Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 02/12/2023 ~ Falling in Time~ “Forget This”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m starting a new set of snippets this week, from a novella I wrote several years ago for an anthology called Crashing Into Love. The premise of the anthology was that a plane crash brought people together and some of them fell in love. Since I wanted to write an historical, and airplanes didn’t exist in the 19th century, I ended up writing a time travel romance, of course. It was called Crashing Through Time and I liked it quite a lot. I’ve never re-published it, but in 2017 I started revising it into a novel, called Falling In Time, but stopped when I needed time to write my Widow’s Club series.

In 2023 I’m pulling it back out, adding about 40k to it and hopefully self-publish later this year. But for now, I’ll share some snippets of it with you. I hope you enjoy it!

BLURB:

More than hearts can be broken when you fall through time.

Corinne McGowan survives a plane crash only to fall down a hole in time. In 1868 Cornwall, she faces the ultimate decision: Let the man she loves die, or save him and change history forever.

EXCERPT:

Wait for it…wait for it…She slammed forward, hitting her head again, so hard this time her teeth clicked despite her tightly clenched jaw. The plane bounced, fishtailed…and began to slow.

Alive. Thank God, they were still alive. Relief washed through her, so acute she went limp in her seat, simultaneously discovering an urgent need to pee. Cautiously, she raised her head, the chattering and crying all around her making it spin, although that could’ve been the result of that last bang into the seatback. The plane continued to slow, the black smoke now pouring out of the engine. Its propeller had stopped turning. Crap, it could still blow up at any minute.

The type of plane Corrine was on

And a little more for good measure…

She ripped the seatbelt free and bolted for the door directly behind her. One man already stood before it, grasping the handle and twisting it viciously back and forth. The rest of the passengers crowded her, pushing her into the man, who still couldn’t get the damned door open.

“Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats please.” The captain shouted over his shoulder, still wrestling with the controls. “Let the airplane come to a complete stop!”

Corinne stared through the window at the billowing black smoke. No way in hell. She shoved past the man in front of her and wrenched his hand away from the handle. Grasping it like a lifeline, she twisted it all the way up until she felt a click, then pushed.

The door popped open so fast Corinne didn’t have time to let go. It swung away, pulling her out of the plane onto the wing over the failing engine. Acrid smoke wafted around her, stinging her eyes and nose. She took a breath and coughed, eyes streaming.

Forget this.

The plane had slowed drastically, though it still bounced over the rough tufts of grass fast enough to shake Corinne until her teeth rattled. Adrenaline surged as she held her breath and jumped.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Blog Hops, Falling in Time, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Time Travel Romance, Victorian romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 02/05/2023 ~ Falling in Time~ “Mayday”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m starting a new set of snippets this week, from a novella I wrote several years ago for an anthology called Crashing Into Love. The premise of the anthology was that a plane crash brought people together and some of them fell in love. Since I wanted to write an historical, and airplanes didn’t exist in the 19th century, I ended up writing a time travel romance, of course. It was called Crashing Through Time and I liked it quite a lot. I’ve never re-published it, but in 2017 I started revising it into a novel, called Falling In Time, but stopped when I needed time to write my Widow’s Club series.

In 2023 I’m pulling it back out, adding about 40k to it and hopefully self-publish later this year. But for now, I’ll share some snippets of it with you. I hope you enjoy it!

BLURB:

More than hearts can be broken when you fall through time.

Corinne McGowan survives a plane crash only to fall down a hole in time. In 1868 Cornwall, she faces the ultimate decision: Let the man she loves die, or save him and change history forever.

EXCERPT:

The first indication Corinne McGowan had that something had gone seriously wrong was the blue exhaust trailing from the small airplane engine directly to her left. Through the large windows of the sightseeing plane, she’d been avidly scanning the beautiful green fields of Cornwall some fifteen hundred feet below her, trying to get a glimpse of Meadowbank Hall, when out the corner of her eye she caught sight of the dark puffs that rapidly became an ominous black stream.

Her heart gave a great thump and her body froze. Oh God!  Adrenaline shot through her, and she wrenched her gaze from the billowing smoke, scanning the cramped cabin to see if any of the other five passengers had seen it. Shit. No one else had noticed a damn thing.

Corinne snapped her attention toward the cockpit. “Captain!”

The word had barely left her mouth when the harsh, insistent beep of the alarm sounded throughout the tiny cabin.

The type of plane Corrine was on

And a little more for good measure…

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. Blue Skies T-RVR has engine failure. Forced landing imminent. Currently two miles east of St. Agnes. Repeat. Blue Skies…”

“Oh, my God. We’re going to crash.”

“We’re all gonna die.”

“Oh, God, oh, Jesus help me…” General shrieking dissolved into hysterical screams, curses, and weeping.

Heart now beating like a drumroll, Corinne glanced out the window. The beautiful green fields rushed toward her with a sickening certainty.

“Assume crash positions!”

She flopped forward, butting her head on the seat in front of her, and clutched her ankles. God, this couldn’t be happening.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…

The alarms continued their deafening peal as the prayer ran through her head, and she held her breath and waited for impact.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Blog Hops, Falling in Time, Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Time Travel Romance, Victorian romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 01/29/2023 ~ Time Enough to Love ~ “If He Laughs…”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m starting a new set of snippets this week, from the very first book I ever wrote. Time Enough to Love is the book of my heart and this month I put it up on Kindle Unlimited for the very first time. So to celebrate, I thought I’d take snippets from it for January before going on to one of my currebt WIPs. Some of you may remember these characters, but I hope everyone will enjoy their story.

 

BLURB:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

We are still in Chapter 7, where  Alyse is trying to make Geoffrey understand her concerns about the banns. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

Only the tight, thin line of his lips betrayed his anger. Hurt, however, lurked deep in his eyes, summoned by his assumption of her continued rejection. He stood stoically ready to face her ire.

But it no longer existed.

Alyse sighed, her resentment draining away. “Nay, good my lord, never say that I have no regard for you, for ’tis false.” She spoke softly and avoided his eyes. Shame at her thoughtless words ate at her. “I believe you an honorable man and I have accepted our coming marriage.” She risked a glance at him.

And a little more for good measure…

His gaze flicked over her face doubtfully. “Then why, sweet lady, did you look like a heavy storm was brewing in your face? Tell me what is wrong, sweetheart, if ’tis not the banns?”

“But it is the banns!”

He stepped back, his mouth pursing with impatience. “Alyse, we have but little time. I must attend the king yet I have news that will not wait.”

She breathed deeply and shook her head. “’Tis not the reading of the banns that distresses me, my lord. But rather standing in front of the whole church, on display for everyone to gawk at that frets me. Everyone seems to stare only at me, looking for faults that can later be bandied about in conversation. And not just today,” she mourned, “but twice more we shall have to stand there, for all the world to see.”

His lips twitched.

If he laughs, I will curse him.

 

 

That is all for Time Enough to Love. Next week I’ll begin with snippets from my current WIP, Until I’m Safe in Your Arms releasing from Dragonblade Publishing in April 2023.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Time Enough to Love, Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered are now all available on KU. Click each title to grab your copies!

Time Enough to Love Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Time Enough To Love, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 01/22/2023 ~ Time Enough to Love ~ “What is Amiss?”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m starting a new set of snippets this week, from the very first book I ever wrote. Time Enough to Love is the book of my heart and this month I put it up on Kindle Unlimited for the very first time. So to celebrate, I thought I’d take snippets from it for January before going on to one of my currebt WIPs. Some of you may remember these characters, but I hope everyone will enjoy their story.

 

BLURB:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

I’m skipping ahead to Chapter 7, where the first banns for Alyse’s marriage to Geoffrey have been read.  Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Good morrow, Lady Alyse.” Geoffrey stopped short. “What is amiss, my lady? You look very unkindly for such a lovely morning.”

“What is amiss?” Alyse bristled, even more outraged that he did not immediately understand her fears. “You even need to ask what is amiss? Were you asleep when you stood before the altar that you did not see all the courtiers’ eyes on us? On me!” Her stomach clenched at the thought.

And a little more for good measure…

“You mean when the banns were read?”

Alyse gave him a withering look and stalked silently from the chapel.

“You did not wish to have the banns for our marriage read? Have you still no regard or trust for me then, Lady Alyse?” There was an undertone of pique in his voice.

They had reached the corridor outside the chapel, carried forward by the momentum of Alyse’s indignation. She turned to him, her mouth open, a stinging retort on her lips. Would he ever think only of himself? “’Tis not about—”

The sight of his face froze the words on her tongue.

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Time Enough to Love, Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered are now all available on KU. Click each title to grab your copies!

Time Enough to Love Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Time Enough To Love, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 01/15/2023 ~ Time Enough to Love ~ “God Have Mercy on Me”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m starting a new set of snippets this week, from the very first book I ever wrote. Time Enough to Love is the book of my heart and this month I put it up on Kindle Unlimited for the very first time. So to celebrate, I thought I’d take snippets from it for January before going on to one of my currebt WIPs. Some of you may remember these characters, but I hope everyone will enjoy their story.

 

BLURB:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

I’m starting at the beginning of Chapter 2, as Lady Alyse de Courcey is being introduced to the man she must marry. The king has just announced he will name the man now. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

The king straightened, glanced at her then at the man by her side.

“What say you then, Sir Geoffrey? Does the lady not speak fair? I vow she will make you a proper wife and a dutiful one as well.”

Alyse turned, until that moment unaware that Geoffrey Longford stood beside her. Chills coursed down her body as the king’s words echoed in her mind. The sensation of falling backward assailed her, as though she rushed away from the tall man at her side even as his figure loomed larger and larger in her sight.

Not Lord Braeton.

Her numbed brain repeated the phrase, trying to comprehend that instead he would be her husband–Geoffrey Longford.

God have mercy on me, for by the look of him, this man will not.

And a little more for good measure…

Fearful, she cringed as her gaze climbed higher, over his chest, over his chin, finally resting on the dark blue eyes turned toward her.

Geoffrey returned her appraisal, his gaze sweeping her figure as a smile crept over his face. “Your Majesty.” He spoke to the king but his attention remained fixed on Alyse. “When my father told me of the betrothal contract before I left his home, I resolved to play the dutiful son. Now, however, I find I do not wish to act that role after all.” His eyes held hers as he paused.

Dear God, does he mean to renounce me here before the entire court?

 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Time Enough to Love, Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered are now all available on KU. Click each title to grab your copies!

Time Enough to Love Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Time Enough To Love, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 01/08/2023 ~ Time Enough to Love ~ Present Yourself

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m starting a new set of snippets this week, from the very first book I ever wrote. Time Enough to Love is the book of my heart and this month I put it up on Kindle Unlimited for the very first time. So to celebrate, I thought I’d take snippets from it for January before going on to one of my currebt WIPs. Some of you may remember these characters, but I hope everyone will enjoy their story.

 

BLURB:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

I’m starting at the beginning of Chapter 2, as Lady Alyse de Courcey is being introduced to the man she must marry. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Lady Alyse de Courcy,” King Edward called out again, bringing Alyse’s head up like a startled deer, “present yourself before the court.”

Alyse shot off her seat.

“I beg pardon, sire.” She hurried from behind the table, too aware of all the eyes now on her. As she moved to stand before the king, the low drone of many voices rose around the room.

“Impudent girl.”

“I’d not want to be in her place.”

“Do you think the king will…”

Each snatch of conversation made her heart beat faster. What will he do to me?

And a little more for good measure…

She stopped several feet from the dais and the room hushed as though everyone held their breath.

“What do you require of me, Majesty?” Her mouth so dry she could taste sand, Alyse fought to speak in a normal tone. With a sigh of relief, she dropped into a deep curtsy, hiding her face in the folds of her skirt. If only she could remain bowed thus before His Majesty for the remainder of the evening.

King Edward laughed. “Obedience, Lady Alyse, as I require of all my subjects. As your father requires of his daughter.”

Her heart thumped wildly in her breast. That could mean but one thing.

“Rise, my lady.”

She did so on unsteady feet. “I am ready, as always, Your Majesty, to obey my father as I would you.” Holy Mary, let it be Lord Braeton.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

Time Enough to Love, Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered are now all available on KU. Click each title to grab your copies!

Time Enough to Love Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Time Enough To Love, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 01/01/2023 ~ The Christmas Pact ~ An Inconvenient Notion

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I am welcoming 2023 with open arms.

The fall and winter months of 2022 did their best to destroy me, with multiple pet deaths and, just before Christmas, a dire health scare that had me all but parylized with fear. But everything turned out fine, thank God, and I am able to get my head back in the game and write once more.

This is my final snippet from The Christmas Pact. I’ll start on a new work next week to begin 2023 with a bang!

 

BLURB:

When Charlie and Henrietta were children they swore a pact that if Henrietta reached her twenty-first birthday and wasn’t married, Charlie would step in and keep her from being an old maid. They even sealed it with a kiss under the mistletoe.

Now, eleven years later, Charlie comes to London to see if Henrietta is betrothed or not and, more importantly, if she remembers their pact. What he finds is a beautiful, grown-up Henrietta,  who remembers him warmly but who is also on the brink of accepting the suit of another man.

Can Charlie help her remember their promise–and that kiss–before it’s too late?

I’ve moved several chapters ahead so you can get a better look at Charlie and Henrietta’s characters. They are at dinner with Henrietta’s parents, her sister, and brother-in-law.

EXCERPT:

Mama shook her finger toward Charlie’s chest, putting him in real danger of being speared if he didn’t comply. “She must have five or ten suitors vying for her hand this very minute,” Mama paused to beam at Henrietta, and she braced herself for what would surely come, “but she has finally decided Lord Foxstone, out of all of them, has stolen her heart.”

“Mama!” One could not scold one’s mother, but Henrietta sorely wished she could. “I have decided no such thing.”

“You certainly seem happy every time he calls here.”

So much for the social niceties. “If I do, it is because you raised me to be polite and gracious. A lady must make gentlemen who call on her feel welcome. That does not mean I have decided to marry them all.”

And a little more for good measure…

“That would be inconvenient, don’t you think?” Charlie shot her a conspiratorial look. “Marrying more than one man — besides being illegal — would be fraught with other dilemmas. Which husband would you live with? Which title would you take? Which one would help you raise the children?”

Stunned looks on the rest of the family’s faces prodded Henrietta to jump in before he got them into even more trouble. “Charlie, you are simply the worst tease. Don’t you remember how he used to tease me all the time?”

Silence told Henrietta that Charlie’s quirky sense of humor was lost on the rest of her family. Best move on to another topic before things get worse. “Did you remember Christmas is my birthday, Charlie?”

“How could I forget that, Hen?” His incredulous look made a ripple of heat flow down her back. “You’re the only person I know whose birthday is on December 25th. That’s pretty special, don’t you think? Not everyone’s born on Christmas.”

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

The Christmas Pact is available on for .99 on  Amazon and KU in the Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London anthology.

Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London as well as all of my Christmas novellas are available on Amazon for just .99! Enjoy! Grab them all from my Amazon page.

 

My Christmas Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Blog Hops, Christmas stories, Cover Art, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Nine Ladies Dancing, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Regency Romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!!!!

 

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

And as 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, my bunny Earl Grey wishes you peace and prosperity in the coming year as well!

 

 

Enjoy your New Year’s Day!

Posted in Holiday Posts, New Year, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/18/22 ~ The Christmas Pact ~ “Are You Married?”

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Happy December!!!

Looking forward to a merry month, I’m starting snippets from my brand new Christmas novella, The Christmas Pact, which was published last week in the Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London anthology.

 

BLURB:

When Charlie and Henrietta were children they swore a pact that if Henrietta reached her twenty-first birthday and wasn’t married, Charlie would step in and keep her from being an old maid. They even sealed it with a kiss under the mistletoe.

Now, eleven years later, Charlie comes to London to see if Henrietta is betrothed or not and, more importantly, if she remembers their pact. What he finds is a beautiful, grown-up Henrietta,  who remembers him warmly but who is also on the brink of accepting the suit of another man.

Can Charlie help her remember their promise–and that kiss–before it’s too late?

EXCERPT:

“Mr. Charles Newkirk, yes.” He frowned, peering down at her, then slowly his eyes widened. “Henrietta?”

“My gracious.” Henrietta staggered backward and he caught her arm again. “Charlie!” Without thought, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

He returned the hug then gently set her back on the ground. “How wonderful to see you again, Lady Henrietta,” his gaze slid to the two boys gawking at them, “or are you married now, my lady?”

And a little more for good measure…

Henrietta followed his gaze and shook her head, laughing. “These are my younger brothers. George, Henry, say hello to a very dear friend of mine, Mr. Charles Newkirk.”

“Hello.” The pair spoke in unison, as they were wont to do.

“Good morning, Master George, Master Henry.” Charlie stared at them, frowning.  “They weren’t—”

“No, they were born after we left Haverhill.” Henrietta took his arm, almost afraid he would disappear if she didn’t keep him beside her.

“After your father inherited the title.”

Nodding, Henrietta steered them to the bench the boys had used to ambush her. “Why don’t you boys build a snowman while I speak to Mr. Newkirk for a moment?”

“All right, Henrietta.” George dutifully knelt and started gathering snow into another ball. It occurred to Henrietta that he might take the opportunity to fire the snowball at her again, but he seemed more than happy to roll the ball around on the snowy ground, gathering snow as he went. Henry had run underneath a tree and was tugging at a branch half hidden under fallen leaves. With both of her brothers occupied, Henrietta turned her attention back to Charlie, amazement filling her once more.

 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

The Christmas Pact is available on for .99 on  Amazon and KU in the Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London anthology.

Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London as well as all of my Christmas novellas are available on Amazon for just .99! Enjoy! Grab them all from my Amazon page.

 

My Christmas Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Blog Hops, Christmas stories, Cover Art, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Nine Ladies Dancing, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Regency Romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 12/11/22 ~ The Christmas Pact ~ “Are You All Right?”

 

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Happy December!!!

Looking forward to a merry month, I’m starting snippets from my brand new Christmas novella, The Christmas Pact, which was published last week in the Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London anthology.

 

BLURB:

When Charlie and Henrietta were children they swore a pact that if Henrietta reached her twenty-first birthday and wasn’t married, Charlie would step in and keep her from being an old maid. They even sealed it with a kiss under the mistletoe.

Now, eleven years later, Charlie comes to London to see if Henrietta is betrothed or not and, more importantly, if she remembers their pact. What he finds is a beautiful, grown-up Henrietta,  who remembers him warmly but who is also on the brink of accepting the suit of another man.

Can Charlie help her remember their promise–and that kiss–before it’s too late?

EXCERPT:

“Oh drat!” was all Henrietta could get out before the boys landed their snowballs with much better accuracy. George’s hit her squarely in the chest, showering snow all over her new blue pelisse. Henry, however, had much more deadly aim, striking her right between the eyes.

Henrietta staggered backward, blinded by the icy particles. Her feet slipped out from under her and she sat down hard on the cold ground, her head spinning.

“Hen… Henrietta!” The boys’ shrieks grew closer until their hands were on her, patting her cheeks. “Are you all right, Henrietta?”

“Good grief, are you all right?”

That voice didn’t belong to the boys at all.

And a little more for good measure…

Shaking her head to clear it, Henrietta wiped the snow from her face and peered up at the speaker, a gentleman in a tall beaver hat with snow sticking to the brim. The man she’d pummeled with her snowball, no doubt. Oh, but there’d be the devil to pay for her morning of fun. “Yes, I believe I’m all in one piece, thank you.”

“Thank goodness. Here,” he grasped her hand, “allow me to help you up.”

Not that she had any choice in the matter.

The gentleman put his other arm around her shoulder and lifted her as though she were a mere feather, setting her on her feet before she could even blink.

“Thank you, sir.” She wobbled and his grip increased, steadying her until she was able to stand without swaying. “You are most kind, considering I should be the one apologizing to you. I am dreadfully sorry to have hit you… um,” at last she managed to look the gentleman in the face, “or rather your hat.”

“Think nothing of it, ma’am.” The wide smile on his face reminded her of someone. His voice, too, although it was deeper than she remembered…

“Charlie?” She searched his face, looking for the boy she’d grown up with. Surely it couldn’t be…

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There are some fantastic snippets to be read.

The Christmas Pact is available on for .99 on  Amazon and KU in the Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London anthology.

Nine Ladies Dancing: Christmas in London as well as all of my Christmas novellas are available on Amazon for just .99! Enjoy! Grab them all from my Amazon page.

 

My Christmas Novels and Novellas 

 

Posted in Blog Hops, Christmas stories, Cover Art, Historical Romance, Holiday Posts, Nine Ladies Dancing, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Promotion, Regency Romance, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments