Happy New Year! I can say that, right? It's still January. I'm chatting with you from Northern Florida. It's a little chilly but I've got sun, a hoodie, and a cup of one of my favorite afternoon beverages, Lady Grey tea. One of my fellow campers just popped over and share one of his birthday cupcakes with me. Thanks, Bill and happy birthday.  🥳️
As I was heading to my winter home in Florida (I’m retired from my paying job) thoughts about what to talk about this month. Then my phone dinged while sitting in a gas station off US 95. My book Felice hit number 5 on Amazon in the Romantic/Fantasy category. Not only did I try to do the happy dance in the truck, but the light bulb went off, and blogging about writing while traveling was born.
Back in 2017, hubby and I began talking about how we would spend our retirement. Going south was definitely in the plan. No more snow and ice. Pete previously slipped on ice and suffered major trauma to his leg, requiring surgery and months in a leg brace. To this day, he walks with a limp.
We have many friends in Florida. Okay, we had a general idea. But how? We couldn’t afford a second home, and we do love Northern New Jersey for the rest of the year.
A camper! That’s the ticket.
But I needed an office.
Okay, a big camper!
That’s what we did. After looking at between 50 and 60 rigs, we settled on 2HOOTs. She has a bunk house that doubles as an office and guest room.
During our sojourn to the Sunshine State last year, I not only finished Jazz House but also wrote and contracted for Sophia’s Magic Beans (releases 4/10/23). Then I began a multi-author series called The Mortar & Pestle (Sea Hunter releases 3/16/23). So, for me, traveling is conducive to writing.
Over the summer, we continued to travel for research. Maine and Massachusetts are full of naval history, and visiting places is immersive. Talking to people and standing on the shores where so much history happened was amazing.
Here’s my list of what I need to be a traveling author.
1. Internet access. (This is not guaranteed even in campgrounds that claim they have it.) We have one carrier for our phones, so I can hotspot another carrier for the truck. I’ve often been spotted wandering aimlessly around with my phone held high over my head searching. Emails, marketing, and zoom meetings are all a part of my life, and I need the connections.
2. I invested in a lap desk. It was inexpensive and comfortable (I’m using it now.)
3. The ability to focus. Writing is a full-time job for me, and I treat it as such. I get up and get ready like I’m still going to the office.
4. Know when enough is enough. Especially when I’m deep in research or editing, I can forget the time. Having a dog helps. She needs to go for walks, and so do I.
The lifestyle is not for everyone, but I’ve found my place. Inspiration, ideas, and research are around every bend in the road. If you haven’t yet, I hope this year you, too, find your place. If you have, then enjoy it.
What items can you not travel without? Where is your happy place?

Kerry Blaisdell is the bestselling and award-winning author of the acclaimed Dead Series, including DEBRIEFING THE DEAD and its sequels, which InD’tale Magazine recommends for “fans of shows like ‘Constantine’ or ‘Supernatural.’” She also writes award-winning Romantic Suspense (PUBLISH OR PERISH, a Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist) and Historical Mystery. She has a B.A. from U.C. Berkeley in Comparative Literature (French/Medieval English), and a Master’s in Teaching English and Advanced Mathematics from University of Portland. Kerry lives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with her family, assorted animals, and more hot pepper plants than anyone could reasonably consume.
To connect with Kerry online, join her Facebook Reader Group, or subscribe to her Very Occasional Mailing List and get TWO free downloads!

Hello, Everyone! Thanks for joining me and my guest today. Martha is new to my blog and I look forward to getting to know her. Before we get started a bit of housekeeping. Did you take advantage of the free sample copy of The Mortar & Pestle? No, well here's the link 
Link to free sample of series https://dl.bookfunnel.com/b1ytv2r7nq
And here's the link to the pre-order sale on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS42PKHZ
And Sea Hunter's Linkhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRYJLLW1

• Martha, thank you for being my guest today. Now, while I pour us some coffee, why don't your introduce yourself? 
• I’m a swimmer! I am fortunate enough to live in Florida and have a pool and swim laps most afternoons. It’s a win-win; exercise and mindfulness. 


• That's wonderful! I'm in Florida too. Northern where it's still a bit chilly for a swim but soon. What interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have? 
• I was home raising my children for two decades which I really enjoyed, but I didn’t make much time for hobbies other than writing in their teenage years. Now they are grown and I can focus on writing full-time.

So I’d have to say exercising and decorating. 

Who is your network or support system? 
My husband has been very supportive of my writing over the years. It can be a lot of work and investment with little reward. My girls are proud of me and that means the world to me. My friends and extended family have also been great. I’ve learned so much from online author groups. Authors are incredibly generous and patient. 

So, true. When people ask what I do and I tell them I'm an author, may think I'm rolling in the dough, and not think about the hours of work involved in each book to sell for pennies on the dollar. But I do love writing, so here we are talking about our passion. Who or what books or authors lit your passion and inspired you?
The first romance novel I ever read was Heartbeat by Danielle Steel. I still have it. I used to check out her paperbacks at the library when I was in high school. Her books definitely got me thinking about writing romance. But Nora Roberts is my all-time favorite author.  She’s an incredible storyteller. 
 
I'm listening to Nora Roberts Awakening  currently. It's very good. Do you have any fun or outrageous talent? 
Honestly, no! 

What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
As I mentioned, I’m a midwestern transplant who lives in Florida and sometimes I still pinch myself even after all these years. It’s such a beautiful place to live. I love the weather and the lifestyle. Too many favorites to choose!   

Does writing energize or exhaust you? 
Both. It’s all-consuming, satisfying and electrifying all at once. Some days I’m so mentally and physically drained and other days I can’t stop. It’s also fickle and unpredictable. I’ve had to adjust to that. 

I hear you. Yesterday I pulled up a chair next to my neighbor and said, "I can't look at the computer for one more minute." Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? 
My first book, Second Chance, took on a mind of its own and became a trilogy-Second Chance, Chance Encounter and Last Chance. All three books are standalones but each features a couple with the other two couples as supporting characters so everyone gets a happily ever after ending. Christmas in Tahoe is not part of the Chances Trilogy but mentions one of the characters in passing. All my books are set in Lake Tahoe. 

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? 
This is going to one of the most draining yet most rewarding things you’ve ever done. Second only to motherhood. And it’s going to take a lot longer than you think. Bring your moxie and grow some thicker skin.
 
I hope someone reading this understands that. Many say, "Oh, I should write a book." And maybe they should, but not think it's a piece of cake, and should be aware of the time and angst. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? 
None. I know that’s unusual. I have some ideas in my head if that counts.
 
What is your favorite childhood book? 
Charlotte’s Web 

How long on average does it take you to write a book? 
Christmas in Tahoe, which came out in December 2022, took me just under a year.

Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours? 
The first time we went to Lake Tahoe on vacation. My girls were five and three. I was immediately smitten. Thus, the setting for all my books. 

It's been a pleasure getting to meet you, Martha. I wish you the best with all your books. Before you head out to the pool for laps could you leave us with some information about your latest book and where to get more information about it and you?

Last Chance
by 
Martha O'Sullivan

Moira Brody knows Paul Webster better than he knows himself. But neither one of them know that he is as desperately in love with her as she is with him. Still, she isn't going to wait around forever, especially on Valentine's Day. When Paul learns that the hard way, he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. He can't lose her. Or let the past dictate the future. These friends turned lovers will have to look at each other with fresh eyes and brave hearts. But not everybody is on their side. And Paul will have to choose between following his head and listening to his heart. Or risk losing Moira forever.
  
https://books2read.com/marthaosullivanlastchance
 
 
About the Author
Martha O'Sullivan has loved reading romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing her own books is the realization of a lifelong dream. She is a graduate of Illinois State University where she wrote for the school newspaper and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. She is also a former Acquisitions Editor at MacMillan Computer Publishing. Martha writes contemporary romances with M/F couples and happy endings. A native Chicagoan, she lives her own happy ending in Florida with her husband and two daughters.

Find out more by following Martha at
https://www.marthaosullivan.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/authormarthaosullivan/ 
http://twitter.com/@m_osullivan26

From the Cover
A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe.
Throughout time people have sought their heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive.
Carved with ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters.
Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.
About the Series
Go on the adventure of The Mortar & Pestle series with international authors of different genres and vast backgrounds who came together and offer this exciting, often humorous series. From world traveling, teachers, bloggers, magazine editors and award winners there’s something for everyone in this series.
Get a Free Sampling of all the stories at dl.bookfunnel.com/b1ytv2r7nq

A bit about all the stories
 
Selkie
By
Sydney Winward
No one has ever managed to capture a selkie. Until now…
On their wedding day, Klaus Lovik’s bride is stolen by an enemy chieftain. He will travel to the ends of the earth to find her, and in desperation, he captures a selkie and uses her as a bartering piece. But the selkie’s magic is powerful enough to drown entire islands, and if he’s not careful, he might find himself in a watery grave.
Mayla Brior is gifted with the power to shed her seal skin, enabling her to walk on land. But when a man robs her of the pelt, she is forced to follow his commands, endangering her skin, and preventing her return to the sea.
Venturing into enemy territory, Klaus and Mayla bond, escalating their relationship into more than adversaries. He realizes his pending nuptials are a dreadful mistake. But it might be too late to choose another path, especially when he knows he has to eventually let her go.
 
Seeker
By
Jean M. Grant
Nock, draw, release. Her bow is always ready, and if her arrow hits its mark, she will secure her destined soulmate.
 
Aileana Montgomerie’s bloodline holds valuable gifts of foresight and healing, but with each honor comes a curse. Even though she is descended from the mystical isles’ folk, she lacks the ability of the Scottish Ancients and wonders if she belongs in a magical family. Aileana just wants a purpose. What good is her bow and arrow if she is denied the right to fight for her clan?
Brodie MacDougall is ordained to be the next war chieftain of his clan. The title is a privilege as long as his brother, the future laird, doesn’t expect him to lift a sword and charge into battle. Chronic pain and nervous vapors force him to spend his days alone. Can his strategic skills keep him one step ahead of his conspiring brother?
Through a magical Mortar & Pestle, Brodie finds his heart’s desire. But there’s a catch. The seat on his brother’s council is no longer dependent upon his health…but on Aileana’s strength. With rumblings of unrest among their clans, will their love foster an alliance or be a step toward war?
 
Quartermaster
By
Marilyn Barr
Can the love of a pirate heal the wounds inflicted by a gentleman?
Catalina
He violated me. Don Rodrigo took my family’s business, home, and titles, but he will never own me. I’m on the run. He’s threatened to expose my secret. My last hope is to intercept the ship carrying my dowry before our match is permanent. Trusting pirates to give me a fair share is foolish but not as much as staying on the same island as my attacker…
Chub
The letter from our arch-nemesis was written in feminine calligraphy but our nutmeg Captain Teeth didn’t notice. Blimey that because the author of the letter is my lady love. I’d bet my last doubloon. If only she didn’t shrink away from my touch… Killing every scoundrel who dared to hurt her isn’t helping…but it cools the rage I hold inside.
Can Chub teach Catalina to assemble her shattered fragments into the strong woman she wants to be or is she too broken to believe in herself? Will she accept a pirate’s promise of true love or was the Mortar & Pestle’s message too late for lonely Chub to claim his lady love?
https://www.amazon.com/Quartermaster-Marilyn-Barr-ebook/dp/B0BRWRPDBF
 
Sea Hunter
By
D.V. Stone
On the turbulent high seas, an archeologist must protect a historic shipwreck from treasure hunters—not fall for one.
Zahra Corbyn
As the professor of antiquities, nothing snaps my cap more than treasure hunters and looters. They smash and grab and then are gone with the wind. And there are two after Sea Wraith. But fate is a funny thing. Thanks to an ancient Mortar & Pestle, not only am I in cahoots with one of them but he’s also fired up my heart, turning me into a khaki-wacky.
Captain Jack Alexander
I’ve been told women on a ship are unlucky, but this dame has the two pieces of the map I need to finally claim Sea Wraith. Now, I find myself in a lousy deal that makes me one-third partner with her and a known scalawag. It’s either that or bupkis. After all these years of chasing down my dream of finding the shipwreck, my obsession is cooling off and heating up toward a bird who’s way above my pay grade.
Can the two unlikely allies work together while safeguarding their hearts against the power of the Mortar & Pestle?
If you like Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, you’ll love Zahra Corbyn and Jack Alexander.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRYJLLW1
or grab a sample
dl.bookfunnel.com/b1ytv2r7nq
 
Revamped
By
Shirley Goldberg
An energy vampire hungry for love meets the wisecracking woman of his parents’ nightmares.
Vampire Dante Allegretti hates his sucky life. Born into a family of energy siphoners, he’s desperate to reinvent himself as a fun-loving normal guy rather than a crowdsourcing parasite. To stop the draining urges, Dante resorts to grinding alternative meds in an ancient Mortar & Pestle, not knowing it contains magical properties.
Enter wisecracking thirty-year-old Sophie Arley, who lives with her clingy parents. Working three jobs and craving independence, she’s come back strong after a breakdown crashed her cozy world. So when the weird, hot guy she just met-cute asks Sophie to the movies, she agrees.
Sophie won’t spoil their magical connection by mentioning her heartbreak. And Dante dreads telling Sophie about his dark side. Will the power from the Mortar & Pestle guide them to their happily ever after despite the secrets and lies?
 
Trickster
By
Darlene Fredette
Can she heal the trickster before he breaks her heart?
Working for a top modeling agency is Jade Parsons’s dream job until her boss suffers a heart attack, and his son temporarily fills his position. Eric’s push-pull approach fuels her frustration. While anticipating the troublemaker’s imminent departure, Jade’s destiny is revealed through a magical Mortar & Pestle, leaving her heart tormented by whispers of a different fate.
World-renowned photographer Eric Martini returns home to restore his relationship with his estranged father, but wounds from the past haunt him. Enchanted by his father’s feisty assistant, he masks his heart and refuses to give in to desire. Convinced his destined future is already written in the stars—and doesn’t include Jade, Eric’s only choice is to walk away.
Will Jade and Eric find the courage to trust the mythical and smokey signs before their paths are severed forever?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS1PD9W2/
 
Artist
By
Ginny Frost
Stuck at a retreat with her ex, Lexi is torn between reviving her art and rekindling an old romance.
Lexi Pintari is stuck in a dead-end cubicle job that is slowly killing her. She tucked away her passion for art when the love of her life ghosted her after college. Witnessing her lack of motivation, Lexi’s best friend drags her to an art retreat for much-needed reflection and inspiration. Though knowing her ex-boyfriend is an artist-in-residence there, Lexi agrees to go. Unfortunately, her metal-goth style and enthusiasm for graphic comics clash with the pastel-scarf-wearing, tea-sipping participants, making her ex the least of her problems. 
Cole MacDougall is blocked. His rise to the top of the modern art scene is crushed by a missing muse. He is desperate to paint again, but the canvas remains blank. Due to the shortage of patronage revenue, he is forced to put up with the groupie-students. Until he sees a woman standing out like a sore thumb in ripped jeans and a leather jacket. Lexi. Hope blooms that he can renew his passion through her. 
For two weeks, Lexi and Cole work together, discovering what they’ve lost professionally and personally. Will a magical Mortar & Pestle show them how to connect the broken lines and seal their destiny?
Book Funnel Free Sample ⤵️
dl.bookfunnel.com/b1ytv2r7nq
Link to Series ⤵️
https://www.amazon.com/Mortar-Pestle-6-book-series/dp/B0BS42PKHZ
 
About the Series
Go on the adventure of The Mortar & Pestle series with international authors of different genres and a vast backgrounds who came together and offer this exciting, often humorous series. From world traveling, teachers, bloggers, magazine editors and award winners there’s something for everyone in this series.

Avenging Angel
by
Michelle Godard-Richer
Releases Friday, January 13, 2023

​A Friday the 13th Short Story: 13 authors ~ 13 suspenseful stories. Murder and mayhem on Friday the 13th...Find each story in the series on Amazon.
On Friday the 13th, sweet college student and barista, Maya Pendleton, leaves Rowena’s Coffee to walk home alone. The streets of Gideon’s Hollow are empty. The locals believe the spirits of the witches from nearby Salem roam on this cursed night, seeking revenge on the descendants of those who burnt them at the stake.
Maya’s lonely footsteps echo through the empty street in a steady rhythm until they’re interrupted by another pair. They belong to Rand Roosevelt⎯an evil man with murder on his mind. But he picks the wrong night, the wrong victim, and he messes with the wrong witch.

Get your copy here
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLCZ8W66
 https://books2read.com/AvengingAngel

​Excerpt
The witch removed her athame from her satchel, sliced open the meaty part of her palm, and coated the blade with her blood. She held it to the sky as she moved to stand beside the girl in the center of the circle. “As above,” she buried the ritual knife into the Earth beside Maya’s waist, “so below.”
She lifted her arms to the clear sky where the orange harvest moon held reign over the night, letting the power of the elements fill her. The tendrils of darkness hung in the air nearby, waiting for her to harness their energy. “Dark God. An act most foul, the murder of an innocent, has been committed upon this sacred land. Lend us your strength to right the wrong.”
The black candles on either side of Maya’s head burst into flame, melting the wax into two small nubs. 
“Yes, my lord. Yes.” The witch smiled. “Dark Lord, lend Maya Pendleton your power. Resurrect her from the land of the dead, so she may bring vengeance upon Rand Roosevelt, the one who wronged her, to restore balance to this sacred land.”
A bolt of lightning forked down from the sky into Maya’s chest. The wound on the girl’s hand closed, and her eyes popped open.
The witch outstretched her palms over the girl, who was no longer human, but rather an immortal slave bound to the witch. “Arise, my avenging angel.”
Heat level: none but the violence would put it at a PG13

About the Author

Michelle Godard-Richer is an award-winning thriller and romance author living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. With her degree in Criminology, she writes edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful stories with strong protagonists and diabolical villains.

Follow Michelle
www.michellegodardricherauthor.com
Goodreads: Michelle Godard-Richer
Twitter: @MGodardRicher
Facebook: Michelle Godard-Richer Author
Instagram: michellegodardricherauthor
TikTok: @mgodardricher

When Love Comes Home. The Fitzpatrick Family series
by
Judythe Morgan
Released: December 18, 2022
Rated ~G~

Sometimes your heart knows what’s best.

Sammy Fitzpatrick and Tiffany Fischer eloped on prom night. The next day her father forced them to sign annulment papers then whisked her off to art school. Sammy and Tiffany made secret plans to go to Guatemala with a mission group.
Then she and her parents disappear without a trace. Resigned to a life alone, Sammy heads to the mission field missing a chunk of his heart.
Ten years later, he learns the annulment papers were never filed. Tiffany is still legally his wife, but she doesn’t know it and she's engaged to someone else. His heart has never let him forget. But is he too late?
As secrets unravel, will they be able to find the love they once shared again?

Get your copy today
https://amazon.com/When-Love-Come-Home-Fitzpatrick-ebook/dp/B0BQLGYWMP/

Judythe's inspiration for the story
The release of When Love Comes Home is bittersweet because Sammy’s story is the last of The Fitzpatrick Family series. I’m going to miss all the Fitzpatricks. I’ve loved finding soulmates for all the brothers and sisters. They’ve kinda been like a pretend family as I’ve crafted their stories. Like my real family, Sammy has heartache and disappointment, tragedy and trial, but in the end faith and love lead him to happiness.
I chose preacher kids as my main characters because I’m married to a PK (preacher’s kid), and I have a preacher son who has six children. That means I’ve watched a lot of PKs. Their romances are not that different from the rest of the world. Plus, I found lots of inspiration. 
Sammy’s story plot is a twist on the Sweet Home Alabama movie. I hope you enjoy When Love Comes Home as much as I did writing it.          

​I’m a native Texan whose roots called her home after years of roaming as an Air Force daughter and then Army wife. Now, I write award-winning fiction from a Christian worldview that’s filled with strong characters tackling real-life situations. Besides fiction, I blog weekly at www.judythewriter.com​

​​Shepherd is about the celebration of reading, books, and the authors who make it all possible. As a reader, its' not hard to find books. But sometimes it's hard to find books you want to read. It's like going to the store and the only thing you find is what the store wants to sell. This is why local boutiques and crafters are so important. Amazon owns Goodreads so they are going to list the products they want to sell first. On Bookbub you can get seen by readers--for a price. 
This is why I was happy to discover Shepherd and now I am part of it. Ben says this, "I love walking around the bookstore and browsing until something grabs my attention. I want to bring that experience online. I want to help readers bump into books they would otherwise not find and give them ways to follow their curiosity between topics and concepts."
I now have a profile and share about the books that not only live with me as a reader but inspire me as a writer. Check it out.
shepherd.com/best-books/with-a-war-between-humans-and-shifter
Here you'll find programs for both readers and authors. 

WISHES UNDER A HIGHLAND STAR
(A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights)
By
Mary Morgan
The stars collide when a half-Fae lass captures a Highland chieftain.
About
As chieftain for his clan, Alex MacFhearguis struggles with the burden of an unwanted responsibility. With the midwinter feast approaching, he flees his castle to find comfort and solitude within the forest. Yet on his quest, Alex stumbles into a world filled with magic, mysteries, and a woman with beguiling eyes who could capture his heart.
When half-Fae Aine Fraser makes a powerful wish, her simple request unlocks the magic she possesses and brings forth a Highlander into her world. Though the man has lost all his memories, she finds her attraction growing for this brooding warrior with each passing day. Unable to deny her feelings, Aine risks everything when she confesses her greatest secret.
Can a beauty who wished for a champion tame the beast of Leòmhann Castle?

Release date: December 5, 2022
Historical Scottish Fantasy Romance

Why hello! You've got me today. Just you and me. Cozy, huh? What shall we chat about. The big holidays for me are over an I hope you had an excellent one. We celebrate Christmas at my house.
We took several trips to nearby towns to see the lights. Many of you know my husband Pete does an amazing display both indoors and out and we wanted to see what other were up to. People are so creative. From tradition wreaths and candles in the windows, to lighting displays and blowups. Even tech is getting fancier. We both enjoyed it so much not to mention Hali looked through the window too.
On Christmas morning for years we've hosted a brunch for any family, friends and neighbors who want to pop in. Pete mans the omelet bar. On the eve we prep all the food. A flat of eggs gets whipped up in the Kitchen-Aid. Peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese are the choices. Bob our neighbor like his with everything. He also contributed one of my favorite things. An almond stolen from a local bakery. This year I made a bread pudding. Others bring things too. From a tasty quiche to sausage stuffed mushrooms and homemade cookies. 
At around noon, the last of the first wave had gone on to other places and people and we started prepping for the second wave. Dinner with my son and his family and Pete's brother and daughter. I will say (yep, I'm bragging) my mashed potatoes and stuffing came out fabulous. Usually there are a lot of leftovers. Not this year. What was your favorite holiday eat?
Afterward, we all played UNO by the correct rule of Take 2s and 4s and being able to add on to it with other. At one point I believe my niece had to pick twelve cards from the pile. When I lived in Brooklyn playing cards was the thing. along with my aunt, uncle and cousins we often played not only UNO but Pinochle long into the night. Now on to New Year's Day.
What family traditions carry on in your home?  

​
​Just before Christmas I received a great present. Both Rock House Grill and Jazz House were award recipients from the Mid-Atlantic Authors Society.

​​ Writing and blogging continued through the holidays as well. Starting in January, I'll have information about a new independent, multi author series I'm working on. It's quite exciting and I can't wait. My book is the middle and will be released on March 16th. If you signup for my newsletter I'll be sending out a link to get a free series sample download. 

 



      Well that's it for 2022. I plan on spending NYE like this➡️ 
      See you next year.

Happy Between! Between what? Christmas and New Year. I hope you had a great past one and wishing you all a fabulous next. Today's guest and I had to overcome some technical issues. We had a communications breakdown. She kept sending me her information and it ended up somewhere in cyber limbo. But perseverance paid off and I'm so glad, otherwise I wouldn't be able to share these pictures. But yay! Don't you love the fur babies? 

Thanks for sticking with me, Chloe. While I pour some beverages to sip around the fire, why don't you tell our other visitors who you are other than your bio?
I’m a wife, mother, and veteran, a former physician who decided to pursue my lifelong dream of writing novels.

Well that's not interesting at all. LOL! First, thank you for your service. And I'm glad you followed your dream otherwise we may not have met. Tell me, what interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have?
I’m a pilot, and that helped make the flying scenes in Fly Boy realistic. I’m also an avid gardener and fixer-upper.

Oh, I love gardening and being a pilot must be amazing. The view from above is stunning.  Everybody needs somebody sometime-(Song reference in the comments will get you a prize) So tell us who your network or support system is? 
I have a wonderful husband, and a fantastic group of author friends who help critique my books.

I count on my DH, Peter. He's my biggest cheerleader. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
I love romance and suspense as my favorite things to read, but I must say that I find Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad books to have surprising depth: they are short and simple, but tackle big issues honestly, in very few words.

Do you have any fun or outrageous talent?
I’m a decent mason/concrete worker, and also a beekeeper.

DH's brother has bees. I'm fascinated watching them. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
I retired to a little house in the woods. Every day, I romp with the dogs through the woods down to the river. I love the peace and quiet, and the seasonal changes in the forest.

Oh, that sounds wonderful. Do you have a particular object like a piece of jewelry or a keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?
I have the pull-tab from a can of “smoke”—the colored stuff the military uses for signaling—which I got at Airborne School when I was in the military. It reminds me of that summer’s highs and lows during a very challenging time.

What weird talent do you have?
I can fix anything in a pinch with duct tape and baling wire. I once escaped floodwaters by making a snorkel for the tailpipe of the minivan out of hardware cloth, a dog food bag, and duct tape.

You're MacGyver!  Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?
The tickets, hands down! I love to travel and often write about places I’ve been.

Did you ever win something? 
Yes, twice, both early author triumphs. I won a Snapsy the Alligator book as first prize for a 100-word competition on agent Janet Reid’s site, and a huge box of chocolates from New Zealand in another writing competition.

What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?
I was scuba diving once, and ran across a huge, shimmering ball of fish ten feet across. They were all swirling in a tight pattern, flashing in the sunlight that filtered down.

How do you select the names of your characters?
Occasionally for the symbolism, but one “secret” is that most of my characters, whether good or villains, are named in honor of my regular reviewers (with their permission).

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I belong to the online writer’s group Scribophile. It’s a fantastic place to get eyes on early drafts, and I’ve met so many wonderful people there.

Chloe, thanks for being such a good sport. I'm so happy you joined me today. Before you fly out of here please let us know where we can find out more about you and your books.

Fly Boy
by
CHLOE HOLIDAY 
Travis burned her once, but now Tricia must choose: Flame him, or forgive and forget? Maybe he’s changed. But … what if all the rumors are true?

About the story
Photographer Tricia Carlisle inherits her beloved grandmother’s orchard and leaves Chicago for her Texas roots, steeling herself to be immune to the charms of the small town—and those of Travis Walker, who stood her up on prom night seven years ago. Worse, she arrives only to find Nana’s place is in foreclosure. To have any hope of saving it, Tricia has no choice but to sell down assets—including her grandfather's crop duster. 
Travis Walker loses his last true friend when Nana Carlisle passes. Will his handshake deal to buy her crop duster survive now that Tricia is taking over? She’s cash-strapped and probably still hates his guts. He needs that plane—it’s his ticket out of this small town that sees him as a crook—but it’s on Tricia’s radar now. 
​
Fly Boy is a steamy, stand-alone second-chance novella in the All-American Boy Series. It's set in Deacon, Texas—home to sexy country boys and sassy, tough women. Warm, lazy afternoons in a hammock and swimming holes in a shady creek. Hot, heavenly Tex-Mex and even hotter kisses. 
Come on down, y’all!

Get your copy today
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/ad570414-7296-11ec-8ec3-273d38c177af
https://tinyurl.com/ycy7nzre
https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Boy-All-American-ebook/dp/B09Q52GY99/
https://www.audible.com/pd/Fly-Boy-Audiobook/B09XHZ9MNL?asin=B09XHZ9MNL 
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalaudiobooklinks/9d1583be-b792-11ec-9357-a3a673c5c883 


Review by author Kim Grebert on Goodreads:
“Chloe Holiday’s newest book, Fly Boy, is my favorite—so far. It’s a standalone, set in Texas, with down home charm, sweetness, and steamy bits. While this is a romance, the stakes are high for Tricia and Travis as they struggle with their hearts and livelihoods.
What I love about Holiday’s books are her strong and feisty female characters. They persevere no matter what. The men aren’t bad either! Her characters stay with me long after I finish reading. In Fly Boy, Nana Carlisle and several other secondary characters are as bold and memorable as Tricia and Travis.
For this book, Holiday did her homework regarding the setting, flying, and firefighting. The impending threat of a wildfire serves as an ever-present threat to everyone. Her beautifully crisp and vivid writing brings everything alive and had me on the edge of my seat the last few chapters.
I won’t say more, except that I really enjoyed this book and spending time with Holiday’s newest characters.”

More about the author
I write the things I love to read: steamy, fun stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, smart women and men who aren’t jerks. I like to read about friendships, either close women or a good bromance. I want all the feels: the thrill of a smoldering gaze or the barest brush of fingertips, the shocked gasp at the underhanded villain, the angst of heartbreak, the joy of reunion, and of course, happily ever after!

Follow Chloe here
https://www.chloehol
www.bookbub.com/books/fly-boy-the-all-american-boy-series-by-chloe-holidayiday.com/ 
https://www.bookbub.com/books/fly-boy-the-all-american-boy-series-by-chloe-holiday
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60642096-fly-boy
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19579299.Chloe_Holiday
https://www.facebook.com/Chloe-Holiday-Writer-102345001394478
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chloe-holiday
https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0875SGW6J 
https://instagram.com/chloeholidaywriter