Bewitching Desires 12 Otherworldly Stories for Your Halloween Delight # Giveaway

Dearest Readers
Want a good Halloween Read?

Because I love you I am giving away three copies of  Bewitching Desires.  Of course, if you don't want to wait, you can get these twelve bewitching tales right now for only 99 cents.
               iBooks Buy Link    Amazon Buy Link    Barnes & Noble Buy Link 

(An incredible bargain. I couldn't resist it )

Bewitching Desires features 12 interwoven stories based in Savannah on the holiday of Samhain, or as humans refer to it — Halloween. While the witches of the Savannah coven prepare for the holiday, there is much afoot. Readers are magically transported into the world of witches, warlocks, shifters, angels, demons, elves, ghosts, werewolves and even a Valkyrie. 

This collection was put together by Rebekah R. Graniere,  a Fantasy & Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance & Sci-Fi Author whom I strongly suspect  has wizard blood. Her debut novel Dead Awakenings, released in January 2014 hit Amazon’s Best Seller List the first day. Plus Rebekah released five more books in 2014 and how many in 2015? I know she has another coming out on November 3rd. - The Rise of the Fae (The Society Trilogy Book 2

Here are the blurbs and covers for the twelve stories. I truly love these covers! Rafflecopter at the end of post, but for 99 cents, why wait? I am giving away Kindle copies.

Kissed By the Reaper

Rebekah R. Ganiere
Some loves are worth a battle with both heaven and hell to keep.

Rose committed an unpardonable sin right before she died. As penance, she has been reaping souls for Lucifer for over twenty years. On Halloween night she finds herself in Podunk nowhere ushering souls back to hell when she runs into the mysteriously handsome Gabriel who's not at all what he seems. After chasing him into a cornfield and battling an angel to get Gabriel's soul, she leaves with more questions than answers.
Gabriel is an angel hiding out as a jumper. A soul that jumps from body to body to stay hidden on Earth. But when he finds himself mortally wounded there is only one person he can turn to for protection. The feisty and beautiful reaper who tried to kill him the year before.
With Gabriel recuperating in her bed, Rose is summoned by her boss to hell where he makes her a proposal. Find the jumper Gabriel and deliver his soul, and she will be set free. Fail and become Lucifer's bride forever. It should be an easy choice. Problem is, Gabriel is the first person Rose has been able to touch without scaring to death in the last twenty years. And just his presence has begun to bring back hidden memories from her human life. In the end Rose will have to make the ultimate decision. Choosing Gabriel or choosing herself.

All’s Fair: Love & Warlocks

Tami Lund

Sometimes what you think you don’t want is exactly what you need.

Blurb:  Adanna Granier is the reluctant Supreme Witch of the Savannah Coven, marked for the position at birth, as defined by the scrollwork permanently tattooed on her face. All she wants is to be human. But when attractive warlock Anton Burke shows up hours before the Halloween coven meeting, Adanna begins to rethink her determination to stay away from her own kind.

Anton Burke has come to Savannah for one purpose: to usurp the Supreme. Instead of doing his job, he finds himself attracted to her in a way he has never felt before. When strange occurrences start happening, Anton must decide whether to stand by Adanna – or destroy her.

 Micah’s Mess

Niki Daninger

When an envious warlock bent on taking coven rule from his sister, saves an angel, he learns there is more to life than his bruised self-worth.

Blurb:  Micah is a self proclaimed selfish-ass, who wants nothing more than to take over the Savannah Coven. He doesn’t need an angel looking over his shoulder, and he doesn’t need to feel responsible for her safety. But fate intervenes. As the two travel across the southern half of The United States, they must face demons—his and hers, and discover the one thing that can save them both.  

Love Spell

Jennifer Ray

When an inexperienced witch messes up her spell and the man of her dreams falls in love with her, she must figure out how to undo the mess, even if that means she’ll lose him forever.

Blurb:  Keira Weathersby loves to help people with the matters of the heart and the body as a witch and pharmacist. But when her childhood rival demands her help, Keira will have to use her craft on the one man she can’t get out of her mind or heart.

Wade Hadley’s girlfriend enjoys leaving hints that she wants to get engaged. The only problem is he doesn’t want to get married right now especially when he’s unsure of his feelings.

When Keira messes up a love spell and Wade professes his love for her, she must figure out how to undo her spell, even if that means Wade will run back to his dreadful girlfriend.

The Banshee and the Barista

Danielle Donaldson

A young banshee can't escape the death that constantly surrounds her, but she can't seem to keep the handsome barista at arm's length despite the shadow hanging over them.

 Blurb:  Jenny was thirteen years old when she accidentally killed her parents. It seems like every time she opens her mouth, people around her start dropping dead. She's learned to live with her power, keep her mouth shut, and stay away from people. She's learned the art of healing through touch with the help of her coven. Yet, Mac, the motor-mouth barista from the local coffee shop, wiggles into her life and shows her that her witchcraft is much stronger than she originally thought. Jenny discovers that being a Banshee doesn't have to be a silent life of sadness.

Promised Magic

    Sheri Williams

Will the girl he was promised to as a child, be the one to unlock his magic?

Blurb:  When Brior was a child he had an idyllic home life, living on a farm, mostly out of the general population.  But when disaster strikes and his parents die, he is thrust into the foster system. All the while he’s harboring a secret. A secret that will change his life when he turns 18. When he wakes up with magical powers Brior doesn't know what to do. Adrift in his life for a few years, it isn't until a mysterious letter arrives that his life changes.

Promised to a child from another magical family at a young age, Brior will leave all he knows to find the girl from the letter. To find out more about his powers. With the help of the girl from the letter, he will unlock his hidden abilities, and become the man he was always meant to be.

Drifter’s Moon

Michele Mohr

A witch’s magic is put to the test when she becomes the target of a vengeful ghost at a haunted motel on Halloween.

Blurb:  Savannah James is a Natural Gray, a rare type of witch that can successfully practice both white and black magic. Feeling trapped by her coven’s strict rules, she decides to fly her broomstick solo and break the news of her resignation at their big annual meeting on Halloween.

Trouble has other plans for her when she unexpectedly finds herself tracking down her con artist ex-boyfriend Levi the day before the big event to recover her priceless moonstone necklace he stole from her.

When a locater spell leads her to an off the map truck stop diner in rural Georgia, she crosses paths with lonely drifter Jesse King, a green eyed, all American country boy from her childhood.

Craving a little love and adventure in addition to the menu items at the greasy spoon, Jesse offers Savannah a ride after an her intense run in with Levi at the diner, and they end up at the creepy roadside motel, the Drifter’s Moon.

While rekindling their friendship as adults, Savannah and Jesse quickly learn things aren’t what they seem underneath the dust and outdated décor of the motel, and checking out might be harder than they think. Is Savannah’s magic strong enough to defeat a vengeful ghost and break a decades old curse to get to the coven meeting on time, or will she and Jesse become the motel’s new permanent residents?

Where the Heart Belongs

Maria Arell

Kilyn goes from being an orphan to having a large family in a matter of days, but is she ready to embrace her heritage?

Blurb:  After being orphaned at a young age, Kilyn has finally settled in Savannah, Georgia, and is quite content with her life. A letter arrives and turns everything upside down and brings Felix, who Kilyn feels inexplicably attracted to. But can she trust him?

Felix was sent to keep Kilyn under a watchful eye, but can he keep his distance? He’s used to doing things on his own, but she is tempting him in ways he hadn’t thought possible. And what comes first, love or family?

A Stolen Spell

A.E. Snow

Can Isadora save Savannah from an evil spell and her own family?

Blurb:  Isadora Blackwood is a shy, reserved librarian. She’s passionate about history and preservation and happens to be the keeper of the histories for the witches of Savannah, a job she takes very seriously. Spells, stories, and memoirs lie in her care, and she’s devoted her life to the work. On Halloween, Isadora arrives at the library to find that the history of her own family, the notorious Blackwoods, and an ancient and dangerous spell have been stolen.

To complicate matters, Graham Hart, a visiting professor arrives in town, and Isadora finds herself enamored of him. With his help, Isadora goes on a wild goose chase across Savannah to find the spell and the thief. The hunt leads them to the famous Bonaventure Cemetery, an antebellum mansion, and a wild Halloween masquerade ball.

Will she be too late to save Savannah from evil and from the Blackwoods? 

The Heart of a Hunter

Andra Shine

Ashley, a spoilt young witch must break a love spell, defeat her enemy and learn some manners, to win the heart of her true love.

Blurb:  With all her power, most things in Ashley’s life come easy, but when her aged aunts cast a true love spell on her, the spoilt young witch must learn to think of someone other than herself. When she rescues a hunted man, she doesn’t know if she will end up at the hands of her enemy, or in the arms of her true love.

Ashley must choose between lust and love, self and others, hunted and hunter. It should be like taking Halloween candy from a baby; after all, it’s only her heart at stake.

Running with Magic

Sonja Fröjdendal

Sunshine is a witch who can bottle emotions, but with the ruler of demons and his son crazy for her, loving the right demon is hell.

Blurb:  Sunshine is a witch who can bottle emotions and that’s not her only talent. With a long line of witches behind her, she isn’t scared that she has a hot demon following her.

 She does mind that his father has taken a shine to her too, and as ruler of the night demons, has sent an army to capture her as his bride.

Even with her occult powers and a dragon as her ride, Sunshine is finding that loving the right demon is hell.

Magical Shift

Kay Blake

Sparks fly when a young telekinetic witch is put under the protection of a rugged, but handsome stranger who is more than what meets the eye.

Blurb:  Paige has always been a loner. After the death of her nana, she takes solace in her job and taking long runs in the woods. Her usual place of solitude is threatened by an unknown presence and a rather handsome mystery man who lands on her doorstep quite literally. 

Falling in love with the handsome stranger wasn’t part of the plan, but that is exactly what begins to happen. When old friends and secrets start to unravel, Paige is left with trying to find a balance between what she thought she knew and what her heart says.

If even one of these stories piqued your interest, you've got a bargain. Or you can just try to win one. But you won't receive it till after Halloween. So

     iBooks Buy Link    Amazon Buy Link    Barnes & Noble Buy Link 

Or enter Below. Happy Reading.

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Meet Vala Kaye and Ghost Writer

I read Vala Kaye's YA novella, Ghost Writer and thoroughly enjoyed it. Here's my review.

Malden's mom drags her away from her friends and real life in New York city to the wilds of Virginia. Mom assures her it will be educational. A fate worse than death. Malden thinks the best she can hope for is a nearby cell phone tower and an internet connection so she can stay in touch with her friends.

Malden gets more than she bargained for. Jackson Hamilton, the son of the owner of the historical home where they are staying, is not only hot; he's interested in Malden. There's no cell tower, but Jackson is happy to give her the password to the internet router he's set up.. The problem? It seems that the internet and the resident ghost. are on the same wavelength. 

Ghost Writer  is a fast paced romance with a dash of science fiction and a seasoning of paranormal. My favorite kind of read. 

I've put an excerpt at the end of this post for your reading pleasure. I think it's an excellent read for around Halloween so I asked Vala to be a guest on the blog so you could meet her too. 

Vala, please tell us a little about yourself. 

I grew up in Texas, steeped in southern tradition. I think that’s where so much of Ghost Writer came from. We all studied and knew that there was nothing even remotely “civil” about the War Between the States, and I tried to get some of that across in a way that younger readers could absorb.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

That was an interesting email. The publisher definitely wanted Ghost Writer but wasn’t sure whether to list it as YA or middle grade. We eventually decided that it’s what I’ve heard called “innocent YA,” where nobody lives in a dystopian society or almost dies a dozen times trying to save the world. Awesome category description. Love it.

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre?

 I read quite a few of Robert Heinlein’s sci-fi for juveniles as a teen and loved those. Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series were also some of my early favorites. Really, I read everything I could get my hands on, from Austen to Asimov. I have everything Heinlein and McCaffrey wrote on my keeper shelves. I reread some of them every year.

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

 I’m sort of seriously addicted to TV, which cuts into my writing time, but I won’t tell if you won’t.

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

 Oddly enough, pictures motivate me…photos, paintings, whatever. Just last week, I saw a photo online and by the end of the day, I’d written a 2,500-word short story based on it. I have no idea where that came from. I've got to try that. Stephanie Meyer took Twilight from a dream image.

What genre or genres do you write?

 Paranormal and sci-fi. I believe in stories of redemption and romance, so I wouldn’t be caught dead writing tragedy. LOL…

What’s your current WIP?

 Several years ago, I wrote a feature in a screenwriting class at UCLA and now I’m working on adapting it into narrative (novel) form. It’s called Dreams of the Muse and it most definitely isn’t YA!

And finally, where can we find you?

 My site is www.ValaKaye.com where I try to spread the word about some great reads out there in the genres of paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy, like your novel, Time and Forever.

 I’m also on Twitter as @ValaKaye.

Thank you for being here, Vala. 

 Vala had graciously offered 3 ebook copies in mobi, ePub or as PDF'.  Scroll down to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway. Happy reading!

Here's an excerpt from Ghost Writer.

 Jackson hurried down the staircase and outside. He bounded down off the porch steps and headed toward the back of the house so fast Malden ran to keep up with him.

“Who exactly is this Emily?” she said. “Jackson! You’re acting like she’s some sort of—” She drew herself up short, afraid of where her thoughts were going. He stopped, too, and turned back to face her.

“Like she’s some sort of, what, Malden? Some sort of ghost?”

“A ghost?” Malden looked at him wide-eyed. “That’s, well, really lame.” The memory of the conversation with her mom a couple of hours earlier flashed through her mind. “I mean, I like a good ghost story as much as anyone, but they’re not real. Emily was just a girl, right? Maybe even a girl who used to live in this house, but—”

“Malden, this house has been in my mom’s family for over a hundred and seventy years. The man who built it was named John Reese and he had one child, a daughter named Emily.”

“John Reese?” Malden frowned, confused. “But I thought this place was called The Proctor House.”

“It’s been known by that name since the 1880s.” Jackson nodded. “Emily died on her eighteenth birthday in February of 1865. She was never married and never had any children. When her father died years later with no grandchildren, the house went to his nephew, Brent, and on down to his children. Their family name was Proctor, my mother’s last name before she married my dad.”

“So, what does any of this have to do with the dead girl, Emily?” Malden glanced around to make sure no one else could overhear them. She’d only been at this place for all of maybe ten minutes and here she was in the middle of a bizarre conversation with a guy she barely knew about something that couldn’t possibly be true. “Have people seen her ghost? Is she haunting the house because she’s mad her cousin inherited it or something?”

Jackson started to say more, and then stopped and shook his head. Malden could see he wanted to tell her the whole story, but was holding back.

“Look, my bad, okay? I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’ve heard a lot of stupid old family stories, but it’s like you said, it’s lame. I mean, I’ve spent summers out here all my life and I’ve never seen or heard a ghost. So, that means there couldn’t be one. Right?”

He took the keys from her and hurried toward the SUV. Malden followed, but more questions were running through her mind and she wasn’t about to be put off. Jackson knew more about Emily, and Malden decided she wasn’t going to let him get away with keeping any secrets.

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Anne B. Cole Sweet Paranormal Time Travel.

Meet the delightful genre-blending Anne B Cole who manages to combine teaching, parenting and writing and still stay sane,

I read Anne’s first book, Souls Entwined in May, 2014. Here’s my review: I've never read a book like this one. I received a copy of Souls Entwined in return for a fair review. Two contemporary people, Sam and Gretta are sent back to entwine with the bodies of a kidnapped sailor, Lorenzo and a young Greek woman, Anya to solve the mystery of a generations old curse. Their adventure is a race against time to prevent Gretta from becoming the curse's next victim. Snapping back and forth between past and present, Sam and Gretta feel a growing commitment to each other. I look forward to reading the next installment in this adventure. A remarkable debut by Anne B. Cole.

This year Anne and I were both Finalists in the RONE Awards for best time travel. Neither of us won, but we were both thrilled with the honor.

Yes, congratulations Susan for getting into finals!  It was such an honor to be nominated for the RONE. The winning and runner up authors in our category are simply amazing writers with over 30 titles published between the two of them. 

Anne lives in Indiana with her husband and three teenage children. She teaches preschool and makes time to run so she can eat ice cream and doughnuts.

Some people ask me how I get everything done in my crammed days. I admit that I rarely watch television (unless it is football season) and I multi task---right now I’m writing this interview, doing two loads of laundry, and baking an apple pie.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

In 2013, my critique partner submitted a pitch of my book in a ‘pitch your mate’ blog contest. She had already submitted her own pitch in the part of the contest where you submit your own work. We both made it through the qualifying round and to the editors’ round. Soul Mate Publishing offered a contract on my first novel, Souls Entwined through this contest. I admit…without my critique partners I’d have never become published. When my publisher sent an email to me accepting my book for contract I remember saying, “Oh my God!”…about ten times in a row. My family surrounded me with questions like, “What happened?” and “Who died?” It was a life changing moment because I went from dabbling in a hobby of writing to becoming a novelist.

If it isn’t too nosy. How about the first time you kissed your true love?

My true love is my husband of 23 years. We started dating in high school when I was 16 and we dated for over seven years before we married. Our first kiss was in his parent’s car after we went out and played miniature golf with a group of friends. It was the perfect ending to a teenage date--- simple, sweet, and the beginning of a love that will last a lifetime. A beautiful first. Thank you.

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre?

Diana Gabaldon’s books are amazing. As for heroes and heroines---gotta side with Percy Jackson and Annabeth. My son and I love to read Rick Riordan.

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

Giving credit to my kids and husband for their support and ideas for my writing was special. When I started to write the acknowledgements for Souls Estranged I realized the book would not have been possible without them.

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

That’s easy…I run because I love to bake and cook! Nothing is better than running five miles in order to justify eating a slice of homemade apple pie. Both leave me feeling awesome.

Got a recipe you want to share? Most certainly! Souls Estranged has many moments where characters converse over yummy foods. In the story, Gretta enjoys a plate of loaded baked potato chips with a new friend. In real life, my family and I enjoy eating at a local diner called Jersey Café. They have the most wonderful loaded chips. I’ve duplicated the recipe at home, but if you are ever in the Indianapolis area you must go to Jersey’s and order a plate of their chips!

Loaded baked potato chips

One 12 oz. bag of kettle style potato chips

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Your favorite BBQ sauce

6 to 8 strips of thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Chopped green onions (optional)

Ranch dressing (on the side to dip)

Place the chips on a jelly roll pan and cover with cheese. (add more or less cheese if desired). Drizzle with BBQ sauce. Toss on the crumbled bacon---again, add more or less as desired.

Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with ranch dressing.

That looks truly sinful!

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

Write every day. (Every word you pen will make you a better writer. Blogs, notes, emails, and of course your work in progress counts.)

Read every day. I learn something about writing every time I read.

What genre or genres do you write?

I like to bend my genres. I enjoy combining supernatural suspense, time travel, and sweet romance with a touch of magical realism.

Tell us about Souls Estranged.

"She fled to save him from the curse. Now she must flee to save

herself."

SUMMARY

Back from their adventures in Souls Entwined, Sam Daggett begins a new relationship with Gretta Dobbs, whose memories of their time traveling experience have been erased. Determined to never leave her again, Sam vows to help Gretta, despite the bad luck curse on her heirloom ring. Within hours of their return, tragedy strikes. As Sam becomes the third victim of the bad luck curse, Gretta’s memories of her time spent in the past begin to return. Unable to remember more than snippets, she realizes that anyone close to her is in grave danger. In order to keep Sam and her family safe, she flees in the middle of the night. Finding the perfect summer job in the back hills of Virginia, Gretta unknowingly crosses paths with a serial killer. With guidance from their ancestral spirits, Roxana and Katarina, Sam desperately attempts to find Gretta before the curse strikes again.

Excerpt From Souls Estranged.

Excerpt from Chapter Four

     “Lunch is almost ready. Here’s a list of Sam’s pre-surgery instructions.” Ruby handed the paper to Gretta. “Tim and I both have to work tomorrow so you’ll need to keep him in line.”

     Sam heard the two discussing the dos and don’ts prior to his operation, yet his mind registered one thing.

     Alone time with Gretta.

     Gretta scrutinized the list. “What about this one?”

     “Never mind,” Ruby chortled.

     Gretta walked over to the kitchen and opened a drawer. Finding it empty, she smiled at Ruby. “I could have cleaned the drawers.”

     “What did you say?” Ruby lifted a square of gooey lasagna from the pan.

     “You crossed ‘clean drawers’ off my list.” Gretta pointed to the paper.

     “No, no dear. I meant—”

     “Ruby?” Sam wasn’t sure how he knew what she was going to say, but he definitely didn’t want her to continue.

     “I crossed it off, Sam. After I caught you two on the couch, I wrote a list for Tim. He will make certain you have on clean—”

     “Ruby!”

     “Oh, hush yourself and eat.” She handed them two heaping plates.

      Gretta and Sam slid into the chairs at the table. He dug into the steaming layers of pasta, cheese, and sausage. After a minute of silence, Gretta’s grin caught his eye.

     “Batman or Spiderman?”

     Sam laughed before answering, “Hanes. Plain, white Hanes.” He peered sideways to Ruby and lowered his voice. “Fifteen years ago, Spiderman.”

     Gretta smirked, forking a hunk of pasta dripping with cheese. “Spiderman?”

     “Spiderman. What about you? Cinderella or Snow White?” He watched her savor her food.

     She wiped cheese and sauce off her lips with one finger and licked it clean. “Cinderella.”

  

What’s your current WIP?

I’m currently writing the third and final book of The Souls Trilogy, Souls Endure. Here’s the hook---‘Without faith, love may not exist. Without love, evil takes control.’ This book is verbally contracted and about 75% written…I have so much to say about it….but you’ll have to wait.

And finally, where can we find  you?

BLOG: www.annebcole.com/blog

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/AnneBCole

            @annebcole

FACEBOOK: Anne B. Cole, Author

Souls Entwined Book Trailer

Thanks so much, Susan for having me here today!

I'm delighted to have you.

Anne graciously gifted me an ARC pdf of Souls Estranged . If you would like to read it, leave a comment. 

I hope your week is filled with food, exercise, (step away from the computer!) friends, and wonderful books.

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Author Debby Grahl, has a wonderful story and a giveaway

Meet paranormal and contemporary author Debby Grahl, who may be one of my favorite interviews ever. Debby, please tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Michigan and now live on Hilton Head Island, SC, with my husband David and our cat Tigger. I was born with a deteriorating eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP is a disease of the retina which causes gradual vision loss. I lost the ability to read in my early twenties, but even when I had sight seeing the printed word was always difficult. Reading a book would take me twice as long as a person with normal sight. I became frustrated with this and  began to make up my own stories. It wasn’t until the development of computers and wonderful screen reading software that I was able to put my stories into words. Everything I type is read back to me aloud. This enables me to do my research, use the online dictionary, post on Google Plus and Facebook. It has truly opened a new window of opportunity for me. 

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

Getting my first contract was quite the rollercoaster ride. It all began three years ago when I pitched the book at a conference. An editor of a new small press told me to send him the first three chapters, which I did. A few weeks later he requested the entire MS.

My hopes built. Could it really happen this time? Then early one morning I received the email all new writers pray for -- the offer of a contract. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. I phoned and emailed all my friends and relatives and walked on a cloud for days.

The editing process began, but after working on six chapters our communication began to lag to the point I was afraid something was wrong. Well, I was right. After I sent many emails, I finally received a phone call informing me that due to financial difficulties the publisher would have to close their doors.

I was devastated. After a long cry and days of moping around the house, I picked myself up and once again sent the MS to another new small press.

After a short time, I received another contract for the book and we began the editing process.

This time we actually got to the point that advanced review copies (ARCs) were sent out, and we were going to press. I had the thrill of actually holding a copy of my book in my hand. Then I received an email telling me they were very sorry, but due to personal circumstances they were closing their doors.

Imagine my state of mind! I was beyond devastated; I was crushed. I was on the brink of giving up when my editor from the second publisher suggested I send the MS to The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House.

So once again I picked myself up and sent it off.

I received a contract offer one month later, and both The Silver Crescent Crescent, and Rue Toulouse have finally found a home and are doing very well!  

Ohmigosh. That's an amazing, horrifying and happy ever after story. I love your persistance. 

If it isn’t too nosy. How about the first time you kissed your true love?

This is an unusual story. Both David and I were involved with civil war reenacting. We met by a camp fire at a living history event. We talked for quite a while. He walked me back to my tent and kissed me goodnight. That was 27 years ago.

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre?

This one is tough because there are so many, so I’ll list my absolute favorites. Heather Graham and Nora Roberts are at the top. I also enjoy Julie Garwood, Jayne Ann Krentz /Amanda Quick, Suzanne Brockmann, Jude Deveraux, Elizabeth Lowell and Christina Skye.   

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

  We’ve all experienced the eager anticipation of actually meeting one of our 

favorite authors. Some of us have stood in line for hours just to hear them speak.

I recently had an incident that made all the hours of writing, all the rejection letters, and all the rewrites worth every minute. I had a book signing where there were at least fifty people. This in itself thrilled me. As people began to line up in front of my table for me to sign my books, an excited reader stopped and told me how much she loved my books and just couldn’t wait for my next one. I can’t express the emotion I felt. I’m a newly published author, and here was this person acting as excited to meet me as I do when I go to see one of my favorite authors. Not only did I feel immense pleasure knowing something I’ve written has given someone such enjoyment, they inspired me to continue writing.
That's a truly special moment! 

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

I’m fortunate to live only fifteen minutes from the ocean, so David and I like to take walks on the beach. We also have a tandem bike, so we go for long rides. We also enjoy traveling. Other than seeing the US, I love England. We’ve been there three times and never tire of the quaint country villages. I’m a country music, blues and oldies fan. Play some good old rock ‘n’ roll and I’m out on the floor boogying. 

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

Sometimes to get motivated I’ll read a book which takes place in the same setting as mine, such as New Orleans. Or I clean house, or get into the hot tub with a glass of wine. I have to say I like the last the best.

Got a recipe you want to share?

I’ve attached David’s recipe for his delicious Who Dat Gumbo. (The link is to my recipe page where you will now find this delicious sounding, cant-wait-to-try-it, recipe.)

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

First, see if there’s a writers’ group near you and join them. Other writers can be full of helpful advice. Also there are a number of online groups that you can find that write in your genre. I also highly suggest that you take online writing classes. When I wrote my first book, a murder mystery titled Decorated To Death, which hasn’t been released, I was extremely naïve when it came to what a publisher expects. I thought you just wrote the book, submitted it and waited to hear back. I found out quickly how wrong I was. There are a number of what I refer to as no-nos in the writing world. I had one editor tell me that I had a good book, if I could only write it. In red, she pointed out all my beginner writer’s mistakes. And trust me, there was a lot of red on the page. That’s when I started taking online classes, and my writing improved after the first class. A number of groups offer these classes, and they’re reasonably priced. Entering contests is another way to get helpful advice on your work. Many writers’ groups conduct annual writing contests. Lastly, my advice would be that if you have a story in you, write it. Even if your book never makes some top seller list, it’s still your story and you wrote it.

What genre or genres do you write?

I write both paranormal and contemporary romance. My first release, The Silver Crescent, is a paranormal romance which takes place in my home state of Michigan. It won The Paranormal Romance Guild’s Reviewers Choice Award in the general category for 2014. Rue Toulouse, released this past January is a contemporary romance. That's wonderful! A note to my beloved readers: Debby's books are available in all platforms Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and iTunes.

Excerpt from The Silver Crescent:

Once the men had left the library, Virginia did as Martin had suggested and sailed down from the painting. With narrowed eyes and her mouth a thin line, she turned to face Cyrus, now seated behind his desk.

“That was a close call. I didn’t know if Max would feel my warning.”

“By the look on his face, I’d say you got through loud and clear.”

“What shall I do if he tries to remove my portrait?”

Cyrus shook his head. “I don’t think he will. And if he does, we’ll have to stop him.”

Virginia rubbed her temples. “And what about the display Garrison put on?”

Cyrus frowned. “I’m surprised he’s strong enough to conjure something like that.”

“I’m afraid if he keeps scaring them, they’ll leave, and our future will be doomed.”

He shook his head. “I have a feeling they’re tougher than that. We’ll just have to double our effort to subdue him.”

At that moment, one of the long French windows blew open, and Garrison strolled in.

“Did I hear my name?” He sat down in one of the high-backed chairs, propped his foot across his knee, and smirked.

Cyrus leaned forward and folded his arms on his desk. “You may be enjoying yourself with your little games, but your amusement will be short-lived. Trust me, you will not win.”

Garrison’s smirk turned to a grin as he reached into his pocket, removed a phantom cigar and lit it. “Are you sure about that, Cyrus old man?” His eyes glowed with hatred. “Who holds the power may soon change.” He let out a stream of tobacco smoke and disappeared.

Her face stricken with fear, Virginia turned to Cyrus.

He floated across his desk and took her in his arms. “It will be all right, my dear, don’t worry.”

She laid her head on his shoulder. “Cyrus, he can’t have meant what I think. If so, it’s too horrible to imagine.”

He stroked her back. “Hush, now. We must do the best we can to help them along.”

“Yes, and we must keep them safe.”

Cyrus nodded.

“Perhaps we need something besides the crescents?” Virginia asked.

“Let’s give them a little longer. If they don’t figure it out, I have another idea.”

When they heard voices in the hallway, Virginia gave Cyrus a quick kiss and reentered her portrait, and Cyrus vanished.

 Great excerpt. I want to read the book.

Tell us about your latest release.

Rue Toulouse is a contemporary romance set in New Orleans. I came up with the idea for the book when my husband, David, and I were visiting the city. While I sat on the balcony of our hotel on Rue Toulouse drinking a glass of wine and eating Voodoo chips, Caterine and Remi came to life in my mind. Rue Toulouse is a tale of sex, danger and intrigue down in the Big Easy. After Caterine Doucette inherits the family fashion business, Ma Cherie, an attempt is made on her life. Ex-cop Remi Michaud is hired to protect Caterine while discovering which of her traitorous relatives want her dead.

Excerpt from Rue Tolouse:

Hello, Princess.”

Caterine stared in disbelief at the man leaning against the door frame. Her mouth suddenly gone dry, she whispered, “Remi?”

“At your service.”

She opened her mouth and closed it several times before she stammered, “Wha-what are you doing here?”

“Your grandmother sent me.”

“Why?”

“Let me in, and I’ll tell you.”

Without a word, she stepped back to let him pass. He quickly scanned the room. “Nice, isn’t it? I’ve never stayed here, but I’ve heard it’s a great hotel. It suits you. But would you care to tell me why you’re here and not on a plane out of New Orleans?”

Caterine’s back stiffened. “I don’t see what concern that is of yours. I called Elaine and expected either Paul or her to come. So, again, what are you doing here instead of Paul?”

“You’re in trouble and need help.”

“But you don’t even know me.”

Remi smiled. “We have met.”

Caterine felt her face turning scarlet.

He chuckled. “I take it you remember.”

Remember? Oh, how she remembered. She’d relived those moments in his arms over and over again. And here he was standing in front of her wanting to help. It took everything she had not to throw herself at him. “I still don’t understand. How did you find out what happened?”

“I was on my way home when I heard Ma Chérie’s alarm. I found your hair clip and the blood on the sidewalk. What did that guy do to you?”

She shuddered and in a barely audible voice said, “He held a gun to my back and tried to force me into a van.”

Remi’s jaw tightened. “That fils de putain left some blood. If we find him, we have a DNA sample.” He reached out and took her hand. “How did you get away from him?”

“First I swung wildly and hit him in the nose with the alarm remote I had in my fist. Then I got him with my umbrella.”

“Way to go, Princess.”

She gave him a slight smile. “And I’m pretty sure the remote saved my life. I set the alarm off while he held the gun to my back.”

“You must have been terrified. I promise we’ll get the bastard who did that to you.”

She tried to blink back the tears that suddenly filled her eyes.

“Don’t cry.” With the tip of his finger, he brushed away the tear that slid down her cheek. “You’re safe. I’m here.”

I want to read this one too!

What’s your current WIP?

Actually I have three projects. The first, a completed manuscript titled His Magic Touch, is a paranormal romance again set in New Orleans. Island Heat, Mountain Heat and Southern Heat are contemporary romances which are works in progress. Decorated To Death, is my first book which is a mystery cozy. I plan on giving it a good polish and resubmitting it for publication. 

And finally, where can we find you?

My books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes. (I put all the links to those above.)

You can find me here:

Website  http://www.debbygrahl.com

Facebook author page  https://www.facebook.com/debbygrahlauthor?ref=br_rs

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6862089.Debby_Grahl

Thanks for being here. Debby is offering one paperback of each of her books as a giveaway. I'm entering my own contest! Happy reading, friends.

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