New Release: Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point

Looking for a captivating book bundle?

Want stories with a paranormal bent?

Want adventurous tales of sailing ships and light houses?

Four bestselling and award-winning authors—Lisa A. Olech, Kathryn Hills, Nancy Fraser, and Peggy Jaeger have an anthology you're going to love!

GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: LAST LIGHT POINT

This Multi-Century Romance Anthology poses the question: "Can true love conquer a deadly curse?"

Don’t look at the gibbet… Legend has it that disaster will strike all those who do. The townspeople of Last Light Point have come to respect the centuries-old advice. Those that didn’t, paid the price.


4 stories – 4 time periods – 1 very haunted tavern in New England!

A new romance anthology unlike any other from 4 best-selling and award-winning authors.

The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech (Autumn 1728)

Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills (Autumn 1867)

For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser (Fall 1941)

A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger (Late October, Present Day)

The Pirate’s Promise by Lisa A. Olech

Autumn 1728

The Crowe’s Nest Tavern was located in a fortuitous place. If you were condemned to hang in Execution Square, they were your last stop.

Everly Crowe along with her father and two sisters ran The Crowe’s Nest that was rumored to be slightly haunted, although Everly never believed in such foolishness….until she did.

John Beckett was a pirate, or not. Forced upon the account, he’d lost his belief in many things before he caught the eye of a bonny serving lass who was fierce enough to go toe to boot with his captor and captain, Bartholomew Jacques.

Jacques held a note on the tavern and tormented Everly and her family as he terrorized all the small towns up and down the coast. But even his threats couldn’t keep Everly and John from promising themselves to each other, “‘till death do us part.” After Jacques and his crew are captured and sent to the gallows, Everly learns those fateful words have little meaning when love is forever.

Learn more about Lisa A. Olech and her books! https://lisaolech.com/

Smoke and Mirrors by Kathryn Hills

Autumn 1867

Sometimes when you knock on heaven’s door. . .the dead answer back.

Willow Pinch lives life on a razor’s edge in world of deception and disguise. By day she hides in plain sight as Will, a servant boy. Nights are spent as a table knocker, aiding so-called spiritualists in duping townsfolk into believing loved ones speak from the grave.

That is until the ghosts of Last Light Point unmask her before the only man she’s ever cared for. Dare she trust Morgan Blackwell with her secrets?

Morgan invests every hard-earned penny in The Crowe’s Nest. He doesn’t trust strangers. Yet the last thing he expects are charlatans hell-bent on destroying his reputation with so-called séances. Not to mention there are ghosts in his tavern now! Be damned, must he turn his back on the infuriating woman he longs to protect?

Will the dead of Last Light Point guide Willow and Morgan to lasting love? Or will the dark forces they’ve unleashed lead to ruin?

Learn more about Kathryn Hills and her books! https://www.kathrynhills.com/

For the Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser

Fall 1941

Grace O’Hearn has lived in Last Light Point since long before the ’29 stock market crash took so much from so many. Ten years later, things are looking up. When Grace’s father is murdered, Grace becomes the sole owner of the Crowe's Nest Tavern--an establishment that dates back centuries and comes with its own resident ghosts.

FBI agent, Max Stewart, is sent to Last Light Point to investigate racketeering and police corruption. Could it be connected to man’s murder? When he first meets Grace, he’s convinced she’s hiding something. Yet, her keen insight about the town, and everyone in it, may be the best lead he has.

Can they work together to bring down the guilty? Or, will an attraction neither of them wants keep getting in the way?

Learn more about Nancy Fraser and her books! https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nancy-Fraser/author/B004AOL61Y

A Promise Fulfilled by Peggy Jaeger

Late October, Present Day

After winning millions in a national lottery, local librarian Daisy Morgan sets out to revitalize the infamous Crowe’s Nest Tavern. After saving the historic inn from the auction block, Daisy begins a major renovation only to discover some hidden secrets – and a few unearthly spirits – tied to the tavern’s history.

Writer Keegan Warren arrives to do a story on the tavern weeks before the grand re-opening. Keegan’s got a few secrets of his own about why he wanted the assignment – secrets that unfold no matter how diligently he tries to keep them hidden. With Daisy’s help, he unearths a centuries old murder tied to his family’s past.

As they investigate, their mutual attraction grows. But will their budding relationship suffer when the truth is discovered?

Learn more about Peggy Jaeger and her books! https://peggyjaeger.com/

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Ahh! Pirates, sailing ships, adventures, ghosts, and romance. What's not to like about Ghosts of New England: Last Light Point? Join the adventure. Read this anthology!

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Confession: Writing Is Hard Work

GARDENING, WRITING, AND THINKING

Yesterday as I worked in the backyard on my garden, my mind was busy thinking about my 3 works-in-progress: Stone Angel, a Kindle Vella; Small Sins, also a Kindle Vella; and Good Girl Conspiracy, a contemporary romance.

I have to admit I was also thinking about a story I want to write as soon as I can get the above projects and a few others completed.

I don't have a title for it or any writing done—just a lot of ideas swimming around in my head.

A difficulty most authors confront is the desire to begin a new story before the others are finished.

It's hard to resist the siren call of a new story when ideas are dancing around in your brain.

WRITING IS HARD WORK

Writing is hard work. When one is immersed in the writing, it literally occupies you 24/7 and often follows you into your dreams.

Writing can be all-consuming. It's often difficult to separate the writing from the rest of your life so that you actually have a life.

WHY WRITE?

If writing books is so hard and so all-consuming, why do I—and so many others—do it? That's a good question. Some very famous authors are often quoted as saying that writers write fiction to understand themselves. 

I think that's probably true. It's not enough that many of us constantly explore our thoughts, memories, regrets, and experiences. We also take that and use it as filters for the story ideas we have.

Perhaps we authors write because we possess the DNA of generations of storytellers. That's as good an explanation as any. 

Each author has a worldview he or she puts forth in every book. Mine is expressed by what Michael Murpurgo said which is shown in the graphic above.

"Wherever my story takes me, however dark and difficult the theme, there is always hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I am an optimist at heart."

CHOOSE OPTIMISM

Yes, at heart, I am an optimist because it's so much better than being a pessimist.

I don't believe anyone is born an optimist or a pessimist. One may be born with a basic personality blueprint, but personality is determined, I believe, by what happens as one grows from babyhood to adulthood.

Yes, it's the old "nature versus nurture" conundrum. If you didn't get the right kind of nurturing growing up, then you must learn how to nurture yourself. You can do it.

It's not too late to change. I believe as long as one breathes, change is possible through education, re-education, and self-nurture. Books can be a vehicle for change.

Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E. P. Seligman is a book you should read.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Yes, at heart I'm an optimist, but I also like happy endings.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon.

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Spring Gardening with Blooms and Lights

I'm so excited. Today, at our house in town, the first bloom on a border of day lilies that we transplanted from our house in the country opened.

A couple of months ago, we dug up a dozen clumps of day lilies, divided them, and planted them in a border in our front yard in town.

They've exploded in growth. This first bloom is on the smallest clump.

The fig tree cutting we took from my brother's farm is now growing by leaps and bounds. I'll post a photo of it next time.

We've had strange weather this spring, but the weather seems to be moderating now.

I've transplanted some herbs—sage and basil—and have some vegetable seeds to plant. We've decided on the perfect spot to move our vegetable garden so we're going to try to get that finalized next week.

I've laid out an outline for my rose garden. Now I'm thinking of buying some outdoor lights I saw on Amazon.

I couldn't resist scrolling through garden items and found these lights even though I knew I should be doing something more productive.

I think these "fairy lights" would look magical in the day lily border.

They're called Tonulax Solar Garden Lights and they're sold in 2 to a set for $19.98.

They're Prime so I can return them if they don't look as charming as the picture shows.

That covers my outdoor plans from now to the middle of April.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Do you have any gardening plans or goals?

Joan Reeves participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon.

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Captivated By His Countess, New Regency by Kathy L Wheeler

Do you love Regency Romance as much as I do?

If so, you're going to want to grab a copy of Captivated By His Countess by Kathy L Wheeler.

It's my favorite kind of Regency, one with intrigue, great dialogue, and part of a series. In this case, the series is Rebel Lords of London, and this is Book 7 that published a couple of weeks ago.

His work as a dangerous spy was nothing compared to the antics of his bride...

The Countess of Huntley, Gabriella, aspires to help less fortunate women gain independence from unfortunate circumstances. But her impulsive nature triggers one scandal after another.

The Earl of Huntley's new wife is as unpredictable as she is lovely. And when a woman of questionable character disappears, and a man of the peerage ends up on the wrong end of a blade, the trail leads directly to his wife.

Huntley will do all in his power to protect Gabriella from the blackguard who is not thrilled with her good works. Difficult, when she doesn't show the slightest care for her own ruin or... safety.

Captivated By His Countess is available at these ebook retailers:

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/captivated-by-his-countess/id1617472839

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/captivated-by-his-countess-kathy-l-wheeler/1141317169

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B09WZ8Q94W

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/captivated-by-his-countess

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/captivated-by-his-countess-rebel-lords-of-london-by-kathy-l-wheeler

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60852988

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

For a good time, read Captivated By His Countess, available in ebook and print.

Joan Reeves participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon.

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Sunday Thoughts About Spring

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year—the first day of Spring, my favorite season.

Celebrate this season of wildflowers—bluebonnets are already blooming on Texas roadsides—warm weather, and sunny blue skies.

MY FAVORITE SPRING QUOTES

I love these quotes about Spring. Copy a few and keep them in your collection.

"Blossom by blossom the spring begins." —Algernon Charles Swinburne

"If people did not love one another, I really don't see what use there would be in having any spring." —Victor Hugo

"Spring drew on...and a greenness grew over those brown beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps." —Charlotte Brontë

"I suppose the best kind of spring morning is the best weather God has to offer." —Dodie Smith

"An optimist is the human personification of spring." —Susan J. Bissonette

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world." —Virgil A. Kraft

If you want to see what my home state is like in the spring, take a look at Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I've saved this quotation for last because it's my heartfelt sentiment about Texas Wildflowers.

Lady Bird Johnson, the First Lady when her husband Lyndon Johnson was President, once said, "Where flowers bloom so does hope." 

The late Mrs. Johnson was responsible for the wildflowers that beautify Texas in spring.

From Bluebonnets, the Texas State Flower, to a multitude of other wildflowers, Texas is a rainbow of color each spring thanks to Claudia (Lady Bird) Johnson. 

Remember here when you drive the Texas highways and see the beautiful wildflowers.

Joan Reeves participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon.

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Saturday Share Recipe: Tex-Mex Rice

In Texas, what most people call Mexican food is what we call Tex-Mex because it's not traditional Mexican fare. It's the best of both worlds, and it's what we eat quite often.

When we go Don Ramon or Papasito, I like the rice best of all.

It has a wonderful aroma and subtle spicy flavor, It's  good by itself or mixed with fajita meat or charro beans.

Even better, combine fajita meat, charro beans, and rice in a tortilla. Roll it up and you'll have a quick meal that will excite your taste buds.

If you have any leftover rice, make a casserole with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. (If you want that recipe, leave a comment and I'll publish it next Saturday.)

MI CASA RICE

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cups long grain rice

1 small to medium onion, diced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

1 medium to large tomato, diced

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 teaspooon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chile powder

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon salt

5 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. (Use a pan with a lid because you'll cover it later.)

2. Add rice and stir until the kernels are golden brown.

3. Add onion, bell pepper, and tomato. Saute until onion looks clear.

4. Stir in tomato sauce, broth, garlic powder, cumin, chile powder, and salt. Mix well.

5. Bring to a full boil, reduce heat to low, and cover with lid.

6. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. (Every stove has a different simmer heat level so it may take less time or more time for the liquid to be absorbed and the rice to be done and fluffy, but not gummy.)

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I hope you'll love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know if you want the recipe for Enchilada Pie using leftover Tex-Mex Rice.

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5 Tips to Care for Books

Books, books everywhere yet how many of us know the proper way to care for the physical book?

Here are 5 Tips to Guide You in Caring For Books.

1. Store books standing upright.
Storing them standing up prevents warping.

2. If storing on a book shelf, it's best to completely fill the shelf. If you don't have enough books to do this, use bookends to keep them upright..

3. A book's worst enemies are insects, heat, and humidity. Keep food and beverages away from books because crumbs attract insects such as cockroaches, silverfish, and carpet beetle larvae. If you spill something on a book, wipe it clean.

By the way, there really is a bookworm, and it's the carpet beetle larvae. 

4. Use bookmarks to hold your place in a book. Don't "dog ear" the page or lay the opened book flat. That can damage  the spine of the book.

5. Books aren't double-jointed. Never "break" a book, that is, force it open past its own natural angle.

6. The purpose of the dust jacket, the paper cover that comes on hardbacks, is to keep the book from becoming soiled and to protect it from wear and tear. So use it.

7. If you think a book might become a collectible, never dispose of the dust jacket. That makes a book instantly lose value.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Take good care of your books and teach your kids how to do that too. They'll treasure the children's books you read to them and the book will survive to be read by your children's children.

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