Cece Louise's Blog

The sneak peek of Christmas After All is here! Click below to read the Prologue and first 2 chapters:

READ Christmas After All SNEAK PEEK!

© Copyright 2022 Cece Louise. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Please note: This book is currently undergoing editing. Content is subject to change before publication. 

Pre-Order Now!

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With only about a month to go, I’m so excited to share this sneak peek of In a Dark, Dark Wood with you! Click the link below to read the Prologue and first 2 chapters:

CLICK HERE to read the In a Dark Dark Wood SAMPLE

© Copyright 2022 Cece Louise. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Please note: This book is currently undergoing editing. Content is subject to change before publication. 

PRE-ORDER NOW!

The post In a Dark, Dark Wood Sneak Peek! appeared first on Cece Louise.

As the release date for In a Dark, Dark Wood gets closer, I thought it would be fun to share with you the three main things that inspired me to write this book.

#1: My love for Gothic romance

When I was trying to think of ideas for the Forest Tales series, I realized I wanted to write a book that paid tribute to one of my favorite genres growing up: Gothic romance. I loved Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Rebecca and Jamacia Inn by Daphne du Maurier, and ANYTHING by Victoria Holt.

I knew my story would have to have a creepy castle or house, mysterious characters, a moody setting, a “ghost” or two, and of course, heart-stopping romance.

#2: Being traumatized by ghost stories as a child

Lol, I know this probably sounds more like a reason why I would NOT write this book, but humor me. When I was a kid, my older sister used to torment me by reading me scary stories from her favorite ghost story book, which included this poem. I was a big wimp and I would try to hide from her, but needless to say, it made an impression! I’m still a wimp, but I now have an appreciation for a stormy night and curling up with a creepy, suspenseful story.

The title was inspired by this classic poem “In a Dark, Dark Wood.” Even though this is a children’s poem, I found a fun way to weave it into the story.

#3: And (of course) my love for fairytales!

You might be wondering how this all fits into the Forest Tales series. This book is set in the same world as my other three and has a dark fairytale feel to it. It’s not a strict retelling, but there is inspiration from the classic fairy tales of Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed learning about all the little things that helped shape this story, and don’t forget, you can pre-order In a Dark, Dark Wood now!

Also, check out my vision board for this story below (sources for all images can be found on my Pinterest page):

Pre-order price is $2.99 so you can save $1 off the list price of $3.99 AND get In a Dark, Dark Wood auto-delivered to your Kindle the minute it goes live.

Pre-Order Now!

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I’m unplugging this Advent! 

Advent starts tomorrow, and this year, I’ve decided to give up my smartphone. That means I’m turning off my wifi and staying off social media these next four weeks.

As I’m sure many of you can relate, working from home brings with it the temptation to *always* be working. I noticed recently that I spend way too much time checking my phone, mindlessly scrolling, and generally feeling distracted.

With Christmas coming fast, I want to slow down. My goal is to be more present with my family and to spiritually prepare for Jesus.

I will, however, continue my email newsletters because I create those on my laptop (I have 2 scheduled for December). So if you want any writing updates from me, feel free to sign up.

Wishing you a beautiful and peaceful Advent!

“The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.” – John 1:9

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Book 4 in the Forest Tales series is coming February 22nd, 2022! 

In a dark, dark wood, there was a dark, dark man . . .

Calia believes in ghosts. How could she not when she is haunted by a past encounter that sent her into hiding? She concocts a plan so crazy, it just might save her— if it doesn’t lead to her downfall. All she has to do is impersonate a missing princess and fulfill that princess’s betrothal to the Prince of Ebonwood.

Prince Brone believes in nothing—certainly not the curse rumored to plague the royal wives of Ebonwood. After the untimely death of his first wife, all he wishes is to be left alone. Once more facing a marriage not of his choosing, he vows not to make the same mistakes that cost him so dearly last time.

Calia soon discovers that fooling the prince will be much harder than she thought. As her complicated feelings for him begin to grow, so does her fear of Ebonwood—a kingdom shrouded in darkness, secrets, and even murder.

Will a warning from beyond the grave save Calia from the fate of the previous Ebonwood wives, or will it spell her ultimate ruin?

Inspired by the classic poem “In a Dark, Dark Wood,” this clean, standalone romantic suspense is perfect for anyone who loves fairy tales with a Gothic twist.

Author’s Note: Recommended for ages 14 and up (due to some mature themes).

Teasers and chapter samples coming soon! PRE-ORDER NOW!

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MY RATING  5/5

“Don’t let the world tell you who you are, darling, for it can seldom make up its mind, and it’s usually wrong.”

Set in the West Indies, this sweet story has pirates, swordfights, and romance in the ballroom. The perfect atmospheric read to enjoy before summer ends!

With equal parts laugh-out-loud moments and tender scenes, this book kicks off with a hilarious, mistaken-identity meeting between the main characters that builds into a high-stakes, slow-burn romance.

I enjoyed getting to know Captain Thomas Doyle and coming to understand his history (especially why he vowed to never get married). Felicity Barrow was an interesting heroine with a lot on her shoulders—first and foremost, restoring her family’s good name that her sister has tarnished. I sympathized with both Felicity and Thomas, while also rooting for them to follow their hearts and take a chance on happiness.

A Most Improper Introduction is perfect for fans of clean Regency romance, although the setting gave me Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, which is why I think this book is also great for a beach or vacation read. This was the first book I’ve read by Danielle Thorne, but it won’t be my last!

Synopsis View on Amazon! She must not fall in love with the privateer who rescued her from pirates…

Felicity Barrow needs a respected husband with a title or money. Her family sent her abroad to escape scandal and make a proper match, but she finds the honorable Captain Doyle easy to speak and dance with despite their shocking introduction.

Captain Thomas Doyle vowed never to wed. He makes a generous living as a privateer and intends to buy back his former home on Sugar Hill. In order to forget his parents’ dark legacy, he’ll burn the old plantation to the ground, but he’s mistaken a commander’s sister for a pirate’s paramour, and they own it. Luckily, Miss Barrow doesn’t insist Thomas marry her, but there’s another problem: Sugar Hill is now her dowry and no longer for sale.

Can a man with a past and a woman desperate for a proper future find their happily ever after, or will family tragedy and society’s expectations prevent them from admitting—and offering—what’s hidden in their hearts?

This sweet historical romance is set in the West Indies with pirates, romance, and adventure.

Read Now!

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AUTHOR’S NOTE: This scene was the original ending for Chapter 8, when Darius and Marilee are talking on the boat after Darius is awoken by a nightmare. It didn’t make the final cut because beta feedback felt the chapter ending was stronger without it. It’s a short scene that was originally written to show how Darius was beginning to feel conflicted. Enjoy!

DARIUS

I awoke the next morning to a salty breeze tickling my nose. I raised my hand to brush away the itch and my fingers tangled into a long lock of soft hair.

My eyes flew open. The owner of said hair nestled against my shoulder, fast asleep.

A curse fell from my lips, faster than my hand unwove from her chestnut locks. Marilee’s peaceful face fell into a scowl, perhaps over the tug on her hair or my unseemly language. Even in sleep, she showed her disapproval.

I pulled away slowly, careful not to startle her awake, and her calm smile reappeared.

I recalled last night. The last thing I remembered was staring at the stars, contemplating Marilee’s words until my eyelids drooped with a heaviness that contrasted a newfound lightness in my heart. Marilee had been beside me, yes, but not this close. I wondered when she had fallen asleep, and if it was before or after she’d found refuge on my shoulder.

No matter. I gently laid her against the boat’s deck, ignoring the urge to continue resting with her warmth against me.

No rest for the wicked, lads! One of Hashir’s favorite chides rang in my head as I made my way to examine the damaged boat.

I glanced at the gray sky, knowing I would need to wake Marilee soon before the sun rose.

The dazzling stars of last night were nowhere to be seen, and my optimistic musings seemed like fairy tales in the foggy morning, doused by the sea spray and another long day ahead.

My glimpse fell on the smiling, sleeping girl, and I shook my head. Half from disdain and half from awe that she’d made me feel a hope that I hadn’t in a long time.

© Copyright 2021 Cece Louise. All rights reserved.

Did you enjoy reading this scene? Are there any other scenes you’d like to see from Mazarine or another book? Let me know in the comments or send me an email at cece@cecelouise.com.

Haven’t read Mazarine yet? Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or get the ebook or paperback now!

READ MAZARINE NOW!

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MY RATING  5/5

Dear Clara was a delightful debut novel with engaging characters, a solid romance, and intriguing plot twists.

I went into this expecting a sweet love story (which it certainly delivered on), but I was happily surprised by the number of story progressions along the way that I didn’t see coming.

If you love Jane Austen and Regency romance give this gem a try! I look forward to reading more books by Shelly Powell.

View on Amazon! Synopsis

He thinks she is a rare beauty. She knows he is charming on paper. Both hope for romance, but when letters are no longer enough, Clara must face the truth and decide whether to let go of pride or protect her heart.
                                     
For the first time in her life, Clara Everton has done something truly improper. She has written to a gentleman she hardly knows, simply to avoid an unwanted marriage proposal and perhaps to prove to herself that her first London season was not such a disappointment after all. As one letter grows into many and her feelings for James Thayne deepen, Clara begins to wonder whether a letter is as innocent a thing as she once thought.

Meeting Mr. Thayne in person shakes her hopes, and she must reconcile herself to the unexpected truth. Yet, as circumstances continue to bring them together, Clara can’t help but question whether opening her heart to Mr. Thayne is riskier than protecting it.

Read Now!

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Join me on Facebook Live on June 24th, Thursday, at 6pm CST for a Mazarine Launch Party! Bring your favorite summertime drink and kick back for the following: • Signed paperback giveaways• Live Q&A session with me• Behind-the-scenes content from Mazarine• Teasers for my next book• And more! RSVP “YES” and you’ll automatically be entered to win a signed copy of one of my paperbacks (including Mazarine! US ONLY.) I look forward to seeing you there! RSVP HERE!

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7 fun facts about Desperate Forest: 
(Don’t worry if you haven’t started reading it yet, there are no spoilers!) When Roselynn first meets Jay in the forest, she lies and tells him her name is “Mary” because she doesn’t want to be recognized as the Princess of Tover. I chose that name to honor my Grandmother Rosemary (Rose + Mary.)Desperate Forest was written in two stages, several years apart. I wrote over half the story and never finished it. A few years later, I went back but didn’t remember how I originally planned on ending it. I got stuck and almost scrapped it. In the end, I powered through and reworked all my original scenes.People often ask what period this series is set in. Because it is a fantasy series, I don’t hold fast to a particular period. I guess I like to think of it as taking place once upon a time The setting is a fictional, fairy tale world with a medieval feel (think knights, swords, royalty, horseback riding, and light magic). But my characters don’t “talk funny,” and I try to make them and their stories relatable to my readers’ lives now. The premise for this book was inspired by the TV show Once Upon a Time. When I started my first draft, I was a huge fan of it! I loved the melding of modern time and characters with classic fairy tales. My favorite storyline was Belle’s and Rumpelstiltskin’s.I didn’t originally plan to make Desperate Forest part of a series, but I enjoyed writing the world and characters so much that I decided I couldn’t leave it behind. And so, The Forest Tales Series was born, which led to Book 2,  The Jabberwocky Princess  (a standalone story with new characters, set in the same world). I’m currently working on Books 3 & 4, and plan to write at least six books total for this series. Speaking of, one of the characters in Desperate Forest is getting his or her own book in 2021. Book 3,  Mazarine , features a returning character whose story continues . . . and it may not be who you’d think!Of all the female characters I’ve written, Roselynn is probably the most like me . . . but sometimes I wish I were more like Laurel! Want more bonus content from Desperate Forest? Check out the playlist! LISTEN TO PLAYLIST HERE!

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