8/31/2013 0 Comments Last snippet of The Painted LadyLet's pick up where we left off. George is trying to explain how fine Elizabeth is, let's see his father's reaction. Charles looked at the ceiling then back at his sons. George and Henry flocked his desk. Henry sat on one of the chairs in front of him with his legs crossed. His foot made tiny circular motions which Charles found quite distracting. Then there was George. He had arrogantly sat on the corner of the desk, only moving and standing up straight when Elizabeth had entered the room. Now he paced, his finger tapped his forehead as if he was in deep thought. Attempting to ignore his son’s movements, Charles said, “I guess I’ll just have to go and set you boys straight. However, first we have to talk about some other things. Like the Winterbottom account.” Henry’s leg stopped moving. The air in the room felt thick with apprehension as he said, “What’s there to talk about?” Charles leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. “Henry, I know you’ve been defending them, and you’ve done an excellent job, but they’re leaving the firm.” Henry scooted forward in his seat. His voice rose as he spoke, “But how? I mean— Why? I know I’m not exactly in their specialty area, but I’ve saved them millions!” “They’ve decided to go with another firm, because somehow, we took a case against them.” Henry asked, “Now how could we do that?” “I’m not sure. It appears one of our lawyers took a case that’s suing the company, and with your brother being engaged to old man Winterbottom’s daughter, they thought this was for the best.” Henry plopped back against the chair. “George, you’ve been quiet. Don’t you have anything to say? We’ve just lost one of our biggest clients.” Charles stared at his oldest son. The boy seemed to be deep in thought. A serious expression played across his face. George hadn’t been himself since he’d shared his engagement with Tina Winterbottom. Janice and Charles had been genuinely surprised when their thirty‑five‑year‑old playboy son had decided to marry. Yet it was his choice for a bride that came as the real shocker. Why, Tina was still a child herself. If he remembered correctly, the girl couldn’t be more than twenty-‐‑two or twenty-‐‑three. She was five‑three with tiny ears and eyes that reminded Charles of an elf. Her blonde hair was cut close to her head, and from behind her gender was easily mistaken. Tina was opposite from the normal buxom girls George usually dated. “George?” Charles said. George stared at the closed office door and repeated, “Real fine.” That was it? How could he still be thinking about Elizabeth at a time like this? Charles guessed he would just have to show the boys they were wrong or they would never let go of this fantasy about his secretary . Charles eased himself up out of his office chair. He walked to the door and opened it, hoping that his boys would stay behind until he resolved this issue. That woman is probably lost, and Elizabeth is going to come in and think that I’ve replaced her. Charles opened his door and stepped into his lobby. He looked at the woman behind Elizabeth’s desk. She looked very comfortable there. She was pecking away at the keyboard and kind of humming to herself in a pleasant way. “Excuse me, miss, I think you’re in my personal assistant’s seat.” Elizabeth turned and smiled in his direction. “Mr. Hampton, it’s me, Elizabeth.” Charles reached for his chest. A shock wave rippled through his body. His breath caught in his throat. Why had he never noticed how pleasant Elizabeth was to look upon? She’d always been nice and sweet, kind of like a daughter of his might have looked. Now she looked classy, professional, and way too attractive. Sighing deeply with regret, he knew what he had to do. As much as he hated to, he knew she couldn’t stay as his personal secretary. His wife would feel threatened, even if there was no reason to. Not only would Janice be upset, but there was the issue with her safety. When Janice first proposed the prospect of having a secretary who hid her identity, Charles thought the idea was preposterous. Yet as Elizabeth willingly accepted the role, and became an extraordinary and invaluable assistant, he’d almost forgotten that at one time she’d appeared differently. He should have known that it couldn’t last forever . Why had she not consulted him? Perhaps they could’ve found a way to move her to another department? Or they could have tried setting up another office in another part of the city just for her. A plan began to formulate in his mind. Was there nothing else he could do? Taking a deep breath he went ahead and plunged in. “Elizabeth, you look nice today.” “Thank you, Mr. Hampton. Is there something else you needed to add to my list?” “No, I have nothing else to add to the list. I’m sorry I have to do this.” Elizabeth’s brow creased with concern. “Do what?” “I have to let you go.” “Let me go where?” “Elizabeth, you can’t work here anymore.” Elizabeth looked crestfallen, gazing downward he noted the agitated movement of her hands. Charles tried to explain.“Elizabeth, your new look is a wonderful thing. But Janice won’t think so. Go ahead and keep working for now, and I’ll find somewhere in this organization of mine where you can go. Okay?” Elizabeth nodded. She appeared on the verge of tears. Placing her fingers to the keyboard, she resumed working while Charles walked back into his office. Charles paced, running his hand over his balding head. This wasn’t right. There had to be a solution. “Boys, you were right. It is Elizabeth. She’s changed. Except I can’t fire the girl. She’s an excellent assistant.” Henry said, “But Mother…”
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8/29/2013 0 Comments "The Painted Lady" continued...Last we left Elizabeth Wesley had transformed her. Wesley worries the change and his relationship to Elizabeth could place her in danger, but all she sees is her new look. Let's see what others think about it... Chapter Three The next day, Manhattan was warm and humid. Elizabeth dressed in a beige skirt that came just a hair above her knees. The sleeves of her shirt ended at the elbow. The thin material was covered in yellow and brown stripes, and a small slit resided on each side of the cuffs; however, the middle part of the shirt resembled a brown vest. She combined that with three inch heels and some small dangling earrings. Elizabeth brushed out her soft, wavy hair, allowing it to hang freely. She’d never been one for makeup and had refused to change that, even for the overly pushy makeup artist at the salon. Adding a small touch of clear lip gloss and then grabbing her purse, she headed out the door. She realized she’d made a mistake before she reached the bus stop. There was no way she could walk in these heels. Why hadn’t she brought tennis shoes and changed into her heels at the office? It was too late now. She would have to make do. When Elizabeth stepped on the bus, all the regulars were aboard—the lady with the three kids, the priest with his prompt white collar, a little old man that always carried his brown paper bag. No one paid any attention to her new look, and she was glad. Thirty minutes later, she stepped off the bus in front of the office building. She headed to the glass turn-‐‑style doors, pulled down her shirt, made sure she wasn’t wobbling in her shoes and walked inside. Nothing happened. No whistles, no catcalls, no one stopped what they were doing to look at her. That was a good sign. When Elizabeth reached the top floor, she began to wonder what the big deal about her old look had been. She was getting less attention now than she had before. When she entered the office, she put her bag down beside her desk, grabbed her pen and paper, and went to Mr. Hampton’s office to get his to-‐‑do list for the day. Before entering, she did a soft knock on the door to warn him she’d arrived and was coming in. Waiting for him, Mr. Hampton bade her to enter. The first thing she noticed upon entering was that he wasn’t alone. George and Henry were also in attendance. Charles was staring at his desk when he motioned her forward. He lifted his hand and in it was a list. “Here’s what I need you to do today.” That was all he said. Elizabeth took the list and headed back outside to her desk to start on her work. **** “Did you see that?” asked George. Henry asked, “Who was that?” “That was Elizabeth, you dolt.” “Elizabeth? Are you crazy? That wasn’t Elizabeth. Elizabeth looks like a retro girl from the sixties. That was someone else entirely,” said Henry, with confidence. Charles looked up from his desk and stared at his two sons. “What’s wrong with you two? Of course that was Elizabeth. It sounded just like her.” “She didn’t speak, Dad,” said George, flicking a piece of lint from his lapel. “She didn’t?” “Nope, she didn’t. You just handed her a list, and she sashayed out of her in three inch brown pumps.” “George, are you sure? Elizabeth was wearing high heels?” George pointed toward the door, saying, “Well, I don’t know if Elizabeth was. But that girl sure was.” George was silent a moment then said, “Mom isn’t going to like this.” “Like what?” asked Henry. He was a little slower on the uptake. “She’s not going to like Dad having a hot woman for his secretary.” “George, if you don’t stop talking in riddles I’m going to throw you out of this room on your ear. What hot woman are you talking about?” asked Charles. “I’m talking about Elizabeth. Haven’t you been listening?” “Apparently not. Elizabeth isn’t what you’re saying. And by the way, I don’t like you referring to her as such. She is a very fine lady.” “Well, now she is real fine,” said George, lifting one corner of his lip in a sideways grin. Apparently, Elizabeth was wrong. She is definitely being noticed! Interested in finding out what happens next? Well you're in luck. For one week The Painted Lady is only .99!!! Pick up your copy at Amazon or B&N. Join me back here in two days to read even more of The Painted Lady. Not had a chance to try out my Chick-Lit? Here is the perfect opportunity. For one week only Love Octagon is also on sale for .99! Pick up your copy at Amazon or B&N. 8/27/2013 0 Comments A touch of "The Painted Lady"Because I'm busily typing away on the third book in the Wounded Soldiers Series AND the second book in the Andrews Brothers Series, I've decided to share one of my other novels. I wrote The Painted Lady one Christmas after my daughter asked for a Butterfly Garden. Seeing those tiny little green worms grow long, large, fat and icky, and then turn into one of the most beautiful creatures, inspired me. So today and off and on for the rest of the week I'm going to share scenes from The Painted Lady. Amazon and Barnes and Noble do a fabulous job with their Look Inside feature so I won't bore you by repeating what they have but rather I'll start after that. (click Look Inside if you haven't had a chance to read the first part) As Wesley placed the packages in the trunk and came around to open her door, Elizabeth knew everything he’d done for her today had been because he was a nice guy. However, at some point they would have to discuss payment. The perfect gentleman, he waited for her to be seated before shutting the door behind her. She strapped in while he walked around and climbed behind the driver’s wheel. She kept a wide smile plastered on her face because she could see the employees from the boutique staring at them. No doubt they thought she was his girlfriend, mistress, or some such thing for him to take her to such a shop and spend so much money on her. She gave him a few minutes to get out on the road. Once they had been riding for awhile, Elizabeth started to ask about his purchases, except Wesley spoke first. He raised his hand. “I know what you’re going to say.” “Do you?” “Of course, I do. How are you going to pay me back? Why did I go buy all those clothes for you? Is this a plot so you’ll have to leave your townhouse? Am I right?” “How did you know that?” “You forget how long I’ve known you, Elizabeth. I’ve sat in Bible study classes with you, remember? I know what bothers you and what you dread. I know that you quit your job as a lawyer when you moved here. That you took a lower paying job because you didn’t want extra stress. I’m a lawyer after all, and I spend a lot of time listening, so I’ve gotten really good at it. Now in answer to your questions, I’m not trying to place you in debt. I wouldn’t do that to you. And you don’t have to pay me back.” “Sure. I guess Madame Duprea owes you a favor.” He laughed. “As a matter of fact, she does owe me a favor. I got her son off with a lighter sentence than he deserved, and she’s been eternally grateful. She’s even given some clothes to Lisa at a discount.” “You took me to a place that Lisa knows about!” “Well, of course. That way when I tell her everywhere we went she can call and check.” Wesley had a type of pleading sound in his voice. “I really like Lisa, and I don’t want to mess this up.” Elizabeth felt terrible. She had put him in a very awkward position. “I should have asked Lisa to come with us. Then she wouldn’t have had to worry.” “Oh, she isn’t worried. In fact I believe she’s been following us the whole time.” “What?” “I called her and told her what you’re going through while we were at the hair dresser. I also told her you were kind of embarrassed and didn’t want an audience. So she agreed to stay behind so she could only see you as you exited the building.” Elizabeth groaned loudly. “What about her mother’s visit?” “She said she’d finished all the cleaning she wanted to do. Something about needing to get out of the house.” “I wish you would’ve told me.” Turning to face her, Wesley grinned broadly. “Now, that wouldn’t have been any fun.” Elizabeth sneered in his direction then turned and faced out the window. The car cut across town in no time. Soon she was unloaded and staring at her packages in her living room floor. Madame Duprea had forgotten nothing. All the way down to a brand new slip and several pairs of pantyhose. Wesley had been right. Everything the woman chose had fit perfectly. Elizabeth sat down on her bed and stared at all the packages. She would be up half the night sorting it out. She would have to get rid of her old clothes just to make room for the new ones in her closet. But as her mother always told her, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” Elizabeth was going to listen to her at least this time. **** When Elizabeth was safely inside her home, Wesley picked up his phone. Dialing Lisa, he watched his rearview mirror to see if his tail reached for the phone. When their hands remained steady on the wheel, he hung up. Wesley had prayed it was Lisa behind him. He’d hoped his past had finally left him behind. But he was wrong. They didn’t trust him. This little display proved that they believed he was going to share their secrets. And now his act of friendship toward Elizabeth may have just placed her in grave danger. And the intrigue begins! Tune in Thursday for the next sneak peek. 8/17/2013 1 Comment Conflicted Jewel by Lynn SpanglerThis story is the second in the On Main Street series. This story features Sage Whitley and Zander Havilland. I loved writing this story because it featured jewelry. I love jewelry and used to sell it as a matter-of-fact. Diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend but so are rubies, emeralds, opals…well, you get the picture. I hope you enjoy my story! Blurb: Sometimes trusting your heart is harder than diamonds… Years separated Sage and Zander. Will their reunion rekindle feelings they’ve long since kept to themselves? Sage Whitley’s life as owner and jewelry designer for Whitley’s Jewelers was mundane and comfortable until the return of Zander Havilland. Secretly, Sage has had feelings for the handsome gemstone buyer for years and now he’s back in Jonerstown to stay. Sage’s life is soon turned upside down and Zander is there to catch her. Zander Havilland leaves his high paying job in New York City to return to his hometown to stay with his aging mother. An opportunity presents itself shortly after his return, putting him on a collision course with the lovely, petite Sage Whitley. Soon emotions long hidden for the beauty rush in and Zander is more than ready to accept the inevitable. Adversity draws them closer together as they try to unravel a mystery involving a large diamond, a rash of thefts, and murder. Can they solve the bizarre mystery before it’s too late and explore the possibility of everlasting love? Excerpt: “You’re early,” she said when she noticed Sage. “Had a hard time sleeping last night. Need the jolt sooner not later,” Sage professed. “Give me an espresso. I need jet fuel instead of gasoline.” Sherry laughed. “Sure thing. What size? If you’re not used to drinking them, then I’d recommend going no bigger than a medium.” “Make it so.” It never ceased to amaze Sage how efficient Sherry was at her job. Her steaming drink was before her in no time. “You make preparing my orders look so easy,” she declared, sipping the brew. “Wow, it’s strong.” “You said jet fuel.” Sherry said and then grinned. “I guess I did. Thanks. I’ll probably catch you later today. See you,” Sage said before turning to leave. She stopped, rooted in place, when she saw who strolled in the door. Zander stood in all his gorgeous glory. He was wearing a tailored three-piece suit in a pleasant charcoal color, which showcased his broad shoulders. A white dress shirt and a cobalt blue tie completed his ensemble. His collar brushing, ink-black hair was pulled back into a stubby tail. The corners of his mouth curled upward when his eyes met hers. His smile made her heart skip a beat. Sage’s knees weakened and she leaned against the counter for support. She knew she’d never see a more perfect male specimen than the man standing before her. He ambled over toward her and stopped about a foot away. Every one of Sage’s nerve endings seemed to fire at once. Her pulse fluttered and the pit of her stomach tingled. “Good morning,” he said. “Hi,” she managed and then sipped her espresso. She frowned slightly. “This is stronger than I’m used to.” Zander leaned down and sniffed the brew through the opening. “You drinking the high octane stuff?” “Huh…” Sage couldn’t seem to form proper words. “Yeah,” she said when her synapses worked again. “I had trouble sleeping last night.” “You too?” He flashed a brilliant smile again. “How is the espresso?” Buy Links: Astraea Press Amazon Author Bio: I live in South Central Pennsylvania with my wonderful, loving husband and my beautiful daughter. I also have a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I have a cat named Kolzig and a dog named Cede who allow us to live with them. I love to write and read. I also make jewelry when the mood strikes. I'm a huge sports fan. I love football, NASCAR, and hockey. I'm also a bit of a game show freak. I love old game shows from the 70's and 80's like Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Television shows like Criminal Minds and Rizzoli and Isles are also favorites of mine. 8/9/2013 1 Comment Spell Struck by Ariella MoonLet me begin with a big thanks to Felicia for allowing me to guest host today. I am so pleased to to be here! My second YA novel, Spell Struck, Book 2: The Teen Wytche Saga, released July 18th. The first book in the series, Spell Check, debuted in 2012 and was recently reissued with a newly designed cover. Below is the story of how the two books, specifically their cover designs, impacted my recent trip to Wales. My big trip to Wales loomed. I still awaited the final cover art for Spell Struck, Book 2: The Teen Wytche Saga, which was scheduled to release five days after my return. For weeks I had traded emails with artist Amanda Matthews and Astraea Press founder, Stephanie Taylor. At issue had been how to portray Aidan, the kidnapped teen hero. He needed to be a little scruffy and street worn, but not so much that you’d cross the road to avoid him. Turned out that image was more challenging to portray than any of us had expected. I had visualized Aidan as sort of a young Johnny Depp. Unfortunately, the only one who looked like that was…Johnny Depp. Sigh. At last, a compromise was reached and all the elements coalesced. With a portrait of Aidan finally agreed upon, I zipped up my suitcase, jetted to London, and then took the train to Cardiff Central. My plan was to research a new middle grade trilogy. But my mind remained on the Teen Wytche Saga. The Spell Struck cover was done, but Stephanie had promised me a revamp for Spell Check. The new cover would release the same day Spell Struck debuted. Amanda hadn’t completed the concept cover before I left. So, while taking a taxi from the train station to Miskin Manor, the first stop in my research and spiritual pilgrimage, the thought highest on my mind was, will they have WiFi? Amazingly, the magnificent country house hotel did have Wi-Fi in its smoky downstairs parlor. Alas, a quick email check revealed no word from Amanda. Thus began a ten-day, nail-biting whirl through Wales. By day, I hiked fairy forests, visited holy wells, and explored castle ruins. I climbed Dinas Emrys, the ancient hill fort where it is said the white and red dragons were released and Merlin prophesized. By night, I joined other members of the tour in the common room of whatever manor house or retreat we were staying in. We congregated on plush sofas or hard plastic chairs, seeking the strongest Internet signal. Checking emails, twitter, and Facebook became a group activity. Each night, I searched my email account. Sometimes I heard from Amanda. Sometimes I didn’t. The time difference between the United Kingdom and the United States stymied quick communication. My book launch inched closer. On the final night of my journey, with a two-day slog home ahead of me that included eighteen hours holed up in three different airplanes, Amanda emailed me. Pulse zigzagging; I downloaded the final, Stephanie-approved, Spell Check cover. I loved it! In the sitting room of the Caer Beris Hotel, the tour group released a collective breath. One week to my book launch. We had made it! What if the one person who saw through your lies and loved you, harbored a secret that could cost you everything? Goth outcast, Salem Miller, believes her love spell failed until Aidan Cooper arrives at Jefferson High. When he chooses her over the popular girls, Salem knows magic brought him. But can she summon enough wizardry to save her sister? Salem fears Amy’s next suicide attempt will succeed. Magic brought Aidan. Maybe it can cure Amy. Salem’s last hope lies hidden within a damaged grimoire, nearly destroyed by a wrongful love spell. Was her rightful love spell enough to restore it? Newest Jefferson High transplant, Aidan Cooper, doesn't expect to be attracted to a goth. Then he realizes Salem is throwing a glamour—pretending to be something she’s not. Guess it takes one to know one, since his whole life has been a lie. But if his kidnappers discover he's broken their No Attachments rule, he'll never see Salem again. Worse, he’s terrified they’ll harm her when they discover she possesses the ancient grimoire. To protect Salem, Aidan must destroy the grimoire, and escape his captors. While Salem races to unlock the Get Well Spell, Aidan scrambles to overcome his past. With their star-crossed paths at odds, will time run out for both of them? Excerpt Aidan lowered his hand. His finger pressed against my skin, shooting a delicious tingle up my arm. When I didn’t move away, he hooked his finger over mine. My breath caught. We stayed, frozen, hyper-focused, for what seemed like three lifetimes. Then Aidan trailed his fingertips across the back of my hand. The soundtrack, popcorn smells, and theater audience melted into the background. The world narrowed down to the unspoken grief and need entangled in Aidan’s touch. I rotated my hand so my palm faced upward. Aidan hesitated. Our gazes locked in the flickering light. The spell link humming between us lit up like blue lightning. At least I think it was the spell link. Aidan plunged his fingers between mine. Our palms pressed together, igniting a current. Air shuddered from my lungs. Magic rippled from us in successive waves. My heart stuttered. My breath ceased. Every cell within me vibrated. Troops of fairies or dragonflies took flight in my lower abdomen. It’s possible blue lightning shot from my boots. Good thing I wasn’t holding the popcorn. Buy links: Astraea Press Amazon Barnes and Noble About Ariella Ariella Moon writes about magic, friendship, and love in Spell Check and Spell Struck, Books One & Two in The Teen Wytche Saga from Astraea Press. After a childhood spent searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia, Ariella grew up to become an author and shaman. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred Ariella’s teen years. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. She now lives a nearly normal life with her extraordinary daughter, shamelessly spoiled dog, and an enormous dragon. Where to Find Ariella Moon My Website: http://www.ariellamoon.com/ My Blog: http://ariellamoon.blogspot.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ariellamoon.author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomAriellaMoon About the story: This story was written in memory of my mother. She influenced parts of the story. I hope after you read the story, that you appreciate the ending. I know my Mom is in Heaven looking down on me now. I love you, Mom! Blurb: Sometimes light and love extinguish the darkness of tragedy… The heartache of loss weighed heavy on Blythe Kenner. Blythe’s mother had been her best friend, her confidant, her mentor. Now, she is alone. Or is she? In steps ex-boyfriend Garrett Richmond. Blythe dumped him with little explanation. His feelings for her were so complete that they made her feel unworthy. She was unsure if she’d ever be able to love someone so intently. From the tragedy of death, Garrett feels the need to help, comfort, and shelter the woman who still held his heart captive. He knows she needs space after the loss of her mother but he won’t stay away for long. Will Garrett’s daily check-ins rekindle feelings for him she thought had long since passed or will his strength and kindness ignite the spark threatening to light the fire again? Excerpt: With a wistful sigh, she opened the door and froze in place. Garrett Richmond stood in all his handsome glory. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. He seemed to study her, his gaze resting on her face. Oh, how she wished she’d never answered the door. She looked like a train wreck and felt the same. Garrett, on the other hand, looked impeccable in his three-piece suit. “Your mother, whom I liked immensely, just passed away. I couldn’t ignore that or you. I had to see how you were.” “I’m…,” she stammered. A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed hard. “I’m okay. Just dealing with funeral arrangements.” “Are you sure? No offense, but you look beat.” She leaned her head against the door. “I am tired. It’s hard to take care of all the arrangements and what-not by yourself.” “You’re not, you know.” Though his stance was casual, hands in pockets, jingling change, his face was serious. Garrett’s eyes were blue pools of emotions. His words echoed in her mind and she found herself confused by their meaning. “I’m not what?” “Alone.” That one word held so much promise and she almost believed it. Buy Link: Astraea Press Author Bio: I live in South Central Pennsylvania with my wonderful, loving husband and my beautiful daughter. I also have a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I have a cat named Kolzig and a dog named Cede who allow us to live with them. I love to write and read. I also make jewelry when the mood strikes. I'm a huge sports fan. I love football, NASCAR, and hockey. I'm also a bit of a game show freak. I love old game shows from the 70's and 80's like Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Television shows like Criminal Minds and Rizzoli and Isles are also favorites of mine. |
Felicia RogersWriting clean romance with laughter and love. Archives
April 2017
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