Masquerade Marriage Book Review

Editorial Product Description
A SECRET LIST... To protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead, Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than Scotland. But his presence throws her into danger. A VOW HONORED... To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart. A SACRIFICE MADE... Outlawed, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can't have her, he heads alone to certain death...
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JoAnn's Thoughts:
This book held my attention from the first page. (I could even hear the Scottish accent as I read.) In fact, the characters seemed to leap off the pages and interact as if I was watching a movie. Honestly, this was one of the best historical romances I've read this year. I felt as if Ms. Greene stayed true to the time-period in setting, action, and manner of the people within the plot. This talented author wove not only a beautiful romance, but also showed us a warming faith of both Megan and Brody.

Brody has doubts with all that he has seen and lived through as a warrior. He wonders if God has abandoned him. However, God proved Himself faithful and true. What an encouraging thought to consider. No matter what we've lived though, God has--and will always--be there for us.

What's In A Name?

Good morning, everyone! (It's only 6:30am out here in sunny, Southern California).

My name is Ashley Ludwig, and I'm an inspirational romance author with White Rose Publishing.

Wow. It feels really good to say that. But, does it tickle my heart any more than it did to say that I am a published author with The Wild Rose Press?

No. It does not. I'm proud of The Wild Rose Press. They're amazing. They took this fledgling author of the inspirational, historical romance, All or Nothing, gave me an astounding editor, a contract, and a garden full of amazing women with talent streaming from their fingertips. Then, they hosted a contest for the line I write for - The White Roses - and challenged me and my fellow authors to come up with a story based on a verse from Song of Solomon. Like the lily from the thorns, so is my love among the maidens. Thus, By Another Name was born. Next thing I knew, I had won the contest, along with two other authors. Who was 1st? WHO CARED?!?! We all won. It didn't matter. How cool was that?

Perhaps this is as good a place as any for a discussion of how important names really are. William Shakespeare said it best when Juliet says of Romeo, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."

I know there's been a lot of discussion on how separate we are -- do we do things differently now -- and our editors have been wonderful in sharing with us what all this means. So, here's my take:

Whether you write for any shade of rose for The Wild Rose Press, or are a reader who loves all lines -- the important thing is, we were all brought together in a lovely bouquet. The blessing of this new publishing arm is, we no longer have to explain to our audience who might find themselves blushing a bit at some of the other shade of roses covers -- to look beyond and go to our pages. They can now breeze in and pick stories without wilting in the process!

So, again, this author thanks Rhonda and RJ, Nicola, and all the editors and cover artists who have joined us here. Blessings to all of you, and to my writer friends in every sub-genre and line. We're all still a happy family. We've just added on to the house!

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

New Release ~ Dilemma of the Heart

My post-Civil War Inspirational romance story, Dilemma of the Heart, released yesterday. I’m very excited about this release as it is my first historical with The Wild Rose Press. Today I’m the hostess on TWRP loop from 12-2 EST. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheWildRosePress/ I hope you’ll show up since I’ll be discussing the Historical and the Historical Hero. What fun they are to write. In the meantime, here is an excerpt from Dilemma of the Heart. I’ll be sharing more later on the loop.

Blurb:
Cassandra Huddleston has a dilemma. Her heart still resides with her sweetheart, Frederick Adair, reported as killed in action at the close of the Civil War. Now she has a new suitor, Emerson Bryce, powerful, attractive, and dominant; he usually gets what he wants. Cassandra must decide if she can forget the man of her heart and learn to love the man offering her a future.

As she struggles with her feelings, Cassandra is faced with the possibility that Frederick’s death might have been greatly exaggerated. If that is true, will Emerson be willing to let her go?

Excerpt #1
Placing her hat on the bench, she removed the golden charm from around her neck and held it in the palm of her hand. She opened it and admired the lock of lovely golden brown hair held inside. She touched the strands of Frederick’s hair, the softness causing deep emotions to stir within her. A hand came to her mouth to stifle the sob forming in her throat. With him, she had formed all her hopes and dreams. All that was gone. Now the future only seemed to spread before her like an empty, desolate land.

Lord, why? Why did you allow Frederick to die? Why did he have to leave me? Why? Huge tears began to tumble down her cheeks.

Snapping the locket shut, she shot to her feet as her hands bunched into fists. These thoughts were a poison to her soul. It was as if she was determined to make herself continue in perpetual grief. Her life had become a vale of tears and she was tired of it. She had to let him go if only to allow her heart to rest. She knew that would only come by allowing God to heal her pain but she couldn’t. If she permitted herself to stop hurting over Frederick, it would be like admitting she had forgotten him.

Excerpt #2
Frederick began to move toward her, his strides determined and sleek. “And how shall I address you when you’re married?” His voice drawled into a low and provocative tone, making her heart give a little leap.

She made the mistake of gazing into those deep, wonderful eyes of his and forgot to breathe as his eyes, no longer playful, seared into her, down to her beating heart. When she was finally able to gulp some air, her lungs began to pump again. “You may call me Cassandra as you always have…I hope.” Her voice came out breathy and weak.

“Oh, no, I don’t believe that would be proper.” He stepped right in front of her face and touched his forehead to hers. In that moment, it felt as if a dozen butterflies had been released inside her stomach. He grabbed her around the waist, but before he had the chance to kiss her, she returned to her senses. Pushing off from his chest, she moved down toward the stalls, keeping her back to him as she held a hand over her galloping heart.



Available Now at The Wild Rose Press.


Cindy
http://cindykgreen.com/
http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com/