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Monthly Archives: July 2020

Romance During Covid

I wrote a few months ago about how to write and/or develop a romance during a Covid pandemic with all the public health restrictions like social distancing and wearing masks. My Covid brain couldn’t really figure it out. Well, in my own small town, Tiffany Goodwein wrote a news article about a couple that showed me how it was done. Now I’m rethinking a new story. (And the photo was from her same article – Parker Thomas/Facebook)

Besides social distancing and masks, restaurants and movie theatres are close. It’s stay-at-home. So, finding a location to date can become a challenge. John and Mary met at church in January. After just six months, the couple not only dated but became engaged. G etting to know each other, in the midst of COVID-19, meant getting creative. Their very first date was a coffee date, done virtually. They brewed coffee at about 5 p.m., at night and sat down. John was in his room and Mary was at her house. They put on FaceTime and sat there with coffee and chatted. It lasted for about five, six hours straight.

Virtual coffee dates then turned to watching movies together, at a social distance by using FaceTime and linking movies together with Netflix Party. With the weather frigid near the start of their relationship, the couple made use of their vehicles to go on adventures, by putting their phones on Bluetooth and driving around town all while talking to each other. The date would then finish off with a trip through the drive-through and a chat in a parking lot, all while remaining in their own cars. And then about three weeks ago they became engaged after John popped the question, just as the sun was rising. They will marry in August.

Another couple Sally and Tom met when Tom was hired to help Candice move out of her home. After the move Tom he asked Sally out for coffee. She didn’t go at first. About three weeks later she thought, why not and accepted. Not expecting much. Since then they’ve had fires in the backyard, taken walks and go for bike rides, stuff like that. That was four weeks ago, and the couple has been going strong, appreciating the more subtle date nights at every turn.

While traditional date settings were more difficult to come by, a common thread for both couples was the strengthening they experienced in their relationship.

Love can happen under all circumstances and like the above couples we need to be more innovative in write touching romances during these pandemic times.

Comments anyone?

Targeted by Beverley Bateman

Targeted by Beverley Bateman #MFRWhooks

After and eleven year absence Janna Kincaid inherits a ranch and is forced to return to a town she only remembers with unhappiness, a man to whom she was briefly married and never wants to see again, and someone is trying to kill her.

 

Kye Hawkins has loved Janna since he first met her. They were married but a few weeks later she ran away, without an explanation. He still hasn’t figured out why. Now she’s coming back. Does she still love him? Can he rekindle the romance and also prevent her from being killed.

 

Janna doesn’t want Kye’s help in anyway, yet he always seems to be there when she’s in trouble. Can they work together to find a killer, save the Native burial ground and home of the spirits, and find romance again?

Buy links:

Excerpt

Deep breath, Janna.

Splintered glass spread in a two foot semi-circle on the plush, cream colored, wool carpet. Janna jerked to a stop so she didn’t get splinters in her bare feet.

“You might want to put on some shoes, ma’am.” Delaney glanced at her feet, then pulled a small camera from his pocket and started to snap pictures of the area.

Janna nodded and found a pair of old runners under her couch. She slid them on but didn’t bother with the laces.

“Then I’m guessing he headed toward my bedroom. I heard a thud. I think he hit the coffee table.” Janna jerked at the hem of her nightshirt and indicated the large oak table in front of her brown, leather couch.

Delaney nodded and he snapped a few pictures of the solid oak and glass coffee table with the replica of the statue of David in the center. “We can get forensics to check and see if maybe he left any DNA when he hit it. They should be here shortly. You keep saying he, do you know who it might have been?”

“I have no idea. I just use ‘he’ because I don’t think of a woman doing this.”

A smile slipped across Delaney’s craggy face. “Oh, they do it all right.”

Janna moved through her open bedroom door. “He turned the knob and opened this door. He took a couple of shots in the direction of the bed and then left. At least it sounded like a gun with a silencer, and there were a couple of small flashes.”

“A silencer or suppressor can make the shot a lot quieter, but you will still hear it.”

Delaney said.

When she flipped on the light, Janna looked at the queen-sized bed with the mauve, shamrock green, and white floral duvet thrown back to reveal the matching and expensive mauve cotton sheets and pillow cases. This lovely set brought her pleasure each time she saw it—but not tonight.

There were two holes. One was in the mauve covered pillow. The second went through the blanket and sheet she’d pushed together when she slid out of bed. They were bunched together and could have been the outline of a body. The shot could have been about her heart level.

The enormity of the situation punched her in the stomach. A wall of nausea crashed over her. She reached for the wall to steady herself. Her gaze focused on the bed, unable to look away.

“Ohmigawd,” her chest felt like a hundred pound weight was sitting on it. Janna struggled to take a breath.

“You might want to sit down.” Delaney touched her shoulder and motioned her back to the living room.

Nodding, Janna moved robot-like to the couch, still in her nightshirt.

Someone tried to kill me. They really tried to kill me. If I hadn’t woken up, there would have been one shot in my head and another in my heart. I would be dead, not trying to figure out who fired the shots.

When she flopped down, the butter soft leather felt cool against the back of her thighs. She pulled her legs up under her and tucked in the hem of her nightshirt. She rocked back and forth. She could be dead right now. Her life could be over at twenty-nine.

He hadn’t broken in to steal anything. He’d broken in to kill her. If she hadn’t heard him and hidden behind the door…

Why? Why would someone want to kill me?

 

Hawkins Ranch Series: Book 1

 

 

Hawkins Ranch Series: Book 2

 

Developing Your Characters

I love some of the topics that we get for our monthly group blog get together’s. And this is another interesting and thought provoking on. How do you develop a character who is different in personality from all the other characters you have developed, or from yourself?

First, because I’m plot driven, I come up with a plot, or the beginning of a plot. We know it will change as I write but it’s where I start. Then I come up with the characters that fit or will develop the plot.  Usually it’s the heroine, or the hero. Then I need to match them and develop characteristics that can and will cause conflict.  Then there’s the villain.  

So now I have a rough idea of the characters and the plot, I start to do my research. What are the goals for my h/h and what characteristics do they need to have to reach their goals? What obstructions are there, and how do they need to personally develop to overcome the obstructions, either alone or together.  This would be where I would develop differences in personality that might be different from any other of my characters and definitely different from me..

In my Hawkins’ ranch series, Kye, whose story is the third book, Targeted, is a Blackfoot Native American. To develop his character, I researched the Blackfoot tribe, took a class on Native Americans and their characteristics, and used that to develop his character which is different from me and from any of my other characters. 

In my latest book, Death Southern Style Perrine is a psychic, Julie Ann has some psychic abilities and Ava is a Voodoo Priestess.  Once again, these characters are all different from myself and my other characters. Again, I did research on psychic abilities, and I had a friend who was a psychic, and I read up on the voodoo religion.

I look forward to seeing how other authors develop their different characters. Check them out.

Diane Bator  http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Anne Stenhouse    http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor  http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Marci Baun   http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

Connie Vines   http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1Y4

Fiona McGier  http://www.fionamcgier.com

Helena Fairfax  http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Rhobin L Courtright  http://www.rhobincourtright.com

It’s Out!

After posting about it for so long and trying to get it publish ready and then on pre-order – my book, Death Southern Style has been released.

It’s set in New Orleans. It has touches of paranormal (think Marie Laveau), voodoo and interesting characters. It has murder, mystery, romance and a happy ever after ending. What more could you want?

Here’s the blurb.

When Perrine Dupré dies under suspicious circumstances her daughter, Julie Ann Dupré, returns to New Orleans to find the truth about her mother’s death. She uncovers a family secret, hidden for years. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will the little dog who appears after her mother’s death help her? Is the sexy detective out to help her, or is he part of police corruption?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans, comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. His father may have died as part of that corruption. He meets Julie Ann, checks out her mother’s death and finds it was badly handled. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to find it for her. 

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And can their relationship survive?

Here are the buy links:  eBook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089VRC1WR

Paperback:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777262410

Would love to have you check it out and share your comments.

Missing by Beverley Bateman

“a startling affect on her” #MFRWhooks

Running from a disastrous engagement, and an over-powering father, Dr. Allie Parsons agrees to help out an old friend and travels to Duster, Montana. She’s agreed to help the local doctor for a brief period of time until he can find a permanent new doctor. Raised her whole life in New York city, Allie is greeted with culture shock when she finds out how small Duster is, but she also finds a warm, friendly community. And the doctor turns out to be young, tall, dark and handsome. He sends her emotions shooting sky high. She’s welcomed into the Hawkins family and develops a relationship with his daughter. A mysterious stranger leaves notes at the clinic and Allie fears they are a warning he’s going to kidnap the doctor’s daughter.

 

Luke Hawkins, one of the Hawkins’ brothers is looking for a doctor to take over half the practice from the retiring doctor. He’s not expecting his temporary replacement to be a young, sexy, single woman from New York. He knows she’s the woman he’s been searching for all his life, but he also knows she won’t stay in Duster. He doesn’t believe the notes are meant for him until his daughter is kidnapped. Now he has to save his daughter and convince the woman he loves that she really is a small town doctor at heart.

Buy links:

Excerpt

Allie closed the door, made a note on the front of the chart and popped the file into the slot on the wall before she walked back to the front desk.
 
She picked up the next chart. “Mr. Almeara?”
 
“Yah.” A man, probably in his late seventies, stood up and limped forward. He might have been over six feet in his younger days, but now, with a stooped back, he looked about five feet eight or nine inches. He had a fuzzy gray fringe with a receding hairline and a long gray beard.
 
She saw a definite twinkle in his brown eyes.
 
“Follow me, please.” Allie led the way down the corridor.
 
“Yah, I follow you anywhere, you sweet thing.”
 
“Ouch.” She jumped, turning around to stare at the man who had just pinched her backside.
 
Winking, he nodded. “You got a nice patootie there. You got a fellar that appreciates it?”
 
The initial anger dissipated. A smile crawled up from the inside. She tried to look forbidding. “Mr. Almeara, please don’t do that again.”
 
“Ahhh, you could make an old man very unhappy if he couldn’t appreciate a good lookin’ woman.”
 
“You may look, but, please, don’t touch.” Allie tried to hide the laughter busting to get out. She opened the next door and stepped to one side so he couldn’t touch her as he went past.
 
“In here, please. What are you seeing the doctor about today?”
 
“I...I got problems with the water works.”
 
“I see. That’s common with men in your age bracket. The doctor will talk to you about it. Don’t worry.”
 
“Really, are you sure?”
 
“Not for sure. The doctor will have to run a few tests first to find out what the problem is. Have a seat. He should be right in.”
 
Her lips still tugged at the corners as Allie closed the door behind her.
 
Dr. Hawkins entered the hall. “Are you smiling at a private joke?”
 
“Sort of,” she had no intention of sharing that pinch with him. He might think she couldn’t handle the patients if this sort of thing happened in the first few hours after she started work. She had no idea of his ideas on harassment. Besides, she found it more funny than upsetting.
 
“Your next patient’s ready.”
 
“Thanks. You’re doing a great job. I really appreciate you doing this.”
 
She nodded and went back to reception to pull the next patient file and answer the ringing phone. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a compliment on her work. And this one was for her work as a receptionist.
 
Every time she passed him in the corridor, his closeness, his masculine musky scent and those hypnotizing eyes had a startling affect on her.
 
Duster didn’t appear to be so depressing any longer. However, he could make working together a challenge.
 
They needed to keep things strictly professional. He might be sexy, but she had no desire to get involved with any man right now.
 
Why would he have chosen to practice medicine in this godforsaken place?
 

Cynthia Terelst and her New Release

Cynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.

She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.

2020 Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Shepherd: Shepherd Bell III

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Shepherd: My story takes place in the current time.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story?

Shepherd: My mum passed away when I was young. I was brought up by my dad and our housekeeper, Maria. I live a privileged life; my family comes from money. I always wanted to do something good with my life and when I met Evie, I started to believe I could do that. Then she left, without warning, and my life fell apart.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Shepherd: My goal is to win Evie back. We have been apart for five years and I miss her. My life feels empty without her. I created a million-dollar scavenger hunt because I know how much she loves scavenger hunts. I thought there was no way she would miss the opportunity. Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Shepherd: Well, when I created the scavenger hunt my only thought was being able to spend time with Evie and have her fall in love with me again. I didn’t realise that she would have plans for the winnings. Now, I have to come up with three million dollars while trying to build a relationship with her. My best friend Sammy will tell you I didn’t think this through very well.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Shepherd: I hope I can raise the money by asking for donations from rich people I know. In regards to winning Evie back, I just plan to be myself and for her to see how we are meant to be together.                                                                                                         Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Shepherd: I know that making up a scavenger hunt sounds a bit extreme, but I really did think it was a great idea at the time. I didn’t do it just because Evie was the one who got away, I truly do love her.

Blurb for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Will one of the treasures they find be each other’s heart?

It’s been five years since Tara walked out of Shepherd’s life without a word. Since then he’s spiralled through drugs, alcohol and empty relationships, with Tara on his mind the whole time. Now he wants to win her back, and what better way to do it than by creating a fake scavenger hunt? He knows she won’t be able to resist.

Tara’s lost enough loved ones and she didn’t want to see Shepherd added to that count. So, when she saw him high at graduation, she did the only thing she could – she walked away. When she’s teamed up with him for a million dollar scavenger hunt, the feelings reignite. For a second chance at love to work, she needs to be brave enough to open up to him, to tell him everything she withheld the first time around.

Shepherd didn’t realise how much winning would mean to Tara. He now needs to come up with $3 million for her foundation before the hunt is over. If he can’t he will need to tell her its all fake, and he doesn’t know if he can risk that.

Will secrets destroy them a second time around?  

Excerpt from Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Tara

Shepherd and I sat on the couch side by side and watched The Martian while we ate dinner. The warmth from where our arms touched seeped through me. I should have moved away, but I didn’t want to. The spices from the tacos radiated off him. What would they taste like when mixed with the sweetness of him? My eyes were drawn to his lips, the curve of them. I could practically feel their softness.

Shepherd turned his face to mine. My eyes lingered for a moment as I imagined his soft breath brushing my face as he bent his head toward me. My breathing shallowed to the point that it was nearly non-existent, as if I were a starfish. I turned my face away and resumed watching the movie, making sure my hands kept to themselves and my thoughts remained on the man saving his own life on the screen. Matt Damon may have been the most attractive astronaut I’d ever seen, but he was nothing compared to Shepherd.

The movie ended and I sat there while the credits rolled. Our closeness suddenly made me feel like we were in a flux capacitor. Time—five years of it—had been starved, and now it was swallowing me whole. Everything about Shepherd felt like home. Everything. And if I allowed it to, this feeling wouldn’t just swallow me, it would become me.

I jerked away from him, my heart racing, my skin cold, while I broke into a sweat. I couldn’t allow this to happen. Shepherd was no longer my solace. He never truly was because he never knew my grief. My grief over my brother. The feelings of loss at my parent’s death.

No, Shepherd was not my solace. Not then. Not now.

Buy Link for   Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Social Media Links For Cynthia Terelst

Website http://cynthiaterelst.com/

Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/p9p9y0

Twitter https://twitter.com/CynthiaTerelst

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

Facebook For the Love of Words FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/572605370313807/

Instagram https://www.instagram. com/cynthiaterelstauthor/

BookBub  https:///authors/cynthia-terelst

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Terelst/e/B07ZCTX8SB/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/cynthiaterelst

Linktree – h ttps://linktr.ee/cynthiaterelst

Missing by Beverley Bateman

Missing #MFRWhooks

Running from a disastrous engagement, and an over-powering father, Dr. Allie Parsons agrees to help out an old friend and travels to Duster, Montana. She’s agreed to help the local doctor for a brief period of time until he can find a permanent new doctor. Raised her whole life in New York city, Allie is greeted with culture shock when she finds out how small Duster is, but she also finds a warm, friendly community. And the doctor turns out to be young, tall, dark and handsome. He sends her emotions shooting sky high. She’s welcomed into the Hawkins family and develops a relationship with his daughter. A mysterious stranger leaves notes at the clinic and Allie fears they are a warning he’s going to kidnap the doctor’s daughter.

 

Luke Hawkins, one of the Hawkins’ brothers is looking for a doctor to take over half the practice from the retiring doctor. He’s not expecting his temporary replacement to be a young, sexy, single woman from New York. He knows she’s the woman he’s been searching for all his life, but he also knows she won’t stay in Duster. He doesn’t believe the notes are meant for him until his daughter is kidnapped. Now he has to save his daughter and convince the woman he loves that she really is a small town doctor at heart.

Buy links:

Excerpt

A few feet from the counter, she stopped. His electric blue eyes locked on her. She couldn’t look away. Sensuality oozed across the space between them. Her breath hitched into an irregular rhythm, kicking her pulse up a notch.
 

 

“Good, you finally got here. I thought Jean would send someone a little faster.” His rich, smooth voice rolled over her. “Look, we’re backed up. Patients’ files are over there and the appointment book is on the desk. Check them in, pull their file, and put the file in the slot by the examining room door.”

 

“Excuse me?” She stared up at the man snapping orders at her. She’d run away from one tyrant and had no intention of putting up with another overbearing one, even if he was knock-down gorgeous. His firm abs, linebacker-type shoulders and muscular body did not compensate for his attitude.

 

Who did this jerk think he was?

 

Her back stiffened. She assumed he was the doctor, but his manners confused her. If staff and working partners were expected to put up with this, no wonder they hadn’t been able to find another doctor.

 

“You’re not going to make me repeat all that are you? I have a room full of patients. When I asked Jean to send a temp over from the hospital, I thought she’d send someone with training and at least a vague idea of what they were doing.” A sigh slipped through his lips and he rolled his eyes. The look he gave her placed her one step above an idiot.

 

He pointed to a huge pile of folders. “The patients’ files are...”

 

Allie pulled her shoulders back, raised her chin and tightened her lips together. “Excuse me. I believe you’ve made a mistake. First of all, I’m not stupid. Second, I’m not your damn temp. I’m a doctor, Alexandra Parsons, M.D. I understood you were expecting me.”

 

“You’re the new doc? Shoot. I didn’t expect you today.” The heart-stopping man stared down at her. His full lips drooped in apparent disappointment.

 

The disappointment could be her or the fact he still didn’t have a temp. She couldn’t tell.

July News

 

July has July 1st, Canada Day, and July 4th, Independence Day in the United States.  I don’t know about you and where you live, but in Canada most of the usual Canada Day celebrations have been canceled, across Canada, due to the Corona virus. And group celebrations, including fireworks displays have been canceled. We are limited to a few drive-through events like pancake breakfasts and small family barbeques in the backyard, while still social distancing. Fireworks are virtual. Happy Canada Day!

I’m not sure what the United States is doing for Independence Day as it appears it differs from state to state. So, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, Happy Independence Day!

 

The rest of the month, there are a few more smaller significant days.

July 11 World Population Day

July 12 – Paper Bag Day

July 14th Bastille Day

July 18th International Nelson Mandala Day

July 26th National Parent’s Day

 

Have fun celebrating.

The corona virus, as I mentioned for Canada day, is still with us and affecting our lifestyles. As a writer I am adjusting. I think it’s going to be with us for awhile. To help the economy recover I’m following the measures health officials recommend. I’m wearing a mask to protect other people and maybe myself. I’m social distancing and washing my hands. Actually, I even wear gloves in stores so I’m not touching items and spreading anything that way. I’m staying home and at first that was kind of ‘brain fogging’, but that’s passing. Now I’m actually sorting and organizing files, writing, reading and meditating. And I even learned Zoom.

 

I hope everyone is coping and staying safe through this challenging time and celebrating all occasions sensibly. Have a quiet summer.

 

 

Finally, after so many months, Death Southern Style is up for pre-order and will be available July 20th. It will be available in both e-Book and print. Here’s the link to pre-order.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089VRC1WR?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

 

Here’s an excerpt from Death Southern Style.

Inside the house Julie Ann turned back to Savannah. “I’m going to find out what happened to Mom. She shouldn’t have died that way and I’m going to find out why.”

 

“You be careful girl. There’s something evil going on around here. I don’t know what it is, but you don’t wanna to get involved. I notice you didn’t explain that sixth sense of yours to the policeman.”

 

Julie Ann managed a weak smile. “I didn’t think he was up for that. He got that weird look on his face when I showed him the voodoo doll and again when I mentioned sensing something. He’s not a believer. Besides, I don’t totally understand that sensing thing myself. I’ve always tried to avoid using it. Most people think I’m crazy when I say something about seeing or sensing something. Perrine was the one with that skill or power. She encouraged me to work with it and strengthen it. She knew she was going to die.”

Julie Ann managed a weak smile. “I didn’t think he was up for that. He got that weird look on his face when I showed him the voodoo doll and again when I mentioned sensing something. He’s not a believer. Besides, I don’t totally understand that sensing thing myself. I’ve always tried to avoid using it. Most people think I’m crazy when I say something about seeing or sensing something. Perrine was the one with that skill or power. She encouraged me to work with it and strengthen it. She knew she was going to die.”

 

“You sensed that?”

 

“Yes, when I came into the house. She ran so she didn’t die in the house.”

 

“That makes sense. Now you think Perrine might try to talk to you?”

 

“Uh huh, I’m hoping she might. Mom would want me to find out what happened. And she’d be happy if I tried to improve my sensing and vision skills. We both know Perrine’s not going to be able to rest peacefully until we find out what really happened and why. And I get the feeling there’s something she wants me to know. I think it’s in a brown envelope – somewhere.”

 

“And you know this how?”

 

“When I said good-bye to her today, I got flashes.”

 

“Yup, that’s Perrine trying to get through to you, sure ‘nuff, but I don’t want you gettin’ in any trouble. She’ll never rest if something happens to you.”

 

“I’ll be fine, Savannah. Really, I will. I’ll be careful. I don’t have a choice. Now, how about you whippin’ me up some of your special red beans and rice. Nobody makes it quite like you and I haven’t had it since I moved to New York.”

 

“You’ve got it, girl. You come on over to my place and let me see if we can put a few pounds on those skinny bones of yours.”

 

“That sounds good. And for the record, I think you know more than you’re telling anyone. You’ve known Perrine for a very long time. You know more about my birth mother than Mom

ever told me.”

 

“Now baby girl, don’ you start going there. That’s nothin’ but trouble.”

 

“It’s time I knew what Perrine would never discuss and you will tell me. There’s a good chance it has to do with why they killed her.”

 

Savannah heaved herself up from the chair and wrapped an arm around Julie Ann’s shoulder.

 

“We’ll see, we’ll see… Let’s see what Perrine says first.”

 

“If she says anything, but if she doesn’t you are going to tell me what you know. It’s time I learned the truth.”

 

“You sound like your mother. We’ll talk later.”

 

“I’m holding you to that. Now, I’m going to see Priestess Ava. I need to talk to her. You make those red beans and rice for dinner. I’ll be back shortly.”

 

Savannah nodded. “Priestess Ava is a good idea. She’ll help you.”

 

They moved to the door together. Something made Julie Ann glance over her shoulder back into the living room. A shadow disappeared into a corner.

 

Who was it? Was it the murderer? Were the spirits restless? Was it her mother? Or just her imagination?

 

You can also follow me and check me out:

July Enter to win 1 of 4 gift cards https://www.redcarpetfiction.com/bookbub-july-2020
July Enter to win 1 of 4 gift cards https://www.redcarpetfiction.com/amazon-july-2020 

 

July 20th on Ellen Mint
https://ellenmint.blog/2020/07/20/death-southern-style-by-beverley-bateman/

July 25th on my blog
https://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/ a group blog on  “How do you develop a character who is different in personality from all the other characters you have developed, or from yourself?”

July 29th on Dee Knight
http://www.nomadauthors.com/blog/ 

I have continued writing 100 words a day and report my word count to the ‘100 words a day’ group. I’m working on The Foundation Lydia’s Story, the second in the series, which I’ve mentioned before. I’m about one third of the way through it. I’ll be working on it for quite awhile. Hopefully Not as long as it took me to write Death Southern Style.

 

I’m also thinking I might write a short novella. I’m sort of noodling on that. I’ll talk more about that next month.

 

And you can follow me follow me on my blog https://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/ for how I’m doing, Canada Day, tips and guest authors.

Beverley Bateman Blogger

Meet D.V. Stone and her New Release

Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Gloriana Hi, my name is Gloriana Jones. My parents were hippies, and Grandmas, Gloria and Anna, were two old fashioned for them. Try going through school named Gloriana.

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Gloriana I’m a Jersey girl through and through. I love the shore (in New Jersey we don’t call them beaches) and the mountains. I love Taylor Egg and Cheese sandwiches and not pumping my own gas.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Gloriana: Even though issues in my life are timeless, my story takes place in the here and now—Present-day Lake Unami in Northern NJ.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Gloriana: You know when you’re young, you have dreams. You fall in love, get married, and look forward to growing old together? I fell in love, and my husband Frank and I were nearing retirement and we had dreams. We were going to open an Ice Cream parlor. Frank would say, We could bring joy and smiles to people.  But then my husband died. I tried so hard to keep the dream alive, but…

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Gloriana: Short term— to keep Rainbow Sprinkles running. Business has been tough. Bad weather and storms have put a damper on the ice cream business. Long term—may be to find joy in life again? Sometimes I get lonely.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Gloriana: Well, the spring and summer weather has been less than ideal for a seasonal business. If I don’t make enough to sustain me over the winter, I’m not sure what I’ll do. And, well, to be honest, I’ve recently met someone. His name is Nathan. We met during one of the recent storms. He’s charming and handsome too. Frank’s been gone a long time, but I’m experiencing guilt. And can we talk about insecurity? At this stage in life, everything is not where it used to be. Plus, he lives in a different state. Ah, who am I kidding? We had a moment, but the moment doesn’t have a chance.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Gloriana: Keep on keeping on. You know what I mean. Since meeting Frank, the weather has improved. Did I mention he’s a business consultant? I’m also looking into full-time employment to get me through the winter.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Gloriana: Yes, I’m a retired corrections sergeant, it’s a hard job. That’s where Frank and I met. My best friends and the only family I have are the people I’ve worked with through the years. They love and support me. They came up to Lake Unami recently and brightened my entire week. It’s important to have that kind of support.

Thanks for interviewing me today. If you’re ever near Lake Unami, stop in, and I’ll make you Rainbow Sprinkles signature treat. A salted caramel sundae with rainbow sprinkles.

Blurb for Rainbow Sprinkles

Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a t ime, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream. A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he’s lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop. With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?

Excerpt for Rainbow Sprinkles

“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”

“No, you’re welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”

Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”

When he disappeared into the hallway, and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”

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Hunted by Beverley Bateman

“He’d been sucker punched.” #MFRWhooks

HUNTED is the first in the series about the Hawkins ranch and the Hawkins men. It’s a romantic suspense set in Duster, a fictional, small town in Montana.

 

Staying alive wasn’t Maggie McGonagall’s first concern.

 

Could she convince the man she hadn’t planned on ever seeing again, to accept and protect, a son he didn’t know about? Once she managed that, she’d figure out how to keep herself from getting killed.

 

Cody Hawkins came running when the woman he wanted to forget called him for help. Could he help her, and walk away?

 

The Hawkins ranch was Maggie’s second home growing up. She’d been in love with Cody ever since she met him when she was ten years old. Until her late teens Cody never showed interest in her as a person.

 

One night, caught in a cabin in a thunder storm they had made love. Maggie thought Cody finally realized he loved her. He had to leave on a cattle drive the next day and was gone for several weeks.

While he was gone Maggie found out she was pregnant. She planned to tell cod, but when he returned home she found him in the arms of another woman. To prevent embarrassing her family as an unwed mother she left Duster.

 

Moving to Chicago she worked as a receptionist in an accountant’s office. One night she forgot a book she’d been reading. Returning to the office she opened the door just as shots were fired and the accountant fell to the floor. Two men trained their guns on her. She ran and escaped.

 

It had been a mafia contract killing. The FBI found her and Maggie testified, sending everyone involved to prison.

 

After delivering a healthy baby boy, they are both put into the witness protection plan. She’s been living in Seattle, under an assumed name, with her son ever since.

 

Cody returned from the cattle drive after a disastrous mistake on his part, expecting to find Maggie waiting for him. Instead, she had left town. No one would tell him where she went. He tracked her to Great Falls but then she completely disappeared off the face of the earth. He’s been angry with her for running out on him, ever since.

 

After seven years someone is trying to kill Maggie. She’s convinced the mafia has finally found her. She contacts Cody. She wants him to protect their son.

 

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Excerpt

CHAPTER TWO

 

Cody felt like he’d been sucker punched.

Clutching his Stetson in front of him he glanced from Maggie to the bathroom. “What the hell are you talking about?”

This dark haired boy with intense blue eyes, a missing front tooth and an infectious grin looked like a nice enough kid, but… “You want me to what?”

Maggie lowered her voice. “Shh, not so loud, I need you to take Matt back to the ranch and keep him safe.”

“Have you lost your mind? Why would you want me to do that?”

“Because I need someone I trust to keep him safe. If Matt stays with me, he’s in danger and could be killed.”

“You don’t just send your kid away with a stranger.”

“Sometimes you do, but you’re not a stranger. You protected me growing up. I just need you to protect him, now. I’m sure my parents will help look after him.”

“Protect him from what?”

“Here, Mommy.” Matt handed her a glass. The water sloshed onto Maggie’s shoes and the carpet.

“Thank you, honey.” She took the glass and gave him a squeeze. “Why don’t you turn the TV on? You can watch cartoons for a few minutes.”

“Yippee.” He raced across the room to the bed, bouncing onto it.

Cody stared at her as she watched Matt grab the remote and turn on the TV. When the TV screen came into focus, Matt flopped down on his stomach and clicked until he found a cartoon channel. His chin on his hands, he stared intently on the program.

“Okay, Maggie, give. What the hell is this all about?” Cody lowered his voice.

She sipped the water. “Can I get you a drink? There’s a mini bar.”

“Beer, please.”

Placing her glass on the dresser, she bent down and opened the door, exposing her well-formed butt.

He jammed his hands into his jean pockets to keep from placing them on her provocative posterior. She was driving him crazy with her sexy body and her refusal to explain why she wanted him to take her son back to the ranch. Protect him from what?

“Have a seat.” She indicated one of the antique chairs with arms and she handed him the beer.

He continued to stand, downed half the can in one swallow and wiped his mouth.

God, she looked terrific. When he’d finally noticed her in her late teens, she’d always looked exactly like a woman should look; great smile, slim figure with nice breasts and butt, and long sexy legs. She’d gained a few pounds in all the right places, which only made her sexier. Her jeans emphasized her adorable bottom, and the low-cut t-shirt showed off the tops of well-rounded breasts. She looked more sensuous and desirable with clothes on than that last time he’d seen her lying naked on his bed with all that red hair fanned out on his pillow.

And she wanted him to take her kid. What part of this wasn’t he getting?

“So spill it. Why do you want me to take your son back to the ranch?”

“You want the long version or the short one.” She sat. The sunlight that shafted through the window made the highlights in her hair light up like fire.

“Don’t be cute. Just cut to the bottom line.”

“Someone is trying to kill me. I don’t want Matt to get hurt, or maybe killed, because he’s with me.”

Cody felt like he’d been thrown by a horse and then stomped on. In the last few minutes, this woman had sent him reeling in all directions. He had no idea what she was talking about.

Killers were after her and Matt?