Michele Ashman Bell's Blog

Charlene Raddon is a masterful storyteller, weaving imagery, unforgettable characters and a gripping plot into a story that will hold you breathless until the last page.


Maisy Macoubrie's poor choice as a girl cost her dearly. Now that mistake is back and wants her dead. Maisy can deal with that. What she can’t—won’t—wager on is her son’s life.

The Preacher, a bounty hunter known for bringing men in alive, finds his own face on a wanted poster—dead or alive—for a crime he didn't commit. He knows who the real killer is, but trying to prove it could be the last thing he ever does.

United in battle against a common enemy, can Maisy and The Preacher find love and solace in each other? Can they win the biggest gamble of their lives?

*Please note that this book does contain some sensuality.

To purchase this book click HERE

To watch the trailer click HERE

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red mountains of southern Utah. Linda is the mother of six daughters and the author of 23 books. She has written in several different genres, which include: historical romances, romantic cozy mysteries, a mystery suspense series, children’s book, and non-fiction. All her books are family friendly. She has also taught people how to write their family’s stories throughout the U.S., giving more than 500 workshops. To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

About the books:

Centuries after the legendary Robin Hood, a group of men and women find themselves fighting for the same cause. In the small country of Cordovia, small groups of rebels begin springing up, but its Robin’s Rebels who get the attention of the king.

The Rebels of Cordovia: Set in the late 1700s, Robin’s Rebels realize they must fight against the tyranny of a wicked king and help the people survive this oppression. In this battle for freedom, a tender love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be.

The Highwayman of Cordovia: The people enjoy their new-found liberty, but all is not well. A group of powerful men plan to take over the small country and replace the leader with a king. With the help of a bold highwayman and a pastor’s daughter, they try to save their country from being taken over by a power-hungry leader. As they strive to stop the Kingmen and thwart their plans, Christine finds herself falling in love with Austin Knight. The only problem with their relationship is that she thinks he is her knight in shining armor instead of a highwayman. If she finds out his trade, what will her reaction be? As a pastor’s daughter, will love override her values?

The Fox of Cordovia: In this swashbuckling romance, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. After being discovered, she runs for her life. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust? When she asks Jesse Conover for help, the adventure begins.

Here's my interview with Linda:

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Linda: After writing the biographies of my ancestors and parents, I couldn’t stop writing. So I turned to historical romance. Since my ancestors’ stories were so vivid in my mind, I actually gave some of their exciting experiences to the main characters. So my ancestors were the inspiration for getting me started. My first historical romance I wrote, Melinda and the Wild West, actually won an award. I have written in several different genres since then. The Rebel Series is something completely different, which I haven’t done before. Even though it’s historical, I decided to tell a story about a small country that I created.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

Linda: I get to live in a new world for a while, having experiences that a person can only see in the movies. But it’s a movie in my head that I’m sharing with others.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Linda: It took me one year to find a publisher who was interested in my first book. After publishing 8 books with my publisher, my husband encouraged me to become independent, saying that we had two daughters who had gotten their education in writing and were super editors, plus my husband and one of my daughters were graph designers and could create my covers. So I took the plunge and I’m so glad that I did. After securing the rights to my 8 books, my daughter created new covers for them. Now my husband and I help authors who want to be independent. We have even helped those who have written their biography and autobiography. For those interested, my husband put up a website at https://redmountainshadowspublishing.wordpress.com.

M.B.: When did the idea for this book first come to you?

Linda: This new series was inspired by the stories of the many patriots who fought to be free from the dictatorship and tyranny of a king. Liberty is something that I cherish and am passionate about, so I decided to write about a small country that struggles to be free. The idea of a country that has to fight for its liberty stayed in my mind for a long time until I created The Rebel Series, giving the story a sort of Robin Hood theme but set in the 1700s.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

Linda: I hope they realize the importance of freedom and to never take it for granted.

M.B.: What’s your secret to making the characters in your books come to life?

Linda: As I develop my characters such as their thoughts and emotions and what they look like, they gradually come to life. When they correspond with others and express their joys and fears, that’s when I realize how real they really are.

M.B.: Which of your books is your favorite, and why?

Linda: I believe The Rebel Series is my absolute favorite out of all 23 books. I have always loved the Robin Hood theme, ever since I was a kid. I think it’s because he and his men are fighting against the tyranny of a wicked king and helps those in need.

M.B.: Do you have a favorite character in this series?

Linda: To choose a favorite character is difficult. All my heroes in this series are rogues with a sense of justice. They are chivalrous and will defend a woman’s honor. As for the ladies, they are strong independent women who don’t sit back and watch. They have an opinion and aren’t afraid to express it. The attraction between the hero and heroine is real and they realize it, but they also know they must save their country before they can do anything about their relationship.

M.B.: How would you describe your writing?

Linda: I love writing stories about romance, mystery, and adventure. I love a romance where the man and woman know they are meant for one another, even though there are trials along the way. Since I don’t care for drama between a couple who is in love, I need to have enough drama in the main plot of the story.

My favorite time period is during the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s during a time when men defended a lady’s honor and treated women with respect. The women, on the other hand, were not pansies. I love the fact that many of the women fought for what they believed.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share?

Linda: Author Charissa Stastny reviewed my first book in this series and wrote: “This creative take on a Robin Hood-like story is charming and touching, and teaches some great morals about agency and choice. It reminded me of childhood fairytales of good versus evil, with a nice romance weaved into it.”

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Linda: To read a sample chapter from each of my books in The Rebel Series, go to http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/historicalromance.html and click on the title. To purchase a book, click on the book cover and it will take you directly to Amazon. My books are also available at Barnes and Noble.

I really like book trailers because they can help readers feel the mood of a book and whether they’re interested in reading it. Here is a trailer for each of my books.

The Rebels of Cordovia
https://youtu.be/-Nd2vqNYqSA



The Highwayman of Cordovia
https://youtu.be/UtHY-DPjfFE



The Fox of Cordovia
https://youtu.be/mCgwRF5nzQ8




BOOK GIVEAWAY: Linda will give away the first book of The Rebel Series to anyone who makes a comment by telling us why you love Robin Hood or Robin Hood themes, then email Linda at lwc@lindaweaverclarke.com and tell her that you made a comment. She will then respond by sending a Kindle ebook to you, unless you prefer a pdf or ebook for a Nook.

I'm super pumped about this new book by author Amelia C. Adams. Her stories have become fan favorites and she is branching out with contemporary stories based on her uber-successful historical Kansas Crossroads series.

Generations: Brody Hotel Book One by Amelia C. Adams

Andrew Brody, investment banker and self-made millionaire, has just lost his father, but gained an estate. Along with inheriting stocks, bonds, racehorses, and undeveloped land, he learns that he is now the owner of a hotel that has been in the family since 1875 and should probably just be torn down.

Marissa Clark needs a new challenge - staging homes to sell and rearranging pictures on walls isn't what she dreamed of doing when she became an interior designer. When she gets a call asking her to help renovate a historical building, she leaps at the change - what a great way to use both her love of texture and fabric and her love of history.

They believe they're just taking an old building and giving it a second chance at life . . . but they have no idea that they're getting a second chance too.

Amelia C. Adams, author of the bestselling historical Kansas Crossroads series, brings us this romantic spin-off featuring the same location, but 140 years later. You can learn more about Amelia at www.ameliacadams.com

You can preorder this book here on AMAZON

Within the pages of the book The Buckskin Trail readers will embark on a journey of fascination and excitement, of amazement and suspense.

As a young girl, Kelzi Tsali hid while men shot her parents then started their house on fire. Miraculously Kelzi survived, then went to live with her Cherokee grandparents. As she grows, she is taught about her heritage, the ways and teachings of her father's people and the role she is to play in preserving the sacred land that belongs to them. She knows that she was spared the day her parents died for this great purpose.

Kelzi learns the great lessons of the Cherokee people and works hard to fulfill her destiny and to understand the great gifts she's been given. Her knowledge and her gifts instill in her the strength she needs to face the men who will stop at nothing to kill her and take the land her parents died to protect. Her path is treacherous, her mission dangerous and deadly, yet Kelzi is determined to avenge those who gave their lives to protect her people's land and legacy.

Filled with high-octane action, nail-biting suspense, a touch of the paranormal and the perfect amount of romance, The Buckskin Trail delivers a fast-paced read that you won't put down until the last page.

Arnold's writing is fresh and beautifully descriptive. She paints lovely landscapes with her words and delivers unforgettable characters. Complex and engaging the story weaves history and tradition into a modern day tail of heroism and honor. Readers will be cheering and praising Kelzi as she goes against the odds and risks everything to take her place within the history of her people.

High praise for JoAnn Arnold and The Buckskin Trail

To buy the book on Amazon click HERE

This book... powerful, tender, profound, sweet, moving and life-changing.

Author Christine T. Hall has a wonderfully warm and poetic way of writing, her words painting pictures, creating connections and stirring emotions. In The Song of My Father the reader is easily drawn into this incredible book from the very first page. Even though I didn't intend to, I ended up reading it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.

"Things will work out. Good will come from this."

These words that were repeated over and over in the book have now been woven into my own life "song". Sure, they are words I've heard before, words I've believed to some degree in different stages in my life, but Hall presents this mantra in a way that creates a desire in the reader to believe a little harder and hope a little stronger.

From the back of the book:
As a child, Chris Hall heard her father repeat these words so often they became the song of his life. Even through difficult circumstances, his optimism and faith kept her family going.

But as an adult, Christ faced something so horrific she couldn't imagine any good every coming from her experience, and she questioned if her father's song was always true. This is the inspiring story of finding hope in the midst of trials and suffering.

As Chris says, "Each of us, at some time in our lives, will experience loss, heartache, and a grief that seems to test us to our limits. If we choose to live and walk by faith . . . we eventually will come to a place of acceptance and finally, after much work, to a place of believing."

The book begins with the author sharing an experience at the hospital where where she is visiting her father who suffered a heart attack followed by a stroke. As the doors of the elevator open on his floor she hears an urgent message over the loudspeaker, "Code blue--ICU!" Within minutes she learns that the code blue alert is for her father. Over the next few days Hall sits by her father's side, holding his hand, talking to him, sharing her thoughts and feelings, reminiscing, and thanking him for the lessons he taught her. These lessons he taught, were the theme of his life, the basis for everything he did. In turn, these lessons became and still are a "guide and blessing" to the author in her life.

In Part I: Music Lessons, Hall shares experiences and events that reinforce her father's song and we learn that not only did her father live the words he taught, his constant, unwavering beliefs touched the lives of everyone around him.

In Part Two, “Learning to Sing” the author shares a personal experience that plunges her into a state of such despair she believes there is no possible way good could come from it. Hall's honest, heartfelt and hopeful delivery, as she heals and learns about the power of forgiveness, love and understanding, not only will touch the reader's heart, but allow for personal introspection and evaluation. Through her own agony and physical pain Hall experiences small but miraculous moments, proving that her father's song holds fast and true.

In Part Three, “The Song of Believing,” Hall teaches that “Each of us, at some time in our lives, will experience loss, heartache, and a grief that seems to test us to our limits. If we choose to live and walk by faith . . . we eventually come to a place of acceptance and finally, after much work, to a place of believing.”

Within these pages the reader will find passages that will resonate and ring true and inspire.

Christine T. Hall's The Song of My Father is published by Cedar Fort. It is an important addition for any home library and a perfect gift to give, especially this Father's Day.

To purchase online, go to:

AMAZON HERE
Deseret Book HERE
Barnes and Noble - HERE

I've been friends with, and a fan of, Jewel Adams for over ten years. Jewel is a remarkable woman and has always been an inspiration to me and her books have inspired thousands. I'm excited to share with you her latest releases...

Till You Come Back to Me Again
Angelo De Luca is a man who has it all. As the owner and CEO of one of Orlando's five-star hotels, the twenty-three-year-old bachelor is wealthy and successful, possessing looks, charm, and a heart of gold. He is the perfect boss and a good man.

But there is one thing that Angelo doesn't have–someone to share his life with. When he meets Suzanne Haynes, a new employee at the hotel, he discovers love and is happier than he has ever been.

Then life throws him curves that steer him toward trials so painful, he learns to lean on God more than he ever has before.
And he will definitely need God to get him through what he has yet to face.

One of Jewel's gifts as a storyteller is weaving an emotionally driven plot with wonderful characters. To purchase this book click HERE

Also new from Jewel...
Pages, a Love Story
“One of the great truths in life is this: When it comes to love, there is no rhyme or reason and love is never planned. It just happens. It just is.
Joy and pain, wonder, beauty, ecstasy, tenderness, completeness, hurt and healing, a feeling of being whole. Being in love–truly being in love–encompasses all these things.
Or so I have heard.”

When Masai Grant went on her first cruise to celebrate her thirtieth birthday, she was not looking for love, but forbidden love found her. That was four years ago.
And now her heart is irrevocably tied to a man she can never have.
To purchase this book click HERE

Follow my blog tour this week and enter to win at $25.00 gift card and free book!

Go to these blogs for a review of my new book and details of the contest.
*May4th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com,
http://littlelightdesigncollective.com
*May 5th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/,
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/,
http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
*May 6th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/,
http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
*May 7th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/,
http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/,
http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
*May 8th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/,
http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

My special thanks to all the incredible bloggers who agreed to participate in the blog tour and provide a review.

Michele

I'm happy to announce the release of a new book by Marlene Bateman. Crooked House is packed full of excitement, suspense, and romance. Good luck getting a good night's sleep after you start reading it!

From the back cover of the book:
Someone is trying to kill Liz Johnson and it’s up to quirky private investigator, Erica Coleman, to find out who. Erica is no stranger to murder and mystery, which is why her best friend’s daughter, Megan, turns to her when unaccountable and potentially fatal “accidents” threaten her roommate’s life.

Once Erica arrives at the ramshackle old mansion known as Crooked House, matters go from disturbing to deadly as it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Liz. As Erica begins to unearth secrets, she discovers a twisted web of love, money, greed, and deception. Although the police and friends sometimes find Erica’s OCD annoying, its those very traits that help her sift through evidence and see clues that others miss. Erica must draw upon her all her investigative prowess to keep Liz safe and unmask the killer before he can accomplish his deadly objective.

With a dash of romance and surprising twists, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. As with all Erica Coleman mysteries, ten delicious recipes are included.


Here's an xcerpt from Crooked House
“I’m scared.”
Erica’s heart turned over when she heard the quaver in her young friend’s voice on the phone.
Then Megan asked, “Can you come?”
“Of course.” Erica’s reply was automatic. She would do anything she could to help. Although she often received emotionally-laden phone calls in her job as a private investigator, there was a difference when the call came from the teen-aged daughter of her best friend. The very fact that Megan—who was usually so calm and composed—sounded frightened out of her wits, put Erica on high alert.
“I think someone’s trying to kill my roommate, Liz,” Megan said.
“What makes you think that?” Erica asked. “Has someone threatened her?”
“No, but Liz has had a couple of serious accidents lately—at least she says they’re accidents, but either one of them could have killed her.”
Erica made an effort to reel in her skepticism. “Tell me about them.”
“First, someone tampered with her car. The brakes went out and Liz ended up driving across someone’s yard and hitting a tree. Fortunately, she was okay. The second one happened downtown. Liz was on the sidewalk waiting for the bus when someone shoved her. She fell into the road. A truck was coming and if a guy hadn’t pulled her back, Liz could have been killed.”
Still, they could have been accidents, Erica thought, at least until the third one occurred—this time at Crooked House.

Get to know the author:
Marlene Bateman was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan. Her hobbies include gardening, camping, reading, and enjoying her four cats and three dogs.

Marlene’s first novel was the best-selling Light on Fire Island. Her next novel was Motive for Murder—the first in a mystery series that features Erica Coleman, a quirky private eye with OCD. The next book in that line, (they do not have to be read in order) is A Death in the Family.

Marlene has also written a number of LDS non-fiction books under the name Marlene Bateman Sullivan. Those books include: Gaze Into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History, which is a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences from the lives of early latter-day Saints, Heroes of Faith, and Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines. Marlene also wrote three books about documented accounts in early LDS church history when a person either saw or heard an angel; Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, And There Were Angels Among Them, and By the Ministering of Angels.

This book can be found at Deseret Book and Seagull Book, as well as:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crooked-House-Erica-Coleman-Mystery/dp/162108521X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426788931&sr=1-1&keywords=crooked+house+maxcrlene

Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/products/crooked-house-marlene-bateman-95187

Seagull Book; http://www.seagullbook.com/seagull/product/873826.html

To visit Marlene's website visit: www.marlenebateman.info

Other books by Marlene:

I am beyond excited for my new book to hit stores on Friday.



Backliner:
Following the trauma of her estranged husband’s untimely death, Emma Lowell is happy with the life she has rebuilt for herself. She’s engaged to a wonderful man and anticipates a fresh start, free from her troubled past. Only one persistent obstacle remains: Margaret Lowell, her former mother-in-law. Margaret continues to be a demanding presence in Emma’s life, and her requests have become increasingly disconcerting. When Margaret asks Emma to accompany her on a sentimental journey to the family’s mountain cabin, the young woman reluctantly agrees. After all, her fiancé is out of town. No one will miss her. Emma could never have suspected the horror that awaits in the snow-bound cabin, for beneath Margaret Lowell’s elderly façade lies a sinister and terrifying nature—and a plot born of insanity. Alarmed by the dark plan that unfolds, Emma struggles to escape the cabin in a chilling game of cat and mouse. As the danger escalates, and with little hope of rescue, Emma must engage in a battle of wills if she is to avoid becoming the final piece in Margaret’s twisted puzzle . . .

Please join me for a launch party on May 9th:



As I set up signings and my blog tour I will post info right here and I will also do a huge giveaway in conjunction with my book release SO STAY TUNED!!!

It's always such a pleasure and joy to see a new author release their first book. This is experience is somewhat like a mother having her first baby. All the pain, discomfort, stress, worry, work and effort are all worth it when you hold that beautiful book in your hands for the first time. There is such joy, fulfillment and sense of wonder at the process of creation, no matter what form.
This debut novel, Remembrandt, by author Robin LuBean King, is a powerful story full of suspense, secrets, excitement and romance. Here is a brief summary of the story:

Alexandra Stewart doesn't just walk down memory lane, she lives on it. Her eidetic memory records her experiences and plays them back, DVD style. It's great when she wants to ace a test, but not so great when she topples over a cute boy in the hallway and the humiliation plays back over and over and over . . . Brown University seems like the perfect place for the seventeen-year-old to forget her past. Hope for a normal life comes in the form of a handsome new running partner who makes her heart race and body perspire even before she laces up her shoes.

When her Russian professor gives her a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, Alex discovers that he has a secret—one that will catapult her into a world of cryptic codes and covert missions. As she tries to find a balance between the two different worlds vying for her attention, she wonders if she can have relationships with the ones she cares about while hiding a clandestine life, uncovering the truths of an underground enemy.

One thing is for certain, whatever happens will be forever etched into her memory. And some things are better left forgotten.

This book had everything to offer for a reader who is looking for a book to pull them in from the first page and keep hold of their attention to the end. Author King introduces tension in the first scene that sets the tone for the story, but it's not until the main character Alexandra Stewart becomes acquainted with her Russian professor that we begin to understand why.

Alexandra is an interesting character with an eidetic memory and a past full of secrets. I found her likable and fun. I wasn't sure what to think at first about her Russian professor, especially when he offered her private tutoring, but I soon learned that his intentions were to recruit Alexandra to be part of his team. Even though I found it a little hard to believe that she would accept a ticket from her professor to go to Russia and, at the young age of seventeen, go there unknowingly, I went along for the ride.

After the trip to Russia, Alexandra's professor presents her with a unique opportunity that involves intrigue, adventure and espionage.

With a tightly woven plot, great characters and full of thrills and chills, I think you'll enjoy the book Remembrandt.

Click to enter giveaway!