Cindy Green featured in Winter Wonders Anthology

Cindy K. Green's short story "Snow Kissed" is included in the Winter Wonders anthology, coming from By Grace Publishing on December 14. Other authors included: Joann Carter, Meg Allison, Muncy Chapman

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, was leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today of all days does he realize he loves her? Can he change her mind and make her stay?

Excerpt:
“So,” asked Logan, lifting his chin, a real smile moving onto his face now, “what are you up to this afternoon?”

She smiled back. “I’m off for a snow walk.”

“That’s what so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There is no snow!” He raised both his hands in frustration.

“There will be,” she replied with complete confidence.

“How do you know? There’s no snow in the forecast. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm while a swirl of pleasure moved around inside her stomach at the contact. “Just breathe,” she whispered to him slowly as she took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No,” she laughed. He could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful, magical.” Her voice came out breathy, the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight though, not that you would dare show your face there.”

She paused, making a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This might possibly be their final farewell. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many wonderful memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams. “Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. It was easier than being disappointed.

“Bye Holly.” He said the words as he always did—with genuine warmth, when no one else was paying attention, that is. He released a small smile and Holly was caught in his gaze, a little thrill pulsing in her heart.

Logan was rugged from the clothes he wore to the tough and edgy persona he showed to the world. But his eyes, yes, his eyes betrayed his softer side. You would have expected him to have black, beady eyes by the way he barked at everyone, but instead he had these deep, soulful eyes in the most brilliant indigo Holly had ever seen on any person, man or woman. She would miss those eyes and these stimulating conversations. Well, everything that is Logan Riley.

Cindy Green is a "Winter Wonders" Author

Cindy K. Green's short story "Snow Kissed" is included in the Winter Wonders anthology, coming from By Grace Publishing. Other authors included: Joann Carter, Meg Allison, Muncy Chapman. Visit By Grace Publishing for details on purchasing.

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, was leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today of all days does he realize he loves her? Can he change her mind and make her stay?

Excerpt:
“So,” asked Logan, lifting his chin, a real smile moving onto his face now, “what are you up to this afternoon?”

She smiled back. “I’m off for a snow walk.”

“That’s what so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There is no snow!” He raised both his hands in frustration.

“There will be,” she replied with complete confidence.

“How do you know? There’s no snow in the forecast. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm while a swirl of pleasure moved around inside her stomach at the contact. “Just breathe,” she whispered to him slowly as she took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No,” she laughed. He could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful, magical.” Her voice came out breathy, the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight though, not that you would dare show your face there.”

She paused, making a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This might possibly be their final farewell. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many wonderful memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams. “Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. It was easier than being disappointed.

“Bye Holly.” He said the words as he always did—with genuine warmth, when no one else was paying attention, that is. He released a small smile and Holly was caught in his gaze, a little thrill pulsing in her heart.

Logan was rugged from the clothes he wore to the tough and edgy persona he showed to the world. But his eyes, yes, his eyes betrayed his softer side. You would have expected him to have black, beady eyes by the way he barked at everyone, but instead he had these deep, soulful eyes in the most brilliant indigo Holly had ever seen on any person, man or woman. She would miss those eyes and these stimulating conversations. Well, everything that is Logan Riley.

Meet Pamela Thibodeaux

Hello White Roses in Bloom Fans!

Here’s hoping EVERYONE had a BLESSED and Happy Thanksgiving!
I am very pleased and honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of writers. As much as I’d love to tell you all about my books, I believe that you should have the opportunity to know a little about me first (not that I’m all that—LOL!). Anyway…for those of you who don’t know me, here’s a little introduction:

My name is Pamela S Thibodeaux and I write “Inspirational with an Edge!” romantic fiction as well as creative non fiction. First and foremost I am a firmly committed Christian. God is very real to me and I hope to show through my characters that He can be just as real to you!

I am a wife/mother/grandmother/full-time insurance sales producer/writer as well as the co-founder/president & treasurer of Bayou Writers’ Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

To date I have 4 full-length novels published. Books 1, 2 & 3 of my 5-part Tempered series are published through ComStar Media and my single-title novel, The Inheritance is published through The Wild Rose Press. I also have a short story, Cathy’s Angel available now through TWRP. Another short story is due for release on Jan 8, 08 and another is under consideration. All of my full-length novels are available in E-book and Print!

I have been a weekly contributor to The Romance Readers Blog with Pamela’s Ponderings for almost a year now and have a Personal Blog that I update regularly. I’ve also been known to hang out at MySpace and ShoutLife.

Well, that’s my life in a nutshell LOL!

Until later….take care, stay in touch, God Bless and remember…when the going gets tough, the tough get on their knees.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
“Inspirational with an Edge!”

Through the Eyes of Love & New book winners

Today Rose Ross Zediker's THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE was released. This is the last of the White Roses in Bloom books to be released for November. But don't panic - there are more coming in December and January.

Cindy K. Green has a story in a By Grace Publishing winter Anthology. The book is called Winter Wonders and Cindy's story is "Snow Kissed." "Saving Gracie" the first installment in Kara Lynn Russell's new series "Orchard Hill Romances" will also be hitting the virtual shelves in December.

A couple of authors who are new to our White Roses in Bloom group have January releases: A short story by Pamela Thibodeaux and the novel A Table for One by new Wild Rose Press author Georgiana Daniels. Betsy Ann St. Amant, author of Midnight Angel and "If Wishes Were Dog Biscuits" has also joined out group. Each of these three talented authors will be introducing themselves to us soon.

Okay - now for the big news - Who won the free books?
1. The Broken Path - Sarita Leone
2. The Spirit of Christmas - Lisa K
3. Uncharted Waters - Patricia W.
4. When Johnny Comes Home - Krysten

If you are one of the winners, please email the author of the book you've won and let them know what email address you want the book sent to. You should be able to reach the authors through our links page. If you have any problems, please email Kara Lynn Russell at karalynnrussell@gmail.com.

Congratulations to all the winners! Keep checking back to our blog for holiday fun in December.

Kim Watter's Upcoming Release

Here's a preview of "When Johnny Comes Home" one of our prize books for this week's drawing:

Audrey Roberts's masquerade is about to end in disaster. For years, she's written love letters to Johnny and signed them with her sister's name. Now, the man she adores is coming home to marry his pen pal and Audrey is left to face the consequences of her deception.

Injured during D-Day, Johnny Davenport is shipped home. His only plan: to find the woman whoselove letters kept him sane and hopeful throughout the destruction of war. Nothing will stop him from drawing out the beautiful, shy girl he left behind and making her his wife.

But once the true writer is revealed, which sister will he claim?

Excerpt
August 17, 1944.

“Johnny should be here any minute.” Audrey Roberts bit her lip and almost shredded the telegram in her hands as she stood by the lace covered window.

Keeping a classroom full of third-graders entertained enough to learn their lessons was easier than the job that soon awaited her. Dropping the tattered pieces of paper on the floor, she twisted her fingers together. Nonsense! As the eldest child of Edward and Hannah Roberts, she’d been raised to be the responsible one, the kind and considerate one, the studious one with her head in a book and her feet planted firmly in reality.

Still, a fine drop of perspiration trailed down her forehead, over her cheek and past the stiff collar of her white blouse. Nothing stirred in the late afternoon. Not even the breeze from the rickety, old fan clanging in the background. The humid temperatures languished in the interior of her mother’s first floor apartment in Mercy, Michigan.

“Why did I have to go and make such a mess of things?” Her fingernails dug into her palms. Why, she felt more skittish than the new-born colt just born on Uncle Henry’s farm. Silly nonsense. She was a grown woman in charge of educating a roomful of children.

Certainly she could handle telling her sister’s suitor that Kathryn had run off with another man. If only she hadn’t created the masquerade that was sure to end in disaster. The nerves in her stomach bunched together like a pail of her younger brother’s worms. She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the faded, floral wallpaper. A young Johnny’s smiling face floated in front of her darkened lids. She’d complicated things because she’d taken to him the day her younger sister, Kathryn, had introduced him to her.

Audrey had fallen in love immediately with the handsome soldier. She’d sensed a disquiet about him, a need that called out to her on a deep emotional level. She’d continued to fill that need long after Kathryn had pushed him aside to pursue a better prospect.

First Round of Book Winners!

Today is the release day for Alvarado Gold by Victoria Pitts-Caine, the print version of Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man by Kimberlee R. Mendoza and Nick and Noelle by Kara Lynn Russell. Earlier this week Kimberlee's A Girl Named Christmas was also released.

Next week Through the Eyes of Love by Rose Ross Zediker and When Johnny Comes Home by Kim Watters will be released. We are all very excited about these great new books! They are indeed blessings for us.

Today is also the first round of our November book give away. Congratulations to the winners. Winners please contact the author so you can give her the email address you want your book sent to. Authors can be contacted through the links on the right. If you have any problems contact Kara Lynn at karalynnrussell@gmail.com.

1. Georgiana Daniels - Nick and Noelle
2. Cherie J - Alvarado Gold
3. Robynl - A Girl Named Christmas
4. Catslady - Through the Eyes of Love

Congratulations! We hope you enjoy our books.

If you didn't win, check back next Friday. We are giving away four more books.

Release Day for "A Girl Named Christmas!"

Today is release day for Kimberlee R. Mendoza's "A Girl Named Christmas," available at the Wild Rose Press - www.thewildrosepress.com. Here's the blurb:

Christmas is dragging her feet to her fortieth birthday, dreading the realization that she will never marry. In a vain effort to feel better, she begins to reminisce about her youth.

The year is 1955 in Ashabula, Ohio. Chris and her siblings are attractive young women forbidden to date until they are adults. When the gardener’s son Elijah begins to pursue Chris, despite her stubborn heart, she falls hard. When her mother finds out, a tragedy occurs and Chris turns her back on the only man she would ever love.

Is it too late for her? Or is it possible that her romantic journey is just beginning?

On Friday - ALVARADO GOLD by Victoria Pitts-Caine and NICK AND NOELLE by Kara Lynn Russell will be released by the Wild Rose Press. Both books will be available as downloads. NICK AND NOELLE will also be available in print. ALVARADO GOLD will be released in print soon. Friday is the day that Kimberlee R. Mendoza's YA novel LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN will be available in print.

We will be drawing the first names for our book giveaway, so make sure you check back here to see if you've won. If you haven't entered the contest yet, there's still time. Just leave us a comment listing three of your favorite blessings.

Victoria Pitts-Caine Shares Her Blessings

I thought I'd join in on the blessings blog as well. Here's what I'm thankful for:

1. My family. A strong Christian husband and my two Korean born daughters.
2. My home. I've always had a roof over my head and plenty of food on the table. There are so many who don't and I'm blessed that I may want more but I do not need more.
3. Talent. I'm quiet about my faith and the ability to write my stories lets me deliver that faith to others.

Excerpt from Alvarado Gold:


I backed up against the doorway to my room, shaken. My insides quivered. I always thought I was tough enough to stand up to anyone. I’d just about proven myself wrong. If it hadn’t been for Gary showing up when he did, I’d . . . .

I’d thought he’d betrayed me but yet he’d shown up as my rescue. First, I assumed it was a convenient set up between the two of them. But Donnie didn’t appear to know him, or, at least, pretended not to. It was going to take . . . What did Grandpa call it? A step of faith. If I was going to let myself trust him, I needed to apologize.



Victoria

Rose's Blessings

Since we asked you to share three blessing with us this Thanksgiving season, I thought it only fair to share three of mine.

1) That I live a country where I’m free to worship as I choose.
2) My family and friends
3) My health

My excerpt that’s posted below, talks about a family
tradition that the hero wants to share with the heroine. All families have traditions that are passed down, like a favorite recipe, my grandma’s homemade rolls, or an activity, like watching a big game on television. Some of my families traditions, I took for granted growing up and looking back, I realize they were blessings in disguise.

May all your traditions, both old and new, be blessing to you this Thanksgiving holiday.

Rose

Excerpt: Through The Eyes of Love

“I bought my tree from the lot beside the gas station.” Mike emptied a sugar packet into his cup. He stirred his coffee. “I thought maybe we could decorate our trees together.”

Audra shifted in the diner booth. “I don’t put up a tree.”

Mike looked at her as if she were from outer space. “Why not?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “No reason to I guess.” She sipped her coffee. “The only decorating I do is in the office and from what the critics tell me this year, I didn’t do a good job of that.”

Mike grinned. “Begin a tradition and start this year.”

Audra wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think so.”

“If I buy the tree will you put it up?”

“No, there is no reason for me to have a tree.” Audra folded her arms on the table.

“You need somewhere to put your gifts. It wouldn’t have to be big.” Mike leaned close and flashed his most persuasive smile.

“Two gifts sent from my mom doesn’t necessitate a tree.”

“Will you at least help me decorate my side of the duplex?”

Audra waited until the waitress topped off their cups to answer. “I suppose I …”

“Good. My family had a tradition of doing something special each Sunday of the Advent. Since I can’t go home, I thought, if you didn’t mind that you and I could do those things.”

Audra outstretched her forearms laying her palms flat on the table. “I know you miss your family so I’ll do your Advent activities. I doubt if it’ll be as special for two reasons. One I don’t know what I’m doing and two I’m not your family.”

Mike stopped stirring his coffee and left the spoon in his cup. He covered both of Audra’s hands with his. “I’d like you to be.”

Audra felt the depth of his gaze clear to the bottom of her heart. For a few moments she forgot they were in a café surrounded by people. Her mind began to rationalize the meaning behind his words but her heart knew what he meant.

Someone cleared her throat. Audra turned to find Hap and Cara standing beside their booth.

“For the second time, can we join you?” Cara asked.

Kimberlee R. Mendoza's Contest

(Note: This contest is separate from our Counting Your Blessings Contest. But hey, who's going to complain about more chances to win free books!)

SIBLING RIVALRY JUST GOT NASTY

This Friday, November 9, the print release for the first book in the Russell Family Series, Love thy Sister, Guard thy Man will be made available to purchase! You don't want to miss this book that made reviewer Alice stay up all night. "I blame it all on Kimberlee Mendoza for my lack of sleep because I just had to know what will happen next. Every page screamed “read me!” and it took me a lot of effort to stop pushing myself." Love thy Sister received five enchatments (Enchanting Reviews), five angels (Fallen Angel Reviews) and four coffee cups (Coffee Time Romance).

To celebrate this release, if you can name all four siblings in an email to me at kim@writesftk.com, you will be entered to win a free copy of "A Girl Named Christmas." (Releasing next Wednesday, November 14).

Also mark your calendars to attend the release party on Friday, November 16, 6:00-8:00 PM, at the Chapel Cafe in Spring Valley, CA. For more information, log onto: www.kmendoza.com.

Blessings and happy reading!

Count Your Blessings Contest

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for counting your blessings. All of the White Rose authors here count being a part of the The Wild Rose Press as one of our blessings. We’d like to know what blessings you have.

Leave us a list of three blessings in your life as comments on our blog and you’ll be entered in our contest. Names will be drawn from the entries for free books! Keep watching here for more details.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak at Nick and Noelle by Kara Lynn Russell, which will be released as an e-text and in print on November 14. In this excerpt it’s clear that our hero, Nick is having a bit of trouble counting his blessings at Thanksgiving dinner.

*****

Dinner couldn’t have been any more agonizing for Nick if he’d been sitting on a chair full of nails. Gladys had seated Noelle next to him at the crowded table. That put her near enough for him to smell the sweet scent of her perfume. They were packed in so closely that their shoulders brushed. He caught her every movement from the corner of his eye. How was he supposed to ignore her when she was invading his senses like this?
He was careful to give her all the space he could. He even made sure their hands didn’t touch when he passed serving bowls to her. To make matters worse, Natalie just wouldn’t let up about fixing Noelle up with someone. In Nick’s opinion she stunk as a matchmaker. He’d never heard such a list of losers before in his life. It sounded like the roll call for “Jerks R Us.” If Noelle had shown the faintest interest in any of them, he’d…
He’d have said nothing. Because he told her the kiss was a mistake, and it wouldn’t happen again. He’d just been protecting himself against her imminent rejection, but now he couldn’t very well turn around and object to her potential dates.

A Bouquet of Roses in November

November will be an exciting month for our White Roses in Bloom group. Several of us will have new releases this month. Check these out:

Nov. 14
A Girl Named Christmas, a White Rosebud story by Kimberlee R. Mendoza
Nov. 16
Alvarado Gold, the first Wild Rose Press release by Victoria Pitts-Caine
Nick and Noelle, a holiday romance by Kara Lynn Russell
Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man, this Climbing Rose by Kimberlee R. Mendoza will be available in print. (If you can't wait you can buy the ebook version now.)
Nov. 23
Through the Eyes of Love, the first Wild Rose Press release by Rose Ross Zediker

Keep checking back here at the Wild Roses in Bloom blog for blurbs, excerpts and news. With all these releases we have to do something special to celebrate! Details available soon.

Kara Lynn Russell