Pass That Book Along

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women's Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual traditions that nurture the soul.

These days with digital books on e-readers it’s more difficult to share a favorite read with others. But with the upswing in e-readers and digital publishing more books are available at lower prices (usually) than paperbacks. 

Although I didn’t get much writing done in April (several blog posts for a couple of thousand words), I did get Lots of reading in. Here are my recommendations for great summer reads.

Courtney Pierce’s “The Executrix” entertained me on my flight to and from Arizona. Much easier for me to read ‘paper’ than digital on the plane. Having been an executor of an estate (or two) before, I will admit my challenges were different (brothers rather than sisters) and no mobsters or manuscripts. Ms. Pierce blends mystery and humor into an entertaining read. “Indigo Lake”, Book Two in this series is available now.

Vivienne Lorret’s The Wallflower series as well as her Rakes of Fallow Hall series kept me sitting in the chair with my feet up, sipping either tea or ice water (I was in Arizona at the time). Ms. Lorret’s characters came alive and I was especially pleased to see them reappear in each book of the series. Not just in a brief sentence or two mention somewhere along the way but as integral to the current story-line.

Christy Carlyle’s first two books in her Accidental Heirs series (One Scandalous Kiss, One Tempting Proposal) with Avon were also on my Kobo. (The third book in the series is now available). Having read Ms. Carlyle’s Whitechapel series as well as several of her short stories, I was familiar with her writing style. She did not disappoint. 

Another author I read on my trip was Diana McCollum. Her first novella, The Witch With The Trident Tattoo, continues the Coastal Coven series she started in the anthology Love and Magick. Ms. McCollum’s creativity shines in the book’s concept and characters. I will admit to loving James! Shoe fetish and all.

Also on my Kobo are several anthologies. I love to read anthologies if there is an author I know because I assure myself of at least one story I’d love. However, I’ve met several new-to-me authors. Both Collette Cameron and Bronwen Evans had stories in at least one of the anthologies I’ve read or am reading. Once Upon A True Love's Kiss and Passionate Promises.

Paty Jager is another author whose books I enjoy. I particularly loved her Spirit Trilogy because of the Nez Perce spirituality. I’ve also read her Halsey Brothers series as well as her mysteries. Isabella Mumphry and Shandra Higheagle stories are well-crafted with just the right amount of suspense for me.

Looking at the list of Genre-istas whose books I’ve enjoyed in the past, I don’t want to forget Margaret Tanner who writes Australian historical romance among other genres and M.L. (Matt) Buchman who writes contemporary romance. Matt’s post on his newest release “Flash of Fire” will certainly be on my Kobo soon!

And last but not least, check out my Sacred Women’s Circle series either on my website or my author page at Windtree Press.

You’ll find the Genre-istas sharing favorite books/authors during our 5^th Blog-O-Versary this month. Hope you’ll share yours with us!

Follow me on Twitter: @JudithAshley19

I’m also on Facebook

© 2016 Judith Ashley

Tempting Mr. Weatherstone

I’d always dreamed of writing for Avon. My keeper shelf was (and still is) stacked with books from amazing authors who’d made the cut. So, when Avon Impulse sent out a “call for submissions” for a Christmas story, I took a chance.

I wrote the story in July of last year. The idea started turning around in my head on a long drive (many story ideas come to me this way). With my husband behind the wheel, I stared out the window and first heard Ethan Weatherstone speak to me.  

My would-be hero was exasperated. Certain that his long-time neighbor and friend, Penelope, lacked any sense, Ethan told her flat-out that her latest scheme would only lead to her ruin.

This little tidbit had me intrigued. I started asking Ethan questions. Begrudgingly, he confessed a fondness for her freckles, and from there, the story blossomed. Of course, Penelope had a chance to tell her side of the story, too.

After that, the real magic happened. The story that was inspired by a “call” ended up earning me “the call.” From that point, I consider myself even more fortunate to work with an amazingly talented editor, who not only gave me my first chance, but also offered me the opportunity to write a series of books, inspired by Ethan and Penelope’s story.

Five Golden Rings: A Christmas Collection was released in December of 2012. Shortly after the digital release, the book became available in print. I’m blessed to be in an anthology with such incredible authors: Sophie Barnes, Karen Erickson, Rena Gregory, and Sandra Jones.

Excerpt from Tempting Mr. Weatherstone:

She let out a huff and crossed her slender arms, the action causing her woolen shawl to bunch over her breasts. “Oh, why do I even bother?”

“Haven’t the faintest.”

This time, Penelope glared at him, her nose wrinkling in a way that drew his attention to her freckles. He liked her freckles. They were balanced and orderly—four on the left and four on the right.

It was ironic that eight such sensible freckles could be on someone so lacking in sensibility.

A quiet knock sounded at the door before Glenna brought in the tea tray. Apparently sensing Penelope’s dark mood and wanting to stay clear of it, she set the tray on the corner of the desk and bobbed quickly before she left.

Ethan wished he could do the same. Instead, he was trapped by an angry blond goddess. Or was her hair brown? He could never quite tell. There were so many shades that it appeared each strand was unlike any other. Some of them pale like butter, others glistening like corn silk, some earthy brown, a chestnut here and there … It would take a lifetime to catalog every color.

She was still fuming at him, her cornflower blue eyes darkening to midnight. Her lips were pursed in disapproval, making her mouth appear smaller and less generous than it normally was.

“Would you like some tea?” he asked, already knowing her answer.

She uncrossed her arms and pressed her hands to the edge of the desk, leaning forward in a way that caused the fringes of her shawl to brush against the tip of his quill. A strange jolt rushed through him.

“Believe me when I say, you do not want to know what I would like at this precise moment,” she hissed. And before he could summon the will to blink, let alone breathe, she took a spoon from the tray, scooped up a dollop of cream, and proceeded to stir it into his dish of marmalade. “Enjoy. Your. Tea. Sir.”

 ~

Many thanks to Christy Carlyle for asking me to step in for her while she’s away. Also, my gratitude goes to Judith and Sarah for inviting me to post about my book. Thank you! 

If you’re in the holiday mood, check out Tempting Mr. Weatherstone in Five Golden Rings: A Christmas Collection from Avon (available now). The story continues in 2014 in the Wallflower Weddings series. For more information, please visit www.vivlorret.net.

Birds of a Feather

By Vivienne Lorret

Today feels like an official fall day. The air is cool, the breeze fragranced by the faint perfume of clematis winding through my neighbor’s fence. Nearby, the bird feeder seems like the only show in town.

Flocks of wrens, finches and robins descend en masse to that small red-roofed house filled with black oil sunflower seed, shouldering through to get the goods. Gone are the skittish birds of spring. This older, wiser group means business.

I live on land that was once a bird conservatory. Over the years, houses popped up where there had once only been trees. Some of the birds have moved on, but others keep their families here, generation after generation, refusing eviction and deciding to adapt instead.

I wouldn’t necessarily call them pets, even though that is the blog theme for September. I’m more of a temporary landholder—a caregiver of the flocks. Yet, I feel a bond with them, all the same.

Sometimes, when I see them congregating at the birdbath, chirping and chattering, I imagine they’re sharing gossip. One might mention that rude squirrel she caught hanging from the feeder, gorging on their food and ignoring a perfectly good ear of corn left for him. Another might complain of a headache from the noise of the migrating Canadian geese at the natural springs down the hill.

Then sometimes, I imagine the talk is all about how this feeder—the one with the black oil sunflower seed—is far superior to the other ones in the neighborhood.

I puff up with pride over this before I move from the window, returning to my computer and steaming mug of tea.

Perhaps I’ll put up another feeder before winter.

~

Many thanks to Christy Carlyle for asking me to step in for her while she’s away. Also, thank you to Judith and Sarah for welcoming me to Romancing the Genres. You’ve put together a wonderful community here and I’m glad to be a part of it.

If you’re in the holiday mood, check out Tempting Mr. Weatherstone in Five GoldenRings: A Christmas Anthology from Avon (available now). The story continues in 2014 in the Wallflower Weddings series. For more information, please visit www.vivlorret.net. Or like me on facebook.