"If you are looking for a series that keeps you on the edge, wondering what will happen next, wondering how an author created a jaw-dropping, heart-stopping book. Then look no further. Genie has created that with this series." --Bunnies Review

Saturday, June 30, 2012

FREE JUNE 30 & JULY 1 ONLY

READ THE BOOK WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR FREE--TWO DAYS ONLY!

When Julia Cabot's children are kidnapped, she and Mitch Garrison chase the kidnappers through Oregon's Columbia Gorge and toward the fictional Eastern Oregon town of Halo. Here readers meet some of the legendary citizens of this small town.

Deputy Dawson Browning (featured in PICTURE PERFECT LEGACY, book #1 of the LEGACY series) heads the organized search efforts to find Julia's children. When the children are rescued from a collapsing mine tunnel, Halo's citizens join in the Christmas morning celebration.

Already, Halo's townspeople were making noise about wanting their own stories, which became the LEGACY series.

To help celebrate the release of LIVING THE LEGACY, the third book of the LEGACY series, the ebook version of THE BODYGUARD will be free on Amazon.com for two days only: Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1. Hope you take the time to download this took, that was praised by Kwips & Quotes as "an absolutely brilliant read!"

Friday, June 29, 2012

FRIDAY NIGHT OUT


FEATURED BAND AT THE ROCK'n'ROMANCE BLOG

Leading up to the 4th of July, who better to rock the birthday of the United States than Bruce Springsteen, Mr. Born In the USA himself? Roll on over to the Rock'n'Romance blog and find out more!

Thursday, June 28, 2012


AUTHOR BIO
Kristina McMorris is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, LETTERS FROM HOME (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents' wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman's Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader's Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland's "40 Under 40" by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.



INTERVIEW


What is the premise your books? What ties them together? Are the characters related, have the same career, live in the same town, etc.?

My debut novel, LETTERS FROM HOME, is set during WWII and features a Midwestern infantryman who falls deeply in love through a yearlong letter exchange, unaware that the girl he's writing to isn't the one writing back. My latest novel, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES, is also set during WWII, but follows a young woman who secretly elopes with her Japanese boyfriend the night before Pearl Harbor is bombed, forever changing two families torn between sides.

Although the books, both obviously sharing the same era, are separate stand-alones, there's a minor married farm couple from Illinois that is mentioned in LETTERS FROM HOME and actually makes a cameo appearance in BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES.


What's the genre/subgenre of your books? 

My books are categorized as historical women's fiction, also referred to as love stories. But both of them cross over into the romance genre and, due to wartime elements, offer a great deal for male readers too.


Why write about World War II? This wasn't a "hot-selling" time period when you wrote your first book, was it?

You're absolutely right about the challenges I initially faced, yet I didn't discover that WWII women's fiction was virtually nonexistent back then until I'd already finished my debut novel. Blissfully ignorant, I simply focused on the craft side of LETTERS FROM HOME, a labor of love inspired by my grandparents' WWII courtship letters. Thankfully, the market soon took a turn and now there are many wonderful women's fiction novels set during this period.

For my second novel, I didn't set out to remain in this era, but then I recalled that an old family friend had shared with me that he'd fought for America while his brother served for Japan, and I couldn't let the idea go. When researching the premise, I happened across an obscure mention of roughly two hundred non-Japanese spouses who lived in the internment camps voluntarily. At that moment, I knew I'd found my story.


You've done some interesting research. Please tell us about some of those experiences.

Given that I'm not a huge fan of traditional research -- highlighting textbooks feels much too similar to preparing for a 500-page term paper -- I prefer to bring history to life whenever possible. For BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES, I had the pleasure of interviewing Japanese American WWII veterans who recently received the Congressional Gold Medal and had served with the Military Intelligence Service, a secret branch of the U.S. Army responsible for code breaking and interrogating against Japan. I also participated in a pilgrimage to the Manzanar War Relocation Camp, where I interviewed survivors of the internment. And finally, definitely more fun than work, I took a ride on a restored B-17 bomber, since one of my characters is a tail gunner.

My greatest hope is that what I learned from these experiences will help create a more moving and realistic journey for the reader.


What's your next project? Are you going to write another book set against the backdrop of World War II? 

Also bearing ties to LETTERS FROM HOME, my forthcoming novella, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR, will be released in October in a holiday anthology titled A WINTER WONDERLAND, headlined by Fern Michaels. In this contemporary story, Jenna Matthews, the daughter of a former hoarder, seeks catharsis through her career as an estate liquidator. However, while preparing for a sale just before Christmas -- a season of "junk" exchanges she despises -- she stumbles across a shoebox of wartime memorabilia that reveals the secret past of an elderly woman (her young version is a minor character in my debut), and soon leads Jenna on a hunt to understand the true value of keepsakes, holidays, and memories.

Other than that, I have two more novels on contract with my publisher. The first one is tentatively titled THROUGH MEMORY'S GATE, which I'll be diving into as soon as the whirlwind of my current book tour settles.


Any contests or giveaways related to this blog post or that you are running?

I'd be happy to give away one signed copy of LETTERS FROM HOME to a randomly chosen commenter. Sign up for my newsletter on my website for an extra entry: http://www.kristinamcmorris.com/home.php?pg=news


Any other information you would like to add?

Thanks so much for having me here today, Genene. I hope readers will check out BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES and let me know what they think!



Behind-the-book summary
The premise of this novel began with a true account of two brothers during WWII, one who had fought for Japan and the other for America. While researching the subject, Kristina happened across a brief mention of roughly two hundred non-Japanese spouses who voluntarily lived in an internment camp. She was stunned and fascinated by the discovery, and immediately knew it was a story she needed to tell.

As the daughter of a Japanese immigrant father and Caucasian American mother, Kristina grew up living between these two cultures. Through Bridge of Scarlet Leaves she hopes to share with readers a unique perspective of an intriguing, and often tragic, portion of our country's history, while also honoring a diverse range of quiet heroes.



BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES

SPECIAL EXCERPT

May 1942 – Los Angeles, Calif.
Japanese American evacuation

Engines awoke in the distance, a stagger of roars that cinched Maddie's throat with panic. Her pace doubled in speed. Her leather heels clicked a staccato rhythm on the city sidewalk. She forced air in and out, in and out, against the burn crawling up the walls of her lungs.

Nine o'clock, that's what Lane's roommate had said when the operator connected his call that morning. Told her that his conscience wouldn't let him ship off without at least telling her Lane was in town, but if she wanted to see him, she had until nine o'clock.

She'd raced out the door. No time to think.

At last, she was almost there...

A young soldier stood up ahead. He hugged his bayonet-fixed rifle across his chest, his stance undoubtedly fresh from Army basic. He stared hard into the sky, as if reading his mission etched in the ribbon of clouds. The enemy, have to protect our country from the enemy.

The thought curled Maddie's fingers.

In a glance briefer than a blink, the GI sized her up, her ivory skin an armor of presumed innocence. She swerved around him, not missing a beat. To her left, personal effects awaited transit in a snaking queue. Cribs and ironing boards, labeled trunks and boxes. Their tags dangled in the spring sun.

Around the corner, evacuees were amassed before the steepled church. Red Cross volunteers handed out coffee.

"Lane! Where are you?" Her words died in the bedlam, smothered by a baby's cry, a rumbling jeep, a little girl's hysterics.

"But I don't want to go," the girl shrieked, face stained red. "Mommy, I want to stay with you!" Tears streamed from the slanted eyes that cursed the child, dripping trails down the puffy sleeves of her lilac dress. Two nuns pried her fingers from the Caucasian woman's arms and guided the youngster toward the bus.

"Everything will be fine, pumpkin," the mother choked out against a sob. "Mommy and Daddy will come see you soon." A suited man beside her added, "You be a good girl, now." His Anglo features contorted in despair as he limply waved.

A reporter snapped a photo.

Who knew a piece of paper could carry so much power? One presidential order and an orphan could lose another family; one signed petition and marriage vows could be unsaid. Thank God she hadn't mailed the papers yet. Stamped and sealed, but not mailed.

Maddie scanned the faces around her, their features similar to Lane's, but none as flawless. None bearing the deep beauty of his eyes, his smile.

"Lane!" she shouted louder. The trio of chartered buses was filling. Within minutes, he would be gone.

"Excuse me, miss. May I help you?" A priest touched her arm. His wrinkled face exuded warmth that penetrated the morning chill.

"Moritomos—I have to find them." Exhaust fumes invaded the air, causing her to cough.

He patted her back. "Now, now, dear. Let's see what we can do." They wove through the crowd, her gaze zipping from one figure to the next. Beige identity tags hung from lapels, around buttons. Branded in their Sunday best like a herd of cattle.

"Sergeant," the priest called out. He stepped up to a bulky Army man in the midst of lecturing two privates. "Sergeant," he tried again, "I hate to interrupt, but..."

"Hold your water," the guy barked, before turning and noting the source. His shoulders lowered. "Sorry, Father. What is it you need?"

"This young lady, here, she's trying to locate a particular family."

"The Moritomos," Maddie cut in.

The sergeant sighed heavily as he lifted his clipboard. He flipped forward several pages and began his search through the list. With the top of his pen, he scratched his head beneath his helmet. He blew out another sigh.

This was taking too long.

Maddie leaned in, trying to see the smudged names herself. Maeda... Matsuda... Minami... Miyamoto...

The sergeant turned to the next page and looked up. "What's that name again?"
She fought to keep her composure. "Moritomo. Lane Moritomo."

A loud hiss shot from behind. The first bus was pulling away, followed by the next. Another hiss and the doors slammed closed on the last Greyhound in line. The crowd launched into waves of farewells and see-you-soons, whenever, wherever that might be.

"Maddie," a muffled voice barely met her ears. It came again, stronger. "Maddie, over here!" Someone yanked open a dusty windowpane on the remaining bus. It was Lane, reaching across seated passengers to see her.

She wasn't too late!

Calling his name, she bumped through elbows to get to the blue-and-white striped transport. She scrambled for his hand until their grips linked, his skin soft as a glove. When a smile slid across his face, all else paled to a haze. Time reversed, back to happier days, before the ground had crumbled on a fault line, dividing their world in two.

"I didn't mean what I said," he implored, "at the diner...."

"I know," she assured him, for it was a truth she had carried inside. Still, her heart warmed from the confirmation in his eyes.

Then the bus began to move.

"No matter what happens, Maddie, know that I'll always love you."

She tightened her grasp, refusing to let go. "I'll be waiting. However long it takes."

On the balls of her feet she hastened her stride. She struggled to keep up, but the wheels were spinning too fast. Against her silent pleas, their connection wouldn't hold and his fingers slipped beyond reach.


What critics are saying…
"[Bridge of Scarlet Leaves] gracefully blossoms through swift prose and rich characters…this gripping story about two 'brothers' in arms and a young woman caught in between them hits all the right chords."   
-- Publishers Weekly 

"A sweeping yet intimate novel that will please both romantics and lovers of American history."
-- Kirkus Reviews 

"A wonderfully poignant tale…this WWII novel has a refreshingly different point of view."
-- RT Book Reviews 


AUTHOR CONTACT INFORMATION




Wednesday, June 27, 2012

TEASER #3 FROM LIVING THE LEGACY


Satisfied all was under control, Beth turned her attention to decorating the cupcakes to look like soccer balls. In a short time, every surface in her kitchen was covered with rounded desserts covered in white frosting with a black soccer-ball design. Beth paused and looked across what seemed to be an acre of cupcakes.

Soon they would be done and she could change out of her flour-dusted clothes. She closed her eyes and leaned against the counter for a moment, searching for another burst of energy.

"Almost finished!" Layla called out as she closed the lid on another box of the cupcakes.

"Thank you so much for helping." Beth tried to form a smile for Layla and almost managed it. "I couldn't have done this without you."

Beth pushed away from the counter. "Almost done with the frosting and decorating. Do you think they look like soccer balls?"

"Absolutely. Almost too cute to eat." Layla looked at Beth closely. "Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"I--just a little tired--"

"Beth!"

Beth blinked her eyes as Layla wavered and moved toward her like a slow motion movie. Or maybe she was the one wavering...


**EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

TEASER #2 FROM LIVING THE LEGACY


**Turmoil fisted in Collin's gut as he paused by the crater that used to be Beth's house. Jagged teeth of concrete gaped where the foundation once stood. Bits of charred boards lay scattered on the street. The refrigerator and stove were crumpled into a warped parody of what was once a kitchen. 

He knelt and lifted a splintered piece of wood from the thick layer of dust that covered the rubble in the street. The broken and twisted string still attached identified it as a piece of Beth's cello. 

Collin closed his hand around the debris until the painful gouging against the palm of his hand registered in his brain. 


**EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel. 

Monday, June 25, 2012

TEASER #1 FROM LIVING THE LEGACY


**What would Bernie do? That question had provided a compass for Collin since he was six years old and Bernie O'Shea pulled him from the garbage-strewn squalor that had been his existence, gave him a decent home and a solid sense of responsibility. Continuing Bernie's legacy of justice with compassion had become more imperative since his adoptive father had been killed on duty. In fact, this life purpose was sometimes all that kept Collin from falling into grief over the outrage of losing a man who had become legendary to many in this rural part of Oregon. 

**EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

ONE WEEK UNTIL A NEW LEGACY RELEASE!

I am so excited! The release of LIVING THE LEGACY is only one week away!


This is Collin's story. As the oldest of the O'Shea siblings, he is the most somber and has shouldered the most responsibility. He takes very seriously the goal of being like Bernie, though his adoptive father is no longer alive to say how proud he is of his children.



An early childhood of dodging fists and anger has made him always vigilant for danger, a trait that serves him well in his job as a sniper for the state police. However, he is totally unprepared for how quickly the innocent sweetness of Beth Boulanger claims his heart. Their whirlwind marriage is shaken when the harsh reality of Collin's job collides with Beth's sheltered upbringing. Will their marriage survive the unknown dangers that stalk them and threaten their unborn child?

Over the next few days, I'm going to tease you with some snippets from LIVING THE LEGACY. I hope you enjoy them!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

BIG CITY SATURDAY!

Today I'm appearing at the Salem, Oregon Public Library's first Author Fair with thirty other authors. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello.


1-4 p.m. Saturday
June 23
155 Commercial SE Salem, OR

Friday, June 22, 2012

ROCK'n'ROMANCE FRIDAY

The band of the week at my Rock'n'Romance Web site is the rock band, JOURNEY. After almost forty years, what an incredible journey this band has taken!

Visit my Rock'n'Romance Web site at <http://rockandromance.blogspot.com/> for more info and links to great songs and stories.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

PLEASE WELCOME CHRISTINE YOUNG!


Today I'm delighted to welcome fellow author, Christine Young, to my blog!


BIO

Born in Medford, Oregon, novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling. Her teaching and writing careers intertwined with raising three children. And the long, hot days of summer provided the perfect setting for creating romance. She sold her first book, Dakota's Bride, the summer of 1998 and her second book, My Angel, to Kensington. Since then, she has published twelve more full-length novels, and three novellas in anthologies. Now that she has retired from teaching full-time, Christine can devote more time to her newest venture--Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem, Oregon.


You can visit Christine at her blog: <http://christineyoung-romancewriter.blogspot.com>


INTERVIEW


What is the name of your series of books? How many books are in the series? 
The Earth and Wind series. My original plan was to have three books in the series. The first book, Rebel Heart, features Victoria DeMontville and Cameron Savage. Victoria has a twin sister, Vanessa. I was planning on Vanessa having the third story. The second story goes to Jonathan Reese, a cousin to Tori and Nessa.

What's the genre/subgenre of your series? 
The genre is futuristic with some fantasy thrown in. These books are also erotic romance. Rebel Heart is a re-edited release with a brand new cover.

What is the premise your series?
Rebel Heart is set five hundred years in the future. The hero and heroine come from very different backgrounds. One is an Outsider and the other a City Dweller, but they are both dedicated scientists. Cameron savage is a physician. Victoria DeMontville is a research scientist. They are both working to create a vaccine that will work against a deadly virus. Victoria has uncovered another way to help the victims of the virus--genetic surgery. During many of her forays into the musty archives of the city library, she discovers a technique that would give the City Dwellers a gene that would enhance an almost non-existent immune system. The technique is called allele transplant surgery. 

What ties it together? 
War ties it all together. The life styles and needs of the Outsiders and the City Dwellers are very different. They are unable to settle their difference. Eventually the disagreements result in war.

Are the characters related, have the same career, live in the same town, etc.?
In Rebel Heart the characters, Tori and Cameron, have similar careers and they are working to solve a common problem. They want to find a cure for the deadly Signe Virus, which is wiping out entire towns.

In the second book Jonathan, the hero, is a cousin to the twins. He meets a woman who has magical abilities and can foresee the future. 

The third book will be Nessa's story. She is a computer geek but I am clueless at the moment as to the hero and direction the story will take.

Why write a series? What are the pros and cons? 
I write series because I almost always fall in love with my secondary characters. During the writing of one book, my mind starts to plan the direction the other characters will take. And of course, their stories have to be told because they will rattle around in my brain until I eventually put them on paper.

Pros: I feel readers think the same way. I have had times when my readers and/or editor has asked when a certain character will get their story. For example, Kate Duffy, my original editor for Dakota's Bride, asked about Jacob St. John. She expected Jacob and Angela to be a couple. Alas they were not. They had separate stories. Angela in My Angel and Jacob in the very last book of this series, Forever His.

I don't think there are any cons.

What's your next project? Is there another series in your writing future? 
My next project is an erotic fantasy romance. I think the title will be Catching Meara. It is about a hero who shape-shifts to a jaguar and a heroine who is a technical analyst (computer hacker). At this point in time, I don't think this book will be a series. But I never know. 

I do have another series. The first two books are already published, Allura and The Wager. This is my twelve dancing princesses series, which is set in Regency England and Scotland.

Any contests or giveaways related to this blog post or that you are running?
I would love to give away a copy of The Gift, a historical romance set during the War Between the States.

Any other information you would like to add?
Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog. 


EXCERPT
Rebel Heart
Christine Young
achristay@aol.com

Excerpt Heat Level: 1
Book Heat Level:



"God Almighty!" Cameron Savage rocked on the balls of his feet before he moved swiftly and silently behind the furtive shadow ahead. Until this moment, Cameron thought the area was secured and safe. If something wasn't done soon to stop this boy, all hell would break lose.

The most powerful of the overlords were due into this area by noon. He, Cameron Savage, confidant of the most influential of all the overlords and also double agent, spy--thieftaker, was blessed with the burden of securing the perimeter.

His job was two-fold; the overlords must feel safe, and the wheels must be set in motion for their eventual capture and prosecution.

This City Dweller complicated his mission, had the nerve to steal away in the early hours of dawn to some secret rendezvous. It seemed he cared not for the laws and the tenuous peace. And why should the boy? The corruption that existed in this world went unprosecuted, terrifying all law-abiding citizens.

Cameron vowed long ago to put an end to the trafficking, to stop the thieves who stole the deadly viruses from the disease control centers, holding them ransom until the City Dwellers were all but bankrupt. He'd vowed to stop the corrupt and dangerous thieftakers from forming unholy alliances with the thieves, and in the process reaping fortunes from both sides.

For a moment he looked at the emblem sewn on his jacket and gritted his teeth. Once, the golden red symbol of the dragon, of the thieftakers, stood for something noble. A man wearing the emblem could be proud of what he did.

But no longer.

Over the last five years, progress had been made. The tension had eased somewhat, but the threat of contamination always lingered. One mistake, one infestation and all would be for naught. All the hard work and research over the long years would be wasted by a few heartless people. Corrupt thieftakers. The crime syndicates.

Any mistake could prove fatal.

While Cameron watched, the small figure stopped beside an old rotten log and knelt before whipping the knapsack from his back and rummaging through the inside. Seconds later a spade and a small knife were secured from the pack, and the figure began to shuffle through the dust, the dirt, and the growths found within. The boy sat back on his haunches and deposited debris in tiny plastic sacks.

A shiver snaked along Cameron's spine. The figure did appear elusive but hardly dangerous. He wore loose fitting camouflage pants and a matching shirt. His cloak was hooded and dark. When he looked up, he seemed to stare directly at Cameron. With lithe movements, he deftly packaged and labeled each article and moved farther into the dense undergrowth.

The darkened forest and the grey mist closed in around the City Dweller as he passed a huge redwood tree and disappeared. Cameron stepped forward, intent on tracking this person, but a flash of light where the boy had been digging made him stop. Cameron searched the ground for the object that pulled his attention away from his quarry. Then he saw the piece of jewelry, a ring, with the DeMontville crest.

Perhaps this wasn't a waste of time.

Cameron's hand closed around the ring and he held the jewelry a scant moment before he slipped it on his little finger.

He looked again for the wayward youth.

"Halt!" The person he trailed stepped from behind a shield of trees.

A slow smile of amusement curled Cameron's lip. "Halt?" Cameron leaned casually against the tree the juvenile had emerged from. His hands crossed negligently over his chest. "Why?" Cameron asked.

"You have no right to be here."

Cameron cast the boy a contemptuous glare. "And I suppose you do." Cameron straightened and stepped boldly toward the small tense figure.

"Yes...I..." The young man sounded unsure of himself.

"Tell me what you are up to and I might allow you to slip back over the wall. Perhaps the good people within will forgive you the indiscretion."

"It's nothing," the youth said shakily as he backed away.

"Leave the pack and go," Cameron said in what he hoped was his most menacing tone. This young man needed a good scare.

"No.”

"What?" There was too much at stake here. Cameron decided the boy's curt refusal was foolhardy, and perhaps a good scare was not quite intimidating enough to convince him. Perhaps he needed to be taught a more severe lesson. Cameron started toward him bent on that very thing.

The boy stood his ground, chin tilted upward in a strangely feminine gesture that almost stopped Cameron.

"No?" Cameron's eyebrow rose in mockery. "Don't try to defy me. It will do you no good."

The little hellion whipped out a gun and pointed it at him. "I kill thieftakers!"

"Hell!" Cameron swore again.

Despite the shaking fingers, Cameron had no doubt this boy would use the weapon. He could disarm the boy.

Easily disarm him. Swiftly he brought his hand up, landing hard beneath the boy's wrist.

The gun, that had moments before been pointed against Cameron, went flying into some green oblivion of forest and moss.

Retribution could be quite satisfying.

Satisfying indeed. Yet he was about to be deprived of it. That very minute the juvenile turned and ran, disappearing into the mist and the trees.

Seconds later Cameron picked up the sound of his quarry's rapid flight through the overgrown and nearly forgotten trail.

He moved swiftly through the forest and its pathways, as if he had intimate knowledge of every tree and bush within.

And he did.

But the boy proved elusive.

Cameron came to a complete stop, warily searching the surrounding area, listening intently for any sound, or a subtle mistake. Only silence prevailed in the forest.

Suddenly a camouflaged waif darted between two trees. Cameron followed. As he managed to close the distance between the two of them, his adversary reached for a handful of dirt and grass. The debris hit him squarely in the face.

"Damnation! Fight like a man or I'll treat you as I would a small child. You deserve a thrashing, by God." The dirt did not slow Cameron. He started after the brat once more.

The boy slipped several times and was now scrambling on all fours as if he searched for something else to throw.

"Just try it." There was nothing more in the little clearing for the urchin to grab hold.

Cameron, more frustrated than he could ever recall, moved with lightning speed and agility. Like a thunderbolt, he crossed the few remaining feet between them and tackled the boy.

Fragile hips suddenly lay between his thighs, and something within him quickened as he held the soft form. Sheer amazement at the sudden insight held him still for a second.

Even as she struggled again, with what should have been the last of her strength in a final bid for freedom, beating upon his chest with her small fists, Cameron tried to decide what should be done with her. He caught her wrists and held them still.

"Who are you?" he challenged.

Nothing had changed, except...

~ * ~

Annie for Euro Reviews writes:
Rebel Heart is a well-written futuristic novel of a time that very possibly could come to pass, when viral plagues have laid the planet waste, and life is lived either in the sterile confines of domed habitats, or as pariahs in the outside wilderness. The world-building is excellent, vivid, and true-to-life. The characters will quickly catch and hold the reader's sympathies. The plot is quick, and takes time to examine many valid social, economic, class, and political issues as well. Christine Young delivers a winner which will capture the interest of futuristic/science fiction fans as well as the general reader.

Jasmina Vallombrosa for TCM Reviews writes:
Filled with drama and suspense, this book will draw you into the mysteries of science fiction. I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Young’s storytelling talents as she wove not only a wonderful futuristic adventure, but also that of a passionate love story. I loved the main characters as they came to life on the pages. The plot was quite suspenseful and deliciously entertaining. As a result, I had no choice but to keep flipping the pages as I raced to the end. Bravo Ms.Young for such an extraordinary book from cover to cover!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

SMALL TOWN CELEBRATIONS


Pirates, kites and kinetic sculpture races are just some of the fun events planned in Oregon this weekend. 


PIRATE FESTIVAL
Rockaway Beach, OR (06-22-12 through 06-24-12). As part of the festivities, the Boom Bilge Rats will perform two music/pirate vaudeville shows, PDX Yar, Pirates of the Cursed Sea--with help from the Portland Pirate Festival Folks. For more information, visit: <http://www.chamberorganizer.com/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=67488>


KLAMATH KINETIC CHALLENGE
Klamath Falls, OR June 22-24, 2012
Kinetic Sculptures are homemade, human-powered vehicles able to travel (hopefully) over land, sand, muck, rocks and, oh yeah, water. They carry one, two, four or more people. The race is to see if these fantastic creations are able to negotiate the course. Awards are given for engineering/construction, art, speed and many other frivolous achievements. The Race is really a Festival put on FOR THE FUN of all involved, including spectators. This years there is a Dr. Seuss theme. For more info, visit <http://www.klamathkinetic.org/>


SUMMER KITE FESTIVAL
The Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival is held on the beach at the D-River Wayside from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, 2012.
The weekend includes featured flyers, family-friendly activities like kite-making, a kid’s kite parade, and a mass ascension. This year’s theme is “Stars & Stripes” The festival will include kite flying demonstrations by experts, and some of the most colorful “big” kites in the world! Join us as we display a dizzying array of red, white and blue kites! For more information, visit: <http://www.oregoncoast.org/summer-kite-festival/>


For more festivals and events, visit the Oregon Festivals & Events Association Web site <http://www.oregonfestivals.org/>.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

TUESDAY TRIVIA

Q. Where is Patrick's sanctuary in LEGACY OF ANGELS?


The hint is on the cover of the book:
A. In caverns under the ruins of an old monastery.




Monday, June 18, 2012

AUTHOR NOTES

Hello, all! I spent quite a bit of time last week finishing up projects so I could cover my friends' petsitting business while they are on vacation this week. So I didn't make as much progress as I wanted to on the edits of book #6 of my LEGACY series. 

Edits to book #6 will continue this week, and petsitting will give me more ideas for the pets that are often included in my books. :)

And I'm finishing up preparation for the Authors' Fair at the Salem (Oregon) Public Library on Saturday, June 23. Over 30 authors will be offering their books as well as giving five-minute lightning talks about their work. Should be interesting!

Saturday, June 16, 2012

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Please meet Bernie O'Shea...


In my LEGACY series of books, Bernie O'Shea is a street cop with a legendary reputation. When he is shot while on duty, his death is considered the act of a random cop killer. 

Devastated with grief, his widow and eight adopted children find their greatest solace in continuing Bernie's legacy of compassionate justice.

~ * ~

**"They don't have anywhere else to turn, Tallie. We're their last hope." How many times had Bernie said those words when a knock came in the middle of the night? 

How could she turn away these desperate souls when she had once been one of them?  

So they came, even though Bernie was gone. His work continued and eventually Tallie found some sort of peace in knowing whoever killed Bernie didn't take away the good he had done in his life. 

**Tallie O'Shea in PICTURE PERFECT LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau writing as Genie Gabriel

~ * ~

**Though Bernie chose the uniform of a police officer, Marly thought he would have made a top-notch caseworker. He wouldn't have had to carry a gun and maybe he would still be alive.  

She brushed away the sheen of tears from her eyes. Bernie wouldn't want her to be sad. He would want her to carry on his work of searching out those who had lost their way and getting them back on the right path. 

**Marly O'Shea in PICTURE PERFECT LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau writing as Genie Gabriel

~ * ~

**Pain stabbed at Claudia's heart, but she shrugged it away. "My mother didn't make a big deal of Christmas…"

"It was the same for me before I came to stay with Bernie and Tallie. But there's magic in this house. The magic of family."  

**Patrick O'Shea in LEGACY OF ANGELS, copyright Genene Valleau writing as Genie GabrielPatrick O'Shea in LEGACY OF ANGELS

~ * ~

What would Bernie do? That question had provided a compass for Collin since he was six years old and Bernie O'Shea pulled him from the garbage-strewn squalor that had been his existence, gave him a decent home and a solid sense of responsibility. Continuing Bernie's legacy of justice with compassion had become more imperative since his adoptive father had been killed on duty. In fact, this life purpose was sometimes all that kept Collin from falling into grief over the outrage of losing a man who had become legendary to many in this rural part of Oregon. 

**Collin O'Shea in LIVING THE LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau writing as Genie Gabriel

~ * ~

When he was a kid and needed comfort, [Grady] took his blanket and sat outside Bernie and Tallie's bedroom door. Not to eavesdrop, but just to hear the murmur of their voices as they settled in for the night. 

**Grady O'Shea in CHASING THE LEGACY, copyright Genene Valleau writing as Genie Gabriel

~ * ~

However, secrets are buried in the fictional small town of Halo. As a series of crimes explodes in this old mining town, those secrets come to light--challenging reputations, throwing lives into turmoil, and forging heroes out of ordinary people. 

Join the O'Shea family as they save stolen babies, uncover secrets, bring villains to justice, and find romance. 



Thursday, June 14, 2012

PLEASE WELCOME TERRI REED!


Today, I'm pleased to welcome Terri Reed to my blog!

BIO
Terri is an award winning, multi-published author. She discovered the wonderful world of fiction at an early age and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Harlequin’s Love Inspired. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children, and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing tennis.


INTERVIEW
What is the name of your series of books?  How many books are in the series?

Right now I have two different ones coming out.
(A) My June release is book six of the Fitzgerald Bay Continuity series by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense. The Deputy’s Duty--Law enforcement siblings fight for justice and family. Deputy Chief Ryan Fitzgerald will do anything to bring home a missing little girl, even work with a nosy female reporter bent on destroying his family.

(B) In October the third book in my Protection Specialists series will be released. The Doctor’s Defender--bodyguard Kyle Martin must protect a beautiful doctor from increasing danger, but will he be able to protect his heart?

So far there are four books in the Protection Specialists series, but I’m sure there will be more.

What's the genre/subgenre of your series?
Inspirational Romantic Suspense

What is the premise of your series? What ties it together? Are the characters related, have the same career, live in the same town, etc.?

(A) The Deputy’s Duty--The Fitzgerald clan is rocked by a tragic murder, a missing toddler and a family secret. Each book focuses on a different sibling as clues are revealed until book six when the mystery is solved, the murderer captured and love finds all the siblings.

(B) The Doctor’s Defender--Protection Specialists. In this series, bodyguards employed by Trent Associates in Boston are featured in each book. Their mission is to guard the innocent. The bodyguards will go wherever they are needed and do whatever it takes to protect their clients.

Why write a series? What are the pros and cons?
I like having connected books because you can build characters from book to book even if the character is not the main hero or heroine of the specific book I’m writing. The con is trying to remember what I’ve written about the character when I go to write their story. I have to go back and rediscover the character in previously written novels. Also whatever has come before is now set in stone so there is no changing the character. The plus side is readers look for the next story in a series.  Readers like to see what happens to the characters they’ve met in previous books and catch up on characters that have already had their own story.

What's your next project? Is there another series in your writing future?
I’m working on two books right now.
(1) The Cowboy Target, the fourth Protection Specialists book will be a March 2013 release.   Rancher Wyatt Monroe is being targeted. First framed for murder, then his ranch is sabotaged and his life threatened. Feisty bodyguard, Jackie Blain, will protect the handsome widowed father with her life, but will she give him her heart?
(2) Scent of Danger, book five of Texas K-9 Unit continuity series will be a May 2013 release. I have a drug-sniffing Beagle name Sherlock and his handsome partner Parker Adams working to break up a drug ring in the fictional town of Sagebrush Texas. They are helped by Cold Case Detective Melody Zachary. Working together brings them closer, but each must decide to let down their guard and risk their hearts before it's too late.

Any contests or giveaways related to this blog post or that you are running?
I’ll be giving away a signed copy of my June release and a $10 Amazon gift card.

Any other information you would like to add?
I’d love to hear from your readers what they look for in a book? What makes you decide to devote the time and energy to reading one book over another? Is it the cover? The blurb on the back? Author recognition? Subject of the story?

[NOTE: As a gift to readers, there is a bonus novella by Jillian Hart at the end of The Deputy's Duty.]


EXCERPT

Ryan was supposed to have protected them.  She glared at him.  “This shouldn’t have happened.”

He met her gaze, his icy blue eyes dark with fury. “No, it shouldn’t have.”  He shook his head, his face filled with self-loathing.  “I let myself be distracted.”

She frowned.  “Distracted?  By what?”

His gaze cut over her before he looked away.  The muscle at the side of his jaw visibly pulsed. For a long moment she stared at his profile, at the angular lines of his cheekbone and straight nose, until something clicked in her mind.  Did he mean he’d been distracted by her?

Her pulse tripped over itself.  Her thoughts rewound to the moment inside the house when she’d been holding Georgina. Meghan had looked up to find Ryan in the doorway. She’d heard his voice long before he appeared, so seeing him wasn’t a surprise. But the look on his face...that had left her reeling.
She’d known from the get-go that this man was dangerous, on so many levels. It didn’t help that every time she saw him she felt a flutter of feminine excitement.

Men in uniform could do that to a girl. And admittedly, Ryan filled out his blue uniform in a very eye-catching way that any woman with blood in her veins would notice.

But that didn’t mean Meghan would repeat her past mistakes. She’d gone down the hunky guy road before with disastrous results.

Not going there again. Especially, not with a Fitzgerald. She didn’t trust him.  Couldn’t even say she liked him.

Though admittedly, the wistful, almost yearning expression on Ryan’s handsome face as he watched her holding Georgina had both confused her and sent her pulse skittering.

Then he’d opened his mouth and all she’d registered at the time was the cold blue eyes and the hard set to his jaw that she’d grown used to seeing over the last six months in her campaign for more to be done in bringing her cousin’s murderer to justice.  

 “Have you given any consideration to what could have happened had Christina and her thug returned before I got here?” Ryan asked, his blue gaze drilling through her.

She lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug.  “But she didn’t.”

“Dumb luck.”

Her gaze narrowed.  “I don’t believe in luck, Deputy Chief.  I wouldn’t have thought you did either, considering you’re a church going man.”

“My faith isn’t the issue here.  What concerns me is your lack of regard for your safety.  For the safety of little Georgina.”


His words drilled a hole through her anger.  Guilt wormed its way to the surface.  She probably had been too rash in coming here alone.  “I should have called you,” she conceded.

“You think?” he muttered. “If you hadn’t been here, I would have been able to control the situation.”

The censure in his tone dug at her, setting her defenses firing.  “You don’t know that. Control’s an illusion.”

Saying the words aloud felt like stepping into rush hour traffic. She and Ryan had no control; they didn’t know when they’d be hit. Little Georgina’s life hung in the balance at the hands of an unhinged gun-toting woman and a muscle-bound criminal with no aversion to pounding on people.

She squeezed her eyes tight.  Tears leaked from the corners.  “Please, dear Lord, keep Georgina safe.  Please let us find her.”

When she opened her eyes, she found Ryan staring at her with an arrested look on his face.

Not one to usually pray aloud in public, the heat of a blush crept up her neck and into her cheeks.  But she wouldn’t apologize.  She’d worked hard to reclaim her faith after having spent too many years feeling lost and abandoned by God.

“Why is Georgina so important to you?” Ryan asked.  “It’s more than just chasing a story. So what gives?”

The squall of siren’s filled the air and an ambulance roared to a halt a few feet away, followed by a Revere police cruiser, saving her from answering.

She was chasing a story, that much was true. Working freelance, meant pitching ideas to various news sources and hoping something stuck.  The editor at the Boston City News had been enthused by the hooks she’d dangled: murder, small town police corruption, a baby without a home.

But there was more, much more to this tale.

And soon she’d have to tell Ryan. Not a conversation she was looking forward to, however necessary.  She wasn’t sure how the deputy chief would take the news.


CONTACT TERRI
You can write to Terri at P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97280
Visit her online at www.loveinspiredauthors.com
E-mail her at terrireed@sterling.net
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