meant that a desperate few still approached him. But he refused to marry a woman who’d have him only because of his title, and then lie rigid and cold beneath him in the marriage bed.

This woman unsettled him because she looked at him differently. She looked at him as if he were a kindred soul, as if she understood his pain and wanted to share it.

Good God. She looked at him as if he were whole

There is a FREE chapter prequel on my website for you to read which explains why Christian is so taken with Sarah….

Read some early reviews (it's in NetGalley if you're a blogger)

People must think me mad when they see me walking along, talking into my little handheld machine.  There is no excuse not to go walking now, as I can work while I walk. I bet there aren’t many occupations where you can say that!

I'm on deadline again, and I've just moved house, and city! I'm really looking forward to a relaxing family break over Christmas and New Year. I have over 603 books on my kindle, yet to be read, and I'm starting to get withdrawal symptoms.  So, around Christmas you'll find me lying by my pool enjoying a fabulous book. Maybe I'll do a bit of swimming and of course I'll be out on my daily walk with my characters, talking into a small silver machine....

What’s you favorite time of year and why? What will you be doing over the Christmas break? What books have you got lined up to read?

I'll wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year now, as I won’t be posting until the first week of January 2014. Where has the year gone? Have a safe and fun holiday! Waving from a very warm New Zealand.