FOCUS ON BOOKS GUEST NANCY BELL with a Romantic Christmas Story--CHRISTMAS STORM #focusonbooks

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

While the purpose of the series is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

This month I am delighted to have multi-genre and award-winning author in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, Nancy Bell, as my guest. Nancy and I are in the same publishing house, BWL Publishing. She is quite a force within BWL and I consider her my mentor to me in storytelling. 

I invited Nancy to share this Christmas story for the December blog because I loved this story and the series, A Longview Romance. I read it in 2016 and still list it as one of my favorite Christmas stories. Such warm characters and a beautiful location for a story taking place during the Christmas season.

I asked Nancy, who lives in Canada, why she wrote Christmas Storm. She replied, "I wrote Christmas Storm for a couple of reasons. One is that I love Christmas and snow storms. Two, is I have a passion for animal rescue. Three, I love the Alberta prairies and ranch life. So, Christmas Storm takes place just before and during Christmas, on a ranch and of course there is a dog that needs rescuing and of course there is a good old Alberta blizzard."

Continue reading to learn more about the book.

CHRISTMAS STORM
Romance

BACK OF THE BOOK:

The only thing bigger than the storm in Michelle's heart is the blizzard raging across the Alberta prairie outside her window. Finding an injured stray dog is the last thing she needs. Add to the mix the handsome new vet who is taking over her beloved Doc’s practice and peace of mind is not in the picture. Cale Benjamin is too nice to be for real. Michelle is still smarting from being jilted by her high school sweetheart fiancé and not in the mood to trust any man, let alone one as drop dead gorgeous as Dr. Cale Benjamin DVM. 

The injured stray, Storm, keeps putting Michelle in Cale’s path whether she likes it or not. She is distressed to find that the handsome young vet is sliding past her carefully erected defenses and into her heart. A few well-placed nudges from Doc’s matchmaker wife, Mary, help the young doctor’s cause, but will it be enough to make the lady rancher allow him into her life? 

Christmas Storm won fourth place in the 2013 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America International Digital Awards in the Contemporary Novel category.

 Christmas Storm is available to purchase in kindle, paperback, and audio formats. 

Click here to download or order now. 

PLEASE NOTE--eBooks released by BWL Publishing are 50% off during the Smashwords Sale through December 26!! Click here to download Christmas Storm.

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ABOUT NANCY BELL

Nancy lives in Castor, Alberta. She has publishing credits in poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Nancy has 23 novels to her credit. Her poetry is

Author Nancy Bell

included in Tamaracks  Canadian Poetry for the 21^st Century, Vistas of the West Anthology and by the University of Holguin Cuba in their Canada Cuba Literary Alliance (CCLA) program. 

Connect online with Nancy:

Website: http://www.nancymbell.ca
Twitter: @emilypikkasso
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://nancymariebell.blogspot.ca/

eBook 50% off sale at Smashwords!!
Click here to download books released by BWL Publishing

Click here  to download books 50% off by JQ Rose

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IWSG Blog Hop: Who Hates Cliffhangers? LOL..... #IWSGbloghop, #readers, #booksale

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Welcome December!

Happy Holidays!!

Hello and welcome to the December IWSG Blog Hop! I am looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! 

Thank you for joining in on the fun.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting--Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!

December 4 question - 

Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? 

Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?

I have never written a book series, but if I ever did, I would never end with a cliffhanger. It is such a gimmick to try and sell the next book in the series. I want the story to end with all the mystery and romance questions answered and tied up in a beautiful bow. When characters are written so readers care about them and what happens to them, it will naturally spur readers to learn more about them. They will buy the next book.

I experienced this when I read Nora Roberts' The Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy. Book #

1 is The Next Always. If you like sweet romance, witty moments, and ghost stories (like I do), you would like this series. I cared enough to read all three books in the series.

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DON'T MISS SMASHWORDS' HOLIDAY 50% OFF SALE

eBook 50% off sale at Smashwords!!

I'm sure you'll agree books make the best gifts! 😉

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Award-winning author Nancy Bell shares her Christmas romance, Christmas Storm.

Come back in two weeks, December 18, when prolific author Nancy Bell's Christmas story, Christmas Storm is featured in the FOCUS ON BOOKS series.

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Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

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Thank you for stopping in today! I'll be hopping about cyberspace to discover your thoughts on cliffhangers. Feel free to say hi and/or leave your thoughts on this blog below.

Focus on Books: Books to Help You Write Your Life Story #focusonbooks, #writingcraft

 

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading, we will dive into the fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

While the purpose of the series is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

I am choosing today's post to share my personal reading recommendations that help you record your life story for your family. I have been offering presentations on writing life stories and workshops for folks who want to preserve their stories for their families. I feel strongly about the value of sitting down and writing or making a video of your life experiences.

Not only does it offer you some eye-opening moments about past events as you look back through the lens of time, but your stories will become a beloved keepsake for your present generation and future generations.

Thanksgiving is the time when friends and family gather around the table to give thanks for their blessings, enjoy a meal together, and share those stories that have been passed down through the family. I bet the kids will put down their phones to stay and listen to the shenanigans about their dad or grandpa!! Oh, yes!!

What do you think? Please leave your thoughts below.

This list of books for writing life stories is also in my books on writing life stories. Your Words, Your Life Story and Your Life with Jesus.

The following resources can help you write your spiritual memoir.

Fields, Lesley Leyland. Your Life Matters: Finding, Writing and Living the Truth of Your Life

Morgan, Richard L. Remembering Your Story: Creating Your Own Spiritual Autobiography

Peace, Richard. Spiritual Autobiography: Discovering and Sharing Your Spiritual Story

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Connect online with JQ Rose:

J.Q. Rose blog 

Facebook 

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IWSG Blog Hop: Besides Writing, Photography is Another Way of Expressing My Creative Self #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Welcome November!

The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, and Me!

Hello and welcome to the November IWSG Blog Hop! I am thrilled to be one of the "awesome" co-hosts this month. Looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! Thank you for joining in on the fun.

November 6 question

 What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

I enjoy taking photos of nature, family, and events in my "real" life thanks to my dear great Aunt Elizabeth. She was the unofficial photographer of the family. 

I was fascinated as she clutched her Brownie camera and peered into the glass viewfinder on top of the camera to frame her shot.  The strap was attached to the camera so Aunt E. could hang the leather strap around the back of her neck. This helped her keep the camera steady, but also she couldn't lose it!

Brownie camera Courtesy of Danson67 on Pixabay

In those good old days, all pictures were saved on film, not to a digital file. No filters that we use today to change the lighting or enhance the picture. She wouldn't know if the picture was in focus or too dark or light until she took the film to the drugstore to have it developed. Only one or two pictures were taken of the subject. Today we snap six or eight pictures with our digital cameras and phones because there's no charge for each photo.

With all the helpful technology, it is easier these days to be a good photographer. However, it still takes an artistic, creative eye to compose stunning images. 

I've taken many photos during our travels, but none can begin to elicit emotions when viewing the actual site, such as the majesty of the mountains, the magnificence of the architecture, or the glory of a gorgeous sunset. However, I try because memories can't be captured unless the photo is taken.

I look forward to learning about your creative projects when I visit your blog. In the meantime, please leave a comment below about your memorable pictures.

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week. So many amazing bloggers on the IWSG Blog Hop!!

Connect online with JQ Rose:

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Focus on Books Guest Author Marsha R. West, New Release--DETERMINED #romantic suspense

 

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading, we will dive into the fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

While the purpose of the series is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

My October guest is Marsha R. West, a talented storyteller and a dear friend from the days when we were both newbies in the writing business. 

Congratulations, Marsha, on your new release, #4 in the Second Chances Series.

WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT DETERMINED?

My church is service-oriented, and through that work, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about folks experiencing homelessness. I wanted to share some of that info with others. I had a heroine from the second book I wrote (an unpublished one) that I really liked. I pulled her back into my consciousness and set her in the current day, gave her sisters, and used her backstory. She deserved to have her happily ever after. I hope DETERMINED will help folks look with a more open heart for those without a home and decide to get involved.

Thanks so much for hosting me, J. Q. I’d love to chat with your readers. 😊 Marsha

Determined
A Second Chance Romantic Suspense
Marsha R. West

BACK OF THE BOOK:

Real estate developer Hollister Grant (Holly) and her sisters Lee and Kay are determined to build a tiny home project for people who’ve recently been homeless, but Barrett Armstrong, president of a nearby homeowner association doesn’t want “those people” living near his neighborhood. He will do anything to prevent the land’s development. Anything.

Dan Morgan, Holly’s long-time friend and lawyer, wants to continue to help Holly with the project but sees his feelings for the woman moving past friendship and fears, but because of her past experiences, she isn’t ready for a change in their relationship. And might not ever be. Should he remain silent to maintain their friendship or risk everything for the chance of real love?

TRAILER FOR DETERMINED

BUY LINK:

Click here to download the eBook from your favorite online bookseller.

Click here to order the paperback.

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ABOUT MARSHA:

I’m a retired elementary school principal, a former school board member, theatre arts teacher, and I write Romance, Suspense, and Second Chances. Experience Required novels. I live in Texas with my supportive lawyer husband and Charley, a deaf, Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier. Our two daughters presented us with three delightful grandchildren, all who live nearby and are now teenagers!  

The theme of my eleven books is always second chances. I even named my four-part series The Second Chances Series. I believe in Happily Ever Afters. My husband picked up a plaque for me on one of our several trips to Maine that states my philosophy exactly. Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end. The Heroines and Heroes in my books range in age from 40 to late 50s and their parents and children often play supporting roles.

I am a member of North Texas Romance Writers, Texas Authors Institute, and the WORD BY WORD Blog. I send out a monthly newsletter and give away an e-book to some lucky commenter. I enjoy making presentations to groups, and several times, I’ve taught a Silver Frogs class on Indie Publishing for Texas Christian University. 

My books can be found on AMAZON, B & N, KOBO, and iTunes. Print books are available at Draft 2 Digital and Amazon.

Click here for more information and links to her books on her website 

Click here  to sign up for her  NEWSLETTER  

CONNECT ONLINE WITH MARSHA

marsha@marsharwest.com 

https://www.facebook.com/MarshaRWestfans

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.twitter.com/Marsharwest  @Marsharwest

https://wordbyword.net/category/blog/

https://www.pinterest.com/marsharwest/

https://www.instagram.com/marsharwest

Marsha R. West (Author of Vermont Escape) | Goodreads

Marsha R. West Books - BookBub

Amazon Author page https://amzn.to/456bBUy

Trailer Links Marsha R. West books

DETERMINED https://youtu.be/UB40vwfuAHc

TAINTED  https://youtu.be/URl5DnN3w4c

COMPROMISE https://youtu.be/KM0ACQn5Bzs

VULNERABLE https://youtu.be/Q2uaEusbZtI

Thanks for being my guest, Marsha!

* * * 

Perfect for Halloween! Horror story and Ghost story
Click here to download these scary, but fun books to read
on sale for $1.99 at Smashwords through October 31
Also available to download from your favorite digital bookseller
Paperback at amazon and bn.com

JQ Rose

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