Focus on Books Guest Author Marsha R. West, New Release--DETERMINED #romantic suspense

 

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading, we will dive into the fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

While the purpose of the series is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

My October guest is Marsha R. West, a talented storyteller and a dear friend from the days when we were both newbies in the writing business. 

Congratulations, Marsha, on your new release, #4 in the Second Chances Series.

WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT DETERMINED?

My church is service-oriented, and through that work, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about folks experiencing homelessness. I wanted to share some of that info with others. I had a heroine from the second book I wrote (an unpublished one) that I really liked. I pulled her back into my consciousness and set her in the current day, gave her sisters, and used her backstory. She deserved to have her happily ever after. I hope DETERMINED will help folks look with a more open heart for those without a home and decide to get involved.

Thanks so much for hosting me, J. Q. I’d love to chat with your readers. 😊 Marsha

Determined
A Second Chance Romantic Suspense
Marsha R. West

BACK OF THE BOOK:

Real estate developer Hollister Grant (Holly) and her sisters Lee and Kay are determined to build a tiny home project for people who’ve recently been homeless, but Barrett Armstrong, president of a nearby homeowner association doesn’t want “those people” living near his neighborhood. He will do anything to prevent the land’s development. Anything.

Dan Morgan, Holly’s long-time friend and lawyer, wants to continue to help Holly with the project but sees his feelings for the woman moving past friendship and fears, but because of her past experiences, she isn’t ready for a change in their relationship. And might not ever be. Should he remain silent to maintain their friendship or risk everything for the chance of real love?

TRAILER FOR DETERMINED

BUY LINK:

Click here to download the eBook from your favorite online bookseller.

Click here to order the paperback.

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ABOUT MARSHA:

I’m a retired elementary school principal, a former school board member, theatre arts teacher, and I write Romance, Suspense, and Second Chances. Experience Required novels. I live in Texas with my supportive lawyer husband and Charley, a deaf, Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier. Our two daughters presented us with three delightful grandchildren, all who live nearby and are now teenagers!  

The theme of my eleven books is always second chances. I even named my four-part series The Second Chances Series. I believe in Happily Ever Afters. My husband picked up a plaque for me on one of our several trips to Maine that states my philosophy exactly. Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end. The Heroines and Heroes in my books range in age from 40 to late 50s and their parents and children often play supporting roles.

I am a member of North Texas Romance Writers, Texas Authors Institute, and the WORD BY WORD Blog. I send out a monthly newsletter and give away an e-book to some lucky commenter. I enjoy making presentations to groups, and several times, I’ve taught a Silver Frogs class on Indie Publishing for Texas Christian University. 

My books can be found on AMAZON, B & N, KOBO, and iTunes. Print books are available at Draft 2 Digital and Amazon.

Click here for more information and links to her books on her website 

Click here  to sign up for her  NEWSLETTER  

CONNECT ONLINE WITH MARSHA

marsha@marsharwest.com 

https://www.facebook.com/MarshaRWestfans

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.twitter.com/Marsharwest  @Marsharwest

https://wordbyword.net/category/blog/

https://www.pinterest.com/marsharwest/

https://www.instagram.com/marsharwest

Marsha R. West (Author of Vermont Escape) | Goodreads

Marsha R. West Books - BookBub

Amazon Author page https://amzn.to/456bBUy

Trailer Links Marsha R. West books

DETERMINED https://youtu.be/UB40vwfuAHc

TAINTED  https://youtu.be/URl5DnN3w4c

COMPROMISE https://youtu.be/KM0ACQn5Bzs

VULNERABLE https://youtu.be/Q2uaEusbZtI

Thanks for being my guest, Marsha!

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Perfect for Halloween! Horror story and Ghost story
Click here to download these scary, but fun books to read
on sale for $1.99 at Smashwords through October 31
Also available to download from your favorite digital bookseller
Paperback at amazon and bn.com

JQ Rose

Visit JQ ROSE online

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FOCUS on BOOKS: New Cozy Mystery Release by Susan Bernhardt, Repercussions

 

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading, we will dive into the fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

My love of reading sparked the series, FOCUS ON BOOKS. While the purpose is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

This month, my guest is a dear friend, Susan Bernhardt. We were with the same publisher early in our careers, and we "newbies" have continued to stick together all these years. I was infatuated by her first cozy mystery in the series, The Ginseng Conspiracy. Who knew Wisconsin, which is the location for her stories, is a top provider of Ginseng in the USA?  

I  always look forward to an entertaining read with many twists.  The action takes place in a small town populated with delightful characters and some really rotten villains. However she changes the location when Kay takes her family on a cruise in Paradise Can Be Murder. You know there has to be mystery and murder on the boat!

Congratulations Susan on your new release!

What sparked the idea for your 7th book in the series?

What sparked writing this mystery was to give my followers of this series pure entertainment. Many readers know Kay, Elizabeth, and Deirdre intimately and I wanted to write for them another exciting, thrilling, and fun mystery to read. That's it. There are many surprises in REPERCUSSIONS that will leave the reader with their mouths wide open.

Repercussions by Susan Bernhardt
Cozy mystery--Released September 17

In this edition, readers are taken to Sudbury Falls where Deirdre's tea room becomes an overnight sensation, a favorite go-to place in Sudbury Falls. Her scones are the talk of the town. 

Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Kay's friend) starts seeing copycat murders from her mystery novels everywhere.

Phil (Kay's husband) and his band get a new gig at The Purple Orchid, a dodgy nightclub downtown, where they try out their new drummer to a standing-room-only crowd.

When a murder takes place and there are absolutely no suspects at all, the new Chief of Police, along with Kay and company are stumped. Is this the perfect crime? Will the murder go unsolved?

Yet another humorous and thrilling Kay Driscoll adventure.

Welcome back to Kay's world.

Click here to download the eBook now or order the paperback version from Amazon. 

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ABOUT SUSAN:

 Susan's town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of her Kay Driscoll novels. Like Kay Driscoll in her cozy mysteries,

Author Susan Bernhardt

Susan is a retired nurse who volunteered at her local free clinic. She also writes the Irina Curtius mysteries that take place in Manhattan. 

She lives with her husband, William, and has two sons.

An avid reader of mysteries, Susan is a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.

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THE KAY DRISCOLL AND IRINA CURTIUS MYSTERIES

Cozy Mysteries by Susan Bernhardt

Thanks for stopping in today. 

Please share this blog with a reader who enjoys cozy mysteries.

Visit JQ ROSE online

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New Release: Marsha West's Vulnerable: A Second Chance Romantic Suspense, a Gift from JQ #newrelease #gift

 

Vulnerable by Marsha R. West
Romantic suspense

Hello and Welcome to Focused on Story! 

I am thrilled to spotlight my friend and talented author, Marsha R. West this week. Her romantic suspense novel, Vulnerable, her 10th book, will be released on December 1. What a wonderful way to kick off the month of December.

Congratulations, Marsha!! I have read every book in the Second Chance series and enjoyed every heroine in each book who takes a chance falling in love again. 

BACK OF THE BOOK--Vulnerable by Marsha R. West

Interior designer, and junior college professor Maddy Crain fights for the strength to stand on her own after the tragic death of her husband two years ago in a car wreck. Being the target of sexual harassment on campus forces her to seek help.

Former LA homicide detective and now security expert, David Bourland, works to protect his clients, but he guards his heart after seeing his wife gunned down. Maddy's vulnerability and independence demand all his skills as he vows to keep her safe.

Will the harasser's obsession turn deadly? Will David's fear of falling for someone who might die violently and Maddy's determination to stand on her own prevent them from admitting their love for each other?

* * * *

I love the trailer for Vulnerable created by Jody Tyvek. The heart-pounding musical background and story sure made me curious about the book. Looking forward to reading it!

Pre-order Now

You can pre-order the book now and it will be delivered to you on release day, December 1. 

Click here to pre-order from B & N, Apple and KOBO.

The paperback book will be available from amazon beginning December 1.

YOUTUBE VIDEO--VULNERABLE

Click the links to connect online with Marsha:

Marsha's author website

Marsha's Newsletter:  MRW Press LLC (list-manage.com)

Facebook Page

Marsha R. West Books - BookBub

Amazon Author Page

A REMINDER

The holiday edition of The Rose Courier will be delivered on December 2. It's not too late to sign up!

I have a gift for you inside the letter in appreciation of your support of my writing. Talk about being thankful. I am thankful for having readers who enjoy reading my books--mystery, memoir and nonfiction.

The Rose Courier

Stay up-to-date with J.Q. Rose. Subscribe to the Rose Courier 

filled with articles, freebies, photos and fun! 

Click here to get your copy of the Holiday edition

Click here to be notified when a new article is posted on this blog.

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Two New Releases: Jacqui Murray's Pre-historic Novel, Natural Selection and Susan Bernhardt's Cozy Mystery ,The Neighborhood #cozymystery #newrelease #prehistoricfiction

Two New Book Releases!

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog! 

Meeting authors all over the country and the globe was an unexpected perk after publishing my first book. What a joy to meet my writerly friends via the Internet. We are "cyber pals" like "pen pals" in another era, making friends online rather than meeting in person. Oh how I wish I could meet everyone in person, but I'm happy keeping in touch through email, DM, ZOOM, etc.

The next perk--I discovered how generous and kind authors are to each other. Rather than being competitive, writers share information about the publishing industry and writing tips. 

This week, I am thrilled to have two of my author friends as guests and share their brand-new releases. Please welcome these fantastic storytellers, Jacqui Murray and Susan Bernhardt, to the Focused on Story Blog! (I can hear the applause now.)

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NATURAL SELECTION by Jacqui Murray

Jacqui just released Natural Selection, Book 3 in the Dawn of Humanity Trilogy. Be sure to watch the heart-pounding book trailer for this book below.

Natural Selection by Jacqui Murray
#3 in the Dawn of Humanity Trilogy

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Jacqui, Please tell us about your latest release, Natural Selection.

Natural Selection by Jacqui Murray
Book 3 in the Dawn of Humanity Trilogy
"A perfect book for fans of Jean Auel and the Gears."

Thank you, Janet, for hosting me this week.

This novel is the conclusion to Lucy's journey. She and her tribe leave their good home to rescue former tribe members captured by the enemy. Lucy's tribe includes a mix of species--a Canis, a Homotherium, and different iterations of early man. In this book, more join and some die, but that is the nature of prehistoric life, where survival depends on a combination of our developing intellect and our inexhaustible will to live. Each species brings unique skills to this task. Based on true events.

Set 1.8 million years ago in Africa, Lucy and her tribe struggle against the harsh reality of a world ruled by nature, where predators stalk them and a violent new species of man threatens to destroy their world. Only by changing can they prevail. If you ever wondered how earliest man survived but couldn’t get through the academic discussions, this book is for you. Prepare to see this violent and beautiful world in a way you never imagined.

Available in print or digital at: http://a-fwd.com/asin=B0B9KPM5BW

YOUTUBE: NATURAL SELECTION BOOK TRAILER

Click the links below to discover more about Jacqui's books from her previous visits to Focused on Story.

Click here for her book, Law of Nature.

Click here to read about the who, what, where, when and why in Jacqui's book, The Quest for Home in the Crossroads Trilogy.

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About Jacqui Murray

Jacqui Murray

Jacqui is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. The trilogies in Man vs Nature are The Dawn of Humanity and The Crossroads Trilogy.

Not only does Jacqui write these amazing trilogies in the prehistoric fiction genre, but she is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to the United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice,  a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics.

 Click the links below to connect online with Jacqui

Amazon Author Page

Blog:                                      

Instagram:                          

Pinterest:                               

Twitter:                                 

Website:                              

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SPOTLIGHT ON SUSAN BERNHARDT'S NEW RELEASE--

THE NEIGHBORHOOD 

The Neighborhood by Susan Bernhardt
#6 in The Kay Driscoll Mystery Series
Cozy Mystery

Thank you, Janet, for helping me get the word out about the newest book in the Kay Driscoll Mystery Series.

BACK OF THE BOOK: 

A new City Planner and his "Stepford wife" move into Kay Driscoll's neighborhood. The city of Sudbury Falls has a planning committee headed by this newly hired city planner intent on building a dam in the Sudbury River. The purpose, to create a lake for waterfront property featuring high-priced, luxury condominiums that the locals could never afford.

An uproar arises among the citizens who are passionate about the natural beauty of the Sudbury River. A newly formed Sudbury River Protection Society attracts Kay Driscoll and her friends with their “Save the River” movement.

When a murder occurs in the neighborhood, the unexpected happens. Chief Kirk asks Kay for her help in investigating the crime. What is up his sleeve? In the meantime Elizabeth's ex-husband shows up at her book signing after a five-year absence, Deirdre has a community feng shui-inspired May Day celebration at Planetary Herbals, and Janey goes on her first date.

Welcome back to Kay's world.

Click here to download the eBook or order the paperback copy of The Neighborhood.

ABOUT SUSAN

Susan's town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of her Kay Driscoll novels. Like Kay Driscoll in her cozy mysteries,

Cozy Mystery Author Susan Bernhardt

Susan is a retired nurse who volunteers at her local free clinic. She also writes the Irina Curtius mysteries. She lives with her husband, William, and has two sons, Peter and David.

An avid reader of mysteries, she is a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.

Her published works include: 

A Manhattan Murder Mystery (An Irina Curtius Mystery), 

Dress to Kill (An Irina Curtius Mystery Book 2), 

The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1), 

Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2)

Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3), 

Paradise Can Be Murder (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 4), 

Murder Misunderstood (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 5)

When not writing, Susan loves to travel, bicycle, kayak, and create culinary magic in her kitchen. She works in stained glass, daydreams in her organic garden, stays up late reading mysteries, and eats lots of chocolate.

Click here to discover all of Susan's books on her Amazon Author Page.

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Thank you, Jacqui and Susan, for stopping by and meeting my readers. Wishing you great success with your new releases!

Quill pen

The Rose Courier

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Click here to be notified when a new article is posted on this blog.

Thank you!

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Click the book cover below to take you directly to the book's amazon page. Using this link will allow you to purchase the book and give the author a boost in exposure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

     

Historical Romance Author Rosemary Morris' New Release: The Viscount and the Orphan #newrelease #historical romance

Novels by Historical Romance Author Rosemary Morris

Hello and Welcome to the Focused on Story Blog!

I am thrilled to have my English friend and talented storyteller, Rosemary Morris, as a guest author today. Rosemary is thorough when researching the amazing stories she creates to be sure every bit of the history is true. Then she layers a beautiful romance with the historical era as the backdrop. She uses the language of the time, the clothing and the settings to bring you into the stories with characters you will love--or hate!

NEW RELEASE
The Viscount and the Orphan by Rosemary Morris
Historical Fiction

To avoid bankruptcy, Viscount Cavanagh cannot refuse an arranged marriage

 to Dorinda Davenport, 

a naïve, sixteen-year-old heiress, who believes it is a love-match. 

 

Congratulations, Rosemary, on your new release, the Viscount and the Orphan! Available now! Where do you get your ideas for your novels?

Thank you, Janet, for inviting me to be a guest on your blog.

I am often asked where I get ideas for my novels. Historical non-fiction is a source of inspiration. Besotted by everything Scottish—the clothing, the pipes and the dancing, she and her husband raised the 92nd Foot, or as they are commonly known, The Gordon Highlanders. On the eve of the battle at Waterloo, Pipe Major Alexander Cameron led the Scots dancers into the ballroom while playing the bagpipes. Later, the regiment marched out of Brussels, kilts swaying to the tune of the regimental march, Cock O’ the North played by drums and bagpipes. The poignant scene sparked my imagination. I wrote Monday’s Child in which the heroine, an artist, captures the anxiety underlying the gaiety in Brussels paints during the 100 days after Napoleon’s escape from Elba.

After I studied how Christmas was celebrated during the Regency era, I enjoyed writing Wednesday’s Child about Amelia, a poor little, orphaned rich girl. After her grandmother, who held strictly to her own set of rules and made her do the same dies, she is cast into a state of gloom. She knows little of the ways of a normal life until she is thrust into the boisterous household of the Earl of Saunton, entrusted with her guardianship. During the twelve days of Christmas, Amelia wants to join in bobbing for apples, snapdragon, hunt the slipper and other amusements. She refrains for fear Saunton and his family would tease her without mercy when any attempt revealed she did not know how to play the games.

As well as eight novels set in the Regency era, three set in the early 18^th century have been published.  The theme in Far Beyond Rubies took root when I read about young men who joined the East India Company. Many of them were sent up country, business was transacted by courier, and for years they did not see another European. Influenced by Hinduism, my hero questions whether reincarnation is a fact and becomes a vegetarian. This led to the plot which evolves after he returns to England and sees the heroine. 

Click here to purchase Rosemary's novels, scroll down the page to her book covers and click on the book cover to choose your favorite online bookstore.

Click here to purchase the Viscount and the Orphan 50% off for a limited time at the Smashwords Fall eBook Sale.

 ABOUT ROSEMARY:

I live in a town in Southeast England with easy access to London and the open countryside. My Literary/Romantic fiction is set in England during the reigns of Edward II, Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714, and the ever-popular Regency era. I explore themes

Author Rosemary Morris 

 21st-century people can relate to e.g., a soldier suffering from posttraumatic syndrome before the condition was recently diagnosed, a young woman seeking her birth parents, and a city on the verge of war. At heart, I am a historian. My novels are meticulously researched to capture times past – speech, fashion, food, customs and much more.

My novels, which have received many 5* reviews, are sensual, but with firmly-closed bedroom doors, the reader can relish the details of emerging romances.

When I am not engrossed in researching historical non-fiction, I read fiction, write, or engage in ‘writerly’ activities. I enjoy time spent with family and friends, knitting, growing my organic garden and putting it to good use in my vegetarian cuisine. 

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Thanks so much for visiting with us, Rosemary!

Rosemary loves hearing from her readers. Her email address is srilekharach (at) hotmail (dot).com

 Click here to read the first three chapters of her novels at Rosemary's website.

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Click here to purchase my mysteries and memoir at

50% off for a limited time 

during the Smashwords Fall eBook Sale

Thank you.

Click here to receive the Rose Courier 
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