Phoenix Entertainment and Development

Phoenix Entertainment and Development

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Grandma's Wedding Quilts Day 12




I've been fascinated with the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as the Old West as long as I can remember.
    Growing up on a farm in Eastern Oregon where only the most determined and resolute individuals dare toil the soil that spent centuries covered in sagebrush, rock, and the random juniper tree, I never gave a thought to my great fortune in having a rural foundation on which to build my future.
   All the crazy exploits I had as a girlie-girl being raised as a tomboy came in handy when I began writing western romances. You'd be surprised how many of the wild adventures in my stories are based on things I either experienced or witnessed during my formative years.
   I joyfully bear the burden of being a hopeless romantic, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure. I've always been a sappy-hearted girl who loves a happy ending. I also love the western and rural way of life and that's why I began writing sweet and clean western romances.

   Everything you never wanted to know about me is posted with frequency on my blog. There you'll discover I'm completely and entirely smitten with my husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller. You'll also find that I eat too much chocolate, have a thing for roses, like to play with my camera, and enjoy researching the towns and eras for my romances set in the old west.



Connect with the Author here: 


Tad Palmer makes a promise to his dying friend to watch over the man’s wife and child. Years later, he continues to keep an eye on Posey Jacobs and her precocious little boy. The only problem is that he’s not sure his heart can withstand the vow he made when he falls in love with the widow and her son.
Posey Jacobs misses her beloved husband, but her wrenching grief has given way to hope for the future as she finds herself falling deeper and deeper in love with Tad Palmer. However, the infuriating man doesn’t seem to notice her interest and treats her as he would his sister.

Throw in a goat who thinks she’s a dog, a town full of quirky characters, and this widow has her work cut out for her if she wants one handsome cowboy to give her his heart.

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK



Snippet

“I never wanted or needed your money, Posey Jo,” Tad growled, slowly lowering his head toward hers as he continued to draw her closer. He sat on the stool with his legs bracketing her on either side. “What I want…” One of his big hands slid around to cup the back of her head while the other encircled her waist. “Is to kiss you.”

Warmth flooded through Posey and her lips curved upward in a smile. “Why, then, are you still talking instead of
kissing me?”

Hesitantly, Tad’s lips moved over hers in a light caress.

Posey slid her hands up his arms and rested them on his broad shoulders, moving nearer to him.


Tad moaned and deepened the kiss, wrapping both arms around her as he took possession of her mouth and laid claim to her soul.



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Friday, April 7, 2017

Grandma's Wedding Quilts Day 11




Kathryn Albright grew up in southern California where she sets many of her sweet western romances. A Golden Heart finalist and recipient of the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, she writes historical romance that celebrates courage and hope against all odds with a dash of adventure.

Her enjoyment of historical romantic fiction began as a teenager when she was given the novel Ramona ~ set in southern California after the Mexican-American War. A few thousand books later, she still enjoys reading romance set in the past. (She also loves fairy tales and all things Disney.)

Kathryn's past includes careers as a nurse and an obstetrical sonographer where daily she witnessed many "happy ever afters" and miracles.

Kathryn's latest western historical romances for Harlequin are "sweet" although her earlier stories were not. Please check her website if you are wondering what brought on the change ~
Why Sweet?

Along with her writing, Kathryn also judges for the Romance Writers of America Rita contest for published writers and the Wisconsin Romance Writers FabFive contest for unpublished writers.


To hear about the release of future books, contests, and more, sign up for Kathryn's newsletter. She loves to hear from her readers. Please contact her through one of these sites:

Connect with the Author here: 


Gloria Palmer has always done the proper thing expected of her as the daughter of a shipping tycoon. The approval of her family and friends mean everything. And yet, when the perfect suitor offers for her… she hesitates.
Colin McDougal has little use for those living on the fancy side of the trolley tracks. He is too busy managing the family pub and, in his spare time, writing down the lively tunes in his head. So, when Miss Palmer asks for his help to prepare for a music audition, he is flummoxed. What does he know of highbrow music?
But with each practice session, their feelings for each other grow. When it comes time for Gloria to make a choice between what is proper and what she desires, will she realize that if music can cross class lines, it might also be able to harmonize two hearts.

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK



Snippet:

The older woman stood. “I am Mrs. Palmer and this is my daughter, Miss Palmer. Please have a seat.” She indicated a wicker chair nearby. “May I offer you refreshment, Mr. McDougal?”

“No.” He sat down. Then he amended, “No, thank you.”

“I’m sure you are wondering why we have asked you to come here.”

He glanced at the younger woman. She studied him intently, even as she held herself aloof and quiet, sitting there in her ice-blue dress. “Yes, ma’am.”

“We enjoyed your performance at the club on Christmas Eve.”

“Glad to hear it. I was helping out my friend.”

“Yes. It took us a while to track you down since he was away on holiday.”

So, the club had covered up for Tom. His friend was often on a ‘holiday.’ “Well, you found me. What’s this all about?”

“It’s a bit…unusual.” For the first time, Mrs. Palmer’s poised expression faltered. Whatever ‘it’ was, they were uncomfortable talking about it.

“Just out with it,” he said, hoping to encourage her. He’d say the same to his own mother, but here, he wasn’t sure what was considered appropriate. They were so stinking rich. There were probably invisible rules he knew nothing about.

A frown of disapproval darted across the older woman’s face, confirming his thoughts.
“All right then. My husband—”

“Mother. Allow me,” the younger Miss Palmer said quickly. “The way you played the piano at the club on Christmas Eve caught my father’s attention. I’m sure you remember that he spoke with you from the carriage.”

He remembered all right. But in his mind, she had been the one more interested in his playing. “Yeah,” he answered carefully.

“Father thought it might be beneficial for me to assess your technique at the piano—just for an hour—and possibly garner some tips to improve my playing.”

He raised his brow. “Technique? I’m not sure…”

“I want to understand your process at the keyboard,” she said quickly.

What was she talking about? His process? He just sat down and played. That’s all there was too it.

 “I’ve had years of lessons. I should be able to spot your technique without difficulty and appropriate what will work for me.”

He snorted softly, finding the way she spoke amusing. “You mean like a beer master giving away his brewing secrets for nothing in return.” His cousin, Patrick, would have a time with that one. A brewers’ recipe was his signature of the craft.


Miss Palmer blinked, obviously shocked at his bluntness. “I suppose that is one way to look at it.” Then her pretty, green eyes narrowed. “I see that you find this humorous. Let me assure you…it is not.”



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Thursday, April 6, 2017

Grandma's Wedding Quilts Day 10




Penny Estelle was born, long ago, in Iowa City, Iowa.  Her family up and moved to Mesa, AZ, when she was a toddler, and has remained in Arizona since.

She started writing for children right before retiring, claiming after working so long with children of all ages, she has plenty of material to work with. “I was never a reader as a child or teen and I missed out on so many adventures.  I think it's very important in today's world to get kids reading and keep them reading.”

Her books for the younger group include two children’s picture books, Have You seen My Tail? and The Red-Eyed Mr. Glumb, a couple books of magic and fantasy, Hike Up Devil’s Mountain and The Bearded Dude in the Puzzle, plus a series of time travel adventures for ages 9 – 13, The Wickware Sagas.

Penny decided to try her hand at writing for the older crowd.  She now has a family drama about desertion and addiction, four contemporary romances, a paranormal romance and five historical western romances under her belt.  She and her husband also wrote a non fiction short story on their experience living with solar.

Penny Estelle was a school secretary for twenty-one years.  After retiring, she and her husband moved to their fifty-four acre ranch in NW Arizona where they live off the grid.  Solar and wind is the only source of electricity.  “A real adjustment for a city girl, but I love it.  At night, the sky is an explosion of stars.  It is breathtaking!”

If Penny is not working on stories, she enjoys four-wheeling on unexplored roads, visiting with family (especially her seven grandchildren), and enjoys the occasional visits to the casinos.  She also admits her weakness is ice cream, anytime, anywhere!



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Chase wanted no part of going to college or following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a Doctor.  His dream involved cattle and horses and he follows that dream to the Arizona Territory.

 One cold, rainy day his life takes a turn when he finds himself looking down the muzzle of a Colt Walker barely being held up by a woman who has been badly beaten along with her three-year old son.  Will she be someone Chase could let into his heart or someone who could destroy his life?







~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK



Snippet

“You better hobble them lips boy!” Another fit of coughing took July’s words. When he was done, he squinted at Chase. “You ever been to the Arizona Territory?” Chase shook his head. “In the summer it’s hotter than blue blazes. Damn near sweated the life right out of me the one and only time I was there in them months. That’s why I come back here every spring. Guess the cool and cold suit me better.”

     “What’s happening with your brother’s place?”

     “Foreman’s name is Ed Durbin. He’s watching it. Good man who’s been there a few years. Guess I need to find me some fool idiot that wants to live in Hell and sell it.”

     Chase sat up quickly. “I might be that idiot, July. I’ve dang near put away every cent I’ve been paid while working here. What are you looking to get for it?”

     July laid against his saddle and blew smoke rings in the air. He was the most easy-going man Chase had ever met. “I still got Ma and Pa’s place here in Missouri. Small cabin atwix a few trees. I go check on it every once in a while to make sure there ain’t no squatters.” July drew out a tin flask from his jacket and took a hardy swig. “Truth is, I got the long face from the doc not too long ago. Told me to give up my drinking and cigars.” Hard coughing took hold of him. “I’m dying anyway, why give up the only two things I like?”

     “July, I’m sorry. You should be resting, not out here in the cold night air.”

     “That’s a fact.” The old man looked at the stars. “When we get back, you and me’ll sit down and do some figuring. The only money I’ll be needed is enough to keep me in my two favorite things for a few more months. I’ll make my mark on the papers my bother give me and you’ll be a ranch owner your own self.”

     Chase stared at the old cuss of a man. He didn’t know what to say.
     “Shall we shake on it?” July asked, leaning on his elbow, holding out his hand.



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Grandma's Wedding Quilts Day 9




Angela Raines is the pen name of Doris McCraw.  Doris is an actor, historian, poet, photographer, and (of course) writer. After she retired Doris decided to pursue her other dreams. She performs as Helen (Hunt) Jackson, Katharine Lee Bates, as stand alone historic characters. She researched and wrote on Karol W Smith, Colorado's first film commissioner, and currently is researching the early women doctors of Colorado prior to 1900. She writes and post haiku with her photographs, five days a week on her fivesevenfive page.  




Connect with the Author here: 
 ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~

 She also contributes to these blogs
~ Sweet American Sweethearts ~
~ Prairie Rose Publications ~
~ Writing Wranglers and Warriors ~




Josephine, Josie, Forrester FOLLOWS her DREAM and heads to the Eastern Plains of Colorado to be the doctor for the new town of Kiowa Wells. She faces the challenges of not only being a woman doctor, but earning the trust of the people in and near the town. Her life is complicated when William Murphy, a lawman, becomes her patient after being shot and losing his memory. Can these two find the love and happiness they deserve, despite a threat from the past? Can they get past their own beliefs about life and love and societies expectations to find the love and happiness they both deserve?







~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK



Snippet  2.  

The early summer heat wave of the past week drove Will’s patience past all control. He was sitting in Josie’s office, his hands moving under the bandage on his head.
“Fussing with your bandages won’t make your wound heal any faster,” Josie said grinning.
“A lot you know, lady doctor,” Will shot back.
“Insulting me will not help either,” Josie laughed. The look of frustration on Will’s face was too ludicrous to keep the laugh inside.
“I’ll show you,” Will snarled as he began unwinding the bandage on his head. Almost as quickly, the kitten, seeing movement pounced on the flying ends.
It was too much, Josie laughed so hard tears were falling. She held her ribs, gasping for breath.
Sheepishly, Will grinned, reaching over to pet the kitten. “Perhaps you could…”
Still gasping, Josie could only nod her head in assent, her green eyes sparkling at Will’s discomfort. She knew she should be professional, but between the kitten and Will’s discomfort, she just couldn’t keep a straight face.
In the meantime, the kitten reverted to its ancestral self, attacking the bandage with a vengeance. The way the kitten pounced, attacking the ends, then pulling, it appeared she might manage to topple Will over.
Jumping up, Josie picked up and moved the kitten away. Taking a pair of scissors, Josie began cutting the bandage from around Will’s head. Once she’d removed the bandage, she gently examined the wound from the bullet. “Well, you’re healing nicely, but that wound is still looking like a piece of rare meat.”
“Are you saying you could place my head between two pieces of bread?” Will grinned.

“I doubt it would be very good, too tough,” Josie retorted.


To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Grandma's Wedding Quilts Day 8





As a young girl, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about fascinating characters having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, she read and then started writing romances and achieved her first publication--a confession story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, Linda now writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor and a bit of sass from her home in the southern California mountains.




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When Ione Forrester calls off her wedding, she becomes the social pariah of Des Moines. Much to her society parents’ chagrin. To escape the gossip, Ione accepts a teaching job in Dorado, Texas, vowing to avoid scandal at all costs. Relocating from a doctor’s household with cook and maids to a room in a boarding house is quite an adjustment. Then she has to face her biggest challenge—a schoolhouse full of students.


Carpenter Morgan Shipley’s business is doing well and now he’s looking for companionship. An ad for a mail-order bride brings a deluge of letters, which prove more than he can handle. To his surprise, an intriguing woman from a big city arrives in his small Texas town. Correspondence is nothing like interacting with a flesh-and-blood woman every day. But gossip-leery Ione wants nothing to do with Morgan’s attempts at courting, which makes him try even harder.


~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK



Snippet #2 

Ione stood on a desk and stretched the straw end of the broom toward the ceiling. Because of her short stature, the gap between the broom and her intended quarry—a couple of Mexican free-tailed bats—stretched to at least a foot. She gave a little hop and a big swing of the broom then windmilled her free arm to regain her balance. “Oh no.”
Morgan ran forward down the middle aisle with his arms outstretched, hoping she’d fall in his direction. He didn’t think he was agile enough to leapfrog the desk in time. “I’ll catch you.”

The broom clattered to the floor a moment before Ione dropped into his arms in a flurry of rustling skirts, fluffy petticoats, and curvy woman. Grunting, he braced his legs apart to take the impact then drew her close. Never had he held a woman in his arms in quite this fashion. The moment he got a whiff of her lemony scent, he considered this circumstance as the best way to find a woman to court. 


To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page