Books

Pucker up – it’s Kiss Day!

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lips_PNG6198Apparently today, July 6, is International Kiss Day!

http://www.dw.com/en/pucker-up-its-international-kissing-day/a-19381093

So, it seems appropriate to talk kisses! First kiss . . . Fall in love kiss . . . Favorite book or movie kiss . . .

Here’s a kiss scene from my work in progress, Barefoot Days, book three in my Women of Whitfield small-town friendship series:

“Do you remember the first time I kissed you?”

Smiling, Sara looked away as a crazy flush heated her face. She gave a little laugh, remembering the scene exactly. Her first kiss. Ever. So long ago, and tucked so far back in her memory she hadn’t thought of it in years.

Finally, she met his eyes. “Yeah. I remember.” She covered her mouth with her hand as tears welled in her eyes again. “Oh, my gosh, Evan. You gave me my first kiss.”

The boyish smile on his face tugged at her heart.

“Valentine’s Day.”

She nodded. “Yeah. Fifth grade. Sitting on the porch at our old house.” The memory came alive front and center. He’d hidden a pink carnation and a valentine card in his lunch bag. As soon as her mother went inside the house, Evan held the items out to her. When she took them, he grabbed her arm, pressed a kiss to her lips, then turned and ran away. They’d never spoken of it.

She shook her head. “That was so sweet.”

Evan’s brows shot up. “Sweet?” He put a fist to his heart. “Angel, please. Have a little consideration for my man pride.” He took a step closer. “Let me see if I can do better than that.” With a hand caressing the back of her neck, he bent his head again, his warm lips slanting over hers, and was a long time coming up for air.

Do you have a favorite kiss scene? Please share! Authors, feel free to share a SHORT (general audience) kiss from one of your novels!

Whether you get a sweet kid kiss or a hot and steamy tingle-your-toes kiss, have a great day!

 

 

 

Mothers of Character

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blog orchidIt’s Mother’s Day! The day to honor all of the loving, hard-working moms in our lives. As a daughter, of course, I reflect on the relationship with my mom, so fortunate that she’s still with me and in good health. As a mom, I’m grateful for the joy that my two awesome kids bring to my life. And as a writer, I can’t help thinking about all the mothers in my novels.

Here’s just a quick introduction to a few of them:

There’s Dana, the single mother in Second Wind, who works diligently to provide for her kids, give them a stable home environment, and send them to college. She’s a steadfast encourager who does all she can to give support and direction to her children.

“Chase, like I’ve said a million times, you have so much potential. You can do whatever you want. You need to believe in yourself.”

“Yeah? What good does that do if no one else will?”

“Chase.” She waited until his eyes met hers. “I believe in you.”

 

In Unexpected Legacy, Grace, the hero’s mother, unconditionally accepts the 16-year-old grandson she didn’t know she had.

She got up from her chair and in three quick steps threw her arms around Matt. “Of course we’ll help,” she said as she hugged him tightly. “I want to meet this boy.”

His mother was a slight woman, a good foot shorter than him, but those were the most comforting arms he’d ever been wrapped in.

 

In Something Good, Mandi’s mother plays a supporting role – a steady presence primarily in the background. While Mandi’s relationship with her father is a little rocky, her mother is rock-solid.

Mandi punched in her mother’s number.

“Mom?”

“Mandi? Is something wrong?”

The worry in her mother’s voice tugged at Mandi. She didn’t always see eye-to-eye with her parents, but she could always count on them. They were her safety net, and tonight she wanted to feel safe.

“Yeah, there is. I don’t want to go home tonight. Can I come there?”

“Of course. Are you all right? Where are you? Do you need us to come get you?”

“No. I’ve got my car. I’m leaving the diner now. I’ll tell you about it when I get there.”

“I’ll wait up.”

Light spilled onto the porch, and the front door opened before Mandi stepped out of her car. She hurried up the stairs to the welcoming entryway of her parents’ house, and stumbled into her mother’s arms.

 

The mother/daughter relationship in The Storm Within is complicated. Claire struggles to accept the death of her son and forge a closer relationship with her daughter who’s always played second fiddle. While they haven’t been close, Elise refuses to give up on her mother.

Claire’s fingers grazed the small trinkets.

“You’re not upset that I took Ben’s things and put them in here, are you?”

“Of course not. I love it. And I love that I can still take them out and touch them. It’s very thoughtful, Elise.”

She swallowed hard, and took Elise’s hand. “This has been a tough year for both of us. I know I put you through some bad times. I’m sorry for that.”

When tears spilled down Elise’s cheeks, Claire wiped them away, Ben’s words echoing in her ears again. It’s gonna be okay. “No more tears,” she whispered. She gathered her daughter into her arms. “I love you, honey.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

Though Elise’s words were muffled, Claire understood each one.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who love and support unconditionally!

 

 

You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bag

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bagIn honor of spring’s arrival, I have changed from my black winter goes-with-everything purse to a bright, fun bag. I love the bag – it’s a great color, and it has perfect pockets for keys, phone and little stuff. It’s a little bigger than what I normally carry, but going into spring and summer, that’s OK, because I tend to add things like a trial-size tube of sunscreen or DEET wipes. I like to be prepared. Anyone remember the game show Let’s Make a Deal? I could have been a serious contender. 🙂

And then I see women out and about with these cute little designer bags. Darling wristlets that hold no more than a credit card and driver’s license, and I can’t help but think where is all your stuff?! Where do these women keep their sunglasses, reading glasses, checkbook, lipstick, tissues, coupons and member cards, pens, mints, nail file, keys, Advil, phone, etc., etc.? It’s not a rhetorical question. Where?!

In my purse, I carry necessities such as hand wipes, safety pins, a mirror, a tape measure. No, really. Aren’t these necessary in your day-to-day life? And now I have reading glasses. And swag. Yes, I carry bookmarks and Darlene Deluca pens and lip balm where ever I go. You never know when I’ll have the opportunity to strike up a conversation with a reader!

I do own a few small bags that I use for special occasions or when I know that a large bag will simply be in the way – or I’ll have other things to carry. But if I routinely carried only a tiny tote, who would be the keeper of the stuff? My husband doesn’t like big purses, but I can’t tell you how many times he’s asked me to keep his wallet, or a brochure in my purse. Or the number of times he’s asked me for a pen or a wipe or sunscreen or some other item, fully expecting that I have said item in my purse! When a kid needs a Band-aid, or a tissue, or a cough drop . . . guess who they come to? Pretty darned handy, huh?

Over the weekend I happened across a conversation on one of my Facebook groups about this very topic. And guess what? The general consensus was that every woman needs to carry a bag at least large enough to carry their Kindle or a book! Yes! I found my group. I love these people! They get it. Some things are necessary, and they are bigger than a credit card! And I heartily agree – carry a book with you at all times. I can’t think of a better reason for a big bag!

What’s the largest item in your purse?

 

Re-visiting old friends

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rereadHere’s an interesting topic (at least for a bookworm) I’ve seen on social media in the last week – the question of re-reading books you love. Do you, or don’t you? With so many books to read, why would anyone spend time reading something they’ve already read? You know the ending, so there’s no suspense, right?

For me, re-reading a favorite book is like curling up with an old friend. Even though my to-be-read list seems miles long, sometimes I want to revisit characters I love, and a story I know I can count on to give me a satisfying plot and ending. Though there isn’t an element of surprise, I often find little nuances in the story that I missed or had forgotten about when I re-read. For me, there’s comfort and pleasure in re-visiting familiar characters. I kind of miss them!

I have several books that I occasionally re-read.

Here are ten of them (in no particular order).

  1. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.
  2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  3. Plainsong by Kent Haruf
  4. Lake News by Barbara Delinsky
  5. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson
  6. Montana Sky by Nora Roberts
  7. Paradise by Judith McNaught
  8. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
  9. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
  10. The Mitford series by Jan Karon

Occasionally, I’ll even go waaaay back and read an old favorite from childhood like These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 🙂 And I always keep an oldie-but-goodie in my car for those periods of unexpected down time.

Do you re-read? What is your go-to book that you can always count on?

A Valentine for you!

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free Risk

Ah, love is in the air! It’s Valentine’s Day weekend — and I have a gift for you! Like romance? Hunky book boyfriends? Stories that feel real? Here’s your chance to try a Darlene Deluca contemporary romance for free (digital edition) on Amazon.

Clashing over the fate of a historic building, Jennifer Aukland and Michael Reynolds are on course to become adversaries. She’s an architect devoted to green building and restoration. He’s a developer hell-bent on ripping down the old hotel she’s racing to save to make way for a new casino.

Chemistry leads to compromise, and for a time, they’re on the same team. Jennifer adds Michael – and marriage – to her safe and steady plan for the future. But when Michael throws caution aside and lands in a life-threatening situation, Jennifer’s world comes crashing down. In her family, she’s learned that recklessness leads to tragedy. She must decide if she can commit her life to someone who takes unnecessary risks with his. Will she take control of her own destiny, even if it means leaving Michael behind? Or will she risk everything for love?

Whether you’re enjoying a night on the town or a cozy evening at home, happy Valentine’s Day to all!

Get your copy of Her Greatest Risk here!

 

The Mushy Stuff

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Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. A day to celebrate love and romance. Nowglass hearts I know not everyone reads romance novels. But, come on. Who doesn’t like a little romance? Whether it’s a certain look, a private joke, a simple touch or more, doesn’t everyone want some romance in their life? A little something to make your heart go pitter-patter every once in a while?

I’ve selected a few short scenes from my novels that just might make you sigh, smile or say awwww – it’s the mushy stuff:

 

Something Good

Lane stood in the drive. On the curb, Mandi was eye level with him. He gazed into her face, and almost blurted out the words. Fought to keep them inside. He couldn’t unload that on her. He had to let her go. He clenched his jaw. It was a risk, but one he had to take. He couldn’t tell her that he loved her. Wouldn’t be fair to say those words knowing she was leaving. What if it made her second-guess her decision? He wouldn’t be responsible for that.

With his hands on her shoulders, Lane leaned in then planted a kiss on her cheek. That’s all he intended to do, but it was out of his control. As if some magnetic force surrounded them, they were propelled toward each other. He couldn’t pull away. And neither did she. Another second and his lips found hers. Her hands gripped his arms, and he deepened the kiss, his lips moving over hers with need and urgency, oblivious to everything around them.

When she let out a soft whimper, he broke off the kiss and pulled her against his chest, burying his face in her hair. Again, he fought the urge to say those words. “Have a good trip,” he whispered. “Say hello to California for me.”

Nodding, she backed up, grabbed her bag, and without another word turned for the entrance, her long hair swinging around her.

Lane let her take about two steps before his hand locked around her arm and swung her back around. He tipped her chin. “Hey, just so you know. This isn’t good-bye, babe. This is see you later.”

 

Meetings of Chance

Tom gently removed both the bottle of wine and glass from her hands. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips met hers. Light kisses teased her. Just when she thought she’d scream with wanting, the kiss deepened, and steel bands circled her. Breathing was not an option.

When he finally pulled back, Tom cupped her face and looked into her eyes until the sensation that she was drowning nearly buckled her knees.

“Stay with me,” he whispered.

More than a request or an invitation, it was a promise, and liquid heat shot through Megan’s veins. Unable to speak, she tightened her grip on his arms, and nodded.

His lips moved on hers again, but with a new hunger. He pressed her against him, his hands firm and warm on her back. When he buried his head against her neck and whispered her name, she clutched her fists in his hair. Her breaths came in shorts gasps as his fingers found the clasp of her bra and released it. She shivered, moaning softly while his calloused hands began their exploration, and claimed their territory.

His territory. Even in her foggy state, Megan understood she was giving more than a night’s pleasure. She was giving herself – her heart – to this man. She was more than ready. In his arms, she felt safe and selfless. He gave her confidence and filled her with new energy.

When they tumbled onto Tom’s bed, Megan couldn’t think how she’d gotten there. She must’ve floated, was floating still as deep blue eyes locked onto hers, and a rush of heat enveloped her.

She wound her arms around his neck and sensation took over as she lost herself in a passion deeper than anything she’d experienced before.

 

Her Greatest Risk

“Jen,” Michael said, bending to look into her eyes. “I love you.”

She caught her breath and folded her hand into one of his. “Michael, I—” she stopped herself, and studied his face, his words echoing in her head. And in her heart. Impulsively she traced his jaw-line with her hand. He turned into it and kissed her palm, holding her hand against his cheek.

A thousand memories flashed through her brain – the way he made her laugh, the way he made her feel, the little ways he used to pamper and please her. She’d given them up for a bunch of what-ifs. Her mind reeled as the truth sank in. No matter how much she worried or fought it, her heart belonged to Michael Reynolds. And it had since that very first warm summer day on a tennis court when his handshake had sent her pulse skyrocketing. Tears filled her eyes, and she flung herself against him. “I love you, too,” she said softly. Pulling back, she looked into his eyes again. With her hands on her cheeks, she shook her head as a little laugh escaped. “Oh, my God,” she said breathlessly. “I do. I still love you.”

He closed his eyes, and his arms went around her, almost suffocating her. But it was exactly what she needed. She could breathe later. Now all she wanted was to soak up his warmth. She pressed into his shoulder.

Your turn to share. What is your favorite romantic read?

Sing Me a Story

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CDsStories. Some writers can draw a reader in with just a short novella. Others require a saga. I’m pretty much in the full novel category. I like multiple plot lines woven through my books, and depth in my characters, so it takes me about 95,000 words to craft a novel.

But some people can draw you into a story in less than two minutes. Songwriters.

It occurred to me yesterday when I heard Harry Chapin’s song Taxi while driving in my car that some amazing stories can be told in a very short amount of time.

While I considered that, I also realized that I’ve always been drawn to songs with a story. I listen to lyrics. I love Bruce Springsteen. He’s a master story singer. Think My Home Town, Brilliant Disguise and The River. Deep, emotional and poignant tales that resonate and stick with me – and lots of other people, obviously.

The song Taxi is a classic example. That song says so much, but it’s not short on detail. Not only do we clearly understand where both Harry and Sue are in the present, we know Sue’s address, what she was wearing, and their backstory! Chapin did it again and again with songs like Cat’s in the Cradle and Sequel to Taxi. In fact, every song on his Greatest Hits CD tells a story.

One of my all-time favorite songs is Faithfully by Journey. It’s a snippet, just a quick glimpse into a couple’s lives. Somehow, in just a few lines, the music and the words combine to draw me in and evoke an emotional response. Other stories-as-songs that come to mind are The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot, Lyin’ Eyes by the Eagles, The Summer of ’69 by Bryan Adams, and It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion. I know, I’m showing my age here. A newer one that comes to mind is Nickelback’s Photograph. It paints such a vivid picture in just a few lines. Don’t you want to know what the hell is on Joey’s head?!

Of course songs have the benefit of additional elements – musical instruments, repetition and rhyme to engage us. Books have only words to build interest and evoke emotion. Not sure whether stories as songs can offer any tips or wisdom to novel writers, but it’s something to think about, especially when it comes time to craft that back blurb or elevator pitch.

I know there are hundreds of others. Too many to list. But I’d love to know some of your favorite stories as songs. Please share!

Friends face year of challenge and potential

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P1040503So here it is — 2016! A new year full of new challenges and possibilities. I don’t generally have specific resolutions for myself. I know, in general, what I’d like to accomplish, but there’s so much I can’t control. The goal, overall, I suppose, is simply forward progress!
As I was contemplating the year ahead, I started thinking about what a new year might look like for some of my characters.

Let’s start with the Women of Whitfield. The two books published so far end on a positive note for both of the main characters. But they also clearly point to change in the next chapter of their lives.
For Claire, the new year will bring renewed confidence as she makes a new home in a new city. She’ll miss her friends in Whitfield, but she’ll work to rebuild the library there, which will give her a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment – and the chance to spend time with her best buddies, Mary and Dana. Another top priority will be to strengthen her relationship with her daughter and grandchildren, to redefine her role in their lives. But the year won’t be without struggles. She’ll still mourn her son and her former life, and she’ll fight to stay away from alcohol. Her calendar will be marked with weekly AA meetings while her husband’s speed dial number on her phone is replaced by the number for her AA sponsor.
Claire’s New Year resolution: to take things a day at a time and be mentally in the present.

For Dana in Second Wind, the new year holds much promise. Considering the bumpy year she’s had, things have got to be better! On a practical side, she has to get a new home built and settle into her new job as Whitfield hospital administrator. On an emotional side, Dana’s resolutions are to let go a little, and to let someone new into her life. The new year will be an exciting time when she branches out and shifts her focus from her kids to herself – meeting new challenges and falling in love.

And for me? Write more books, of course! Hoping to have book three in the Women of Whitfield series, Mary’s story, available by the end of summer.
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous 2016!

Give them books

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P1050936One of my all-time favorite Christmas gifts growing up was a complete boxed set of Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I still have them today, and they are a treasured possession. But over the years, I haven’t received many books as gifts. I suppose it’s hard for people to know exactly what I like or what I’ve read, but books are awesome gifts (hint, hint for friends and family who may be stopping by).

What could be easier to wrap than a book? And they stack nicely. Ooooh, a tower of books would look lovely under the tree! This year, I’ve discovered another fun way to give books. Fun, easy and inexpensive! By purchasing an ebook as a gift and printing out the coupon myself, I can easily tuck it into a stocking or add to a larger gift item. Know someone who enjoys curling up with a beverage and a good book? Tuck a tasty assortment of teas or coffee into a mug or cozy throw blanket along with a coupon for a digital book. Simple!

The other great thing, of course, is shopping from your computer. Especially if the weather happens to frightful where you are. And no shipping fees. This is a biggie for me. I hate to spend money on shipping!

So, while I’m writing, my gift book certificates are printing on my home printer. Easy, schmeasy.  Happy shopping and gifting . . . and reading! 🙂

 

p.s. A digital copy of my newest contemporary romance, Her Greatest Risk, is on sale Dec. 10, 11 and 12! That’s a great price for a delightful stocking stuffer!

buy on Amazon

 

 

Something for Everyone!

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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00031]I hosted book club last night, and, as usual, some people liked the book. Others, not so much. There was a difference of opinion on whether the book was well-written, whether the characters were fleshed out and well developed, and whether the plot was believable or too predictable.
That’s the way it is with books. One woman’s trash, is another’s treasure. There is rarely a right or wrong, good or bad. There are only opinions!
In my book club, some of us like real life-like dramas. Others like fantasy or science fiction. Some like cozy mysteries or non-fiction best. That’s one of the cool things about books – there’s something for everyone!

I enjoy reading slice-of-life books, and that’s what I tend to write. I recently created an ad for a couple of my romance books using the tag line “Romance that feels Real.” If you’ve looked at the homepage of my website, you know that I portray my characters as “someone you’d want to be friends with in real life.”
Other slice-of-life books that come to mind are Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner, Plainsong by Kent Haruf, and The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky. These are all books about people, their lives, relationships, jobs, issues, etc. Like my stories, they present everyday situations that a vast number of readers can relate to. Some people hate that kind of book. It’s too close to reality, they say. They read to escape reality. They want to be transported to another world.
Luckily, like I said, there’s something for everyone out there!

I’ve recently received several new reviews for my novel The Storm Within. It’s about a woman living in a small town who has trouble coping with the death of her son and her husband’s request for a divorce. Her world is crumbling, and she turns to alcohol for relief. For some people, this is a depressing dose of reality. Even if the book is well-written, the characters seem believable, and the depiction of alcoholism is accurate, they can’t enjoy that kind of book. For me, the author, that’s unfortunate.
But, as reading goes, everyone has a different perspective and their own opinion. What one person found depressing, others find dramatic and realistic, and they form an emotional connection with the character and story. Whew! For me, the author, that’s an incredible affirmation.
It’s humbling and gratifying when readers write in a review things like this: “What I liked about this book was the fact that the way the two main characters were feeling was totally normal and the inner thoughts they had were similar to what we, normal people/not book characters, would have. It was as if was listening to my friend telling her story and the hard times she’s going through…” And, “the struggle to pull herself out of despair and depression and to stop drinking with the help of friends and her daughter is honest and touching.”

Basically, these readers found the story realistic. That makes me happy. I accomplished my goal. I made a connection. I know it’s not what everyone likes. Some readers will hate the book and feel the need to share their opinion with everyone. That’s part of the system. I’m just so grateful for the readers who take the time to let me and others know that the book seemed “real” and made an impression.

Here’s to finding the type of book that suits your moods and needs. Happy reading to all!