Bouyed up by the Book Club by Judith Hudson

Even when I feel snowed under by work and obligations, there’s one group I can count on to buoy me up: my book club.
We’ve been together for years, since our boys were in soccer together, and while the boys have gone their separate ways, the moms are still together.
Last night’s meeting was the first outdoor meeting of the season, and we sat on my friend’s deck in the balmy evening air, drinking wine as the sun set. The snacks were delicious, very fresh and healthy in honor of some of our crazy diets: home-made cheese roll with Irish cheddar served with thin apple slices, shrimp on endive boats with some delicious, light, herb-y sauce.
The book? Oh yes, there was a book, Kirstin Hannah’s The Great Alone. We gave it an average 8.5 out of 10.
Set in off-the-grid Alaska in the 1970’s, it brought back memories of the years I spent in small town Northern Ontario. (More about that digression on my personal blog, JudithHudsonAuthor.com ) We weren’t as far north as Alaska, but as winter approached, I remember the feeling of increasing isolation, when the snow comes and you either have to shovel yourself out or stay put. And the darkness. For months, my Scandinavian blood did a slow, dark boil.
Hannah’s book deals with darker subjects, of PTSD and domestic abuse, but she does a great job of explaining the lure, and the pain, of the north.
I think that discussing these subjects in a safe group—and we agreed we all felt safe with each other—has increased our sense of intimacy as a group. Sometimes I don’t see these women from meeting to meeting, but we tell each other things we tell no one else.
The group is important enough to me that I even read the Second World War books that keep creeping into the list. Books I’d never read on my own, but that I might be better for having read. Books that pull me out of my comfort zone.
The books I write often have humorous scenes, but there is usually an “issue” at the core. I have put book club questions for the first three books on my website as well as in the back of the books, in case you and your book-club friends are looking for your next book.
Like The Good Neighbor - the Ebook on sale until the end of May, for just 99¢.
I’d be happy to skype with your book club – you can contact me here.
If you are not in a wine club—I mean book club—consider getting a group together and see where it leads. It could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Don't forget to enter our monthly giveaway - this month celebrating Memorial Day weekend. The prizes include a $20 Amazon gift certificate and an abundance of ebooks by Gems authors!


Until next month, happy reading.

Besties by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

I’ve spent a great deal of time this month thinking about wonderful people as we celebrate heroes and she-roes here at Romance Gems. All very inspiring! And I must say, I’m truly blessed by the number of great people I know and have loved. But it got me thinking about how our relationships and friends change over time.

As a kid growing up in a suburban neighborhood, my best friend was Diane, the spunky little red-headed girl down the street. We attended the same elementary school, walked there together every day. Goofy kids that played for hours until someone’s mom called us home. She was my first sleepover (I didn’t make it through that first night; my dad had to pick me up) and my first business partner.
(Our lemonade stand rocked because our street was busy) There were many best friend firsts for us, so I was heartbroken when her family moved away.

Eileen was my next close friend. We swore allegiance, drawn together by an undying love for David Cassidy and Donny Osmond, and our hatred of dodgeball. (Hey, that was important stuff back then) Yet Eileen moved on to one school and I to another, and we grew apart.

Fast forward to when Karin was my soulmate. We loved all animals—dogs, rabbits, (Karin had two bunnies she walked on leashes!) and especially horses. It was alongside her I became an avid rider. Together we faced Jr. High and High School and stuck like glue, surviving boyfriends, proms, Driver’s Ed, and graduation. College led to our first jobs, careers, houses, kids... Until long distance and life took their toll on our “glue.”

Yet special friends and relationships found me again in the most wonderful ways. I met a dear friend on a business trip to California. (We bonded over chocolate and wine) I gained a great friend through my daughter’s school when our kids shared a cookie. (I’m sensing a trend here 😊) Later, things I love led to friendships. My writing, for example, led me to a community of outstanding people. Same with the paranormal community. From road trips, conferences, and weird encounters in NYC elevators to discovering history’s mysteries, calling aliens, and exploring haunted locations—we’ve shared some wild adventures!

It’s no surprise friendships play an important role in my novels. Amelia Pennington and Rose Bartlett from Hellfire and Handbaskets are a great example. These best friends confront the challenges of medical school in 1895 Boston—a daunting task for any woman of that time period. All society—even their loving family members—have a distinct notion of how women should behave, and these two defy all of it. Or, do they? Plus, talk about a long-distance friendship! Amelia and Rose become separated by the most unforgiving of all obstacles. Time. Here’s a link if you’d like to read more: Hellfire and Handbaskets – A Time Traveler’s Journey 

So, here’s to best friends, our inner circle, our soulmates. Those “like-family” folk we choose to hang out with. Our tribes and kindred spirits. Schoolmates, workmates, alter egos, partners-in-crime… Whoever you call your BESTIES. Let’s raise a glass (or two) in their honor. Friends truly are awesome Heroes and She-roes worth celebrating!

~Kathryn~

Don’t forget to enter our Monthly Giveaway. This month it's a Heroes & She-Roes Contest for a chance to win a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card and Bundles of Ebooks. Click to enter our RAFFLECOPTER But hurry! There's less than one week left to enter.

99 Cent Book Sale by Karen Kelley #RomanceGems

I love thrift shops, garage sales—any kind of bargain. My son and son in law mentioned Facebook Market place but it never clicked with me that it would be like a giant garage sale. I love getting a bargain. That’s why today I’m shouting out that Dangling…Participle?, a steamy romantic comedy, is on sale for 99 cents. You can’t beat a deal like that. Here’s a little more about Dangling…Participle?

Katie:

I really needed to get serious and concentrate on my writing, but the barista behind the counter at my fav coffee shop is not making it easy. The guy is drop dead gorgeous. I’m talking six-pack abs, broad chest, and oozing sex appeal. In other words, way out of my league!

Then he finds my flash drive and reads the start of my book! I want to die. I’m a nice girl. Really, I am, but I have very naughty thoughts.

When I discover he’s actually a famous writer and offers to help, how can I say no? His help means I might actually escape my demonic boss, and living with my evil twin sisters (no lie! I’m talking straight out of f**king Cinderella evil).

But just how far am I willing to let him go when I stumble over the love scenes?

Jaxson:
I’ve never seen anyone with worse fashion sense than Katie. But as she sat at one of the tables in the coffee shop, laptop open, she removed those god-awful black glasses and nibbled her bottom lip. Then she smiled and transformed before my eyes.

I want her.

Can’t have her. She’s not that type.

Then I find and read her flash drive and discover there’s a whole other side to her beneath those baggy clothes and ugly glasses. She only needs a little help. Especially with her love scenes.

I should probably keep the relationship strictly platonic.

Nope, not going to happen.

In May the Romance Gems honors Heroes and She-roes: Mothers, Soldiers, and First Responders. For a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and Bundles of EBooks, enter our Rafflecopter draw!

                                                            Learn more HERE

 

WRITING A SERIES AND WORLD BUILDING 101

By Caroline Clemmons

Remember the exhilaration of finding a book you love and discovering it's part of a series? Like most readers, I love that. As an author, another heady feeling is to receive a message or email from a reader asking if a certain character will have his/her own book. Hooray!

In addition to my love for writing is the love of writing connected books. World building is necessary. If the series is longer than three books, I make a town map so I keep businesses and homes in the right spot. Nothing elaborate is required. I use a piece of cardboard saved from new shirts my husband has received. I've also used a sheet of printer paper.

An author with whom I'm acquainted mentioned that in her studies at the University of Texas in Austin, one of her classes was in world building. I was amazed there was an entire semester devoted to the subject. Think of this as your World Building 101 Mini-Course, no fee or registration required.

To begin, create a bible of each character. I don't mean with a page for each person unless you are so thorough you find a photo to represent your character and create an entire life and background for the character. Keep in mind the time you invest in background is time you're not writing.

I list the name and a brief description. Start with the main characters but add every character as he or she steps into the story--name, age, hair and eye color, occupation. Don't skip anyone because you may need them later and be unable to remember details.

*Example:
Keira Cameron, 22, thick red hair, blue eyes, 5'10", nice figure, came to US from near Aberdeen, Scotland six months ago.

Gideon Ross, 28, black hair that's too long, blue eyes, bushy beard trying to hide bad scar    on face from war, blacksmith and gun repair, owns home next to his sister and brother- in-law, came from near Inverness, Scotland seven years ago

One author I know asked a fan to reread several of her earlier books and discover a character's eye color. She remembered the name but not in which book he appeared. Annoying.

Locate the main businesses. You can't have the bakery next to the law office in one book and then have it between the hotel and the barbershop in the next. Readers, at least some, will remember.

Let's talk names. One thing of which I'm guilty unless I am diligent is having character names beginning with the same letter. This is confusing for the casual reader. Don't have Colin and Cody as characters unless they're twins. For some reason, if I don't pay attention I have several characters whose names begin with D and with M.

Decide whether you have an obstacle in each book that is resolved or whether, along with that, you have a recurring villain in your series. I prefer stand alone books in the series. While readers enjoy meeting characters from previous books, I don't want anyone to believe she/he has to start with book one in order to understand book five. Also, I don't want the suspense killed when someone reads the last book and decides to start at the first of the series.

If you write more than one series, be careful not to reuse the names. I love the name Elizabeth and its variations. I have a Beth in at least two books and a Bessie and Betsy. When I write historical novels, I use family names of that period. Oops, that's why I ended up with a Riley in two books of different series. Now I keep up with which names I've already used in books.

What heat level are you writing? All the books in the series should have the same heat level. Lately I have been writing sweet novels where the bedroom door is closed. That's not for everyone. Steamy, hot, sweet--if doesn't matter as long as you're consistent within the series.

Go forth and create!

*The example above is from A BRIDE FOR GIDEON, Proxy Brides Series, book 16, available at the Universal Amazon link:  http://mybook.to/Keira 

Since this is my first post to Romance Gems, here's my bio so you know who I am.

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their three rescued indoor cats as well as providing nourishment outdoors for squirrels, birds, and other critters.

The books she creates in her pink cave have made her a bestselling author and won several awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. Her series include the Kincaids, McClintocks, Stone Mountain Texas, Bride Brigade, Texas Time Travel, Texas Caprock Tales, Pearson Grove, and Loving A Rancher as well as numerous single titles and contributions to multi-author sets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading her friends’ books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap.

Email caroline@carolineclemmons.com 

Website http://www.carolineclemmons.com 

NL Link https://carolineclemmons.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0a24664c906875718d975ad7b&id=7c2e488a51  

Amazon Author URL  https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/  

Bookbub Author URL  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caroline-clemmons

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

Facebook Readers Group - Caroline’s Cuties https://www.facebook.com/groups/277082053015947/ 

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/458092.Caroline_Clemmons  

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-clemmons-6130707/ 

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/caroclemmons

Twitter  https://twitter.com/CarolinClemmons (no E in Caroline)

Wonder Woman: My Mom is My Inspiration

Hello Again, 

As a romance author I write books that always have heroes or heroines, sometimes flawed, but always loveable. These characters usually embody tiny snippets of people from my personal life who have influenced me. 

When I was nine years old my dad got sick, he had a heart condition and almost died. He was in the hospital for a long time and wasn’t able to continue at his current job so he changed his career path. My mom started working at the local elementary school. She took care of running the house, bringing in a paycheck and still made sure she spent time with me and my brothers. She has always been a strong role model for me and my daughters. She is my very own Wonder Woman, my hero.

Romance novels aren’t only about the blossoming romance between the pages and the two main characters. In my humble opinion, it’s about promoting strong women as role models; capable, courageous, and caring women who can do almost anything.  

In the first novella in The Loudon Series, Between Here and Heaven, Cari McKenna has just lost her husband and is facing an uncertain future. Struggling with depression and at a loss of what to do next she’s drifting, barely going through the motions of daily life, allowing herself to grieve until she knew it was time to actively begin living if not for herself then for her children. 

Lost and Found picks up the storyline fifteen years later. In some ways Cari has my mother’s strength. She is a strong single mother who starts her own business after her husband passes away. She raises her three children to be strong, caring people. Throughout each book in the series, where each of her kids, Shane, Kate and Ellie, each have their own story, the example Cari sets as a role model shines through. 

Book Sale News: To get a e-copy of the Loudon Series at a special price click here www.lucindarace.com/booksand please leave a review. 

Finally, sign up for my newsletter at www.lucindarace.comfor news on upcoming book releases and special events.

Contest News!

In May the Romance Gems honors Heroes and She-roes: Mothers, Soldiers, and First Responders. For a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and Bundles of EBooks, enter our Rafflecopter draw!

Until next time, 

I wish you happiness. 

Lucinda

Becoming a Mom! by @karilemor #RomanceGems

Being a mother can be one of the most rewarding jobs ever…and it can be one of the hardest. I’m one of those people who, from the time I was little, always wanted to be a mom. I was the neighborhood babysitter that everyone used. I took Child Care classes in high school. I majored in Early Childhood Education in undergrad. I couldn’t get enough of being around small children. My first real job was teaching Kindergarten in a public school system.

But those children were only mine for a short while each day. I didn’t have control over how many hugs or stories they got at bedtime. But two years after I graduated college and got my first job, my college sweetheart and I got married. Less than two years later, we had a baby girl.

It wasn’t in the moment of her birth that I felt like a mom, no, I was too exhausted to even speak. But the moment it truly hit me that I was a mother is ingrained deep in my memory. My daughter was born at night and I was so tired the nurses offered to take her to the nursery so I could get some rest. Early the next morning, they brought her to me because she’d been fussing a bit and figured I needed to breastfeed her. I held her close, whispered to her, and she settled right down. And I fell asleep. An hour later the nurse came back to get her so the doctor could do a quick exam. Oh, no, I hadn’t fed her. She’d fallen asleep so I had too.

The nurse looked at me and grinned. “I guess she just needed her mom.”

That was it. The moment I realized this precious child needed me. What an emotional feeling.  I still tear up thinking about that moment, and the abundant, unconditional love I had for another human. One I had helped to create.  There’s nothing in the world like it.

These are my children, years ago, Emily, Kasey, and Christopher! 

What's a special 'mom' moment in your life? As a mom or with your own mom? 

~~~

In my book, Running Target, Jack Holland was raised by a man who was always working. He swears he’ll be a better father than that. Until a mob hit sends him running, away from the covert family he needs to protect. Here’s a little snippet of Jack sneaking into the hospital to steal a quick peek at his new son.

****

 Stepping closer, he looked down on the clear container, the blue tag proclaiming this child to be a boy. Squinting in the dim light, he read the words. Mother’s name: Callina Lansing. Baby: Jonathan.

Jonathan. She’d named the baby after him. A lump clogged his throat. A son. Damn. He had a son and wouldn’t be able to get to know him, see him grow, share in his life. This world was too cruel at times.

He shouldn’t take the chance but he needed to hold him. It was vital that he touch the life he and Callie had created. He wanted—no needed—to let his child know how much he loved him. The powerful emotion emanated from his heart even as he gazed down at the tiny figure. How could love grow this fast? His first glimpse was only a second ago. Now the feeling consumed him.

Reaching down, he stroked the side of his son’s face. The baby turned his head, his bow-shaped lips opening slightly. Jack’s heart beat faster. The protective instincts that had always come into play when he was around Callie, throbbed to life and expanded as he gazed at the sweet face of his son. Heat like an electric storm surged through his blood. How could he protect this child in his current situation? He’d bring more danger upon him if he hung around. Eight months of running, trying to escape the long arm of Victor Cabrini, had shown him what hell was. Now he glimpsed a small piece of heaven.

He slid his hands under the infant, lifting him from the bed to hold him close. Jonathan barely weighed anything. His heart constricted yet again. The innocent baby scent wafted into his nostrils and he blinked back the moisture filling his eyes. The reaction was primitive and territorial. This was his son.

~~~

~~~

"Thrilling...Lemor once again features a dynamite protagonist who's easily relatable,
and her talent for incorporating romance and forgiveness against the odds
make Running Target even more enticing." 

—RT Book Reviews

Currently RUNNING TARGET is on sale for only 99cents on all retailers. 

You can find the links here:

RUNNING TARGET

**And I just sent out a newly written prequel for this novel
to my mailing list subscribers. 

If you haven't gotten it, sign up for my newsletter then send me a quick note saying you want the prequel, and I'll get it to you!**

Kari Lemor

~~~

Don't forget this month's CONTEST!
In May, Romance Gems honors HEROES AND SHE-ROES: Moms, Soldiers, and First Responders.

The Grand Prize: One (1) $20.00 Amazon Gift Card.

2nd thru 5th Prizes: Ebook Bundles by our bestselling authors. The books being given away are shown on the Monthly Giveaway page.

How To Enter:

You have multiple opportunities to enter.

Click this Rafflecopter link.

Start clicking buttons on the Rafflecopter. Each task counts as one entry.

Complete all the tasks for the most chances to win!

Our policies concerning Promotions and Giveaways, Eligibility, and Prize Award Procedures are shown in detail on our Policies Page. Please read. We strictly adhere to those policies.

Good luck!

Coffee, tea, soda, water...#RomanceGems @ConstanceBretes

When I was working my 9 to 5 day job. The very first thing I ever did when I got into the office was head for the coffee break room for a fresh cup of coffee. Even if I had a meeting to go to, I always FIRST went to the coffee room. During the final 20 years of my work life, I drove an hour to and from work each day. 

I would not fix myself a cup of coffee at home. I’d wait until I got to work, and reward myself for getting to work in one piece, safe, and sound by heading to the coffee room.

Now, as a writer full time, and retired state worker, my mornings consist of needing something to kick start my writing. This prompted me to ask, what do other writers do? What is their ‘must have’ kick to jump start their writing? So I put the question out to the Romance Gems authors, here’s what they say!

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I love to have my first cup of coffee in the morning at my desk. I can enjoy the coffee and look over my Day Planner to see what's on the agenda for the day and the rest of the week. Now, as to celebrating an accomplishment, I'm a bubbly girl. I always keep a bottle of either prosecco or champagne chilling in the fridge. ~ Joan Reeves, author of Heat Lightning.

My drink while I’m writing is coffee. Hot or iced, morning or night, it’s coffee:) Laura Hunsaker

I've never liked coffee but if the weather's warm, I do like a nice cold glass of iced tea while I'm writing! Kari Lemor

In the morning, I drink Bewley’s Irish Breakfast hot tea. Later in the day, I drink Cherry Dr Pepper. Caroline Clemmons

Definitely coffee with 2 cream for morning (2-3 cups). The rest of the day is ice water, usually w/lemon. If I write in the evening, it's Coke Zero or decaf coffee. Nancy Fraser, Author

My drink of choice is sweet tea. Always!!!

Kara O'Neal

Definitely coffee, then Diet Dr. Pepper, switching back and forth throughout the day. Karen Kelley

Yup, I'm you're writing twin. Morning writer, and must have coffee. I usually get only a few sips before needing to reheat it, though! I also keep chocolates nearby.  My waistline does NOT thank me for that habit.🙄😔😂  Elsa Kurt

I don’t drink coffee or tea. My “drug” of choice for a caffeine kick every morning is a big glass of Diet Mountain Dew. Most people gag when they hear that (!) but the caffeine jolt is what i need to clear my brain fog.  Peggy Jaeger

I drink Topo Chico mineral water.  My must have!

Karen Whiddon

I have a morning routine. I juice celery and drink a glass. Then when I sit down behind the computer, I like my cup of coffee. I may have two before getting up around noon. Jan Scarbrough

I have two cups of cappuccino in the morning (Europe kills the taste for regular joe). the second I’ll take into my office but it’s gone really fast. After that, it’s water. I don’t have sweet drinks or cola. At noon I’ll have another cappuccino but that’s it for caffeine for the day. Back to water.

Bonnie Edwards

 ________________________________________________________

Because I get up and do my writing/edits in the mornings, I must have a pot of coffee on. Some days I may only take a couple of sips before it goes cold, other days, when I’m frustrated or having a problem putting a scene together, I drink the whole cup and get more.

If I find some time in the afternoons and decide to write or edit, I usually have a can of Sprite to sip on while the devious plots form inside my head.

How about you? Do you need that quick picker-upper in the mornings or at the start of your day? 

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In honor of our Heroes and She-roes. I have a story that was published last year, called Jade's Redemption. 

He's an overworked police chief, and she's a disgraced cop. Can he rescue her from her own depths of hell without losing his heart to her in the process?

Someone is kidnapping newborn infants and selling them to the highest bidder. Police Chief Patrick Carter has his hands full investigating the case. To complicate matters, he's short on staff.

Jade Harlowe has secrets, ones that she vowed no one would ever know. She used to be a police officer, but when a tragedy occurred—one that everyone held her responsible for—she resigned and moved to another state to start over, accepting a job as a dispatcher for the police, fire, and ambulance departments.

When Patrick discovers Jade's past police experience he offers her a job on the force. He needs help working the kidnapping cases, and Jade previously solved a similar case, so she could be a valuable asset. But will they be able to fight the attraction that's sizzling between them? Something that could be very distracting if they can't control it.

The clock is ticking. They have to find those babies and prevent more from being taken. But a very nosy news reporter may compromise everything if she digs deep enough to uncover Jade's past.

Neither Patrick nor Jade thought they had room for each other in their lives, but working so closely together makes it impossible to deny the chemistry. Can Patrick break through the wall Jade has built up around her, or will her past finally catch up with her and she loses everything once again?

https://www.amazon.com/Jades-Redemption-Constance-Bretes-ebook/dp/B07222999L/

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Be sure to visit our monthly giveaway page and enter for a chance to win one of the many great ebooks that spotlight our heroes and she-roes!