WRITING A SERIES & The Release of "CHASING A CHANCE"

One of the joys of writing a series with other authors is the chance to get to know them. This is true not only for the reader, but the author as well. This latest series, "Lockets and Lace" or  "Lockets & Lace" gave me a chance to connect with authors I'd only heard of, or in some cases, completely new authors. 

Comanche Grasslands near La Junta,CO

We all had a chance to tell the stories that were in our hearts within the framework of a theme. For myself, the story "Chasing A Chance" had been nudging me for some time. The idea of an older couple, who had known each other as children, demanded to be told. When my friends and fellow actors agreed to do the cover shoot, it all fell into place.

The book design was agreed upon and the lovely lady, Evelyne, from Carpe Librum Book Design, turned the photo shoot into the beautiful cover you see here. I will tell you, Mike, the gentleman on the cover posted on facebook: "Always wanted to be like one of those models on the cover of a romance novel. Never thought I'd be one. In my old age, no less..." 





I will share with you a couple of photos that did not make the cover. As you can see, we had a lot of fun. I also need to give credit to my photographer, Nadine Keaney of NKDesign. She's done the photos for the covers of most of my books.

Make sure you head over to the FaceBook launch event, and check out no only my day, but the posts of the other authors in the series. We've each had a day that we've spent with you, letting you get to know us and our work. You can access it here: Book Launch

Now for a short excerpt from "Chasing A Chance":

 The store was in shadow as the sun started over the horizon. Slowly, the light drove the darkness further back. Mary came from her living quarters, feeling rested for the first time in days. She moved to the front, intent on checking for any damage that might have occurred during the night.

A slight breeze blew puffs of dust down the street. Mary enjoyed the early mornings as the sun shone on a new day. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking, but mornings gave her hope. She was surprised to see Edwin coming up the street. A picture of him doing the same thing all those years ago overlay the present. She started to frown, followed quickly by a smile. Edwin had only been in town for two days, and here she was acting like the young girl she’d been before life got in the way.

The ringing of the bell above the door brought a grinning Edwin inside. At the sight of Mary his eyes glowed. "You're just like the picture I've kept in my head of you," he said, reaching to pull her close.

Mary relaxed into the safety Edwin’s arms offered. The years fell away, and she was the young girl who had believed in happy ever after, and the gift of friends. A weight lifted from her heart and mind, if only for a brief time.

Join the Lockets & Lace authors on Facebook for our 

Launch Celebration event. 

There you find information on how you may have a chance to win one of three great prices: a special book locket, a lace handkerchief, or a $40 Amazon gift card.

Please CLICK HERE.

Chasing A Chance is available for $.99 until midnight January 30, 2018 at which time it will then be for sale at $2.99.

You can connect with me at the following places:

Angela Raines on Amazon

Angela Raines on FaceBook

Renawomyn.blogspot.com

New Release: Tending Troubles by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Book 6 in Lockts & Lace series

Release Day

Tending Troubles

By Linda Carroll-Bradd

Book 6 in Lockets & Lace series

Tending Troubles is the sixth book in the Lockets & Lace multi-author series of sweet historical romances. The story description is:

Traveling west to become a mail-order bride is the most adventurous act Bostonian Imogene Franklin ever did. Unfortunately, the groom chose another so she must tables in the Dorado café.

Guilt hangs heavy over Reggie Othmann, who thinks his childhood illness caused both his parents’ lives. His goal of becoming a doctor is met, but he’s unsure of his abilities with patients. When illness descends on the town, Reggie and Imogene tend the townspeople, but is their emotional tie born of the closeness of the ordeal or perhaps something more?

Here’s an excerpt:

Reginald took another sip of coffee and wondered if his own mother would have been as proud of his chosen profession. Or would she have wanted him to become a lawyer, like his father? What he hoped was she somehow knew him becoming a doctor had been to assuage his guilt over being the one who brought home scarlet fever—the disease that took both his parents’ lives. A lump rose in his throat, and he swallowed it down.

Better to focus on what he could control. He turned the page then rested his right forearm on the table. If some of the elixirs or oils had lost their potency, they’d need to be replenished. The most likely location would be—

The book inched upward.

He grabbed for the text at the same time he noticed a small plate with two slices of bread and a smear of butter sitting on its opposite side.

“Beg your pardon, sir, but I thought you could still read if the book was moved to the middle of the table. Where you had it, the shadow of the outside overhang dimmed the print. But in this position, it is lit from above by the lanterns.”

He jerked back his head and shot her a frown. “Are you quite in the habit of bossing around your customers?”

Her eyes widened, and she glanced over her shoulder toward the kitchen doorway with a gasp. “I apologize.” She set down the plate laden with his supper and slid closer the napkin and utensils from where he’d shoved them out of the way. “Please lower your voice, sir. I can’t afford to have Millie hear I disrupted you. Truly, I meant only to help.”

Rich, meaty scents carried by the rising steam teased his nose. His stomach rumbled in response, informing him he was hungrier than he’d imagined. Then the waitress’s words sank in. The brass redhead was essentially shushing him. He cast another dark look her way then caught movement at the edge of the kitchen doorway. The frowning cook focused only on his table so he forced a brief smile and nodded. “Thank you. The food looks good.”

“Can I bring you a refill of coffee?”

He cut into the thick pink ham steak and poised the bite in front of his mouth. “Yes, when you have a moment.” Savory and salty tantalized his tongue as he tasted the meat. After sprinkling salt and pepper over his vegetables, he scooped up chunks of summer squash so tender he barely had to chew. A few bites later, he’d recovered his place in the medical book and continued reading about examination room supplies.

The list was imposing, and he wondered how he could possibly stretch his remaining funds. He refused to ask his aunt and uncle for a loan. The small inheritance left by his parents had barely covered his education. By working a few hours a week for an undertaker, he’d earned enough to keep his wardrobe looking respectable. Now that he was no longer in college, he had to make his own way in the world.

“That drawing looks like a doctor’s office.” The waitress pointed to a sketch in the book. “Are you a doctor? I’m only asking because I haven’t seen you around before. I would have noticed a man who dresses in fabrics other than denim and broadcloth.” Her wave encompassed him from head to toe. “But the way you’re sitting alone and reading without looking all around makes me think that you belong right here in Dorado.” She glanced at the other customers, and a wrinkle appeared at the bridge of her nose. “Although, no one greeted you when you walked in.”

Bossy and nosy? Two annoying traits he really couldn’t abide. “I’ve been away at college for several years and just returned today.” Interesting. I didn’t proclaim myself to be a doctor when the opportunity arose.

Tending Troubles is available on Amazon through tonight for the pre-order discounted price of 99cents and is free through Kindle Unlimited. Starting tomorrow, the regular $2.99 price will be charged.

~oOo~

Join the Lockets & Lace authors for the ongoing Facebook Launch Celebration event. Participants are eligible for the following prizes: a special book locket, a lace handkerchief, or a $40 Amazon card. Each day is hosted by the author of the just-released book with individual prizes awarded.

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New Release ~~ TODAY ~~Locket Full of Love, book 5 in the Lockets & Lace Collection

Was her husband a sinner or a saint? A spy or a traitor?

For years Juliet Watts has believed her husband died saving nothing more than a cheap trinket--but the locket he risked his life for turns out to hold a mysterious key. Together, Juliet and military intelligence officer Robert Hall go on a journey of riddles and revelations. But Juliet is convinced Robert is hiding something, too. Maybe it’s just his heart…

I have to tell y'all, I had such a good time writing Locket Full of Love! It's a romance, but the Lord led me to some wonderful twists and turns, making it the best mystery (I think) I have written so far. It's a roller coast ride that moves from St. Joe to Nashville to Denver. You'll stroll the streets of Defiance, ride horses in the San Juan Mountains, and haunt the halls of Washington politicians. I hope you'll order you copy today!

Here's a little snippet!

“How stupid do you think I am?”

The small-boned fist roared out of the dawn’s gloom and hit Robert’s jaw with the force of a shovel swung by a much larger man. Vision blurring, his brain fogging, he staggered back away from Juliet, holding his face. His hat tumbled to the ground behind him.

She stepped toward him, one hand clutching her suitcase, the other flexing over and over as if the punch had hurt her as well. Her pinched lips and burning eyes said she was ready to throw another, regardless of the passengers on the platform eying her with mouths agape.

“You try to rob me and then show up here to ride the train with me?”

Robert couldn’t fathom what was causing this outburst. “I don’t think you’re stupid at all,” he said, working his jaw back and forth. “And maybe if you tell me what’s got you so riled, I can explain. Who tried to rob you?”

“Like you don’t know.”

“I don’t know.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, slivers of cold fire shooting from them. “Someone was in my room last night rifling through my jewelry. Jewelry. Clearly, he was after the locket. I haven’t told anyone about it.” She raised her eyebrows in accusation at him. 

“I didn’t tell anyone.” But he had. He’d sent a telegram. Making sure the revelation didn’t show on his face, he said, “Perhaps Mr. Mueller told someone. Innocently enough. He told the wrong person or the wrong person overheard?”

Her gaze narrowed down to slits of jade. Robert raised his hands in surrender. “If I had tried to rob you, Juliet, would I be here now?”

Melly, Unyielding by Abagail Eldan

New Release!

Melly, Unyielding

by Abagail Eldan

Book 4 in the Lockets & Lace series

Melly, Unyielding is the fourth book in the Lockets & Lace series, sponsored by authors of this blog. Here is the description:

Melly is a woman with secrets. Thatcher is the man with enough patience to unlock them. 

For fifteen years, Carmella Harperson’s life has been confined to a couple of acres in the middle of a large forest. She’s alive but hopeless, each day a struggle. 

William Thatcher Rainer’s past haunts him as he hunts down the man who destroyed his life. His days are filled with memories of the carnage of war; his nights with nightmares of the death of his wife. 

On the road, to find the man responsible for the misery of so many, they must work together and learn to trust. 

Neither is prepared for what they find at the end of their journey. 


And here's an excerpt:

The temperature had dropped, and Melly shivered. Mr. Rainer had retreated to his blanket and was not moving, asleep, she presumed.

When sleep darted like a rattlesnake, she dozed, but it curled and struck her. The poisonous venom of a nightmare awoke her with a strangled cry.

She rolled over and sat up. After a moment to gain her bearings, she rose quietly and sought the fire.

The top log had grayed, and she poked it with a stick until it glowed red again. The ashes fell, curling beneath the logs. She lifted the top log to let air flow through, and then gently let it down, to keep the flame alive.

In the depths of the fire, her sisters terrified faces appeared before her. She turned her face away, to watch a spark climb into the darkness until it vanished. Beneath where the spark disappeared, a movement caught her eye. 

She blinked, thinking it was but an illusion. When she looked closer, a man’s face came into view. She put a fist to her mouth to stifle a scream, and was on her feet, running, shaking Thatcher.

He immediately sat and drew his gun from the holster beside him. He searched her eyes. “What? What’s wrong?”

“A man,” she choked out. “His face was wrinkled, his hair white and long, in two braids.”

Thatcher had already gained his feet, moving in the direction she pointed.

~o0o~

Melly, Unyielding is available on Amazon. Through the evening of January 25th, it is still offered at its pre-order sale price of $.99.

Starting tomorrow, January 26th, it will be offered at its regular price of $2.99.

Melly, Unyielding is also available on Kindle Unlimited.

Please click here for the international Amazon purchase link. 

~o0o~

Join the Lockets & Lace authors on Facebook for our 

Launch Celebration event. 

There you find information on how you may have a chance to win one of three great prices: a special book locket, a lace handkerchief, or a $40 Amazon gift card. Please visit each day to learn more about each book as it is released.

 Launch Party

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New Release: OTTO'S OFFER by Zina Abbott

New Release!

Otto's Offer by Zina Abbott

Book 3 in the Lockets & Lace series

I'm excited to announce the release of Otto's Offer, the third book in the Lockets & Lace series sponsored by some authors of this blog. 

The following is the book description:

          In 1868, Otto Atwell has a 160 acre homestead near Abilene, Kansas and a limp as a result of a Cheyenne musket ball hitting his lower back while he marched with the 16th Kansas Cavalry on the Powder River Expedition in 1865. What he doesn’t have is a wife. Then again, what woman would want to marry a cripple?

          Libby Jones comes to Junction City as a mail order bride. Not only does the man who sent for her reject her, he tries to sell her to the local brothel to recoup his fee. Otto offers to marry her, but she rejects him in favor of a job with his relatives.

          Will Otto’s offer still stand when trouble from Libby’s past catches up with her?  

Excerpt from Otto's Offer:

          Otto, as was his habit since his injury, let the others go first. He had learned through experience that the best way to prevent being tripped or shoved off-balance was to avoid being in the way of those who were in a hurry. He waited just outside the door until Mary exited on the arm of her husband.

          Otto noticed several people dressed as if they had come from the train kept their focus on the hotel. Others made a beeline for the café. Because of the coming of the railroad, Junction City was growing, just like Abilene. He remembered when Abilene had been no more than a stage waystation along the Smoky Hill Trail. It now was gradually growing into a sizable city, especially with talk that it might become the next big rail stop for drovers bringing up herds of longhorns from Texas.

          The two older Atwells and Shorty, who were ahead of Otto and the Palmers, crossed in front of the hotel. Single file, they walked behind a young woman with a small valise at her feet.

          She stood on the boardwalk about a foot from its outward edge. Her hands clasped in front of her, she stared ahead.

          Otto prepared to walk behind her but jerked to a stop when the hotel clerk stepped out and stood next to her.

          “Miss—or madam—may I help you? Will you be needing a room for the night?”

          “No, thank you. I’m waiting for someone.”

          As Otto passed the pair, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed her turn to face the clerk. The clerk then jerked his head back with a flicker of a frown crossing his face. As Otto looked at her profile, he saw what the clerk had seen. The woman was dressed well enough, although her clothes were not of the latest style. She appeared reasonably clean, considering she had come in on the train, and train travel was known to cover passengers with dust and cinders. She moved with an air of grace he found appealing. However, the cream-colored veil attached to her wide-brimmed straw hat that draped across the top half of her face did not hide her facial features.

          The woman continued. “I’m to marry a Mr. Uriah Chambers. Do you know him, or where I can find him?”

          The clerk’s expression changed to a decided scowl as he pointed to the building across the street and two businesses down while he spat out his response. “Probably over at the saloon. That’s where he spends most of his time.” With one last disparaging head-to-toe look at the woman, the clerk rushed back into the hotel lobby.

          Unable to ignore the scene, Otto stopped walking and now watched her. A quiver coursing through her arms gave the only indication that the clerk’s words had any effect on her. With a blank expression on her face, she turned towards the building to which the clerk had pointed.

~o0o~

Join the Lockets & Lace authors on Facebook for our 

Launch Celebration event. 

There you find information on how you may have a chance to win one of three great prices: a special book locket, a lace handkerchief, or a $40 Amazon gift card.

Please CLICK HERE.

Please sign up that you are going each day and visit each day to learn more about each book as it is released.

~o0o~

Otto's Offer is available on Amazon. Through the evening of January 24th, it is still offered at its pre-order sale price of $.99.

Please CLICK HERE for the international Amazon purchase link. 
~o0o~
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