by Angela Smith | Sep 26, 2018 | Characters, Relationships
Ah, Reagan. She was a difficult one to understand. Probably one of my most artistic characters to date, she stays in her head a lot (as many artists do).
- She holds on to things to try to prove to herself that she can settle but also because she’s afraid to let go of the past in fear of what the future might hold for her
- Failure to her means leading a boring, monotonous life, however succeeding is scary to her because its way out of her comfort zone
- Success to her would be living up to the far out dreams that she fantasizes about for herself (but she’s too afraid to admit these desires and dreams).
- In addition, with that she’s afraid that once she makes it to the top, she might get bored and intentionally destroy it so that it doesn’t hurt as bad.
- Garret opens her eyes to adventure. Not just to an extreme sport type adventure, but to the adventure of love and possibility.
- Generally a realist
- Analytical
- Harsh on herself and her decisions
- Guarded
- Creative
by Angela Smith | Apr 25, 2018 | Guests, Relationships
Today, we welcome Susanne Matthews, who is here to share some very good relationship advice from her characters of Wedding Bell Blues. And wow, congratulations to her and her husband of 47 years!
Relationships aren’t easy. They don’t just happen. There’s a lot of work that has to go into them before they become the happily ever afters most of us long for, and once they do, the work is only just beginning. One of the components of a lasting relationship is romance. Person A meets Person B and they both live happily ever after is a simplistic explanation for one of life’s most difficult challenges.
Regardless of who is involved, whether it’s the characters in my stories, or my friends and family, romance is the initial stage in a relationship between individuals. I’ve been fortunate enough to find my happily ever after. Come September, my husband and I will have been married 47 years. To some, that sounds like a life sentence. It isn’t. It’s a wonderful adventure on occasionally stormy seas that makes life worth living.
But for some people, romance doesn’t necessarily lead to a long-term relationship as both MJ and Paul discover before they come together in my novel, Wedding Bell Blues.
As MJ puts it, “I thought Mark was the one. I knew he’d been a bit of a jerk when we were younger, but I really believed he’d changed. Until he cheated on me. Maybe the forever kind of love she and my father had really doesn’t exist anymore.”
Paul’s take on love is a bit different, born in his early years when all he saw was the dark said of love gone wrong. “I don’t believe in love, so when my fiancée dumped me, I wasn’t all that surprised. My mother loved my father, and all she got out of it was a broken nose and a broken heart. Love is for fools.”
How can these people learn to trust in love again? It all goes back to romance.
When Paul and MJ meet for the first time in fifteen years, each one takes something different away from the meeting, but neither can deny the attraction. He sees it as his duty to look out for his best friend’s kid sister, the girl who was the closest thing to a sister he would ever have. She saw her first love as a jerk who not only hadn’t recognized her but had called her fat and an old maid. He would be the last person she would ever turn to for help. But, no matter how hard they try, they can’t deny the attraction between them.
When MJ finds herself stuck on a honeymoon island resort, Paul, the last man she wants to rely on, turns out to be her only hope, and since he would do anything for her, Paul sees it as his duty to help her out going so far as proposing to marry her to save her reputation. But MJ wants what her parents had. Can she accept the idea of a loveless marriage?
The early stage of any relationship is the romance period, what my friend refers to as the chocolate and flowers season, a time when two people get to know one another, warts and all, and while my characters go through this at breakneck speed, they do get to know one another. MJ realizes that Paul is a man broken by time and circumstances and determines to show him that love exists and that he is worthy of it, while Paul realizes MJ is far more than his best friend’s kid sister—she’s an essential component of his ability to be the man he wants to be. But their road to love and a happily ever after isn’t easy, not with mermaids and pirate treasure to find, and Quimbois magic to muddy the waters. Come join them on their journey of discovery. You won’t regret it!
Book Blurb:
Romance, mermaids, cursed treasure, and more.
MJ’s having a bad year. She’s canceled her wedding but refuses to give up the honeymoon. When she arrives on Paradise Island, she discovers her ex has changed the reservation. Stranded, she has to rely on her first love, a man who sees her as his kid sister, for help. When Paul discovers the man behind her plight is the bully who made his own teen years hell, he gets MJ to agree to pretend to be his fiancée. Reluctantly, she agrees. Add in mermaids, treasure hunters, and Quimbois magic, and anything can happen—even falling in love.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078J5GVJ7
Updated author bio:
Amazon bestselling author Susanne Matthews was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. She’s always been an avid reader of all types of books, but with a penchant for happily ever after romances. A retired educator, Susanne spends her time writing and creating adventures for her readers. She loves the ins and outs of romance, and the complex journey it takes to get from the first word to the last period of a novel. As she writes, her characters take on a life of their own, and she shares their fears and agonies on the road to self-discovery and love.
Not content with one subgenre, Susanne writes romance that ranges from contemporary to sci-fi and everything in between. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, or traveling to interesting places she can use as settings in her future books. She always spending time with her husband and family whether that involves cuddling by the fire or traveling to various sports activities to cheer the grandkids on.
Follow Susanne on her: Website Blog Facebook page Twitter @jandsmatt
Amazon author page and Goodreads author page
by Angela Smith | Apr 4, 2018 | Relationships
Welcome to my first installment of relationship advice offering tips, tricks, and memories in an attempt to solve love’s mystery. I have a great schedule of romance readers, authors, and others stopping by every Wednesday to share their wisdom of love. When I put the call out to invite others to participate, I had several say “I’m no expert!” My reply is: “Are there truly any experts in the field of love?” I haven’t met one yet! (Although my husband…he does come pretty close sometimes, LOL!)
So my first installment is about bad relationship advice, and it is brought to you by my loving cat, Romeo. Folks, this is what not to do in a relationship!
Act like you don’t care.
This is actually (bad) advice many people take to heart. And maybe sometimes this reverse psychology does work on certain people. I rarely recommend doing it. If you want a relationship to work, you have to work at it 110% (there is no 50/50). Acting like you don’t care to try to get someone to “chase” you is not the way to do it. (Although it does work with cats.)
Be serious all the time.
Sure, there’s a time to be serious, but then there’s a time to be silly and if you can’t laugh with each other, what can you do?
Don’t share
We all know this is terrible advice. We were taught to share since we were babies. (And Romeo didn’t mind sharing this bedding he founded from a warm pizza box!)
Never trust.
For a cat to lie on their back and show their belly is a huge sign of trust. There’s even a joke out there where a cat does that to be all cute so that when you go pet them, they attack. I raised Romeo from a baby and had to bottle feed him when his feral mother died, so I’d say he trusts me a lot! Trust in a relationship can be difficult, especially if you’ve been in dishonest relationships in the past. Heck I’ve been married twenty-four years and still distrust sometimes because of the intrinsic fear of abandonment. So if you want bad advice, don’t ever trust anyone. But for a relationship to work, you have to trust.
So that’s it. Bad Relationship Advice from a cat who is actually extremely loving. But I hope it made you smile, laugh, or at least roll your eyes. Or maybe even coo at the sweetness of my cat. Because who doesn’t love to share their cat pictures? Be sure to drop by every Wednesday to read what others have to say about love.
by Angela Smith | Jul 17, 2017 | Guests
Today, we have Elizabeth Meyette answering some fun interview questions and telling us about her newest release, The Brentwood Saga, which includes 2 of her historical romances for one low price!
Thanks for inviting me to be your guest today, Angela.
Thanks for coming! I can’t wait to get started! First question is: What intrigues you about your book?
I’m intrigued that Love’s Destiny, the first book in The Brentwood Saga, ever was written. I never intended to become a writer. Years ago, my friend wanted me to read her Kathleen Woodiwiss historical romance novels. I waved her off several times saying, “I don’t read romance,” then I finally relented. Halfway into Shanna, I was hooked. I devoured all the novels she gave me. But I didn’t want her to “win,” so when I returned the books, I sniffed (I’m sure I did) and said, “These were good, but I could write a romance novel” (Oh, the hubris of the uninitiated.) She said, “Then do it!” I said, “Okay, I will!” Then I had to follow through. If she had never encouraged…rather, dared me…I probably would not be an author today.
Wow, that is intriguing, and I’m definitely glad she inspired and challenged you. What was your favorite part of writing your book?
Probably my favorite part of writing is when my characters surprise me. They often introduce themselves, already named. And if I try to change their names for any reason, they get a bit huffy and won’t continue telling me their stories. Also, if they “show” me a scene and I don’t like it and refuse to write it, they go on strike. Sometimes they appear in the most interesting places. For example, in Love’s Spirit, I was writing a scene where there was a knock on the door, and I had no idea who it was. Turns out, it was a secondary character from earlier in the story whom I didn’t even know would reappear in the book.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I love getting so lost in a novel that if it’s raining in the story, when I put the book down, I’m surprised that, in real life, the sun is actually shining. Sometimes I even live with the emotions of the characters I’m reading about, so if the protagonist is sad, so am I until I mentally “exit” the book for a while.
That’s always a great experience, and I love reading books that bring that out in us. Are you a plotter, a pantser, or both?
I am a post-pantser plotter. What??? Yes, I am a pantser, but I create a spreadsheet with a column for each chapter. After I’ve written a chapter, I fill in its column on the spreadsheet with a phrase that explains each scene in that chapter. So, I do not plot out my entire novel, but I keep track of what’s going on which helps tremendously when I am revising. Before I start my novel, I have a clear picture of the opening and closing scenes, from there it’s a toss-up how I get from point A to point B. Even when I try to plot, my characters chuckle kindly and do whatever the heck they want.
What a great idea! Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
I think the overarching theme in my historical romances is the power of love in facing down danger. In my upcoming novel, Love’s Courage, I have this quote from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” I think that theme is echoed through all the books in The Brentwood Saga.
In my mysteries, there’s the theme of the search for one’s own truth. Jesse Graham is a self-avowed agnostic who can’t help praying when she’s in a crisis and whose best friend is a Catholic nun. Also, while Jesse tries to ignore the ghosts who call on her for help, she begins to realize that she has what her Italian friend calls “the gift,” though she calls it a curse. Gradually she begins to accept that she is a “ghost empath.”
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
I’ve used life experiences more in my mysteries than in my historical romances. For example, Jesse is afraid of mice and spiders. In the opening scene of The Cavanaugh House she has an experience that I could hardly write because it freaked me out so. Also, I attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade, so scenes at St. Bartholomew’s Academy for Girls was a little walk down memory lane for me. By the way, most of the nuns who taught me were wonderful, and I have no stories of having my knuckles rapped with a ruler…though my brother does. And he probably deserved it.
What great experiences to share! If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I taught that book for many years in American Literature, and I never tired of reading it.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey because I never have.
A great song! Are you working on any projects right now?
I’ve just sent Love’s Courage to my editor and hope to release it soon. Now I must decide whether to continue my Finger Lakes Mysteries series or jump into a new genre and write a contemporary romantic suspense that’s been tickling my brain. I have started both, so we’ll see whose voice is louder—Maggie’s or Leila’s.
Good luck with both! Do you see writing as a career?
It already is.
Have you traveled to any locations that appear in your books?
Rich and I visited Williamsburg, VA last fall so I could do research for Love’s Courage. My daughter’s friend is an actor/interpreter there and was our personal guide for two days. #heaven. Last January while in New York City for a writers’ conference, Rich and I had lunch at Fraunces Tavern where George Washington bid farewell to his officers at the end of the American Revolution. The original building still stands.
I was born and raised in upstate New York and visited and lived in the Finger Lakes region, so I’m very familiar with the setting for my mysteries. When we go back to Rochester to visit my family, Rich and I often visit the scene of The Cavanaugh House.
Sounds fun! Can you share a tip about what you do when you get stuck in your writing?
I walk away. Literally. Sitting there pounding the keyboard gets me nowhere. If I go for a long walk with no ear buds plugged in, more often than not, my head clears and a problem starts to untangle or something I’d never thought of pops into my head.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Elizabeth Gilbert or Anne Lamott. I worship at their author altars.
So let’s hear more about Elizabeth Meyette’s books!
Releases Today for 99 Cents!
Against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, a patriot and a loyalist must learn to trust among the lies and deceptions to find true love. This action-packed historical saga is now available as a value-priced collection.
Love’s Destiny: When Emily Wentworth’s father dies, her appointed guardian Jonathon Brentwood arrives at her home in London to take the strong-willed seventeen-year-old with him to the colonies. It’s her one chance at a new life, but Jonathon’s involvement in patriot activity against England disturbs—and threatens—Emily, a loyal subject of the king. Can they find a way to mend their divided politics, or will Emily learn too late that love is more precious than being right?
Love’s Spirit: Emily Brentwood is overjoyed to learn her husband escaped his British captors and is still alive. She clings to his promise to be with her for the birth of their baby, and no British officer who attempts to rape her or enemies who try to kill her can shake her belief in a happily ever after ending. Until a thread from Jonathon’s past emerges and he must betray her to ensure her safety. Can love’s spirit triumph over the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart amid the danger and lies?
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
I love it when readers connect with me. Here are the many ways:
Website | Blog | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
My books are available at
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo| Simon & Schuster
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
It was my pleasure. Thank you, Angela!
by Angela Smith | May 31, 2017 | Books
Jenna Gavin is searching for a fresh start and, more importantly, for balance. Her heart, and perhaps the hands of fate, have led her and her son to Trappers’ Cove, Minnesota. Settling in the small, quirky town, she’s not in the market for a casual relationship but finds herself in one with the young widower next door.
Former shortstop, Gabriel Foxx, is drawn to his difficult new neighbor. The more the prickly divorcee tries to keep him at arm’s length, the more determined he is to break down her walls. He can’t avoid the passion Jenna inspires and his friendship with Finn has him yearning for family, but Gabe won’t allow himself to feel more.
When friendship grows complicated by stronger emotions and mutual desire just isn’t enough, will love be worth the risk?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
Let’s welcome Becky Flade today as she answers some tough interview questions!
What intrigues you about your book?
The heroine has a … difficult … personality. Jenna appeared in both Fated Souls and Fated Hearts, both times as a bit of a harpy, and it was challenging to write her story, do her justice, stay true to the character. and still like her. ‘cause if I don’t like her, the reader won’t either.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
I got the “bug” in kindergarten. No lie. We had free time, you know color, play house, build with blocks, whatever your tiny little heart desired and I asked my teacher to help me make a book. My mom still has it pressed between the pages of her family bible.
What was your favorite part of writing your book?
The hero, Gabe, no contest. Writing him was a joy especially in comparison to Jenna whom, as I stated above, was a challenge.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I love escaping into a story. Any story, if it’s well written, should pull the reader in and that’s my favorite part of reading.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I don’t know. I think I do. Is having a knack for banter a style?
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
Normally, I answer this with a firm NO. But I poured a lot of my emotions into Fated Desires. There were scenes, sub-plots, that never made the final cut that I cried while I wrote and that were a relief to cut as I’d bared too much of myself in the text.
Are you working on any projects right now?
I’ve started work on the 4th and planned finale to the Trappers’ Cove series. I say planned finale because I’m not sure I want to be done with these families/couples.
Have you traveled to any locations that appear in your books?
I’m a Philly girl born and bred; and my hometown shows up from time to time. But otherwise, no. I’ve never been to Minnesota; Trappers’ Cove is completely fictional. It’s a cross between the town of Saint Mary’s, West Virginia, where my grandparents lived for most of my life, and Stars Hollow of Gilmore Girls’ fame.
Are you a pet person? If so, do you have any?
I am but right now we don’t have any pets. My dog, Ella, passed away from cancer while I was writing the book before Fated Desires and I’m not ready to adopt yet.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t ever give up.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://www.beckyfladeauthor.com
Blog: http://www.beckyfladeauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeckyFlade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckyflade
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BeckyFlade/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Becky-Flade/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Becky_Flade
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
Thank you for the opportunity!
About the Author:
Home is where the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished armor in southeastern Pennsylvania. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.
Contact Details:
beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com
http://www.beckyfladeauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BeckyFlade
https://twitter.com/beckyflade
See Fated Desires on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/BeckyFlade/fated-desires/ and on YouTube https://youtu.be/_VD2F-RQzHA
Add to Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35102061-fated-desires
Enjoy the following excerpt from Fated Desires:
She had drifted closer to him. Or him to her. Jenna couldn’t be sure. But it would take only a shift of balance to touch her body to his. Life was about balance. And the shifting of worlds. In the space of a day her world had changed for better and for worse. She’d spent the previous nine years trying to find her balance again.
Jenna felt the familiar kick of desire. She’d never understood the girls who spoke of butterflies and stirrings. For her it was more akin to a donkey kick—pleasurable, sure, like the first jolt of caffeine in the morning and as sure and swift and strong. Her pulse sped up and she knew the vein in her neck would visibly pulse; it did when she was angry and when she was aroused. Gabe was sure to notice it. As she noticed his heart pounding against her palm in a rhythm she found seductive.
She raised her gaze from the back of her hand. His mouth was aligned with her own. She hadn’t realized how close in height they were. All she had to do was…shift.
“This is the longest conversation we’ve had.” Her voice was husky; she heard it, knew he would. He shifted, imperceptibly but she sensed it.
“Maybe this,” his voice was husky too, “is why.”
She thought she knew what he meant. The tension between them was awareness.
“The day we met I wanted to get close enough to see what color your eyes were. They’re gray. Like storm clouds. Perfect.”
Jenna could feel his breath on the flesh of her lips and her nipples tightened.
“Mom!”
Finn’s shout was punctuated by his feet drumming down the stairs. Gabe brushed his lips over the curve of her cheek, his eyes conveying amused regret, and slipped out the back door, barely making a sound. Jenna grabbed the counter and breathed. She needed to settle herself before her son found his way to the kitchen.
What the hell?
