ELEVEN MORE DAYS OF SUMMER By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

 

Instincts. Sixth Sense. Gut feeling. Universal intelligence.

Ever hear that little inner voice’s whisper?

Do you listen, or try to ignore it?

Years ago, I was a newly divorced single mom trying to navigate my way. After extensive efforts, I had finally sold a few books and thought I was set in my new career. But that little voice nagged at me to send a resume to an out-of-town company not even advertising a position. I tried to ignore it. I was happy writing.  I didn’t want a “job.” I told it to go away. The voice became louder and more insistent. Finally, I faxed my resume, said, “There! Satisfied?” and went back to my writing. Before long I heard from the company, which was expanding to include a new sales position in my area, and delighted to hear from me. With mixed feelings, I eventually met the manager and joined their team. 

It was ultimately the best decision of my life.

 Through my job I had more fun, met more people, and traveled to places I never would have gone, including Jamaica, South Africa and Scotland. I wined and dined in fantasy settings here and abroad, most of which have made it into a book at some time, for I didn’t stop writing.

After twenty plus years, the company changed, the work environment changed, and it was time to once again listen to those instincts and become a full time author.

 My hero, Percy, in my upcoming release, HOPE, resolutely ignores his instincts, believing they steered him wrong in the past and are not to be trusted. Poor old Percy gets it wrong a lot before he finally follows his gut and… I won’t give away the plot except to say he finally gets his HEA. 

Here’s a little teaser where Percy is talking to his good friend, Henrietta.

           Henrietta swung about to face him, her expression troubled.  “Do you remember when we first came to Bullet?”

          Percy laughed.  “How could I forget?  It’s only been a few years, but it seems like a lifetime ago.”

          “Exactly.  Who would have thought we’d both end up living here?” Henrietta said.  “You overheard that ridiculous bet Braydon made with his brothers regarding me, and you were a good enough friend to let me know what was going on.”

          “Of course,” Percy said, wondering where this trip down memory lane was headed.

          “And now I know something I feel you should be privy to.  But I’m reluctant to interfere, the way you were then.”

          “You’ve started it now,” Percy said.  “Best to continue.”

          Henrietta pressed her lips together, clearly torn, before she blurted out, “Hope’s in town.  She just arrived and plans to stay a few days.  She has no idea you’re here, and it is possible your paths won’t cross.  Especially if you were to leave now for the dig site and stay there till after she’s gone.”

          Percy kept his expression neutral.  “You said she doesn’t know I’m here.  What, exactly, did she say?”

          “I take it you must have mentioned my name to her at some point, because she knew who I was from my hotel name badge.  She said she’d heard about the town from you and had a hankering to see the place for herself.”

          “Was she alone?”

          Henrietta nodded.

          “No mention of her husband?”

          Henrietta shook her head. 

          Percy blew out a breath and stared up at the ceiling.

          “You’re sorry I told you, aren’t you?” Henrietta said.

          “Henny, I’m an academic.  We’re used to dealing with facts, not feelings.”

          “But, in this instance, I can’t present you with all the facts.  Plus, I know, from our years together hunting for lost treasure, you also rely on your feelings and instincts.”

          Percy shook his head.  “That part I always left to you.  The one time I ignored the facts and relied solely on my feelings, my instincts steered me wrong.”

          Henny’s worried gaze met his.  “What will you do?”

          “What I always do.  Pretend life is a game of chess and study the situation carefully before I consider my next move.”

          “Is there anything I can do to help?” Henrietta asked.

          “Not a thing, my sweet.” 

 

Preorder HOPE here.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DSL7Y8H

  How about you?  Do you trust your instincts? Have they ever steered your wrong, or did you miss a wonderful opportunity because you were too busy to listen?

 By the way, there’s eleven full days of summer left before the fall equinox, lots of time to grab your copy of LAST CHANCE BEACH, SUMMER’S END for only 99cents.

https://amzn.to/3hJseeT  And a free cocktail book.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DR4K3YX/

HAPPY LONG WEEKEND! by Kathleen Lawless @kathleen lawless #romancegems

Long weekends are something most of us look forward to, whether we’re working, in school or retired.  In Canada, we had our holiday Monday earlier this week, while Memorial Day in the US and a bank holiday in the UK are on the horizon. 

This year, my brothers and sister and I celebrated by springing Dad from the retirement residence where he’s been in lockdown for over two months.  For the first time this year, all four of us were together for a visit with him, social distanced of course, outside in our lovely gazebo.  The little things we used to take for granted are slowly coming back.

To help kick off the holiday celebration this weekend, my boxed set of 4 award-winning historical romances, WIDOWS, BABIES, AND BRIDES, is on sale for only .99 cents, a saving of $9.  Grab yours here for a leisurely binge read.  
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086GGVGP2

Do you have plans for the long weekend? Or have you already enjoyed your extra day off where you are?  I'd love to hear which countries have their holiday at different times.

Wherever you're reading this, I hope you’re at least entering our Rafflecopter draw to win one of our Amazon gift cards.   http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21df08a237/  

No matter what you get up to, be sure to have a happy, safe and healthy weekend. 

Kathleen

AN EASTER LIKE NO OTHER By Kathleen Lawless @Kathleenlawless

My three grown children always loved games and puzzles, and when they were little I used to create an Easter egg hunt with clues they could follow to find their baskets.  A few years ago, when they were visiting for the Easter weekend, I decided to surprise them.  Once they were in bed, I wrote out rhyming clues and hid their treats like in the old days.

Easter morning, I heard them get up and start the game while I sipped coffee in bed.  The egg hunt went on a long time.  Finally, they admitted they were stuck.  What! 

I re-read my badly scrawled clues that made no sense.  Did I mention wine was consumed the night before?  Apparently quite a bit of wine.  I honestly couldn’t follow my own clues or remember where I’d hidden their goodies.  Luckily my house is small and the treats were eventually located.  Years later, it remains a fond family joke among the four of us.

I’ll miss them this year as I wait for the all clear to get together, to hug, to reminisce and laugh.  Little things that will never be taken for granted again. 

In the meantime, in keeping with the season, I have hidden a virtual egg on one of my social media sites.  Scoot around and find it so you can be entered into our Rafflecopter Draw.  While you’re there, please like and follow.  It helps these days to feel people out there like us.

Facebook ~ BookBub ~ Twitter

Our Easter treat to help you Read and Renew is one of 3 Amazon gift cards.  Enter here:  Rafflecopter Entry Form

To help pass the time, I have put four of my most popular western historical romances into one convenient box set for an easy binge.  Available to read for free in KU on Amazon.

Happy Easter to you and Yours.    

Kathleen 

THANKSGIVING... CANADIAN STYLE By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless #romancegems

As you read this, I am most likely stuffing half a turkey to roast while we go for an afternoon hike.  It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, and normally the weather on the west coast is mild and pleasant.  The children are grown with busy lives, but will likely stop by over the weekend.  There will be leftovers when they do. I love my butcher who understands half a turkey is plenty for many of today’s families.

Since I have so much to be thankful for, I also celebrate US Thanksgiving next month.  I love the way the holiday kicks off the Christmas season and festivities.  The first few years I had a hard time finding a fresh turkey here in November, but I seem to have started a trend.

Some years back, my Dad and my sister and I used to do an annual road trip to Portland, Oregon on the US Thanksgiving. We’d arrive at the hotel in time for dinner, shop ‘til we dropped for two whole days, one day downtown and one day at the mall, then drive home on Sunday with our Christmas shopping complete.  I remember the year the car’s trunk would not close with all our purchases stowed inside.  Stuff was being shoved onto laps, and under feet.  A group of bellmen gathered around making bets as we repacked and reorganized, and burst into applause when the trunk finally did close. 

At the time Sis and I were both divorced and Dad was widowed, so those days were fun and memorable father-daughter road trips that none of us will ever forget.  Lives change.  Dad remarried.  Sis remarried.  I met my real-life hero and the trips are no longer, but the memories live on.    

As part of my treat this month, comment below to win.  Let me know what country you are reading this in, and if Thanksgiving is celebrated where you live.  Don’t forget to include your written email… at dot com etc. I’ll pick one random winner on Monday.  You can even choose your heat level from my historical romances. 

Mild (sweet) BRODY’S BRIDE

Medium (spicy) ANORA’S PRIDE

Burn-your-fingers-hot.  Very, very sexy.  TABOO

For any dedicated fans who have read everything of mine, BISHOP’S BRIDE launches this month if you’d rather receive an advance copy.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XM358KP

By the way, in case you wonder why Authors give away books, it’s simple. We give away books to introduce new Readers to our writing. The best way to thank an Author who gives you a book is to post a review of the book. Just a few sentences saying why you liked the book is all that is needed! Do this, and we’ll adore you!

And there are fabulous monthly prizes!  Check them out!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21df08a230/

Click here to enter our No Tricks—Just Treats Rafflecopter today for a chance to win Amazon Gift Cards. Enter often and tell your friends! (You can also click Monthly Giveaways on the Menu Bar of the blog to see details of the current month’s Rafflecopter and to enter it.)

In the meantime, if you haven’t met the seven Mason Brothers, Book 3 of the series, BRAYDON’S BRIDE, is on sale next week, starting Wednesday, for only 99 cents.

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TM3RGYG

THE GRASS ONLY LOOKS GREENER by @ Kathleen Lawless #romancegems

When I was first divorced, I used to look enviously at a married couple down the street.  My seven-year-old son was friends with their son.  The boys even had the same birthday.  He hung out at their house a lot that summer of divorce, looking, I guess, for a more stable family environment.  Sherry graciously referred to him as ‘my other son’.

On my lonely walks around the neighborhood, I’d see Sherry and her husband in their yard, or walking their dog and holding hands.  I'd think, “Lucky Sherry.  Nice husband.  Lovely home and family.  Companionship.  Support.”  Until the night she showed up at my door in tears, asking if I had any wine in the fridge.  A redundant question. 

Sherry wasn’t beaten or abused.  Just desperately unhappy.   And guess what?  She used to walk past my house thinking, “Lucky Kathleen.  She can come and go as she likes.  No one to answer to.  No tiptoeing around someone else’s mood.” 

I learned a lot that night, and I think Sherry did as well.  Don’t judge by appearances.  Someone else’s grass is not greener.  Their life is not better than yours.  Enjoy your own life.  Fit into your own shoes.  Celebrate you! 

I count myself very lucky to be able to write.  To be part of the Romance Gems.  And to have, at long last, found my soul mate.   May your life be equally blessed and filled with joy.  Your green grass is the best grass on the block.

p.s.  In case you’re wondering, Sherry eventually divorced her husband.  He hit on me.  I declined. 

Braydon meets his soul-mate in BRAYDON'S  BRIDE, released on the 24th of this month and available for pre-order right now, for only 99 cents.  

My Seven Brides couples are all amazing, all perfect for each other, but I confess to a tiny bias toward Henrietta and Braydon.  Their story was one of those rare magic moments in a writer’s life where the characters take over and I became simply a dicta-typist, getting their story down as quickly as possible.    Here’s a sample….

From BRAYDON’S BRIDE            copyright 2019 Kathleen Lawless

          Henrietta heaved a sigh of relief as Braydon sauntered back to the bride and groom’s head table.  “Don’t encourage him,” she hissed under her breath to her friend, Percy.

          Percy shook his elegant blond head.  “Darling, Henny.  Men like Braydon Mason don’t need encouragement.  They thrive on any sort of challenge.”

          Henrietta sniffed.  “As long as he doesn’t consider me one.  I was warned he fancies himself quite the ladies’ man.  He was raised in a brothel, of all places.”   

          Percy laughed out loud, causing a few of the guests to look their way, wondering if they had missed a good joke.  “I don’t know if I ought to envy the bloke or pity him.  Oops, don’t look now, but here he comes.”

          Sure enough, Henrietta looked up to see Braydon making a bee-line for their table. She rose before he reached them, scanning the room for the nearest exit, but only made it two steps before he caught her arm.  She glanced back, horrified to see he held her shawl and her reticule in one large, sun-browned hand. 

          “Forgetting something?” 

          There was no mistaking the teasing glint in his dark eyes.  She tossed her head proudly.  “Not at all.  I was just …”  She glanced around, seeking an excuse for her attempt to flee.  “I was just going for another glass of Champagne.”

          “Great idea.  I could use a beer.”  Before she knew it, her hand was tucked in the crook of his elbow and secured there with his free hand.  The warmth of his clasp sent unwanted tingles of awareness up her arm and beyond. 

          Henrietta felt the curious gaze from more than a few pairs of eyes following their progress, and much as she wanted to pull away and tell Braydon Mason to keep his filthy hands to himself, she reminded herself there was a time and a place for everything.  She was the newcomer here, and something of a curiosity to the locals. 

          “’Nother beer, Bray?”  the bartender greeted him. 

          “And Champagne for the lady, Mac.”

          “Coming right up.” 

          “Thank you,” she said, accepting the glass Braydon held her way, relieved when he released her to pick up their drinks from the bar.

          “My pleasure.”  The way he watched her over the rim of his glass implied his pleasures were vast and varied.  And that he wasn’t above sharing.   

          Two could play at that game! 

          She leaned against the bar, not taking her eyes from him.  “I hear the women in town are all wondering who will be the next Mason brother down the aisle, and with which lucky lady.” 

          “I’ve got four other brothers in the running.  I’ll sit that race out.” 

          “Don’t be saying that too loudly,” Henrietta said.  “I can’t bear the sight of female tears.”     

          “One more thing we have in common.”

          “I wasn’t aware we had anything in common, Mr. Mason.”

          “I told you.  Braydon.”  He reached forward and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear with an easily familiarity that annoyed her.  She went to bat his hand away, but he caught her hand in his and raised it to his mouth.  Before she could jerk free his tongue made the most delicious warm, hot swirls across her palm at the same time his thumb stroked the sensitive underside of her wrist. 

          Pulling her hand away was the furthest thing from her mind. 

          Instead, she dashed her glass of Champagne in his face.

 Get it here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TM3RGYG

There is a free series prequel available to anyone who joins my V.I.P Reader's Group.
http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

Keep in Touch:

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