February 2016 – Ruff Drafts

Farewell February, My Least Favorite Month

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Debbie

February is the shortest month of the year, and I’m thankful for that. When it has an extra day for Leap Year as it does this year, I am not happy to have those 24 “additional” hours. Why? Because February is my least favorite month. I don’t favor February for several reasons.

Arriving on the heels of January, it’s usually the time that most people abandon any resolutions they made in the New Year and, for those who live in the colder climates, it’s the time winter officially hits with at least one big snowstorm. Maybe those aren’t particularly great reasons for disliking a month, but consider this fact. While February brings love and Valentine to sweethearts, how many people are single and unattached, divorced, widowed, alone? For those people, February can be a cruel and lonely month indeed.

Also, have you noticed that there’s an increase in deaths in winter, most notably in February? Just this year we lost some popular people (this info previously posted by Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com):

Bob Elliott, one half of legendary TV-radio comedy duo Bob and Ray with Ray Goulding, died Feb. 2 at 92.
Joe Alaskey, a voice actor originally from Troy, N.Y., died from cancer at age 63 on Feb. 4. He was the principal voice of multiple Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird, after Mel Blanc’s death in 1989 and voiced Yosemite Sam in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
Maurice White, a founding member of disco-funk group Earth, Wind & Fire, died Feb. 3 at 74.
Dave Mirra, a Central New York native who rose to fame as a BMX biker at the X-Games, had his own video games and hosted an MTV reality show, died Feb. 4 of an apparent suicide at 41.
Dan Hicks, who led ’60s band Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, died Feb. 6 at 74.
Daniel Gerson, co-writer of “Monsters, Inc.” and “Big Hero 6,” died Feb. 6 of brain cancer at 49.
Vanity, an ’80s singer-actress and Prince protege also known as Denise Katrina Matthews, died Feb. 15 at 57.
George Gaynes, who starred on “Punky Brewster” and played Commandant Lassard in all seven “Police Academy” movies, died Feb. 15 at 98.
Angela “Big Ang” Raiola of “Mob Wives” died at 55 on Feb. 18 after a battle with throat, brain and lung cancer.
Harper Lee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” died Feb. 19 at age 89.
Douglas Slocombe, Oscar-nominated cinematographer for three “Indiana Jones” movies, died Feb. 22 at age 103.
Sonny James, country singer behind hits like “Young Love,” died Feb. 22 at age 87.
Lennie Baker, the voice of Sha Na Na’s doo-wop hit “Blue Moon,” died Feb. 24 at age 69.
Tony Burton, who played Apollo Creed’s trainer Duke in six “Rocky” movies, died Feb. 25 at 78.

Wikipedia lists even more February deaths: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaths_in_2016

Personally, I lost both my father and mother-in-law in February. If you counter this by saying that several presidents were born in February and that many of your friends and relatives were, as well, I’ll say my mom was also born this month and celebrated her 88th birthday just a few weeks ago. I’m thankful for that, but I still don’t give February any more points because it’s a fact more births occur in the summer. Although the statistics in this article aren’t current, it’s likely they haven’t changed much: http://www.livescience.com/32728-baby-month-is-almost-here-.html

What else do I have against February? It’s a peak time for the flu and other viruses to spread. Check out the graph in this info from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm

February is also not a pretty month. Although daylight is beginning to last longer and there are occasional spring-like days, the trees are still bare and sometimes the snow that fell in January is still around and turning an ugly black.

I guess I’ll make it through one more February day this year, but I’m ready to move on to March. What about you? Is February also your least favorite month or do you have another? I’d love to hear your comments.

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Author Spotlight Iris Blobel

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Iris Blobel from
Victoria, Australia near Ballarat.

Thanks for joining me, Iris. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.

How long have you been publishing with Limitless? What titles have you published with them? Have you self-published any titles or published with another publisher? Please give details.

I’ve had my first book published with LP 1 ½ years ago: Love Will Find You, Let Me Love You, I think I love you, and Echoes of the past.

Yes, I’ve also got one self-published book on the market as well as five books with Astraea Press, with another one due for release in March.

Sounds great. Can you tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.

I write romance books, because, as the national radio program quoted so nicely the other week, I love “bringing couples together,” Yes, I’d love to write crime or mysteries, but the talent is just not there. My latest book, “Echoes of the Past,” was released on the 16^th Feb and is the first in the Fermosa Bay series, which is set in a coastal town in Australia.

Congratulations! Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

As a writer, my goal is to improve my writing in various ways. I’ve stumbled into the “profession” of being a writer by coincidence and I’m still learning. I’ve been very fortunate to have had great editors who didn’t only correct my story, but were patiently explaining everything to me as well.

My goals? I’d love to be naïve for a minute or two and say: to be a fulltime writer. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Those sound like worthy goals to me, Iris. What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

I’d say, give my books a chance, if you like stories set in Australia, interesting characters, if family and friendships are important to you – then this girl’s got the next book for you!

Sounds like a slogan … LOL

It does indeed.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Never give up. It’s a tough business, but you need to believe in yourself before others can believe in you as well.

That is so very true.

What were some of the struggles you faced before you became published?

Thank goodness, it was, and most likely still is, more a hobby for me. I was over the moon when I received my first contract and will be forever grateful to the publisher. What did I struggle with, probably the things everyone else struggles with: sometimes the disrespect, the politics, the unfairness …

Another good answer.

What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?

Most of my time is taken by being a mum of two beautiful girls, and a wife to my husband. I work at a school in town and on my day off I present a German program at the radio.

Being a mother and wife does keep one busy. I also have a daughter and husband, so I know what you mean. Your German radio program must be an interesting past time.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

Oh, I like to write “The End” and have to happy people in my story who love each other and hopefully have a HEA. My challenge … like many … the edits, the promoting, the finding time without neglecting my family.

I hear you. I also like to give my books a HEA and include some romance in them even though they’re mysteries.

Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisBlobel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_iris_b

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel

It was great speaking with you in the Limitless Lounge, Iris. Best wishes on Echoes of the Past and your forthcoming books.

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday February 26 – Lilly James – The Park Series

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Debbie

DENYING MR. PARKS & ADDICTED TO MR. PARKS by Lilly James

http://amzn.to/1g9GBJE

– SYNOPSIS –

Evelyn Banks is her own worst enemy…

A recovering alcoholic, the key to Evelyn’s continuing sobriety is to remain focused and controlled. She finally has her life on track with a new job at a law firm, but her world is shaken when she meets the firm’s gorgeous, charming, dominant CEO.

Wade Parks asks for only one thing—to be obeyed…

Wade’s perfect world is one of discipline and obedience. When he encounters his firm’s new employee, he begins a cat-and-mouse game in his pursuit of the feisty and independent Evelyn, determined to break through her cold demeanor and give her the discipline he’s sure she craves.

Evelyn is willing to submit to his dominance, but her emotions are another matter…

Both of Evelyn’s parents were addicts, incapable of giving her the slightest bit of affection, and she’s not equipped to deal with the rush of powerful emotions her relationship with Mr. Parks unleashes. So she turns to the only solace she knows—numbing her feelings with alcohol.

He sees past Evelyn’s flaws, but some secrets hit too close to home…

Just as Evelyn’s heart begins to thaw, Mr. Parks is reminded of his own troubled upbringing and he pulls away, leaving her feeling abandoned.

But another very real danger is lurking, and Evelyn might be very wrong about the source of the threat…

Can she be saved by denying Mr. Parks?

Or is submitting to him the only way to save them both?

One-Click ~ http://amzn.to/1LCh2xL

http://amzn.com/B017XYOM54

– SYNOPSIS –

Evelyn Banks is alone, and she has only herself to blame.

Overwhelmed by her feelings for the enigmatic, dominant Wade Parks, she pushed him—and everybody else—away and drowned her torment in alcohol. Now at rock bottom, she needs help…and the only help she’ll accept is from Mr. Parks.

Mr. Parks has done the unthinkable…he’s fallen in love.

Beneath his completely controlled surface, his heart is in turmoil. Despite his inner conflict, he’s committed to helping Evelyn regain her emotional equilibrium and giving her the life she deserves.

Evelyn has more secrets, and one could be a deal-breaker.

One dark chapter from Evelyn’s past is uncomfortably similar to Mr. Parks’ own, leaving him at a loss as to how to connect with her in the only way he knows. He structures his life around dominance and submission, but how can he use discipline on someone who has been so broken?

If Mr. Parks can eliminate a looming danger, maybe he can save them both.

He’s determined to find the culprit threatening Evelyn, but when his own dark past is revealed, his illusion of a perfect life is shattered.

Their love has become an addiction, but when the fantasy is stripped away to reveal their hidden truths, will love be enough to hold them together?

MEET THE AUTHOR

– LILLY JAMES –

British Author Lilly James is a woman with a wild imagination that has to be set free into the arms of a keyboard.

Writing gives Lilly that chance to escape the real world and live in a world of fantasy with her characters.

When she’s not writing you’ll find her singing terribly to music, curled up with her kindle, or doing something boring like everyday chores that unfortunately need attention.

Lilly lives in Wales, is a mother of one beautiful little girl, and loves reading, chocolate and wine. All in that order.

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday February 26 – Erin Lee – Nine Lives

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Debbie

#FeatureFriday with @limitlessbooks @CrazyLikeMe2015

NINE LIVES by Erin Lee

Standalone Novel

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

http://amzn.com/B01AWYCJ34

|| SYNOPSIS ||

Three teenage sisters didn’t mean to destroy their family…

Sisters Laina, Faith, and Sadie Nelson know they are to blame. There was no way to predict how their lives would shatter with just a few lies—but they did, and now they fear the pieces are too many to pick up.

Had their parents let them leave, their father wouldn’t be behind bars…

The girls just wanted to escape from their hyper-strict home and start lives of their own. If he’d just allowed them to spread their wings, their father wouldn’t be serving thirty years for a crime he didn’t commit.

Sometimes you have to be creative to get your way, but creativity’s not always what it’s cracked up to be…

With the lives of nine siblings hanging in the balance, what will it take for the girls to admit their deceit and recant their tales of abuse? And if they do, will there be any room for forgiveness?

Family and friends are left to question everything they know about the legal system, social services, marriage, and family.

Can anyone really be trusted?

Can a family heal in the wake of false allegations, broken promises, and betrayal?

Or is it too late…

Erin Lee is freelance writer and therapist from Southern, NH. Lee’s work has appeared in journals and magazines since 1995. She’s received numerous awards from the New England Press Association for her work as a journalist. “Wave to Papa” is her second novel. Currently, Lee is publishing “Crazy Like Me” with Savant Books and Publications, LLC, to be released in summer 2015. She has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and works with children and families in crisis.

More of her work can be seen at www.authorerinlee.com.

LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/erin-lee/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13994843.Erin_Lee

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gonecrazytalksoon

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CrazyLikeMe2015

Authors, Books, Cozies, Cozy Chat, Cozy Mysteries, Cozy Mystery, Cozy Series

Cozy Chat with Ellery Adams

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Debbie

This week’s Cozy Chat is with Ellery Adams who I spoke with about her Books by the Bay mysteries.
Hi, Ellery. Thanks for joining us on Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Books by the Bay series? What gave you the idea for it?

This series features a group of aspiring writers turned amateur sleuths. It’s set in a fictional town on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina and the seaside setting permeates nearly every scene. I wanted to write a series featuring a very strong, but haunted female protagonist. I also wanted her to be middle-aged. Olivia Limoges is the heroine of the series, though her friends, the Bayside Book Writers, are integral because they bring her out of her shell. As does her standard poodle, Captain Haviland. This is a series for anyone who enjoys complex characters, multi-layered plotlines sprinkled with historical detail, a coastal setting, and literary references.

Sounds quite interesting, Ellery. As a fellow author, I can relate to a mystery involving a writer’s group. In fact, I’m starting one next month at the library where I work. I also love mysteries that involve pets. Mine also has a dog (Fido) and a library cat (Sneaky), as well. The poodle in yours has a wonderful name.

Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?

My advice is to write what you feel passionate about – not what you think might sell. If you put your heart (and tons of editing!) into your work, it’s bound to speak to people.

I agree totally. It’s very important to write what you know and love, although the know can be researched. The love has to come from the heart. As far as the tons of editing, that’s also very true. I am editing the sequel to my mystery, A STONE’S THROW, right now, and it’s slow-going because of all the little but important things that need to be smoothed out.

What are you currently working on?

Tomorrow, Feb 26th, I’m releasing an ebook only copy of A Devious Lot, the 5th Antiques & Collectibles mystery.

I am also working on Murder in the Secret Garden, the 3^rd Book Retreat Mystery featuring Jane Steward of Storyton Hall, Virginia.

The 5^th installment of the Charmed Pie Shoppe series, Breach of Crust, will hit bookstore shelves on April 5, 2016. Here’s a brief summary:

Plate up another slice of Southern magic and mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Lemon Pies and Little White Lies . . .

Ella Mae LeFaye’s delicious pies are still drawing long lines—as well as the attention of Beatrice Burbank, president of the Camellia Club, a philanthropic organization comprised of high-society Southern ladies from the charming and affluent town of Sweet Briar, Georgia. To ensure the success of their centennial dessert cookbook, Bea hires Ella Mae to teach the tasty tricks of her trade to the club’s members at their annual retreat. Eager to work on new recipes for customers with food allergies and dietary restrictions, Ella Mae readily agrees.

But when Ella Mae finds Bea’s body floating in Lake Havenwood, she wonders what she’s gotten herself mixed up in. Someone certainly wanted Bea to eat humble pie, and the retreat offers no shortage of unsavory characters, including Ella Mae’s longtime nemesis, Loralyn Gaynor. Ella Mae definitely doesn’t need magic to tell her she must find the killer before someone else gets panned.

That sounds great. Do you write any other genres than cozies?

Not at the moment. I weave other genres into my mysteries (history, literary fiction, and fantasy) but I am planning on trying my hand at women’s fiction in 2016.

Can you also tell me how you got started in writing?

I used to sell homemade books for a quarter apiece to the neighborhood kids. They featured my friends as the heroes and they always had a happy ending.

Wow! That’s interesting. I actually used to make comics as a kid featuring some of my neighbors in different adventures and stories. I never sold them to anyone, but I had funny creating them.

What are your hobbies besides writing?

To be honest, I had more hobbies before I started writing three series, but when I have a rare moment between deadlines, I like to read, bake, garden, binge-watch Masterpiece Theater shows.

I know what you mean. Writing, editing, and promoting have really put a limit on my extra time. Your interests sound enjoyable, and I’m sure they’re relaxing when you fit them in.

Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?

Just that I’m grateful to any reader for buying my books or asking for them at their local library. It’s a very competitive market out there and it’s getting harder and harder for the mid-list author to survive. The “big names” get all the backing from the publishing companies, but cozy readers are incredibly loyal and do such an amazing job at PR when it comes to a writer/series they love. So thank you. Thank you for keeping our genre going and for being so tireless in supporting cozy mysteries. As long as you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!

I feel the same way, Ellery. As I’m working on my Cobble Cove books, it seems people are beginning to view them as cozies, and although I originally thought they fell into romantic suspense or general mystery, I think they might appeal more to the cozy audience because there’s no explicit violence or sex and I also focus on the characters in a small, fictional town (Cobble Cove, New York).

Thanks for joining me today, and best wishes to you on your series.

Authors, Echoes of the Past, Iris Blobel, Limitless Publishing

Echoes of the Past, Fermosa Bay #1, by Iris Blobel

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Debbie

#OnTour with @HeaBookToursPR @_Iris_B | #HBTPRM

««««« BLITZ TOUR »»»»»

ECHOES OF THE PAST, Fermosa Bay #1, by Iris Blobel

#NewAdult #ContemporaryRomance

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Release Date: February 16, 2016

««««« SYNOPSIS »»»»»

Emily Bradshaw waited over twenty years to see Connor again…

When her childhood friend, Connor Walsh, returns home to see his ailing father, Emily is elated to be reunited with the handsome man who moved to London so many years ago. But excitement fades to disappointment when he doesn’t remember her—or their first kiss. With her crush on Connor still in full swing, she’s determined to enjoy the short time he’s in Fermosa Bay, even though she knows her heart will break when he returns to his life in London.

When Connor receives news that his biological father is terminally ill, he returns to Fermosa Bay, Australia.

With memories of his childhood tucked fondly in the back of his mind, returning to the small, coastal town leaves him to wonder how life would have been if his mother had never taken him away. Would he have been married and had children? Perhaps with Emily Bradshaw…

Secrets from long ago begin to unfold…

As Connor and his father grow closer, Connor learns his parents have a broken love story of their own. Will the echoes of the past lure him into staying, maybe for good? Or will he relive his parents’ tragic story and flee to London?

Walking away from a real chance at true love…

««««« #ONECLICK »»»»»

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/23ZYPS5

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/23ZYVJw

AMAZON AU: http://bit.ly/23ZZ27R

««««« EXCERPT »»»»»

Connor leaned against the window frame with his arms crossed as he watched the waves crashing against the rocks. In front of him, as wide as the horizon, was the ocean. With the clouds drifting in from the sea, the sky had turned grey and dark, and he knew there’d be even more rain coming later in the day.

He would’ve enjoyed the scene if it hadn’t reminded him of his changing life. He’d been back in Fermosa Bay for two days already, but the memories of the first seven years of his life he’d spent in this small Australian coastal town were tucked away in the back of his mind. Seemingly inaccessible. Nowadays, his life was in London and had been for the last twenty-three years. He took a couple of deep breaths as he looked towards the harbour in the distance, and the small town in the alcove with the hilly forest in the background where he’d spend the first seven years of his life. It was truly one very picturesque little place.

A noise from the other end of the house hauled him back from his thoughts, and he stepped away from the window. Over the last few weeks, since he’d decided to accept Jack’s invitation to Australia, he’d had visions of what he’d find here. His mother hadn’t told him much about the time she’d lived here, except about Jack owning a pub. Connor had been furious for her lack of memory, but in the end admitted to himself it’d probably not been a time she’d like to remember.

So he was surprised to find out that Jack lived in this massive house just outside Fermosa Bay, on the top of the cliffs, with a view over the ocean. The house had five rooms and a small study at the back. The lounge room, with a high pitched ceiling, had wood fire heating and a big window front. Connor had loved the house the instant he’d stepped into it.

When he entered the hall, he saw his father and said, “Good morning, Jack.”

The old man sighed sadly. “You still can’t bring it over your heart to call me Dad?”

Connor’s gaze wandered from his father to all the many framed photos along the wall. Jack was in many of the photos, but most them had people in them he didn’t know, except the biggest one, which showed Connor as a child in Jack’s arms. A wave of sadness shook him. No, it wasn’t in him to call him Dad. Or to even think of him as his dad.

After a moment’s silence, he turned to his father and shook his head. “Sorry.”

Jack coughed, and Connor quickly rushed to his side, holding him upright.

“Another bad day?” Connor asked.

“Son, there will be no more good days. One day is like the other, until it will be the last.”

The words struck Connor deep enough to feel some emotions for his father. He knew time was running out, but hearing it made it sound final.

“There’s a front coming, but I think you’d be able to sit outside for a little while. At least until the nurse comes.”

Jack simply nodded.

Connor helped his father out onto the deck where the old man sat down on his swing seat.

“Thanks, Son.”

Without a reply, Connor stepped away and watched the sea again.

“I couldn’t keep you away from the water when you were a child,” Jack said.

“What do you mean?” Connor asked.

Jack didn’t answer, so he turned around to look at his father. The old man stared into the distance, a withdrawn expression on his face.

“You were constantly in the water. Whatever opportunity you had, you grabbed your little board and spent most of the day there.”

“So what happened?”

His father shrugged. “You left with your mother.”

Sitting down on the chair next to Jack, Connor let out a long breath. “Something must’ve happened. I never go near water, let alone go in it.”

Still gazing into the distance, Jack said, “I still have the blue board. Ethan’s little son sometimes uses it nowadays.”

Not sure where the conversation was heading, Connor just went along. “Who’s Ethan?” he asked.

The reaction from his father wasn’t what he expected. With his shoulders sagged, Jack closed his eyes. He looked so old and frail. From what Connor saw in all the photos around the house, cancer had taken a lot of life out of his father, leaving behind a haggard body with no energy left. Initially, he’d been taken aback by their similarities in looks, with their dark brown eyes and dark blond hair, including the stubborn curl above the ears, but after all, Jack was his father.

“Ethan was your best friend when you lived here.”

Pain shot through Connor as he was again confronted with a piece of information about his past that he knew nothing about. What had happened all those years ago, that his memory blocked these recollections of his childhood?

“How is your mother?” Jack asked suddenly.

Was it a sign of his illness that the old man wasn’t able to hold on to one topic anymore, or was he out to annoy Connor?

“She’s doing well.”

“Married?”

“Yes.”

Jack nodded. “She was beautiful when she lived here. So beautiful.”

Leaning forward to rest his arms on his knees, Connor asked, “Why did you ask her to leave?”

Finally, their eyes locked, and his father’s confusion took Connor aback.

“Son, what are you talking about?”

________________________________________________

««««« What reviewers are saying about ECHOES OF THE PAST: »»»»»

I received this book as an ARC – and absolutely loved it!!!!
It is sweet and gentle yet filled with very strong emotions book, which will make you ponder upon the fate and decisions of the characters long after you finish reading 🙂

It will appeal not only to the true romance-loving readers, but also to those who, like me, reach for that genre occasionally, when in need of a read that would touch their hearts 😀 And this is it!!!
I honestly do not remember last time I’ve read something so gentle, so dear – yet tugging on all the inner feelings strings with quite a strength!
– Amazon Reviewer

Who said you can’t find your soul mate at seven years old?

For Emily, who lived her whole life in the sleepy Fermosa Bay Australia she always knew that Connor was the one. At seven years old, the whole town had them married off living a quiet happy life. But when an innocent accident happens, Connor’s mother takes the opportunity to whisk her son away to a life that offers more.

Growing up in London in the shadow of his step father, Connor becomes a successful and sought after lawyer with the world at his feet. When his biological father tracks him down, a father he has no memory of and asks him to return home to Australia, Connor can’t say no. Especially to his dying father.

This is a beautiful tale of rediscovering what you already had and what really matters. Reconnecting with old friends and old loves opens Connor’s heart to a world he never anticipated. Iris had me in tears with this sweet story of coming home. Congratulations. A must read for anyone with a romantic heart!
– Rebecca Barber, author

________________________________________________

««««« ABOUT THE AUTHOR »»»»»

Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.

Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.

Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisBlobel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_iris_b

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel

– Tour Host –

HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/

Monday Blog

Lost and Sometimes Found

Posted on February 22, 2016February 22, 2016 by Debbie

I’d like to share an experience I had recently of locating a very special item that I thought was lost, my 1984 Laurence C. Lobaugh Memorial Award for Journalism from Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus. For those, like me, who are constantly losing or misplacing belongings, I’m also providing some tips for keeping them safe or finding them when they are missing.

Most people realize that, like a detective, you have to follow your last steps of where you last had an item in order to try to trace it. In my opinion, there are three types of things that go missing. The first we can refer to as Only Misplaced (OM). This is something you put away either for safekeeping and then forget where you put it or something you left in a place it didn’t belong because you were either in a hurry putting it away or didn’t have a good place for it. This was the case with my journalism award. I could’ve sworn I’d put it in my jewelry box in a special section, but it turned up in a small box in my closet that was not even the box it originally came in. This forgetfulness loss is the easiest to remedy, as items are usually eventually found ironically often when looking for something else.

The second type of missing item is more difficult to find. We can refer to it as the Unknown Missing (UM). It’s when you realize something is missing like an earring or other type of jewelry, but you did not put it anywhere. It may have fallen off and, because you usually don’t know exactly when you lost it, it’s hard to trace your steps leading up to its loss. This happened to me with one of my favorite earrings and an anniversary ring. This loss is usually permanent, as the objects which are usually small, either get vacuumed up, thrown in the garbage, or blown away by the wind if lost outside. Occasionally they are found, but the person finding them has no way of matching them up with you.

The last type of missing item is something that is just misplaced temporarily such as keys, water bottles, cell phones. In most cases, the person just forgets where they left these items. Sometimes this happens on a regular basis. I’m a big water bottle misplacer. I usually leave them in doctor offices and in various places around the library where I work. We refer to this type of missing item as the Commonly Misplaced (CM).

Here are some tips to dealing with all 3 types of lost items:

For OM’s, the best course of action is to not lose these items in the first place. If they are valuable to you either financially or emotionally, set aside a place for them. Put them in a firesafe box or a jewelry box you can lock (but make sure not to lose the key). If you’ve already lost the item and are sure it’s in your house, don’t panic. It will turn up eventually when you are looking for something else. If you’re in a rush to find it for some reason, you can try cleaning the room where you have similar objects. For instance, if it’s jewelry, you might look through all your jewelry boxes or in the room where you normally keep your jewelry. If it’s an item of clothing, you might look through your drawers and closet or even where you store your out-of-season clothes.

For UM’s, all you can do is try to retrace your steps. If you’re not even sure where and when you lost it, you will have to look everywhere. The sooner you do that after you discover it missing, the better your chance of finding it. To prevent losing this type of item, you should make sure your jewelry fits well. For earrings, you should check that the backs are secure. For those that dangle, like the one I lost, be sure that you use the tiny plastic back to secure it. Also, if you are wearing a coat, check that it might have fallen inside or to the floor when you’ve put it on or taken it off and especially check the place you put the jewelry on in the first place. If it’s a ring, make sure it’s not too loose, as mine was. Items like these can fall off without you feeling them drop.

For CM’s, you just have to be more aware of where you place things. However, there are now apps and devices you can buy to track your objects. My husband got the whole family a Tile tracking devices for Christmas that can attach to your keys and other items so that you can track them with a cell phone app (and you can track that too as long as you keep it signed into the program). I actually find this more of a nuisance, although I have to admit it helped me find my keys once.

When all else fails, you can say a prayer to St. Anthony, the saint of lost items.

A Stone's Throw, Books

Join my Newsletter for Exclusive Updates and Giveaways

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Debbie

To update the readers of this blog with my new books, I’ve created a Ruff Drafts newsletter where I will share the latest news about my books and other projects as well as hold exclusive giveaways and contests for prizes.

As I’ve been hard at work on the second book of my Cobble Cove Mysteries that began with A STONE’S THROW, I will soon be able to give you details and some sneak peeks into the sequel. This content will be shared with my newsletter subscribers first, and some will not even be featured on this blog or any of my social media sites.

So subscribe today to receive my newsletter and become part of my inside fan group. I appreciate your support. The first newsletter will be out in March and will be sent on a monthly basis or more often when I have some extra special news to share.

In addition to other contests and giveaways I will be offering on a regular basis, all those who subscribe during the month of February will be entered into a random drawing for an autographed copy of their choice of A STONE’S THROW or the sequel when it is published (U.S. subscribers only).

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday February 19 – S. Valentine – His Confession

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Debbie

HIS CONFESSION by S. Valentine

The Black Door Trilogy, #1

GENRE: Erotic Romance

PUBLISHER: Limitless Publishing

★ SYNOPSIS ★

When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.

At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted…

It’s her own.

Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable…

Unable to get him out of her head—and against Darion’s explicit warning—

Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.

They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.

Until his confession changes everything…

Her heart is telling her to stay.

Her instinct is telling her to run.

She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves…

Or can she?
Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.

★★ PURCHASE ★★

AMAZON US – Kindle: http://amzn.to/1PA96Nr

AMAZON US – Paperback: http://amzn.to/1oEu3Ov

AMAZON UK – Kindle: http://amzn.to/1NTaEhj

AMAZON UK – Paperback: http://amzn.to/1NTaEhj

★ BOOK TRAILER ★

WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoVV8l943j4

★ ★ WHAT EARLY REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HIS CONFESSION ★ ★

“His Confession was a surprisingly engaging read with believable characters who were easy to connect with.It dealt with subjects a little different to what I’m used to, but the author did a great job of pulling me into her world.” – Mia Hoddell, YA/NA author.

“His Confession pulled me through from the first paragraph! The enigmatic Darion practically leapt off the pages and I could picture his every move and facial expression clear as day in my head! This story is definitely one to add to your “want-to-read” list-especially if you love a captivating plot as well as scenes so hot that they fog up your glasses. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it for future readers but DARION and GABI put Christian and Ana to SHAME! Enough said. LOL.” – Kiarra M. Taylor, contemporary romance author of THE QUARTER CHANGE.

“I loved it and I’m excited to read more to find out what happens. Darion is a great guy who was hurt badly and doesn’t know how to handle, which in steps Gabi. Love love love her! Hopefully she fights for him! When does the next book come out, as I’m dying to know what comes next! I also hope the girls get their own stories.” – Susan Flynn, Beta reader Writers club.

“S. Valentine does an exquisite job at creating a dynamic between two characters, both from different worlds, that goes beyond a physical attraction. His Confession is book one in The Black Door Trilogy. It is a fast paced story that is full of hotness and anticipation that heats you up from your head to your toes. Gabi, is tired of always playing it safe. Darion, has demons that he can no longer control. When these two get together, boundaries are pushed, control is tested and emotions run wild.” – AV. Scott, author of High Heels & New York.

“A brilliant book which leaves you wondering what happened in Darion’s past that has left him so wary and so afraid to put himself and his heart out there not to mention to put his faith and trust in Gabi, the one woman whose managed to penetrate the walls he’s built. I can’t wait for book 2 and I’m hoping that Darion and Gabi can overcome the obstacles that stand in front of them, including Eva, Darion’s ex wife.” – Rebecca Barber, author Nobody’s Obligation.

★ ★ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ★ ★

S. Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.

Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.

For more information, please visit: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books.

If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!

WEBSITE: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/SophiaVAuthor

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/SophiaValentineAuthor

PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/SophiaVWrites

GOODREADS: www.goodreads.com/SophiaValentine

BLOG: www.lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com

Newsletter sign up: www.s-valentine.wix.com/books

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Author Spotlight Sophia Valentine

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Sophia Valentine (pen name S. Valentine) from Spain.

Thanks for joining me, Sophia. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.
I understand you have a novel that is just being released by Limitless today. Can you give me some details about it and your writing?

I write a few genre’s. At the moment, book 1 of my erotic romance series, His Confession will be published today, 16/02/16. I’m working on book two and three of that series. I have also completed two contemporary novels. I’d say one is a gritty drama, and the other leans more towards women’s fiction / chick-lit.

Sounds very diversified.
Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

I hope to publish all of the manuscripts I have written, and that readers are entertained by my writing to want to read more. My goal is to get all of the plot ideas I have jotted down into completed and published books.

Nice. What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

My reading will attract mostly females above the age of 18. My contemporary / drama novel is for a wider audience, both female and male.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Never give up. If it takes you a year or five, if you stick at it, you will eventually get there. Read a lot, treat it as not only for entertainment purposes but study material. Research how to perfect a manuscript, format it, and how to write a good query letter and synopsis.

Very good advice.

What were some of the struggles you faced before you became published?

The struggles I faced were lack of confidence. Every time I received a rejection from agents, it killed me! There were also times where I was affected from writer’s block. No words would come out. The best advice I can give to people is to never give up. Believe in yourself, and you will get there! It may take time, it may happen quickly. Never give up on your passion.

I think many writers can identify with those issues. Persistence pays off, and facing struggles along the way makes becoming published that much sweeter.

Did you or are you taking any helpful writing or publishing classes?

I studied English literature and language at college, besides Law. English lit has always been my favourite subject, even in school. I loved when it was creative writing time.

You sound like me, Sophia. In addition to my MLS in Library Science, I have a B.A. in English, and creative writing was one of my favorite subjects. as well.

What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?

Reading, blogging, shopping, and a glass of wine to shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Gossip Girl, Dexter and SATC.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

I enjoy being able to get the ideas out of my head, and it’s a great achievement eventually seeing it it print. The most favourable tough part is the marketing and promotion. Writing the book seems the easy part once you have to tackle that!

lol. I totally agree. I also find editing a challenge, although beta readers are a great help.

Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.

www.s-valentine.wix.com/books

www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor

www.twitter.com/SophiaVAuthor

www.instagram.com/SophiaValentineAuthor

www.pinterest.com/SophiaVWrites

www.goodreads.com/SophiaValentine

www.lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com

It was wonderful speaking with you in the Limitless Lounge today, Sophia, and best wishes on your release of HIS CONFESSION and all the great books I’m sure will follow.

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