The stranger’s menacing, dismissive laughter echoed in attorney Dan Morgan’s head. In the heart of thoroughbred country–Churchill Downs–a major con was about to be pulled. Despite Dan’s efforts, his filly, Aly Dancer, was somehow part of the scheme.
You Can’t Stop It.
Dan’s dream as a thoroughbred owner was to run in a Grade I race—a televised stakes race. That opportunity had finally appeared. So far it had only resulted in threats, violence and death.

You Can’t Stop It.

What was the scam? Who was involved? Who could he turn to?
Post time was nearing.
The man’s sinister voice would not leave him.

You Can’t Stop It.

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**HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
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Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week’s muse:
Miz B has recently changed the format for this meme.  Instead of a weekly question we can now just post our thoughts on anything pertaining to books and/or reading.
 
My thoughts this week:  Surprise deliveries.
Be honest!!  Do you wait and hope that you will receive a goodie via mail and/or UPS?  I will fess up and say that I look forward to these deliveries.  I’m so bad that when I hear the mail carrier close my mailbox, I am checking it immediately to see if  there are any books.  The heck with the bills, I want books.

And 2 weeks ago, I received such a treat.  A book that I hadn’t expected but was so thrilled about receiving, that as soon as I got back to my desk, I was sending out emails to say thank you.  You ask what had me grinning ear to ear?  It was an ARC that Liz, from Media Muscle/The Book Trib sent, from an author that is on my “authors to read list”, Barbara Taylor Sissel, who is on my “favorite authors to read” list.  I have been a fan for a few years now and knew that a new book was coming out but not sure when.  I started it yesterday and was hooked.  Matter of fact, since today is a holiday, I think I am taking the afternoon off, so I can read it.  Barbara will be here in April as a guest author for Evidence of Life, and when you can read my review.  Until then, I recommend you read one of her previous novels.  You won’t be disappointed.  I’m off to my reading chair…..have a great day!!

February is being hosted by Audra @ Unabridged Chick

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of A girl and her books and is now on tour.

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

 

       

Sunday:
Five Years To Live by Frank Zaccari from Author for Providence Book Promotions
In A Small Town by Marc DiGiacomo from Author for Partners In Crime Tours

…of Echoes From The Infantry by Frank Nappi

6 Maureen Carol Be a Public Follower of ‘CMASH Loves to Read’

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  Thank you to those that entered.

Are you ready for this?  I know you are going to love it!!  Today we have, not one, but two (2) guest authors stopping by.   So get comfy, while Julie from Grand Central Publishing/Forever, introduces us to Ms. Margaret Mallory and Ms. Sue-Ellen Welfonder.  Welcome ladies!!!

        MARGARET MALLORY               SUE-ELLEN WELFONDER

Margaret Mallory abandoned a career as a lawyer to become a romance novelist. Why this surprised everyone, she doesn’t know. Who wouldn’t rather have thrilling adventures with handsome Highlanders than write briefs and memos? Margaret lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, a goofy dog, and a crabby cat.

Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty-year career with the airlines. Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a 450-year-old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.

Q & A with Margaret Mallory

1. Do you draw from personal experiences and/or past/current events?
I get a lot of inspiration from my historical research. Lucky for me, Scottish history is bursting with fascinating characters, murder, and mayhem. J

For this series, I was able to take a research trip to Scotland that was incredibly inspiring. Everywhere I went, I seemed to find new places I wanted to bring into the books. The faery glen on the Isle of Skye, which is the site of a couple of important scenes in THE CHIEFTAIN, is in the book because of that trip. If you are interested, I’ve put together a photo album for each of THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS books & posted them on the videos page of my website, www.MargaretMallory.com.

2. Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where the story line brings you?
I start with the characters and their conflict. Before I begin writing the book, I do character sheets, and I usually have two or three pivotal scenes in my head. I also try to have at least a sketchy outline of the plot. I have to figure out a lot of things as I go, but I write better when I know the basic direction I’m headed.

Deciding exactly where to start the story is hard—at least it is for me. A good book doesn’t start at the logical beginning, but at a high dramatic point, with one or both main characters on the cusp of change. I never have trouble in the middle, as a lot of writers do, but the first few chapters take me forever to write, in part because I’m still getting to know my characters.

What is your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?
I’m not a fast writer, so I guess my routine is to work a lot! To meet my deadlines, I generally work long hours, six or seven days a week. Writing a historical every six months, is challenging, especially when there are so many other things an author has to do these days besides write books. I do get a break between series, which is good.

Q & A with Sue-Ellen Welfonder

It’s a pleasure to be here.  You’ve asked insightful questions, so this is a great way to wind down the blog tour.

CR:  Do you draw from personal experiences and/or past/current events?
SEW:  Yes.  I believe all writing has its roots deep inside the author.  Every experience, our likes and dislikes, beliefs and views, flow into the work.  Each written word is a piece of the writer’s psyche.  My medievals are influenced by special places I’ve visited in Scotland.  So are my Allie Mackay titles (Scottish-set contemporary paranormals), which also include many things that have happened to me on trips to Scotland.  It all ends up in the books.  If you know the writer, you’ll see her in every drop of ink on the page.

Current events might spark an idea in an Allie Mackay title.  The past always inspires me and I love Scottish medieval history.  The most fleeting reference can tantalize, sending my imagination on a journey that results in a new book proposal.  (or a neat plot twist for a work-in-progress). 

CR:  Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where the story line brings you?
SEW:  The beginning and through to the end.  I know the whole story before I type the first word.  That’s how my ideas come to me.  Once I start writing and the characters come alive, they sometimes have ideas of their own.  The planned route may take a slight detour.  But the destination remains the same.  It’s such character-inspired twists that breathe magic into a story.

CR:  What is your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?
SEW:  I have a daily writing goal of 3,000 words.  To achieve that, I write in 1,000 word spurts.  Between writing sessions, I break to walk my dog, cycle and exercise, walk the beach, make lunch, do household chores, etc.  Because I’m a night owl, much of these activities happen between 9 a.m. and noon.  I edit in the afternoon.  My best writing happens after midnight, with me going to bed about 3 a.m.

Idiosyncrasies?  A big one is ‘going silent’ at deadline.  I ignore email, avoid the phone, and head the other way if I spot a chatty neighbor when I’m walking my dog (letting her ‘catch me’ would trap me for an hour of ‘small talk’ when I should be writing).  I listen to classical and New Age music (no words).  I wear a special rune pendant for good luck.  I believe every writer’s office should include a cherished pet.  I dislike chapter openings but know the words flow once I have the first line or two, so I sometimes type “XXX…” and move on, going back later to add a ‘good’ opening.  I must know the hero and heroine names before I begin their story.  I could list more, but won’t.  I believe all writers have ‘peculiarities.’

Thank you so much for inviting me today.  This was a lovely end to a fabulous tour. (said with a wink and a smile at Margaret, too)

Highland Blessings!
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
www.welfonder.com

ABOUT THE BOOKS

In THE CHIEFTAIN, Connor, chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat, holds the fate of his people in his hands. Rival clans are plotting to take over his lands, and duty determines whom he will fight, trust . . . even marry. Beautiful Ilysa dresses plainly, speaks softly, and loves her chieftain from afar. Yet when Connor finally stokes the embers of desire that have so long burned within her, Ilysa feels bliss unlike any she’s ever known.Can she find a way to prove she is the woman he needs by his side?

In SEDUCTION OF A HIGHLAND WARRIOR, Chieftain Alasdair MacDonald has sworn to preserve the peace in the Glen of Many Legends. Though he’s handsome and fearless, his warrior’s heart belongs only to his beloved land-until the fair sister of his oldest enemy shatters his defenses. Lady Marjory Mackintosh will do anything to unite the warring clans, even seduce Alasdair MacDonald. She has loved the rugged Highlander since she first saw him and now, as temptation leads to surrender, Marjory dares to possess him, body and soul.

BOOK DETAILS

THANKS TO JULIE, FROM GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING,
TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL RECEIVE BOTH BOOKS
U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTRY PAGE

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

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WHICH BOOK WILL YOU READ FIRST?*

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 **PER PUBLISHER**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.

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Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life: In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Did you hear about the Carnival Cruise fiasco? If so, it brings me to today’s question:
1. Do you think what was offered to the passengers enough?
2. After hearing about this, would you consider taking a cruise in the future?

…….. of It’s Game Time Somewhere by Tim Forbes

5 Maureen Carol Tweet about the Giveaway

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  Thank you to those that entered.

http://btt2.wordpress.com

This week’s question:
Not the kind of “love” question you’re expecting for Valentine’s Day. No, what I want to know is:
What do you love most about reading?

My answer:
I have many reasons why I “love” reading.  One is to escape into the pages, tuning everything out around me, which also relaxes me.  Being able to “travel” at without airfare :).  Becoming “friends” with the characters.  And when I read novels of the mystery/suspense genre, becoming the PI to try and find out the “who dun it”, which isn’t often because the writer has written an intricate puzzle.  Plus, I would much rather read and use my imagination to create a movie in my mind than watching a movie.

What about you?  What do you love about reading?