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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Friday 25 October 2013

Melissa Douthit - interview


The Legend of Raie'Chaelia Trilogy is just about complete and Melissa Douthit wants to share it with YA/Fantasy Lovers.


Nipha_v_3Book Description:
  
 Publisher: Couronne Press (August 1, 2013)
Series: Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, Book Three
Category: YA Fantasy, Futuristic Fantasy, Fantasy
Tour Date: Mid October-November
Available in: ebook, 300 Pages

After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria.  Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them as, bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.

The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing plans of her own that may just land her in the hot seat.  What will happen when she returns her father to the throne?  What will happen when he finds out what she has done?  And ... what will happen once Dar'Maalda learns of the rebels' location?

In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, you find out.  It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.

It's my great pleasure to welcome Melissa Douthit back to the Flight Deck and to congratulate her on the third and final book in her wonderful epic fantasy series, 'The Return'.  Well Melissa, this is a 'return' for you as well, and I always enjoy having you as my special guest.  Help yourself to your favourite sparkling drink from the auto-dispenser and tell the readers a little more about yourself , with three things not many people know about you.

I work a lot.
I like wine way too much.
And I grew up on a ranch with horses.

HL:  Well I'm not too surprised by the first two, and I'm really envious of the third fact about you.  I love horses and always dreamed of having a horse ranch.  One of the reasons I've enjoyed yur books so much is that as well as wonderful human characters, Banner, Sunny and Nipha are such lovely horse characters.  So what do you do for fun when not writing?

I like to cook while listening to audiobooks while my Coonhound lays nearby hoping to get a morsel, which he usually does.  :)  I also like to swim during the summer and ski during the winter.

HL:  Sounds good. When did you start writing?

I started writing in high school.  Then I stopped when I went to college.  I just recently started writing again in 2007.

HL: So what comes first: the plot or the characters?

The characters.  Once they are in place and the setting established, they make the plot.  I’m a discovery writer.  Much of the story surprises me as I go along and it grows with the telling.

HL:   I'm glad you said that - I'm exactly the same and love it whe my characters dictate the plot. Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it.

The Return is the third book of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia.  In it, Chalice finishes what she started and really pushes the envelope to the point where she finds herself in hot water. Even though I knew where and how the story would end, it was interesting to see where the characters led me.  Some of the events that happen in book three were as much a surprise to me as they are to the reader. The Return really is my favorite book of the whole trilogy because so much happens in it.  All the burning questions get answered, the mysteries get solved, and the big reveal at the end ties everything back to the very beginning of the first book.  This what I think readers will like.

HL:   If someone were to play one of  your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?

Chris Hemsworth as Duquaine.  Duquaine is exactly like Chris (Thor) in the Dark World.  When I wrote Duquaine, I envisioned him.

HL:  Mmmm, I can see why. Have you a favourite actor/hunk?  Would this be the same guy?

Yep!  :)

HL: Lyn pauses to fan herself, while passing Melissa another glass of 'something sparkling.' So what have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

Writing a book is easy.  Doing everything else (publishing, marketing, etc.) is the hard part.

HL:  Isn't that the truth! What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

My writing process never changes.  Ideas and words hit me at the most inconvenient times.  When I’m driving in the car or when I’m bone tired and just lie down to sleep.  Ugh, that’s annoying, but that’s why I always keep my iPhone with me, so I can jot down notes.  I usually write in binges. I’ll go for a while without writing and then all the sudden, bam!  A flood of words and ideas come to me and I have to write them down before I forget.  When I’m in that mode, my favorite spot to write is at the living room table, right next to the fire, with Copper curled up at my feet.  He’s my writing partner and gives me lots of advice :), as well as keeping my feet warm.


HL:  My  doggy writing partner does that too! Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it  distracts you?

I write in silence.  I listen to music when I envision scenes.  For example, the scene where Chalice burns down Ielieria popped in my head when I was listening to Burn It to the Ground by Nickelback.

HL:  Yes, I find music can be very inspirational, too.Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What valuable lessons have you learned from them?

Just my pup.  :)  My writing community is comprised of the characters who appear in my head.  I just write what they show me.

HL:  I love the way characters can do that. What is your personal definition of success?

If you wake in the morning and you’re healthy and you’re happy, doing what you love, then you’ve succeeded

HL:   Great answer. What is your favourite source of inspiration?

Dreams.  So many ideas have come to me in dreams and they’re usually the best ideas.


HL:  Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?

Beware of internet trolls.  Research their hangouts and then stay away from those places online. That’s the best advice anyone could have given me.

HL:    Excellent advice, and  something not everyone is aware of. What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source of information.

Google usually.  In fantasy, you usually make up your own rules, but in some cases you have to do research.  In those cases, Google is your friend.


HL:    LOL, I've spent many happy hours on Google myself, in the name of 'Research.'  Tell me, Melissa, just for fun, if you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?

A lion.  Because he’s king of jungle.  :)

HL:  That's a good choice. Many authors model their characters on people they know.  Is this the case with your characters and do you see yourself in any of them?
    
Absolutely! Chalice inherits my determination and stubbornness and Jeremiah, my love of reading, writing, and studying.

HL:  That must be why those two seem so well suited. Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

Duquaine.  Because he is so much like Chalice.  The two of them make for very interesting scenes!

HL:  Yes, I love the way those two interacat in 'The Return.' Who is your most favorite character of all time from any book, thn?
   
Dobby in Harry Potter.  I love Dobby!

HL:  He's great isn't he! Sadly our interview is nearing it's close.  Before I programme your shuttle back to Earth, where can readers connect with you?
   
My website: www.melissadouthit.com
 
HL:  And finally, there a question you really, really wish someone would ask, but they never do?  If so what would be your reply?
          
I always wanted to be asked about where I would want to be at this very moment.  If I was asked that, my reply would be, “Right where I am.”  :)

What a great question and answer! Thank you so much for taking time to visit my blog, Melissa, it’s been a thrill having you here and learning more about you and your writing. I wish you much success now and in the future.

ABOUT MELISSA DOUTHIT

Melissa Douthit grew up in North County of San Diego, California. After graduating with a Computer Science degree in Southern California, and working for a summer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, she moved to the Bay Area to work at NASA Ames Research Center for a year and then at Lawrence Livermore National Lab for another four years. From there, she moved to Monterey, California, to work at the Naval Postgraduate School on a government project for two years.

She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, working as a software engineer. Since high school, she has been a voracious reader of books of all genres, with an emphasis in fantasy and science fiction. Her literary work is strongly influenced by her professional experience and includes many elements of her scientific background. You can find out more about Melissa on her website: http://melissadouthit.com

Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Douthit/164124433645392
Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissadouthit


Praise for Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, Book One:

"Douthit's love of words is apparent and her use of language highly inventive. She has a firm grip on believable dialogue."-Kirkus Reviews

  
"Lively, fast-paced and satisfyingly complex! Can't wait for the second in the trilogy!"-Diane Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
  
"I really liked this book! If you love adventure books and romance books this is the story for you!!! First off, the romance between Jeremiah and Chalice is super cute! They are really such a good couple. I like how after all the time that they hadn't seen each other they still had feelings for each other. I also loved Buney! He's so cute, he reminds me of a little stuffed animal. As for the adventure, this book is full of it! There are many twists and turns throughout the book that always keeps you wanting more. This is an adventure that will definitely keep you reading with a little romance thrown into the mix also. I can seriously see this as a movie."-Books Ahoy Website
  
"This was SUCH an epic fantasy. I felt that same "childhood" feeling I've felt while reading countless fantasy books, such as C.S. Lewis' and J.R.R. Tolkein.
This story was so original! Loved everything about it. I fell in love with the characters, the setting was INCREDIBLE, and the background story was so magical. You immediately get pulled in by the mystery and the curious feeling you get that there's more to this story...
I really loved how Douthit described the scenery. I could imagine myself in the "ghost town" which Chalice travels to first, or the Chinuk village that they stay in overnight. Love the detail, you can really feel a part of the journey which Chalice and her friends take.
The Raie'Chaelia is an amazing journey of which one girl, with the help of her friends, finds out about her past. The ending, was AMAZING. God, I really want to find out more now! That was such a big cliffhanger. The Firelight of Maalda, the second book, will be coming out in maybe around October 2011. Can't wait!"- Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
  
"I really enjoyed The Raie'Chaelia. I liked both Chalice and Jeremiah. Especially Jeremiah. I'm not really sure why I think so highly of Jeremiah other than he is just a really great guy and an incredibly likable character. Chalice is quite likable too although she did do a couple of things that I thought were a little silly at times. The supporting cast were all very cool too.
The Raie'Chaelia is definitely a really intriguing story and I had a lot of fun reading through it. 
 I definitely enjoyed reading The Raie'Chaelia and I had a little sneak peak at the next book in the series in the back of The Raie'Chaelia and it definitely looks interesting. I really enjoyed The Raie'Chaelia and I think that any fans of fantasy would definitely enjoy it."-Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books
  
Praise for The Firelight of Maalda, Raie'Chaelia, Book Two:

"What I really like about these books is the amount of fantasy. It reminds me of (and I know I said this in the review of the first book) childhood fantasy stories, like C.S. Lewis. Completely magical, and Douthit has really created a fantastic world. You don't see that too much in YA these days.


The romance in this book has improved since the last one! Chalice and Jeremiah develop even more from the first book, and I found it really sweet and not-rushed-into at all. The action and thrill of what's to happen next is really amazing too. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.


 I found that the story was great. Lovers of fantasy, with plenty of action, suspense and of course, the blooming romance, will definitely need to pick this one up. A great follow-up from the first book, this one will leave readers hanging on for more. Looking forward to reading book 3!" - Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website

  
"The Firelight of Maalda: A story that unites the real with the fantastical and turns science into magic. It is a tale of intrigue and wonder where two opposite worlds collide in an explosive journey that leads Chalice and her friends to the dark islands lurking just beyond the horizon of Ielieria, where the Firelight of Maalda sits ... and waits.

This is a YA series for age 13 upwards. Having said that, I'm sure many 'older' readers will enjoy it as much as I did. The story continues the story begun in The RaieChaelia and reveals more of the characters and the wonderful world Melissa Douthit has created. I really enjoyed reading the first book, The Raie Chaelia, as well as the sequel.

This story continues Chalice's journey to fulfil her destiny, and the growing romance between her and Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah knew each other as children, and meet up again at the beginning of The Raie Chaelia. Their friendship has grown into something deeper and in The Firelight of Maalda both characters, but especially Chalice, have grown and matured emotionally and I found it particularly satisfying that their love is not only acknowledged but their sweet romance seems completely natural and uncontrived. 

There is a touching tenderness between them, they are both strong characters but neither feels complete without the other and their love and respect for each other shines through even when they are not entirely in agreement.


There is a lot more to this story than romance though, there is plenty of action and suspense. There is a large cast of characters, and some of those from the first book make a welcome re-appearance. 


The story moves at a fast pace to the nail biting climax and a cliffhanger of an ending - I'm really glad Melissa gave us a taste of the next book to answer at least one of my questions, and I can't wait for the third in the series."-  Hywela Lyn Website

  
"After reading The Raie'Chaelia last year I was so excited to be able to read the second book, The Firelight of Maalda. Needless to say, I loved The Firelight of Maalda just as much as I loved The Raie'Chaelia.

The story was really good and I had a lot of fun learning more about the world and the goings on. There were the highs and lows in the book and I was really excited to see the return of some really awesome characters from the first book.


Then there was the ending. Oh my goodness! I don't want to spoil anything but can I just say, that is one huge cliffhanger. UGH! Can I have the next book now please?

I absolutely love The Firelight of Maalda and the entire Raie'Chaelia series. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story and I know I definitely can't wait to continue the series."- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books


Follow Melissa on her book Tour HERE



Thursday 24 October 2013

Melissa Douthit - Review of 'The Return'

I am thrilled to be part of Melissa Douthit's blog tour - and to have had the chance to review 'The Return' the third and final part of the series that started with 'The Raie'Chaelia.'


After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria.  Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them , as bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.

The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing plans of her own that may just land her in the hot seat.  What will happen when she returns her father to the throne?  What will happen when he finds out what she has done?  And ... what will happen once Dar'Maalda learns of the rebels' location? In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, you find out.  It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.

My Review

I was looking forward to reading this story and I was not disappointed. It continues where the last book 'The Firelight Of Maalda' finished and is an exciting, breathtaking ride. Chalice  is eighteen in this story and it is interesting to see how much she has changed and grown up since the first book.  She is still feisty, very independent and at times fiercely stubborn and firm in her resolve when she believes a certain course of action is the right one, despite misgivings from those around her, even her one true love, Jeremiah.

She makes mistakes, she is not perfect, or always right, despite her special abilities, and this is one of the things that make her  very easy to like and to relate to. Jeremiah is strong, sweet and gentle, and knows just how to handle her. Their mutual respect and affection comes through the pages very clearly and they are perfectly suited. Sadly, their differing cultures mean they cannot marry, but they are in every other way man and wife, and the dilemma is resolved in a surprising manner at the end.The love scenes are hinted at without actually being described and this is a great read, suitable for any age group from Young Adult upwards.

The story is by turns, gripping, exciting and moving. It kept me turning the pages and much as I wanted to discover how it all turned out, I did not want it to end.  This is  an epic story, spanning three volumes,  I think  you could read 'The Return' without reading the other stories in the series, and still enjoy it, but they are all three worth the read and the various characters and groups will  be much easier to follow if they are all read, chronologically.)  The series  has a 'Tolkeinesque' feel but is completely fresh and original and Melissa has created a world in which the reader can feel completely at home. The fantasy and magical elements in it are have a rationale and are therefore believable, and there are familiar animals as well as imaginary ones.

I was sorry that Chalice lost 'Sunny' the beloved palomino horse given her by her father, but the beautiful horse that graces the cover, Nipha, is a worthy successor and an important character herself. There are several twists and turns to this exciting story, and the climax had me on the edge of my seat. As the story concludes there is an unexpected but satisfying twist.

I really enjoyed 'The Return' and felt sorry that there would be no more - or will there?

I think perhaps there's scope for at least one more episode, Ms Douthit?

A Review copy of this book was provided by the author. No compensation was received for this review and it is my own personal and unbiased opinion.

Melissa’s websiteFacebook, and Twitter
Buy 'The Return' at Amazon Kobo and 
B&N
   
*Be sure to check out the wonderful giveaway that Melissa is holding for a free eReader or a $75Amazon gift certificate. *

Follow Melissa on her book Tour HERE


Tuesday 22 October 2013

The Tempest Murders




The Tempest Murders


by p.m. Terrell

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

A provocative story of a love that spans centuries, of soul mates found, lost and reunited… and the lengths to which one man will go to change their destiny.

Irish Detective Ryan O’Clery is working a series of homicides in America when he discovers a journal written by an uncle, Constable Rian Kelly, five generations earlier. The journal detailed the same type of murders as the worst storm in Ireland’s history slammed into the island in 1839.

As Hurricane Irene barrels toward the North Carolina coastline, Ryan discovers even the killer’s description matches his cases exactly. And as he falls in love with television reporter Cathleen Reilly, he begins to wonder if she is the reincarnation of Caitlin O’Conor, Rian Kelly’s lover—the woman who was lost to the killer as the storm raged in Ireland—and if he is the reincarnation of Constable Rian Kelly.

Now he’s in a race to rescue Cathleen before the killer finds her—or is history destined to repeat itself?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

“I know you too well,” Claire said. “You’re wanting the story of Caitlín O’Conor, aren’t you?”

“Who?”

She smiled. “Her name was Caitlín O’Conor. She was supposedly the great love of Ríán Kelly’s life. It was a star-crossed love story. Her father was a prominent man in the village and Ríán was a ‘lowly county inspector’ and though they were deeply in love, her father would not permit Ríán to ask for her hand in marriage.”

He felt his chest tighten and he sipped his coffee to avoid Claire’s piercing eyes.

“The tale is that they sneaked around for years; everybody knew it. Everybody except Caitlín’s father, that is. They were madly in love.” She sighed wistfully.

“What happened?” He kept his eyes on his coffee. “Did she marry someone else?”

“Her father died. Quite unexpectedly. Heart simply stopped. And without him in the way, they were clear to be married.” She brushed non-existent crumbs from the countertop before continuing. “He asked for her hand in marriage on New Year’s Eve. Let’s see, I believe it was 1838. Yes, that’s right. December 31, 1838.”

“How can you be so certain of the date?”

“Because seven days later, Caitlín was dead.”

His head jerked up and he stared into Claire’s eyes. They were as green as the fields of Ireland and now she cocked her head and eyed him curiously.

“He’d gone to Dublin, so the story goes,” she continued slowly.

“Ríán Kelly.”

“Aye. He’d been called away on business. And as Fate would have it, the great flood came while he was gone and Caitlín was swept away. It was January 6, 1839—Epiphany.” Her voice took on a whispered note as though she was telling a ghost story. “There were those in the faith who had forecast the end of the world would occur on January 6, 1839—the day of Epiphany. So when the air grew completely still, so still they could hear the voices of neighbors miles apart, there were some who thought the end was near.”

He waited for her to continue. His cheeks were growing flush and he could feel beads of sweat beginning to pop out across his brow. “What happened then?”

“By nightfall, there were gale force winds. They moved from the western coast of Ireland all the way to Dublin, where Ríán Kelly had traveled. Some said the winds were accompanied by an eerie moan, a rumbling of sorts. But not thunder; it was a sound never heard before nor since. It increased as the winds grew. And then the northern sky turned a shade of red that had never been seen before.

“Well, so the myth goes, Ríán Kelly left Dublin immediately. It was a miracle he made it back to the village at all. He traveled through the night, in the rain and the hail, with the winds all about him. Bridges had been washed away; the wind had been so strong—stronger than anything Ireland had experienced in more than three hundred years—so strong that it whipped the Atlantic into a fury and pushed it all the way across the island. Streams and creeks became raging rivers. Whole villages were wiped out. Even some of the castles were beyond repair.”

He rested his elbows on the counter and put his head in his hands.

“You’re sure you don’t want to lie down, Re? You look as if you might faint.”

“I’m fine,” he said. “What happened when Ríán Kelly reached his village?”

“It was gone. Oh, there were a few buildings still intact. The church, for one. But Caitlín O’Conor’s home had been washed away. There was no sign of Caitlín.”

“So that’s where the story ends, does it?”

“Oh, no. I suppose it’s where it just begins.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

p.m.terrell is the pen name for Patricia McClelland Terrell, the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than eighteen books in four genres: contemporary suspense, historical suspense, computer how-to and non-fiction.

Prior to writing full-time, she founded two computer companies in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area: McClelland Enterprises, Inc. and Continental Software Development Corporation. Among her clients were the Central Intelligence Agency, United States Secret Service, U.S. Information Agency, and Department of Defense. Her specialties were in white collar computer crimes and computer intelligence.

Vicki’s Key was a top five finalist in the 2012 International Book Awards and 2012 USA Book Awards nominee and her historical suspense, River Passage, was a 2010 Best Fiction and Drama Winner. It was determined to be so historically accurate that a copy of the book resides at the Nashville Government Metropolitan Archives in Nashville, Tennessee.

She is also the co-founder of The Book ‘Em Foundation, an organization committed to raising public awareness of the correlation between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. She is the organizer of Book ‘Em North Carolina, an annual event held in Lumberton, North Carolina, to raise funds to increase literacy and reduce crime. For more information on this event and the literacy campaigns funded by it, visit www.bookemnc.org. 

She sits on the boards of the Friends of the Robeson County Public Library and the Robeson County Arts Council. She has also served on the boards of Crime Stoppers and Crime Solvers and became the first female president of the Chesterfield County-Colonial Heights Crime Solvers in Virginia.

For more information visit the author’s website at www.pmterrell.com, follow her on Twitter at @pmterrell, her blog at www.pmterrell.blogspot.com, and on Facebook under author.p.m.terrell.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Tempest-Murders-ebook/dp/B00EOAFTYY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377895714&sr=1-2&keywords=the+tempest+murders


HOW I GET TO KNOW MY CHARACTERS

I have to say that writing the characters of Irishmen Ryan O’Clery in The Tempest Murders and Dylan Maguire in the Black Swamp Mysteries series have been the most enjoyable experiences of my writing career.

I knew when I was writing Vicki’s Key, the first book to feature Dylan Maguire, that I needed a man Vicki would fall for quickly—and intensely. I researched what women like best by going to online surveys conducted by national women’s magazines. I found that the most loved accents in the world are Scottish, followed by Irish and then by Australians.

I considered making Dylan (who at that point was unnamed) Scottish, but decided I liked the smoother Irish brogue and their reputation for good humor. I immersed myself in the Irish accent; much of it found on YouTube videos. Because most of those videos were home movies, it allowed me to understand the common Irish language versus the Hollywood version.

I also discovered there is a big difference in Irish in the west, in rural regions, and in large cities. So when I began writing The Tempest Murders, which takes place partially near Dublin, I would have to write with a more educated Irish vocabulary than Dylan’s rural upbringing in my previous books.

My family’s heritage is Irish and in delving into the Irish culture and physical characteristics, there was never any doubt that both Ryan and Dylan would have black hair. Ryan’s eyes are very green (like my father’s) and Dylan’s is hazel (like my mother’s).

Height is often a factor in attractiveness, so both men are tall. And of course, they’re muscular and fit.

Personality is often driven by the plot itself. Because it was important for Vicki to fall in love with Dylan in Vicki’s Key, he needed to be good-humored and good-natured. But when I wrote The Tempest Murders, it begins with a man who feels like he’s lost himself—or perhaps never found himself—so Ryan is more brooding and introverted in the beginning, but finds himself when he falls in love with Cathleen Reilly, becoming capable of deep passion and love.

When I am writing, it is important that these characters be as real to me as flesh-and-blood; they must be multi-dimensional and multi-faceted for the reader to be able to feel them, view them and sense them as vividly as I do.

P.M. will be awarding this lovely Celtic bracelet (US only) to a randomly drawn 
commenter during the tour.





To follow the tour please click on banner above - the more stops you comment on the better your chance of winning!


Monday 21 October 2013

The Seduction of Emily


New Blog Tour Sign-Up: The Seduction of Emily by Rachel Brimble

It's my great pleasure to welcome fellow 'Brit' writer Rachel Brimble to the Flight Deck today. Welcome Rachel, make yourself at home, enjoy a glass of something sparkling, and without further ado, let's here all about your latest release, THE SEDUCTION OF EMILY

Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better  than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's  captivating new novel. . .

Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will  marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business  partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family  legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--  except her independence. Only when a sinfully  handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize  quite how much a loveless match will cost her.

 Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to  confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has  come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who  destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry.  But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching,  spirited fiance, Will's plan changes.


Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible.



BIO

I live with my fantastic husband, our two young daughters and my beloved black Labrador, Max in a small market town near the famous Georgian City of Bath. Having always ‘played’ with writing, I didn’t seriously sit down and write toward publication until I became pregnant with my second daughter – then I told myself to get my butt in the chair and get on with it before she grows up and I’m forced to get a real job!

My first novel was published with The Wild Rose Press in 2007 and since then at least one book a year has followed. In 2012, I signed contracts with Harlequin Superromance (romantic suspense) and Kensington (Victorian romance). They will be available in February and April 2013 respectively.

And when I’m not writing? You’ll find me with my head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with my family. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is 
never, ever refused.



Friday 18 October 2013

The Fort Pitt Museum

What a place to get inspiration for an historical romance novel! I loved the little tableaus of people and events.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The Blockhouse at Fort Pitt Museum







 What a fascinating place this was! I love museums, especially ones like this that bring history to life!