Author Archives: Joanne Guidoccio

Virtual Book Tour: On the Edge

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author and clothing designer Claire Gillies. Today, Claire shares ten of her favourite movies and her new release, On the Edge.

Joanne, I would like to thank you for hosting my latest novel On The Edge on your wonderful blog! I thought it might be fun to delve into my 10 favourite movies. These may give you an idea of my taste and what I like to write about…

Little Women – 1995 version

This is a film I will go back to every year for my Christmas feel good vibes. I adore the soundtrack (which I still listen to when working through my daily mundane tasks, and transports me to a different time). I just want to crawl into this movie. It makes me cry with happiness, and the ending! That ending is the best romantic scene ever.

Darjeeling Ltd

My favourite Wes Anderson! This truly is a beautiful story of three brothers who meet in India to renew their connection after their father dies, and set out on a train ride across the country. The family dynamics between the brothers is interesting to me as I can relate (being the youngest from a family of five) I love the quirkiness of Wes Anderson, and this one pulls my heart strings.

Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

I’m a fan of Kate Winslet, and I watch her acting in awe, particularly in this movie. I adored all the many different colours of her hair throughout, but her hair was used as an anchor to the story so we could understand the time frame, as it darts about. When this movie came out, coincidentally I also had bright red hair! I love their unique love story.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation company and they make the most magical movies. It took me a bit of time to decide which is my favourite, as there are so many – “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and “Spirited Away” to name a couple. I love how the stories usually revolve around a young girl – I find them inspiring and encouraging role models for kids.

Highlander

This is a classic. A Scotsman cast as an Egyptian…a French man cast as a Scot! It’s fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but then you get hit in the heart when you least expect it. The Queen soundtrack weaving throughout this movie adds to the magic. I also get nostalgia as it was filmed where I’m from; when Connor Macleod declares he is from the past and where he was born…I’m like – me too!

Local Hero

Another Scottish one, this movie I can watch forever. Just one of those perfect, cute, cuddle up on the couch and escape into a simple world. This was also filmed in my local area in Scotland. I adore the soundtrack that echoes throughout. It captures a feeling I can’t put into words; the long summer nights, the solitude and being so close with nature. I found the ceilidh (dance) scene is very authentic as I’ve been to oh so many in my time.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Pure escape! Don’t we all wish we could just get up and go? If any film is about someone leaving their humdrum life to travel somewhere out of their comfort zone, then I’m there! I particularly love the Himalayas in Afghanistan scene, which makes me reminisce of the time I trekked in Nepal. Also, Iceland features in it…somewhere that has been on my bucket list for years! This captures the freedom of travelling for me.

Gone With the Wind

This appeals to my costume background. The costume is spectacular, I was lucky enough to see a few of Scarlet’s outfits in a museum…she was incredibly petite! The love story is so frustrating though, I could never under why Scarlet never opens her heart to Rhett until it’s too late. But what an event to watch, a feast for the eyes.

Lord of the Rings (trilogy!)

I’m being cheeky and placing all three adaptions into this one entry! I feel I grew up with hobbits and elves keeping me company during lonely teenage years. The first Fellowship Of The Ring came out when I was in high school, then the final movie released when I was in college. I have watched these so many times, I’m a huge fan of fantasy – Tolkien created such a rich world.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

This was difficult to select only one Jane Austin. I adore her work and I LOVE costume dramas. This adaption I enjoyed, but I didn’t give it the credit it was due for many years as I was very much a fan of the BBC version. Having said that, I would watch any adaption of Pride and Prejudice, there will NEVER be too many. Jane Austin is in my heart and so is Elizabeth Bennet

Blurb

Catherine MacGregor spends life daydreaming her way out of the perils of a dead-end job, and a dwindling love-life. Rather than face imminent redundancy, Cat finds herself giving up her life in the city, and moving to a remote Scottish island for a fresh start.

Unlocking her passion for art, things have never looked better, until the handsome but elusive musician Patrick Flannagan takes to the stage, complicating her best-laid plans.

Cat’s past could be catching up with her at last. Can she unlock her own secrets, and learn to love again, in time to save her brave new beginnings?

Excerpt

“Hey, just because I don’t go around snogging boys! I’ve only recently split up with my long-term boyfriend!”

“That was two months ago!” Jess cried,

“I know – that’s recent!”

“No it’s not! It’s not like you’ve been left a widow and loved your husband ’til the end; you told me you’d fallen out of love with Dave a long time before you left. What are you waiting for?” Jess looked wide-eyed.

Cat chewed the inside of her mouth and looked down, unable to meet Jess’s gaze. “I don’t know”.

Just then the phone beeped, making the two girls jump.

“It’s fine, whatever the outcome” Cat assured herself loudly.

Jess pressed buttons on her phone, and silently read for what seemed to Cat an eternity.

“You are good to go my friend!” Jess wiggled on the bed and held her phone up to Jess to read “Single!”

The two girls whooped and bounced on the bed.

“You read that for a long time. Jeez, I can’t believe how much I wanted him to be single!” Cat screeched, then quickly covered her mouth in surprise and embarrassment.

“Well, the lovely Kate said he was with a girl for a few years. She was local, but she’s now living in Australia. They split up, not sure why.” Jess re-read the message aloud, and they both settled down on the bed.

“What now?” Cat grinned at her friend.

“Bacon and eggs?” Jess pleaded with big blue eyes.

“I’ll get my purse,” Cat smiled and for the first time in a long while, thought that life couldn’t get any better.

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

***The book is on sale for only $0.99***

Author Bio and Links

Born and raised in the Highlands of Scotland, Claire’s homeland continues to be a stream of inspiration for her. A clothing designer too, Claire (Lorna) creates one-off bespoke garments using Scottish tweeds and tartans.

Claire currently splits her time between Scotland and Australia with her lovely Irish husband. She is a cat lover (without the cat) and can be found either drinking coffee, researching the best cake haunts, or watching yet another costume drama!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway

Claire Gillies will be awarding a signed copy of the book. (International) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here

Follow Claire on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

10 Myths & Superstitions About the Moon

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome multi-published author Judy Penz Sheluk. Today, Judy shares interesting myths and superstitions about the moon and her new anthology, Moonlight.

Here’s Judy!

Whoot! After culling down 93 submissions to 20 and months of hard work, today is release date for Moonlight & Misadventure. As with the previous Superior Shores Anthologies, authors were required to incorporate the underlying theme into their story. Misadventure, that was an easy one. After all, these are stories of mystery and suspense. But why moonlight? Simply put, as a Cancerian, I’ve always been fascinated by the moon. Here are 10 moon myths & superstitions:

1. A wish made on the full moon will only come true if you stare at the moon and tap your right index and middle fingers against your left wrist at the same time.

2. My mother, who was a superstitious sort, always believed that it was unlucky to see the full moon through glass, whether that was a windshield or a window. I’ll admit I still try to avoid doing that, even though I know it’s ridiculous.

3. In the Philippines, it is believed that no marriage should take place except during the period of the full moon, as good fortune comes only during that period.

4. The Irish believe it’s viewing the new moon through glass that should be avoided, and that even the position of the new moon is important; for luck the new moon should be seen over the right shoulder, never the left.

5. Many believe the new moon is also a time to set positive intentions for the month. I try to do that when I remember.

6. The Farmers’ Almanac suggests that crops that grow above the earth, such as corn and wheat, should be planted while the moon is waxing, so the moon can pull them out of the ground as it grows bigger.

7. Conversely, the Almanac tells us, root crops, such as turnips, carrots, and yams, should be planted while the moon is waning, allowing vegetables to grow deep into the ground.

8. Urban legend has it that chaos and crime increase with the full moon. In fact, the word “lunatic” is derived from “luna,” the Latin word for moon. In fact, in 18th-century England, people on trial for murder could campaign for a lighter sentence on grounds of lunacy if the crime occurred under a full moon.

9. It is lucky to expose your newborn to the waxing Moon. It will give the baby strength.

10. It is unlucky to see “the old moon in the arms of the new” or the faint image of the full disk while the new crescent moon is illuminated, especially if you’re a sailor. Storms are predicted.

Synopsis

Whether it’s vintage Hollywood, the Florida everglades, the Atlantic City boardwalk, or a farmhouse in Western Canada, the twenty authors represented in this collection of mystery and suspense interpret the overarching theme of “moonlight and misadventure” in their own inimitable style where only one thing is assured: Waxing, waning, gibbous, or full, the moon is always there, illuminating things better left in the dark.

Featuring stories by K.L. Abrahamson, Sharon Hart Addy, C.W. Blackwell, Clark Boyd, M.H. Callway, Michael A. Clark, Susan Daly, Buzz Dixon, Jeanne DuBois, Elizabeth Elwood, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, John M. Floyd, Billy Houston, Bethany Maines, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Joseph S. Walker, Robert Weibezahl, and Susan Jane Wright.

Bio

A former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries and the Marketville Mysteries. Her short crime fiction appears in several collections, including The Best Laid Plans, Heartbreaks & Half-truths, and Moonlight & Misadventure, which she also edited.

Judy is a member of Sisters in Crime National, Toronto, and Guppy Chapters, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she serves as Chair on the Board of Directors.

Find the Book: https://books2read.com/u/47NPkj

On Writing Naturally

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

In her book, Journal to the Self, Kathleen Adams shares the following advice:

Writing naturally means that you make it up as you go along.

Writing naturally means that you trust your inner wisdom to guide you to the places you need to go.

Writing naturally means that you freely create your diary world with confidence and ease.

Writing naturally means that you give yourself permission to play, and to cry, and to cuss, and to celebrate, and to be fully, vibrantly alive.

Writing naturally means that you allow yourself to use your journal as a blank canvas onto which the rich and intricate portrait of your life can be painted as it organically emerges.

There is only one person who can write the story of your life, with all its foibles, follies, treasures, and tears. That person is you.

Writing naturally means that you let yourself be you.

Source: Journal to the Self by Kathleen Adams

Interview with Bentley Turner

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author Bentley Turner. Today, Bentley chats about his creative journey and new release, The File on Thomas Marks.

Here’s Bentley!

Q: Why do you write fiction under a pseudonym?

A: I use a pseudonym for my fiction and I use my legal name for my nonfiction. Besides, I wanted to pay tribute to my mother as well as my grandmothers’ maiden names, which were Bentley and Turner.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: In a small town in northern Kentucky. My wife and I left about a year after we married. She was teaching elementary school and I was completing two masters’ degrees at the time. Over the years we lived and taught in Arkansas, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. We retired from teaching several years ago.

Q: You mentioned writing nonfiction. Have you written a lot of nonfiction over the years?

A: Yes. I’ve written articles based on research for academic journals, chapters for academic books, entries for encyclopedias, and several books for academic and reference publishers.

Q: Do you still write nonfiction?

A: Yes. Although I don’t write as much as I used to, I still write an occasional academic article or review of a book.

Q: How does writing mysteries compare with writing nonfiction?

A: I enjoy reading mysteries. Several years ago, I thought I would try to write one. Well, I tried, but it was extremely difficult. I had to change gears, so to speak. I was used to researching and writing nonfiction―not fiction. In fact, I had not written anything remotely resembling fiction in decades. To say the least, I struggled. I found myself asking all sorts of questions as the plot moved along. Were the characters real or authentic? Would they act this way or that way? Were the situations in which the characters found themselves realistic? Etc., etc., etc. Now, I understand what writers of fiction go through―at least, to a certain extent. I haven’t written that much fiction, so I’m certain I haven’t experienced as many hurdles as other writers of fiction have. Unlike writers who have been writing fiction for years and who seem to have it down, I’m still learning the ins and outs of the craft.

Q: How many years did it take to write The File on Thomas Marks?

A: I believe I wrote the first draft in a year. Then I went through it again and again. After that, I had another person go through it. When I thought the manuscript was ready, I sent whatever numerous publishers desired. Generally, most wanted a synopsis and three chapters. After months and months of rejections, a small publisher accepted it, but for some reason―I don’t remember what―I didn’t sign the contract. After that, I sent several chapters to other publishers. Eventually, another small publisher offered a contract. However, there were one or more clauses in the contract that I didn’t like, and the publisher wouldn’t budge. Needless to say, I didn’t sign the contract. I sent several chapters to other publishers. Finally, another small publisher accepted it. I signed the contract.

Q: Do you remember the first story you wrote?

A: Considering that was decades ago, unfortunately, no. However, the first story that I wrote that was published was “The Question.” It was published in a literary magazine in the 1960s.

Where to find Bentley…

Goodreads | Amazon

Blurb

In this suspenseful thriller, Thomas Marks, a young, intelligent man, admits to being with two women just before they were murdered. Though detectives don’t believe him, he claims to be innocent. The only problem is none of the evidence corroborates his story nor confirms the guilt of anyone else. When another suspect surfaces, Thomas thinks he’s in the clear, but appearances can’t always be trusted. Will an arrest stick? Find out in this mystery mayhem of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Buy Links

Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Books a Million | Apple | Kobo | Nook | SCRIBD

Virtual Book Tour: Constellations by Patricia Leavy

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome bestselling author Patricia Leavy. Today, Patricia shares her latest release, Constellations.

Blurb

Constellations follows Tess Lee and Jack Miller after three years of marriage as they navigate the meaning of love and family over a series of holidays. Tess is a wildly successful and world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore our innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jack is a former federal agent. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. Both healing from past trauma, together they have finally built the life they wish to live. What will happen to their blissful union when Jack’s childhood family resurfaces? When Tess and Jack visit the Millers for Christmas, how will insecurity, a sense of missed opportunities, and the need for redemption test their relationship? When a terrible accident threatens everything in an instant, will they learn the true meaning of unconditional love? Their loved ones are along for the ride: Omar, Tess’s sarcastic best friend who calls her Butterfly; the female president of the United States, with whom Tess talks politics and bakes cookies; Joe, Jack’s friend from the Bureau who understands the sacrifices he’s made; Bobby and Gina, their younger friends who never fail to lighten the mood; and the Miller family. Constellations is a novel about family – those into which we’re born and those we create – the human desire to belong and feel connected, the true nature of intimacy, and the power of love to heal and redeem. Written as unfolding action, Constellations is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between melancholy, humor, and joy.

Excerpt

Tess clung to Jack as they sped along the cliffside road on their Harley, winding around the last curve as they approached their house. When they arrived home, Jack carefully took off Tess’s helmet, kissed her, and grabbed the bag of fruit they’d bought at the farmers market. She pulled the scrunchie out of her hair, releasing dirty blonde locks down to her waist. They headed inside. “You thirsty, baby?” he asked.

She nodded.

He quickly tapped a coconut, stuck a paper straw in, and handed it to her.

“You’ve gotten so good at that,” she said, taking a sip.

“Yeah, just in time to go back to DC. I can’t believe we have to leave our Hawaiian paradise tomorrow morning. We’re crazy to leave Maui this time of year.”

“I know, baby. But we’ll be back in less than three months to throw Omar and Clay the tropical Valentine’s Day wedding of their dreams. Besides, it’ll be fun to see our friends.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead.

“Here, have some,” she said, handing him the coconut. “Let’s leave the pineapple out. We can grill it tonight for our Thanksgiving feast while we sit on the lanai and watch the sunset.” She kicked her shoes off, slipped her T-shirt over her head, and shimmied out of her shorts, revealing a hot pink string bikini. “Bet I can beat you to the ocean,” she teased, darting off.

Soon, they were splashing around in the warm water, the sun beating down on them. Jack wrapped his tanned arms around Tess and kissed her. They stared at each other, the energy between them electric.

“I could get lost in your big, brown eyes,” he said.

She smiled and said, “Come on, let’s dry off.” They walked to their pool and lay together on a chaise lounge.

“Jack?” Tess whispered.

“Yeah, baby.”

“I know you hold back sometimes, but you don’t need to.”

“Tess…”

“Baby, I know you do. There’s nothing that could ever happen between us that I wouldn’t want.”

He caressed the side of her face. “You’re so beautiful and delicate. I just want you to feel safe and loved.”

“I do and I always will.”

“You’ve been through so much. It wasn’t that long ago that Ray was stalking you; I know that brought up memories of your childhood abuse. I don’t ever want to be the cause of your pain or remind you of the ways you have suffered.”

“You couldn’t. You only push those thoughts further away. I trust you, Jack. Nothing could ever change that. I want to share everything with you. I’ve never felt as close to another human being as I do to you.” She ran her fingers through his wet, salty hair and said, “I still remember the first time we came here, before we owned this place. You took me in the shower and we were so free.”

He grazed his fingers along her cheek.

“I’m gonna rinse off,” she said. She untied her bikini top, let it fall to the floor, and headed for the outdoor shower.

Jack hustled out of his swim trunks and followed her. She flipped the water on, turned toward him, and smiled. He cupped her face in his hands, kissed her softly, and with one swift movement, swung her around and pulled her bathing suit bottom down. “Don’t let me hurt you,” he whispered. He pushed her against the wall and they made love passionately.

With his quivering body pressed tightly against hers, Jack kissed Tess’s neck and nibbled on her ear. Finally satiated, he turned the shower off and wrapped towels around each of them. He picked her up and cradled her in his arms as he carried her to a lounge chair. They resumed their tender kisses, Jack caressing the side of her face. He looked at her with unadulterated adoration.

“I love you so much,” he said.

“I love you too. More than anything.”

10 Lessons Learned from my Protagonist Tess Lee

1. See each person’s humanity.

2. Be generous.

3. Treat those you love with grace. Be gentle with your words and touch.

4. Writers and artists should own their creative work. Full stop.

5. Never allow anyone to take credit for your achievements.

6. Open your heart.

7. You are worthy. You are enough.

8. Some wounds are not visible, but they are there.

9. We all must learn to balance darkness and light in our lives. Love is the bridge.

10. Breathe. Just breathe.

Author Bio & Links

Patricia Leavy, Ph.D., is a bestselling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chair of Sociology and Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. She has published over thirty books, earning commercial and critical success in both fiction and nonfiction, and her work has been translated into many languages. She is also series creator and editor for ten book series with Oxford University Press, Guilford Press, and Brill/Sense, including the ground-breaking Social Fictions series. Patricia has received dozens of accolades for her books. Recently, her novel Film won the 2020 American Fiction Award for Inspirational Fiction, her 3-novel set Candy Floss Collection won the 2020 American Fiction Award for Anthologies, and her novel Spark won the 2019 American Fiction Award for Inspirational Fiction and the 2019 Living Now Book Award for Adventure Fiction. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2016 Mogul, a global women’s empowerment network, named her an “Influencer.” In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” She has residences in Maine and Massachusetts where she lives with her husband, daughter (when she’s not away at college), and her dog. Patricia loves writing, reading, watching films, and traveling.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Patricia Leavy will be awarding a signed set of 3 novels: Shooting Stars, Twinkle, and Constellations to two (US only) randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow Patricia on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

Last Day!

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

***Pick up your free ebook of No More Secrets today. The promotion ends at 11:59 p.m. ET***

Blurb

Angelica Delfino takes a special interest in the lives of her three nieces, whom she affectionately calls the daughters of her heart. Sensing that each woman is harboring a troubling—possibly even a toxic— secret, Angelica decides to share her secrets, secrets she had planned to take to the grave. Spellbound, her nieces listen to an incredulous tale of forbidden love, tragic loss, and reinvention that spans six decades across two continents. It is the classic immigrant story upended: an Italian widow’s transformative journey amid the most unlikely of circumstances.

Inspired by Angelica’s example, the younger women share their “First World” problems and, in the process, revisit their relationships and set themselves free.

But one heart-breaking secret remains untold…

Buy Links

Amazon (CA) | Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (AU)

New Release: Santa Baby by Peggy Jaeger

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to announce Peggy’s Jaeger’s new release…

Blurb

It’s Christmas Eve morning in the tiny New England town of Dickens.

Santa’s arrival is imminent, and a hint of snow is in the air.

Amy Dorrit is just about to open her popular diner for the breakfast rush when she discovers an abandoned baby on her back doorstep.

Amy knows she should call the authorities and turn the infant over to them, but she just can’t. Thoughts of her own abandonment as a baby flood through her and she wants to keep the little one out of the hands of the authorities until the mother – hopefully –returns.

But will the mom come back? And if she doesn’t, what is Amy prepared to do about the baby who has, already, claimed her heart?

Excerpt

As she moved through the breezeway connecting the diner to her apartment, Amy heard a mewling sound at the back-alley door. Her cook, Willie, often left scraps out for strays, especially in winter, and sometimes when she took the trash out at the end of the day, Amy would find a mamma cat searching for something to feed her kittens.

Amy opened the door, expecting to see a hungry animal looking for a handout, and got the shock of the century when she found a baby carrier, complete with a crying infant nestled in it.

She gasped, her head flicking right, then left, to find the person responsible for leaving a baby out in the frigid night air.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

The still sleeping and silent town surrounded her as shoe impressions in the fresh snow indicated the baby hadn’t been there for long.

The infant’s howl echoed in the quiet.

“Oh, you poor thing. Let’s get you out of the cold.”

Book Trailer

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3R8lVG

Add it to your Goodreads WANT TO READ list:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57957986-santa-baby

RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER READERS on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/santa-baby-a-dickens-holiday-prequel-dorrit-s-diner-by-peggy-jaeger

Bio

Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes Romantic Comedies about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. If she can make you cry on one page and bring you out of tears rolling with laughter the next, she’s done her job as a writer!

Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, she brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she’s created the families she wanted as that lonely child.

When she’s not writing Peggy is usually painting, crafting, scrapbooking or decoupaging old steamer trunks she finds at rummage stores and garage sales.

A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, Peggy is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.

As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go “What??!”

Where to find Peggy…

Website/Blog | Twitter | Amazon | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Instagram | BookBub | You-Tube

Celebrating Women’s Fiction Day 2021

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

First established by WFWA (Women’s Fiction Writers Association) in 2019, this day celebrates the authors, readers, bookstores, and fans of the women’s fiction genre.

WFWA describes women’s fiction as “layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey. The driving force of women’s fiction is the protagonist’s journey toward a more fulfilled self.”

The female protagonists in these novels take matters into their own hands and shape their own futures. Famous examples include Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale, Jo in Little Women, Scarlett O’Hara and Melanie Hamilton in Gone with the Wind.

Some of my personal favorites include Queen of the Owls by Barbara Linn Probst, The Time Gatherer by Rachel Dacus, Recipe for a Perfect Life by Karma Brown, and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet.

To celebrate, I’m offering free ebooks of No More Secrets on all Amazon platforms.

Blurb

Angelica Delfino takes a special interest in the lives of her three nieces, whom she affectionately calls the daughters of her heart. Sensing that each woman is harboring a troubling—possibly even a toxic— secret, Angelica decides to share her secrets, secrets she had planned to take to the grave. Spellbound, her nieces listen to an incredulous tale of forbidden love, tragic loss, and reinvention that spans six decades across two continents. It is the classic immigrant story upended: an Italian widow’s transformative journey amid the most unlikely of circumstances.

Inspired by Angelica’s example, the younger women share their “First World” problems and, in the process, revisit their relationships and set themselves free.

But one heart-breaking secret remains untold…

Excerpt

As Angelica read the document, she heard several sighs emanating from Bellastrega. While she had grown to like this young woman and trust her judgment when it came to wellness, Angelica was not prepared to abandon her plans. Three women needed to be rescued.

“What if they don’t come?” Bellastrega asked.

“They will come,” Angelica said, smiling confidently.

“It’s still winter, and the roads around here can be treacherous.”

“That won’t stop them.” Angelica smiled at Bellastrega’s discomfort with winter driving. Fearless in her talk, the psychic dreaded going out at any hint of snow. “Not to worry. They’re Northern Ontario girls.”

Bellastrega waved her hands. “So, they get up here, and you share your secrets. Then what?”

“They begin to heal.”

“You can’t expect to solve all their problems in one weekend,” Bellastrega said in a gentler tone. “If you’re not careful, you’ll send them running to their mothers, who won’t hesitate to create unnecessary stress for you.”

From the start, Bellastrega had been determined to eradicate all the unnecessary stress in Angelica’s life. Did she really think she could create a lasting magic bubble?

Since receiving the positive medical report, Bellastrega had redoubled her efforts and started to plan spring and summer excursions. She had added to her meager wardrobe and purchased several decorative items for her room. Each day, she was settling in and becoming more comfortable in her role as a companion. The beautiful thirty-five-year-old woman with Arctic-blue eyes and a stormy past had found sanctuary in Angelica’s house.

Angelica’s thoughts traveled back six decades to her encounter with another set of Arctic-blue eyes. But that woman had been much older and more realistic in her expectations.

“Are you all right?” Bellastrega asked.

“I’m fine,” Angelica said, returning to the present. “I want to start the process. The rest will be up to them.” Angelica felt a sudden wave of fatigue, one she hadn’t experienced in months. This argument was growing old, and she no longer wished to justify her motives. Why couldn’t Bellastrega let it go?

Book Trailer

***Free ebooks – Monday, June 7 to Thursday, June 10***

Amazon (CA) | Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (AU)

Book Blast: Truffle Me Not

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome husband-and-wife team, M. K. Scott. Today, they are sharing their new release, Truffle Me Not.

Blurb

The future of Cupid’s Catering Company hangs in the balance. With a rival bakery, owned by the queen of all mean, rich girls, Della is at a distinct disadvantage.

Della hinges her financial future on winning the local truffle contest. As if there wasn’t enough on her mind, additional problems arise, including missing cats, jewel thieves, and her desperate attempt to find the incredibly kind man who’d lent her hand when she had tire trouble.

Can she solve all these problems and find time to whip up a cookbook at the same time?

Excerpt

Even before she picked up the phone, she felt apprehensive. Why call when she’d see her mother at the bakery in less than thirty minutes. “Hello, Mother. I’m almost in the car.”

“Good! I need your help.” Mabel rushed the words together, forcing Della to decipher the bunched words before answering.

For most of her life, her mother had helped Della. Sometimes, almost too much, which came from being a surprise baby to a couple who had given up hope on having children. As the only child, Della felt obliged to be the best she could be after one of her school mates pointed out her parents had invested all their hopes and dreams in her. A staggering responsibility for a primary school-aged child to handle, but she had dealt with it.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need a jeweled cat collar. Red. Lots of rhinestones.”

“Mom…” she stretched out the word, making it into more of a question.

“Buy whatever styles they have. We can return the ones that don’t work.”

Even though her brain might not function at its full capacity without coffee first, almost anyone could deduce an incident occurred involving Prince Purrfection of the jeweled collar. There was a good chance Tony could be the culprit.

“Ah, did Tony hurt Prince? Did Prince hurt Tony? What’s up with the collar?”

Her mother inhaled audibly. “Time is of the essence. Vanessa is going to start looking for her cat once the storm passes. I need a new collar on the feline diva before I push him out the door. Tony thinks I’ve gone traitor by even letting her into the house.”

Author Bio and Links

M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read.

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***The book will be on sale for $0.99 on the day of the tour.***

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Truffle-Cupids-Catering-Company-Book-ebook/dp/B08Y771ZR8

Giveaway

M.K. Scott will be awarding a $40 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow M.K. Scott on the rest of their Goddess Fish tour here.