AND THE WINNER IS...

CONGRATULATIONS TO: MARY P.


...the winner of my July drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

FREE DOWNLOAD JULY 27 & 28

Today and tomorrow, July 27 & 28, you can download THE LEADER OF THE BAND for free at Amazon.com. 

"...As [the author] peels the artificial layers away, she reveals some most interesting surprises..." said The Long and The Short of It Reviews of this sensual and humorous romance. "...not the least of which is the character who turns out to be the real antagonist."

On stage, band leader Zach Zacata controls the emotions of thousands of fans, but he can't control his middle-aged body. When he has a heart attack, best friend and sometime lover Lauren Westover provides a place where Zach can heal. And Zach realizes he has one more chance to win Lauren's love--if a killer doesn't get to them first.

ENJOY!

AND THE WINNER IS...

CONGRATULATIONS TO: NATASHA!


The winner of a $10 gift certificate to Powell's Books! 


The name of everyone who commented during my blog tour will go in the cyber-hat for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com to be drawn at the end of the month. 


Thanks to you all!

LAST DAY OF MY BLOG TOUR!

Hi, all! 


Today I'm at It's Raining Books blog. This is the last stop to promote LIVING THE LEGACY, the third book of my Legacy Series. 


Anyone who comments will be entered in a drawing to win a $10 gift certificate to Powell's Books (online or brick-and-mortar stores), as well as a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com at the end of July.


Hope to see you there!

BIG CITY CELEBRATION!

Saturday, July 28, 2012
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR
(corner of SW Morrison and SW Sixth Avenue)

If you are in the Portland, Oregon area this Saturday, please stop by and say hello! I'll be at the NW Book Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square signing books with a special "Christmas in July" sale. I'll be offering some of my earlier prints books at wonderful prices, as well as have the first three books of my Legacy Series available.

There will also be a vendor set up selling BBQ. Yum!

Hope to see some of you there!

TUESDAY TRIVIA

Q. What is the name of the unstable older woman who causes Collin to get shot?

A. The answer is within this excerpt from LIVING THE LEGACY.

Collin was actually glad to be on traffic patrol for a change, though his thoughts constantly tried to sort through what action he should take to be closer to home and Beth.

So it took a couple seconds longer than normal to realize traffic wasn't moving when the light turned from red to green, and the reason was a hunched-over woman wandering in the crosswalk. Collin flipped on his top light bar to keep traffic stopped. Was she hurt or mentally confused?

A few horns tooted as Collin notified dispatch of his location and stepped out of the car. As he approached the woman, he recognized her as Sally Harris, who had shown up on several earlier calls and wanted bloodthirsty details of the incidents. The woman didn't seem stable then. Perhaps her mental condition had worsened.

Collin updated dispatch and moved forward to help the woman.

"Get out of the street, old lady!"

As motorists grew more impatient and more vocal, the woman looked around in confusion. Her gaze finally settled on Collin with a desperate hope. "I knew you would help me."

"Let's get you some place safe." Collin slipped his hand under the woman's elbow and steered her toward his cruiser. He couldn't leave her wandering around.

"Hey, you can't arrest an old lady!"

From the corner of his eye, Collin caught a hurried movement on the sidewalk.

The glint of silver in the sunlight.

His survival instincts kicked in a split second late as he curled his body protectively around the old woman. The force of the burning pain at the side of his head pushed them the rest of the way to the ground. 

AUTHOR NOTES

It's embarrassing to start a blog post with an apology, yet that's what I'm doing.

My posts this past week have been sparse while I dedicated a larger portion of my time to writing the next books of the Legacy Series. I wasn't as far along on those books as I want to be, so took another look at things other than writing that are claiming my time. Pretty much anything that's not writing, basic promotion, or vital to my family and doggies has gone on hold until the books are finished.

So my blog posts may be sparse, but will still keep up with the O'Shea family of the Legacy Series.

Happy reading (and writing if you're a writer) to all!

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Q. What instrument did Beth, the heroine in LIVING THE LEGACY, play in high school and college?


A. OLLEC  (Spelled backwards) 

SMALL TOWN RECOMMENDED VISIT

I'm going to make a departure from Small Town Celebrations this Wednesday to recommend a place I went with my son and grandson last Sunday: the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum near McMinnville, Oregon.

Though I talked about taking my sons for years and years, this was my first visit--with my younger son, who is now in his thirties and my grandson. Ah, yes, the best intentions…

I was fascinated! 

This is the home of the Spruce Goose, built entirely of wood by Howard Hughes. It is the largest airplane ever constructed--with a wingspan of over 300 feet, longer than the first flight of the Wright Brothers. However, this mammoth airplane made only one flight, just over one mile at an altitude of 70 feet for one minute. 

This plane is indeed huge, dwarfing every other plane in the Museum. Here are a couple photos--one taken from the back of the Spruce Goose; the other taken under one massive wing, with several other airplanes sitting underneath. It was never used to transport troops and equipment during World War II, as originally intended.

I also enjoyed the other airplanes, especially the ones painted to look like sharks.

The "space" part of the museum was in another building, with proportionally-sized planets set into the sidewalk in between. I think I could really get into space travel, though the space capsules on display were much smaller than I thought they would be. The handicapped stall in the bathroom was larger than the space an astronaut had to sit! OK, maybe I'll wait for the luxury accommodations to the moon or another planet. 

If you're looking for an interesting and educational way to spent a day, consider this museum. Their Web site is www.EvergreenMuseum.org if you'd like more details.

AND THE WINNER IS...

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Sandy W!


The winner of a $10 gift certificate to Powell's Books!

WEEK 3 OF MY BLOG TOUR

Hi, all!


Today, I'm blogging at Sugarbeat's Books. 


I hope you can join me!

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Q. What is the name of Beth's restaurant in the fictional town of Halo, Oregon?

A. Blue Moon Cafe.

AND THE WINNER IS...

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Jessica!


The winner of a $10 gift certificate to Powell's Books!

WEEK 2 OF MY BLOG TOUR

Hi, all! Today I have two stops on my blog tour:

--Books Reviewed by Bunny

--Welcome to My World of Dreams

I hope you can join me!

RECIPES FROM THE BLUE MOON CAFE

EASY STEW

No measuring necessary!

Pick a meat (beef, chicken, pork roast, ham)

Cut into approximately 1-inch chunks

Put in large pot and add water until meat is covered (this should only fill the pot half-way)

Add seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, oregano leaves or other herbs)

Add vegetables of your choice (carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, etc.)

Cook on medium heat until ingredients come to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until meat is tender.

Eat with fresh buttered bread! YUM!

Beth Boulanger's parents, Howard and Natalie, didn't have their beloved daughter until later in life. Beth has been a cherished only child who was sheltered to adulthood.


EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY (copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel)

Beth hitched her borrowed backpack containing one change of clothing higher on her shoulder as she entered her parents' house. One of her next tasks would be buying new clothes, since hers were destroyed in the explosions that reduced her house in Halo to scrap wood. 

The return to her parents' home wasn't triggered by pleasant circumstances, yet Beth felt the same welcome that always surrounded her in this storybook house. A pleasant cottage with two bedrooms upstairs and two down. Throughout her growing up years, Beth's parents had shared one of the upstairs bedrooms, while Beth occupied the other one. The downstairs rooms had been used for occasional guests and hobbies.

However, today Natalie Boulanger called out to Beth from downstairs. "We're here, darling. In the sitting room."

Beth walked toward the back of the house, and her mother met her partway with a hug. "I was so worried when I heard about the explosions. Thank heavens you're safe. Go say hello to your father while I get iced tea for us."

Howard Boulanger slowly rose from a recliner when Beth entered the room. What had once been a space for her mother's recipe books and decorating supplies had recently been remodeled with wide double doors leading onto a deck overlooking their back yard.

"Hi, Daddy." As she hugged her father, Beth noticed his shoulders weren't as broad and straight as when he used to give her piggyback rides, and his thinning hair barely covered the shiny dome of his head. When had her father become old?

"Where's that man of yours?" her father demanded. "Time was a gentleman would ask permission before courting a young lady."

"You're a hundred years behind the times, Howard." Beth's mother entered the room carrying a tray with three glasses of iced tea and a variety of homemade cookies.

"Would have been nice to meet the man before the wedding," her father muttered as he sat back down in his chair.

"The wedding isn't until the end of June, Daddy." Beth handed her father a cookie before taking one and a glass of iced tea for herself. 

"Now, what else have you decided about the wedding?" Natalie asked.

As Beth and her mother talked, her father dozed off in his chair. Beth didn't realize how long he had slept until her mother commented she needed to get supper started. 

With a concerned look toward her father, Beth followed Natalie into the kitchen. "Has Daddy been feeling alright?"

Her mother's smile seemed a bit forced. "Of course. Just a bit tired lately."

However, over the next few days, Beth noticed other things that indicated her father was aging. He had little energy and didn't seem interested in anything but sitting in his recliner and watching television. At this time when she should be happiest, Beth often felt a tug at her heart when she watched her father. 

Beth Boulanger is the heroine of LIVING THE LEGACY, book #3 of my Legacy Series. She's a small town woman who is swept off her feet by handsome Collin O'Shea. However, her sheltered life has not prepared for the dangers that lie ahead.


EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY (copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel)

Beth pressed her hand against the ache in her chest as she stared at the splinters of boards that had once been her café.  Her dream of being an independent businesswoman had been literally blown apart in a madman's moment of revenge. 

She fought the temptation to slide back into the mindset of the awkward girl she had been in school. Afraid to reach out and make friends. Yearning to join in, but not sure how. 

The café had shown her how to join in, even if it was in the little town of Halo. Where did she go from here?

"I want to rebuild." Mayor Audrey Chambers came to stand beside Beth. "How about you?"

Hope flickered in Beth's heart. Perhaps her dream wasn't dead. 

"But better than ever," Audrey continued. "In many ways, building new is easier than remodeling. We won't have to worry about dry rot or leaky pipes or electrical wiring that might catch fire. What do you think?"

Once again Beth's dreams took flight. She had longed for the space to expand her restaurant to include decorating cakes and making other gourmet desserts, and maybe even include a gift shop. Perhaps now was the chance to do that. "I think it's a wonderful idea. Count me in."

With a smile, Audrey said, "And congratulations on your upcoming marriage to Collin O'Shea. So many exciting events in your life."

Audrey was right. Beth had much to anticipate. Getting married had been a dream she wasn't sure would ever come true. Yet she had been swept off her feet by handsome Collin O'Shea. When her logical mind argued her engagement couldn't be real, Collin would call and whisper, "I'll always keep you safe." 

Her heart beat faster simply thinking about him.

Now Audrey had offered a way for Beth to realize another someday dream.  A new building could offer the space to expand into catering and a gift shop. 

With joy singing in her heart and her head brimming with ideas, she drove to her parents' house…

MEET COLLIN O'SHEA

COLLIN O'SHEA is the hero of LIVING THE LEGACY, book #3 of my Legacy Series. He's a State Police sniper who falls in love with a sheltered, small town woman--an innocent balm to his jaded soul.

EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY

(copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel)

Collin O'Shea sighted through the crosshairs of his rifle to a perfect target on the skull of the hostage taker. His breathing slow and steady; his pulse solid and even. The perfect calm had earned him the nickname "The Rock" among some of his peers.

An early childhood of dodging fists and anger had taught Collin to shove down his emotions and focus on survival. He carried that same focus into adulthood and his job as a sniper assigned to the State Police SWAT team. 

Negotiations had dragged on for two hours while Collin lay motionless on his belly on this high desert ridge. His stillness and the camouflage pattern of his uniform blended into the sagebrush so well the rock chucks had cautiously peeked their noses out of their underground burrows. 

He ignored them and focused on the target until the message "stand down" came over his earpiece.

A few moments later, the suspect exited the house with his hands above his head. Soon after he was cuffed and deposited in a patrol car, his ex-wife and three kids were hustled out a side door and into another vehicle. This time, the hostages were safe.

Only then did Collin slowly stand and stretch the stiffness out of his body…

As he walked back to his vehicle, his cell phone vibrated. He listened to the message as he stowed his gear. A middle-aged woman asking to see him had shown up at the station. Gave her name as Sally Harris and said she'd wait.

Considering his other choices of a cold, empty house or driving a hundred-fifty miles to try to set things right with his family, Collin decided to talk to the woman. Maybe she had information on a case.

When he arrived, Collin studied the woman for a moment. Five-foot-fourish, a thickened waist under a gray sweatshirt that put her at about a hundred and fifty pounds, Caucasian, dull brown hair with streaks of gray, no obvious identifying scars or tattoos. 

She didn't look familiar, but seemed to know him. As soon as he entered the lobby, she straightened and stared at him, her blue eyes surprisingly alert and focused in a face that otherwise appeared puffy and worn. 

"I'm O'Shea. I understand you were looking for me."

"You're just as I imagined," she said. 

"Do you have information on a case?" Collin asked.

The woman's laughter cackled through the lobby, turning a few curious gazes toward them. "Perhaps. But this visit is personal. Just to see you."

The hairs on Collin's neck stiffened. The woman looked relatively benign, but her words suggested otherwise. "You can call the station if you have information for me."

"Oh, I will." The woman nodded as she shuffled out of the building. "I will."

"What was that all about?" another trooper asked.

Collin was asking himself the same question.

IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY!

AND THE WINNER IS...

CONGRATULATIONS TO: TINKERBELL!


The winner of a $10 gift certificate to Powell's Books!

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF MY BLOG TOUR!

Happy Monday to all!


Today is the first day of my blog tour to celebrate the release of LIVING THE LEGACY, the third book in my Legacy Series.


You can find me at Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess. Hope to see you there!

IT'S RELEASE DAY FOR LIVING THE LEGACY!

WOO-HOO! LIVING THE LEGACY IS HERE!

The third book of the LEGACY series, LIVING THE LEGACY, has been released. I hope you'll read and enjoy Collin's story, as he finds love in a whirlwind courtship with Halo restaurant owner, Beth Boulanger. As unknown dangers threaten their marriage, Beth and Collin must find way to work out their differences and protect their unborn child.

You can purchase this book at the Rogue Phoenix Press web site or other online e-book sellers.