10 Trail Riding Tips

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome award-winning Soul Mate author Sally Brandle to the Power of 10 series. Today, Sally shares essential trail riding tips and her latest release, The Hitman’s Mistake.

Here’s Sally!

You’ve always dreamed of meandering on a woodsy trail on a calm, trusty steed? Well, me too. I’m living my childhood dream of every pony girl—four decades later. It all started with a Living Social coupon to a local equestrian center. For the last six years my gelding, Lance, and I have shared a treasured trust in one another while trotting trails. A shout out to Vanessa Kuhlman, owner of Highpoint, who teamed me with a wonderful four-legged teacher and friend.

Lance and I assisted or ponied riders on frequent trail rides, and here’s what I’ve learned. I’m far from an expert, but I pride myself in paying attention. I’ve ridden stable horses in Spain, Ireland, Mexico, and most Western states. Horses are kind, intelligent creatures allowing us to ride them. Enjoy the blessing!

1. Do your homework on area stables offering rides. View online comments about the owners/guides, horses, and terrain you’ll be riding on. Honor the weight limits and find the right fit for your comfort level. Please consider a lesson first. At a minimum, watch a couple of You Tube videos on basic riding cues and horsemanship or go to a site like Hay-net.co.uk for tips.

2. Be honest with your ability—to the point of underselling your accomplishments.

3. Go prepared if the stable doesn’t list requirements on their site. Long pants, long sleeves, sunglasses, sunscreen, boots with a low heel, and a pocketful of mini carrots are my standard equipment. Yes, I carried boots and breeches to Hawaii for my birthday trail ride on Ziggy.

4. Arrive about fifteen minutes early and absorb the barn vibe. It should be calming. If you have kids with you, remind them that quiet voices and slow movements are mandatory around horses. When you’re given the okay, you greet a horse by walking in from the side and letting them smell you first. Horses are prey animals. If approached from behind their natural instinct is to kick or flee. Stable horses should be calm, but don’t assume.

5. Ask first about giving treats and where your horse prefers to be petted. The guide will show you how to flatten your hand to offer a carrot. If the mounts aren’t fully tacked, offer to help groom. The quicker you form a bond, the better your ride will be.

6. You’re in the saddle. Don’t be shy voicing a concern if the stirrup length doesn’t feel comfortable. If you can’t do a one-handed stop, ask, and then do a couple circles utilizing the technique. If something unusual happens on the ride, you need to know how to implement your emergency brake. Scratch your horse’s withers and complement him throughout the ride.

7. Sit up straight and relax. Keep your reins to where they’re not pulling on the horse’s mouth. Been to a dentist recently? Well, your horse has much worse than a rubber dam in his mouth. Most horses are trained for leg cues. If you want to move to the left, you push him with your right calf. Need to stop, lean slightly back, and say whoa. I’m non-violent, but there were a number of customers at the stable I truly wanted to whack for reaming on their horse’s mouth.

8. Enjoy the sights, smells, sounds, and energy of riding in the woods. Take deep breaths of fresh air. I prefer early morning or dusk. It’s magical in the fall when you pass through a field glistening in sunlight with spider webs adorning tall, dry grass.

9. No ride’s guaranteed to be without incident. 99.9 percent of the time they will be, but, if you do slip off, relax (as much as possible ), tuck, and roll to the side or back end. You don’t want to fall forward and under hooves. I try to remember basic moves of head down and hands in. Hopefully you’ll be unhurt and can get up and mount again.

10. Have the guide take photos enroute or after you’ve returned and the big grin plastered on your face won’t leave. Give your horse plenty of scratches, praise, and carrots-if it’s okay. Ride again!

Blurb

After Miranda Whitley stops crooked cops from assassinating a prominent Seattle judge, she’s next on the hit list, and her survival depends on the buff FBI Agent she’s had one awkward encounter with. But can she find him in time?

The last person Grant Morley expects to discover on his annual supply run to a Montana mountain hermit is alluring Miranda Whitley, nearly dead from a bullet wound in her side. An accidental witness or the cold-blooded accomplice to would-be assassins?

Miranda must convince Grant of her innocence, evade the killers intent on preventing her testimony, and fight her unwanted attraction for the agent…an attraction which seems to be mutual. Fortunately, love thrives in Emma Springs. If you love sizzling chemistry, Montana’s mountain landscape, and fast-paced action, then you’ll love Sally Brandle’s galloping thriller, The Hitman’s Mistake.

Excerpt

Setting: Our heroine’s pruning indoor plants in the lobby of Seattle’s Justice Building after hours.

***

Squeaks from her mom’s old pruning shears echoed in the large, vacant room. She pulled another uneven limb of the Chinese Elm closer to her face and squinted. While she clipped, a peppery fragrance released from the wood.

A twig grazed her cheek, making her flinch. She brushed the neckline of her purple T-shirt with the back of her hand.

The place threw off the vibes of an abandoned morgue. Chill. She released the limb, let out a long breath, and grabbed a lop-sided branch from overhead. Tonight, even a rude prosecutor’s voice rupturing the tranquility would be welcome.

Not happening this late, but Ike would be descending in the elevator any minute. Hopefully in a better mood than when she’d watered the jade plant in his judge’s chambers earlier. He’d been tense, without the fatherly banter he doled out when she visited him and his wife, Shirley.

Soft taps came from a few feet behind her. She tilted her head.

Footsteps? From the stairwell? Miranda released her grip, and the tree limb sprang free. She swung her head and watched the branch skim the fly of the trousers on the man now towering over her right shoulder.

Not Ike. She froze.

“What in the hell? Oh, didn’t see you there—” he sidestepped, and her cup scrunched in protest under his big boot. The lid popped off and the double shot of Kona glugged into a mocha-scented pool.

He jumped to avoid the puddle. “Damn energy conservation put you in the shadows. Sorry, I nailed your coffee.” His swinging backpack missed her nose by inches.

She twisted her body and scooted her butt until her shoulder jammed against a carved pot.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“It’s okay,” she mumbled, keeping her head lowered to avoid further contact with the bag-wielding klutz wearing black trousers. Must’ve been him she’d glimpsed a few minutes ago, while the elevator doors had closed on the floor below Ike’s.

“I’ve never been attacked by a branch. Must say, you deployed it well,” the deep voice announced. He stopped directly in front of her.

His hiking boots made her size-nine high-tops appear dainty.

Not the shoes of a snobby lawyer or a lost, post-trial pimp trying to find his way out of the building. Still, the flailing branch served him right for sneaking up on her. “I didn’t hear you.”

“And I shouldn’t text and walk,” he said in a lighter, almost sexy tone. “I’m Grant.” He dropped his pack and stuck out his hand.

An FBI tag printed ‘GRANT MORLEY’ hung from the bag.

She peered from under her cap’s brim and gulped.

Him.

Agent of Interest. Her heart took off at a gallop.

Buy Links

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK)

Reviews & Interview

Tome Tender | USA Today Interview | Haynet Review

Bio

Multi-award winning author Sally Brandle weaves slow-burning romance into edgy suspense stories. Sally left a career as an industrial baking instructor to bring to life stories of women who learn to trust their inner gifts. Her rescue Aussie is her companion during long spells of writing, bouts of tormenting weeds in her garden, or afternoons spent riding on the wind with her twenty-eight year old Quarter Horse. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.sallybrandle.com for a free segment of her latest book, The Hitman’s Mistake.

Where to find Sally…

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Spotlight on TK Lawyer

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome award-winning author TK Lawyer. Today, TK shares her writing journey and novels, Nightfall and Jasper.

Here’s TK!

First of all, thank you to Joanne for hosting me on her blog today. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.

You could say that my writing career started in an unconventional way. I never considered writing as a career and advised the students I worked with to pursue something else, instead, that gained them a steady income so it’s ironic that I find myself writing books. However, because I love the creativity behind each character I form, I am still writing books to this day and loving it.

So, how did I get started? Well, it was due to the endless doldrum routine of my day job that I had to find something else to bide my time. I have always had a love for writing and I was one of the very few students who didn’t mind writing essay assignments. So, after years of working a mindless routine Monday through Friday job, I started getting ideas for books. Then I took out a notepad and wrote these scenes out, sometimes spending hours creating and detailing everything at all hours of the night and then suddenly these scenes blossomed into books.

I wrote Jasper first but I actually finished Nightfall before I completed Jasper’s book. Nightfall came as a result of watching my German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix dog one day. Her quirky behavior while sitting outside my bedroom door made me question what it would be like if someone found out she wasn’t a dog, after all. That just led into a story- a second story while I was in the middle of attempting to finish my first one- Jasper. The words for Nightfall, originally titled Eclipse, just flowed through me like rapid fire, until I finished the book in record time. Nightfall was published in October 2014 and then picked up years later by my current publisher, Foundations, LLC.

Jasper, the first book in the five book Guardian League series came from my love of Angels. I took the idea further, exploring the possibility of a Guardian Angel having a human mate and created the series. The last in the series, Orion, is under contract and is expected to be published in January 2019. The Guardian League series is unique in that it explores subjects not touched upon by other writers of PNR. Each book is as individual as the angel hero and all are standalone, able to be read in any order the reader chooses. I purposely did this with all my books so my readers have a choice.

I am a member of the Florida Writer’s Association and live in the Orlando area with my husband and one adorable, rescued American foxhound who keeps me laughing and entertained. I absolutely love my fans and readers and have made friends with many of them. I invite you to check out my books and to contact me, if you love them.

TK’s Novels

Tamara’s spicy scent thrills, seduces and weakens him like no other. She is his and he wants her. Unfortunately, she is done with men. Tamara’s been burned too many times in the past and she’s not looking for a relationship…..ever. But when she finds a stray dog on her doorstep she decides she wants a relationship with a male, after all- that of pet and pet owner.

Josh is not a dog and he has no interest in staying her pet. He has one burning desire- Tamara- in his bed, nightly and permanently. He will stop at nothing to convince Tamara they are better together and that he needs her, forever.

Their paths are intertwined and their future is inevitable but will Tamara allow Josh to love, cherish and protect her? Or will she say good-bye to the amazing, dedicated man whose loyalty and sweet promises could shatter her walls completely and consume her with desire?

Tatiana seeks rare, coveted treasure: a strong, loving, committed male she can respect, be proud of and become her full-fledged, partner. She has sought this elusive prince among men, her own personal champion but instead found many, many frogs and quite a few toads. Does her hero exist on Earth or did she miss her opportunity?

Jasper isn’t seeking a mate. His only intention is to rescue Tatiana from a fatal car accident, but he finds himself drawn to her in ways he can’t explain. She’s a rare, precious gem and there’s no turning back for him. He must know her and introduce himself in some sort of “human” fashion, at some sort of “human” event, for he is not of Earth.

Once Tatiana finds out Jasper’s true identity, will she accept and trust him? Will Tatiana allow herself to enter into a permanent, loving relationship with an unearthly but powerful being who only wants to adore and protect her?

Where to find TK Lawyer…

The Guest House by Rumi

Posted on August 22, 2018 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.

Over 700 years ago, an Afghan man had to flee his homeland. In exile, Jal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi wrote volumes of exquisite poetry abut life, love, and loss. Here’s one of my favorites:

Movie Review: Crazy Rich Asians

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the novel by Kevin Kwan, I wondered if the film adaptation could possibly capture its glamor, extravagance, and humor.

I needn’t have worried.

Director Jon M. Chu has succeeded in creating an unforgettable romantic comedy with an all-Asian cast and an Asian-American lead, set against the stunning backdrop of Singapore.

Native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) accompanies her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. While Rachel is excited and nervous about meeting Nick’s family, she has no idea about the extent of his family affluence and influence. Nick is the son of an obscenely wealthy family and one of Singapore’s most eligible bachelors.

Rachel becomes an instant target for Nick’s disapproving mother Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh) and a host of jealous relatives and socialites. A series of adventures and misadventures follow as Rachel attends a never-ending stream of social events featuring over-the-top meals and décor.

At first covert, Eleanor’s behavior quickly becomes more overt; she informs Rachel that she has no pedigree and is simply not good enough for her son. A former girlfriend of Nick’s and her posse indulge in some mean-girl tactics, intended to intimidate Rachel. When Rachel’s confidence falters, she is propped up by Goh Peik Lin (Awkwafina), a hilarious college roommate, and her nouveau riche family.

From start to finish, I found myself immersed in the antics of these delightful and not-so-delightful characters. I particularly enjoyed the ending–a slight departure from the novel–but one that will linger in the memories of rom-com enthusiasts. And possibly pave the way for a sequel.

From my book review of Crazy Rich Asians: “A modern-day Romeo and Juliet story with dashes of the Kardashians, hints of Dallas and Falconcrest, and heavy doses of the snobbery and social rules found in Downton Abbey.” You can read more here.

Walking into the Light

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Soul Mate author Jeri Bronson sharing her inspiring journey to a light-filled second act and her debut novel, Seeking Perfect.

Here’s Jeri!

I’ve been thinking about Second Acts, so this blog was perfectly timed. My first novel debuted this year, but before we discuss the now we need to talk about the before, the first act. I really want to lie and tell you this amazing story of my beginnings, but I can’t. My first act was tough, so tough that I longed to hide in the dark forever. I learned at an early age that everyone had an angle and absolutely no one could be trusted.

Then a day came when I could no longer hide from my darkness I had to walk into the light. I did a lot of reading, self- reflection and learning about who I was and who I wanted to be. It was one of the hardest roads I walked, but I am grateful for that tough road.

I was lucky enough to have gotten laid off from my full time job and stayed home with my kids in 2007. Jesse and Derek’s story was born that first summer. Jesse taught me so much about myself that I will be forever grateful to her, which brings me to the Second Act. Now that Jesse is out in the world I have been set free. Writing was the best possible medicine for me on this journey of self –reflection and I must say I’m really excited for my Second Act.

Everyone has a story and it’s your choice on how you let it define your life. Me, I really clung to a quote from Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter. “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My light was always books and those amazing writers who saved me from the darkness. I want to encourage you to never give up on yourself because you are so worth it. I am telling you the truth. Maybe Jesse’s story will bring you hope with some light mixed in for good measure.

Blurb

Jesse learned early not to trust a soul, but what if he was her soulmate?

Senior year of high school should be about friendship, boyfriends and graduation, but for seventeen-year-old, Jesse Barnes, it’s about escaping the shame of life with an alcoholic mother.

Jesse’s goals are clear, keep a roof over her head, avoid the revolving door of leering men her mother brings home, graduate from high school, and do everything possible to keep her home life secret. Friends, boyfriends, not an option. Who would understand?

Then, perfect, popular Derek Aames, sits with Jesse at lunch. How can she discourage him? How can she keep him from intruding on her life and discovering her secret? And most of all how can she keep him out of her heart?

Will his persistence finally break down her walls, or just break her?

Excerpt

Jesse furiously tried to think of an excuse for Derek not to have to take her home on a Saturday night. It was like playing Russian roulette and she didn’t want him anywhere near the line of fire if Sheila decided to go off.

“You don’t have to take me home tonight. I’m not sure how long I will be here. Plus, I wouldn’t want you to miss out on hanging with your friends or whatever it is you do on the weekend.” She knew she was being rude after everything that he had done for her, but she was scared. What if he really meant it when he said he wanted to kiss me? What if he really does like me? Worst of all, what will I do when he breaks my heart, not if – when? To be involved with Derek Aames could not possibly have any positives. She had to try to maintain her focus so she could get to college. Six more months. Except all thought of college kept being blown away like a desert wind the minute he looked at her.

He sat silently finishing his lunch. It was becoming an annoying habit that was grating on her last nerve. She couldn’t fathom what he was thinking while she waited for him to respond. He took one last drink before he turned to face her.

“You’re not going to get rid of me that easily.”

She started to protest again to convince him that she had a lot of work. She didn’t want to ruin his weekend by making him feel obligated to give her a ride. He silenced her before she could even get a breath out by putting his index finger on her lips.

“Let me finish before you start giving me your rational explanations. I have an ulterior motive for taking you home. I want to ask you out on an official first date,” he said.

Book Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Soul Mate Publishing | Goodreads

Bio

I live in Orange County, California with my husband of 29 years and my 16 year old son. My daughter is off in college having her own adventures, but I miss her terribly. I love cats, fairies, castles and definitely chocolate. I do my best writing while I’m walking around my neighborhood. Lucky for me I haven’t fallen with my wandering mind. One of my greatest past times is watching tennis. I am a super fan. I’ll admit sometimes my writing wanes when a Grand Slam tournament is on…sshh, don’t tell. I work part time as a substitute high school teacher. I learn so much from the kids it’s a wonderful source for this young adult writer. I do have another young adult I’m working on as well as trying my hand at suspense. I never thought I would be a writer, but I never gave up. The door has been opened and I am never letting it close.

Where to find Jeri Bronson…

Website | Facebook |Twitter

Joanne here!

Jeri, Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey. Love the Harry Potter quote! Best of luck with sales.

Honoring Aretha Franklin

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76. A talented pianist with a powerful voice, Ms. Franklin is considered one of the best-selling musical artists of all time. She achieved commercial acclaim and success with such songs as “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Spanish Harlem.”

The recipient of many accolades—among them 18 Grammy Awards and 112 charted hits—she also earned the “Queen of Soul” title and stood as a symbol of black empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement.

One of the truly amazing voices of our time!

My favorite quotations from Aretha Franklin:

I sing to the realists. People who accept it like it is.

Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, it’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.

Never take the music for granted…whether you have a hit or not.

Sometimes, what you’re looking for is already there.

People really don’t have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you.

It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I’ve done my job.

My faith always has been and always will be important to me.

Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.

Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.

My favorite song …

Book Blitz: Par for Cinderella

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome Soul Mate author Petie McCarty. Today, Petie shares her new release, Par for Cinderella.

Blurb

Billionaire Aidan Cross longs to escape his life of celebrity and become a regular guy, if only for a brief time. His chance comes when his yacht breaks down near quaint Cypress Key, Florida—the site of his planned five-star golf resort. The golf resort no one in town wants.

Casey Stuart has given up her dream of escaping to the big city. She refuses to desert her uncle, even when he hires the new stranger in town to replace her at their golf course. Casey vows to steer clear of the stranger called Aidan and the danger their inescapable chemistry provokes. Aidan’s stay is temporary, and falling for him promises only heartbreak.

When Casey discovers Cypress Key’s mayor is making underhanded business deals, she ends up on the wrong side of the powerful autocrat. Aidan steps in to rescue her, but secrets from his past threaten to bogey their newfound relationship.

Excerpt

Silhouetted in the outside light, he looked big . . . and dangerous. Over six feet of pure sin. Too much for her to handle, and Casey officially changed her mind. Turned chicken.

Aidan must have sensed her decision to flee, like a timber wolf senses his prey. “What are you doing down here?”

The deep sensual timbre of his voice vibrated along her spine and created tiny pinpoints of desire along its length. Her mouth had that dry feeling she got at the end of her tour spiel—dry and raspy.

“I-I was just going up to bed.”

“No, you weren’t.”

“I-I was too.”

His sexy chuckle rumbled in the darkness, and her skin prickled with anticipation. She couldn’t fool Aidan or herself.

Her brain taunted, Flight or fight, make up your mind.

She suddenly recalled her earlier decision following Janie’s call—to grant herself the month with Aidan. Better her have him than let Deedee steal him away. Casey had fully intended to enjoy every single minute of that month with Aidan before she’d chickened out just now. Instead of running away, she could enjoy the feel of those broad shoulders and muscled arms filling up the doorway right here. She could also allow herself a good long stare at that perfect butt when he turned, and maybe even enjoy that kissable mouth with those please-never-take-them-off-me lips.

“Stop looking at my mouth,” Aidan growled, “or you’ll be sorry.”

Her heart ended her dilemma. Go for it.

She could feel his unseen eyes track the movement of her chest, rising and falling with each hard-won breath. Time to force the issue for them both.

“K-Kiss me,” she whispered. Frozen in place, she left the outcome up to Aidan.

He didn’t move a muscle for three lifetime-lasting heartbeats.

One . . . he doesn’t want me.

Two . . . he’s still angry.

Three . . . my own fault.

She turned for the stairs, and he had her in two strides. His arms snaked around her waist and yanked her tight to his chest as his mouth took hers. This was no tender, make-up kiss. This was all need and desire and maybe a little punishment too.

She didn’t care. Her fingertips had gotten their Christmas wish, and Casey buried them in the silky hair at his collar, luxuriating in the soft texture and wanting to keep him close. Even that didn’t stop the tingling in her fingertips.

Aidan tongue teased at her lips, then swept inside and tangled against hers. She grew lightheaded as she reacquainted herself with the moist sweetness of his mouth, tinged with a hint of beer. A joyful reunion after the fear of separation, and she intended to savor every sexy nuance of flavor.

He growled low in his throat and turned his head to deepen the kiss. Casey just prayed he wouldn’t stop kissing her. Aidan had to care about her. He didn’t, couldn’t kiss another woman like this. Could he? An image of Deedee flashed behind her eyelids.

She pulled back, but her fingers refused to relinquish their hold on his soft curls.

“What was that for?” he asked, his voice rough with desire. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”

“I don’t want to be just friends,” she whispered.

“Thank God.”

Author Bio and Links

Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World — “The Most Magical Place on Earth” — where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her “day” job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-a-dash-of-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband, a spoiled-rotten English Springer spaniel addicted to pimento-stuffed green olives, and a noisy Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in Angel to the Rescue.

My first five books released by the now-closed Desert Breeze Publishing–Everglades, Catch of the Day, No Going Back, Angel to the Rescue and The SEAL’s Angel–are temporarily unavailable while I change publishers. You can contact me at petiemccarty@gmail.com for updates on their re-release.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon

Giveaway

Petie McCarthy will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card and five (5) ebook copies of Betting on Cinderella–Book 2 in the Cinderella Romances series to randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter. Enter here.

How to Start Your Day as a Writer

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’d like to say that I follow all the directives in the following poster and have daily productive mornings. Realistically, I aim for at least three. My struggles: No Internet and Replenish with Water. I can’t resist checking my email and social media. As for my beverage of my choice…I prefer to replenish with two cups of Chatty Matty coffee.

Spotlight on Tail of the Dragon

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome best-selling author Connie di Marco. Today, Connie shares her new release, Tail of the Dragon.

Blurb

San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought murder would be part of her practice, but now, Julia’s former boss and current client has asked for help. He has serious problems at his law firm. Three people have received death threats and the only common denominator between them is a case long settled — the infamous Bank of San Francisco fire. Julia’s convinced a woman is behind the threats, perhaps even the widow of the man who died in that same fire, but no one wants to believe that astrology could provide a clue. Before Julia can help her client, two lawyers are dead and her own life is threatened. Can she unmask the killer before he (or she) takes another life?

Excerpt

I followed the curve from Sutro Heights down to the Great Highway. Here, the road runs parallel to Ocean Beach. Sheets of sand had blown across the highway and formed dunes every so often high enough to block the ocean view. Waves crashed against the concrete abutment sending salt water spray across my windshield. I turned east on Ulloa away from the roiling Pacific and spotted Sarah Larkin’s address on the opposite side of the street. The wind off the ocean picked up, blowing east. Particles of dust and beach sand hit my face as I climbed out of the car. Keeping my head down for protection, I hurried across the street.

I climbed the long stairway to the front doors where a sign indicated 3102-3104. At least here, in the shelter of the entryway, there was respite from the wind. I pressed the buzzer to the door on the right. After a moment, a woman called out. “Who is it?”

“Hi. My name is Julia Bonatti. I’ve come from Meyers Dade & Schultz.”

The door was quickly yanked open by a woman in her late forties. Her face was round and slightly puffy. She wore no makeup and was dressed in a nondescript brown jumper over a black sweatshirt. Her long hair, streaked with gray, was combed back behind her ears.

She peered at me. “For God’s sake. What now? I told him I didn’t want anything from him or his damn law firm.” Her eyes were thin puffy slits.

“I . . . I’d just like to talk to you about your brother. I was hoping maybe you could help us in finding his murderer.”

“His murderer . . . I’d give his murderer a prize if I knew who he was,” she sneered. She looked me up and down and finally decided she’d talk to me even if it was only because I offered a sounding board for her bitterness. “Come on in,” she said resignedly.

“I gather you and your brother weren’t close, but I am sorry for your loss.”

“Don’t be. Wasn’t a loss. Believe me. I haven’t talked to Jack for years. Since my son died.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” A familiar pain flickered in my chest. My loss seemed small in comparison.

“Nicky was sixteen when he died. He had a drug problem. He got mixed up with the wrong kids and they were into some heavy stuff. I was sure if he had one more chance . . . a good chance, he might make it.” Her voice trailed off. “I begged Jack for the money. I never asked him for a thing in my life. Never. But I begged for that.”

“He refused?”

“Said he didn’t see why he should pay for rehab or counseling. The other places hadn’t done Nick any good, so what difference did it make?” She looked at me, her eyes betraying a deep well of pain. “Jack never really loved anyone in his life. How could he possibly understand what it’s like to love a child? I didn’t have anyone else to ask. My husband was killed in a car accident when Nick was seven. Our parents are dead, and Jack had plenty of money. Big, successful lawyer . . . but he didn’t give a damn about me or Nick. Yeah, I hated him. I still hate his guts. I don’t care if he’s dead, I only wish he had suffered more.”

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Mysterious Galaxy

Author Bio and Links

Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti. The Tail of the Dragon, third in the series, will be released on August 8, 2018.

Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of MWA, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.

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Giveaway

Connie di Marco will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow Connie on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour. You can find out more here.

Dealing with Writer’s Block

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Joanne Guidoccio

After spending over three decades dreaming about the novels I would write during my retirement years, I was totally unprepared for the tyranny of the blank page. Thankfully, that first bout of writer’s block didn’t last too long. Inspiration came a month later at a creative writing workshop.