Love Blooms Blog Hop

If you came for Fashionista Friday, scroll down after you check out the blog hop. You don't want to miss either one.

Welcome to the Love Blooms Blog Hop. I’m so glad to have you here at my blog. I hope you’ll feel free to look around and enjoy yourself because there’s something here for everyone. On Tuesdays, I do a feature called Beyond the Book. It's narrated by one of my characters who wants to tell what’s going on in his or her life after the book ended. On Friday, I post about fashion, and on Friday and Saturday you can read excerpts from my books. On other days I have guest authors, etc. In today’s hop you can win a $50 Amazon gift card. To enter go to a Rafflecopter giveaway    Now, I’d like to interview my newest hero, Prince Alan from The Enchanted. Prince Alan, it’s very kind of you to come.

Prince Alan: Not at all, Madame Cantrell. My father’s entire kingdom holds you in the highest regard and would do anything for you. The king and queen send you greetings and say to think you for attending the book release party in your honor.

Elaine: It was my pleasure. Readers, the party is over, but if you’ll scroll down to the May 14 entry you can see how the king honored me. You can also read chapter 1 of The Enchanted. Prince Alan, please tell the readers how you met the love of your life Princess Morgane.

Alan: (smiling): This is a subject dear to my heart, but it was not always so. My father arranged a marriage between me and Princess Morgane. I had never even met her.

Elaine: (looks appalled) That probably wasn’t much fun.

Alan: No indeed, yet I soon grew to love my princess with my whole heart. How could I not? She has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but this is not what drew me to her.

Elaine: Really? What was it then?

Prince Alan: (His face softens; his eyes grow dreamy.) It was the noble kindness in her soul. She suffered much at the hands of her father, yet she remains brave, strong, tender, and kind. Anyone who knows her soon discovers her basic goodness. She is a friend to all, especially to me. Thanks to her love I am a better man.

Elaine: She did save your life twice, didn’t she?

Prince Alan: Indeed. If not for the princess who has no battle training whatsoever, I would now be dead. (He smiles proudly.) She does indeed have the heart of a dragon. I wish that you could talk to the warrior Renweard. He praises Princess Morgane all the day long.

Elaine: If I’m not being rude, tell me how you and your father are getting along. Things were once very tense between you.

Prince Alan: (nods) It is true that my father and I often did not see eye to eye, but the recent events in the kingdom have shown us that in spite of our differences, we care for each other.

Elaine: Did you ever paint that picture for Princess Morgane? You promised her a painting filled with sunshine on the day that you two were attacked and began your incredible journey.

Prince Alan: Yes, the painting is complete. Princess Morgane loves it. You may post a picture of it if you like.

 

Elaine: It’s beautiful. Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

Prince Alan: (eyes twinkling) Tell them they may return soon to see the painting of my son or daughter.

Elaine: Wonderful! Congratulations to you and Princess Morgane.

Prince Alan: Thank you. My father the king is most gratified.

Elaine: Prince Alan, do come again soon.  To find other authors in the Love Blooms Blog Hop, look below, or go to http://www.candlelightreads.blogspot.com/p/love-blooms.html for the list.

 

 

Six Sentence Sunday

This excerpt is from A New Dream which is available at http://www.astraeapress.com



For more Six Sentence participants go to www.sixsunday.blogspot.com

Matt hauled the steering wheel to correct the slide, but it was
useless. The car turned around once more and skidded backwards
for a short distance before it charged off the road. It jumped a steep
ditch and went airborne. All Matt could see was a blur of trees and
darkness as the car careened into the woods. It made a lazy turn in
the air and came to rest bottom side up.

The last thing he remembered was the sound of Stacey's screams.

Six Sentence Sunday

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday. To find more participants go to http://www.sixsunday.blogspot.com

Here's my six.

“Why are you scared of me?” Matt asked, his voice as soft
and rich as velvet. “Your eyes are as big as saucers.”

Violet’s chin came up. “I’m not scared of you.”

“Then you won’t mind if I do this.” Matt trailed his fingers
up her bare arm, leaving a path of goose bumps behind.

Six Sentence Sunday

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday. My excerpt today is from A New Dream and takes place when Matt and Violet declare their love for each other. A New Dream is available at http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662249&mode=product&product=2676585

"I did mean it, Matt!"

The words barely left her mouth before Matt crushed her against his chest. "I love you too, Violet, oh, so much! I was scared you wouldn't think I"m good enough for you. Are you sure?" he pleaded.

Violet thought some of the tears on her cheeks belonged to Matt, but no, a pro-football player wouldn't cry just because a woman said she loved him.

Anne Albert's In The House

Anne Albert's here! Anne, thanks so much for stopping by. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself.

I married my best friend and high school sweetheart, and am blessed with one incredible daughter. I love to travel. I’ve had numerous jobs, but the one thing that’s remained a constant in my life is writing. It’s the one thing that keeps me focused, grounded, and more importantly, happy.

Spoken like a true writer. What did you hope to accomplish with your books?

All I’ve ever wanted to do is entertain the reader. If I can bring a tear to their eye and a smile to their face, well, that’s all the better!

What is the greatest test you ever faced as a writer?

I broke my wrist and didn’t write for months. Worse, I was unsure I ever would. That complete lack of desire to write terrified me. I’m so grateful it passed. Oh, and my wrist? It works. Definitely not as well as it did before the break, but it works. I’m grateful for that, too!

I'm glad for you too, Anne. What’s the best advice you ever got about the publishing industry?

A writer who’s name I can’t recall, said on a writer’s forum one day that if she submitted to one agent or publisher at a time as per their instructions, and then waited for a reply before she submitted to the next agent or publisher, she’d die an old lady and never achieve her dream of being published.

Up until that point, I’d always followed the ‘rules’. I’d also been waiting 18-months for a reply from an editor who’d requested my full manuscript. When I received the rejection letter a few weeks later, I vowed not to play that waiting game again.

So, I sent out multiple query letters, and received multiple requests. The day I signed the contract with my publisher I notified the other two houses who had my manuscript that I was withdrawing my submission. Both thanked me, and wished me all the best. The bottom line is I achieved my dream of being a published author…and I did it while I’m still breathing!

That's interesting. I gave that same advice to a friend just today! If you could meet two authors, which ones would you pick and why?

Mark Twain because of his wit. He said, “'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.” “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

Robert Heinlein because he wrote the book that was the basis for my all time favorite movie, Puppet Masters. Plus, like Twain, he had a sense of humor. “Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.”

Good choices. Could you share your links with us?

Absolutely! My website: http://www.AnneKAlbert.com
My main blog: http://anne-k-albert.blogspot.com

We’d love to read an excerpt.

This is from the first chapter of DEFENDING GLORY (ISBN: 978-1-935407-95-9)

A warm breeze whooshed through the open office window, whipping the items Mac had pinned to a cork bulletin board on the wall opposite his desk. One photograph and accompanying article snipped from the local newspaper caught his attention. Written less than a year earlier to coincide with the grand opening of McKeown General Contracting, it told readers how as a young boy he had worked with his grandfather, a master tradesman in Minneapolis. Fond memories of their fishing trips to Piedmont Island spurred Mac to move north and open his own business.

He had felt so confident then. So certain he’d made the right decision. But with few construction projects on the horizon, and cash so tight he could not afford to paint his company’s name or phone number on the side of his truck to attract future clients, it was doubtful he’d still be in business by the end of summer.

Then what?

The buzzer inside his shop blared. A quick glance at the wall clock provided a spark of hope. 8:00 A.M. on the dot. Someone must need his services to come by so early in the morning. Reaching for his cane, he pushed himself up from the chair, and headed to the front of the building. A couple stood near the counter with their backs toward him.

“Good morning,” he said. “How may I help you?”

They turned to face him and his optimism fizzled. Although he did not recognize the woman, he was acquainted with the man. The pastor’s appearance inside his shop could mean only one thing. They had no desire to save his business. Their only concern was his soul.
* * *
To read more, click the buy link
http://www.amazon.com/Defending-Glory-ebook/dp/B0045JL61E/

Thank you so much, Elaine, for featuring me today. I’d like to pose a question to your readers. Everyone who leaves a comment (please choose either #1 or #2) will be entered in a draw to win an e-book copy of DEFENDING GLORY. I’ll notify the winner (selected at random) on or before April 19 and post it on my Piedmont Island Trilogy blog - http://piedmont-island-trilogy.blogspot.com/.

Now, here’s what I’d like to know…
1) As a reader, what one characteristic should a heroine possess?
2) What one characteristic do you find irresistible in a hero?

And The Winner Is...

Thanks to everyone who participated in my cupcake party. I wish you could all win, but if you didn't get lucky this time, subscribe to my newsletter. We have a contest every month there.

The winner of the prize for offering a recipe is Retta. The winner of the grand prize is Marybell. Ladies email me your address at elainecsc@aol.com I want to get your prize in the mail.

Let's have one excerpt from A New Dream. In this excerpt Matt and Violet meet for the first time. A New Dream is available at

“Psst, Marjorie, he’s here.”

Marjorie English finished the swirl of yellow roses on the
cake in front of her before she answered. “Who’s here, Violet?”

“The new manager,” she whispered.

Marjorie wiped her hands on a towel and joined Violet at the
front counter. “Poor man,” she remarked as a look of compassion
spread across her face.

“I thought he’d be all scarred up,” Violet confessed, “but
from a distance he looks fine.”

“He wasn’t hurt anywhere except his legs.”

Marshall Chapman, the retiring manager of Chef’s Pantry,
the largest grocery store in Wellington, had slowed his customary
brisk pace to accommodate the limping man beside him. He saw
Violet and Marjorie at the bakery counter and paused to introduce
them.

“Good morning, ladies. I’d like you to meet your new boss,
Matt McCallum. Matt, Marjorie English is the manager of our
bakery department, and Violet Emerson is her assistant.”

Matt shook hands with each of the women. “Tomorrow is
my brother’s birthday, Mrs. English. My mother asked me to order
a cake from you.”

Marjorie smiled at him, the open, friendly smile she
reserved for special people. “What would you like on the cake, Mr.
McCallum?”

“Please, call me Matt. She didn’t say what to get. He’s been
offered a football scholarship at Tri State Tech, so maybe a football
theme.”

“He’ll be playing for my son-­‐‑in-­‐‑law, Kurt Deveraux,”
Marjorie said.

“Well, how about that? They say he’s a good coach.”

Marjorie just laughed. “We think he is. I believe I’ll let
Violet do your cake if that’s okay. She’ll do a nice job for you.”

“That’s fine.”

“Leave it to me,” Violet promised. “I know just the thing.”

Marshall moved the new manager along, so the women
went back to work.

Violet reached for a sack of flour. “I wonder if he has a
girlfriend?”

“Who? Marshall? I think he’s married,” Marjorie teased.

Violet felt her face turn pink. “No, Matt McCallum.”

“Handsome, isn’t he?”

“He goes beyond handsome,” Violet declared, eyes
sparkling. “How tall do you think he is?”

“Oh, probably six two or six three,” Marjorie replied as she
boxed the cake she had just finished decorating.

“You could see the muscles in his chest through his shirt.”

Marjorie grinned at Violet. “I thought you liked brunettes.
Matt’s blonde.”

“Well, his hair is a dark blonde,” Violet defended herself.
“And his eyes are a pretty shade of blue.”

Marjorie laughed as she removed a pecan pie from one of
the store’s big ovens. “Violet, I think you’ve got a crush on the
man.”

Violet ducked her head. “He is awfully sexy. He can’t walk
too well, though.”

Laughter faded from Marjorie’s face. “He’s lucky to be
walking at all the way I hear it. They had to amputate his right leg
above the knee, and his left leg was so mangled and crushed he’ll
always walk with a limp.”

Violet stared toward the manager’s office even though Matt
was nowhere to be seen. “Can you imagine what it must be like for
him? He was a big football star. He was going to have the world on
a string, and now he can hardly walk.”

“And his brother has a football scholarship. That has to
hurt,” Marjorie observed with a shake of her head.
She tore off a piece of plastic wrap to cover the pecan pie.
“Violet, if you like Matt’s looks, why don’t you flirt with him?”

Violet laughed and rolled her eyes. “I’ll get right on it.”

“I’m serious,” Marjorie insisted. “I know you were a sickly
child, but you’re as healthy as a horse now. It’s time for you to
stretch your wings and start thinking about a family of your own.
Matt McCallum liked what he saw, and so did you.”

Violet cocked her head and thought for a minute. “How do
you know he liked what he saw?”

Marjorie paused for a good laugh. “Can’t you tell when a
man likes your looks? He couldn’t take his eyes off you.” She
slapped a sticker on the pie and went to place it on the shelf beside
the muffins. She returned to the bakery and said, “You’re like a
breath of fresh air in a stuffy room. You aren’t selfish and jaded like
a lot of young women I know, which is a surprise because your
parents were so protective of you when you were younger.” She
reached for a bag of sugar. “So, why wouldn’t Matt be interested?”

Violet shrugged and threw up her hands, and Marjorie went
to take a birthday cake order from a customer. Could Marjorie be
right? Could Matt McCallum ever take an interest in someone like
her? Violet pondered the matter as she pulled out the ingredients
she’d need for Matt’s cake. He was like a fairy tale prince come to
life in a mundane setting like a grocery store.

When she was little, she had a storybook that told the story
of Cinderella. Matt McCallum resembled the story book prince in
so many ways. He was tall and blond as was Matt, and like Matt,
he had a handsome face. The prince in the storybook had six pack
abs, and from what little she’d seen of Matt, she’d bet he did too.

No matter what Marjorie said, she would never expect
someone like him to be interested in her. Superstars didn’t date
little violets. Oh, she guessed she was pretty; everyone said so but
inexperienced, gauche girls didn’t attract men like Matt McCallum.

It didn’t hurt to daydream about him, though. She’d make him a
beautiful cake. At least she could do that much for him.

What Is She Thinking?

In this excerpt, Stacey reacts to Matt's injuries. If you're just checking in, you can go to the first Cupcake post and read the excerpts in order. They'll make more sense that way. A New Dream is available at http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=2676585

Remember, if you leave a cupcake recipe you'll be entered in a second drawing for a cupcake trinket box pictured with this post.

Stacey shuddered and splashed some more water on her
face. The nausea had passed now. She staggered back into her
bedroom and threw herself across her bed. Matt’s legs looked
horrible! She’d give anything not to have been at the hospital when
the bandages came off. It had been bad enough when a sheet
covered Matt, but to actually see his mutilated legs turned her
stomach and made her feel faint.

She knew one thing, though. Until this afternoon she hadn’t
really understood that Matt’s football career had ended. Oh, she
realized he had lost a leg, but somehow it hadn’t been real to her
until she saw it for herself.

Rolling over, she curled into a tight, little ball. She had had
such fun going places with Matt. People always recognized him
and wanted his autograph. He had plenty of money too, and he
wasn’t stingy with it. The fame and money had thrilled her, but it
was all over and done with now. No more autographs or big
money.

Her stomach lurched again. She had more than just fame
and money to worry about. Matt had wanted to kiss her this
afternoon. In fact, when the doctor came in to take off Matt’s
bandages he had caught her sitting on the edge of the bed kissing
Matt. The doctor had kidded him about it, but she hadn’t minded
being interrupted at all. She…didn’t like to touch him too much
now.

Her thoughts drifted to the afternoon of their accident. Their
parents wouldn’t approve, but she and Matt had gone to Greenville
and checked into a luxury hotel that morning. They had spent his
last day of freedom in bed together. She drew a deep, shaky breath.
The day had been everything she’d dreamed it could be. Her body
tightened with the faint echo of passion. Matt was a good lover.

Oh, why did they have to have such a terrible accident? What
would happen to Matt now? Her engagement ring winked and
twinkled as it caught the light. She stared at it for a moment and
began to cry.

Welcome Kendall Evans

My guest today is Kendall Evans who is a fellow author from Astraea Press. Kendall, welcome to the blog. For the benefit of those who may not know you, would you share a bit about yourself and your work?

I am a romance writer who enjoys writing Christian romance, sweet romance, and occasionally, non-fiction.

Though I'm relatively new to this side of the publishing realm, I've been writing for years under another pseudonym. I've written everything from poetry to epic novels, but my first release as Kendall Evans is my very first foray in 1800's historical.

I live near the beach and consider myself blessed to be able to smell the salt of the ocean air and hear the waves crashing over the shore. And watching the sun setting at night over the shoreline is truly breathtaking.

I work from home, mostly business consulting and freelance writing (website copy, ads, and the like), and I'm surrounded by wonderful friends and family who continually bless my life.

That's lovely bio. How much of yourself, your personality, or your experiences is in your book?

I think every book I write has a little bit of me in it, but as for personality, surprisingly, not much. Since most of what I’ve written so far has been historical, the heroines suit the time frame. My personality is a lot stronger than Anna’s was in Anna’s Shattered Faith. As far as experiences go, so far I’ve not been able to include any of my experiences in my books as they are historical. Maybe one day, I’ll shoot for a contemporary!

Most people think authors live glamorous lives. Describe a typical writing day.

My glamorous life begins with coffee, checking and responding to e-mails, then settling down to work on my day job. Then it’s errands, cleaning house, and back to work until around six or seven. I take a break for at least an hour or two to keep from burning out. I usually don’t start writing until late in the evening, and I write for about an hour or two until I’ve reached the word count I’ve set for myself that day. That varies depending on how close I am to the end of the book, how tired I am, etc. Once I reach my word count, I relax with a book until lights out. I know a lot of people must envy me now.


LOL. My life sounds very much like yours. When writing a new book, how do you decide on a theme, genre, or topic?

Writing as Kendall Evans, I will only focus on sweet/inspirational romances, and I really like the idea of all of my books being historical. So that’s pretty much decided. I was just offered a contract for another book that is set in the 1950s during the Korean War so the historical aspect greatly varies.

I don’t really decide on a topic or theme until the idea strikes me. It’s all a very quick decision process.

That's true of me as well, the deciding on a theme part. If you could meet two authors, who would you pick and why?

L.M. Montgomery because she wrote my favorite books—the Anne of Green Gables series.

Jane Austen because I have yet to read a book of hers I didn’t like, and she left such a legacy. To be remembered for your work long after your death is quite an achievement.

I love Anne of Green Gables! One day I'd like to take a trip to Prince Edward Island and see the house that was the inspiration for Green Gables. Would you share your links with us?

Sure. Right now, I have two:

www.kendallevans.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/kendallevans2010

We’d love to read an excerpt from one of your books. Don’t forget to leave us a buy link.

Every syllable dripped with the woman's pain, and Daniel resisted the urge to reach out to her, knowing she didn't want anything but a truthful answer to her question. He hitched one hip on the corner of his desk. “Not if I can help it.”

“But the odds are he will.”

Daniel shook his head slowly. “I'm not a betting man, Mrs. Hampton.” He folded his arms across his chest. “You look like you could use a cup of coffee.” Without giving her a chance to respond, he walked over to the spindly-legged table next to the only cell in the office and poured a cup of steaming black coffee into a tin cup.

He heard Anna sigh. Anna. When had he started calling her that in his mind? She'd certainly never give him permission to do so aloud. “Here you go.” He handed her the cup and pulled a wooden chair closer.

Anna surprised him by sitting down and accepting the coffee. “I'm sorry. I don't mean to take this out on you, Sheriff.”

“You're angry, scared, and confused. You need some place where you can express those feelings, and I reckon I'm as good a place as any.” His lips tilted in a smile.

Her light blue eyes watched him. Stray tendrils of pale blonde hair had escaped her bun and now hung around her face, giving her a disheveled appearance. Daniel still thought she was about the prettiest woman he'd seen since, well, he couldn't remember when.

She shifted in the chair, and the movement snagged his attention. She continued to look at him, awaiting information or maybe a kernel of hope, something to keep her from falling apart.

“Around seven this evening, Barnaby'll let us know his terms for releasing Sam.”

“How will he contact you? I’m sure he’s not just going to come knocking on the door.” She sounded tired...and tearful.

Her emotion tugged at his heart. The urge to comfort her grew stronger. “One shot. The mayor should be telling everyone to return to their homes now.”

“Beth!” Anna surged to her feet, but Daniel stepped in her path, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Mary’s mother will be taking Beth home with her and her family. It's best that she not be here.”

Anna sank back down onto the chair. “How can you be sure Barnaby will keep his word?”

“I can't, but right now, waiting is about all we can do. He's going to need to pass through Strawberry Junction, and he's not getting through with your son.” Daniel squatted down beside her, listening to her struggles for breath. “I promise you I will do everything I can to save him.”

“I feel like I should be doing something.”

“All you can do now is pray.”

The words might as well have been a gunshot for the effect they had. Anna jumped back to her feet, coffee sloshing over the rim of the cup. “That's all everyone wants to do is pray! What makes you so sure God is listening? If hundreds, no, thousands, of people are all praying at one time, how can you be so sure He can keep up?”

Anna’s Shattered Faith
Kendall Evans
Available now from Astraea Press
http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662255&mode=product&product=2626103

Kendall, that's a great excerpt. I can't wait to see what happens with Anna. Come back and visit me again, and good luck with your book.