Romance is in the Air

 

  A Wicked Earl's Widow by Aubrey Wynne

Eliza is forced into marriage with no idea her life will change for the better. Married less than a year, her unwilling rake of a husband is surprisingly kind to her—until his sudden death. The widowed Countess of Sunderland remains under her in-laws’ protection to raise her newborn daughter. But her abusive father is on the brink of financial ruin and has plans for another wedding. Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, gains his title at the age of 12. His kindly but shrewd estate manager becomes father and mentor, instilling in the boy an astute sense of responsibility and compassion for his tenants. Fifteen years later, his family urges him to visit London and seek a wife. The ideal doesn’t appeal to him, but his sense of duty tells him it is the next logical step. Lord Pendleton stumbles upon Eliza on the road, defending an elderly woman against ruffians. After rescuing the exquisite damsel in distress, he finds himself smitten. But Nate soon realizes he must discover the dark secrets of her past to truly save the woman he loves

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“Another beautiful historical romance gem from Aubrey Wynne.” N.N. Light Book Reviews

 “Well-crafted,engaging tale of loss and love.” Verified 5 star review

 “A sweet, historical romance to brighten any heart. By the end, I was teary-eyed and touched by the story.” Goodreads Review

   

 

 Nate scanned the outlying pastures and the one road leading through the countryside and into the village. An old woman hobbled along with a tall walking stick, a cloth bag slung over her shoulder. Even from this distance, he guessed it to be the old healer Mrs. Stanley collecting herbs. He gave her a quarterly allowance to tend to the poorer families in the village. The others paid her by coin or goods. Some of the tenants didn’t like her coal black eyes and thought her more witch than healer, but the closest physician was fifty miles away. “How long did you say you were staying?” he asked, looking away from the road. “A few days at the most. I’m on a business errand and headed to the weaving mill in Glasgow. My cousin wants to add cotton to the wool and flax production.” Gideon waved a hand toward the sheep. “My father says we have the raw materials we need and importing cotton will be less profit and more risk. I’m going in his stead to get the details and make a decision.” “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for advising on that investment in the cloth factory. It was the beginning of our family’s return to society.” If he were a demonstrative man, Nate would give this man a bear hug. “Anything I can do to in return, remember I am always here.” “Stop! It’s called friendship. I consider you one of the few men I can trust. Now, shall we go see what drink Maxwell has stored in the cupboard?” Gideon tossed the reins over his black gelding’s neck. “If we are very lucky, his wife will have some fresh bread butter pudding. That woman can do miracles in that tiny kitchen.” “I’ll race you to the top of the hill just above the village.” Nate put a foot in the stirrup and then cursed as Gideon spurred his horse and took off. “You whey-faced scoundrel. Do you cheat at the tables too?” he yelled, jumping into the saddle and kicking his bay. Nate gained on Gideon, who applied to the crop to his horse and pulled ahead once again. Both men broke a sweat along with their mounts as they crested the hill. A black coach, pulled by two pairs of grays, trotted along the road below. The village of Pendle did not get many visitors, especially in a fine carriage. It carried no crest and wasn’t the mail, so it poked Nate’s curiosity. Were they lost? Or were they heading to Pendleton Estate? Ahead of the unidentified coach, Old Mrs. Stanley was still making her way slowly home. As she approached a patch of woods, two young men emerged and approached her. Nate eyes narrowed as he studied the duo. “Those two lads don’t look familiar.” Mrs. Stanley flapped her hands at the newcomers and shook her head. The two males assumed a crouched position with their arms out at their sides and circled their prey, preventing escape. One man tried to grab her bag, and the feisty healer hit him in the head with her walking stick. “Why those bloody footpads!” Nate dug his spurs into the gelding’s flanks and tore down the hill, Gideon close on his heels. As they galloped down the hill, the carriage pulled to a stop. One of the assailants fled while the other turned his attention to the new arrivals and pulled a pistol. A woman in a deep blue velvet cape and bonnet emerged from the coach. A shot rang out and the driver grabbed his shoulder, dropping his whip. The woman snatched it from the ground, picked up her skirts, and ran toward the ruffians. To his shock, the slight female raised her arm and flicked the whip, slashing the scoundrel until he dropped his weapon. The driver of the coach must have been in shock also for he sat frozen in his high seat. “By Christ, an avenging angel,” shouted Gideon from behind. “Who the devil is she?” Nate had no idea, but by God he would find out. He only hoped she didn’t turn the whip on him.

 

Author Aubrey Wynne 

 Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she will launch the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels.

 

Shimmer the Glowworm Finds Her Glow.

With an uplifting message and vibrant illustrations, this tale is filled with inspiration for every child that has ever forgotten...just how bright they SHINE!

Children adore this fun adventure that is layered with relatable lessons.

Shimmer the Glowworm has a low glow and sets off on a journey hoping to find her glow out there somewhere.  Each time Shimmer meets a new friend, she inspires them.

Ollie the Owl recognizes that we all have inner wisdom and we can share our ideas with others.

Cray the Chameleon realizes how special his uniqueness is.

Kiki the Kangaroo understands the importance of expressing her talents rather than downplaying them.

Scout the Raccoon discovers the value of exploring new things and not giving up.

As Shimmer the Glowworm heads back home, she realizes that when she encourages others to SHOW YOUR GLOW, her glow shines the brightest!

The theme song SHOW YOUR GLOW further enhances the message.

Shelby Herman is an author,

songwriter, and artist. She is a

member of the Society of Children’s Bookwriters and Illustrators, and Dramatists Guild for the musical

production of Shimmer the Glowworm Finds Her Glow.

She created Shimmer the Glowworm for children to understand the idea of

oneness; that we are unique and special individually and also an indispensable part of the whole and as such, to value ourselves and others for who we are and for our gifts.

Shelby lives in Southern California where you can often find her at the beach with her pink dog Roxy, where she finds inspiration everywhere to write and create things. She is currently working on the musical digital interactive book to be released spring 2018. The second Shimmer the Glowworm adventure is getting ready for release soon. Shelby hopes to continue to inspire each one of you to SHOW YOUR GLOW!

Romance is in the Air

                                    
     

With the Magic by Donna K. Weaver
 When Gareth Hildebrand travels from the year 1850 to a future time, he’s not expecting to fall in love. As the eighth Earl of Kellworth, Gareth is accustomed to getting what he wants. Then he encounters a woman he suspects is from the future--a utopian future that he feels compelled to see. He intends to get what he wants, but it will involve dealing with fae magic. And that could lead to disaster--for his heart. Dr. Catherine Ryan is drawn to the handsome guest at Twickenham Manor, with his odd combination of childish excitement and old eyes that have seen too much pain. She loses her heart to him before she discovers the truth of when he’s from. Now she faces the biggest decision of her life!

   
 This book made me laugh a little then cry a lot, and then left me very happy. I love it when a book can do that - keep me up reading until 2:00 in the morning, yet feel like it was totally worth it! ~Teresa
 I'll be honest, fantasy and time travel are not genres I usually read. Because of this, I was a little overwhelmed at the beginning, but eventually found myself sucked into the story and had a hard time putting it down. Gareth and Catherine are so sweet together. I love their give and take with one another. They complement each other so nicely. ~Melissa
 This was so exciting and lovely how it all came together. I could see just how it all played out in my mind as I read. Excitement and danger was there, love and denial also. Two hearts brought together through time only for one to think they would bring the other down. Great ending and am looking forward to the next in the series. ~Lady the Owls

 

Whenever Catherine had observed anomalies at Twickenham Manor, they’d always seemed to come from upstairs. Since the first time Catherine had toured the house, she’d felt a pull to seek out whatever was up those stairs.
She let out a breath; she should return to the ballroom. The Americans were passing her, and the tall woman who’d been crying said something that sent a chill down Catherine’s spine. “I can’t bear that they’re all dead now.”
 Dead? The comment brought a macabre feel to the evening, and Catherine’s curiosity-itch flared. She peered at the stairs again with narrowed eyes; she had to investigate. But, if Aunt Nellie were to discover Catherine up there, would she be banned from coming to Twickenham again? She reminded herself that “curiosity killed the cat.” In her mind, her grandmother’s voice finished the old adage, “But satisfaction brought him back.” Still, Catherine needed to ask herself if the risk would be worth it. These balls had become the one bright spot in her life. If she were to lose them too . . .
 Then the ever-present pull gave a stronger tug, the sense that there was something else going on and she must investigate. The American woman had said “they” were dead. Catherine was a doctor. Surely she had a responsibility to investigate. Glancing to make sure she was alone, she picked up her skirts and began the climb. Winded by the time she reached the last landing before the fourth floor, she paused to catch her breath, vowing to start exercising regularly. Catherine had been blessed with a fast metabolism, so people were forever thinking she was fitter than she was. She climbed the last flight.
The hallway was unremarkable, lined with paintings. Listening for the sounds of movement, she examined the portraits as she went down the hallway. She heard nothing, and she didn’t smell blood. One door stood open, so she let the tug lead her inside. The long room held nothing but more paintings. How odd. There were a few chairs scattered around, but it didn’t look like it was meant to be a regular gathering place for people to sit together and talk. Most of the pictures were busts of individuals, but in the center of the room hung a large painting of five people, three women and two men. Catherine blinked. It was the Americans, and their painted images wore the same clothing the five had on tonight. She shivered. The young man she’d danced with hadn’t attended the Regency immersion vacation, having only arrived that day. When had someone had time to paint him?
 She’d also never heard that Twickenham had an artist on staff. She studied the rest of the pictures in the room. Some were dressed in Regency clothing, but there were many others that spanned several eras. The one with the Americans was the only picture of such a large group. Whoever had arranged the paintings lacked any sense of design, leaving large sections of the walls empty.
 That pull came again, as though Catherine had a string attached to her chest that drew her. This time it was to a portrait of a man placed to the right of the one with the Americans. Catherine came to stand before his painting, wondering who he was. He appeared to be a little older than she was with a few silver strands at his temples. He also had what she’d call a regal bearing. She worked with enough surgeons and specialists who were used to being in charge, and this man had that look about him. He also wore an expression of someone with a fierce determination, the type of man people would steer clear of.
 Catherine stepped closer to the painting. Behind the force of will that he projected, he had pain etched on his face. Her heart ached for him. What had happened to mark him that way?

  



  Author Donna Weaver Award-winning author-wife-mother-grandmother-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.







 

AMPLIFY by Holly Chessman

Book Details:

Book Title: AMPLIFY: How to Grow Your Reputation And The Kickass Career You Love
Category: Adult Nonfiction, 180 pages
Genre: Women in Business, Entrepreneurship, Career
Publisher: NCM
Release date: November 2018
Tour dates: Feb 25 to March 8, 2019
Content Rating: PG (rated PG because the word "Kickass" is on the cover)

Book Description:

It’s hard to fit in when you work in a mostly male world, let alone achieve your goals. Women in tech - as in many areas of business - are in the minority in every meeting. It’s difficult to find our voices in a room full of men. Even when we’re ready to share ideas, we often have to shout to be heard, trusted, and respected. It’s time for that to change.

Holly Chessman has used her marketing and business experience to navigate mostly male waters. She's taught people how to build their reputations using online and offline tools - and now she wants you to gain that same success.

Today is the day you start making the small changes you need to grow your voice and, consequently, your career. Small steps with big impact - that’s what it’s all about. Between the tips in this book and the straightforward, step-by-step exercises in each chapter, you’ll see your life change for the better.

As you go through this book, you’ll learn about the Defining You methodology, the exclusive system for accelerating reputation and career growth. You’ll get the step-by-step guidance to reach your goals faster than ever. You’ll develop the means to realize the success you’ve always envisioned: Speak up in meetings. Get the raise you want. Find a job that satisfies you. Do what it takes to meet the goals that are right for YOU.

Take control of your career TODAY and define the “you” you want to be.

To read reviews, please visit Holly Chessman's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

The Secrets You Need To Know To Build The Career You Love

I love that I am a Vice President of Marketing, on the leadership team of my company and running my own extensive marketing team. What I don’t love, is that I’m one of a very few women who can make that claim.

One of the reasons I wrote AMPLIFY: How to Grow Your Reputation And The Kickass Career You Love is because I’m ready to see that change. And if I want change to happen, sitting on my toosh isn’t going to get me there.

When I wanted to see change happen in my own life, I had to set some rules for myself. Now I’m excited to share those same guidelines with others. While I go into more depth in the book, providing step-by-step instructions for how you can incorporate these rules into your life, here are a couple steps to get you going.

1. Be Your Own Best Friend

Imagine your friend wants to try something new. She wants to ask for a promotion, go for a job she never thought she’d be qualified for, or maybe cut her hours down and go part time. What would you tell her?

Would you say, “No way, you’ll never be successful. You should just be happy with what you have now and not bother reaching for something that I know you really want.”

No way! You’d encourage her and tell her how much she deserves it!

It’s time you start treating yourself the same way.

Become your own supporter, showing yourself the same respect and encouragement you would if you were talking to your best friend. 
Don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes along the way. Learn from them and become even better, cheering yourself on throughout the process.

I know you can do it! Now you need to tell yourself that too!

2. Speak With Authority

It’s so easy to doubt your own authority. It’s time to give that doubt the smack down!

Even if you’re not yet full of confidence, there a few things you can do to get you on your way. First of all, stop adding question marks at the end of your sentences (unless you are actually 
asking a question, of course). 
Second, stop making apologies or empty justifications for making statements, asking for 
clarification, or presenting ideas. 
You’re allowed to do all that without saying you’re sorry!

The more you share your opinions and ideas WITHOUT apologizing, the more people will take you seriously and the happier you will be. It takes practice to break the apology habit but I know you can succeed!

Need more details on making it happen? Check out AMPLIFY and you’ll find the advice you want. Together, let’s make your goals a reality!

 In a straightforward way, giving us step by step assistance and clear direction, followed by simple exercises and helpful examples, this book helps you stand up and be heard.

While one focus of the book is about being a woman in a male dominated career, the advice presented works for any gender and all careers.

"The focus of this book is figuring out what will make you happy, then finding and amplifying your voice so you can go for it"
"It's about finding a way to work with fear...and not holding yourself back because you've mentally talked yourself onto a ledge."

Ms Chessman helps the reader learn how to fight those negative inner critics and create a plan of action. I have already taken her advice and begun steps to an amplified future for myself and my desired goals.

Meet the Author:

Named a Top Influencer in Content and Digital Marketing, Holly Chessman fully understands the power of online engagement. As an active advocate of women in business, she is passionate about helping people develop online and offline skills to grow their careers. She has been a leader in B2B tech for close to 20 years, running her own business (Holly Chessman Marketing) as well as empowering businesses with the strategies they need to speed growth and build revenue. Holly is a keynote speaker and a writer, contributing to such publications as Forbes, Maximize Social Business, Social Media Examiner, and more.

She is also not afraid to embrace her nerdy side (as evidenced by her love of Neil Gaiman and her "talking" TARDIS). Learn more at www.askholly.net.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Romance is in the Air

  Rescuing Rosalind by G.G. Vandagriff
  #1 Amazon Bestseller in Regency romance

 "Prolific author G.G. Vandagriff creates a world full of intrigue, suspense, and romance that fans of the Regency Period will adore. Vandagriff writes in a style reminiscent of Georgette Heyer."--Deseret News. When frigate Captain Buckingham Kernow-Smith encounters a sprite in a topiary garden he pulls off her stocking cap, revealing the character of “Rosalind” from As You Like It, played, in this case, by the appealing Fanny Edwards. Three years pass. The War over, Buck encounters his Rosalind at a ball, where she has developed into a notable beauty. However, her guardian confides to him that she is dancing on the very edge of propriety. Buck, who has been fighting the French since he was twelve, also finds the ton confining and sympathizes with Fanny/Rosalind’s plight as a properly reared young lady. Together, they make a dangerous pair, toeing the line between propriety and scandal. When they push their fun too far, Fanny faces ruin and the demimonde. Will Buck confide his own secrets and overcome his life-long aversion to marriage?
Can there be a happily ever after for someone as headstrong and impetuous as Fanny?
   

"Vandagriff's Regency Austen-esque romance is perfect for any reader who loves a good old-fashioned romance and can enoy the journey of two people learning not to fear love while learning how to have faith in each other." --Deseret News

 "Regency Romance in the style of Austen and Heyer. Love as it's meant to be written." --InDtale Magazine "

Another Regency delight from G.G. Vandagriff!" --Meridian Magazine
 
Chapter One
 It had been many years since Captain Buckingham Kernow-Charles, Marquis of Deal, had strolled in the formal Ruisdell Palace gardens. The topiary animals that had so delighted him when he was twelve were now rendered even more magical by a frosting of snow. The last time he had seen them was that summer before he first went to sea. The giraffe, the boar, the jaguar, and . . . what was that? Before him in the freezing mist appeared a slender, small youth dressed in tights, a belted tunic, and a comical hat that resembled nothing so much as a blue and red striped stocking. “Marry, kind sir, how com’st thou here?” He blinked his eyes, but the youth remained. His comely, almost feminine features had a puzzled look. Upon closer inspection, Buck saw signs of a bosom and smothered a grin. “I am a guest of the duke. My name is Captain Kernow-Charles,” he said, forgetting his new title. The apparition bowed from the waist. “And I, kind sir, am Gannymede. Welcome to the Forest of Arden.” Buck’s forehead bunched in a frown. Gannymede? Shakespeare? As You Like It? Striding forward, he took hold of the end of the stocking hat and pulled. Out tumbled waves of thick auburn hair, descending to Gannymede’s waist. “Thou art Rosalind, I think?” “Thou dost not play fair, sir.” He chuckled. “You are, quite obviously, a girl. Your disguise was futile. Does your mother know you are cavorting about dressed as a boy, boldly addressing strangers?” “Rosalind” blushed a fiery red that clashed with her bounteous hair. “My mother is nothing to do with you, sir. She lives in Shropshire. I am sister to the duchess and may do as I please.” “How old are you?” he asked with the sternness for which he was known aboard ship. “I do not see that that is any of your business, sir.” Her eyes, an unusual shade of turquoise, snapped with annoyance. “You may address me as Captain. My guess places you at sixteen. Am I wrong?” “Quite wrong, Captain. I am to make my curtsey to the Queen in the spring. I am a great many months older than seventeen.” He saw that she was beginning to shiver in her scant clothing. “It is too cold for you to be out in this weather dressed as you are. Come back to the house.” Looking mulish, she said, “I am not cold. Besides which, I am meeting Jacques.” “If I know Jacques, he will not come out in such weather.” “He wishes to write a poem about it.” “A lament, you mean.” “Possibly. May I say, you are quite overbearing, Captain? But at least you know your Shakespeare.”

 
Author G.G. Vandagriff
G.G. Vandagriff is an Amazon #1 best selling author of Regency romance, however she has recently begun a Romantic Suspense series starting with the publication of Breaking News It surrounds the events in a Chicago TV station's investigative journalism unit and is lots of fun. Her first novel The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series--Exile and Defiance. Her thirteen Regencies have been lauded by critics and compared to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two wacky widows, as sleuths. Alex is in her thirties, Briggie in her sixties, and both have plenty of romance in their lives. Vandagriff graduated from Stanford and received her master's degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford's Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer's office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America). She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, Cubs baseball, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds

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