Maxine Douglas Affairs of the Heart Newsletter: November 2022

Monday, November 28, 2022

Jude Bayton

THE SECRET OF JACARANDA

Welcome Jude Bayton to Book Treasure Tuesday!

Introduction

I’m Jude Bayton, and I’m originally from Kingston-Upon-Thames, near London, in the county of Surrey. I was an army brat, and got to live in Africa, Germany, Yemen, Scotland and Wales.

I now live in Oklahoma. My husband and I have four sons between us, three grandsons and one granddaughter. We also have a very spoiled Blue Heeler named Scout.

My latest book was released on October 15th – it’s called The Secret of Jacaranda and it is the fifth book in my Secret set.

My Secret books are all Historical Mysteries set in Europe and the current book is set in British East Africa. They are in the Gothic style of Victoria Holt, Daphne du Maurier and Phyllis Whitney, all favourites of mine.

Although my subject matter covers many topics, the books are clean.

Genre: Historical Mysteries

Heat Level: Clean

Where everyone has a Secret to keep…

Under the threat of imminent imprisonment, Julia Rossington escapes England and flees to East Africa, where a new job and a better life may await. Living at Jacaranda, a farm owned by intriguing Nick Fleming, Julia embraces her role as nanny to a motherless baby. Life in the wild African bush brings Julia contentment, spoiled only by the open hostility of Nick’s beautiful housekeeper, who fiercely guards the memory of Nick’s murdered wife, Amelia.

The African continent is in uproar. The Boer War rages in South Africa, and ivory and diamonds are smuggled to distant shores as the grip of the British Empire falters. When a member of Julia’s community is murdered, speculation is that Amelia Fleming’s killer is still at large. But Julia has greater concerns, when a face from the past unexpectedly arrives in the area and threatens to expose Julia’s true reason for leaving England.

The killer strikes again, with Jacaranda coming under direct attack. Julia wants to stop running away. This promising new life is something worth fighting for. Yet standing her ground will inevitably make her a target, placing her squarely in the path of danger. Ultimately Julia will learn the hardest lesson of all—Survival.*

Excerpt

His eyes settled on me, and I was struck by how handsome I found him. The dark, brooding manner intrigued me more than I cared to admit. I was forgetting myself.

He shrugged. “I feel it my moral duty to look out for you. You are naïve about the way of life here. It is far different than anything you’ve experienced. This country changes people. Most of us are not who others think we are. Herr Schmitt is no exception.”

“If that’s true, then who are you, Nick?”

His gaze still held mine, and the atmosphere between us suddenly felt charged with tension. His expression softened momentarily, and his eyes were silver in the gaslight. I could almost hear him think as his countenance underwent a myriad of subtle changes. Was he choosing how honest he was prepared to be with me? Could he remove that solid barrier forcing people away?

Then the mask slipped back into place, and the moment was gone.

The Secret of Jacaranda is available in eBook and Print

♥ Amazon

Research Tidbits

There was a lot! Though I lived in Africa, I was a child, with a child’s memories. This helped the book seem authentic, but I had to check on many facts about the culture, and of course use the native language, Swahili, throughout the story.

One interesting tidbit was the discovery of a famous American named Frederick Burnham. He was an adventurer who also had a distinguished military career, and was hired by Queen Victoria to aid the British in South Africa during the Boer War.

*Interview Questions*

1.	Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?
	I find that deadlines do help me with self-discipline. It is so easy to get distracted by life, family and chores! But I will focus when I know I’m short on time.
2.	What’s your favorite genre to read?
	My favourite genre to read is mystery. Historical is my favourite, but I love contemporary too. I am partial to stories set in Europe because I can identify with them so much.
3.	What was your first published work and when was it published?
	My first book was published in 2020 by the Wild Rose Press. It is called, The Secret of Mowbray Manor.

Social Media / Contact

Learn about all of Jude’s books on her website, and also her author page on Amazon.

♥ Website ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Instagram ♥ Linked In ♥ Amazon Author Page

Thank you for spending time with Jude and me today! Check your email next time on Book Treasure Tuesday!

Hugs~

Maxine

Award-Winning Author

RED RIVER CROSSING: Men of the Double K 2019 IDA Winner—Historical Novel

ELIZABETH: Widows of Blessings Valley 2019 IDA Finalist—Inspirational

THE MARSHAL’S BRIDE 2017 IDA Finalist—Short Historical

AUDIOBOOKS: Audiobook Cinema / Amazon / Kobo / Chirp

SUMMER RELEASE: HANNAH’S DISCOVERY

NEW THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: GINGERBREAD INN

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Kit McKenna

THE HEART THAT RETURNS

Welcome Kit McKenna to Book Treasure Tuesday!

Introduction

Hey, y’all! My name is Kit McKenna and I am a born and raised Okie gal and have lived in Oklahoma my whole life except for a brief detour to hang out in the mountains. I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life, including being a server, factory worker, salesperson, nightclub manager, office administrator, state drone, and business owner. I toyed with the idea of writing for several years and had a novel that I rewrote the first 50,000 words of at least a million times. Okay, okay, that’s a bit of a stretch. It was probably more like 50 times.

In late 2021, I decided to get serious about it because I was tired of reading books about perky, perfect, barely legal heroines. The folks in my books are of a variety of ages and from a variety of vocations and economic statuses. The one thing they have in common is that they all have their own demons, drama, and challenges to overcome.

I recently started publishing my books and my newest release – The Heart That Returns – is available for pre-order. This is book 3 in the Oklahoma Skies Romance series. The series follows the lives and loves of the Cross/Goodnight/Priddy clan and is set against the backdrop of Oklahoma.

Sneak Peek

All Sorrows Are Less – All Sorrows Are Less is Book #1 in the series and follows Miriam Cross. At age 7 she’s labeled as cursed by her family’s religious cult. Twelve years later she makes an immense sacrifice to protect her family and is rewarded by being cast out. Just when she thinks there’s no hope, she finds a new home and meets Luke Goodnight. Will he be able to keep her safe when her past comes knocking on the door?

Paint the Earth Red – Book #2 in the series is about Heather and Sean. We meet Luke’s cousin Heather in Book #1. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, she stumbles across a mystery and crosses path with Sean, an Agent with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. For Heather, it’s loathe at first sight. Will they be able to join together and trust each other and solve the mystery, or will it all fall apart with deadly consequences?

Genre: Small-town romance/Romantic suspense

Heat Level: HOT! 18+ only

The Heart That Returns – We’re introduced to Heather’s sister Veronica, or Roni for short, in the previous book. In Book #3, Veronica Priddy was only trying to do a good thing by reuniting a grandson with his dying grandfather. However, the grandson turned out to be nothing like what she'd hoped. Instead of a joyful reunion, an even deeper wedge is driven between the two men.

In the midst of saying goodbye to her friend, she meets a man who could be her everything, until he walks away leaving her with more questions than answers. Although things didn’t go according to plan, she did all she could and resolves to soothe her wounded heart and fulfill her dreams of a family on her own despite losing out on love once again.

Takoda Nomee knew he'd be hurting Veronica by walking away. He adores her, but he had no choice. He can only do what needs to be done while hoping someday to return to her and get the chance to win her heart once and for all.

But you know what they say, no good deed goes unpunished and Veronica becomes the target of an unhinged man who feels he's been wronged and is intent on vengeance. Will they be able to join together again before everything burns to the ground?

The Heart That Returns is available in Kindle and Paperback.

Research Tidbits

I LOVE doing research! When I first started writing this series, I spent a lot of time down in southern Oklahoma roaming around the areas mentioned in the books. From the Wichita Mountains to Pontotoc County, I poked around taking pictures and soaking in the ambiance of the environment.

In The Heart That Returns, there are more references to Native American words from both the Chickasaw and Absaroka nations. With Takoda’s arrival, I spent a lot of time reading up on the Absaroka people and the Crow Reservation.

*Interview Questions*

1.	Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven’t yet?
	Yes! Actually, that first book I started and only got ¾ of the way done is still floating out there in the ether of my brain. It’s an Urban Fantasy series that follows two sisters who suddenly discover that the world they thought was real isn’t and their whole lives have been a lie. One of the characters from that Urban Fantasy book appears in Paint the Earth Red but you’ll have to wait to see who. I know, I’m a total tease! It will see the light of day, but there are a few other books to get out of my gray matter first.
2.	If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?
	If I could choose anyone living or dead, I’d choose my daddy. He was tragically killed in a car accident when my mom was pregnant with me, so we never met. I’d love the opportunity to meet him and hang out even if only for a few hours over a meal.
3.	What is your writing process?
	I am a total Plantser! I do plan somewhat, but mostly my planning consists of the characters living in my head for a while before I start to write. They have entire lives in my brain, I think about them, dream about them, and envision them. When it’s time, I sit down and pour it all out on the page. I do keep a series “bible” on a spreadsheet so I can keep things straight (mostly ages) but otherwise, I don’t outline or do any of those complicated POV sheet thingies. For me, it bogs me down and anytime I’ve tried to plan, my characters have revolted and tossed the plan out the window by the time I get a quarter of the way in.

I am a total Plantser! I do plan somewhat, but mostly my planning consists of the characters living in my head for a while before I start to write. They have entire lives in my brain, I think about them, dream about them, and envision them. When it’s time, I sit down and pour it all out on the page. I do keep a series “bible” on a spreadsheet so I can keep things straight (mostly ages) but otherwise, I don’t outline or do any of those complicated POV sheet thingies. For me, it bogs me down and anytime I’ve tried to plan, my characters have revolted and tossed the plan out the window by the time I get a quarter of the way in.

Social Media / Contact

Readers and groups can contact Kit through email or message her through Facebook.

♥ Email ♥ Website ♥ Facebook ♥ Instagram

Thank you for spending time with Kit and me today! Check your email next time on Book Treasure Tuesday!

Hugs~

Maxine

Award-Winning Author

RED RIVER CROSSING: Men of the Double K 2019 IDA Winner—Historical Novel

ELIZABETH: Widows of Blessings Valley 2019 IDA Finalist—Inspirational

THE MARSHAL’S BRIDE 2017 IDA Finalist—Short Historical

AUDIOBOOKS: Audiobook Cinema / Amazon / Kobo / Chirp

NEW RELEASE: HANNAH’S DISCOVERY

PRE-ORDER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: GINGERBREAD INN

Monday, November 14, 2022

Pamela S Thibodeaux

KYLEIGH’S COWBOY

Welcome Pamela S Thibodeaux to Book Treasure Tuesday!

Introduction

I am a mother, grandmother, and author of “Inspirational with an Edge!”™ women’s/romantic fiction and creative nonfiction.

Sneak Peek

After several months of fits and starts, Kyleigh’s Cowboy is finally here!

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Heat Level: Subtle

She’s attempting to start a new life. He’s roamed for more than a decade. Can they let go of the past and grab hold of the future?

Seven years after the death of her husband, Kyleigh Winters turned their old vacation home into a brand new guest ranch. Not willing to join the ranks of lonely women trolling the bars or online in search of a man, Kyleigh is sure if God wishes her to have another husband, He’ll send the perfect someone in His own time. But will she be open to the possibility of new love when He does?

Searching for a place that calls to his soul, Lance Stevens has been a roaming cowboy for ten years since retiring from the Marines. He finds that sanctuary the moment he drives through the Silver Star’s gate and meeting the lovely owner speaks to more than his soul. Will he open to the healing power of love?

Get Pamela Thibodeaux's second chance romance novella today and see how love and faith conquers all.

Excerpt

“Mercy.”

Admiration laced Ramona’s voice. Kyleigh glanced at her daughter then turned to see what she gawked at. Her son-in-law, flanked by a cowboy, strolled toward them. Her heart did an irrational little twirl, pulse scrambled into high gear. Kyleigh bit back her own murmur of appreciation of the lean physique, muscled forearms and bulging biceps poured into the shirt stretched across a broad chest. Her fingers itched to stroke the salt and pepper hair peeking out from under his hat and curled over his collar. Smooth shaven for the most part, the man’s tanned cheeks hinted at a five o’clock shadow just below the surface. Sexy. Kyleigh shook herself mentally as the two men approached.

“I think we’ve found our wrangler.” Robert said. “Ladies, meet Lance Stevens. Lance, my wife, Ramona Evans and…” He grinned and bowed low, then rose with a flourish of one arm toward Kyleigh. “Mistress of the Silver Star, my mother-in-law, Kyleigh Winters.”

Eyes the color of dark roasted coffee swept over her in a gaze as potent as a caress, then locked with hers. Lance tipped his hat and grinned. A dimple creased his cheek. “Ma’am,” he drawled.

Kyleigh’s Cowboy is available in Ebook and Print.

♥ Amazon ♥ Other Online Retailers

Research Tidbits

I’m not a fan of research which is why I write contemporary romance LOL! Sometimes I’ll research an area where my book is set but this one is in the Texas Hill country as most of mine are. I’ve lived, worked, and travelled the Hill Country for many years so describing the area is easy. Kyleigh and Lance visit Lost Maples State Natural Area which I have hiked before. And it’s a beautiful place.

Interview Questions

1. Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?
	Sometimes I think I’d like to write traditional romance with steamy love scenes. I started one but haven’t had the time or inclination to finish it.
2. Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story, or do they develop as you write?
	Not at all. I’m 100% pantster when it comes to my stories. A scene may flash in my mind or a character shows up and starts talking to me. Sometimes I overhear a snippet of conversation and off I go.
3. What are your hobbies?
	READING, Dancing, Walking, Hiking, Horseback Riding. Swimming (in a pool where I can see what’s in there with me LOL!) I love being outdoors so camping could be listed as a favorite hobby as well as travelling.

Social Media / Contact

Readers can contact Pamela through her email! Which she welcomes gladly! Pamela also has a newsletter and is also on Facebook and Twitter as well as other social outlets.