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May I introduce - Lisa Orchard (Interview)



Lisa Orchard
 
As a big fan of all three of Lisa's books, my daughter was thrilled to have had the wonderful opportunity to interview Lisa Orchard recently for her radio program, and Lisa was kind enough to let me post the Q/A on here.
 
 
 
Blurb:
Sarah Cole and her sister Lacey are at it once again when they learn their missing parents’ cell phone has been traced to Alden, Michigan. When the FBI declines to continue the investigation, Sarah takes matters into her own hands. She calls upon the Super Spies and they delve into the situation. Suddenly, the teens find themselves immersed in small town intrigue and mystery involving a menacing stranger, who Sarah dubs “The Stalker." But when Sarah learns he’s connected to her parents’ disappearance, she’s determined to find out what that connection is. The Super Spies embark on a journey that leads them into a web of corporate corruption at its highest level that leaves innocent victims in its wake. Can they find the proof they need to stop the greedy corporation before it’s too late?

Questions:

1.       When did you start writing books?
I started writing when I was in the fifth grade. However, I didn’t pursue publication until I stayed home with my kids.  I’ve been having fun with my writing and my books. It’s an awesome feeling when I hear how someone enjoyed my stories.

2.       Why did you chose to write kids and teens books?
I love the age group! I had some great friends when I was a teen and we had many adventures together. When I look back on my life, it was those early years that come to mind. They were some of the happiest times of my life.

3.       How do you come up with the stories?
That’s a good question and it’s different for each story. For example, my first book “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer” came about from some of my own exploits as a teen. Of course, they’re greatly embellished to make the story more fun! My idea for my second book came from a true life event. In each book there’s a particular message that I want the young reader to learn right along with the characters. So, I wrap a story around that message.

4.       When you were young did you want to be a detective?
Yes! In fact, my friends and I formed our own detective squad. For a whole summer we worked on a mystery in our neighbourhood. We never solved it, but I must say it was one of the best summers of my life.

5.       In the stories did any of the events happen in your life?
Some of the events happened in my life. My friends and I did form our own detective squad, but we investigated an act of vandalism in our neighbourhood not a murder. Although, when school started our Jr. High had a bomb threat and of course we were on the case with that one too!

6.       Is there going to be a forth Super Spies story?
Yes. I’m going to continue writing the series because I love the characters. I’m going to keep writing it as long as I can think of interesting mysteries to solve.

7.       In the first book ‘Super spies and the cat lady killer’, why did you choose that the particular person to be the murderer?
There are a number of reasons. I love stories where the underdog wins, and in that story the Super Spies are definitely the underdog. I wanted to show readers that even though the odds may be stacked against them, if they persevere they can still get justice in the end, even if they run into obstacles like my characters did.

8.       When you were writing the first book did you have a picture in your head of each character? How did you imagine them?
I definitely did. Some authors get pictures out of magazines and construct characters’ physical appearance that way. I get my physical appearances and personalities from real people. My friends or people I’ve met in my life.  For example, I might meet someone and something about their appearance catches my eye, it might be the twinkle in their eye, or their curly hair, or the way one of their front teeth collides with the other. Things like that and I remember them and match those physical characteristics with a personality that I think that attribute would go well with. So, my characters are a combination of those people I’ve met or have been friends with along the way.

9.       In the second book how do you describe the damage the bomb has caused because when you read it it’s like it is happening to you right now?
I did a lot of research about bombs before I wrote it and I wanted it to be as realistic as possible. I talked to authorities and also did a lot of research online about bombs and their after effects. I also watched a lot of movies in which a bombing takes place just to make sure I had the visualization down right.  

10.   Will you write other stories besides Super spies?
Definitely.  I’m working on a Young Adult Coming of Age novel right now and I’m really excited about it.  I love the main character in it and I’m hoping my readers will too. It’s a great story with some awesome messages in it that I think are very important for young girls.


Excerpt:

Chapter One

“What do you mean you lost them?” Sarah Cole fidgeted as she waited for Agent Gray to answer. I can’t believe it! He lost the only clue to our parents’ location. What is wrong with this picture? Agitated, Sarah shifted in her seat and chewed on her lip. She was uncomfortable in the folding chair and rearranged her petite frame so she wouldn’t feel the cold metal against her bare legs. Shivering, she glanced around the all-too-familiar room.
The gray cement block walls no longer gave her that creepy, closed-in feeling she’d used to get when she first came to the interrogation rooms. She remembered the first time she’d been in that tiny space. It had been the day she’d discovered the Cat Lady’s dead body. Sarah shuddered at the memory and then smiled when she remembered forming the Super Spies and bringing the Cat Lady Killer to justice. Glancing around the room again, she realized she’d been in this room quite a bit these last few weeks, not only during the Cat Lady investigation, but the High School Bomber investigation as well. Shivering again, Sarah rubbed her arms but she really wasn’t cold. Her mind filled with the image of the bomber the Super Spies had helped apprehend just a week earlier.

Wow! Was it just last week?
She tugged at a lock of her honey colored hair, then brushed it away with an impatient hand. She sighed and glanced at her younger sister. Lacey sat beside her with her legs crossed, jiggling her foot at such a rapid rate it seemed like her whole body was electrified. She caught Sarah’s eye and for a moment her eyes glittered like emeralds before she shifted her gaze to Aunt June, who had placed her hand on Lacey’s leg in what appeared to be an attempt to quiet her. Sarah shifted in her chair and sighed again. Are we ever going to find Mom and Dad?

A commotion out in the hall drew everyone’s attention. Sarah leaned forward and craned her neck to see what was happening.

“Chief, we’ve got an OD!” An officer yelled.

“What?” Chief Johnson yelled as he rushed by. “An OD on what? Give me the details.”

“The parents found their son unconscious in his room this morning, and an empty bottle of prescription medication on his bedside table.”

“What was it?” Chief Johnson asked.

“It’s Myodine.”

“Who makes it?”

“Ah… Piper Drugs.”

“Call Poison Control with the name and manufacturer and ask them what to do about an overdose. Instruct the parents to get their son to the hospital pronto,” Chief Johnson ordered.

“They’ve brought him here.”

“What?” Chief Johnson exclaimed.

The sound of policemen rushing through the hall pulled Sarah and her sister out of their seats. They hurried to the door, unable to stifle their curiosity. Peering down the corridor, Sarah caught a glimpse of a young man sagging between two officers as they desperately tried to keep him on his feet. One officer gently slapped his face while the other officers held him up. The young man blinked and then gagged, puking on the officer in front of him.

The rancid stench of fresh vomit filled the air. While plugging her nose, Sarah ducked back inside the interrogation room, followed by her sister. Sarah closed the door, hoping it would keep the smell from penetrating the room.

“Did you hear that, Lace? Piper Drugs! That’s the company Dad works for,” Sarah whispered in her sister’s ear before proceeding back to her seat.

Lacey opened her mouth to speak, but closed it when Agent Gray cleared his

throat and motioned for them to sit down.

He continued his conversation as if they hadn’t been interrupted. We were on our way to the location of the ping… but before we got there it disappeared.”

“So, what does that mean? Did you find our parents or what?” Sarah blurted out as she sat down. She stared into Agent Gray’s icy blue eyes, trying to read his mind.


About the Author:

I am the oldest of four children and grew up in a small town in Western Michigan. I grew up reading mysteries, starting with "The Bobbsey Twins" and "The Nancy Drew" series.

By fifth grade I was writing my own mysteries and illustrating them as well. I've always known that I wanted to be a writer and I tucked that little piece of information into the back of my brain; determined to take it out and use it when it was time.

After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Marketing Degree, I landed a sales job. I was on my way! After spending 13 years in the Insurance industry, I met my husband. We soon married and had two beautiful boys. I decided to stay home with my kids. A tough decision, but one I don't regret.

I did, however, miss the hustle and bustle of work - and working toward a goal. That is when the little voice inside my brain said, "It's time to write."

So I did, and "The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer" was born, followed by my new book, "The Super Spies and the High School Bomber."

I am very excited as I begin this new "chapter" in my life



~~~
 
 

Review: Rachel Gibson - It must be Love


Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

ISBN: 9780380807154

My rating: 3/5

It Must Be Love

Undercover cop Joe Shanahan's bad luck hit bottom the morning he stared up into the face of sexy suspect Gabrielle Breedlove. She'd blown his cover---brought him down with a can of hairspray---and now his new assignment was to pose as her boyfriend. But spending as much time as possible with the utterly irresistible New Age beauty caused unexpected complications. To make matters worse, his matchmaking sisters are picking out china patterns.
Joe's brooding good looks and T-shirt-straining muscles might be easy on the eyes, but how could Gabrielle be attracted to a straight-laced detective who's determined to find evidence to arrest her? Still, he invades her dreams and when they share a transcendent lovemaking experience, Gabrielle knows it must be love.


My thoughts

This was an okay read by Rachel Gibson, a nice "time filler".

Joe Shanahan is an undercover cop, trying to find out who has stolen Mr Hillard's Monet. Suspect is Kevin Carter, Joe's reluctant informer is Gabrielle Breedlove, Kevin's business partner.

The background story was actually quite interesting, but slowed by the constant "inner thoughts" by both main characters, Joe and Gabrielle, as well as their romance. Fair enough, it's a romance novel, but it's still a shame, it could've been much better.

As usual with RG, there's lots of "in detail" sex scenes.

Bottom line, as said before, a nice time filler.


 



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The week's book choice - W.B. Kinnette "Waiting Fate"


 



Waiting Fate
            by W.B. Kinnette




Tagline: Hope Waits Just Beyond the Shadows

 

BACK COVER BLURB:

Sometimes Fate hides in plain sight while you stumble through darkness.

Ivy escapes from an abusive husband, finding peace with her daughter in her childhood home. She’s determined to keep her past a secret to protect those she loves.

Archer has been in love with the same girl since seventh grade. When Ivy comes back into his life—bruised, broken, and haunted by secrets—he knows he can’t lose her again.

But Ivy made a promise to her daughter. No one would hurt them again. She’s afraid to trust, afraid to be wrong again, and afraid that the one man she’s loved forever will break her heart.

Fate might take its time, but it won’t wait forever.



Excerpt
 
As he walked her to her door, she slid her small fingers into his, and he ran his thumb across the back of her hand. The night was cool. At the door she turned, smiling up at him. “Thank you Archer. It was… fun.”
He couldn’t see clearly, but he could swear she was smirking. Yeah, you blew your chance. Way to go. So he hugged her, wrapping his arms around her waist, like he’d done a hundred other times before. They were a huggy group.
He was surprised when she rose on her toes and slid her arms around his neck, holding tight like he was a lifeline. He pulled back, just a bit, hoping but afraid to hope as he searched her eyes. They sparkled, just a bit, and then she leaned forward, closing the gap between them and brushing her lips against his.
Time stopped. The world stopped and he froze in shock. It took him several seconds to realize what was happening, and then he kissed her back, holding her tight against him. He could feel her heart racing, matching his. When she relinquished his lips, he sucked in a breath, struggling to breathe. “I’ve wanted to do that since high school,” he muttered, almost without realizing it.


Author Bio:


W.B. Kinnette was born and raised in Utah, the baby of the family and spoiled rotten. She lived briefly in Texas and Alaska before coming back to raise her family only a few miles from her childhood home. She’s loved writing since she was small, because daydreams demand to be written down. She believes that dreams must be chased, if only so she can tell her children honestly that dreams do come true if you work hard enough – and never give up!



Twitter: @wbkinnette


 

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This week's book choice - Kristin Vayden "To Refuse a Rake"



 
To Refuse a Rake
                     by Kristin Vayden
 
 
 

 Excerpt:

            “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I can guarantee I wouldn’t like it if I knew.” Emma spoke under her breath as Hudson began to escort her to where Lady Hodge waited.
            “On the contrary, Miss Kingsly. You would love it.” Hudson gave her his most charming and devilish smile before turning to offer his arm to Lady Hodge. “So much in fact that I promise to show you later,” he said, turning toward Emma once again.
            “You’re assuming I’ll tolerate your company that long,” Emma shot back, but her lips were tilted slightly upward. Apparently she enjoyed their verbal sparring as much as he.
            “True. I’ll make you a wager, Miss Kingsly.”

            “And I’ll refuse, Lord Daventry. Ladies in India might wager, but here in London, we do not,” she clipped and glanced away.
            “A... venture then. Unless you are not up to the challenge, of course.” He was taunting her. He also could tell that she saw through his transparent attempt to draw her in. But he suspected that she wouldn’t be able to resist his jab to her abilities.
            She watched him with those alluring sea blue eyes and just when he thought she would refuse, she spoke. “I’m not so foolish to fall for your baiting, Lord Daventry. But you have piqued my curiosity. What did you have in mind?”
            “I venture... that you will have more suitors tonight in your beautiful and fresh appearance, than if you were to dress as richly and adorn yourself as usual.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. Certainly, she had thought something entirely different. Hudson bit back a smug grin at catching her unaware once again.
            “There is no way that all the men of the ton are going to find my lack of a beautiful gown and governess coiffeur alluring.” She shook her head in disbelief.
            “Then you accept?” Hudson held his breath. “What is to be your prize?” Her eyes narrowed and she watched him warily.

            “A kiss.”
            “No.”
            “Then by your own words, you have admitted that I’m correct.”
            “What? How so?” She paused mid-step and turned toward him.
            Hudson gently pulled her over to the side, allowing Lady Hodge, who looked as
if suppressing laughter, and a few oblivious couples to pass.
            “If I’m so very wrong, and you are so certain, then there is really no risk now, is
there? Or are you admitting that I am correct?” Hudson speared her with an intense gaze, waiting.
            “Of course you aren’t correct, but...” she stammered. Her gloved hands tightened into fists.
            “But what?” He raised one eyebrow.

            She bit her bottom lip, causing Hudson’s body to tighten with awareness. How he wanted to taste her.
            “The temptation to see you lose is worth that small risk of kissing you.” She decided, nodding her head once.
            “Splendid!” Hudson clapped his hands and rubbed them together before he began to lead her back toward the path.
            “Wait! What do I win when you admit defeat?” She stubbornly stood her ground, refusing to move.

            “What do you wish to be your prize?”
            “I want you to leave me alone. No more baiting me and inviting yourself over and leaving me without a chance to decline. No more winking, handsome smiles, or—”
            “You think my smile is handsome?” Hudson beamed.
            “That’s not the point—” Emma turned red, clearly flustered.
            “You must pick one. I only asked for one prize, you named four or five. I lost
count after you called my smile handsome,” Hudson continued, his wide grin, unable to help himself.
            Emma took a deep breath, causing the modest cut of the gown to expand just enough to give Hudson an enticing view of her bosom. The gentle curve teased him and taunted him with no mercy and he closed his eyes against the onslaught of desire.
            “If I must pick one, then it’s for you to... not speak to me.”
            “So I may do other things that do not involve speaking? I accept! After all, there is always art, drawing, letters, songs...” Hudson winked.
            “But—”
            “No, I accepted and we’re in accord. You’re not backing out... are you, Miss Kingsly?” Hudson gave her a challenging glare.

She straightened her posture and a defiant gleam sparked from her eyes.
            “No. I’m not. You might want to start practicing your penmanship, Lord Daventry. You’re going to need it in only a few short hours... that is, if you’re still
wanting to somehow communicate with me by then.” She raised her eyebrows and shot him a wry expression, walking toward the entrance once again.
            “Don’t forget singing. I’m told I have a lovely baritone.” Hudson called after her, grinning at her obvious assurance of winning. “Perhaps it should be you who is warming up, Miss Kingsly,” Hudson whispered next to her ear as he caught up with her. The alluring fragrance of cinnamon and orange flooded his senses, making him heady with desire.

“Warming up?” She glanced over to him, but didn’t lean back when she noticed how close he was. Maybe she was already warming up. Goodness knows that Hudson found himself hot with his own need.
            “Yes. To me.” He glanced down to her lips meaningfully and barely suppressed a groan when she parted them slightly, letting her pink tongue dart out to moisten them.
“I’m not afraid of you, Lord Deventry,” she vowed.
            "I’ve never wished you to be.” Hudson nodded and escorted her into the hall, praying he was correct. The last thing he wanted to do was to sing and write letters for the rest of the season. Though he would if necessary, because even if he lost the venture, he'd still find a way to win her heart.



Author bio:
Kristin is a stay at home mom of four ( soon to be five!) children. She stays busy with homeschooling three of them and chasing the fourth around the house. Her inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.

Links:
 
BN:





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This week's book choice - Wendy Knight "Feudlings"


FEUDLINGS
by ~ Wendy Knight




Back Cover Blurb

Nothing makes a new school suck worse than discovering the guy you’re in love with is your prophesied nemesis.

Ari is the most powerful flame-throwing sorceress ever, and her people’s last hope in an ancient war. But she’s also a seventeen-year-old girl, and in her free, not-hunting-nemesis times, she jumps from school to school, trying to figure out regular people her own age and pretending she’ll get the chance to graduate.

Shane lives a double life. He goes to school and masters the art of popularity, hiding the fact that he has a fate with a slim chance of his survival. He’s destined to end a 300 year-old war by killing or being killed. He knows he’s hunted by a powerful enemy who’s not afraid to die. Only problem? He has no idea who that enemy is.

When Ari shows up at Shane’s school, angry and sullen and determined to keep him at arm’s reach, neither of them realize they are supposed to be killing each other, not falling in love. Until Ari does realize it, and she almost dies – by Shane’s hand.


Tagline: She’s never lost a fight in her life, but she’s never battled love


Excerpt
 
“Shane, I’m tougher than I look. I can handle it,” she said, although she wasn’t sure she wanted to know any more about his magic than she already did. It could get him in trouble. But she couldn’t just leave it alone. Part of her wanted to know. Maybe the monster-killer part of her.
She squashed that thought.
Shane stopped, studied her. Under his intense blue gaze her heart started to pound and she thought giddily that her favorite color just happened to be the exact color of his eyes. What were the odds? “I’m serious, Ari. There’s this war going on, and knowing anything about it could get you killed.”
“Killed?” Ari tried to look dubious.
Shane glanced around and grabbed her hand, pulling her with him out the front doors. The air was crisp and cool; Ari could see traces of her breath. If Shane was aware that half the student population was watching them speed-walk into the woods, he didn’t show it, and after a final glance back Ari ignored them too.
When the school was out of sight, she stopped and pulled her hand away. “Okay Shane. Spill,” she commanded. She crossed her arms over her chest and tried to look cold. Normals would be cold right now, but because of the flames flowing through their blood, neither she nor Shane could feel it.
Shane sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Where to start? Even the short version is long. We’re sorcerers, and there are two sides to this war… of course, because that’s what makes a war, right?” he rambled. Ari raised an eyebrow at him as she tried to shiver. “I’m a Carules. I have magic that stems from these blue flames that, well, they’re in my blood. Hunter, too. And all other Carules. The other side is Edren, and their magic comes from red flames. Basically, we spend all our time trying to kill each other. It’s a lot of fun,” he said with a bitter frown at the ground.
“So you hide your magic because if an Edren found you...”
“They’d kill me. Or try to, anyway,” Shane finished for her.
Ari flinched at his words, and she knew right then that if she had seen him on that battle field in Adlington, she wouldn’t have been able to kill him. Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth opened into a silent “Oh”, and her heart started to pound. This was a very, very dangerous revelation she’d just made to herself.
She had a weakness. And it was Shane.
 
 
 
Author Bio


Wendy Knight was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, etcetera, etcetera). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big: her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S.

You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion may be. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.

 

Links:

Twitter: @wjk8099


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7009940.Wendy_Knight

 

Buy Links:




 

 


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Tasty Summer Reads Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Tasty Summer Reads Blog Hop!

Here's how the hop works! Each author invites other authors to answer five questions about their current summer release or WIP and a tasty recipe that ties into it! Fellow Astraea Press author, the wonderful Kristin Vayden, invited me to join in and share my news. In return, I invited Jillian Chantal  and Lily Malone to tell us about her latest project. Be sure to hop over to her Tasty Summer Reads blog.


Here's the original link for those of you interested:  Avon Hop

My next project "New Beginnings", published by Astraea Press, is due for release in late August. It's the first book in the Trilogy of "Beginnings". I'm very excited about this series, as it's set in Hobart, Tasmania, one of my favourite places here in Australia.

Blurb:

Twenty-two-year-old Sophie Levesque has been guardian to eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know or have even heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator, and Sophie is afraid it’s all been a mistake.
As Mia settles well into her new school and life in general, Sophie is not only occupied by her search of what connected her to Clara, but also her new studies and the two men, who suddenly have become part of her daily life - Mark O’Connor, the lawyer representing Clara’s estate, and Zach, the hunk from across the road.


Excerpt:

Sophie stared at the attorney, waiting for some answers. She and her sister, Mia, had been quietly sitting in Mr. O’Connor’s office for more than half an hour, and had learnt about the details of their inheritance.

“Who?”

“Clara Catherine Bellinger.”

“Who is she?” Mia asked.

Startled by the subtle sound of the clock chiming across the road, Sophie’s gaze turned to the window, where she saw the post office building across the road. It looked impressive and old. Surely, an old place like this would have its own ghosts — after all, Hobart was renowned for its lively spirits.

Her younger sister’s gentle touch on her arm reminded her she hadn’t answered the question, yet. “I wouldn’t have a clue.” Sophie shrugged and focused her attention back on Mr. O’Connor. Although hearing his words, she still found it hard to comprehend. Here she was in this old office, furnished with heavy antique oak furniture, the curtains in a pretty shade of aubergine, and the carpet beneath her shoes thick and warm in a matching shade.

“I believe she was a distant relative of yours. I’m afraid I don’t have any further details,” he replied.

Sophie arched an eyebrow in disbelief. Was he serious? What kind of lawyer was he? Sure, Tasmania was at the very end of Australia, but wouldn’t they have the same education? With a slight shrug of her shoulder, she asked, “Why not?”

He stared at her. “Pardon me?”

Sitting up straight, she repeated, “Why not? Why aren’t there any further details?”

He looked uneasy, but she didn’t care. She needed to know. Sophie had received a call from the lawyer a week earlier, and he’d told her about an inheritance. He’d given her details on where to pick up tickets to Hobart. Some legality, he had said. She needed to come in and sign documents for the transfer of ownership.

“Ms. Bellinger was one of the partner’s clients. I was only given the details shortly after the client’s death.”

Sophie drew in her lips. Her eyes darted over to the window as she took a few deep breaths, inwardly calming herself. Nothing had ever been easy in her life. “Why isn’t the partner here?”

He took a deep breath. “Retired.”

As she pondered on that for a moment, she began to think about what life could be like with this inheritance. Different. Better. Another sigh escaped as she returned her gaze to the man behind the desk. “You can’t just leave your assets to just anybody, can you?”

“Miss Lever—”

“Levesque,” she helped him.

Their eyes met.

“Are you refusing the bequest?” he asked hesitantly, and she clearly noticed how one of his eyebrows arched upward.

Staring blankly with her mouth open, she could feel the panic running through her veins with every thump of her erratic heartbeat. An uncomfortable silence fell over them for a moment. Then she quickly said, “No. No, of course not. We’re accepting.” She turned to look at her younger sister. “We’re actually looking forward to seeing it.”

And with one swift movement, he stood and went to a little cupboard near the window and retrieved a bunch of keys. “Would you like me to take you there?”

Still feeling that rush within her, Sophie took Mia’s hand and inclined her head in answer. “Is it far?” Her voice sounded tired. Even to herself. It had been a long day already. She stood and thinking how tired she was, Sophie placed her arm around Mia, who was probably exhausted.

“No, not at all. Five to ten minute drive, I’d say.”

“I still don’t understand. Why us?” Sophie asked quietly, meeting his gaze and, for the first time, actually taking in his icy-blue eyes. He was very attractive. Too attractive for a boring lawyer. His face was tanned by wind and sun, and there always seemed to be a hint of a smile on his face. His blond curling <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--> hair was cut short. Her gaze fixed back on his mouth. Blushing, she quickly looked away.

The attorney turned to them. He scratched the back of his head. “Ma’am, what I know is that both of you are in the will. What I know is that I was supposed to fly you down here to officially read you the will. What I know is that I’m supposed to hand over the keys to you, and to let you know that your expenses are covered for the next twenty-four months. I did not know Ms. Bellinger, as one of the retired partners wrote up the will. I do not know who she was or in which way she was connected to you. I assumed she was a distant relative.”

~~~

Please keep an eye on the release in late August. Until then .... also set in Australia ....  you can enjoy "Innocent Tears" or "Journey to Her Dreams". Both wonderful reads!


Now for the blog hop questions:

1)When writing are you a snacker? If so, sweet or salty?
I don’t snack. However, I do consume an unhealthy amount of  tea or drink too many glasses of coke.

2) Are you an outliner or someone who flies by the seat of her pants?
Flies by the seat of her pants? LOL. If that means, do I just let my fingers type away without knowing where they take me ... well, that's what I do. :-)

3) When cooking or baking, do you follow the recipe exactly or wing it?
I ~NEED~ to follow a recipe. When I'm in the kitchen, either baking or cooking, it's like two worlds collide, so I have to be on my best behaviour and do as I'm told.


4) What is next for you after this book?  I'm in the final stages of finishing "More Beginnings", the sequel to "New Beginnings". But I'm also working on a "Football Player" story (romance), which I hope to finalise to a "submit'able" version.

5) Last Question...on a level of one being slightly naughty to ten being whoo whoo steamy, where does your book land?
I'd humbly say "New Beginnings" would be "four-five'ish".

The Tasty Summer Treat:
Considering that it is Winter in Australia, I thought I share my daughters yummy "Lemonade Muffins" recipe. Quick and easy, AND DELICIOUS !
1 packet of chocolate cake mix
1 packet of chocolate instant pudding mix
1/3 cup of oil
1 cup of  lemonade
2 eggs

Gently beat the eggs in a bowl
Place chocolate mix and instant pudding mix in the mixing bowl
Add the eggs and the lemonade then add the oil
Mix with a spoon until thick and smooth
Pour into a lightly greased microwave container
Place into the microwave and cook for 8-9 minutes on high
Leave in the container for a few minutes before turning it out
Gently place cake onto a plate and let it cool
Cut into pieces and enjoy

ENJOY !


Thanks to everyone for giving me the opportunity to be part of this blog hop AND thanks to you, the reader, for stopping by today!


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