Happy Birthday...day 28

Ladies’ maid, Juliet Baines has gotten herself into a pickle by agreeing to go to London and taking the place of her mistress and best friend, Annabella Price, stepsister to the Duke of Wyndham. After all, what does a servant know about being a lady? But Juliet soon finds that pretending to be a lady isn’t nearly as hard as guarding her heart against the folly of wanting a man who’s completely out of reach.

Graeme "Grey" Roland Dominick Markwythe, Sixth Duke of Wyndham, approaches his duties as a nobleman with great dedication and meticulous care. And he’s a man who is not easily fooled...except when he tries to convince himself he's not utterly and madly in love with the beautiful imposter who has turned his life upside down. Will society and his responsibilities to his noble status keep him from opening his heart to the woman he loves?

Joey McCrary needs a wife and someone to help him raise his daughter after he made some poor choices in college. Stacey has always been his friend, and even though she’s a sweet girl, nothing can compare to the feelings he has for his ex.

Joey realizes that he and Stacey can benefit one another. Joey can provide Stacey with all she’s ever wanted: a family. But can Stacey teach him a few things along the way, too? 

When lost love shows up on your doorstep, what do you do? Minnie Schultz slams the door in his face. She and Gordon Anderson have a history—close to ancient history, given the fifty years since their last encounter. After all that time, it might seem like water under the bridge. But the water pours from the plumbing in Minnie’s bed and breakfast, the Lilac Bower, uncovering all the secrets and heartache between them. With the help of some paranormal investigators, an Elvis impersonator and a couple of nosey friends, can Minnie and Gordon find the future they were meant to have? 

For your free copies please follow the links bellow and enter the codes at checkout :) Happy reading :)

A Lot Like A Lady  NM24C

The Unexpected Choice GT79N

Hauntings of the Heart   WM56M

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Kelly Martin

A little over a year ago, I had just finished my first manuscript and was deciding what to do with it. I knew I wanted it published, but how? My first thought was an agent, so I sent queries to several of them. Nothing worked out.

I knew this story, was one that needed to be told so I learned from a writer message board about small publishers. From there, I found a friend of mine and learned she was being published through a new(ish) small publisher of clean fiction. I also found some other smaller publishers. I sent query letters to all of them… and waited (and prayed).

After a whirlwind week of offers and requests, I signed with Astraea Press and haven’t regretted it.

I love Astraea Press because Stephanie Taylor, the owner, saw something in me that I didn’t even see myself—a great writer. She’s the biggest cheerleader at AP (and that’s saying a lot because we have many of them.) She’s patient, funny, and has the best staff of editors and cover artists of any small publisher I’ve seen.

The other writers at Astraea Press are amazing! I’ve made so many new friends, write on sprints with them, am encouraged by them—we aren’t competitive, and that’s a good thing. We truly want each other to be successful and cheer when we see a book’s ranking go up.

The main reason I love Astraea Press is because I know when I pick up another AP book, it is clean, well-written, professional, and entertaining. I’m proud to be part of Astraea Press.

~Kelly

Kelly Martin is a writer, blogger, and teacher. She has a hunk of a husband and three angelically ‘energetic’ daughters. Her first novel, CROSSING THE DEEP, was published by Astraea Press in October ’12. Her newest book, SAINT SLOAN, will be released by AP on February 28^th, 2013. And she has one more in the works.

Kelly loves God, is addicted to chocolate, and would rather write than sleep.

Happy Birthday day 27

Melody Moon has returned to her roots with fame and riches in hopes of finding Gideon, the young man with the strange birthmark on his face. Thoughts of him have haunted her for twenty years, yet no one knows what happened to him. After purchasing Catalpa Hall, their childhood sanctuary, Melody makes an unusual discovery: carved in the wood below the old stage in the hall is her name, Gideon’s name, and the current year.

Melody and Gideon were once known as the “Double Uglies,” dubbed as such by Melody’s reprehensible older brother, Dean. The cruel nickname later earned Melody fame as an author of children’s books, but only Gideon knows the nickname had actually precipitated dreadfully more—her brother’s drowning long ago. It’s a loss that’s turned Gideon into the recluse he’s

become.

What exactly did happen at the secluded pond behind Catalpa Hall when Melody and Gideon were so young and just trying to get by in the backwoods culture…and who else may have witnessed it? Someone with sinister motives is involved, and is desperately attempting to tear Gideon and Melody apart. Gideon’s love for the enchanting young woman he’d been forced to abandon two decades ago may force him to leave her again, for he feels certain Melody could never understand the truth. At least--his perception of the truth.

A murder arranged as a suicide … a missing deed … and a bereft daughter whose sheltered world is shattered.

August, 1869: Lily Granville is stunned by her father’s murder. Only one other person knows about a valuable California gold mine deed -- both are now missing. Lily heads west on the newly opened transcontinental railroad, determined to track the killer. She soon realizes she is no longer the hunter but the prey.

As things progress from bad to worse, Lily is uncertain who to trust—the China-bound missionary who wants to marry her, or the wandering Texan who offers to protect her … for a price. Will Lily survive the journey and unexpected betrayal? 

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Secrets of Catalpa Hall   PM49K

Double Crossing  FL46U

Happy Birthday day 26

Twelve teenagers were injected by The Doctor on that fateful day back in November. And twelve teenagers have been thrust into an intergalactic battle against their will. Orlando Holmes, JD Smith, and Cadence Sinclair must find these twelve before someone else does – someone bad.

Things get complicated quickly, though, when emotions start to run high. Those who used to be deemed trustworthy, are no longer safe. The three teens soon learn that anyone is a suspect. As they embark on their most dangerous mission to date, morals are tested. To protect the twelve teenagers who have been experimented on, what must JD, Orlando, and Cadence give up? Their hearts? Or even their lives?

Hiro Tanaka prepared for a life as a samurai warrior. But his world changed when Japan's feudal system was abolished by the Emperor. Now, he must find a new vocation. Disillusioned with fighting and violence, he travels alone, going north to the island of Hokkaido. Many other samurai wander through the country and are known as ronin. Some have forsaken their honorable way to prey on the less fortunate.

Hanako Shimizu experienced first-hand the devastation caused by these disreputable wanderers. The previous winter, they raided her farm and killed her husband. Now, she needs to rebuild but has no money and no prospects -- except for the dubious intentions of the town merchant.

When Hiro, tired of his wandering, encounters Hanako in the market, arguing with the merchant, he poses as her late husband’s cousin then offers to help her on the farm in exchange for a place to stay. Working on the land, Hiro finally finds the peace he has been seeking. But the reappearance of the rogue ronin, led by an unscrupulous leader from Hiro’s past, forces him to take up his swords again. But now, the stakes are higher.

This time, he's fighting from the heart.

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Control: HC25G

The Samurai's Garden: DS37F

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Catherine Bennett

I had nearly given up finding a home for my first manuscript. The advice I received from family and friends was that I should tweek my writing and make it spicier (in other words, sex it up!) It became annoying to try to explain to them why I wanted to keep my book “clean”.

It was my agent who submitted my manuscript to Astraea Press and I’m so grateful that she did. The success that Astraea has seen in the past two years, proves that there is a definite niche for clean romance and for authors whose work wouldn’t necessarily be marketed in a Christian bookstore, but also wouldn’t fit in the erotica section of Barnes and Noble. I also like the fact that Astraea offers many genres so that – as an author – I can try something different (maybe young adult or inspirational).

I’ve also met some lovely authors who have welcomed me and offered their help whenever I needed it. It’s a great team to be a part of!

 

Happy Birthday day 25

Greta Nole loved the old hotel more than any other place on earth. If the new owners close it down, she'd be out of a job and her beloved hotel would be gone forever. She'd do whatever she had to do to get the hotel in tiptop shape before the new owner arrived after Christmas. But first she had to survive Stormzilla, the nastiest snowstorm to hit southern Indiana in years.

Owen Levi III had no clue why his father would buy such a relic as the Jubilee--and then send Owen out there to check it out so close to Christmas. Had his dad finally lost his mind? The hotel was nothing more than an albatross around Levi Industries' neck and the only recommendation Owen could make was to tear it down! Quick. Owen's staring out the window, mentally going over what would need to be done to even get the hotel habitable when he sees an idiot woman walking through the storm. When she trips and hits her head Owen's outside to rescue her faster than he can think.

Greta and Owen have tangled over hotels before, and neither would ever admit defeat!

Emma has been busy organizing her older brother’s love life but now Noah plans to turn the tables on his meddlesome match-making sister. But is Ian the best man for this very particular bridesmaid? 

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No Room at the Inn: DC44X

New Bay Wedding: NB28R

Happy Birthday day 24

After a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home. She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.

Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace. In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything. What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah? 

When plunged into a world of spies, agents and espionage during the Peninsula wars, Honor, Lady Beaumont, flees for her life when the French capture her husband at Salamanca, and relies on his batman to arrange her safe passage back to England.

Viscount Charles Vidal is ordered by Robert Dumas, the First Lord of the Admiralty, to travel to Spain and escort the only woman he’s ever loved, Lord Devlin Beaumont’s widow back home before the French discover her whereabouts.

Their journey is fraught by danger, least of all knowing whether they are surrounded by friends or foe. Will they survive long enough to explore the possibility of a future together or will whispers of treason be enough to see Honor dispatched to Tyburn first? 

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Hawthorne: GS67E

Vidal's Honor: TH55F

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Lindsay Downs

Have you ever wanted to write a book with a different kind of hero? Well, I did.

Have you ever wanted to write a book that could appeal to almost age group? Well, I did.

Have you ever tried to find a publisher who would take your project on? Well, I did and it’s called Astraea Press.

I’m talking about my Emily Dahill series with Dakota, a tri-color collie, as the hero. All the books are perfect for readers from eight to eighty without.

With these books I was able to be more myself while at the same time strengthening my voice, which has helped in my latest series, The House of Somerset.

Then we have the challenge of writing outside our comfort zone. I’m talking about the regency books released last year for Christmas. Even though I love reading the genre I’d always said I’d never write it. But, this opportunity was too good to pass up.

With several regency authors already USA Today best sellers I knew, if I had a question or problem, I had a source of information and help. On several occasions I had to call on one or more for advice.

That’s one of the great things about the authors with AP, if you have a question or problem with part of the story they’re there to to help.

The editors, to many to list, are some of the best in the business and we’ve got the finest cover artist, Elaina Lee, going.

Of course we can’t forget Opal Campbell, who works tirelessly in coming up and or creating the best in promotional opportunities.

Last but not least, none of this would be possible without Stephanie Taylor. Tired of working for someone else she saw a need for a publisher exclusively dedicated to releasing sweet books.

Thank you for starting Astraea Press, allowing me to be a part of it and may you have many more years of success. 

Lindsay Downs

Happy Birthday day 23

Computer programmer Alaina Howard has a new office mate, and she couldn’t be happier that he’s handsome and unattached. Although initially uncertain of his position in the company, she quickly realizes that he’s good at his job and a valuable asset. If only she knew why the seemingly non-disabled man needed a service dog, things would be perfect.

Army veteran Jordan Blake is thrilled to get a job that allows him to pursue his dream of learning web development. The position is even sweeter thanks to the beautiful woman he shares an office with. The only drawback is that she seems suspicious of his need for a service dog to assist with an invisible disability.

Will Alaina’s suspicion and Jordan’s reluctance to talk about his disability keep them from developing the relationship they both desire? 

During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side.

While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.

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Jordan's Battle:  MS84U

At What Cost: UV56S

Happy Birthday day 22

Danielle Inero is the only female dragon in existence. Destined for greatness, her parents have done everything in their power to keep her grounded and in the dark of the true power within her. She's in an arranged engagement with her best friend Tyson of the Terran, but in love with her other best friend Ethan, who is Oceina. Her fiancee Tyson doesn't seem to mind because his eyes are on a beautiful girl named Maya. Ideally, there shouldn't be a problem.

But politics soon turn everything ugly as the three friends must find a way to make their dreams come true, as well as dodge the backlash of their actions. The governing officials of the dragon world know about the three youth's destiny, one that is based on an ancient prophecy. While some nations will do everything in their power to make this prophecy a reality, others will do whatever it takes to make sure it doesn't. 

Kevin Smith is an ordinary guy. He works a plain job. Owns a normal, but disorganized home. And plays like every single man. In short, he is the average male. Until one day on vacation, he takes a run in the park and rescues a bag lady from mugging, after which his life is never the same.

The mysterious lady grants him one wish. Assuming the woman’s offer is false, Kevin returns home with thoughts of a past conversation in his mind. Later when he steps from the shower everything has changed. The disorderly home is no more. All his vacation chores have been completed. And most surprising of all he has seven wives.

Will this unexpected twist turn out to be the blessing he hoped for, or a curse he wished he’d never asked for?

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Legend of the Forbidden:  WB86H 

Love Octagon: RE32D

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Patricia Kiyono

They say that if something is meant to be, it will happen. When I started writing a story about a wandering former samurai, I had dreams of one day having the book published and enjoyed by someone other than me. I had no clue what went into writing a book, but I'd always received good grades in school and felt qualified to do what it took.

I joined two writing groups and received lots of wonderful advice about shopping for editors, agents, and publishers. One group offered a wonderful, unique opportunity to have a written query read by an agent, and I took advantage of it.  The agent responded to my query by telling me that two things would prevent her from representing my book: the length of my novel (around fifty thousand words) was too short, and the fact that there were no explicit love scenes made it difficult for her to market. I was all right with adding more words, but struggled with adding spice to the manuscript. I just wasn't comfortable trying to write those scenes, and put it off as long as I could.

My writing group was very supportive. They told me not to worry. They said I would eventually find a home for my story. It was just a matter of finding the right home. If I believed in the book, it would be published, eventually. I really owe a lot to my writing group. They are a mixed lot of authors writing in various genres, at different stages of their writing careers. So I continued to write, refining my novel and starting storylines for other books. And the wait paid off. In early 2011, of our group members had her novel published at a brand new company called Astraea Press, and urged me to submit a story to them since they had put out a call for a charity program for Japan's disaster relief. I quickly wrote a short prequel to my samurai story and submitted it.

I was so pleased when The Legacy was accepted at Astraea Press. It gave me the impetus to finally complete my samurai story and submit that as well. And now that first book has a home. Astraea Press didn't tell me my book was too short. Thanks to their trademark clean fiction, I didn't have to add spice. And thanks to social media, I'm connecting with another wonderful group of writers. 

Another great reason I'm so thankful for Astraea Press: there's no middle man. I can deal directly with the owner of the company, or the editor working on my book, or the cover artist. Whenever I have a question, I usually get an answer within twenty-four hours. After hearing about various woes from authors signed with other companies I am so glad I held my ground and waited for a company that wanted what I had, rather than tailor my writing to what someone else wanted. 

Astraea Press truly is the best.

Happy Birthday day 21

Since Amelia ‘Falcon Woman’ Tucker was a small child, she heard the stories of how her mother was Rescued from the River by her father. Rising Wolf held her heart captive for years before he asked for her hand in marriage. Although the river had always called to her, she never knew how much she loved the stalwart Indian until she had to Swim the River to save him. 

Love. Desire. A psycho bent on revenge. But can Charlie Reynolds recognize the most dangerous of the three?

Since being out on her own at eighteen, Charlotte “Charlie” Reynolds is a street-smart “good” girl who hides her desire for love and security behind her feisty and independent personality. She just never expected a more noxious hero than wealthy, self-consumed Evan Gardner, the CEO and founder of Valley Tech., a successful software company in Los Angeles. From the moment Evan rescues her from an apparent random attack, their attraction for each other bubbles just below the surface of all-out passion. 

For your free copies please follow the links below and enter the codes at checkout :)

Swim the River: FU89T

The Trouble With Charlie: WS73S

Happy Birthday day 20

What happens when a rebel meets a runaway?

He’s not looking for love...

Confirmed bachelor Theo Cavanagh is dashing and free-spirited. Not for him a career in the clergy, the military or politics - he’s more interested in wine and horses. But when Theo happens upon a pretty but thoroughly exasperating young fugitive, he soon finds himself caught up in her adventures, and in a passion that can’t be denied.

She has to search her heart...

Unconventional Sophie Devereux is more comfortable climbing trees than the social ladder. An audacious escape from scheming relatives is only the start of Sophie’s mission to achieve a long-held dream, but Sophie carries a secret that inspires hatred, envy and greed. She can’t outrun the danger that stalks her, or her powerful response to Theo which leaves Sophie shaken to the core and questioning her deepest, most enduring desire. 

Twelve year old Joanie loves animals. Her family often fosters animals for a local rescue operation. Joanie desperately wants more pets, but her father remains stalwart in his opposition to this idea. Because of this impasse the relationship between Joanie and her father is rocky.

One night the rescue organization calls with a unique situation. A mother dog who has lost her puppies needs to be fostered, along with a litter of puppies that have lost their mother. Joanie's mom enthusiastically agrees to attempt to get the mother and puppies to adopt one another.

As the first night with the puppies unfolds, Joanie finds herself alone with her dad as they moniter and feed the puppies. Joanie's dad surprises her by opening up and sharing stories with Joanie. She finds herself seeing her father in a new light. By the end of the night Joanie has rethought how she sees her father, and her father ends up surprising her by changing his attitude about getting more pets.

Adopting Jenny might just be the best thing that has ever happened to their family.

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A Bright Particular Star: WL85L

Adopting Jenny: KK87T 

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Jeff Salter

When I think of some of the storied histories of the better known New York
publishing houses, I’ve been awed at how much influence they’ve wielded in the
universe of letters. Some of them go back a century or more; most were already big names in publishing long before I was first aware of books ... nearly six decades
ago.

All that is only to say: each of the most famous publishers you’ve ever heard of ... began with a concept, an investment, some sacrifice, a marketing plan, and a good story to print. At some point, every one of these big name publishers likely started with similar general circumstances — someone recognized a need that was not being met or believed they could do a better job at meeting the needs and desires of readers / buyers. Or perhaps they thought they could publish potentially great books that were falling through cracks left by the other publishers currently operating.

But they all started with the first functional day, that initial manuscript query, the starting round of edits on their very first contracted book.

Astraea Press

And all this leads me up to the second anniversary of Astraea Press, the brainchild of
publisher Stephanie Taylor, who saw a need not being met, believed she could assemble ‘clean’ stories which readers wanted, and knew there were great books falling the cracks elsewhere.

It took vision, concept, investment, sacrifice, good stories, faith ... and lots of guts. Stephanie has admitted that several people tried to talk her out of trying and others (who knew she was forging ahead anyway) tried to discourage her. Yet she prevailed. I won’t attempt to represent the numbers here, because those statistics will be surely
be covered elsewhere during this anniversary month, but Astraea (in two short years) has collected some 150 authors and published well over 200 titles. Some have won awards and some have appeared on prominent best-seller lists.

My Journey

Having just completed my seventh (unpublished) novel manuscript in the summer of 2011, I realized I was at a crossroads and began asking for Divine insight into WHERE that story should go.

I wrote down my goals (for writing and publishing) and listed the pros and cons of continuing a search for the perfect agent. I analyzed the pros and cons (as well as the mathematical improbabilities) of ever reaching the ranks of the Big Six publishers. I actually (no kidding) noted the pros and cons of achieving fame and fortune as an author. Yes, there ARE cons to that status.

During and after all that deliberation – and with a great deal of additional prayer – I realized it was more appropriate for me to seek one of the smaller digital-first publishers ... of which there are MANY. But one of the troubling issues was how my Christian witness might be affected by aligning myself with a publisher which also produced some very racy material. How comfortable would I be telling my church friends to go to the site of Publisher ABC ... where they would also find material which could make all of us blush?

So my new prayer was: “Lord, help me find a publishing outlet which will not reflect badly on my Christian witness.” And the converse: “Lord, help me find a publishing outlet which will be a GOOD reflection on my Christian witness.”

Several years of networking among authors, writers, agents, publishers, bloggers, etc., had set into motion a series of contacts which led me to a very short list of potential publishers. On that short list, the SOLE publisher which published only ‘clean’ books
was ... Astraea Press.

Finding Astraea

To make a long story short, I submitted this seventh manuscript to Astraea. The result was a lengthy, personal reply from the CEO, expressing praise and encouragement for my story and indicating potential acceptance if I was
willing to revise and resubmit. Which I did.

Exactly one year after being inspired to write this novel, I was proofing the galleys for the romantic suspense novel which resulted. And it was only possible because of Astraea Press.

Stephanie and her crew have built a wonderful sense of community and mutual encouragement among the A.P. authors: when good news is shared, we cheer for
each other ... when it’s not so good, we commiserate and console. There’s a healthy
sense of competition, but I believe all of us recognize that when any Astraea
title or author does well, it makes things potentially better for all of us.

As I’ve told Stephanie, I feel I have found a home with A.P. and sincerely hope to publish many other novels here.

So, during the anniversary month, I dedicate this blog column to Astraea
Press and to its Founder / CEO Stephanie Taylor, who had the vision, faith, and courage to launch a company to publish clean fiction. Also to the A.P. staff I’ve had the great fortune to work with, including Kay Springsteen Tate, Opal Campbell, Cheryl
Grey, Traci Pollitt, Elaina Lee, and Stephy Smith.

Happy Second Birthday, A.P.!

    

Happy Birthday day 19

MOONRAZER was already a famous warrior when she drove the Navin from her homeworld, wrested the Sword of Justice from dragons, and became the first Exalted Warrior of the Sarl in seven generations. But now, as she is approaching her 40th birthday, she faces her most terrifying challenge of all--finding a mate and conceiving a child.

PRINCE VARIAN of Tellan needs an heir to his throne before the Festival of the Dragon Moon or the Dragons will kill him and his sisters. Twice, he has taken Dragonmarked wives to beget such an heir. His first wife, Violetta, ran away from him and after years of searching, he declared her dead and took another wife. Five months ago, his second wife and child were found dead. Now, Violetta has contacted him on her own deathbed to tell him he had a daughter sixteen years ago.

When he learns that his lost daughter may be living among the Sarl, and that the Exalted Warrior of the Sarl herself is looking for a mate, he discovers two chances to save his kingdom.

Together, Moonrazer and Varian must deal with intrigue, treachery, and even an assassin to help each other and save their kingdoms. However, even love may not be strong enough to save either world from destruction.

When Beth left suddenly, it broke two hearts, but she’d had no choice. Shane, a rugged, ex-Airborne biker, handled it badly, but so had she. Three years later and 2000 miles away, she desperately needs her ex-lover’s protection from a violent menace with bad history who’ll do anything to reclaim a mysterious suitcase Beth possesses.

Long before Shane acquired that overnighter, a silent movie actress kept secrets there ... and now several lives are in jeopardy. An ambitious female state senate candidate hires a ruthless investigator to eliminate potential campaign ‘problems’ like her dark family secret — a bizarre 1889 murder.

Is Beth’s terrifying ordeal simply because she unwittingly possesses the overnighter’s secrets? Or is it due to the meth-fueled dumpster-diver’s unfinished business?

Shane will likely return to California after he resolves this Tennessee situation, so Beth struggles to resist her reawakened feelings. But before she can sort out their renewed relationship, she's kidnapped. To rescue her Shane enters an obvious trap in a dilapidated hotel. Only with Beth’s help can both survive the violent struggle against her kidnappers.

For your free copies please follow the links below and enter the code at checkout :)

Sword and Illusion FK76T

The Overnighter's Secret  SY66Z

Happy Birthday day 18

Persephone Richards is in a pinch. With a wrecked car and bills stacking up, the income from her job at the daycare isn’t enough. Mark Lawrence needs a sitter for his little girl and Persephone is perfect for the job. What begins as an employment opportunity leads to romance. However, a secret Persephone hides threatens the happy ever after and puts the three of them in danger. 

Former Army Sergeant Sandi Charleston, diagnosed with PTSD and homeless, barely survives day to day. By a miracle of fate, she meets Taz, a uniquely special collie, who helps turn her life around. It's only through him she finds the courage to go head-to-head with her worst enemy—terrorists bent on mass destruction.

Bound by a special love to help and protect each other, side by side these two unlikely partners willingly march forward into battle. A fight to the death neither is sure can be won, but fighting as one, they will try.

Kidnapped and forced to reveal what she knows, Sandi realizes there is only one individual who can save her. It's not the government, but her new best buddy. Together they defeat the enemy proving once again that battle buddies come in all shapes and breeds. 

For your free copies please follow the links below and enter the codes at checkout :)

Knight of the Dead: BU89Q

A Collie Rescue: HU98B

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Lynn Spangler

I chose to submit my story, Whiskey Whispers of the Past, to Astraea Press because I was looking for a sweet romance publisher. I had general questions I needed to ask and the owner, Stephanie Taylor, responded immediately, which is important to me. She answered my questions completely and clearly.

The staff is professional, and more importantly, friendly. The authors at Astraea Press are quick to share useful information and support their fellow authors. It's feels like family instead of just a publisher.

Astraea Press is a author friendly, sweet romance, young adult, new adult, and inspirational publishing house with awesome staff and editors.

Who could ask for more?

Lynn Spangler

happy Birthday day 17

Three years after everyone important to Connor Maitland was murdered by a fanatical cult he is still attempting to put his life back together. Accompanied by his ex-girlfriend and business partner, Alison Herne, he is making a living as a jack-of-all-trades running a security company, sailing charters, and even photographing weddings out of Dolliber Cove, Massachusetts. Connor’s world is finally coming back together until they find one of Alison’s ghost hunter friends murdered.

When a childhood love he thought was dead, appears on his doorstep during their investigation, Connor is forced to confront memories he convinced himself were the delusions of a man deep into grief. They are being stalked by a mysterious man who appears to know far too many of their secrets. After Alison is almost killed confronting her occult past, it is impossible for Connor to deny the connection between the cases. Someone is attempting to end Connor’s life and the lives of all those who surround him.

The crazed rantings of the murderous cult may be the key to his survival.

If they take you, you don't come back. You either die... or wish you had. The Western Empire was ruthless. The only reason I survived was because he gave his life for me--a life that might as well have been mine, for when they stole his last heartbeats, they silenced my own. They call me princess, an answer to the prophecy, but I’m nothing more than a prisoner... awaiting my lifelong punishment. Marriage. To the Prince of the East. But it’s the Royal Protector who reminds me of what I lost. He threatens something I never thought I'd have again... my heart. 

For your free copies please follow the links below and enter the codes at checkout :)

Nightfall:  FB53E

Savage Winter: DN82P

Happy Birthday day 16

John Tillman, a simple man, has died. His wife seeks justice. By pure happenstance, Bruce Malone, a famous criminal attorney, receives the case. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a miracle to win. But that’s just what he gets.

Elizabeth Smith is a preacher’s daughter. An “ugly Betty”, she transforms her look like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. Because of her change in appearance, her position of employment changes and she becomes the ‘miracle’ Bruce Malone needs. Not only for the case, but for the salvation of his family and his own soul. 

Lady Grace Hashiver has perfected the art of hiding behind a sarcastic wit when it comes to dealing with the rakish Ewan Emmett, Duke of Greys, her childhood tormentor. Her wit protects her from betraying the attraction and desire she feels whenever she is around him.

Ewan Emmett, Duke of Greys is perfectly thrilled to torment Grace at every opportunity, until an old acquaintance begins an honest suit for Grace’s hand. When Ewan begins to feel the pangs of jealousy causing him to question his reasons for his constant teasing of Grace, he discovers a depth of emotion he didn’t know he harbored towards the golden-haired beauty. Suddenly he is no longer the tease, but on the receiving end of the torment as he wonders if he‘s too late to fight for her love. 

For your free copies please follow the links below and enter the codes at checkout :)

The Painted Lady: UQ69S

Redeeming the Deception of Grace: UN58Z 

Why I Write for Astraea Press: Sherry Gloag

“You can choose your friends, but not your family.”  I don’t know who said this first, but while they are right—technically, on another level this saying is not accurate as there are many kinds of ‘family’.

Writing is a solitary occupation so it is more important than may be imagined by most readers for the author to find a publisher that they can ‘fit-in’ with. The relationship between author and publisher is not the same as a worker and employer relationship in a normal business environment.  So it is important to find the one that is right for you. So how do you choose a publisher?

When you write a certain kind of book and you have to search and wean out the publishers that take those genres. But it’s much more than that.  It’s the integrity of the company, it is the attitude of those employed at, and by the publisher, those who will be working with you to provide the best product possible before it hits the e-shelves.

Astraea Press is owned by Stephanie Taylor, and she has employed some awesome people to work with her authors at every stage of production. It is then, that first time you work with them on your book, you find yourself being absorbed into the ‘family atmosphere’. 

Don’t be fooled by that terminology, Stephanie runs a tight ship.  She knows what she wants and sees to it that her authors comply with her wishes and her standards. And—she listens to her readers.  If they have a grouse, she’s there, offering one-to-one discussions to see how she, and her authors, can rectify/better the already high standards Astraea Press work with.

Astraea Press have published two of my novellas, and one full-length novel, and it has been a pleasure to work in conjunction with every single person detailed to take me through from acceptance to release date.  Standards are high, and sometimes extremely challenging, and that has to be good for publisher, author and readers. 

After finding it hard to acquire books Stephanie Taylor wanted to read it became one of her aspirations to ensure Astraea Press provides Sweet and Clean romances. Stephanie Taylor and the people that work with her are always striving to raise the bar of quality, and to expand opportunities for the company and therefore for their authors and readers.

In the two years since Stephanie opened the doors of Astraea Press it has gone from strength to strength and carved its own particular niche in the publishing world. It has become a company to be reckoned with and one that authors strive to join.

When you put it all together, it is the the camaraderie between fellow authors and Astraea press personnel that helps to create that special family atmosphere.

    

Happy Birthday day 15

Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive.

Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.

As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.

With their food gone and the temperature dropping, time is running out. Will Rachel be able to do what needs to be done to get home? And can Asher find faith when he needs it the most?

Liesel Wolf has a secret, a dangerous secret she’ll go to any lengths to conceal. When she’s paired in a charity game with sexy marshal Andy Bryce, a man with secrets of his own, her carefully constructed world comes crashing down, and Liesel’s on a collision course with her past.

For your FREE copies please follow the links below and enter the codes at checkout :)

Crossing the Deep: TJ97P

Never Trust a Pretty Wolf: RD66C